Thor went to find Jane to ease the pain of longing.
Meanwhile, Su Ye was also preparing to return to Super H Academy to check things out. The academy had already started classes, and the teachers of various departments were in place, ready to begin admissions and teaching.
Su Ye was also ready to fulfill his promise and establish the Martial Arts Department.
As for the head of the Martial Arts Department, Su Ye already had someone in mind.
Previously, someone had suggested taking a high-powered route based on Fung Wan, but in Fung Wan, Su Ye really couldn't think of any character suitable to be department head.
Thanos wouldn't work—this old guy liked sleeping with other people's wives and hated his disciples, so he was not an option.
After thinking for a while, Su Ye felt that Wang Chongyang and Zhang Sanfeng were more suitable for the role of department head.
Moreover, both of them had an air of prestige—almost ascending to the celestial realm. Since they were both Taoists, bringing them in might even turn martial arts into a pursuit of immortality.
However, compared to Wang Chongyang, Zhang Sanfeng was still stronger—at the very least, he lived longer!
Thinking of this, Su Ye started considering something—should Zhang Wuji use identity-bound weapons?
The Dragon Slaying Saber?
But wasn't the Dragon Slaying Saber originally Xie Xun's?
Besides, its previous owners included Guo Polu, and later Yu Lianzhou, Yin Susu, and Zhou Zhiruo, all of whom had briefly possessed the saber.
So, if Su Ye truly projected the Dragon Slaying Saber, who he would become was uncertain.
As for the Heaven-Reliant Sword, the person who held it the longest was Miejue Shitai.
What the hell?!
After thinking carefully, a bright idea suddenly struck Su Ye.
The Dragon Slaying Saber had been broken before—perhaps he could project a specific state of the Dragon Slaying Saber and the Heaven-Reliant Sword to determine the owner's identity.
No hesitation, just do it.
"Projection!"
A flash of red light, and instantly, a saber and a sword appeared in Su Ye's hands.
Although these two weapons looked complete, there was a blood-colored scar in the middle of each.
These were signs of reforging—it was clear that these were the reforged versions of the Heaven-Reliant Sword and the Dragon Slaying Saber. And in this state, their rightful owner was Zhang Wuji.
Sure enough, as soon as the two weapons appeared in his hands, Su Ye suddenly felt a surge of scorching power rise from his dantian, instantly sweeping through his entire body.
This was internal energy—the Nine Yang True Qi cultivated from the Nine Yang Divine Skill.
With this power, Su Ye could directly transform into Yang Dingtian. No matter how many girlfriends he had, he would be invincible and unstoppable.
So, was Yang Dingtian's wife having an affair with Cheng Kun because she couldn't handle it?
Also, was Zhang Wuji's official pairing Zhao Min or Zhou Zhiruo… or both?
At the same time, Su Ye's mind was suddenly filled with numerous martial arts techniques.
Techniques like Heaven and Earth Great Shift, Tai Chi Fist, Tai Chi Sword, Seven Injuries Fist, Shaolin Dragon Claw Hand, and even Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms appeared in his mind.
The Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms came from the Dragon Slaying Saber, while the Nine Yin Manual came from the Heaven-Reliant Sword, and Su Ye had obtained both.
In almost an instant, he had mastered both Nine Yin and Nine Yang, feeling absolutely incredible.
After experiencing the changes in his body, Su Ye immediately took out his phone and called Old Su.
"Hello, Dad, do you know Zhang Sanfeng?"
On the other end, Old Su immediately scolded him.
"You little brat, that's your grandmaster! How dare you call him by name!"
"Uh…"
Su Ye thought to himself, as expected, Old Su's slashes (skills/titles) keep increasing.
However, at this moment, a new doubt emerged in Su Ye's mind.
"So, Grandmaster Sanfeng and Grandmaster Wolaile aren't the same person, right?"
"Why would you think that? Can't I have multiple masters?"
Old Su snorted, "Your two grandmasters teach different things, so it's normal for me to have two masters, isn't it?"
Su Ye could only nod. Alright, you're Old Su, whatever you say goes.
"Um, I wanted to ask, would Grandmaster Sanfeng be available to come to Los Angeles? I'm planning to start a school here and want him to be the head of the Martial Arts Department."
The moment he asked, Su Ye knew he had made a mistake.
Other things like superpowers, ninjutsu, and so on weren't a big deal—even if they were taught here, Old Su wouldn't mind.
But martial arts had a strong sense of sectarianism—the old tradition was to pass it down internally, not to outsiders, and often to men, not women.
No matter how open-minded Zhang Sanfeng was, he probably wouldn't agree to teach martial arts to foreigners.
