Return of the Immortal Emperor Daddy

Chapter 30 Martial Path World

When they found Liang Qingren’s grandmother, Lady Liang, she was dressed in training attire, practicing the Iron Line Fist. Liang Qingren didn’t dare to interrupt, simply watching from the side with Wu Tian.

In Wu Tian’s estimation, Lady Liang must have been cultivating the Iron Line Fist for at least forty years. As far as he knew, the Iron Line Fist was a representative technique of the Hong Fist style. It focused on exercising the limbs and promoting blood circulation to strengthen the body and turn weakness into strength.

Practicing this Fist Technique required finding stillness within motion and motion within stillness; releasing without fully letting go and holding back without truly restraining; being swift without becoming chaotic and slow without growing slack. It was a style anyone could learn, regardless of age or gender. With persistent practice, it could ward off illness and prolong life.

In Wu Tian’s opinion, Lady Liang could punch through a wall with a single blow, no problem.

Gradually, Lady Liang completed her form. When she looked over at Liang Qingren, she naturally noticed Wu Tian standing beside her. She exclaimed with delight, "This must be..."

"Yes, Grandmother," Liang Qingren replied.

Hearing this, Lady Liang’s joy grew even greater. She walked briskly over to Wu Tian.

As for Liang Qingren, she was completely ignored, making her quite jealous.

What’s wrong with Grandmother? Am I, her own granddaughter, less important than an outsider?

"Young man, may I ask if you have studied the Iron Line Fist?"

"No," Wu Tian shook his head. The cultivation techniques he practiced were from the Immortal Emperor Realm. During his time in the mortal world, he was always scrambling to make a living and had no time to practice any kind of martial arts.

"Then what style have you practiced? Wing Chun? Jeet Kune Do, or something else?" Lady Liang asked. In her view, Wu Tian was clearly an expert, so he must practice a renowned Fist Technique.

Liang Qingren also looked at Wu Tian curiously, wanting to know what he practiced.

The little one in Wu Tian’s arms began to shout, "Pegasus Meteor Fist, Big Dipper God Fist, Seven Injury Fist..."

"I haven’t practiced any of those," Wu Tian shook his head.

"Oh, what a shame," Lady Liang said, her disappointment evident.

Seeing her reaction, Wu Tian had already guessed what was on her mind. "However, I do know the flaws in your Iron Line Fist."

"Really?" Lady Liang’s eyes lit up with a spark of hope, though she remained skeptical.

"How could our family’s Iron Line Fist have flaws?" Liang Qingren said in disbelief. "It’s different from the versions practiced outside. Ours is the genuine article, a secret that is never taught to outsiders."

"Is that so?" Wu Tian smiled. Holding the little one in his left arm, he extended his right arm toward Lady Liang.

Understanding his intent, Lady Liang slipped the heavy iron rings onto his wrist.

Wu Tian smiled. "Use Yin and Yang together, and let your Qi permeate your strength."

Then, he threw a punch. It started slow, but midway through its trajectory, the speed suddenly exploded. With a single punch, the iron rings blasted forth, smashing into a large tree in the courtyard and piercing clean through it. At the same time, the rings seemed to come alive, flying back to re-fasten themselves around Wu Tian’s wrist.

"This..."

Lady Liang’s expression had changed the moment Wu Tian began his punch. By the time he had completed the demonstration, both she and Liang Qingren were staring in utter disbelief.

"Is... is this still our family’s Iron Line Fist?" Liang Qingren murmured.

Lady Liang was stunned silent for a long time. The truth was, the complete Secret Scroll for the Liang family’s Iron Line Fist had been stolen long ago, during the war between the Dragon Country and the Eastern Sun Country. The version passed down to the present day was incomplete, pieced together from their ancestors’ memories.

But Wu Tian hadn’t just completed it; he had enhanced its power to a level far beyond the original, complete Iron Line Fist.

"I wonder, is it possible..." Lady Liang looked at Wu Tian, uncertain how to ask.

"Yes," Wu Tian replied immediately. "I’ll write it down and give it to Qingren to bring back."

"Excellent!" Lady Liang was overjoyed. The flawed and incomplete Iron Line Fist Secret Scroll had been a source of regret for generations of the Liang family. She let out a breath and looked at Wu Tian. "How can my Liang family ever repay this kindness...?"

"Have her marry him to repay the debt!" the little one in Wu Tian’s arms piped up, unable to stay quiet.

Lady Liang looked at the little one, whose adorable face was as smooth as a fresh egg and as tempting as a ripe apple. She took an instant liking to him and teased, "But I’m already old. What should we do about that, little baby?"

The little one’s big eyes shifted to Liang Qingren. "Her! She’s still young. She can play with me and warm my bed. Hmm, and if Papa behaves, she can warm his bed, too."

"Nonsense!" Liang Qingren huffed, turning her head away and ignoring the child.

If this keeps up, he’ll completely defeat me. I can’t win an argument with him, so can’t I at least avoid one?

Lady Liang, however, began to ponder the suggestion seriously. This little one’s idea... it’s not bad at all.

Seeing her expression, Wu Tian quickly interjected, "There’s no need, really. I already have a fierce wife at home. Besides, Liang Kun was a hero. You don’t need to repay me for anything."

"Young man, you are a grandmaster. How could you be afraid of a fierce wife?" Lady Liang chuckled, shaking her head. "For a man of your stature, having three wives and four concubines would be perfectly normal."

Wu Tian waved his hand dismissively. "Let’s forget about three wives and four concubines. However, I do have a question for you, Lady Liang."

Lady Liang nodded. "Ask whatever you wish. If I know the answer, I will tell you."

"I want to know about the realms of the Martial Path."

"Ah?"

Expecting a much more difficult question, Lady Liang was taken aback. A man like Wu Tian is a rarity in this world. His family background must be extraordinary, perhaps from a great martial arts family or a major sect. When it comes to the realms of the Martial Path, shouldn’t he know more than I do? Why is he asking me?

But since he had asked, she couldn’t very well refuse to answer. And so, Lady Liang began to explain.

Wu Tian finally began to understand how martial arts worked in the modern world. The city’s Martial Path traced its origins back to the historical era of the Hundred Schools of Thought, and for millennia since, countless masters had emerged. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for two or three new Innate masters to appear within a single decade. But gradually, following the fall of the Ming Dynasty, the great martial arts sects suddenly vanished. Consequently, Innate masters became as rare as endangered animals; in the present day, it was incredibly difficult to find even one in the entire city.

According to Lady Liang, the realms of the Martial Path were divided into External Strength, Inner Strength, and the Transformative Realm. The vast majority of martial artists in the city were only at the External Strength level, relying on their physical power. Masters of Inner Strength were far fewer, as the Secret Scrolls needed to cultivate it were only possessed by a few famous martial halls and old families. The Iron Line Fist martial hall was one such example.

Above Inner Strength was the Transformative Realm, whose practitioners were also known as Innate masters.

Just as Lady Liang reached this point in her explanation, Wu Tian’s cell phone suddenly rang.