Chapter 325: Martial Artist Convention
Qin Tuo shook his head and said in all sincerity,
"To be honest with you, Mr. Huang, I don’t practice Martial Arts, so I’m not very clear on the divisions of these realms."
Hearing this, Huang Zhen nodded in understanding.
He knew Qin Tuo was a Cultivator, so it was perfectly normal that he didn’t understand the ranking system for Martial Artists.
Then, Huang Zhen patiently began to explain the ranks of Martial Artists to Qin Tuo in detail.
It was only then that Qin Tuo learned that one could only be called a true Martial Artist after cultivating Inner Strength.
So, Inner Strength was just the first major realm. And Inner Strength itself was divided into stages: minor completion, major completion, and finally, Inner Strength Grandmaster.
The strength among Inner Strength Grandmasters also varied, as they were divided into nine grades.
Qin Tuo learned from Huang Zhen that Qiangwei and Liao Feiying were experts at the level of Fifth Grade of Inner Strength, while Huang Zhen himself was around the Third Grade of Inner Strength.
That’s when Qin Tuo understood why Huang Zhen hadn’t dared to get on the stage to challenge Liao Feiying. It was because he was a full two minor levels below him.
If he were forced to fight, he would be no match at all and would be crushed without question.
This was the first time Qin Tuo had heard of these rank divisions, and he found it novel and interesting.
Finally, Huang Zhen shook his head and said with a sigh,
"Mr. Qin, did you know? There’s also the Martial Arts Realm above Inner Strength. But the specific power divisions within the Martial Arts Realm are beyond my knowledge."
Qin Tuo nodded in understanding.
After all, the Inner Strength Grandmaster rank alone was divided into nine grades. It was obviously increasingly difficult to advance, to say nothing of the Martial Arts Realm above it.
Huang Zhen then lowered his voice conspiratorially and said,
"Mr. Qin, I’ve also heard that beyond the Martial Arts Realm, there are the Martial King Realm and even the Martial Emperor Realm. But beings of that caliber exist only in legends. I’ve never even heard of anyone who has reached such a state!"
The fact that someone with Huang Zhen’s experience didn’t know if such figures even existed in the world was a testament to how difficult it was to reach those realms.
Meanwhile, Qin Tuo was silently pondering a question. ’With my cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Stage, what rank would that be equivalent to among Martial Artists?’
Qin Tuo knew that the realms of Cultivators were certainly superior to those of Martial Artists.
’But what sort of wondrous abilities do they possess in those legendary realms beyond Martial Arts? I don’t really know.’
At this point in his explanation, Huang Zhen’s voice filled with deep hope as he muttered to himself,
"That’s why I sent my second son to the Martial Extreme Sect... I hope his future achievements will surpass my own!"
Qin Tuo could certainly understand Huang Zhen’s sentiment. Every parent hopes their children will surpass their own achievements.
Just as he said this, a young man with a cold, aloof expression walked in from outside.
"Son, you’re finally back!"
Huang Zhen’s eyes lit up, and he quickly beckoned him over.
Qin Tuo knew this must be the Huang Family’s second young master, Huang Junchang, who had rushed back.
After Huang Junchang sat down, however, Huang Zhen’s face hardened, and he said irritably,
"Son, you’re being disrespectful. I told you to hurry back to ask Mr. Qin for a few pointers. Why are you so late?"
As he spoke, Huang Zhen secretly glanced at Qin Tuo’s expression...
He was clearly worried that Huang Junchang’s tardiness might have displeased Qin Tuo.
But Qin Tuo’s expression remained unchanged. He calmly sipped his tea, showing no trace of displeasure.
Huang Junchang, however, listened and replied with immense arrogance,
"Father, I’ve been training hard! I have to help our Martial Extreme Sect achieve a good result at the upcoming Martial Artist Convention. How could I have time to come back?"
Hearing this, Huang Zhen waved his hand away, annoyed.
"Enough, enough, I’m not going to argue with you! This is Mr. Qin. Now, hurry up and greet him properly."
But Huang Junchang merely shot a casual glance at Qin Tuo, a hint of mockery in his eyes.
"Father, you made me rush back... don’t tell me the ’distinguished guest’ you wanted me to meet is this kid?"
Hearing this, Qin Tuo’s brow furrowed slightly.
Huang Zhen, however, was terrified. His face flushed red with anger as he roared,
"You insolent brat! Mr. Qin is a reclusive master! How dare you disrespect him? Greet Mr. Qin politely at once!"
Hearing his father’s furious outburst, Huang Junchang felt he had no choice but to begrudgingly comply.
"Mr. Qin..."
He muttered the name casually, not even bothering to lower his head. It was clearly just to appease Huang Zhen, without a shred of sincerity.
This behavior infuriated Huang Zhen, who was about to open his mouth and scold him again.
But Qin Tuo spoke up with a smile,
"Mr. Huang, please don’t be offended. It’s quite normal for young people to have a bit of pride!"
At the side, Huang Junkai was desperately trying to signal his younger brother, Huang Junchang, with his eyes, telling him not to be so arrogant.
Unfortunately, Huang Junchang completely ignored Huang Junkai’s warning glances.
Huang Zhen said, somewhat embarrassed,
"Mr. Qin, this son of mine is a martial arts fanatic. He doesn’t understand the first thing about social etiquette. Please don’t hold it against him!"
Qin Tuo shook his head and replied,
"Don’t worry, Mr. Huang. I won’t take it to heart."
Huang Zhen nodded and sighed with feeling.
"Sigh... if only my son could be as powerful and yet as humble as you, Mr. Qin, I would have no regrets!"
However, upon hearing this, Huang Junchang couldn’t help but retort,
"Father, I’ve already entered the realm of a First Grade Inner Strength Grandmaster! Is that not strong enough for you? You’re underestimating your son!"
As he said this, he completely missed the anxious looks on the faces of Elder Lin and Huang Junkai.
But Huang Zhen just cursed irritably,
"You little brat! Your paltry skill is worthless! In front of Mr. Qin, you’re just a toddler who’s barely learned to walk!"
Huang Junchang was clearly unconvinced and was about to argue his case.
But Huang Zhen cut him off with a wave of his hand, glaring as he said,
"Later, you will properly ask Mr. Qin for a few pointers! If you miss this amazing opportunity, believe me, I’ll break your legs!"
At this, Huang Junchang had no choice but to back down, sulking in silent anger.
He was far from finished, however. ’I’ll teach that Qin Tuo a lesson later,’ he resolved.
’I’ll prove to Father that I’m the real genius!’
Seeing Huang Junchang sitting there, sullen and unhappy, Qin Tuo paid him no mind. Instead, his interest was piqued by the Martial Artist Convention Huang Junchang had just mentioned.
So, he asked,
"Mr. Huang, what is this Martial Artist Convention that was mentioned?"