At the same time, on Zhang Yan’s side:

Qin Tao spoke up as the group approached the city gates, "Senior Brother, we've arrived at Wu Yao City."

Zhang Yan nodded absently, "Hmm. Let’s head straight to our camp."

Inside Wu Yao City, the Mystic Sect maintained a camp managed by one of the elders. This camp handled the sect's trade and logistical needs, including exports and imports.

Upon arriving at the camp, Zhang Yan addressed his group, "Go ahead and get some rest. We’ll stay here for a few days and then continue our journey."

With that, he made his way to the camp’s central hall to inform Elder Xu Feng of his arrival.

Elder Xu Feng looked up from his work when Zhang Yan entered. "You've arrived," he said with a slight smile.

"Yes, Elder. I would like to explore the city and take care of a few things. I plan to leave in two days."

Xu Feng nodded, "So you already have a plan. Very well, go on. I will arrange the necessary provisions for your travel."

Zhang Yan bowed slightly in gratitude. "Thank you, Elder. I can rest easy knowing everything will be handled."

Elder Xu Feng chuckled softly, "Isn’t that why us old folks work? So you young ones can fulfill your dreams. Besides, I don’t have much to do anyways."

Zhang Yan smiled. "In that case, I will be looking around the city."

Zhang Yan walked around the bustling streets of Wu Yao City, a place teeming with life. He bought some paper and quills to write books. His plan was simple: to earn a little money by selling the books while also influencing people to live more peacefully. It was a modest goal, but one that could possibly bring some meaning to his new life. What would come of it, though, only time would tell.

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After a long day of travel, Zhang Yan and his group set up camp for the night along the roadside. As they gathered around the campfire, Zhang Yan turned to his disciples.

"Do you all know the different levels of martial arts?" he asked casually.

Yang Mei, the talkative girl, jumped in immediately, eager to answer, "Of course, Senior Brother! There are several stages that martial artists go through."

With a proud smile, Yang Mei began, “In martial arts, there are several cultivation stages. First, the Beginner level, where one learns the basics. Then comes Third Rate, where warriors are competent but still learning. After that is Second Rate, where martial artists can hold their own against seasoned opponents. First Rate is where true power begins, capable of defeating multiple foes. Beyond that, there’s Master, where one gains control over elemental forces. Then comes Grandmaster, a level where martial artists are legends in their own right. The Saint level is rare, reserved for the most revered figures, and only a few sect founders are said to reach the final stage—Legendary—where one becomes almost godlike.”

Zhang Yan nodded in approval. "Well explained, Yang Mei. But do you all know about the different sects and clans in this world?” while thinking ‘finally I know level above master.’

Yang Mei thought for a moment before responding, "Yes, there are only three sects on par with our Mystic Sect: the Azure Flame Sect, Obsidian Blade Sect, and Tidal Crest Sect. As for families, two clans still have Saints: the Vermilion Sky Clan and the Iron Fang Clan."

Zhang Yan couldn't help but think to himself, I guess instead of holing up in the library, I should've just asked the people around me. That way, I would've known all these things much sooner.

Zhang Yan ‘Even a beginner in martial arts here is on par with an Olympic champion from Earth. The average person who is not skilled in martial arts really live a tough life in this world.’

The group around the campfire grew quiet, absorbing the weight of his words. Life in this world was a constant struggle for the unskilled, with only a select few able to live comfortably or achieve any real power.