I Am Your Natural Enemy

This beginning is naturally of utmost importance, and must be handled with utmost care.

”This might not be very likely.”

”Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

”You all have been working hard for decades, what’s the current average education level in the Divine Land?”

”That’s not the same thing, if we were to compare, it’s more like the literacy campaigns of the past.” The General Director said calmly, offering a different comparison.

”If we lower the difficulty further but still demand no issues and results, the current version truly isn’t quite feasible,” the Wudang Sect Leader offered a fair comment.

The Mount Mao Sect Master chimed in as well.

”Frankly speaking, with our level, I’m afraid it’s still not quite enough.”

”We must always strive to do our best.”

The Wudang Sect Leader and the Mount Mao Sect Master exchanged a glance, both honestly puzzled as to why the Old Celestial Master was so supportive.

With the Old Celestial Master’s insight, he surely understands that the more simplified it is with effective results, the higher the demand on compilers.

At the very least, they felt that it might take someone at the Sixth Stage of the Martial Path to achieve perfection.

To compile it perfectly and ensure it seamlessly integrates into subsequent paths.

Unfortunately, the Martial Path currently only has five stages, and the Sixth Stage is still immature; the last martial artist who crossed into the Sixth Stage died on the exploratory path due to blood and energy depletion.

The small meeting concluded, and the main meeting began. Wen Yan, as the representative of Fuyu Mountain, listened throughout, not intending to speak. Important speeches that determine direction wouldn’t be left to Wen Yan by the General Director and the Old Celestial Master.

Wen Yan stared at the outline on the table, a bit lost in thought.

To be honest, the main meeting was somewhat dull.

Just as he was lost in thought, he heard someone mention Fuyu Mountain.

Wen Yan looked up, hearing a representative not from the Three Mountains and Five Ridges discussing the matter of classics.

He listened for a moment. The meaning was that the Divine Land is not just the Three Mountains and Five Ridges; there are other sects and other heritages.

The Scorching Sun Department’s current intention is to compile introductory materials. Shouldn’t all sects contribute their classics for reference?

Shouldn’t the Three Mountains and Five Ridges set an example?

Wen Yan was somewhat perplexed after hearing this, thinking that those capable of reaching here wouldn’t say something so lacking in depth.

If one could become a master simply by self-studying classics, then what’s the purpose of mentorship?

He had observed the way disciples were taught at Fuyu Mountain, and it was notably difficult.

Any success he achieved was like having cheat codes, purely relying on Krypton Gold.

If he had to self-study slowly, he’d be lucky to be initiated in a year.

Doing this without cheats and Krypton Gold is reserved for a few prodigies.

If several billion people could manage this, or even just a tenth, every place outside the Divine Land might as well give up.

After listening for a bit, Wen Yan understood that the other party wasn’t foolish, they were just influenced by their position.

No one else spoke, nor interrupted his speech. After he finished,

the Wudang Sect Leader slowly spoke.

”Wudang’s Scripture Pavilion has open periods each year. Anyone who meets the requirements for each level is free to read, and this rule has been implemented for hundreds of years.

All of Wudang’s martial-related classics were copied a decade ago and placed in the Scorching Sun Department.

Many practice Wudang’s boxing technique in the Scorching Sun Department, including those who have reached the Fifth Stage.”

The other party cupped his hand in respect and said,

”Immortal Zhang had a broad heart and set the rules. Naturally, we respect them.

We aren’t selfish; it’s genuinely against our sect’s rules to openly transmit without permission, I cannot bear that responsibility.

If the Three Mountains and Five Ridges are all like this, we’ll naturally have no objections.”

Saying this, he looked at Wen Yan.

”I heard Fuyu Mountain has a Scorching Sun Fist.”

”The boxing manual for the First Phase of Scorching Sun Fist has long been sent to the Scorching Sun Department for reference,” Wen Yan replied unhurriedly.

”Just the first phase? We have to submit all of ours for reference, and you only submit the first phase?”

”Your question lacks basic understanding.”

Wen Yan glanced at him.

”Anyone with a hint of common sense knows that the Scorching Sun Fist was originally outlined by our Thirteenth Ancestor of Fuyu Mountain, and expanded by the Sixteenth Ancestor on this foundation. But beyond the first phase, it’s inherently incomplete with significant flaws.

