130: System notification for Chapter 130: "Exploring the Taiji Secret Realm, points doubled"

Section 1: The Legacy System's Secret Realm Invitation

Just as Chen Wu's team finalized their itinerary to Taiji Villa, Lin Mo's tactical tablet suddenly popped up with a "Legacy Points System Emergency Prompt." In the pale gold virtual interface, the words "Taiji Secret Realm Exploration Mission" were particularly striking, and the task description below scrolled open: "Detected that the host is about to go to Taiji Villa, triggering the hidden mission — Taiji Secret Realm Exploration. The Secret Realm is a place where successive generations of Taiji Villa descendants Cultivate, containing the 'Taiji Qi Energy Origin' and the 'traditional martial arts Fusion Treasure.' During the exploration, all Legacy points earned will be doubled. Successfully bringing out a treasure will grant an additional 10 million 'Secret Realm Exclusive Points,' which can be used to exchange for the 'Taiji Xingji Fusion Module.'"

"Taiji Secret Realm?" Chen Wu's fingertips lightly touched the interface, and the Qi Energy Pill in his Dantian resonated with the System. Pale gold Qi Energy flowed along his arm into the tablet, and the interface instantly popped up a 3D model of the Secret Realm — an underground palace hidden in the back mountain of Taiji Villa. The interior was filled with "Taiji Qi Energy Arrays," with the core areas marked as the "Origin Pool" and "Pavilion of Supreme Treasures," and red markers for "Qi Energy Traps" scattered around. Lin Mo's fingers flew across the keyboard, quickly retrieving historical data on Taiji Villa: "Ancient records state that the Taiji Secret Realm opens once every 50 years. The last opening was in 1975, when three Taiji descendants entered, and only one successfully brought out the 'Taiji Soft Energy Mind-Cultivation Technique.' The other two were trapped after triggering Qi Energy Traps and were only rescued three days later!"

The bullet chat of the global livestream instantly boiled over as viewers shifted from "anticipating the exchange meeting" to "excited exploration": "A Secret Realm! And treasures! Teacher Chen, go for it!" "Double points! You can exchange for a Fusion module, and Xingji Fist can be upgraded again!" "You must stay safe, don't get trapped like those previous descendants!" The ID of "Watcher of Huangtu Slope," Old Zhao, popped up with a highlighted comment: "I've seen similar underground structures while digging tunnels at construction sites. Watch out for falling rocks from the top and mechanisms on the ground!" Real-time analysis from the Technical Department popped up on the screen: "The Secret Realm's Qi Energy Array centers on 'Pure Soft Energy.' Chen Wu's Xingji Fist must incorporate more than 30% Taiji Soft Energy to safely pass through the traps; otherwise, it will trigger 'Qi Energy Rebound,' causing damage to the body."

Grandpa Wang's dry tobacco pipe made a dull thud next to the tablet. The old man pulled out the "Secret Realm Chapter" from the "tombskeeper team records," and between the yellowed pages was a 1975 hand-drawn map — exactly a simple route map of the Taiji Secret Realm, with "Safe Passages" and "Trap Disarming Methods" marked in cinnabar. "Your great-grandfather assisted Taiji Villa in exploring the Secret Realm back then," he said, pointing the pipe at the "Origin Pool" mark on the map. "The Qi Energy in this pool can nourish the Qi Energy of any school. Back then, your great-grandfather Cultivated in there for a day, and the purity of his Yijin Energy increased by 10%!" A bronze plaque engraved with "Secret Realm Guide" suddenly flew out of the camphor wood chest. Pale gold Qi Energy spread along the bronze piece, resonating with the Secret Realm model on the tablet, and the safe passages on the map instantly lit up, in more detail than recorded in the ancient books.

