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Chapter 182 The Golden Body Increases Again (2 words, 45th update)

Deep within the underground training grounds.

The heavy alloy door of the specially made secret room slid open silently.

The scorching heat, mixed with the pungent smell of molten metal, surged out from the crack in the door like the breath of a ferocious beast that had been suppressed for a long time!

A figure slowly emerged from the rising white mist.

Fang Qingyu was shirtless, and sweat trickled down his bronze skin like a stream.

hum!
A faint yet exceptionally resilient golden aura surrounded him.

The muscle fibers beneath the skin resembled repeatedly forged, refined steel, exhibiting an inhuman density and a cold metallic sheen. Each breath carried a deep, resonant sound, like the clanging of metal.

Fudo Myo-o Lv.3 (0/800)!
With muscles and bones resonating in unison, it is indestructible!
Defense and strength foundation have reached a new level!

However, beneath this seemingly indestructible, cold metallic sheen, a completely different power subtly emerges!

It was like the Earth's core furnace being forcibly suppressed.

A dark red halo surged and flowed deep within the flesh and bone marrow!
Each heartbeat is like a heavy drumstick striking a red-hot anvil, radiating a heart-pounding heat wave!
The surrounding air was distorted by the terrifying heat emanating from it, and the light was strangely bent around it.

On the skin's surface, the sweat that had just seeped out of the pores was instantly vaporized by the invisible high temperature, turning into wisps of white smoke and dissipating.

Annihilation Transformation Body Lv.4 (0/1600)!
The furnace forges the body, the flames of calamity refine it!
Its resistance to high temperatures, toxins, and energy shocks has increased dramatically!

The golden statue also surged from 32 to 40.

Unlike when I was a martial arts apprentice, before, when I reached level 40 in both strength and physique, I could feel a faint bottleneck in my physical body.

It is estimated that 49 is not the limit of the Golden Body attribute.

Fang Qingyu slowly raised his right hand, his five fingers spreading and then clenching, feeling the surging power and resilience within his body, far exceeding that of the Microscopic Realm, his eyes sharp as a blade.

"Skill points remaining, 5 points."

Fang Qingyu silently recited in his heart.

Step out of the confined area and into the more spacious main training hall.

The scene that came into view made Fang Qingyu pause slightly.

Center of the hall.

Old Qiao and Lü Chen were wearing specially made heavy vests covered with metal counterweights, and their legs were tied with heavy metal leg wraps, making them look like two moving human iron towers.

Sweat had already soaked through their combat uniforms, clinging to their bodies and outlining the bulging, knotted muscles caused by excessive exertion.

Every breath was heavy like a bellows, and every movement was accompanied by a harsh metallic scraping sound.

They are practicing the basic method of circulating qi and blood.

The movements were wide and sweeping, with punches and kicks whistling through the air.

Sweat streamed down their foreheads and temples like little brooks, splashing onto the cold floor and creating tiny droplets.

And on the side.

Jiang Wei, a small figure, sat quietly on the edge of a high stool, hugging her knees.

Her two lower legs dangled in the air, swaying gently.

She had an orange-flavored lollipop in her mouth, her face expressionless, except for her clear, big eyes, which stared intently at the two people sweating profusely in the arena.

His gaze was calm and even, yet it carried an invisible pressure, as if the strictest instructor was scrutinizing whether the recruits' movements were up to standard.

“Your movements are distorted, Lü Chen.” The little girl’s clear voice rang out, with undeniable precision. “Your left shoulder has sunk half an inch, and your strength has dissipated.”

"Old Joe, your breathing is off, and you're a little slow in transitioning to the third move."

Her comments were brief, direct, and to the point.

Upon hearing this sound, Lao Qiao and Lü Chen tensed up even more, clenching their teeth and forcibly adjusting their posture and breathing rhythm, not daring to relax in the slightest.

As Fang Qingyu watched this scene, a barely perceptible smile crept onto his lips.

