Chapter 40 – The Four Directions Forest Stirs, Revealing True Forms: Opportunity

What was meant to be a victory banquet ended inconclusively amid widespread despondency!

This night was destined to be restless.

Those who managed to sleep merely sought to maintain peak condition for the challenges ahead, while those lying awake were all burdened with unresolved thoughts.

One might say this was Ye Kuang’s first true taste of the jianghu’s rule: whoever possesses the strongest fists holds the power of speech!

His own fists clenched tightly, then fell slack in helpless resignation—this sense of powerlessness left him with unspoken words.

He brimmed with fervor yet had nowhere to channel it.

He possessed an indomitable spirit, yet had to bow before greater strength.

One can imagine the weight upon his heart.

A sleepless night—pray, what does such torment feel like?

Only now did he truly comprehend how arduous this rugged path to supremacy would be.

But must his journey halt here?

The answer was self-evident!

Suddenly, Ye Kuang recalled the mantras of the Eighteen Palms, and to his surprise, comprehension flowed with unnatural ease.

“Shadow Like Thunder, Dragon’s Roar soaring between heaven and earth, living up to its name, a hundred transformations of power gestating between palms questioning the vast unknown; the dragon traverses all directions, once Sudden Arrival brings storm and rain, it marks the beginning of wind and clouds shifting.”

No matter how he racked his brains pondering the essence of these palm techniques, he never anticipated enlightenment would come so smoothly.

Unexpectedly, he broke through to the Seventh Palm, grasping the concept of “Sudden Arrival”—how one could still ride the winds and break through waves amid raging storms.

In that dazed blink, an insatiable yearning awakened within him.

Ye Kuang couldn’t help but recognize the profound depth of the Eighteen Palms. It wasn’t about penetrating its mysteries through sheer analysis, but about immersing oneself through shifts in mental state to observe its wonders.

Though both approaches led to the same destination, their internal variations were limitless. Uniquely, each palm technique flowed with a distinct state of mind.

This adversity, though tormenting his choices, had become the medium for his ascension!

In this moment, Ye Kuang deeply realized a truth: when facing desperation, if one refuses to be consumed by darkness, the heart retains its light. By maintaining hope for the future and steadfastness in the present, one can ultimately disperse the clouds to see the sun.

The predicament before him now resembled a horde of snarling demons and monsters, wantonly flaunting their arrogance.

He had no choice, no retreat. The millennia-old worldview of martial arts must not crumble here.

Though he didn’t know what storms his predecessors had endured, their lifelong devotion to preserving this martial spirit for posterity remained undeniable.

And though he hadn’t yet fully embodied this treasure, he undeniably possessed a heart purely devoted to martial arts.

If Ye Kuang were to rebuild this martial arts worldview and inherit its true meaning, he must take up that heavy mantle!

Being human isn’t about fearing the future due to one’s insignificance—it’s about using one’s strength to uphold righteousness eternally.

Tonight, though he had felt frustration and disappointment, it became the catalyst for his true awakening!

The martial path he sought was clearly not merely about physical strengthening. Perhaps the deeper essence of martial arts lay precisely in this realization.

As this transformation began, he noticed peculiar sensations emanating from his Dantian. The power surging through his limbs and bones demanded expression.This allowed Ye Kuang to seize that moment of insight, suddenly entering a state of profound enlightenment.

Life is short; one should fear no future and waste not a single moment—this is the fundamental discipline a martial artist must possess.

Once Ye Kuang’s mindset aligned with this principle, his mental state became increasingly unfathomable.

Like a colossal giant standing immovable as a mountain, awaiting the moment to open its eyes, or even akin to a dragon poised to soar through the nine heavens!

Amidst the long, silent night, deep within the rainforest, he immersed himself in self-forgetful cultivation.

Notably, the century’s worth of cultivated energy, now revitalized, surged like boiling steam, erupting from the crown of his head and purging all impurities in a dramatic release.

His body and mind grew lighter, as if all worries had dissipated into nothingness.

Next, his will—firmer than gold, unshakable and indestructible—revealed its formidable strength.

Then, his spirit, now transformed beyond recognition, no longer bound by thunderous strikes, cleansed every speck of dust from his being.

Until his consciousness returned to emptiness, resembling an ancient pine standing serene, unassuming yet radiating an unwavering, proud aura!

When his will, spirit, and consciousness merged into one, Ye Kuang finally grasped the wondrous ascent in his Martial Studies.

A tranquil mind brings clarity to the eyes, and when heart and vision connect, the awakening of perceptive ears follows in an instant.

At this moment, Ye Kuang’s great wisdom mind acted like a colossal hand parting the clouds, smoothing out the tangled knots of confusion within him.