The Flower Girl's inheritance grass bloomed next to the tablet, its eight-colored petals unfolding toward the Secret Realm model. Dewdrops rolled on the leaf surface, reflecting the Qi Energy flow inside the Secret Realm — the core frequency of the Taiji Qi Energy Array was perfectly consistent with Yang Zhenting's Innate Soft Energy. When the petals of the inheritance grass touched the model projection, they suddenly glowed pale green, and "Qi Energy Compatibility" data appeared in the dewdrops: "Chen Wu's Xingji Fist currently has a Taiji Soft Energy ratio of 15%. It needs to be increased to over 30%, which can be assisted by 'inheritance grass + Taiji Earth Vein' Cultivation, expected to complete adaptation within 5 days." The young girl dripped "Resonance Dew" onto the petals, and a seven-colored light spread along the tablet. The System interface popped up an "Adaptation Mission": "Cultivate in the Taiji Earth Vein for 2 hours daily, combined with the 'Soft Energy Guidance' of the inheritance grass. You can reach the Secret Realm entry standard in 5 days."

Section 2: Urgent Cultivation of Soft Energy Fusion

To reach the Secret Realm entry standard, Chen Wu's team arrived at Taiji Villa five days early. The "Taiji Earth Vein Area" in the villa's back mountain was shrouded in mist, and pale green Earth Vein Qi Energy flowed along the Taiji diagrams on the ground, with a purity 10% higher than that of the Martial Arts Advancement Base. Even the air carried a warm scent of Soft Energy. Yang Zhenting personally served as the "Soft Energy Coach," his figure in a blue robe stretching within the Qi Energy. His Taiji Pushing Hands Moves were like flowing water and moving clouds, with every action drawing in the Earth Vein Qi Energy to form small rotating vortexes.

"The key to practicing Taiji Soft Energy is 'Relaxation' and 'Smoothness'," Yang Zhenting said as he lightly pressed his palm against Chen Wu's back, injecting a stream of pure Innate Soft Energy. "Try to let the Hard Energy of Xingji Fist flow along with my Soft Energy. Don't resist; just like water meeting a rock, naturally flow around it." Chen Wu followed the guidance, his Dantian Qi Energy slowly circulating. The Hard Energy of Xingji Fist condensed in his palm, but it was no longer as rigid as before; instead, it carried a bit of gentleness, flowing along the trajectory of Yang Zhenting's Soft Energy. During the first attempt, there was still a conflict between the Hard and Soft Energy, causing the Qi Energy in his body to become slightly disordered, and fine sweat broke out on Chen Wu's forehead.

"Don't rush, use the inheritance grass to help!" The Flower Girl placed the inheritance grass on Chen Wu's Dantian. The eight-colored petals lightly adhered to his skin, and dewdrops rolled on the leaves, converting the Soft Energy of the Taiji Earth Vein into an "Easy-to-Absorb Form." Chen Wu took a deep breath, feeling the warm Qi Energy coming from the inheritance grass. The Qi Energy Pill in his Dantian gradually slowed its rotation, the conflict between Hard and Soft Energy slowly vanished, and the two types of Qi Energy began to intertwine like a Taiji diagram. Lin Mo's tablet showed that the Taiji Soft Energy ratio in Xingji Fist had increased from 15% to 18%. Though the progress was slow, it was 20% faster than expected.

Grandpa Wang's tobacco pipe tapped out a rhythm beside the Earth Vein Area. The old man pointed the pipe at Chen Wu's arm: "When your great-grandfather practiced Taiji Soft Energy, he used the 'Water Training Method'." He pointed to the nearby "Taiji Pool." "Practice Pushing Hands in the pool; let the resistance of the water help you feel the Soft Energy. Today you have the inheritance grass and the Earth Vein, your conditions are much better than back then!" Chen Wu stepped into the Taiji Pool, the warm water reaching his knees. Yang Zhenting reached out his hand from the opposite side of the pool, and Taiji Soft Energy traveled through the water. Chen Wu's Xingji Fist unfolded in the water, and the Hard and Soft Energy fused faster under the buffer of the water flow. Half an hour later, the tablet showed the Soft Energy ratio had increased to 22%, and the rotation of the Qi Energy Pill became steadier.

The global livestream cameras recorded every detail of the Cultivation, and viewers spontaneously organized "Remote Qi Energy Support": Amir in Egypt led Martial Artists by the pyramids in Taiji Pushing Hands, transmitting Soft Energy through the livestream signal; Nurse Emily in London organized patients to practice "Taiji Breathing Method" to accumulate "Soft Energy Resonance Value" for Chen Wu; and Marcos in Brazil practiced "Taiji Steps" on a high-altitude Qi Energy corridor, using air currents to simulate the Earth Vein environment. Real-time data from the Technical Department showed that 10 million Martial Artists worldwide were Cultivating in sync, providing Chen Wu with a "Soft Energy Resonance Value" that boosted his Cultivation speed by 30%. By the fourth day, the Taiji Soft Energy ratio in his Xingji Fist had reached 28%, only 2% away from the entry standard.