However, Su Ye soon realized he was wrong—he had underestimated the broad-mindedness of the older generation.
"Wait a moment, I'll call your grandmaster. He's been wanting to go out and see the world for a long time!"
With that, Old Su hung up, and shortly after, Su Ye's phone rang again. The caller ID read: Zhang Sanfeng.
Su Ye couldn't help but smirk. This DLC installation process is just like that—sudden and ridiculous.
He had only just learned about having a grandmaster named Zhang Sanfeng, yet the old man's phone number was already saved in his phone.
"Grandmaster!"
Despite his complaints, Su Ye remained respectful when answering the call.
"Xiao Ye."
On the other end, the old man's voice was sharp and crisp—it didn't sound like someone over a hundred years old at all.
According to legend, Zhang Sanfeng was born in the Southern Song Dynasty in 1248. If he were alive today, he'd be nearly 800 years old.
But from Su Ye's perspective, as someone who had transformed into Zhang Wuji, Zhang Sanfeng should be just over 100 years old.
The exact number? Su Ye wasn't sure, nor did he dare to ask.
"Your dad told me everything. He has some kind of agreement that prevents him from leaving the country, but I don't have that issue. Just arrange a time, and I'll come over right away."
With just a few words, the matter was settled.
And the next day, at Super H Academy, Su Ye met Zhang Sanfeng.
An elderly man with white hair and beard, dressed in a white Taoist robe, stood before him. His hair was casually tied in a Taoist bun at the back of his head, and his face was radiant with health—people might believe he was only in his forties or fifties.
"Grandmaster!"
Su Ye respectfully bowed. This man was not only his grandmaster but also one of the great inheritors and promoters of Taoist culture in China. He held a high place in history and deserved respect.
However, Zhang Sanfeng casually waved his hand.
"No need to be so formal. I'm here to be the department head, which means I'm under your command now. Just treat me like everyone else."
Saying this, he casually found a chair and sat down.
For some reason, looking at Zhang Sanfeng, Su Ye suddenly thought of the Chinese animation The Outcast (Yi Ren Zhi Xia).
The old grandmaster descending the mountain in that series had an impressive aura, but compared to the real Zhang Sanfeng before him, he fell quite short.
On the other hand, he did resemble Wang Ye a little bit.
"Grandmaster, how well have you cultivated the Nine Yang Divine Skill?"
Zhang Sanfeng had practiced the Nine Yang Divine Skill, but only a partial version, not the complete one.
Zhang Sanfeng briefly described his cultivation progress, which was more or less the same as depicted in the novels.
Then, Su Ye took out two books—one was the complete version of Nine Yang Divine Skill, and the other was the complete Nine Yin Manual.
To Su Ye, these two books were simply complementary martial arts techniques.
But in the hands of Zhang Sanfeng, they might create some unique synergy.
Sure enough, the moment Zhang Sanfeng saw the two manuals, his expression turned serious. At the same time, the inner energy within him began to surge uncontrollably.
Su Ye didn't dare interrupt and just quietly observed from the side.
After an unknown period, Zhang Sanfeng suddenly let out a long breath.
"So that's how it is! So that's how it is!"
After speaking, he suddenly let out a long howl toward the sky. At that moment, dark clouds gathered, and thunder roared within the clouds, as if lightning dragons and serpents were weaving through them.
"This is…?"
Su Ye was stunned as he looked up at the sky.
This... This isn't a heavenly tribulation, is it?!
Did Zhang Sanfeng really trigger a heavenly tribulation just by glancing at the Nine Yin and Nine Yang manuals?
Was he about to ascend into immortality and shatter the void?
On the other side, Zhang Sanfeng suddenly rose and, like a wisp of smoke, floated lightly out of the open window, landing on the rooftop.
This was the central and tallest tower of Super H Academy, standing at an impressive six to seven hundred meters high.
Standing here, one could see far into the distance—and at the same time, be seen by many people.
The moment Zhang Sanfeng reached the rooftop, almost everyone in Super H Academy and the surrounding city areas instinctively turned to look.
It was mid-afternoon, and the sky had been bright. But in an instant, dark clouds covered the sky, lightning flashed, and thunder roared—anyone with eyes could tell something was happening.
Many people couldn't help but think of Thor.
Whenever Thor summoned lightning, the sky looked just like this.
At that moment, Thor was in a distant hotel, holding Jane in his arms, and he turned his head to look in this direction.
"What is that?"
Thor frowned and asked instinctively.
Jane, still in his embrace, gave him a shy glare. "Didn't I tell you? That's—Mmmph!"
Thor immediately covered Jane's mouth, stopping her from saying the word "Palace."
"Brother Ye said not to mention sensitive words like that anymore. It could cause unnecessary trouble!"
