Chapter 2019: Martial Artist

"The War Ancestor, then!"

Xu Xiaoshou's first choice was still the "War" and "Splendor" characters from Method Two.

There was no other reason; he wanted to forcefully raise his Body Dao Plate and Spirit Dao Plate to at least 99 as well.

As for Hua Changdeng's "Splendor" character, the Divine Farmer's Hundred Herbs might still hold a hidden trump card.

In comparison, the War Ancestor, who was infinitely close to falling, or had already completely fallen, posed a lower risk.

Moreover, if he were to first seize the War Ancestor's Dao, he might also acquire all knowledge related to the Way of Ancient Martial Arts, in addition to insights into the Body Dao.

He currently only mastered the Four Rounds...

Shen Yi's Three Realms, however, were comprehended with the help of the Resentful Buddha, and the Two Principles he developed were also the dual aspects of War and Buddha, making them irreplaceable.

Xu Xiaoshou had seen Shen Yi's application of it.

But unlike Ba Zun'an, he wasn't proficient in the Way of Ancient Martial Arts, so he didn't fully understand it, nor did he want to brand himself with nine monastic scars to cultivate Buddhism concurrently.

However, if possible, he also wanted to glimpse the ultimate concepts of the War Ancestor's Three Realms, Two Principles, One Sovereign, and Limitless, and then help refine them.

He imagined that the venerable War Ancestor would also feel comforted seeing a later-generation ancient martial artist with such ambition.

"Yes, this will work!"

"It will definitely succeed!"

The silvery-white tentacles gently wriggled behind him, as if already impatient.

Xu Xiaoshou no longer waited. He tried to manipulate the tentacles, and they suctioned onto the Primordial Stele: War character. It worked!

This object instantly transformed from a solid entity to something slightly translucent.

"It can be brought into the Sovereign Sunder Space now..."

An epiphany washed over him. Xu Xiaoshou used the tentacles to grasp the War character, and with a shift of his consciousness, he appeared before the black vortex and cast the War character into the first Sovereign Sunder Position.

The entire gray space subtly trembled.

A faint light gleamed within the black vortex, swiftly spreading along the massive Primordial Stele: War character's stone patterns, covering everything.

The War character instantly flared, bright as day.

The entire gray space brightened with it, and the gloomy, deathly aura was swept away, as if a mysterious revival was about to occur at any moment.

"It's working!"

Xu Xiaoshou was both expectant and wary.

He knew that the Primordial Stele could substitute for the Ancestor God's true form; otherwise, the Sovereign Sunder module would be useless.

Furthermore, even Dao Qiongcang didn't know how to unlock the Primordial Stele. The reason he knew how to utilize it was because he had been taught by Kong Yuhen in the Ancient and Modern Forget-Sorrow Tower.

Who was Kong Yuhen?

To put it plainly, he was the Time Ancestor.

And who was the Time Ancestor?

He was Dian Nuo's friend!

Since even the Time Ancestor's avatar knew how to decipher the power of the Primordial Stele and draw strength from it, Dian Nuo surely knew even more.

Moreover, that individual himself seemed to be compatible with more than one will. It was possible that this was the nascent form of why the Sovereign Sunder module appeared.

Time quietly flowed by as he waited.

Approximately half an hour later, the light on the Primordial Stele: War character faded, and the entire stone character seemed to have been fully analyzed for its power.

With a *click*, the War character embedded itself into the black vortex.

Although it was clearly a solid embedding itself into a swirling airflow, it gave the impression of a perfect, seamless fit.

Before he could ponder it further, a colossal war intent emanated from the Sovereign Sunder Position, immensely majestic.

"Boom!"

An overwhelming pressure descended, causing Xu Xiaoshou's mind to tremble involuntarily.

In a trance, he seemed to see a distant, exotic world with azure seas and blue skies, where a colossal giant emerged from the sea at the horizon.

It wore a towering battle stele as a crown, had mountain-like scales for armor on its shoulders, and a collapsing black hole at its throat, where streams of power converged. Around its body, woven Dao laws transformed into battle armor. Its eyes were like the sun and moon, illuminating all things, and its aura could blot out the sky, compelling submission.

The War Ancestor!

This wasn't the first time Xu Xiaoshou had seen the War Ancestor's visage, but he was still moved by it.

Every time he saw it, he felt it was Shen Yi's Ultimate Edition. If it were to hold the Shattered Jun Shield in its left hand and grasp the Overlord in its right, the feeling of "strength to uproot mountains and spirit to cover the world" would surely be interpreted even more vividly.

"What a pity..."

