There are just five thousand martial artists within the Shenxiao Sect. However, since the Shenxiao Sect was only recently revived, the number of martial artists within the Sect is the least compared to the other powers within the Taoist School, and even fewer than the Chunyang Sect, which has the least disciples.
If one were to estimate the total number of Third-Grade false master educators within the entire Taoist Alliance, then the number of false masters would likely exceed one hundred thousand. Considering this data, along with the other big alliances, different forces around the world, and the number within the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, as well as the independent practitioners in the world, wouldn't the number of false masters reach several millions?
Xin Quanyang laughed bitterly and said, "I'm afraid the Sect Leader (True Person) doesn't realize that these people are just the disciples of the Shenxiao Sect. If we count the other forces who are affiliated and submit to us, the number would have already exceeded ten thousand."
Nearly twenty years have passed since the revival of Heaven and Earth, and even without intentionally expanding, the Shenxiao Sect has seen an increase in the number of disciples and martial artists.
So the five thousand false masters are nothing compared to an alliance of heretics, which has expanded rapidly in these years, and now has almost more than one hundred thousand false masters.
After the revival of Heaven and Earth, the martial artist's cultivation became simpler. Along with the transmission of martial classics, anyone who does not have blocked meridians by birth and is willing to practice diligently can essentially get ranked and become a real martial artist.
As long as one has a bit of talent, even without the necessary resources, they can reach the Seventh Grade Realm through cultivation using the rich Essence Qi of Heaven and Earth. Once they reach this step and have some luck, stepping into the middle three realms is not particularly challenging.
One can say, only when a fourth-grade martial artist is promoted to the third grade, and steps into the upper three realms, is the cultivation of martial artists considered a major hurdle, which stops countless martial artists.
This is also why Deng Zhong and others believe that if Pei Xuanjing could solve the problem of the false master's cultivation, he would receive the support of countless martial artists around the world.
Nowadays, this martial arts world is no longer the non-revived world of decades ago. The lower three realms are everywhere, the middle three realms are as common as dogs, only the upper three realms can show off a bit, and only the martial artists who have stepped into the spirit realm can truly be considered as strong.
Hearing Xin Quanyang's statements, Pei Xuanjing couldn't help but sigh at the passing of time.
Recalling when he first made his debut, a third-grade martial artist, even a false master, could be quickly acknowledged as a suppressive figure within any faction. A second-class martial artist could control the region, and a first-grade martial artist could cause shocks in the world.
"Hehe, it seems like I have neglected these matters for too long and have overlooked some things," Pei Xuanjing regained his normal expression and remarked.
Hearing all this, Pei Xuanjing predicted that in the near future, as the Essence Qi of Heaven and Earth continued to recover, there would likely be more and more martial artists. Until the Essence Qi was completely restored, the prosperous cultivation scene during the Tang Dynasty might reappear.
At that time, the return of the Tianhuang Realm powers will indeed create a situation where those who have stepped into the seventh level of Spirit Realm and the Sixth Level training dominate everything. If we do not break through to the Spirit Realm at that time, our status would be no different from ordinary people who currently cannot cultivate.
But isn't this the prosperous world that Pei Xuanjing was looking forward to?
Only this magnificent and grand world can support more strong men. The collision and exchange of wisdom sparks between countless strong men will give Pei Xuanjing more inspiration and the opportunity to become immortal.
He asked Xin Quanyang, "How many Third-Class masters are there in the Sect?"
After thinking for a moment, Xin Quanyang said, "About a thousand."
About six thousand Third-Class martial artists, five thousand false masters who have not condensed martial art truth, and only one thousand martial artists who have comprehended martial art truth.
A ratio of one to five, showing the difficulty for a Fourth-Grade martial artist to comprehend the martial truth and break through to the third grade.
This ratio only considers the successful ones, not those who failed to break through. If those people were added as well, the ratio would likely be lower.
Even with the current power of the Shenxiao Sect, they cannot guarantee that all martial artists will comprehend the martial truth when breaking through to the third grade, which is why there are so many false masters within the Shenxiao Sect today.