Saying this, Thor got up, drew his Stormbreaker axe, swung it around, and walked to the window, looking towards Super H Academy with a puzzled expression.
"What's going on? Is something happening at Super H Academy? Do you need to go check it out?"
Jane hugged Thor from behind, placing her hand directly on Stormbreaker, as if she was eager to join the battle.
Thor shook his head. "Brother Ye hasn't summoned me. I probably don't need to go over—this shouldn't be an enemy."
"But if you want a closer look, I can take you there."
Thor turned to look at Jane. "Wrap yourself in my cape!"
Seeing Thor's subtle expression, Jane instantly understood his meaning and nodded affirmatively.
Thor then pulled out his large red cape, wrapped them both in it, and, gripping Stormbreaker, soared into the sky.
At the same time, many people in S City decided to step outside to witness the spectacle.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Thor kept his position at a distance from the crowd—this way, it was easier for them to remain hidden, and also more convenient for him to take action if needed.
From a distance, Su Ye glanced over and inwardly sneered at this display of "muscle flexing"—taking any chance to show off, and if there wasn't one, creating one.
Wasn't he worried that Heimdall might be watching a live broadcast of this? Or did he actually enjoy being watched? Did more eyes on him make him even more excited?
Oh, so having big muscles makes you so special, huh?
Our celebrities can rap, play basketball, and even dance, but they're ugly and effeminate—did we ever say anything about that? (Mocking the contrast between different cultural icons.)
Brushing aside his thoughts, Su Ye refocused his attention on Zhang Sanfeng.
Amidst the lightning and thunder, Zhang Sanfeng stood with an ethereal, celestial aura. His Taoist robes and flowing beard fluttered in the fierce wind. He didn't need to do anything—just hovering in mid-air was already an awe-inspiring sight.
After a while, the storm clouds in the sky reached their peak, then suddenly surged downward like a dragon of lightning.
On the high tower below, Zhang Sanfeng drew an iron sword he carried with him.
"Heaven and Earth are ruthless, treating all beings like straw dogs. I never expected that today, this old Taoist would commit such a defiant act against the heavens!"
"But since the atmosphere has already been set, let's defy the heavens!"
"Go!"
Then, Zhang Sanfeng tossed the iron sword into the sky. The sword instantly transformed into a streak of dazzling light, soaring upwards.
Boom!
The lightning struck the sword, producing a deafening explosion. Then, everything dissipated.
"This... this is it?"
The Great Wall guardians looked at each other in confusion. We had our popcorn ready, were about to get comfortable, and you give us this?
Su Ye shrugged. The path of cultivation was one of defying fate. To truly alter destiny, one needed to endure the nine tribulations of heaven.
This was merely Zhang Sanfeng's first heavenly tribulation—he had only just stepped from a mortal martial artist into the realm of cultivators.
From here on, as long as he cultivated step by step, he would progress steadily.
"Congratulations, Grandmaster! You've finally defied the heavens and changed your fate, becoming the first cultivator in all of martial arts!"
Seeing the storm dissipate, Su Ye stepped forward and clasped his hands in congratulations.
Zhang Sanfeng stroked his long beard and laughed heartily.
"Don't call me the first. Just being able to take this step within my lifetime is already enough to satisfy me."
Since ancient times, every Taoist who sought the path dreamed of defying fate, becoming an immortal, and stepping onto the road of eternal cultivation.
Zhang Sanfeng had lived for over a hundred years, which was already a miracle among Taoist cultivators. After all, Wang Chongyang had only lived for about fifty years.
Yet, despite this, Zhang Sanfeng had always harbored the deep-seated desire to become an immortal cultivator.
And now, with this goal finally achieved, the old master felt at peace.
"I combined your Nine Yin and Nine Yang techniques with my Tai Chi and created a new martial art. I never expected that it would truly break past the innate realm and trigger a heavenly tribulation."
"But this also means I was on the right path!"
"This new martial art shall be called Tai Chi True Martial Dao!"
Mount Wudang worshiped the True Martial Emperor, and the Wudang Seven Heroes used the True Martial Seven Segment Formation. So, it wasn't surprising that Zhang Sanfeng would name his new art this way.
As long as it wasn't Tai Chi Xuanqing Dao—which would mess up the continuity—everything was fine.
"I'll teach you the Tai Chi True Martial Dao now. Let's carefully refine it together and figure out the path forward!"
Zhang Sanfeng had stepped onto the path of immortality. Right now, he was probably at the level of Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment.
And Tai Chi combined with Nine Yin and Nine Yang were, after all, mortal martial arts. The fact that they could help establish a foundation in cultivation was already remarkable.