Two days later...

Perched upon Skyview Mountain, Ming Xuan reclined tranquilly on a wooden seat fashioned from forest timber, engrossed in perusing the martial technique acquired from the system.

However, Ming Xuan found himself becoming increasingly frustrated. The martial technique purchased from the system store was disappointingly subpar.

It was inundated with excessive self-praise and inconsequential content. Had he not already attained the Mahayana Realm, he might have been misled into perceiving it as an exceptional technique.

The majority of the manual was theoretical, lacking substantial body refinement techniques. In the realm of Qi Condensation, body cultivators might exhibit more power compared to regular cultivators. But upon advancing to higher stages, body cultivation becomes futile without an exceptional body refinement technique.

Only through mastering such a technique could physical cultivation prove valuable. Through diligent cultivation of the supreme method, adept physical cultivators could potentially pulverize entire planets with ease.

As Ming Xuan perused the counterfeit martial technique, he utilized his divine sense to observe Long Aotian, who sat in meditation, engrossed in comprehending the Greater Dao-Karma while facing the boundless sky.

Ming Xuan's heart raced with anticipation. His sole recourse now seemed to be to stea-ahem-borrow his disciple's martial techniques.

"Hey, you silly fool! Just ask me for guidance already. How else am I supposed to learn your techniques and comprehend your Dao?"

Despite asking Long Aotian for guidance continuously for two days, his obstinate disciple adamantly refused any help.

Had Ming Xuan not possessed great patience and self-restraint, he might have expelled Long Aotian from the mountain already.

Yet he found himself constrained. He couldn't force the matter. What could he possibly say to his disciple? Dear disciple, you were being fooled the entire time. His revered Master was hoodwinking him into thinking he was a hidden master. Now, he wants to further fool him and steal his Dao comprehension. That will be peak idiocy! He could only sit and wait for Long Aotian to come to him and ask for his guidance.

Not far from Ming Xuan...

Long Aotian gazed at the sky with a trance-like focus, a pale white rune shimmering on his forehead. His resolve to comprehend the Greater Dao-Karma today was unwavering. Failing to do so would undoubtedly disappoint his Master—a prospect he couldn't bear.

The thought of his Master's disappointment was something he couldn't fathom enduring. If that day ever arrived, life would lose all meaning for him.

Continuously observing the interwoven chains and runes, Long Aotian's primary concentration remained fixed on the faint red threads interconnecting all beings around him. These delicate red strands represented threads of karma. If he could glean insight from those threads, he would successfully grasp the essence of the Karma Dao.

Long Aotian entered a tranquil meditation.

An hour later, Long Aotian paused, seeking a moment of repose.

"Master is still present?"

Observing Ming Xuan engrossed in a book, Long Aotian couldn't help but smirk.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Is Master still testing me? What a pity!" Long Aotian, however, saw through his Master's intentions. Over the past two days, Ming Xuan has persistently followed him, attempting to offer guidance. This was a deviation from the usual approach where his Master provided guidance and allowed him to comprehend it independently.

The peculiar behavior intrigued Long Aotian, leading him to suspect a deeper purpose behind his Master's actions. He believed that Ming Xuan was conducting a test—a test of his willpower—by offering guidance as a temptation.

Was the guidance of a concealed expert truly valuable? Undoubtedly! It was apparent that his Master aimed to test the strength of his willpower against the allure of such guidance.

Knowing his Master's intentions, how could Long Aotian succumb to this temptation? He intended to demonstrate to his Master that his Dao heart remained resolute.

Not far away, Ming Xuan rose from his wooden seat and inquired, "Ao'er, let me pose the question once more. Do you truly not desire my guidance? You must recognize that a single line of my guidance could spare you years of arduous cultivation."

Ah, the clear enticement—his Master was indeed tempting him to seek guidance. But Long Aotian was determined to display his competence.

"Master, I am sincerely grateful for your benevolence, but I believe constant reliance on your guidance would hinder my proper growth. You have imparted to me that cultivation hinges on one's mental and spiritual state. Only when these are in harmony can a cultivator aspire to achieve immortality," Long Aotian declared firmly.