"If Shen Yi were to advance further, it's possible he could surpass the War Ancestor."

"After all, he has already reached the principle of yin and yang convergence and direct advancement to the Limitless, whereas the War Ancestor, throughout his life, did not grasp the true meaning of attaining the Dao, only achieving 'One Sovereign'."

Even so, was the War Ancestor weak?

No!

Even without 'Returning to Zero,' in terms of pure combat ability, would the Demonic Medicine Fiend and others dare to underestimate the War Ancestor?

Of course not!

In fact, if the War Ancestor were to revive in this form alone, Xu Xiaoshou wouldn't dare to guarantee that he could defeat him.

He even felt that if he summoned Ba Zun'an, it would likely come down to who attacked first to determine the victor.

Unless Ba Zun'an returned from the Time Realm with his Dao complete and fully perfected, reaching a point where he was qualified to directly contend with Dian Nuo.

"So strong!"

"Too perfect!"

"Big muscular guy, I love it!"

The more Xu Xiaoshou looked, the more he loved it, his eyes glowing green.

After the immensely powerful War Ancestor image illuminated, it only manifested for three breaths of time. Soon, the exotic world collapsed, and the War Ancestor image continuously shrank.

Finally, it completely converged into the Sovereign Sunder Position within the gray space before him, solidifying into a War Ancestor Dharma Idol about ten feet tall.

"Awesome, awesome!"

Xu Xiaoshou rubbed his hands in excitement, pulled out the large silver tentacles behind him, took two steps forward, and was about to poke the War Ancestor.

He had a premonition that as long as the Dao-Seizing Tentacle successfully pierced the War Ancestor Dharma Idol, he would be able to use the War Ancestor.

What's with this feeling of having pulled an SSR?

No, it's not a contractual relationship. From now on, we're good friends!

Xu Xiaoshou burst into laughter, holding the tentacles, and jumped up to thrust them towards the War Ancestor's chest.

A soft, squishing sound echoed.

The tip of the Dao-Seizing Tentacle, like an elephant's trunk, suctioned onto the War Ancestor Dharma Idol. Instantly, a deluge of images flooded his mind, as if he had received a profound enlightenment.

There were methods for wielding the eighteen types of weapons, including swords, sabers, spears, staffs, axes, hammers, daggers, bows, and shields; there were also unarmed combat techniques that deeply embodied the Body Dao, utilizing hands, legs, shoulders, elbows, knees, fingers, waist, arms, and back...

The same person, using different methods, began to demonstrate in his mind how to truly "fight."

At dawn's break, spear flowers pierced through the forest;As the sunset faded in the west, sweat soaked the bedrock.

The young man, clad only in simple clothes, trained from morning till night, from spring to winter. Yin and Yang shifted, seasons cycled, but he never stopped.

Until the youth became a young man, and the young man became a middle-aged man...

Until his opponents evolved from wooden dummies to real people, from mere martial artists to immortals and gods...

He still didn't stop!

He was still training!

He was still fighting!

The path of war, a life of martial arts.

He progressed from breaking bedrock with strength, to piercing solid mountains, to severing oceans, to shattering eternities with his might!

A final punch shattered all the images.

The swirling scenes coalesced back into the unyielding, majestic image of the War Ancestor, like a towering mountain. A Daoist sound, like thunder, resonated, splitting eardrums:

"Among a hundred weapons, none reign supreme but martial arts.""A thousand techniques are slightly inferior to the Way of War.""Young man, have you comprehended?"

In that instant of enlightenment, Xu Xiaoshou felt as if he had experienced ten thousand years of arduous cultivation, completely reborn.

He didn't need to try anything; he merely stood there, receiving the inheritance.

His war heart became clear, and he felt every part of his body had become a sharp weapon, capable of acting as an extension of his will, severing the lives of his enemies.

He even felt that his peak-level combat consciousness, at the third stage, seemed to have broken through its restraints once more...

But was there such a realm?

Fourth stage?

Xu Xiaoshou was completely stunned.

He had thought the War Ancestor was strong, but he hadn't imagined him to be *this* strong.

With such talent and diligence, you shouldn't have fallen into samsara or oblivion. Surely some despicable scoundrel must have backstabbed you, causing your defeat?

Revive, my War Ancestor!

Serve me, my War Ancestor!

He stood dazed for a long while, his heart surging with excitement and wild fantasies, until a thunderous voice echoed in his ears again:

"Young man, was it you who summoned this Ancestor?"

Yes!

Who else could it be but me?

Xu Xiaoshou subconsciously nodded blankly, then suddenly snapped awake, his pupils dilating. He bristled like an alarmed cat and immediately leaped backward:

"Who!"

