Chapter Eighteen: Observations and Experiences

After issuing a few commands, the group dispersed. The Yang family did not have many people stationed in the northern city, and even in this money house, there were only about a dozen. Including everyone Yang Ze had brought, the total number was less than forty. For now, they could easily accommodate all these people; contrary to what Zhu Rongyao had claimed, there was no shortage of rooms—there was more than enough space.

The courtyard behind the money house, along with several rows of buildings, all belonged to the Yang family. It had been developed into a private residence, serving as their initial base and foothold in the northern city. Such a place could not only house their current numbers, but could easily accommodate more than a hundred people.

Moreover, the facilities here were complete: a hall for handling affairs, warehouses, kitchens, and so on—everything one might need. Yang Ze even noticed a suitable spot which, with minor modifications, could serve as a training ground for practicing martial arts.

It seemed Yang Yuanzhen had not chosen this money house at random. He had clearly planned ahead, considering everything necessary for expanding their business in the northern city. It was, indeed, a fine place.

But what excited Yang Ze most was that there was a study here.

Since coming to this world, his knowledge of it—apart from what was in his mind—had come entirely from what others told him. He had never had the chance to look through the world's books himself. The best way to understand anything is to read, so, filled with anticipation, Yang Ze made his way to the study.

The study was small, with a single large bookshelf against the far wall, upon which several books rested, all thick with dust. In this world, books were tightly controlled; most were held by the government or powerful factions. The few that trickled down to commoners were exceedingly ordinary, and even then, they were scarce.

Even fewer people were literate. Had Yang Ze not been born to a family of some standing, he would have learned little more than the basics as a child. For ordinary folk, reading and writing was a rare skill, and the idea of passing the imperial exams was all but a fantasy.

Lighting the candles in the study, Yang Ze quickly walked over to the bookshelf and scanned its contents.

“Local Customs of Yuyang,” “Yuyang Chronicles,” “Biographies of Notables in Yuyang,” “Strange Tales of Yuyang”—he quickly read through the titles on two shelves.

During his time in the Yang household, only Yang Yuanzhen was permitted into the family study, so this was Yang Ze’s first time seeing these books.

At last, on the top shelf, he spotted a different book: “Records of the Nine Provinces”—the title caught his eye.

Yang Ze’s heart leapt. He took the book down and began to leaf through it.

Most of the books dealt with local matters in Yuyang City, but this one was different. Sure enough, it covered exactly what he wanted to know.

The opening pages discussed basic knowledge of martial artists—not profound, but all new to Yang Ze.

Martial cultivation was divided into three realms: Qi Induction, Acquired, and Innate. Below the Qi Induction realm were the unranked, the lowest rungs of the martial world.

Refining a thread of true qi within oneself marked entry into the Qi Induction realm. By continually strengthening this true qi, one advanced within the realm. When the true qi was strong enough to break open the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, one could step into the Acquired realm.

In the Acquired realm, true qi could flow throughout the body. Once it permeated all the body’s meridians, one attained the Innate realm.

Qi Induction martial artists had little true qi, only enough to make them slightly stronger than ordinary people. Breaking into the Acquired realm brought a significant boost in all aspects; martial artists at this level could use weapons to unleash weapon energy—something those at Qi Induction could not dream of matching.

The Innate realm was an even higher level. It was said that one could project true qi outward to attack—a power so great it could wipe out a group of Qi Induction martial artists with ease.

The book offered only a few pages on martial arts and the strength of martial artists, with no mention of techniques or training methods. Still, these few pages broadened Yang Ze’s horizons. Clearly, martial cultivation in this world was far beyond what he had known before; even now, his own physical abilities far surpassed those of his previous life.

Even so, Yang Ze knew that simply seeing the path ahead was one thing; actually walking it was another. To ascend to a higher realm was a daunting challenge. But with the Black Stone in his possession, he was not worried—he would surely find his opportunity.

Continuing to read, he noticed that the final page of basic martial knowledge was nearly blank, save for a single line from the author:

“It is rumored that there exists a class of graded martial artists in this world; however, my own experience is limited, and I have never met such a person. Thus, I leave this matter uncertain, not knowing if it is true.”