This is an unavoidable occurrence. After the revival of Heaven and Earth, although the road is open, making the martial artist's breakthrough much simpler, it also means they have less practice and less polishing.
"What is the success rate of Fourth-Grade martial artists breaking through to Third-Grade – including false masters?" Pei Xuanjing asked again.
Xin Quanyang honestly replied, "Only about one out of ten successfully breaks through. This is the scenario where our Sect has advice from seniors. For ordinary independent practitioners, perhaps not even one out of twenty can successfully advance."
Pei Xuanjing nodded and had a rough idea. He said, "Ask all the false masters in our Sect within Tiandu to prepare, and come to the Taoist Temple together early tomorrow morning. There is something I need them to do."
"Yes!" Xin Quanyang nodded, recalling some recent news. It seemed that the Sect Leader (True Person) had been investigating how to make Third-Grade false masters cultivate in the same manner as masters who comprehended martial truth. He probably had some ideas.
Though he thought as much, Xin Quanyang did not ask any questions.
After all, even though he blindly admired Pei Xuanjing, believing that the Sect Leader (True Person) could easily resolve everything, Xin Quanyang didn't think that this problem, which has frustrated countless martial artists for thousands of years, could be solved so quickly.
He sincerely walked away and sent someone to contact and inform those false master fighters who were currently stationed in Tiandu.
Those fighters, upon hearing that they were summoned by the Sect Leader (True Person), became unexpectedly excited and happy. Of course, they wouldn't wish to miss out on an opportunity to be close to the Sect Leader (True Person).
Even not just them, even the first-class and second-class martial artists of the Shenxiao Sect in Tiandu heard the news and wanted to join in the excitement.
It was a pity for the Spirit Realm martial artists because, at the moment, the land outside the border was being explored. With the undefeated powerhouse, Pei Xuanjing at Tiandu, there was no need for them to stay there.
Therefore, except for Deng Zhong, the rest of the Spirit Realm powerhouses were either exploring the land outside the border or staying at Shenxiao Mountain, missing out on this opportunity.
The next day, early in the morning when the day was just dawning, all the Third-Class martial artists belonging to Shenxiao Sect in Tiandu gathered in a battleground used for practice within the Taoist Temple.
Although there was still some time before the time mentioned by Xin Quanyang, no one was foolish enough to arrive just at that time. Everyone came ahead of time, just to grab a place closer to the front.
Not only the pseudo-Master Martial Artists summoned, but also several third-grade Master Martial Artists and first and second-grade Martial Artists, except for a few who were genuinely unable to get away due to business, all the rest arrived here as soon as possible.
After all, even though they are all in Tiandu, opportunities to encounter the Sect Leader in person were indeed scarce, and they were reluctant to miss them.
Thus, when the time came, Pei Xuanjing found that there were twice as many people here as he had anticipated when he arrived at the training field for martial arts practice led by Xin Quanyang.
In addition to those pseudo-Master Martial Artists, there were numerous first and second-grade Martial Artists, and even some audacious fourth-grade Martial Artists who were loitering outside the martial arts practice field, occasionally casting their glances in anticipation of potential benefits.
Seeing this, Xin Quanyang's heart tightened and cold sweat began to form on his forehead, fearing that the Sect Leader would reprimand him for mishandling the situation due to the large number of people showing up. He was about to send them away when Pei Xuanjing stopped him.
"Oh, never mind, their presence does no harm. Let them listen in as well, it will be beneficial." The gentle voice of Pei Xuanjing rang out.
Originally he intended to conduct the experiment using these pseudo-Master Martial Artists, but he didn't expect other Martial Artists to join in as well for the excitement.
Understanding quickly his drawing power and why these people had arrived, Pei Xuanjing did not find fault with them but allowed them to stay.
The words of Pei Xuanjing clearly fell into the ears of all the Martial Artists present. Some people who came without an invitation were initially worried about being criticised by Pei Xuanjing, but now they relaxed upon hearing his approval.
"Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader True Person." The self-invited first-grade Martial Artists led the rest of the Martial Artists to bow to Pei Xuanjing in gratitude.
"It's alright, please take your seats!"
Pei Xuanjing flicked back his robe, and a gentle force lifted up hundreds of people in the field. He then started to speak with a smile on his face.
Then he flicked his fingers; countless Heaven and Earth Essence Qi converged and formed hundreds of meditation cushions on the practice martial arts field.
Hiss!
Everyone was amazed by this simple move from Pei Xuanjing, showing stunned expressions on their faces.
Upon hearing his words, they immediately took their places honestly, sitting on the meditation cushions formed by the Heaven and Earth essence Qi.
Although Martial Artists of the first and second grades should be seated in the front row, they were aware they had come without an invitation. The real focus was the pseudo-Master Martial Artists summoned by the Sect Leader, so they voluntarily left the front seats empty for questioning by the Sect Leader.
Pei Xuanjing waited for everyone to sit down, then stepped onto the commanding podium in front of the martial arts practice field. As he descended, a six-color spectrum of Heaven and Earth Essence Qi meditation cushion naturally formed behind him.
At this moment, although there were hundreds of people in the field, it was utterly silent. All eyes were on Pei Xuanjing, waiting for him to speak.
Pei Xuanjing's voice rang out in the field, clearly entering everyone's ears: "As an uncultured person, I have been fortunate enough to come this far. Although I have rebuilt the Shenxiao Sect's lineage, management is not my strength. All the affairs have been handed over to all of you, and for this truly hard work, let me first express my gratitude."
"The True Person Sect Leader is being too modest. These are our responsibilities. Without the protection of the Sect Leader, we would not be who we are today. Please, do not say such things, otherwise we would be extremely embarrassed."
Upon hearing that Pei Xuanjing had spoken such words, they were all shocked and moved. Immediately, a first-grade Martial Artist began to speak.
Once this first-grade Martial Artist began to speak, the rest of the Martial Artists also joined in, all expressing their gratitude towards Pei Xuanjing. Nobody had any resentment close to Pei Xuanjing.
This world differs from the one in Pei Xuanjing's former life; in the Great Ming World, martial arts are supreme and the strong are revered. As a powerful figure, Pei Xuanjing naturally enjoys countless privileges and holds a supreme status.
His existence, in fact, provides shelter for these people. Because of Pei Xuanjing, the Shenxiao Sect was able to rebound from the brink of destruction by the Great Ming imperial court, and return to its peak, becoming one of today's top superpowers in the world.
It can be said that while Pei Xuanjing could abandon the Shenxiao Sect, the Shenxiao Sect could absolutely not survive without the existence of Pei Xuanjing.
These people had benefited greatly from Pei Xuanjing's generosity, and anyone with even a shred of conscience would feel deep gratitude towards him, with no resentment whatsoever.
Pei Xuanjing slowly shook his head.
He was not a greedy and ignorant capitalist, feeling that everyone's contribution was a given. Seen from a manager's perspective, he indeed let go of the steering wheel in the Shenxiao Sect. The current power of the Shenxiao Sect was due to these people's hard work and struggle. He couldn't turn a blind eye to that and feel that others should take risks for him. This would mean he really had no boundaries at all.
He raised his hand to stop their words, saying, "No need to argue about this. As a Sect Leader, I, providing shelter for all of you is my duty. And my being deficient in managing you is a fact that need not be denied. Therefore, I decided that after today, all disciples of the Shenxiao Sect can select a skill or martial art technique of the same grade from the Scripture Pavilion, as a reward from me."
"Thank you, Sect Leader True Person!"
Hearing this great news, everyone immediately expressed their gratitude.
The Scripture Pavilion of the Shenxiao Sect houses countless skills. The ones Pei Xuanjing collected and refined may not have been practiced by him directly, but as long as the skill was not bad, he had included them all.
However, according to the rules of the Shenxiao Sect, besides the right to choose a skill or martial technique after breaking through a big realm, other skills and martial techniques are technically not restricted but need to be traded for a certain number of Sect contribution points.