"Who's speaking!"

He looked up to see that the first Sovereign Sunder Position had already changed.

Its background was no longer a pure black vortex, but had materialized into an ancient battle arena, reminiscent of a divine war platform, imbued with an aura of primordial antiquity.

Above the training ground, the War Ancestor Dharma Idol stood with a majestic expression, arms crossed, gazing down at him in silence.

"Huh?"

Xu Xiaoshou's jaw dropped, wide enough to fit ten eggs. "You, you're speaking?"

The War Ancestor Dharma Idol snorted, merely letting out a cold laugh without speaking.

Yet its expression was so lifelike, and its gaze so spirited, as if it weren't merely a Dharma Idol, but the War Ancestor's true self.

Revived?

No, no, no, impossible...

It must just be a wisp of the War Ancestor's will that has awakened?

Is this what Dian Nuo meant by "dangerous"? No, this is far too dangerous!

This is only the first one, and it's already drawn in the War Ancestor's will. How can anyone dare to delve deeper into this foolish Sovereign Sunder module now?

What if they conspired to defy fate while he slept, then collectively revolted and attacked him? What would he do then?

His thoughts flashed in an instant. Xu Xiaoshou's startled expression and wary war intent were immediately reined in. He became calm and composed, neither servile nor arrogant, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:

"Junior Xu Xiaoshou greets the War Ancestor."

The War Ancestor's gaze softened slightly.

He looked around, surveying the dim, gray surroundings and the other eight Sovereign Sunder Positions, deep in thought.

Before long, he turned back, a hint of wistfulness flashing in his eyes, and his voice still rumbled like thunder:

"Has this Ancestor already fallen?"

The War Ancestor's voice was like a thunderclap, truly stunning Xu Xiaoshou.

He hadn't expected that not only could it speak and communicate, but it also possessed self-awareness and understanding of its surroundings.

Wasn't this essentially the War Ancestor's true self, alive and well?

If he showed any disrespect, would it devour its master, or crush him to death?

"No..."

Xu Xiaoshou's gaze fell upon the large, silvery-white, slimy tentacle on the War Ancestor's chest, which connected him to the Dharma Idol via the Dao-Seizing Tentacle.

This connection was like a forcibly signed master-servant contract. In reality, with a single thought from him, the War Ancestor would turn to dust.

Of course, the Sovereign Dharma Idol wouldn't truly die.

The initial formation of the War Ancestor had drained the energy from his nine rounds of Infinite Silence Particles, and it continued to extract from him.

If it shattered, it would merely automatically consume a large amount of infinite energy, regenerate from within the Sovereign Sunder Position, and continue to draw from him.

The only way to completely destroy the War Ancestor before him was to cultivate a genius who surpassed the War Ancestor. Only then would the War Ancestor Dharma Idol dissipate, and the Sovereign Sunder Position become vacant.

And these were still the worst-case scenarios, assuming the War Ancestor would be hostile and uncontrollable.

In reality, through the Dao-Seizing Tentacle, Xu Xiaoshou could distinctly feel a power belonging to the Way of Intent, which, through the connection, was rooted within the Ancestor God Dharma Idol.

This would make it, and future ones, willingly acknowledge him as their master from the bottom of their hearts, assisting him in his cultivation.

Of course, this wasn't absolute.

If he were to acquire someone equally proficient in the Way of Intent, they might be able to break free from the Way of Intent's control, but it wouldn't actually cause him much harm.

It would only result in repeatedly shattering, reconvening, shattering again, reconvening again... tormenting itself until it submitted.

Even if it refused to submit, if the Dao-Seizing Tentacle released its grip and his mental valve closed, the Sovereign Dharma Idol would forever be unable to emerge from the Sovereign Sunder Position.

These truly were nine coffins.

If they could be used, he would use them.

If they couldn't be used, he would nail the coffin lids shut, preventing them from ever coming out to breathe.

"Phew..."

Realizing all this, Xu Xiaoshou let out a slight sigh of relief. Meeting the War Ancestor's gaze, he firmly shook his head and said:

"No, senior, you should not have fallen yet."

"Otherwise, the senior's will summoned by this wondrous item wouldn't possess such profound sentience."

As he spoke, Xu Xiaoshou took half a step back. His speech had already been carefully prepared. He proactively bowed his head and, cupping his hands again, offered an apology:

"Senior, I implore your forgiveness!"

"Furthermore, senior, please be aware that since the Era of the Saint Ancestor, the Saint-Spirit Continent has endured countless eons, giving rise to Ancestors such as the Medicine, Ghost, Sword, Dragon, Heaven, and Art Ancestors. Even the glorious era of the War Ancestor, which you once led, has become a thing of the past."

