Chapter 49: The Battlefield of the River of Death
Li Hao’s eyes revealed a hint of interest as he looked at the speaker.
"The last four realms have already transcended the mundane world of martial artists," Su Yehua explained. "These realms are not divided into ten tiers. Take the Fifteen-Li Realm, for instance. Why is it called that? Because practitioners of this realm cultivate the Art of Object Manipulation. Not only can they roam the heavens with their spiritual consciousness, but they can also control their bodies to soar through the skies!"
...
"One breath, fifteen li. The fastest speed reaches fifteen li in a single breath, hence the name."
"Fifteen li in one breath?"
Many were stunned. Such speed was akin to a whirlwind. In the blink of an eye, one could leave the city, cross mountains and rivers, and traverse entire regions!
"The Fifteen-Li Realm also grants mastery over flying swords, allowing practitioners to slay enemies from fifteen li away. Without drawing blood, their target’s head is already severed!"
"Thus, those who reach the Fifteen-Li Realm are truly terrifying beings, capable of killing without a trace," Su Yehua continued calmly.
"And what about the Heaven and Man Realm?" someone asked.
"The Heaven and Man Realm, known as the Grandmaster Realm, requires the comprehension of the Heart of a Grandmaster before one can step into it," Su Yehua replied. "In this realm, one's bone-measuring aptitude no longer plays a decisive role. Instead, it depends on one's disposition and enlightenment. Throughout history, numerous prodigies with Ninth-Class Battle Bodies have fallen at the threshold of this realm. For many, the Fifteen-Li Realm is the end of their martial path. That’s why it’s also called 'Spring Breeze Fifteen Li in Life.'
"After the spring breeze comes the withering autumn...
"...and finally, the silent winter of all things."
She glanced around the room and said lightly, "As for the Three Immortals that follow, they involve the ability to pass on the power of one's bloodline. Each of the Three Immortals contains a single heavenly tier. Crossing one realm in six decades is considered extraordinary, but these are things you don’t need to concern yourselves with for now."
The crowd was enthralled by her words but acutely aware of the distant gap that separated them from such heights.
The Three Immortals were already the pinnacle of the Divine Generals of Great Yu. Beyond them, the Fourth Pillar Realm, or Saints, commanded the veneration of even the older generation.
Li Hao was slightly disappointed that Su Yehua glossed over these topics. He had been hoping to hear something novel.
However, the details of these realms weren’t unfamiliar to him. At ten years old, he had already read about them in the archives of Tingyu Pavilion. Additionally, his grandfather had shared many insights with him during their fishing outings.
For instance, Spring Breeze Fifteen Li was not the limit.
The Li family’s supreme Art of Object Manipulation could achieve a range of twenty li.
His grandfather even mentioned that the imperial family’s Nine Heavens Soaring Cloud Art allowed a range of twenty-five li. Crossing small cities in one breath and traversing rivers in two was an extraordinary feat.
And that royal cultivation technique? His grandfather had naturally helped him steal a copy—a transcription, of course, as the original was too risky to touch.
After all, the royal family resided too close to Qiandao Palace, where the True Person said to be the number one in Great Yu oversaw matters.
By combining the supreme techniques from two manuals, Li Hao had attained forty li in one breath through his comprehension of the sixth stage of the Path of Control. He could feel that this was not his limit. If he could find more top-tier Arts of Object Manipulation to integrate, he could improve even further.
Currently, he was at the peak of the Fifteen-Li Realm, just one step away from becoming a Grandmaster.
His understanding of the sixth stage of the Path of Body Refinement allowed him to transition into the Grandmaster Realm at any moment. However, he hadn’t made the leap yet because he lacked the Heart of a Grandmaster.
Even so, Li Hao felt he was on the verge of grasping that pivotal moment.
How does one condense the Heart of a Grandmaster?
First, one must touch the Heavenly Gate. Next, one must find their own path.
Through his insights into the Path of Body Refinement, he had already glimpsed the ethereal Heavenly Gate and had metaphorically set one foot into the Grandmaster Realm.
But his prolonged seclusion at the estate, immersing himself in the arts and refining his skills, had distracted him from martial cultivation, preventing him from finding his Heart of a Grandmaster.
Now that he was out exploring, Li Hao believed that the opportunity to ascend to the Grandmaster Realm could arise at any moment.
...
On stage, Su Yehua finished explaining the Eight Realms of Martial Arts and addressed the group, "Being admitted to the A Institute proves that you possess exceptional aptitude. However, do not become complacent. The true supreme skills of Tangong Academy lie within the Black and White Hall. Only those who enter the Black and White Hall can be considered true geniuses!"
Li Hao’s gaze flickered as he looked at her.
"There are two ways to enter the Black and White Hall," Su Yehua continued.
"First, the A Institute has a Martial Arts Ranking. By ranking in the top five and remaining there for six months, you can gain entry into the Black and White Hall.
"Second, through the trial of the Battlefield of the River of Death."
At the mention of the River of Death, a murmur of unease spread through the crowd.
Li Hao’s eyes narrowed.