While low-level skills were acceptable, the semi-lost skills or lost skills inside the sect needed a significant amount of contribution points, and gaining these skills required a lot of effort.
Now that the Sect Leader had spoken, it meant that they could save quite a few contribution points, equating to acquiring an additional suitable skill or martial technique. How could they not be happy?
Pei Xuanjing smiled at these people, not rushing.
Since he had decided to place all the skills in the Taoist Academy for Martial Artists from all over to exchange and learn, it was better to give some benefits to his own disciples first. After all, strictly speaking, these people were his staunchest supporters.
Waiting for the excitement of these people to subside, Pei Xuanjing continued to speak: "The real reason I, gathered all of you here today I presume you all have speculated on by now."
Hearing Pei Xuanjing's words, those first-grade Martial Artists, second-grade Martial Artists, and others who had comprehended the true meaning of Martial Arts were quite composed. However, the pseudo-Master Martial Artists of the third-grade and fourth-grade Martial Artists about to ascend to the next level, were excited. If not for the circumstances, they would have blurted something out straightaway.
"Indeed, I have been studying how to release third-grade quasi-"Grandmaster Realm" martial artists from the constraints of the true intention of martial arts, allowing them to cultivate as normally as Grandmasters who have understood the true intention of martial arts." Pei Xuanjing did not beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly.
"Sect Leader's kindness is boundless!"
"Sect Leader's virtue is immense!"
"…"
Whoosh, all those third-grade quasi-Grandmaster figures began to express their excitement, vocally praising Pei Xuanjing.
These individuals had trained tediously, hindered either by lack of comprehension or other reasons, and finally, they were unable to comprehend the true intention of martial arts. Although they had reached the third-grade realm, they always fell short compared to others.
Third-grade quasi-Grandmaster, although in the same third-grade realm, carries the prefix 'quasi,' undoubtedly placing them one level below others. This was an embarrassing reality these martial artists had difficulty accepting.
Yet, in this world where the strongest rule, if one's strength is inferior, then they are, indeed, inferior. They are helpless and have no choice but to face the disdainful gazes and to endeavor in their training relentlessly.
No one desires to stay behind forever, especially in this brewing Great World; they are even more eager to strive forward.
However, reality is cruel. Lacking the reinforcement of the true intention of martial arts, after many years of maintaining a grueling training regime, they still fall short when compared to others who have only trained for several months, causing massive discouragement among many.
Now, someone has finally noticed them, willing to give them attention, willing to cast a look upon them; this was incredibly fortunate.
This was enough. Even if Pei Xuanjing's method turned out to be ineffective, it would still stir their hearts, because this sense of recognition was irreplaceable.
Seeing the fervent excitement of these people, a tinge of sigh flashed in Pei Xuanjing's eyes: "As insignificant as ants, one should still aim high; as fragile as paper, the heart should remain unyielding."
This was the true spirit and will, the key to a race's enduring growth. If there were truly no upward channels, the stagnation would undoubtedly turn into a dying pond. Regardless of how mighty it once was, it will eventually decline and wait for its splendor to fade, till only remnants remain.
"However, although I have devised this method, I have not had a real attempt at it and cannot assure its effectiveness." Pei Xuanjing did not conceal the truth.
Even though his clear-cut intention of gathering these individuals was to gather experimental data through trials on them and to make constant deductions, he chose not to hide this fact and left the decision to them.
"Sect Leader need not worry, we're only risking our lives, and we disciples are not afraid!"
Instantly, a third-grade quasi-Grandmaster voiced out. The look in his eyes was determined and resolute without a trace of hesitation.
The cultivation of a martial artist is like crossing a single-log bridge among thousands of troops, their arrival at this point has undoubtedly prepared them for death. Rather than living a mediocre life, forever considered inferior to others, it would be better to stand up and fight.
"We disciples don't fear death; we only fear being looked down upon!"
"We disciples wish to attempt; we disciples don't wish to be seen as inferior!"
