Each rank is, for an ancient martial artist, potentially the limit and the end of their lifelong journey. The difficulty of each promotion and breakthrough doubles. If we were to quantify this with numbers: a normal person requires an effort of ten to reach Body Tempering, at least twenty to go from Body Tempering to Soul Casting, and at least forty to go from Soul Casting to Asura... and so on.
Advancing through ranks is even more arduous and fraught with danger. Many who attempt to cross from the Lower Four Gates to the Middle Four Gates end up suffering from qi deviation, paralysis, or even death. But for me, these difficulties and risks are not an issue at all. My advantage lies in having stepped outside this system; I can obtain these massive power upgrades by "cheating."
Although Soul Casting might not count for much in the eyes of those masters, among ordinary people, it is absolutely a cut above the rest. My body has been strengthened, my rank has been boosted, and I even have an extra Immovable Wisdom King Skill trial pass. But as for this ancient martial arts introductory invitation... who would be best to give it to?
Chapter 70