He had read many accounts related to the Battlefield of the River of Death in the archives of Tingyu Pavilion. It was a place shrouded in danger and mystery, far beyond the jurisdiction of the Li family.
Su Yehua scanned the group. Some wealthy disciples appeared visibly tense, while others from noble families looked perplexed.
She explained, "As we all know, among the Five Divine Generals, four are stationed at the borders to suppress the invading demons and monsters. They guard the four cardinal directions of Great Yu!
"The First Divine General’s Mansion, the Mansion of Tianzhao Divine General, oversees the River of Death and commands the River of Death Division, which safeguards the entire world from this threat."
Her gaze swept across several individuals in the crowd, lingering briefly on Li Hao.
"The Divine Generals defend the borders, while the River of Death Division guards against the River of Death. Both are vital to the survival of the people of Great Yu.
"We are able to sit here comfortably, receiving lessons, pursuing martial cultivation, and even dreaming of gaining glory for slaying demons because of the relentless efforts of the Five Divine General Mansions."
"Absolutely," Li Yuanzhao whispered beside Li Hao, clenching his fists under the table, his chubby face brimming with emotion.
"The battlefield at the borders is beyond our reach, but the River of Death is like an underground vein that seeps into all nineteen provinces of Great Yu. Dealing with it is the responsibility of us martial artists!" Su Yehua declared with resolute authority.
Then, she turned to the gathered disciples and pointed at one of them. "You there, you’re from the Wang family of the Mansion of Tianzhao Divine General, correct? Why don’t you explain to everyone what the River of Death is?"
The person she pointed to was a boy dressed in black, around fourteen or fifteen years old. His gaze was sharp and unyielding, exuding a maturity beyond his years.
When called upon, he did not appear nervous or flustered. Instead, he calmly stood up. "Teacher, my name is Wang Han."
Tianzhao Divine General Mansion, the Wang family.
As the foremost Divine General Mansion, its status was even slightly above that of the Li family.
The boy before them, however, was clearly not one of the Wang family’s most outstanding third-generation members. His position within the family was comparable to that of Li Yun and Li Yuanzhao—talented but not among the true prodigies.
Attending Tangong Academy was likely for the purpose of gaining prestige, networking with other elites, and aiming for the supreme skills of the Black and White Hall.
"Wang Han, go ahead," Su Yehua encouraged with approval.
The other students turned their attention to Wang Han. Upon learning he was from the Mansion of Tianzhao Divine General, their expressions shifted, many revealing respect and a hint of awe.
Wang Han, dressed simply, hailed from a location nearly ten thousand li away. If not for Su Yehua pointing out his identity, most wouldn’t have recognized his distinguished background.
"The origin of the Battlefield of the River of Death is ancient and obscure, with no clear record of its beginnings," Wang Han began in an even tone. "Over the years, it has steadily increased in frequency, and now, traces of it can be found even in the remote villages and towns within our borders."
"The Battlefield of the River of Death resembles an independent world, much like a mirage or an illusionary realm. However, if you die inside, you die for real," Wang Han explained.
"It’s nearly impossible to completely eradicate the River of Death. Even if you destroy it, it will inevitably resurface elsewhere."
"That’s why the River of Death Division recruits people year after year and still struggles with manpower shortages."
"Throughout history, only a handful of instances have seen the River of Death completely resolved. To do so, one must clear it entirely, but the difficulty... you'll understand when you experience it yourselves in the future."
Someone couldn’t resist asking, "What exactly is inside the River of Death?"
Wang Han cast the questioner a frosty glance and replied coldly, "It is said to be a river leading to the underworld. Naturally, what lies within are the souls of the dead."
The atmosphere in the courtyard seemed to drop by several degrees. Many students shivered involuntarily.
"Please, take your seat," Su Yehua gestured for Wang Han to sit. She then addressed the group. "In summary, during your time here, you must dedicate yourselves to cultivation. Tangong Academy provides everything you need; it’s up to you to prove your worth. The future of the world lies in your hands. Work hard!"
The motivational words pulled many students out of the unsettling thoughts Wang Han’s explanation had invoked, their spirits rekindled with determination.
"Furthermore," Su Yehua added, "within the academy, your outside status means nothing. Here, all are treated equally. Mistakes will be punished uniformly, and contributions will be rewarded accordingly!"
Her words prompted glances toward Li Hao, Wang Han, and two other students with prominent backgrounds.
"Equal treatment? Can they really achieve that?" someone muttered quietly.
Li Hao merely smiled faintly, showing no concern.
After Su Yehua departed, the courtyard quickly became lively.
...
Soon, students began approaching Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao, eager to strike up a conversation.
Despite their young age, these students, under the guidance of their parents, were already adept at building connections to prepare for their future endeavors.
Li Hao wasn’t averse to such interactions but only engaged with those who shared his interests.
"Greetings, Young Master Li. I’m from the Zhao family of Cangzhou..."
"Do you play chess?"
"Uh, no."
"Paint?"
"No..."
Li Hao lost interest.
...
Time flew by, and half a month passed.