To be a king or a marquis, one should have ambition.
In the past, the lack of hope was tolerable, but now that there was hope, why should they not pay the price.
What is there to fear in death?
We are all humans, why should they be seen as inferior to others? They would rather die a spectacular death than live a life of meek subservience.
Nearly a hundred quasi-Grandmasters present voiced out in unison, without a single person hesitating or backing down. The momentum was overwhelming, and even many martial artists on the side, who had comprehended the true intention of martial arts, couldn't help but pay attention to them.
There is clear hierarchy everywhere, especially within large forces like the Shenxiao Sect.
Besides Pei Xuanjing, who is held in the highest esteem as the Sect Leader (True Person), it is the Spirit Realm powerhouses and first-grade martial artists that form the foundation of the sect. Quasi-Grandmaster martial artists of the third-grade, even if their combat strength matches that of Grandmaster martial artists of the same grade, are considered to have no future in many people's eyes. Despite their large numbers, they can't be considered the core of the Shenxiao Sect.
With Pei Xuanjing, a peerless powerhouse who has the world under his control, the disciples of the Shenxiao Sect possessed a sense of self-confidence. Particularly, when Pei Xuanjing mentioned that the Shenxiao Sect would transform into an immortal sect in the future, it motivated countless disciples. Everyone worked towards this goal, hoping to become true disciples of the immortal sect.
It is bleak for a martial artist of quasi-Grandmaster realm to break through to the Spirit Realm. In many people's eyes, as the world continues to recover, they will eventually lag behind the growth pace of the Shenxiao Sect and will be gradually eliminated.
Now that they witnessed the momentum from these individuals, they finally realized the amount of suppressed energy these peers had been holding back. Without Pei Xuanjing's intervention today, they might have never had the chance to release it in their lifetimes.
"We ask Sect Leader for compassion, and bestow upon us this method." A martial artist of the quasi-Grandmaster realm fell to his knees from his meditation cushion.
"We ask Sect Leader for compassion, and bestow upon us this method." *n.
Subsequently, the remaining quasi-Grandmaster martial artists performed the same action, they fell to their knees.
The fourth-grade martial artists also collectively kneeled and pleaded. Except for few individual geniuses, none of them dared assert themselves to comprehend the true intentions of martial arts, hence they also collectively pleaded.
Sighting such a scene, the remaining martial artists who had comprehended the true intention of martial arts couldn't remain seated and fell to their knees:
"Please, Sect Leader show mercy to your fellow disciples, bestow upon us the method."
Whoosh… whoosh…
At this moment, all disciples of the Shenxiao Sect in the practice field knelt on the ground, begging Pei Xuanjing to bestow upon them the method.
Watching their actions, even Pei Xuanjing, accustomed to hardened battle, was slightly moved.
Cultivating is tough, and no one wishes to perish in the process. If it were him without the simulator, knowing there is a way to advance, he would surely grasp it tightly!
"Sigh, you all. I merely stated that this method is not perfect and carries some risks, I've never said anything about withholding it from you. Now it seems I am the one with a heart of stone." Pei Xuanjing shook his head and purposely laughed.
"Does Sect Leader's statement mean that he agrees…?" A martial artist looked towards Pei Xuanjing in surprise.
"Since it has come to this, I should give you an opportunity." Pei Xuanjing sighed and said in a serious tone.
"Disciple thanks Sect Leader!"
A chorus of grateful voices rose, all eyes filled with gratitude as they looked towards Pei Xuanjing.
"Silence." Pei Xuanjing stopped their voice, and slowly said, "In this period, I've been studying the deficiencies of third-grade quasi-Grandmaster martial artists, the key obstacle to cultivation is the lack of true intention of martial arts because without it as the foundation, the Blood Qis cannot gather together. To just address this issue would make up for the shortcomings. For this, I have devised two methods to attempt to solve this problem."
"The first method, I call it the Visualization Method! "
"Disciple asks Sect Leader, what is this Visualization Method?" a disciple timely asked.