"Final step, use the Qi Energy from the Origin Pool for the sprint!" Yang Zhenting took Chen Wu to the "Origin Pool" near the Secret Realm entrance. The pool water glowed with a pale green light, and Earth Vein Qi Energy surged continuously from the bottom. Chen Wu sat cross-legged by the pool with the inheritance grass on his knees, his Dantian Qi Energy circulating in sync with the pool's Qi Energy. When the last shred of Soft Energy fused into his Xingji Fist, the tablet suddenly popped up an "Adaptation Successful" prompt: "Xingji Fist Taiji Soft Energy ratio is 32%, reaching the Taiji Secret Realm entry standard. Safe passage through the Elementary Qi Energy Array is possible!" In the global livestream bullet chat, messages like "Great!" and "Finally going to the Secret Realm!" flooded the screen. Yang Zhenting also showed a gratified smile: "Mr. Chen, now you can not only explore the Secret Realm but also Cultivate inside it, allowing Xingji Fist and Taiji Soft Energy to fuse even more thoroughly!"

Section 3: Team Preparation for Secret Realm Exploration

The day before the Secret Realm opened, Chen Wu's team and the Taiji Villa guard team held a "Secret Realm Exploration Preparation Meeting." Yang Zhenting projected the latest map of the Secret Realm in the center, marking updated trap locations and safe routes: "The Secret Realm is divided into three layers. The first layer is the 'Taiji Qi Energy Array,' which requires walking according to 'Yin-Yang Steps' to avoid traps. The second layer is the 'Origin Pool,' where one can Cultivate to enhance Qi Energy; there is a 'Soft Energy Supply Station' by the pool to replenish consumption. The third layer is the 'Pavilion of Supreme Treasures,' which houses the goal of this exploration — the 'Taiji Xingji Fusion Jade.' Only someone who has mastered both Taiji Soft Energy and Xingji Fist can activate the Fusion module within the jade."

Lu Feng's security team immediately formulated a "Safety Contingency Plan": "I will take two team members to accompany Mr. Chen into the Secret Realm, carrying 'Qi Energy First-Aid Kits' and 'Trap Deciphering Devices' to handle sudden dangers. Li Meng will lead the rest of the team to set up defenses at the Secret Realm entrance, forming a 'Double Defense Line' with the Taiji guards to prevent overseas counterfeit organizations from taking the opportunity to launch a sneak attack. Additionally, we've installed 'Qi Energy Signal Transmitters' inside the Secret Realm to send location information every 15 minutes. If no signal is received for over 20 minutes, the rescue procedure will be initiated immediately!" He also distributed the "Secret Realm Emergency Manual" to everyone, which detailed responses to "Qi Energy Rebound" and "Trap Triggers," such as using Taiji Soft Energy to neutralize rebounding Qi Energy and using Energy-Severing Dew to freeze trap mechanisms.

Su Qing was responsible for "Synchronizing Points and Public Welfare": "During the Secret Realm exploration, the global livestream will be divided into two channels: 'Secret Realm Adventure' and 'Public Welfare Livestream'," she said, pulling up the broadcasting plan. "The Secret Realm channel will broadcast the exploration process in real-time, while I will host the Public Welfare channel to introduce the latest progress of the Traditional Martial Arts Universal Benefit Plan. At the same time, we'll open 'Secret Realm Charity Donations' — for every 10,000 Legacy points earned, we will donate 1,000 yuan for the purchase of Earth Vein equipment for rural teaching points. During the double points period, donations will also be doubled!" She also signed a "Secret Realm Revenue Sharing Agreement" with Taiji Villa, stipulating that non-exclusive treasures explored would be used for global traditional martial arts teaching; for instance, replica versions of the "Taiji Soft Energy Mind-Cultivation Technique" would be distributed for free to 1,000 teaching points.

