Before long, many old men with mediocre talent and martial arts skills, and who were also quite old, woke up all at once.
A specific example is the many elderly nomadic warriors from the grasslands whose martial arts had only just reached the Innate Realm. In the original work, these people were basically just passersby, without even a name.
Most of them looked regretful, as if they had gained some insight and wanted to continue to comprehend it. Unfortunately, for people like them, the opportunity only comes once.
After a while, those who awoke this time were a group of young innate masters and some older grandmasters. They were either still young and had great potential, or they were highly skilled and experienced.
Specific examples include many generals of the Tian Ce Mansion such as Changsun Wuji, Cheng Yaojin, and Yuchi Jingde, as well as older generation masters with limited potential like Li Shentong and Ouyang Xiyi.
In the original work, these people are just so-so; they're either stepping stones for the protagonist or extras, mentioned only occasionally, and rarely described in a positive light.
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Chapter 87: Li Shimin, the True Dragon Emperor? You'll be screwed over!
Soon, about fifteen minutes later, many of the young elites woke up.
This includes Hou Xibai, the amorous young master of the Flower School, Dugu Feng, the little phoenix of the Dugu Clan, and even later, the Twin Dragons, Shi Feixuan, and Wanwan, all of whom awakened one after another. Although some awakened earlier and some later, they all awakened during this period.
Now, of the hundreds of people in the entire restaurant, only a few remain unconscious. Therefore, these few who are still asleep are attracting considerable attention.
"Hehe, it seems Wanwan isn't some real emperor after all. She woke up so quickly. What a pity." Wanwan said, rubbing her face with a hint of disappointment.
Upon hearing this, Kou Zhong couldn't help but shrink back. This Sister Wan is indeed extraordinary. As a woman, she actually dreams of becoming an empress. She's really, really amazing.
Meanwhile, Shi Feixuan, who had just woken up, secretly observed her surroundings, her beautiful eyes constantly scanning the several young heroes who were still asleep. In particular, she was impressed by Li Shimin, who had been secretly chosen by Cihang Jingzhai as the true dragon emperor.
Looking around, only a few people remained unconscious. They were Li Shimin, the second son of the Li clan; Li Tianfan, son of Li Mi; Song Shidao, son of Song Que; Dou Jiande's son, Dou… (I don't know his son's name, and I'm too lazy to Google it); and Wang Shichong's son, Wang…
Seeing this, Lin Yang couldn't help but nod. That's more like it.
Perhaps, in terms of talent and comprehension, among these people, Wanwan, Shi Feixuan, Shuanglong, Dugu Feng, and others are the most powerful.
Moreover, these geniuses not only have excellent comprehension and aptitude, but also great strength. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and break through on the spot is beyond question.
However, if we simply compare luck, these second-generation figures are still far more powerful. Even though the Twin Dragons are the main characters, and even though Shi Feixuan is the current leader of Cihang Jingzhai, they are still far inferior to the lords who bear the hopes of the people.
After all, how can the fortune of a sect or a protagonist compare to that of the millions of people in a province, or even several provinces?
Therefore, although this forged martial art is essentially a martial art based on Qi, it's not entirely wrong to call it an imperial martial art in a certain sense. After all, it has the greatest power in the hands of the emperor.
Another full quarter of an hour passed before these second-generation princes gradually awoke. Judging from their expressions, they must have gained a great deal.
"Alright, everyone's awake now. Why don't you try out what you've learned? It's right outside in the courtyard. I can also give you some pointers and see if there are any problems," Lin Yang said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded. Even the first batch of innate masters who had awakened had actually gained some understanding. It was just a matter of how much.
"I'll go first," Li Gang of the Li clan said excitedly.
(Li Gang in history was a notorious assassin of the crown prince. He became Yang Yong's tutor, resulting in Yang Yong's deposition and eventual death. Later, he became the tutor of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng, whose fate was, well, let's just say it didn't work out. Then, he became the tutor of Crown Prince Li Chengqian, whose fate was, well, let's just say it didn't work out either... Also, in the Tang Dynasty, this man was a martial artist.)