Upon reading this, Yang Ze’s breath quickened. With his knowledge and insight, he was certain that such martial artists existed, even if none here had seen them.

Suppressing his excitement, Yang Ze turned to the section on the Nine Provinces. The rest of the book recorded the author’s knowledge of geography, opening yet another new world to him.

According to the author, their world was the Nine Provinces Continent, which had existed for untold ages—none could say how long. Beyond the continent lay vast, mysterious oceans.

The Nine Provinces were: Yu Province, Qing Province, Xu Province, Yang Province, Jing Province, Liang Province, Yong Province, Ji Province, and Yan Province. Yu Province, located at the continent’s center, was also called the Central Province.

At present, the Nine Provinces were ruled by the Tianwu Dynasty, whose capital was in Yu Province. The current Tianwu Emperor held court there, governing all under heaven.

Yang Ze did not know the size of a single province, but he was aware that each province was divided into prefectures, and within prefectures lay cities.

Their own Yuyang City was but one city in Quanyang Prefecture, itself within Yang Province. The author of this book had never left Quanyang Prefecture; all his writings were based on information he had gathered.

“Yuyang City, Quanyang Prefecture, Yang Province, and the entire Nine Provinces—this is the world I now inhabit! This land is far vaster than anything in my past life. I wonder what kind of person rules over it all. If I have the chance, I must see it for myself in this lifetime!”

Having glimpsed the vastness of this world, Yang Ze’s ambitions were ignited. In his previous life, changing one’s fate had been nearly impossible; now, given this opportunity, he did not intend to let it slip by. To live in such a world without making something of oneself would be a wasted life!

“It seems I must work harder to improve my strength.” Yang Ze returned the “Records of the Nine Provinces” to the shelf and continued searching.

In a short time, he had leafed through all the remaining books, but found nothing else that piqued his interest.

As for martial arts techniques, there was not a trace—not surprising, really. If such things had been available, someone would have taken them long ago; they would not be left here for him to discover.

“Yuyang City is still too small, but I can’t leave just yet. I need to make a name for myself here first. Once I’m stronger, it won’t be too late to leave.”

In the quiet study, Yang Ze pondered his future. Truth be told, he still brooded over the lost qualification for the Wuyang Martial Academy. If only he could join, he would see a whole new world.

The Wuyang Martial Academy was renowned throughout Quanyang Prefecture. Based on what Yang Ze remembered, it was highly likely that the martial artists there were the elusive graded martial artists.

“Even without a spot, I can’t give up. Yuyang City is too small—I can’t stay here forever. When my skills improve, I’ll head to the prefectural city and see for myself.”

Having made up his mind, Yang Ze opened the door and stepped outside. With his sights set on distant horizons, he knew he must first become stronger; otherwise, he would be powerless to protect himself beyond these walls.

After having a servant clear out the best courtyard available, Yang Ze moved in and summoned Old Xie, giving him several instructions.

He explained his vision for developing their northern base: prioritize profit, proceed step by step, avoid haste, and refrain from clashing with local factions right away. He left the rest unsaid; Old Xie’s experience surpassed his in these matters. All that was needed was a general direction.

He also told Old Xie not to disturb him unless something urgent arose, as he intended to stay inside and cultivate. Old Xie was to provide all necessary resources.

Old Xie agreed to all this and then took his leave.

Once Old Xie was gone, Yang Ze took out his copy of the Sea Heart Manual. It was already up to the fourth layer; Yang Yuanzhen had given him the fourth layer specifically to appease him.

After a brief glance through it, Yang Ze put it away.

“The version of the Sea Heart Manual in this booklet is much cruder than the one passed to me by the Black Stone. I can’t use it for cultivation. The Yang family’s manual only has five layers, with nothing on the sixth, which is required to break through to the Acquired realm. No wonder Yang Yuanzhen has been unable to advance—this must be the reason.”

Yang Ze’s lips curled into a cold smile. The missing sixth layer was no obstacle; with the Black Stone, he could deduce it himself. Still, the Sea Heart Manual was an ordinary method; its ceiling was plain to see. Sooner or later, he would need to seek out a new technique.