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Lin Mo's tablet was upgraded to the "Secret Realm Navigation System." He integrated the Secret Realm map from the tombskeeper team records with the latest data from Taiji Villa, marking the "Optimal Route" on the virtual interface: "From the entrance to the Origin Pool, take the 'Yin Fish Channel' on the east side; it has the fewest traps. From the Origin Pool to the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures, you must pass through the 'Yang Fish Stairs.' Every step has a Qi Energy detection, and you can only pass if your Soft Energy ratio meets the standard. Additionally, I've set up 'Trap Warnings' in the System; it will automatically alert you when you are 10 meters away from a trap, with an accuracy rate of 98%!"

He also prepared an "Offline Data Package" to prevent navigation failure due to weak signals inside the Secret Realm.

The Flower Girl's inheritance grass was placed in a "Secret Realm Special Flowerpot." Its eight-colored petals glowed with a pale green light, perfectly synchronized with the Qi Energy of the Taiji Earth Veins.

The young girl mixed "Vitality Dew" with "Resonance Dew" to create a "Secret Realm Survival Agent," which she poured into 10 miniature bottles and distributed to the team members entering the Secret Realm: "Elder Zhou said that although the Qi Energy in the Secret Realm is gentle, it easily causes 'Soft Energy dependency.'"

She tapped the flowerpot with her fingertip. "This survival agent can maintain the independence of your Qi Energy. It won't repel the Taiji Soft Energy, nor will it cause the Hard Energy of the Xingji Fist to degenerate. It can even repair Qi Energy damage in critical moments!"

Secret Realm Opening: The First Trial of the Qi Energy Array

On the day the Taiji Secret Realm opened, the back mountain of Taiji Villa was crowded with representatives from 100 traditional martial arts schools worldwide.

The "Taiji Stone Gate" at the entrance of the Secret Realm glowed with a pale green light. Engraved on the lintel were eight characters: "Only with the balance of Hard and Soft can one enter." The surrounding earth vein Qi Energy flowed along the patterns of the stone gate, forming a rotating Yin and Yang diagram.

Yang Zhenting held the "Secret Realm Key" (the mutton-fat jade tablet engraved with the Yin and Yang diagram) and inserted it into the groove of the stone gate—with a soft "click," the stone gate slowly opened to both sides, and a wave of gentle Soft Energy surged from within, carrying the faint scent of ancient books.

"Mr. Chen, Captain Lu, I wish you success!" Yang Zhenting's voice was filled with anticipation. He handed the Incomplete Manual of the *Taiji Fusion Secret Record* to Chen Wu. "This Incomplete Manual can resonate with the Qi Energy of the Secret Realm; it might help you find the fusion jade!"

Chen Wu took the Incomplete Manual and stepped into the Secret Realm with Lu Feng and two security team members. The stone gate behind them slowly closed, and the screen of the globally broadcasted "Secret Realm Channel" switched to real-time footage from inside the Secret Realm—both sides of the pale green passage were lined with "Taiji Qi Energy Lamps." The lights flickered in rhythm with the flow of Qi Energy, and the Yin and Yang totems on the ground guided the way.

"Follow the navigation route and take the Yin Fish Channel!" Lin Mo's voice came through the communicator, and the virtual arrow on the tablet pointed to the left passage.

Chen Wu led the way inside. The Qi Energy of his Xingji Fist unfolded around him, and his 32% Taiji Soft Energy merged perfectly with the Qi Energy of the passage. The surrounding Qi Energy Lamps instantly became brighter, as if welcoming their arrival.

Suddenly, the ground in front of them collapsed, revealing a two-meter-deep trap. Lu Feng's trap-breaking device immediately sounded an alarm: "Detected 'Soft Energy Triggered Trap.' You must inject 50% Taiji Soft Energy to close it!"

Chen Wu immediately stepped forward, condensed a high percentage of Taiji Soft Energy in his palm, and gently pressed it onto the Yin and Yang totem at the edge of the trap—the pale green Qi Energy spread along the totem, and the sunken ground slowly rose, returning to a level surface.

"That was close!" One of the security team members wiped his sweat. "If we hadn't met the Soft Energy ratio requirement, this trap wouldn't have closed at all. We would have had to take a detour, which would have wasted a lot of time!"