As one of the first batch of awakened elders, Li Gang was probably among the lowest in cultivation level present. However, he had still gained some insights.
"I just contemplated this diagram and comprehended the fourth profound principle: the cycle of the Heavenly Dao. In my view, in Confucianism, this cycle of the Heavenly Dao is..."
Immediately following was a long explanation, and then, in front of everyone, he used this trick.
"The cycle of Heaven!"
Li Gang used both hands simultaneously to slowly draw a circle. As he drew the circle, a large amount of the essence of heaven and earth was directly attracted to it. At the same time, it also exuded many profound principles.
Meanwhile, Li Gang himself entered a deep state of enlightenment. His aura was constantly rising, and the surrounding spiritual energy was being drawn towards him. His white hair began to turn gray.
Seeing this, even Lin Yang couldn't help but nod. This old master was truly remarkable; the power of his move was already very close to that of a grandmaster. It seemed that it wouldn't be long before he became a genuine grandmaster.
"Thank you, Master Tianxuan. Now, I have understood my path to becoming a Grandmaster, and given time, I will surely break through. From now on, whatever you ask of me, as long as it does not violate my principles, I will do it willingly, even if it costs me my life," Li Gang said happily.
A grandmaster, this is a grandmaster! Although a grandmaster isn't as valuable as they used to be, they're still a grandmaster.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yang nodded and smiled at Li Gang. Then he continued, "Alright, now let's have the second group of people who have woken up demonstrate their results."
Upon hearing this, many people were eager to try, and soon a burly and strong man leaped up.
"Haha, I am Liu Heita, a subordinate of King Xia. Just now, I also gained some insight. However, what I grasped was not a palm technique, but a sword technique." As he spoke, he took out a treasured sword.
"Knife technique? This is acceptable? Li Gang's attempt to forcefully explain this technique using Confucianism was already quite extraordinary, but now he's actually turned palm technique into knife technique. This is truly, truly outrageous," Li Tianfan said disdainfully.
In his view, these were all heretical and unorthodox methods. Compared to his own insights, what did they amount to?
"Hehe, who told you that the Innate Qiankun Skill must be a palm technique? Its essence is the Emperor's martial arts. As for whether it is a palm technique or a sword technique, it is just an appearance. Why bother?" Kou Zhong immediately retorted.
Even in this world where he had powerful backers, Kou Zhong had clashed fiercely with Wagangzhai several times. Therefore, upon hearing Li Tianfan's harsh words, he immediately shared his opinion.
Upon hearing this, Wanwan, Shi Feixuan, and the others all nodded in agreement. Ever-changing is the essence of martial arts. Those who rigidly adhere to dogma and remain unchanged will not survive long in the world of the Tang Dynasty.
"The third wonder, Heavenly Fire Spreads Across the Plains."
It must be said, this strike was quite impressive. At first glance, it gave off a similar feel to the Great Sun Tathagata's Flaming Blade. The greatsword was raised high, a flame appeared, followed by a grandmaster-level pressure.
"Liu Heita, the warlord who later betrayed Li Ji, is now Dou Jiande's subordinate. Hmm, he has innate strength, yet he can unleash attacks at the Grandmaster level. I estimate that when he fully comprehends this move, that will be the time he advances to the Grandmaster level," Lin Yang thought to himself.
Next up was the martial arts fanatic, Dugu Feng. At this moment, she was dressed in simple, traditional Hu clothing, which accentuated her figure.
It has to be said, she's quite something. Then, Lin Yang subconsciously glanced at Cai Yan, and what he found was a pair of huge eye rolls.
Haha, getting caught peeping red-handed, Lin Yang's luck is pretty bad. But it's okay, Lin Yang has a thick skin.
When something like this happens, you must not back down. Even if it leaves you with a reputation for being shameless, it's better than backing down now.