Lord of the Truth

Chapter 1045: History of the martial arts

”Using a law without prior knowledge of it?” Robin set aside the fact that martial arts could merge multiple laws, even soul units, and focused on this particular point.

What makes trainees what they are? Itʼs their constant attempts to comprehend heavenly laws day and night, going into life-and-death seclusions hoping to grasp something that helps them build a solid foundation, extend their lifespan a bit, or improve their cultivation. Robin himself had faced the same struggle while trying to explore the Path of Truth.

But this fourth cultivation path for humans doesnʼt just make creating foundations easier—it entirely bypasses studying the laws themselves. If you have offensive and defensive techniques and everything you need in your hand, why would you bother studying the entirety of a law? If you have a device to help with addition and subtraction, why would you study mathematics for years? Robin could clearly see a lazy and futile future for those who rely solely on this method!

”Yes, you can use any law without studying it,” Pythor said, slapping his thigh. ”Martial arts emerged tens of millions of years ago, right after the appearance of the fourth cultivation path, created by another Great Truth Chosen. That Chosen selected specific patterns of laws and translated them into readable talismans. Those who read and understand them can convert the energy in their bodies into forms matching those patterns. However, they wonʼt gain any deeper understanding of that path—itʼs like teaching an illiterate person to write a word, but they still canʼt read it after writing it!”

He continued, ”For instance, thereʼs a martial art called ʼFinger of the Desolate Prisoner.ʼ Itʼs a combination of several secondary laws like ice, wind, and dust. Using it, you can gather clouds with the wind, freeze the rain, and then coat the frozen rain with dust. And Voila! You get an extraordinary spectacle resembling a giant finger descending from the sky. Haha, can you imagine the reaction of ignorant people seeing such a thing? But in reality, the user of that art knows nothing about wind, rain, or dust!”

Robin tapped his chin steadily. He was beginning to form a general idea of the fourth cultivation path and what was referred to as martial arts.

Indeed, the fourth cultivation path alone was highly flawed and had many gaps to be filled before it could be truly useful. However, martial arts made it undeniably tempting.

The ”Joyful Eastern Phoenix” attack Pythor mentioned, classified as a lower-tier art, was remarkably similar to the Manifestation of Divine Edict-an ultimate attack in the arsenal of the emperors of the Flame Continent. It was the same attack that helped the current General Martin secure his position after mastering it. Not to mention, the Barnett Familyʼs Manifestation of Divine Edict didnʼt even incorporate a law from the Wind Path!

”Donʼt think too much about it. The fourth path is still trash even with martial arts~” Pythor waved dismissively. ”There are several issues with martial arts- can you think of one?”

Robin thought for a moment before mumbling, ”...For a start, it definitely consumes a massive amount of energy to activate, and thatʼs a fatal flaw for the fourth cultivation path, which already lacks a proper energy reserve. Maybe every cultivator can use the technique two or three times before becoming completely exhausted.”

”Correct, and also the affinity-” Pythor raised a finger to join the discussion.

”The second issue Iʼve found is affinity. Each cultivator must search for martial arts that they are naturally attuned to. Cultivators who only have an affinity for a single path will be at a disadvantage in this equation. It would simply be better for them to study laws the traditional way!”

”...Yes, and also—” Pythor raised another finger.

”The third problem is that these techniques still rely somewhat on understanding. After all, theyʼre written Runes that are fundamentally based on law patterns, which are not exactly easy to comprehend or imitate. If the cultivatorʼs intelligence is low or the runes are unclear, they wonʼt be able to execute them at all.” Robin continued tapping his chin a few times before realizing something. ”Oh, did you want to say something?”

”...Youʼre taking all the fun out of this, Robin Burton!” Baithor waved, annoyed.

”Haha, alright, alright, Iʼll stop. Thereʼs definitely another issue I donʼt know about. Come on, impress me!” Robin laughed loudly and slapped his thigh.

”...Alright, Iʼll tell you.” Pythor straightened up again. ”The final and most significant problem is that martial arts are exclusively created by Truth Chosens. The powerful techniques were made solely by the great Truth Chosens throughout history- the true legends, those who built their solid pillars with the Law of Truth itself and lived to see the Fifth stage!”

With shining eyes, Pythor continued, ”This is why strong martial arts are incredibly rare and scattered a priceless treasure. Most of the great entities monopolize the powerful ones entirely. As for the weaker martial arts, they are auctioned off. There are several common techniques, but they lack the power to justify pursuing the fourth cultivation path just for them. Followers of the fourth cultivation path are always chasing after more martial arts. They delve into ancient ruins and follow every rumor about any Truth Chosen, hoping to find where they lived and turn the place upside down searching for a martial art- even if the Truth Chosen passed through there a million years ago!”

He then added with a hint of seriousness, ”Let me tell you, anyone can use martial arts. Even we, who built our foundations on laws, can use them. In the end, itʼs just a matter of converting energy into patterns. Anyone can do that; itʼs not exclusive to users of the fourth cultivation path. Thatʼs why martial arts hold great importance in the middle planetary belt.” Leaning forward slightly, he continued, ”Each martial art, even a weak one, can be sold for a high price. The stronger martial arts are valued as much as the entire great sect that controls multiple planets. As for the legendary martial arts created by certain individuals, galactic wars could break out over them, and stellar academies might intervene!”

”...That sounds a bit extreme, donʼt you think?” Robin scratched his head sincerely.