In order to live immortal, I changed a martial artist world to a xianxia world

Chapter 38: The Chasm Between Immortality and Martial Arts

“You are correct,” Zhang Sanfeng said, his tone heavy with contemplation. “Immortality far surpasses martial arts, standing loftily above it.”

After cultivating the Xuanwu True Scripture, Zhang Sanfeng had come to a profound understanding of the immense power of immortality.

“When one embarks upon the path of immortality, they develop their own fa li (法力, mystical energy).”

“In comparison, the zhen qi (真气, true energy) cultivated through martial arts pales in strength and lacks its miraculous properties. For over a decade, I exhausted my zhen qi in attempts to heal Daiyan’s injuries, but to no avail. Yet, just now, with the aid of fa li, I was able to completely restore him in the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn. The disparity is clear.”

Zhang Sanfeng’s gaze softened as he glanced at Yu Daiyan, pride and relief evident in his expression. The effort he had expended over the years in vain was now validated by the ease of his disciple’s miraculous recovery.

“Disciple Yu Daiyan thanks Master!” Yu Daiyan’s voice trembled with gratitude. He was acutely aware of the sacrifices his master had made for him. More than that, he now fully grasped the enormity of Zhang Sanfeng’s power.

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“Martial cultivation follows the stages of Houtian (Postnatal), Xiantian (Prenatal), Zhixuan (Finger Profound), Tianxiang (Celestial Phenomenon), and Ludishenxian (Earthly Immortal).”

“For thousands of years, even the most talented prodigies have been confined to the pinnacle of the Ludishenxian realm. Whether there exists a realm beyond has always been a mystery.”

“In contrast, the path of immortality is a true road to the heavens. Before transcending mortality and becoming a true immortal, the immortal path is divided into four major realms: Refining Essence into Qi (Lianjing Huaxi), Refining Qi into Spirit (Lianqi Huashen)

“Each of these major realms is further divided into early, middle, late, and peak stages.”

“Refining Essence into Qi marks the first step. Even at its pinnacle, practitioners gain lifespans of up to 200 years.”

“Those in the Refining Qi into Spirit realm can extend their lives to 500 years, while those who reach Refining Spirit to Void may live up to 1,000 years. At the pinnacle of Refining Void to Unity, one may achieve a lifespan of 9,999 years.”

“To surpass 10,000 years and truly achieve immortality, one must endure the tribulations of the heavens and ascend to the immortal plane.”

Zhang Sanfeng’s eyes gleamed with ambition. “It is not merely longevity that the immortal path offers. In terms of sheer power, immortality is incomparable to martial arts.”

“Consider this: The martial realms of Houtian, Xiantian, Zhixuan, and Tianxiang align with the sub-stages of Refining Essence into Qi. Even then, due to the potency of fa li, martial practitioners are nearly incapable of overcoming immortals of the same tier.”

“Even Ludishenxian-level martial artists can only rival the early to mid-stages of Refining Qi into Spirit

Zhang Sanfeng’s expression softened with a trace of joy.@@novelbin@@

“For decades, I believed Ludishenxian was the pinnacle of cultivation—a limit none could surpass. But after stepping into the Refining Qi into Spirit realm, I realized how wrong I was. What once seemed insurmountable now feels like just the beginning.”

“Beyond Refining Qi into Spirit lie the realms of Refining Spirit to Void and Refining Void to Unity. And even the apex of the latter is merely the zenith of mortal cultivation. True strength comes only after enduring the tribulations and stepping into true immortality.”

“Refining Essence into Qi, Refining Qi into Spirit, Refining Spirit to Void, Refining Void to Unity?”

“Only four major realms for immortals?”

“Early stages of immortality already rival Ludishenxian? How absurd!”

“No, late-stage Refining Qi into Spirit outright surpasses Ludishenxian!”

“You’re missing the point. Isn’t the most terrifying aspect of immortality its longevity?”

“Exactly! Just by reaching the peak of Refining Essence into Qi, one gains 200 years of life—comparable to Ludishenxian!”

The plaza buzzed with astonished whispers as the martial artists processed Zhang Sanfeng’s words.

The disparity was staggering. In martial arts, Ludishenxian represented the apex—synonymous with unparalleled power and extended life. Yet, in the framework of immortality, it merely corresponded to the early stages of Refining Qi into Spirit.

To many, it felt as though the martial path they revered had been utterly dwarfed.