"In this current era, people cultivate the Dao predominantly through spirit refinement. Yet, ultimately, they are still cultivating the Saint Dao, unable to escape the clutches of the Demonic Ancestor."

"The Demonic Ancestor's rampant influence has suppressed all other schools, elevating only the Saint Dao. To this day, the legacy of ancient martial arts has been forced into decline. Even with countless geniuses across the five regions, those who have achieved success in the Way of Ancient Martial Arts are... shockingly few!"

As Xu Xiaoshou spoke, he sobbed, his eyes filled with sorrow, and he shook his head repeatedly.

At this point, however, the narrative took a turn. When he looked up, fervent passion reignited in his eyes, his tone became unyielding, and he cried out:

"Junior Xu Xiaoshou disdains cultivating the path of spirit refinement alone. I wish to emerge from the mud unsullied and allow the Way of Ancient Martial Arts to bloom in full glory once more!"

"Alas, the legacy of ancient martial arts is broken and fragmented. Although this junior has painstakingly pieced together what remains, pouring my heart and soul into cultivating from the Nine Palaces, Eight Gates, Seven Mansions, and Six Paths, all the way to the Four Rounds, I still harbor many confusions."

"I foolishly attempted to forge my own path, but my shallow knowledge was laughable; I was merely a frog in a well. The Way of Ancient Martial Arts is already immeasurably vast, embracing all rivers, and its intent is as high as the heavens, reaching a foot above the sky!"

"The Three Realms, Two Principles, One Sovereign, and Limitless — each is a cornerstone for deification, becoming an Ancestor, and attaining the Dao. They are absolutely not something our generation, mere fireflies or pearls, can surpass with our faint glimmer."

"Originally, I saw no path forward and felt disheartened. I never imagined that by chance I would obtain a wondrous item, and with a slight attempt, a new hope would emerge, actually summoning the War Ancestor Dharma Idol! This junior is truly blessed with three lifetimes of fortune!"

As he spoke, hot tears welled up in Xu Xiaoshou's eyes, and his expression was deeply moved.

He clearly looked like a diligent student who had struggled and stumbled on his quest for knowledge, finally meeting his idol and having the chance to ask for guidance in person. He cried out, his voice choked with emotion:

"Please, War Ancestor, teach me!"

"Junior Xu Xiaoshou wishes to let the Way of Ancient Martial Arts bloom in glory once more!"

He knelt firmly on both knees, an unmistakable gesture of seeking mentorship. His words were so earnest, his emotions so sincere, and his devotion to the Dao so unwavering...

All encapsulated in that single kneeling gesture.

All in that immediate prostration.

The entire Sovereign Sunder gray space suddenly fell into dead silence.

Within the Sovereign Sunder Position, the War Ancestor Dharma Idol also seemed dumbfounded, staring wide-eyed at the incredibly studious junior.

Originally...

Having been inexplicably summoned and confined within this coffin-like position, no one would be pleased, let alone an Ancestor God who had once reached the pinnacle of glory.

Yet, seeing this young man with exceptional innate potential, a solid Dao foundation, and cultivating the martial arts, his future was bright, showing signs of surpassing his predecessors.

The War Ancestor, of course, was not stingy with his knowledge. He first bestowed some combat techniques, leaving the rest for later.

After all, in cultivating oneself and practicing martial arts, cultivating oneself comes first.

A person's character determines the height of their achievements.

If someone possessed talent but lacked moral integrity, even if they arrived at this Sovereign Sunder Position, the War Ancestor would never teach them.

He hadn't expected, this fellow, this young man...

Was so sincere!

So genuine!

So fervent!

Could there truly be such a studious person in this world?

How arduous was the Way of Ancient Martial Arts? Compared to the Saint Sin Dao's ability to conjure winds and summon rain, the martial path was reserved, dull, and tedious. Just to enter, one needed talent, sweat and blood, and time—none could be lacking.

Even when he was still on the continent, promoting the martial arts was extremely difficult, as most people in the world were prone to idleness and comfort. Who wouldn't want to stand among the clouds, a carefree immortal who could summon thunder and lightning?

Yet, this young man, not only had he, in this era of dwindling ancient martial arts, relied on himself to overcome the most difficult entry barrier, but his character was also so upright—so righteous that it seemed almost perverse, so much so that even the War Ancestor suspected he was faking it.

But...

Was it necessary?

With the tentacles connected, he was already its master.

Even if he didn't want to teach, the young man had a hundred ways to forcibly learn.

If it weren't for a pure heart and upright character and scholarship, why would this young man have poured out his emotions and sentiments so passionately before he had even spoken a few words, and finally performed a kowtow, merely to glimpse the ultimate truth of the martial arts?

Good! Good! Good!

The War Ancestor's eyes lit up slightly.

His expression, which had been calm at first, showed slight ripples as Xu Xiaoshou spoke halfway, and by the time Xu Xiaoshou finished and knelt, his heart was surging with immense waves.

With such a person, why hoard one's knowledge?

With such devotion to the Dao, who in this world, upon witnessing it, would begrudge sharing their knowledge?

"Rise."

After a moment of contemplation, the War Ancestor spoke calmly.

Like a serene mountain lake, unperturbed by external joys or sorrows, and not adept at outward emotional expression, even with tumultuous feelings within.

"No!"

The one with even more tumultuous feelings, however, was the kneeling young man.

The waves in his heart were utterly uncontrollable, nor did he want to suppress them. They burst forth from his hoarse, weeping voice, as if he were pouring out his very soul, his voice so fervent that it ripped:

"If the War Ancestor refuses me, this junior will kneel to death here and absolutely not lift my head!"

Why go to such lengths...

Why indeed!

Seeing this, the War Ancestor could no longer suppress his emotions. His expression was visibly moved, his eyes slightly reddened, and the gratitude in his heart was inexpressible.

He had long discerned that Xu Xiaoshou's combat prowess was formidable, possibly even on par with his own.

Clearly, they could simply discuss the Dao and exchange knowledge, so why such devout devotion to the Dao, such genuine sincerity?

He was too studious!

He must truly love the martial arts!

Could such absolute fervor truly exist in the world?

Wasn't that precisely how he himself was when he first began cultivating the martial arts?

The War Ancestor looked at the young man, who was almost prostrate on the ground, his nose running, and in a trance, saw his younger self.

Had becoming a deified Ancestor truly made him forget his original aspirations, forgotten the fervor he once held?

The Way of War!

Combat!

It requires passion!

It requires fervor!

The War Ancestor couldn't help but take a step forward, yet he encountered a restraint, unable to leave the Sovereign Sunder Position to help the young man.

He sighed deeply, suppressing his turbulent thoughts, and extended a hand, his fingertips trembling slightly.

"My name is Wu."

Xu Xiaoshou was stunned, and clearly lifted his head.

He saw that within the Sovereign Sunder Position, the War Ancestor Dharma Idol on the ancient training ground no longer appeared as aloof and unapproachable as when they first met, exuding an air of "strangers not allowed, ants dare not provoke."

On the contrary, at this moment, the War Ancestor resembled a benevolent elder, eager to be close to him. He leaned forward, hands hovering, clearly intending to help Xu Xiaoshou up, but was confined, unable to leave the Sovereign Sunder Position...

How could I let you out?

If I let you help me up, how would I maintain the beauty of distance?

Xu Xiaoshou wept profusely, as if he had understood something profound from the War Ancestor's concise self-introduction. He roared:

"Martial Master!"

"Please accept a bow from your student!!!"

*Thump, thump, thump.*

A bow, and another bow, and yet another bow.

Originally, cultivating the Way of Ancient Martial Arts—the Six Paths, Four Rounds, and so on—had saved him from dire situations multiple times, which meant he already owed the venerable War Ancestor a great favor.

Moreover, unlike the Saint, Demonic, Medicine, and Ghost Ancestors, the War Ancestor harbored no petty schemes or deceit to seize the paths of later generations. He possessed the full gallantry and righteousness of someone like Shen Yi, making him a truly respectable figure.

Furthermore, he might later have to trouble the War Ancestor to help him manage the various Sovereign forms within the Sovereign Sunder Positions, each with potentially distinct personalities and unwilling to be subservient.

This bow, he *must* offer!

It's just that...

Old Man Sang, after Mr. Siyin, I've now taken another martial master.

They are all stronger than the last, and each is stronger than you. You surely won't be jealous, but only feel comforted for Xiaoshou, right?

Xu Xiaoshou was in tears, moved by his own actions.

The War Ancestor, who had been deified as an Ancestor and resisted the calamity of the Ancestor God's Annihilation of Laws, also couldn't withstand Xu Xiaoshou's burning fervor. He could only shake his head repeatedly and force a wry smile:

"You and I truly don't need to interact with the etiquette of master and disciple. Discussing the Dao as equals will suffice. Please, quickly rise."

"If you have any doubts, Wu will speak of everything I know, holding nothing back!"