In the global live stream's comments, the audience broke into a sweat at this thrilling scene: "It's a good thing Teacher Chen cultivated Soft Energy in advance!" "Captain Lu's breaking device also did a great job!"

Continuing forward for 50 meters, 10 "Qi Energy Pillars" suddenly popped out from both sides of the passage. Pale green Soft Energy sprayed from the pillars, forming a dense Qi Energy net that blocked their path.

Lin Mo's tablet displayed: "This is the 'Taiji Silk-Reeling Energy Net.' You must use the alternating Hard and Soft Energy of the Xingji Fist to attack. Use Hard Energy to break the net and Soft Energy to dissipate the force to pass!"

Chen Wu took a deep breath. The Hard Energy of his Xingji Fist condensed in his palm, and he blasted it toward the weak point of the Qi Energy net—with a "bang," a gap appeared in the net. He immediately injected Soft Energy and passed through along the trajectory of the Qi Energy at the gap. The alternating coordination of Hard and Soft Energy was smooth and natural, without triggering any alarms.

"Legacy points +1000, doubled to +2000!" The System prompt suddenly popped up on the tablet, and the point total on the interface jumped from 17 million to 17.002 million.

"The points really doubled!" Lin Mo's voice was filled with excitement. "The basic points earned from breaking the Qi Energy net just now were 1000, and now it's 2000. If we find the Supreme Treasure, the 10 million basic points could become 20 million. It's so worth it!"

In the global live stream's comments, the audience began to calculate: "Exchanging for a Fusion Module requires 10 million; after doubling, it only costs 5 million to exchange, and there will be plenty of points left!" "Public welfare donations can also be doubled! The rural teaching centers are in for a treat!"

Grandpa Wang's voice came through the communicator, filled with gratification: "Your great-grandfather used 10 minutes to break this Qi Energy net back in the day, but you only used 2 minutes. You've improved so quickly!"

The "Secret Realm Guide" bronze tablet in the camphor wood box glowed in Chen Wu's pocket. Following the guidance of the Qi Energy, the passage ahead suddenly widened, and pale green light shone from the end—Lin Mo's tablet displayed: "The Origin Pool is 50 meters ahead. Exploration of the first level of the Secret Realm is complete. You have earned 5000 basic points, doubled to 10000!"

Surprises of the Origin Pool and Expectations for the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures

When Chen Wu's team stepped into the Origin Pool area, the sight before them left them stunned—a circular pool with a diameter of 20 meters. The pool water glowed with a pale golden light, and the earth vein Qi Energy gushed continuously from the Yin and Yang diagram at the bottom of the pool, forming a rotating vortex of Qi Energy.

The stone walls beside the pool were engraved with the successive Cultivation Techniques of the Taiji school, from the Qing Dynasty's "Innate Soft Energy Mind-Cultivation Technique" to modern "Taiji Pushing Hands Techniques." Every character glowed with faint Qi Energy, as if telling the story of the Legacy of traditional martial arts.

"This is the Origin Pool!" Chen Wu walked to the edge of the pool and touched the water with his fingertip—gentle Qi Energy surged into his body through his fingertip, and the Qi Energy pellet in his Dantian instantly accelerated its rotation. The Hard and Soft Energy of the Xingji Fist resonated with the Qi Energy of the pool water, and the ratio of his Taiji Soft Energy slowly increased from 32% to 33%, 34%.

"Cultivating here for 1 hour is equivalent to 3 hours of cultivation outside!" Lin Mo's tablet showed that the purity of the Qi Energy in the Origin Pool reached 99%, the highest purity of earth vein Qi Energy discovered so far. "Brother Wu, you can Cultivate here for a while longer. It can both increase your Soft Energy ratio and accumulate points—for every 10 minutes of cultivation, you earn 1000 basic points, doubled to 2000!"

Lu Feng's security team deployed defenses around the Origin Pool. Two members installed "Qi Energy Monitors" to monitor the changes in the surrounding Qi Energy in real-time.

Lu Feng carefully inspected the Cultivation Techniques on the stone wall and suddenly pointed to a passage: "This is the 'Method to Break the Taiji Qi Energy Array.' It says that the 'Qi Energy Array of the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures requires 'Synchronized Injection of Hard and Soft Energy.' You need 40% Hard Energy and 60% Soft Energy to open the door!'"

