After asking this question, Chen Chuan looked up as if sensing something, only to see Xue Shou with both hands in his trouser pockets, leaning against a tree across from him, watching him.
"Hmm. Your mind and body are already perfected; you are indeed on the verge of a breakthrough. If you had the corresponding drugs on hand, you could already seek to break through."
At this point, he felt a mix of wonder and pleasant surprise. "I hadn't expected you to reach this stage so quickly. I thought it would take a bit longer... Well, what did you want to ask?"
Chen Chuan said, "Teacher Xue, from what I understand, there are currently two ways to break through the tier limit. One seeks it from within, primarily by ingesting drugs and achieving the breakthrough smoothly through self-harmonization, which is the more mainstream method. The other relies on stimulation from the external environment, seeking the unification of inner and outer consciousness to achieve a breakthrough.
"I've heard that the former has a higher probability of success and is safer, while the latter is very radical—correspondingly more dangerous with a lower success rate—yet carries corresponding advantages?"
Xue Shou said, "You understand correctly. In the Old State Religion, the former method was called 'Calming the Mind-Mechanism,' while the latter was known as 'Spirit-Self Unity.' Both are methods used to break through that barrier.
"Yet broadly speaking, different paths lead to the same destination.
"You must understand that whichever method is used, the goal is to bring the mutated tissue developed through training into harmonious resonance with the self. The former method essentially uses drugs to stimulate the mutated tissue, activating it. Afterwards, as long as you possess sufficient willpower to mobilize it, you can have it assist and propel you across the limit.
"As for the latter method, put it this way: when your life faces a severe threat, the mutated tissue requires no aid from drugs at all. It will instinctively mobilize all forces, internal and external, to seek a way out and contend with the threat. One is passive, while the other is active. Naturally, the benefits brought by the latter upon breaking through are far greater.
"In fact, during the old era, the latter method was used most of the time. That is why the breakthrough method of 'Spirit-Self Unity' was often used by certain sects in the past as the name of a realm.
"Still, not everyone was willing to do it that way. It was mostly that they had no choice. After all, the old era lacked suitable drugs to stimulate mutated tissue. When it comes down to it, if one could break through that barrier safely, hardly anyone would want to gamble their life."
Chen Chuan nodded. Stimulating mutated tissue with drugs was, in the end, separated by a layer—one was being pushed along. But if the mutated tissue actively strove upward, it would become highly unified with the fighter's own will. Predictably, the returns gained from breaking through this way would also be far greater.
In the methods Mr. Zhuan had given him, the orthodox, peaceful method was described in primary detail. Although the other method had been mentioned, it was not encouraged, nor were members advised to pursue it.
Breaking through was already an arduous endeavor. As long as one crossed over, whatever was lacking could be compensated for later through other means; there was no need to add unnecessary difficulty.
He agreed with that reasoning, but what he sought was a perfect breakthrough, so personally, he preferred the latter method.
Furthermore, in his present environment and circumstances, seeking a safe, stable breakthrough was likely out of the question. Looking at it from the other side, however, wasn't this the best opportunity to use the alternative method?
He said, "I previously heard Teacher say that this operation was not foolproof and that variables might arise. If so, I may break through the limit via the method of Spirit-Self Unity in order to preserve myself."
Teacher Xue voiced his agreement. "Your thinking is sound; preparations must be made. Hmm..." He pondered for a moment. "In that case, I might as well teach you a method. Within the Old State Religion's 'Taibai Contemplation' meditation method, there is a secret technique for limit breaking that might help you even better."
Chen Chuan suddenly felt the spiritual imprint in his hand glow faintly, and immediately received the transmission of some secret techniques into his mind. This was an unexpected delight, and he thanked him sincerely: "Thank you, Teacher Xue."
Teacher Xue smiled. "It's nothing. As I've told you before, the secret arts of the Old State Religion nowadays require many specific drugs, and most of them can no longer be used. For now, this is all I can teach you for direct application.
"However, if you intend to choose to break through to protect yourself when necessary, there are a few more circumstances you must take into account. As your teacher, I might as well lend you another hand.
"This wisp of my spirit was originally meant to serve as a warning and, if necessary, help you ditch the relic and escape. As things stand, I'll teach you a method. First, set up an esoteric ritual. With that, my spiritual power should be able to exert itself more effectively, enough to block certain individuals once or twice at least."
Chen Chuan felt his spirits lift upon hearing this. "If so, Teacher Xue, do I need to choose a suitable location?"
"No need. Just trace it upon your outer coat. However, it requires certain esoteric materials. I recall you brought quite a few?"
Chen Chuan said, "Yes, I have them with me."
Teacher Xue smiled. "Good. Take out the materials now. We'll start right away and finish it as quickly as possible."
Chen Chuan nodded. "I'll fetch them immediately."
