This story centers on Li Yuan, a boy born in Ziran Village (also known as Earth Village), a remote village nestled deep in the mountains. From birth, Li Yuan was unique, with gray eyes that seemed to hold secrets and a calm far beyond his years. His name, Li Yuan, means “Root of Immortality and Beginning of Understanding.”

Li Yuan’s journey toward understanding began at the age of seven with a prophetic dream that said, “Understanding does not begin with learning… but with feeling.” This dream awakened his ability to sense the flow of water, the fertility of soil, and even the silent awareness of insects. He then learned to read and write from an old wandering scholar who lived in a tattered hut in his village. The scholar taught him that true meaning is not written on paper, but found in the contemplation of the world itself.

After the scholar passed away, Li Yuan discovered a hidden ancient library near his village. There, he absorbed thousands of books and attained his first realization — the essence of water — which allowed him to sense water’s flow without seeing it and to understand its adaptive and tranquil nature. This experience marked the beginning of the formation of his Inner Realm (Zhenjing), a mental and spiritual space where understanding takes root and grows within him.

At the age of ten, the death of his mother, Ye Ling, strengthened Li Yuan’s resolve to become strong — not to fight, but to protect, so that he would not suffer more loss. He began basic martial training with his father, Li Haoming, who taught him about foundation and stillness. Two of his close friends, Mu Yi and Fan Tu, also joined the training. Li Yuan developed a unique breathing technique that guided his spirit and aligned his body — not just for physical needs, but as a bridge between himself and the world.

At fourteen, Li Yuan, Mu Yi, and Fan Tu were selected to join Qinglong Academy in Wuyin City, a prestigious martial academy under the patronage of the Wen Family. At the academy, he met Yu Shan, a representative who saw the extraordinary depth within Li Yuan’s eyes. He also caught the attention of Wen Zhi, the head of Qinglong Academy and a master of martial arts, who understood that true power came from deep understanding of the self and the world, not from brute strength. The academy trained them as a “special unit” to protect the world from hidden threats.

During his time at the academy, Li Yuan continued to pursue understanding rather than raw power. He discovered a book titled “Root of the Soul,” which taught about awareness through emptiness, breath, and stillness. Li Yuan developed various insights, such as:

Emptiness (the ability to move without a trace), which he called “The Art of Vanishing in a Step”, by erasing the ego and not opposing air or the world.

Stillness, not as emptiness, but as a state where understanding can grow undisturbed.

Fear, which he came to see not as an enemy but as a harsh teacher, a mirror of courage, and a doorway to deeper awareness.

He also reached a level where he could sense the Breath of the World, attuning himself to the rhythm of the earth and sky. Eventually, he attained the state of Still Breath, where he transcended physical time, experiencing fifty years in his consciousness while only five days passed in the real world. However, this profound experience also brought a fear of losing himself.

In the end, Li Yuan realized that his cultivation system did not rely on Qi or external energy at all...

Among the many faces that have come and gone these past three years,only one figure has never changed—the one who trained me from the beginning,guided me in silence,and watched me deeper than most teachers ever do.


A trainer who rarely speaks.His gaze—sharp, like a sword yet to be drawn.But his heart… like an old stonethat has endured a hundred seasons of rain—silent, weathered, patient.


Not as a student waiting for a lesson,but as someone who had passed through many understandings… quietly.


Yusang was sitting under a large pine tree.A cup of tea in his hand.The afternoon air was calm.The leaves danced without sound.


He looked up.The eyes that once only measured form and precisionnow looked deeper.


"Li Yuan," he said softly,"You've changed."


I sat across from him."I don't know if I've changed.But I feel… I know myself better now."


He gave a small smile—a rare smile,the kind that only appeared when a student reached somethingthat couldn't be taught.


"Did you come here looking for something?"


"I want to know…Do you know where this path is taking me?"


Yusang set his cup down.He looked toward the sky, now tinged with gold.


"Li Yuan, all this time you haven't been learning technique.You've been learning… direction."


"Many study martial arts to become strong.But strength is just a tool.What matters more… is the direction of that strength."


"I once wondered whether a student like youwould become a sword…or a light."


The path—not a destination,not an end,but something that keeps going.Even if shrouded in fog.Even if its end is never seen.


"Li Yuan," he said again,"It's time for you to walk—not as a student,but as someone the world will one day learn from."


I nodded.And as the sun began to set,Yusang stoodand placed a hand on my shoulder.


"You don't need to say goodbye when you leave.Because those who walk the true path…never really leave any place behind."


That day,I didn't cry.I didn't feel sorrow.


Chapter 70 - 70 meet