This discovery made the team excited, and Chen Wu immediately adjusted his cultivation goal: "Then I will Cultivate here, raise my Soft Energy ratio to 60%, and prepare to open the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures!"

The Flower Girl's inheritance grass bloomed by the Origin Pool. Its eight-colored petals unfolded towards the pool water, and dew rolled on the leaves, filtering out the "Impurities" in the pool water's Qi Energy, leaving only the purest part to be injected into Chen Wu's body.

The young girl's voice came through the communicator with a smile: "Elder Zhou said that the 'Taiji Origin' is hidden in the Qi Energy of the Origin Pool." She tapped the flowerpot with her fingertip. "The inheritance grass can help you absorb the Origin Qi Energy, allowing the Hard and Soft Energy of the Xingji Fist to fuse more thoroughly. Even after you leave the Secret Realm, the Soft Energy ratio won't drop!"

Good news simultaneously came from the "Public Welfare Channel" of the global live stream: The "Secret Realm Public Welfare Donation" hosted by Su Qing has raised 500,000 yuan, which will be used to purchase "Qi Energy Cultivation Mats" for 10 rural teaching centers to help children better feel the earth vein Qi Energy.

The Villa Master of Taiji Villa also announced through the Public Welfare Channel that the Qi Energy data of the Origin Pool would be shared for free with traditional martial arts teaching centers worldwide, allowing those who cannot come in person to experience the nourishment of the Origin Qi Energy through simulation equipment.

When Chen Wu's Taiji Soft Energy ratio increased to 60%, Lin Mo's tablet suddenly popped up a "Pavilion of Supreme Treasures Opening Prompt": "The Taiji Xingji Fusion Jade has sensed the adapted Qi Energy. The door to the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures is unlocked. You may proceed to explore!"

The Qi Energy vortex of the Origin Pool suddenly accelerated, and the stone wall beside the pool slowly opened, revealing a passage leading to the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures. The Qi Energy Lamps on both sides of the passage all lit up, as if guiding them in the right direction.

Chen Wu's team packed their gear and headed toward the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures. The Qi Energy of Chen Wu's Xingji Fist unfolded around him, with Hard and Soft Energy perfectly fused in a 4:6 ratio, completely synchronized with the Qi Energy of the passage.

Lu Feng's security team members gripped their weapons, vigilantly observing the movements around them.

Lin Mo's tablet updated the points in real-time: "Current Legacy points: 17.02 million (including doubling). We are still 3 million points short of exchanging for the Fusion Module. Once we find the Supreme Treasure, we can make up the difference in one go!"

In the comments of the global live stream, the audience was already impatient: "The Pavilion of Supreme Treasures! The fusion jade! Go quickly!" "The Xingji Fist is about to be upgraded! I'm so looking forward to it!" "Public welfare donations can also be doubled; it's killing two birds with one stone!"

The Watcher of Huangtu Slope, Old Zhao, left a comment: "I am practicing the fist with my fellow workers at the construction site to cheer for Teacher Chen!"

When the figures of Chen Wu's team disappeared at the end of the passage to the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures, the final image of the global live stream lingered on the Qi Energy vortex of the Origin Pool.

The pale golden pool water glowed, and the Cultivation Technique characters on the stone wall reflected the eight-colored petals of the inheritance grass, as if blessing the upcoming exploration of the Supreme Treasure.

Finally, a neat line of text scrolled through the comments: "The Secret Realm exploration begins a new journey, doubled points help the Legacy; Qi Energy surges within the Origin Pool, waiting for good news before the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures!"

This comment was lit up by 80 billion viewers simultaneously, like a gentle river of light, illuminating every corner of the Taiji Secret Realm.

Chen Wu knew that the exploration of the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures was the real challenge, but with the support of his team, the assistance of global fans, and the guidance of the inheritance grass and the bronze tablet, he was confident that he would find the fusion jade. This would not only unlock new abilities for the Xingji Fist but also open up a new path for the Fusion of traditional martial arts—and this was just the beginning of the exploration of the Taiji Secret Realm, as well as a new starting point for the great Fusion of traditional martial arts.