While the two were talking, on the side of the former imperial house, news that two elite units had been routed and slain had already been telegraphed swiftly to the rear.
Within the former imperial army facing the Great Shun Defense Department outpost, atop a certain rise, General of State Subjugation Wei Guochan wore a white-plumed helmet and thick black armor covering his entire body, mounted atop a dragon-snout horse nearly as tall as an elephant.
He gazed forward at the fortresses and sentry posts, though behind his visor, his eyes remained fixed on the tallest among them.
Just then, a telegraph operator in the rear received a dispatch, quickly pulled off his headset, hurried up the slope, dropped to his knees, and held the telegram aloft above his head, saying:
"Reporting to the Great General! An urgent dispatch from the rear: the Tengshe, the White Cogongrass, and the elite shock cavalry led by General Wei all failed to seize the relic. Currently, both White Cogongrass squads and the shock cavalry led by General Wei have been confirmed to have suffered an ambush and interception by the enemy, and are already... entirely wiped out."
Having spoken, he lowered his head.
Silence fell over the hillside, broken only by the gusting wind rushing past their ears.
After a long while, just as cold sweat began soaking through the backs of all the surrounding officers and guards, a deep voice issued from beneath the armor: "Prepare the airship."
"...Understood!"
The taut nerves of the crowd finally relaxed as they responded loudly in unison. Only then did it dawn on them: was the Great General... setting out in person?
Meanwhile, atop the largest fortress facing their battle lines, a middle-aged man with thick eyebrows, tiger-like eyes, dense hair and beard, and frost-white temples sat boldly and squarely on a military crate, his thick fingers holding an almost miniature cup of hot beverage as he sipped it unhurriedly.
He wore a half-worn uniform draped with a cloak covering his robust frame, though it appeared similarly aged.
Footsteps sounded, and an officer strode quickly onto the rooftop terrace, snapping a salute: "Reporting to Principal Yao, our observers have spotted the dedicated airship of the former imperial General of State Subjugation taking off."
"Mm, I see it."
Yao Zhiyi watched the massive airship ascending from the camp. He rose from the military crate, his towering frame casting a thick, broad shadow.
"Since Wei Guochan has made his move, this old man ought to stretch his bones as well."
At that moment, another courier rushed over and handed a telegram to the officer. Having read it, the officer was startled and looked up. "Principal, an insider report has come in: the flag of the Gai clan has been raised over the former imperial central command tent."
"The Gai clan?"
Yao Zhiyi looked ahead, showing no surprise at all. "As expected."
He clenched his fingers, knuckles popping with crisp cracks. Turning, he took down a long-handled, thick-backed broadsword from a rack behind him, sweeping away all its ornamental trimmings with a single stroke.
"Prepare an airship. I'm going to catch up with Wei Guochan."
"Principal?"
The officer could not help but be taken aback.
"What, did you not understand my order?"
"Understood, sir!"
The officer saluted, then ventured to ask, "If you are not here, Principal, what about the outpost..."
Yao Zhiyi inspected the broadsword in his hands and said, "What is there to fear? As for that young whelp of the Gai clan, someone will play with him."
He turned and walked along the cableway rigged atop the fortress, heading all the way into his personal airship cabin. Then, furrowing his brow, he looked toward the military band behind him. "What are you doing? Why isn't there any music?"
"Right away, sir!"
The military band scrambled to strike up their music, the fierce, ringing strains soaring straight into the clouds.
Yao Zhiyi's furrowed brows slowly smoothed out. With a snap, he swept back his cloak and thumped the broadsword onto the reinforced floor with a heavy thud. Looking forward, he said, "Let us depart."
Meanwhile, in a fortification to the rear of the outpost, Xue Shou sat leafing through a color-illustrated book, a cup of hot tea at his side, thoroughly absorbed in his reading.
A young major holding a telegram walked over and said cautiously, "Mr. Xue." He then presented the telegram with both hands.
Xue Shou took it and cast a glance over it. "So that means it's my turn to step up as well?"
The young major immediately said, "We have already prepared an airship for you. You can reach the frontline confrontation zone in ten minutes."
Xue Shou gave an assent, set down the book, stood up, and walked outside. Yet behind him in his place remained a figure identical to himself, who picked up the book once more and began leafing through it.
The young major froze, looking at the Xue Shou walking ahead, then at the Xue Shou sitting there, completely unable to tell which was real and which was fake.
At that moment, he saw the seated Xue Shou pick up the unfinished tea and glance over at him. "Is there anything else?"
"N-No... n-nothing more!"
The young major forced himself not to think too deeply about it and hurried after the Xue Shou walking ahead.
After they departed, the seated Xue Shou read a while longer before rising and turning to leave—only this time, he headed toward Center City.
Chapter 761