Deducing Godhood from the Fetal Stage

Chapter 24, Section 5: The Theory

"The so-called Five Paths are literature, martial arts, reason, art, and education... while the Five Followers are righteousness, impartiality, knowledge, application, and bias."

"In the path of martial arts, the martial artist occupies the righteous position."

Following his mother's perspective, Jiang Yun watched as his father pointed to the character "正" (zhèng, meaning upright) and said earnestly, "Following the righteous path is the foundation of the Way. Therefore, following the righteous path naturally increases one's wisdom, which in martial arts translates to 'martial artist'."

After saying that, he wrote a word under the character "正" (zhèng).

【Martial Artist】

"This is also an opportunity that the Empire gives to all those who minor in martial arts. Anyone who is willing to join the army can start by training as a 'martial artist' to solidify their foundation. In the event of a large-scale war, these people will be 'war reserves' that can be converted at any time."

The students' expressions became serious.

Jiang nodded, and then, corresponding to the five characters [正、公、知、用、偏], added four more words for each:

[Soldier, Martial Artist, Mercenary, Knight-Errant]

"Those who follow the public good believe that the world belongs to everyone, and that the virtuous and capable should be selected."

His finger moved to 'soldier', "A public service profession can be pursued alongside other professions as a secondary main one. Martial arts in the public service is 'soldier'."

"This is the martial arts path that receives the most official support and resources, and it is also the only profession that is allowed to learn killing techniques and use military technology weapons, mechs, spirit weapons and other equipment."

He paused, then suddenly smiled. "Of course, I won't teach any of these things."

The audience was stunned for a moment.

"Because I don't know how either," Jiang Rang said, shrugging with a nonchalant expression.

"Tch—" A chorus of boos and laughter filled the classroom, and the atmosphere relaxed once again.

Jiang Rang and the others' laughter subsided slightly, and they continued:

"Those who seek knowledge do so through the study of principles. Martial arts follow knowledge; this is what makes a 'martial artist'."

"Martial artists pursue breakthroughs in their skill level and improvements in their combat power. Martial arts practitioners, on the other hand, pursue the study and innovation of martial arts principles."

His tone carried a hint of admiration, "Whether it's advanced military combat techniques, civilian health-strengthening exercises, or the design of spiritual weapons that embody the true meaning of martial arts... they all come from the hands of martial artists."

"That's why the Imperial Academies still offer martial arts elective courses to this day."

Jiang Rang's gaze swept over every young face in the audience. "Perhaps, a thought that flashes through your mind in class today could give rise to a brand new theory that will change the world of martial arts in the future."

Then, he placed his finger on the word "mercenary".

"Those who learn by doing use their skills to plunder and nourish themselves are the foundation of martial arts in the old days. Martial arts based on application is what makes a mercenary."

"This is a civilian martial arts group under strict official control, responsible for the defense of residential and commercial areas, as well as the exploration and escort of interstellar routes. It is also known as civilian and commercial martial arts. All martial arts skills practiced by mercenaries must be registered and filed."

Finally, his finger stopped on the words "knight-errant".

"Those who follow the extremes..." Jiang Rang paused for a moment, and the classroom fell silent as well. "They are often extreme and difficult to control. In martial arts, those who follow the extremes are called 'chivalrous heroes'."

He turned to face the audience: "Unlike the inventors of science and the servants of morality, who are also followers, the knights-errant use martial arts to break the law, often claiming to be unrestrained and to pursue their own hearts. Their professional characteristics allow them to bypass official supervision, learn the art of killing, and even remain undetected."

"Therefore, the 'knight-errant' is also the profession with the highest proportion of wanted criminals."

Jiang Rang's tone was calm, yet carried a certain heaviness. "In fact, when Daojun designed the 'Five Paths and Five Followers,' he did not initially intend to establish 'Partial Followers.'"

The students in the audience looked surprised.

"But in the end, the five professions that 'followed' became the most indispensable part of this 'five paths and five followers' system—because it respected objective reality."

Jiang Rang said slowly, "Some things don't cease to exist just because you don't acknowledge them."

He put down the chalk, lightly dusted off his hands, and chuckled, "I don't think any of you here are here to practice martial arts to become 'knights-errant,' are you?"

"No—" Laughter erupted from the audience. "It's true you didn't get into military academy!"

"Yeah, I didn't pass the exam either." Jiang Rang smiled, walked back to the center of the podium, and concluded:

"Therefore, my practical lesson today will only teach you from three aspects: correctness, knowledge, and application. It will help you understand martial arts, perhaps so that you can become a martial artist in the future as a war reserve, or perhaps you have a dream of traveling the stars and becoming a mercenary... and most importantly, it will give you some means of self-defense."

"Finally, a reminder: if someone injures another using martial arts, according to Imperial law, without a reasonable explanation, the crime will be punished more severely."

As soon as he finished speaking, he raised his hand and flicked his finger.

A wisp of blue-gold water vapor gathered at the fingertips, then shot out, precisely hitting the control button at the classroom door.

"Buzz—"

The entire classroom trembled slightly. The walls, floor, and ceiling began to flow and recombine. In just three seconds, the lecture hall disappeared, replaced by a modern training ground the size of half a football field.

The silver-gray alloy floor gleamed with a cold light, and pale blue energy shield patterns appeared on the surrounding walls. Above, there was a holographic light and shadow simulating the sky.

"Now, the sparring begins. Come forward in order of roll call."

"First place, Zhang Chuang!"

Jiang Rang stood in the center of the training ground. His simple clothes had been replaced by a smart black martial arts uniform.

As soon as he finished speaking, a tall young man stood up and left his seat, walking towards the center of the arena. Just as he stepped onto the alloy floor of the martial arts arena, his loose casual clothes flowed and tightened like water, instantly transforming into a well-fitting white martial arts uniform.

"Seriously, Lao Jiang?" the boy said, looking reluctant, "You're going to hit your roommate in the very first game? Go easy on him..."

"That's the rule." Jiang Rang waved the attendance list in his hand, smiling without any restraint. "Who told you your student number was first?"

He casually took half a step back, adopting a nonchalant starting stance. "Don't worry, the classroom AI has already synchronized and suppressed my cultivation level to the same level as yours, Blood Refining Stage 3. Attack with all your might."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chuang took a deep breath, his eyes suddenly focusing. He exerted force with his feet, his body shooting out like an arrow released from a bow, his right fist whistling through the air, aiming straight for Jiang Rang's chest and abdomen!

...and then he flew back.

It really flew. From the sudden punch to the fall back to the soft mat three meters away, the whole process took less than a second.

Most students didn't even see Jiang Rang's movements clearly; they only saw a blur before Zhang Chuang lying on the ground, clutching his chest in a daze.

"The attack intent is too obvious; it's unacceptable."

Jiang Rang had already withdrawn his left hand, which had been extended out at some point, and said in a calm and even tone, "Remember, in actual combat, your eyes, shoulders, hips, and even the rhythm of your breathing will betray your intentions."

"And don't look at when I make my move, look at what action I take to indicate that I'm about to take action."

"Next up, Lin Xiaoxiao."