Kapitel 169: Chapter 22 The Tang Kingdom's Martial Arts Legacy: A Nation of Warriors
"Send me all the information you have—I want a full account of Tang Guo's explorations over the last ten years," Xia Chuan demanded, his tone resolute. His fascination with the miniature world gleamed like fire in his eyes.
"Yes, Master."
The Book of Wisdom shimmered and spoke. A torrent of information surged into Xia Chuan's sea of consciousness, every detail of Tang Guo's decade of progress unraveling in his mind like an intricate tapestry.
Miniature World — Tang Kingdom Territory, Cape City
Cape City, a magnificent coastal hub with a population exceeding one hundred million, thrived with vigor. Its natural harbor bustled with countless vessels ferrying goods, each transaction breathing life into the city's ever-growing prosperity.
Suddenly, under the cover of night, a sleek ship docked silently at the bustling harbor. The travelers aboard hailed from the Land of Ten Thousand Beasts, their mission veiled in secrecy—to probe the Tang Kingdom's strength.
Jiang Santong, the sharp-eyed head of intelligence for the Land of Ten Thousand Beasts, led the covert operation. His gaze swept across the city, taking in the sight of its robust and spirited residents.
"Lord Jiang," one of his subordinates murmured, scanning the bustling streets, "this Tang Kingdom is far from ordinary. Look at these people—vigorous, confident, their qi and blood are extraordinary. This isn't merely an empire; it's a force that crushed centuries of chaos and united the continent."
Jiang nodded, his expression grave. The sight unsettled even him. The locals, from merchants to laborers, displayed an innate strength that was startling. The sheer energy radiating from them was unlike anything seen in other nations.
"Master Jiang," another subordinate stammered, "even the children! Seven or eight years old, and they've already reached the Bronze Realm. Vendors and craftsmen—Silver Realm. As for the soldiers and officials… Gold Realm, without exception."
Jiang's brow furrowed deeply. How could this be? Even in the Land of Ten Thousand Beasts, a nation with immense resources, Bronze Realm warriors were a privileged class, their cultivation supported by the state. Yet here, they seemed… commonplace.
"This is beyond unusual," another subordinate whispered, awe-struck. "For a city on the kingdom's edge to host dozens of transcendent warriors… It's absurd. In our homeland, transcendent warriors are national treasures, each one capable of holding entire armies at bay."
Jiang's voice broke the growing unease among his men. "Do not panic," he said with deliberate calm. "We are merely merchants from afar, harmless to this kingdom. As for why this city brims with transcendent warriors, perhaps it's a strategic necessity, given its importance."
The men nodded hesitantly, reassured by his words. But Jiang's sharp mind churned. Even with strategic importance, this display of power suggests the Tang Kingdom's strength surpasses what any outsider can fathom.
One of the subordinates spoke, his tone laden with unease. "But how could they sustain this? Martial cultivation for all… the resources required…"
Jiang remained silent, his sharp eyes surveying the city. He noticed a large group of children spilling from a grand building, their laughter filling the streets. Parents greeted them with warm smiles, the scene oddly tranquil amidst their mission.
"Master Jiang, look there," one of his men whispered. "What is that place? Why are so many children coming out?"
Approaching an elderly local, Jiang's face adopted a friendly smile. "Greetings, elder. We are travelers unfamiliar with your city. May I ask, what is that grand building from which the children emerged?"
The old man chuckled, his pride evident. "Ah, you must be outsiders! That is Cape College, one of our city's many academies. Every child in the Tang Kingdom must attend to study both liberal arts and martial arts."
"Martial arts… mandatory for every child?" Jiang's voice betrayed a hint of disbelief.
"Indeed," the elder said with a toothless grin. "It is the law. All children must be educated in martial cultivation. Those who refuse are dealt with swiftly until they comply. In our Tang Kingdom, no one is left behind."
Jiang and his men exchanged incredulous glances. Mandatory martial arts education for all? Starting from childhood?
The implications were staggering. A nation where every citizen, from merchant to farmer, practiced martial arts—a populace both literate and strong. It wasn't just the elite who cultivated; it was everyone.
Jiang Santong suppressed a shiver as he thought, This is no ordinary empire. The Tang Kingdom's power is no accident—it's systemic, unyielding, and absolute. If their strength continues to grow unchecked, even the mightiest nations may fall beneath their shadow.
Turning back to his men, Jiang's expression hardened. "Gather more information. We must uncover the truth behind this nation's strength and its martial dominance. Only then can we understand what truly drives this Tang Kingdom to such heights."
"But with so many children attending school, doesn't that require hefty tuition fees? Can ordinary families even afford such costs?" one of Jiang Santong's subordinates asked, his brows furrowed in disbelief.
After all, the path of martial arts was notoriously expensive.
In the Land of Ten Thousand Beasts, martial arts academies existed, but only the elite—the wealthy and the noble—could afford to enroll. For commoners, the dream of formal training remained an unreachable luxury.
The old man chuckled, as though amused by their naivety. "Ah, you're not from around here, are you? Most of the tuition is covered by the state. Families only shoulder a token amount, a sum so modest that even the poorest among us can manage it. It's no burden at all."
"State-funded?" The question hung in the air, heavy with shock.
"Yes," the old man confirmed with a knowing nod. "But such subsidies last only for nine years. Beyond that, if someone wishes to pursue advanced studies, they must either prove their worth and secure admission to a higher martial arts academy or pay significant tuition fees."
He went on to explain that the Tang Kingdom's martial arts academies were divided into three tiers: lower, middle, and higher. Most citizens completed their education at the middle tier. Those who couldn't continue their cultivation would graduate and join the workforce, contributing to society instead of seeking further advancement.
"For the state to shoulder such an immense cost... by the heavens, how wealthy is the Tang Kingdom?" another subordinate blurted, his voice tinged with awe.
The realization dawned upon them like the rising sun: such a system was unimaginable in their own homeland. Even the great Land of Ten Thousand Beasts, with its vast resources, could never afford to educate its entire population in martial arts for nine years.
The enormity of the Tang Kingdom's wealth and ambition left them speechless. What kind of empire could sustain such a colossal expense, shaping not only warriors but also a unified, educated society?
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein