High Martial Arts: Enlightenment after Practices

The war had entered a stalemate. Large-scale battles became less frequent, while small-scale conflicts and infiltration missions became the norm.

Under these circumstances, a "strategic-level clearing unit" like him was not only useless but had also become a sensitive asset.

This was because the Feathered People would undoubtedly try every means possible to carry out a decapitation strike against him, to prevent him from playing a major role when large-scale warfare resumed in the future.

"Given your importance, the Federation will wait until you’ve at least reached the Quasi-Grandmaster level before allowing you onto the main battlefield," Grandmaster Ren Bai said bluntly.

"This mission to the Tianshui Star Realm is your last chance to stretch your legs, so to speak. After this, you’ll likely be assigned to the rear or sent on highly classified special operations."

Xu Wuyi fell silent.

He understood the military’s reasoning.

During a stalemate, protecting promising young powerhouses was more important than rushing to deploy them.

Only those with Quasi-Grandmaster Level combat power could truly gain a firm foothold on the battlefield, unafraid of enemy decapitation strikes.

But understanding was one thing; the flame of desire for battle still burned within him.

"I understand." Xu Wuyi finally nodded. "I will make the most of this opportunity."

Grandmaster Ren Bai looked at him, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes.

"You still have a long road ahead of you," he said. "The further you go in your Heart Image cultivation, the more you need to settle and consolidate. Use this relatively peaceful time to properly polish your foundation so you can go further in the future."

"Yes." Xu Wuyi bowed solemnly. "Thank you for your guidance, Grandmaster Ren."

Grandmaster Ren Bai waved his hand and closed his eyes again.

The conversation was over.

Xu Wuyi bowed once more, then turned and left.

After taking a few steps, he suddenly heard Grandmaster Ren Bai’s voice from behind him, soft yet clear:

"The Federation has always been one to repay its debts. The Feathered People Civilization has harmed our compatriots and occupied our Star Realm. This score will be settled, sooner or later."

"I hope you will be one of the ones to settle it."

Xu Wuyi’s steps faltered for a moment. He didn’t turn back, merely clenching his fists.

Back at the fortress, Xu Wuyi began to pack his belongings.

The Liaoyuan Long Spear, his combat suit, the Geocentric Flame Iron, the Spiritual Stability Potion... he placed them in his bag one by one.

His movements were slow, filled with a certain sense of ritual.

His life at the outpost for the past month or so, though tense, had also been uniquely fulfilling.

Patrolling, training, fighting, coordinating with his teammates, and listening to Grandmaster Ren Bai’s teachings—this pure Martial Artist’s life had allowed him to rediscover the state of mind he’d had when he first started his martial arts journey.

"Leaving?"

A voice came from the doorway.

Xu Wuyi looked up and saw Tang Xiuqi leaning against the doorframe, holding two cans of Energy Drink. He tossed one over, and Xu Wuyi caught it.

"In three days." Xu Wuyi pulled the tab and took a sip. The cold liquid slid down his throat, leaving a faintly sweet taste.

"Tianshui Star Realm... I’ve heard of that place." Tang Xiuqi walked into the room and sat down in a chair. "It’s all ocean, with a few islands here and there that are just Star Beast lairs. The Feathered People have built seventeen sea fortresses over there, and we’ve built twelve. The fighting is relentless."

He paused. "Your abilities will be in high demand there. With open-sea combat and wide-open spaces, the Feathered People love to use swarm tactics, which is perfect for you to wipe them all out in one go."

Xu Wuyi smiled. "I hope so."

"But be careful." Tang Xiuqi’s expression turned serious. "The Feathered People aren’t fools. They’ll definitely remember your achievements in the Liusha Star Realm. This time in Tianshui, they might set up traps specifically for you."

"I’ll be on my guard," Xu Wuyi nodded.

With that, Tang Xiuqi patted Xu Wuyi’s shoulder and turned to leave.

Over the next two days, Xu Wuyi finished handing over his duties.

He made a point to say goodbye to Su Yueling, Zhao Kun, Li Shuang, and the others one by one.

Fighting side-by-side for over a month had forged a deep bond of camaraderie between them.

On the morning of the third day, Xu Wuyi woke up early.

He tidied his dorm room. His bag was already packed.

The Liaoyuan Long Spear was slung across his back, the Geocentric Flame Iron and potions were in a close-fitting inner pocket, and his personal AI, Anna, was set to standby mode.

He pushed open the door, and the autumn morning breeze rushed to meet him.

The fortress was still quiet, as most of the Martial Artists were still resting. Xu Wuyi didn’t disturb anyone, walking toward the main gate alone.

Outside the gate, a military SUV was already running. The driver was the same silent, middle-aged soldier, who simply nodded in acknowledgment when Xu Wuyi appeared.

Xu Wuyi pulled open the car door and took one last look back at the fortress.

The alloy walls stood tall in the morning light. In the distance, the Rift was still a deep crimson, and the white figure sat cross-legged before it, seemingly unchanged since the dawn of time.

Over a month of his life had come to a close.

He got into the vehicle and shut the door.

"Let’s go."

The engine ROARED as the SUV drove down the mountain road, leaving the outpost further and further behind.

Xu Wuyi leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

In his mind, he began to review all the known intelligence on the Tianshui Star Realm.

Over ninety-five percent of its surface was ocean, with an average depth of over three thousand meters.

The Feathered People Civilization had constructed seventeen large sea fortresses, centered around floating platforms and Energy Shields, supported by a large number of flying units.

The Federation’s twelve bases were converted from deep-sea drilling platforms, specializing in underwater combat and long-range firepower.

The battles between the two sides primarily revolved around control of the sea and resource points. The Feathered People held air superiority, while the Federation controlled the deep sea.

A Martial Artist like Xu Wuyi, who excelled at large-scale area clearing, was perfectly suited for combat in the open sea, where he could maximize the power of Liaoyuan.

’This time, I’m going to fight to my heart’s content.’

He opened his eyes, and deep within his pupils, the faint image of a dark golden flame flickered and vanished.

The vehicle entered the main road, accelerating toward Linjiang City.

The scenery outside the window flew by—mountains, forests, fields, towns... A scene of peace unfolded before his eyes.

But his battlefield lay on that endless sea in the distance.

...

As the military transport ship passed through the Star Realm channel, a kaleidoscope of colorful light flowed past the porthole.

Xu Wuyi sat by a window, watching the distorted, shifting colors and feeling the slight vibration of the ship’s hull.

This was his second time crossing a Star Realm channel in three months, but each experience felt different.

The Profound Abyssal Rift was deep red and scorched earth, whereas the Tianshui Star Realm, according to the records, was an almost infinite blue.

Fifteen minutes later, the vibrations stopped. The streams of light outside the porthole dissipated, replaced by a vast, boundless ocean.

The Tianshui Star Realm.

Even though he was mentally prepared, Xu Wuyi was still stunned by the sight before him.

The transport ship flew at an altitude of several thousand meters, and below was a deep blue sea that stretched to the horizon.

Sunlight filtered through the thin clouds, casting golden scales upon the water’s surface. Occasionally, he could see enormous whirlpools, over a kilometer in diameter, slowly churning.

There was no land.

At least, as far as the eye could see, there was no sign of any islands or continents—only the sea, an endless sea.

"First time here?"

A voice came from nearby.

Xu Wuyi turned his head and saw a middle-aged man in a dark blue military uniform approaching. The insignia on his shoulder—two bars and three stars—indicated the rank of colonel.

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