Ming Xuan took a deep breath, struggling to contain his frustration. Why did his disciple insist on remaining obstinate? "Stay composed, Ming Xuan," he reminded himself. "You're a peerless expert. You can't afford to display a disconcerting sight before your disciple; it'll tarnish your image in his eyes."

With deliberate steps, he turned, adopting an indifferent tone. "I'll be heading to the nearby city for some fresh air. Cultivate diligently."

Without further ado, Ming Xuan ascended and disappeared from Long Aotian's view.

Approaching his Master's seat, Long Aotian picked up a thick book embellished with ancient text.

The title inscribed upon it read, "Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique." Long Aotian was taken aback. The name itself suggests its supreme stature.

Could it be anything less than extraordinary if named the "Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique"?

Should I delve into it or not? Would it hinder my understanding of the Dao of Karma? Forget it; I'll attempt to comprehend it. If I can't grasp it swiftly, I'll cease my pursuit.

He was definitely not comprehending this manual because he thought it sounded wild, domineering, and cool.

With deliberate movements, he began to peruse the initial page, and gradually, small text emerged before him.

"Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique"

"I am Sage Xuantian, whose existence predates the cosmic dawn, having traversed a span of 100 million cosmic transformations before merging with the very fabric of existence.

This ancient manual embodies my revelations, discovered through a serendipitous communion with primordial energies.

While the world fixates on spiritual ascension, it neglects the potency of forging the physical form in tandem with cosmic forces. They envision moving mountains as the summit of physical prowess.

However, authentic physical cultivators can harness cosmic energies, manipulate gravitational forces, transcend planetary boundaries, and shatter realms with a single strike.

In my perspective, the apex of physical cultivation lies in emulating the Ancient Asura Body—blending divine essence within the mortal frame. To possess the vigor of deities while inhabiting mortal flesh defines the Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique.

Before delving into this method, one must brace themselves for unparalleled tribulations, enduring excruciating trials, and unrelenting conditioning. This technique is not for the faint-hearted; only those fortified with unyielding resolve, unshakable commitment, and profound insight can master it!

Are you prepared?"

This was the description of the manual: "Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique."

Long Aotian's breath quickened after reading all of it. It was definitely an extraordinary technique at the level of Dao. He did not flip the second page but pondered if he was ready to cultivate the "Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique."

It was stated in the manual that before delving into this method, one must brace themselves for unparalleled tribulations and excruciating trials. This technique can only be practiced by people with unyielding resolve and unshakable commitment.

He could not be hasty with his future path. After 5 minutes passed, he made up his mind.

"I am ready."

Long Aotian was determined to tread this path. Thinking of this, he turned to the second page of the manual.

"Official Introduction of the Ancient Asura Physique Refinement Method:

Splendid. Your transition to the second page signifies formidable willpower, yet the extent of your determination and wisdom will be self-revealed.

Following this, you'll encounter an intricate Asura Ethos Diagram—a synthesis of the Asura Refinement Schema conceived from my communion with the cosmos. Engage with it attentively."

Long Aotian could not help but be astonished. He then looked at the Asura Ethos Diagram at the side of the introduction. This technique was already impressive from the start. If not for his determination and formidable willpower, he would be frustrated at the complexity of the Asura Ethos Diagram.

The third page was Celestial Attunement Asura Blueprint.

Inscrutable yet profound, the Celestial Asura Attunement Blueprint held an air of solemnity that captivated Long Aotian's attention.

His scrutiny continued, delving deeper into its cryptic design.

"This is the Celestial Attunement Asura Diagram—a foundational practice within the Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique. Embracing the cosmic forces and melding seamlessly with heaven and earth is the essence of this technique. Once mastered, it grants the ability to condense the powers of the celestial and terrestrial realms. Forge heaven into your hammer, earth into your forge, and sculpt your physique into that of the Asura."

"Failure to grasp its essence indicates an incongruity with this technique. Insufficient comprehension signals a lack of wisdom. Concurrently, one must ardently cultivate day and night. The naturally gifted may experience sudden enlightenment, while the less astute might never have such an epiphany in their lifetime."