Fuyu Mountain just doesn’t want to harm others. If you think we’re hiding something, feel free to say it outright.

If you want to look at the Scorching Sun Fist manual and practice it, honestly, it’s not a problem.

If you’re not afraid of destroying your own foundation, go ahead and practice.

As a martial artist, you should know that having more manuals isn’t necessarily better.”

Wen Yan spoke casually. In truth, Fuyu Mountain isn’t too concerned about confidentiality; otherwise, the First Phase of Scorching Sun Fist wouldn’t be an introductory technique.

Hiding isn’t malicious, just not wanting to cause harm.

Neither the Grand Uncle Master nor the other Great Uncle Masters at Fuyu Mountain care about sectarian views.

After Wen Yan finished, seeing the other didn’t speak, he continued.

”You just mentioned that your sect’s Ancestor set the rule of non-disclosure.

Mind if I ask, did your sect’s Ancestor ascend?”

The other’s expression darkened, not saying anything.

Wen Yan immediately continued.

”Don’t misunderstand; I don’t mean any harm. I just want to ascertain the whereabouts of your sect’s Ancestor. If they’ve ascended, I can later ask elders from Fuyu Mountain to hold a ceremony to invite the divine, and personally seek their opinion.

If Fuyu Mountain’s elders can’t summon him, I’ll shamelessly ask the Old Celestial Master to attempt it.”

Those present showed varying expressions, their faces becoming quite colorful for a moment.

The General Director’s composed face twitched slightly, struggling to hold back.

The fellow raises Ancestor rules, seemingly in polite refusal or as a point of negotiation.

And to respond with suggesting to invite the Ancestor to clarify...?

No one...seems to have done this before.

The General Director glanced at the Old Celestial Master, who was gently drooping his eyelids, appearing as if in meditation.

And the one who had spoken couldn’t maintain his composure. Who plays like this?

”Our sect’s Ancestor did not ascend.”

”Oh, then that means he passed away peacefully. Without transforming into a Ghost for revival, then either he’s on the Nether Path, or in...”

”Ahem...” The Old Celestial Master couldn’t maintain his composure and lightly coughed.

Wen Yan thought for a moment and swallowed the remaining words back, nearly leaking out a slip.

”Of course, if you’re willing, I could personally perform a ceremony, go down the Nether Path myself, and invite your sect’s Ancestor. I guard the Big Intersection and am somewhat familiar with the Nether Path.”

”...”

The other didn’t say another word.

Further words, and his Ancestor might indeed be summoned on the spot.

At this era, it happens to align with the Ghost version. Who knows if that would indeed bring him here?

Perhaps best not to speak rashly...

Seeing the atmosphere a bit odd, the Mount Mao Sect Master chuckled as he picked up the conversation.

His view towards Wen Yan suddenly softened.

Now that’s settled, no one will reference Ancestor rules anymore.

Wen Yan closed his mouth, continuing to zone out, not participating further.

He was just there to blend in, not seek trouble.

As the meeting progressed, Wen Yan took out his phone to search about the other party’s sect.

Originating from the Northeast, with hints of the Shaman Sect, and the approach of the Horse Sect, focusing mainly on martial training—quite an eclectic mix.

He looked over the information, understanding why this guy was targeting Fuyu Mountain.

Apart from the typically low-profile nature of Fuyu Mountain, even supposedly ranked, Fuyu Mountain has always remained last among the Three Mountains and Five Ridges, with some wanting to replace Fuyu’s position.

Besides the above reasons, Wen Yan’s previous trip to the Northeast had involved sealing the White Fox Tribe’s path and directing the Northern Military Region to bombard a few Demon Kings.

This sect was somewhat implicated, already having a distaste for Wen Yan.

Now, seeking a pretext couldn’t feasibly involve the Celestial Master Mansion, right?

The Old Celestial Master personally attended, as did the Wudang Sect Leader and Mount Mao Sect Master, leaving this individual with no courage to face off directly?

Wen Yan was considered the easiest target.

In the Scorching Sun Department’s database, Wen Yan searched for the Scorching Sun Fist, only finding the First Phase, missing the subsequent parts.

He started to consider if someone truly wanted the Scorching Sun Fist?