"Of course,"
His tone shifted. "The Imperial Arena has its advantages, too. The pressure of battles that bring you to the brink of life and death is something internal sparring can’t compare to. Under that kind of intense pressure, you’re better able to unlock your potential and perfect your combat techniques. How you balance the two is up to you."
"We understand."
Qin Feng, Dragon Jade, Nissan, and Ning Jing all nodded gravely.
Instructor Chu Qi’s words had revealed a crucial core principle on the cultivation path of a Sixth-level Martial Artist.
"Alright, that’s all I have to say."
Liang You said with a smile, "The path is at your feet. Go and walk it."
With that, the two senior Instructors turned and walked out with an air of effortless grace, having done their part without seeking recognition.
Although they had only been together for a short month, Qin Feng still bowed deeply to their departing figures once more.
"Thank you, seniors."
"Don’t mention it! Haha, keep it up..."
-----------------
After seeing off the two dedicated senior Instructors, Liang You and Chu Qi, only Qin Feng, Dragon Jade, Nissan, and Ning Jing remained in the vast and silent Cultivation Quiet Chamber.
The somewhat restrained atmosphere from having their seniors present now completely relaxed.
The novelty and excitement of just entering the Soaring Realm, along with the battle intent stirred by an exhilarating match, still surged in their chests.
They were comrades-in-arms, competitors, and above all, companions who were about to walk the brand-new path of a Sixth-level Martial Artist side by side.
"Alright, the two seniors have shown us the way."
As the former captain of their small team, Dragon Jade naturally took on the role of organizer.
He didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he paced slowly in the quiet chamber, his relaxed expression turning focused as he began to organize their future training plan.
"Cultivation after the sixth level is completely different from before. I believe we can clearly divide it into three main parts."
He held up three fingers, his voice steady and strong.
"First, Mental Power cultivation. Second, life force index cultivation. And third, the most important, Killing Technique cultivation."
"Among these, Mental Power cultivation is a long, slow grind. It can’t be rushed."
Dragon Jade’s gaze swept over the others. "The seniors just made it very clear. It’s a part of everything we do.
Whether we’re cultivating Killing Techniques, engaging in high-intensity combat, or doing deep Meditation, any activity that tires our minds or puts us under pressure is a way of tempering our Mental Power.
Afterward, we can recover through sufficient sleep or expensive recovery Potions, allowing us to achieve slow but steady improvement."
"Therefore, this part can be considered a ’passive cultivation’ that we must do every day. We don’t need to set aside specific, fixed time to plan for it."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Cultivating Mental Power was more like a habit that needed to be ingrained into their very bones than a course to be conquered.
"As for the second part, cultivating our life force index."
Dragon Jade’s expression turned a bit more serious. "This requires us to dedicate large, uninterrupted blocks of time. We need to use our newly grasped Mental Power to shake and temper the Top-grade Primordial Acupoints within our bodies. This will stimulate their potential, allowing them to further nourish our physical forms.
This process consumes a huge amount of Mental Power and is quite tedious. If we can use corresponding recovery Potions, the efficiency will increase much faster. But regardless, it demands our focus and time."
"And then there’s the third part: Killing Technique cultivation."
Dragon Jade’s tone grew heavier, and his gaze sharpened. "I believe that at this stage, this is the key to widening the power gap between us, and it will also determine our future combat strength!"
"After reaching the sixth level, take two Martial Artists who have both reached the ’first great limit’ of 18,000 life force index points. If one has only cultivated a Fourth-level Killing Technique to the entry level, while the other has pushed it to Perfection, the difference in their strength is like heaven and earth!"
"The cultivation of Killing Techniques can be divided into two main battlegrounds: the Imperial Arena and real-world combat."
"The seniors already pointed out the pros and cons of the Imperial Arena. It’s a good place to hone our combat instincts and accumulate life-or-death experience. Everyone can go and fight there at their own pace, whenever they want. But,"
his tone shifted again, "as for real-world combat, I suggest we do it every single day! Right here on the platforms in the Fearless Zone. We should not only practice against each other but also spar with as many members of other Warbands as possible. The more types of weapons we face, the better. The more varied the fights, the better!"
Dragon Jade’s plan was methodical and logical. It perfectly combined the senior instructors’ guidance with their own situation, quickly laying out a clear path to becoming stronger for the four of them.
"I agree!"
Ning Jing stated his approval concisely, his cold, stern face filled with battle intent.
"Well said!"
Nissan slapped his thigh and said excitedly, "I’ve heard that every one of those Demons who shine in the Starry Sky Cup and become famous throughout the Empire built their strength through hundreds of millions of real combat encounters! They’ve personally dismantled and fought against practically every common Fourth-level, Fifth-level, and even Level 6 Killing Technique in the Empire! No matter what move you use, they’ll instantly have seven or eight counters in their head. Those guys are all Martial Arts Grandmasters. It’s terrifying!"
"That’s right."
Dragon Jade nodded. "Against that kind of opponent, any fancy techniques are meaningless. The only way to win is to completely surpass them in all aspects of Hard Power."