There is a saying: you can't bend an arm to overpower a thigh.
But there is another saying: better broken than bent.
Qin Xiao stood his ground and refused Poison Not Dead, who, having no other choice, changed his strategy.
He took out a large amount of medicinal pills and resources.
Qin Xiao took a look and had a good idea of their value.
The elixirs could bring him to the Soul Sage Level, and various materials used by Soul Masters could also help him reach the status of a Seventh-Level Soul Master.
He couldn't deny it, he was tempted.
After receiving many benefits from Poison Not Dead, Qin Xiao still chose to follow him to the Aquipeia Forest for training, hoping to master the ability of Battle Skills as quickly as possible.
"Our Body Sect's core Battle Skill is called Unity of Heaven and Man, an extremely profound ability. In this state, you can greatly develop the connection between your body, Martial Soul, and the world."
"It makes your attacks contain the power of the universe.
Just think, how terrifying is that?"
Poison Not Dead said this with pride glowing on his face.
Qin Xiao, however, just curled his lip.
Unity of Heaven and Man was indeed powerful, but the version Poison Not Dead referred to was just the most superficial level.
The true Unity of Heaven and Man would be to become the will of the world, akin to the Plane Will, with thoughts that could transcend the entire Soul Land.
"Kid, do you think it's very difficult?"
At this moment, Poison Not Dead noticed the change in Qin Xiao's facial expressions and thought he was feeling the pressure.
Qin Xiao smiled faintly—what a joke!
Could such trivial knowledge pressure him?
Regardless of what Qin Xiao was thinking, Poison Not Dead continued, "Feeling the pressure is normal. Among the younger generation of our Body Sect, only Long Aotian has grasped this Battle Skill."
Qin Xiao's gaze subconsciously drifted towards Vina.
A hint of discomfort suddenly appeared on Vina's face, "You guessed right, I haven't mastered the ability of Unity of Heaven and Man either. But I'm still trying, and I won't give up."
Her eyes quickly filled with determination.
She too possessed a heart aspired to become a powerful being.
Qin Xiao was a bit touched.
At this moment, Poison Not Dead added, "Regarding Unity of Heaven and Man, I have to say, it isn't a fixed move or soul skill. But once you've mastered Unity of Heaven and Man, you can comprehend your own skills in this state.
And the skills comprehended are highly compatible with oneself, unusually powerful, and will not be inferior to your own soul skills.
You should have all heard the phrase commonly circulated amongst the Soul Masters, haven't you?
'More rings, more bones, skills come in waves; fewer rings, fewer bones, better run away.'
While there are soul tools now that can drastically increase one's strength, having more skills never hurt anyone; each additional skill adds another possibility."
Poison Not Dead said all this to spark Qin Xiao's intense interest.
First, he spoke of the difficulty, in hopes of stirring Qin Xiao's competitive spirit to delve deeply into research.
Then, he mentioned the benefits of mastering Battle Skills, aiming to entice Qin Xiao's interest and desire.
Unfortunately for him, who did Qin Xiao think he was?
Such trivial trickery by Poison Not Dead had already been seen through by him.
He waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, no need for more talk. I am rather reasonable, after all. Since I've accepted your favors, I will certainly strive to comprehend this Battle Skill. Let's begin."
A hint of embarrassment appeared on Poison Not Dead's face, but it quickly vanished.
He said earnestly, "Then let's get started."
With that, taking himself as an example, he began to explain in detail to Qin Xiao and Vina what Unity of Heaven and Man is.
Of course...
His experience could only serve as a reference. Just as with formulas learned in school, what results one gets depends on one's personal application.
Time passed.
From morning until dusk, Poison Not Dead tirelessly explained, and Vina was already dozing off.
Just like during a class.
If you understand what the teacher is saying, you'll find it extremely interesting.
If you don't understand what the teacher is saying, the teacher's words are like a lullaby.
Guaranteed to make you sleepy.
At this moment, Vina was like a failing student.
"Sigh."
Poison Not Dead shook his head with regret.
It seemed that for Vina to master Unity of Heaven and Man, there was still a long way to go.
Then he looked at Qin Xiao.
He saw that this young man's eyes were bright and alert.
But who knew what he was looking at, as he seemed to be mentally elsewhere?
"Ahem."
"I've finished what I had to say, did you understand?"
Poison Not Dead felt it was time to gauge the results of his lecture.
Even if Qin Xiao hadn't understood, or only had a slight comprehension, he could prescribe the appropriate remedy based on the level of understanding and resolve the problem.
"It was alright,"
said Qin Xiao, "Does that mean we're done for the day? What shall we eat tonight?"
Although Qin Xiao's cultivation level meant he wouldn't starve if he missed a meal, that didn't diminish his desire to enjoy good food.
"Eat?"
Poison Not Dead smiled faintly, "Of course, whether you can enjoy a good meal depends on your strength. Wait here for a moment..."
As the words fell, Poison Not Dead had already vanished.
Qin Xiao frowned, "I have a feeling he's up to something..."
Vina said, "Knowing the Sect Master, he is most likely trying to figure out a way to train you..."
...
Soon after.
A deafening roar shattered the peace.
Rumble rumble.
The ground shook.
Qin Xiao saw the trees up ahead falling in large swaths, as if they were being harvested.
Following that, an extremely majestic figure leaped forward to land with a crash that felt like an earthquake, causing Qin Xiao and Vina to stagger, nearly losing their balance.