What was once unclear now became self-evident in the depths of the night.

As he unraveled this thread of understanding, his great wisdom eyes blazed like torches in the darkness, illuminating the surroundings—only to reveal an extraordinary sight.

Before him stretched an endless veil of mist, obscuring the path and making it impossible to discern reality from illusion!

Meanwhile, an elusive summons reached his perceptive ears, echoing like the timeless roars of countless predecessors, enduring through the ages…

Defying fate, they forged ahead courageously through the mist, their journey composing an unceasing battle hymn that had resonated for millennia.

Unyielding and relentless, each transformed into dragons or phoenixes, striving to promote the spirit of Martial Arts and uphold national pride, until they eventually merged into the river of history.

As Ye Kuang delved deeper into his enlightenment, time lost its meaning, and only when drowsiness overtook him did he slip into unconsciousness…

When the dawn’s light arrived the next day, reviving all things and stirring the world back to life, it awakened countless slumbering souls.

Naturally, Ye Kuang was no exception. Recalling the events of the previous night, a faint smile touched his lips.

Today marked the third day of rest and the day of the finals.

After tending to all trivial matters, he strode forward with purpose.

The lightness in his steps left him refreshed and invigorated. Though different from his first Marrow Cleansing, it was no less transformative.

For he had found his reason to pursue Martial Arts and a direction to strive toward. Even if the path seemed long, nothing could deter him from seeking the truth.

Grand Martial Hall.

The focus here was not only the dazzling spotlights but also the myriad of gazes, each harboring different thoughts.The seated crowd had long grown impatient, but the moment they saw the top hundred contestants entering one by one, their restless hearts finally settled.

On the four elevated platforms,

Hundreds of martial arts school masters took their seats, their thoughts equally inscrutable. No longer whispering among themselves, they fixed their sharp gazes upon the sixty prodigies below.

It could be said that as the competition neared its conclusion, this had become the most critical moment of the entire event.

If they wished to secure more resources and attract new talent, they would have to rely on the efforts of their respective disciples.

What appeared to be a contest among the younger generation had, in reality, become a covert struggle between the various martial arts schools.

When everything hinged on sheer strength alone, the victors would reign supreme while the defeated would be left with nothing.

Witnessing this scene, Tie Feng couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

To be honest, Tie Feng had never wanted the situation to develop this way, but with the arrow already notched, there was no turning back.

“Today marks the beginning of the finals. Many of you have likely been anticipating this moment. Following tradition, I had intended to intervene as little as possible. However, at the request of an elderly gentleman, I must share some thought-provoking words,” Tie Feng said solemnly.

Pausing to glance around, he continued, “Time marches on relentlessly, and new talents emerge endlessly, making this martial world increasingly complex. In such an environment, the purity that once existed has long been lost in the endless struggles. With the foundations crumbling, the original spirit of martial arts has been cast aside. Those who can uphold this original intention and mission, regardless of victory or defeat, are truly commendable!”

After finishing these words, Tie Feng let out another deep breath. “This is not merely a combat competition but also an exchange of martial arts. Show us with the original intention you held when you first began training—what is martial arts? What is the spirit of martial arts?”

His words resonated profoundly with the audience.

Whoosh!

Instantly, both spectators and participants erupted in excitement.

Even the sixty disciples, burdened with the expectations of their respective schools, felt a surge of emotion.

Observing this fervent scene, Tie Feng was unsure how to feel.

As an organizer, he had succeeded.

But as an advocate for martial arts, he had failed.

With this thought, Tie Feng turned his gaze to the sixty contestants below, his eyes filled with ideals and expectations…

“To ensure fairness, anyone who believes they have the capability may step onto the arena. You may challenge others freely, and no one may refuse a challenge. Those who can hold their ground on the arena for one hour will directly advance to the top ten. The rules remain unchanged—strike only to subdue, not to harm,” Tie Feng announced.

Upon hearing this, Ye Kuang stepped forward expressionlessly.

The rules, though seemingly straightforward, tested one’s courage, strength, and martial spirit in the most direct way.

As he saw it: scholars befriended one another through literature, while martial artists communicated through techniques, bridging the external and internal. Since everyone viewed each other as opponents, why not face challenges openly and boldly?

Unexpectedly, Li Xiao moved in perfect sync, stepping forward as well!

Witnessing this, the crowd widened their eyes in astonishment, but soon their expressions turned to gleeful anticipation.

After all, whether facing the unknown Dark Horse or the Jeet Kune Do Successor Li Xiao, none felt entirely confident.At this moment, Ye Kuang and Li Xiao stood on the same stage. For them, this was like two tigers fighting—one was bound to get hurt!

And for others, this presented an opportunity to profit from their conflict!