To the old man's surprise, everything seemed to be working out far better than he had hoped.
It felt like too perfect of a coincidence.
Realizing that his worries about fate—especially as a dead man—meant nothing, he composed himself and called out to Yantian, motioning for him to join him near the small spiritual pond within his dantian.
"Xu boy… I can feel my time nearing. I had hoped to guide you in what little time I had left. Sadly… fate cannot tolerate my existence any longer."
Following the old man's words, Yantian sat near the pond, ready to learn.
Reaching into his sleeve, the old man pulled out four scrolls, nine types of weapons, four different bottles of pills, and a satchel full of clothes.
Each item looked as if it had just been made. The old man clearly treasured them.
"Now, I will be handing you the most important thing out of all my possessions."
Lifting two fingers, the old man made a strange gesture. A glowing star appeared. One by one, more stars began to form.
Clasping his hands together, the stars transformed into strange words.
It appeared to be an ancient language—even Yantian had never seen such symbols. Yet strangely… it felt familiar.
A purple light flashed above, and four chains materialized. Bound within the chains was a dark gold and white scroll, floating silently.
Grabbing the scroll, the old man used the strange language to unseal it.
"This scroll is the accumulated history of humanity. I give you this in hopes that you may one day find worthy heirs… heirs to inherit the spirits of fallen kings and queens."
Getting to his knees, Yantian gracefully accepted the scroll. Pleased, the old man placed a glowing imprint on Yantian's hand using star scripts—then slowly dissipated into thin air.
Now alone, Yantian began organizing the items. Of the techniques, he ultimately chose one Moonlight-grade technique—[Moonflow Breathing Method]—two Starlight-grade techniques—[Falling Star Sword Dance] and [mirror shell]—and one Comet-grade technique—[Body-Hammer Refinement Method].
Each one had been personally recommended by the old man.
He began with the breathing method. Yantian imagined opening the record. Upon doing so, the information instantly engraved itself into his memory.
This was the gift inscribed by the emperor upon the forging of the records.
"The one who becomes heir to this gift—
Upon them shall be gifted the great king's divine sight."
Now looking through the techniques, Yantian began reading the description:
{Technique: Moonflow Breathing Method
Grade: Moonlight ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Type: Qi Cultivation / Internal Method .
A refined internal technique that teaches how to cycle qi through meridians" }
It was a perfectly suitable beginner technique. As a star body martial artist, Yantian aligned more naturally with astral qi elements.
After memorizing the technique, he attempted to practice it.
Closing his eyes, he inhaled through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. Each breath had a specific purpose.
With each breath taken using the Moonflow Method, Yantian's dantian began to shift and change.
From a small blue core… to a blazing red core.
According to the records, depending on the martial path one chose—and the breathing method suited to them—in order to enter the first realm of the martial path, they must align themselves with that path's qi.
The records explained that three main forms of martial cultivation existed. Each with its own unique system.
The first path was the [Inner Qi] path.
It was the earliest path discovered by ancient cultivators.
However, it had one major issue: there weren't many methods available to unlock the Hu apertures.
These included the liver (wood), kidneys (water), and stomach (lightning)—later believed to be the reason for the scarcity of martial masters.
Only those with natural talent who could unlock these apertures had the chance to master the Inner Path.
Later on, during the reign of the Western Empires, a second path was discovered—named the [Primal Qi] path.
This path relied more on artifacts, external enhancements, and other combat tools. Those born with opened Nei points were naturally more suited for it.
Over time, it was perfected and mastered by great lords and massive armies.
War spread across the world by day and night.
Eventually, amidst the chaos, a single champion emerged.
He would go on to create a third path—the [Star Qi] path.
A path he used to ascend to emperorhood. But he soon realized… the requirements for this path were far too demanding.
Hoping someone in the future would inherit it, the emperor sealed the method within the record.
Now, one million and six hundred thousand years later…
The inheritor to the Star Path had finally been found.