53. The world (2)

Lalatina listened intently, missing nothing, pondering. Per the Lord's view… Confucian music isn't Martial? Sword isn't Dao or Immortal? His insights, sensible yet profound…

Seeing her so absorbed, Noah, fearing she'd stray into obsession, risking her cultivation, placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Lalatina, don't overthink. Times change, so do rules. Don't dwell."

Lalatina, stirred, met his concerned gaze. She'd nearly lost herself in thoughts. Without his call, her cultivation might've spiraled, half-mad. Indeed, these truths are beyond me.

"Thanks, deep thanks, Lord, for saving me. I nearly lost my Dao to stray thoughts."

Noah, alarmed, blurted.

"Don't take it to heart! Those were just… for fun."

"Come, sit, rest. I'll massage you."

Lalatina, sensing something off, obeyed, sitting as he massaged her shoulders.

"Lalatina, tell me about the Immortal, Confucian, Martial Paths now."

Discomfort from her shoulders. Lord's trying to calm me, but his technique's awful…

"Lord, I mainly practice Confucian Path, less versed in Martial or Immortal Paths, knowing only broadly."

"Confucian Path cultivates by grasping truths of heaven, earth, life, all things, shaping oneself to noble ideals matching those truths. At certain heights, heaven blesses, earth acknowledges. Weakest in battle, but vital for nations. A Great Confucian's teachings can redeem the depraved, spark breakthroughs in others. It branches into four arts: zither, chess, integrity, calligraphy—zither for emotions, chess for intellect, integrity for will, calligraphy for insight. All four must be mastered to enter."

Noah, dazed, What? Confucian Path cultivates like this? Feels so odd…

"And the Immortal Path?"

Lalatina, noting his intrigued yet baffled look, felt uneasy. Is our Confucian Path wrong? Still, she continued.

"Immortal Path seeks unity with nature, harnessing its essence. Its schools include: Cloud-Wind School, led by Azure Cloud Sect, wielding light, agile techniques, controlling winds and clouds. Heavenly Fire Sect forges the body like a furnace, renowned for crafting weapons. Mountain Shaking Sect masters earth magic, unyielding, excelling in seals and confinement. Water Symbol Sect wields fluid, versatile water magic, balanced in offense and defense. Thunder God Sect harnesses thunder, focusing on power and divine soul. Heavenly Star Sect divines fates, omniscient of worldly affairs. Carefree Manor seeks freedom, truth within."

Noah, Cultivators here have such distinct methods.

"Can one practice two schools?"

She shook her head firmly.

"No, history records none. Attempting multiple paths disrupts the body, ruining cultivation."

Massaging her soft shoulders, Noah asked,

"And Martial Path?"

Her voice flowed, engrossed.

"Unlike Immortal or Confucian, Martial Path forges the physical body, merging soul, will into it, endlessly strengthening with heavenly treasures. The result: a supreme body, unified, indivisible. In combat, unmatched."

Noah, Martial sounds strong… Wait.

"If Martial only fuses soul and will into the body, how's it strongest? Any differences at higher ranks?"

Lalatina, slightly flustered, Why such a basic question? Still, she replied.

"Martial strength relies heavily on talent. A martialist at the same rank often bests others, as their strike carries soul, body, will, hitting threefold. If gifted with spiritual roots, absorbing natural essence, they can fuse it into their body. The more fused, the deadlier their strikes. Records tell of one who fused twelve forces, becoming a Martial Emperor, invincible."

Noah, So that's it. Martial Path's terrifying…

"Why don't martialists destroy Immortal sects or subdue them?"

Lalatina shook her head.

"Immancers wield formations of immense power. With few conflicts, no need for battles."