He walked to the weapons rack and casually picked up a broadsword.

Instead of disturbing the "strict teacher and outstanding student" pair in the room, they walked to an open area on the other side of the hall.

A calm and tranquil mind.

"Blazing Blade!"

This martial art is domineering and fierce, using blood and qi as fuel to ignite the fire of destruction, melting gold and forging iron, burning away the eight wastelands!

It was before we went to the Songdu Pit.

It was carefully selected and exchanged using accumulated merit points within the Bureau of Divine Management, and the entry point was activated while clearing out the ghosts on the outskirts of the pit.

I didn't have time to practice before, so now I naturally have to pick it up again.

It's not so much about increasing combat power, but rather that some sword techniques are just more effective in the right environment.

"Add points to the diagram!"

The thought struck like a steel blade!
One skill point is instantly burned!

hum!
Deep within his consciousness, the profound mysteries of the "Blazing Blade" and the routes for transporting qi and blood were instantly imprinted several times more deeply, like a brand!
Blazing Blade Lv.1→Lv.2!

A fierce glint flashed in Fang Qingyu's eyes, and he suddenly drew his sword!

Clang——!
The blade was no longer simply engulfed in crimson flames, but was instantly shrouded in dazzling platinum light!

The sharp, armor-piercing power of the Metal Element Rotation Force and the violent, annihilating power of the Boiling Calamity Fire merged together on the blade!
"Flowing Blade - Blazing Radiance!"

Fang Qingyu let out a low shout, and his figure transformed into a blur that tore through the air!

The blade's light was no longer a simple slashing trajectory, but rather like a river of molten gold, burning with platinum and dark red, splashed out!

The sword's momentum was like a raging wave crashing against the shore, continuous and unending!
Chi chi chi——! ! !
The air was instantly sliced ​​and ignited by the violent blades and high temperatures!
Where the blade flashed, it left behind long, scorching trails that lingered like flowing lava!
Where the blade pointed, a heavy alloy target was like butter thrown into a furnace.

A huge gash was instantly cut open, its edges melting and turning crimson!

"not enough!"

Fang Qingyu's eyes burned with fervor, his fighting spirit boiling!

"Add more!"

The remaining 4 skill points vanished instantly!

boom--! ! !
It felt like a volcano was erupting in my mind!

All the essence, transformations, and destructive core of "Blazing Blade" are thoroughly integrated like a torrent!
Blazing Blade Lv.2→Lv.3!

The ultimate realm!

"Feng Tian!"

Fang Qingyu let out a long roar, and his aura suddenly surged to its peak!
The Dragon Sparrow Strike was raised high above its head.
The platinum-gold sharpness and boiling flames on the blade were compressed and collapsed!
It transformed into a destructive blade aura, condensed to its extreme, as if it had gathered all the sharpness and heat in the world into a single point!
The blade slashed down fiercely!
Sizzle—!!!
A massive crescent-shaped blade of energy, wreathed in platinum and crimson flames, tore through the sky!

There was no earth-shattering explosion!
There is only one kind of silent annihilation!

Wherever the blade's energy passed, the three alloy target piles arranged in a triangular pattern in front of them were as if they had been thrown into an invisible furnace!
From the point of contact, it melts and vaporizes instantly!
Three charred grooves, each more than half a meter wide and bottomless, with molten red metal flowing along their edges, were left behind!

At the end of the ravine, on a reinforced alloy wall.

A huge, molten hole, its edges still emitting blue smoke, was clearly visible!
The temperature in the entire hall seemed to rise suddenly, filled with a strong metallic stench.

Fang Qingyu slowly sheathed his sword.

This is quite powerful; it's a completely different sword technique from the Thunderstrike Eight Cuts.

Once you reach the highest level, you'll be able to put up a good fight even in regular combat.

"Huff... I can't take it anymore. I really... I can't take it anymore."

"Sister Jiang, please spare me!"

On the other side, accompanied by heavy breathing and groans, Old Qiao and Lü Chen collapsed to the ground like two puddles of mud.

The heavy equipment slammed onto the floor with a dull thud.

Sweat quickly soaked into a large, dark patch beneath them.

Their chests heaved violently, their faces were deathly pale, and they seemed to have no strength left to even lift a finger.

Jiang Wei lightly jumped down from the high stool, her small face expressionless. She simply squatted down next to the two of them, hugging her knees and tilting her head, seemingly assessing whether they were truly exhausted or just trying to slack off.

Fang Qingyu walked over, carrying a knife and still exuding a lingering heat.

Looking at the two disheveled figures on the ground, he chuckled and casually pulled out two martial arts apprentice-level Qi and Blood Crystals and a few Life Beads that were shimmering with a faint red light from his tactical waist pack, putting them into the bag.

"then."

With a flick of his wrist, Fang Qingyu sent the two bags flying in parabolic arcs, landing precisely on Lao Qiao and Lü Chen's sweat-drenched chests.

"This green fruit"

Old Joe, panting heavily, looked at the valuable resource on his chest with a complicated expression.

"Take it."

Fang Qingyu spoke calmly, bent down, stretched out his left hand, and gently pulled the two limp bodies up.

The movements were effortless, as if they were lifting two feathers.

"continue."

Fang Qingyu's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable power.

His gaze swept over their tired yet still yearning eyes, and he said nothing more.

Old Qiao and Lü Chen looked at Fang Qingyu's calm face, then looked down at the crystal and life bead in their hands.

A warm current mixed with bittersweetness welled up in my heart.

They all understand.

Fang Qingyu is about to go to the capital.

Go to the "Hidden Dragon Project," which brings together the most outstanding geniuses in the entire Federation.

This journey is uncertain, and we may never meet again.

This sudden "devil training," these precious resources, and the simple word "continue."
It was this taciturn fellow who, in his own way, paved the way for them, gave them strength, and enabled them to continue on this cruel path, even after he left, and go even further. "Hmm!"

Old Qiao vigorously wiped the sweat and a little dampness from his face, nodded emphatically, stuffed a Qi and Blood Crystal into his mouth, and chewed it fiercely.

"continue!"

Lu Chen gritted his teeth, his eyes hardening again, and also put a Qi and Blood Crystal in his mouth.

Despite their still aching and heavy bodies, the two once again assumed the posture of circulating qi and blood.

Sweat continued to pour down.

The shouts rang out again in the training field.

This time, it was more focused and more powerful.

Fang Qingyu stood aside, watching quietly.

Until the numbers on the electronic clock on the wall of the training hall quietly jumped to nine o'clock in the evening.

"That's it for today."

Fang Qingyu's voice broke the hours-long silence of shouts and dripping sweat.

Old Qiao and Lü Chen felt as if they had been granted a pardon. Their tense nerves suddenly relaxed, and they swayed, almost collapsing again. They only managed to hold on by sheer willpower and avoid making a fool of themselves on the spot.

The two supported each other, giving Jiang Wei a grateful yet respectful look, and then nodded vigorously to Fang Qingyu before dragging their leaden legs, step by step, toward the changing room and shower room.

Fang Qingyu picked up his coat, which was draped to the side, and was about to call Jiang Wei to go out and find something to eat.

"buzz"

The heavy alloy doors of the training hall were pushed open.

A familiar figure had quietly leaned against the door frame.

Lin Kang.

He was still wearing that faded black combat uniform, his posture upright, like a silent mountain rock.

His face was expressionless, only his deep, calm eyes pierced through the lingering heat and smell of sweat from the training ground, settling calmly on Fang Qingyu.

It was obvious that he had been waiting here for a while.

Fang Qingyu was slightly taken aback.

"Team Lin?"

"Okay." Lin Kang responded, his gaze sweeping over Fang Qingyu before landing on Jiang Wei, who was jumping off the high stool and walking over. "Come with me, I'll take you to get something to eat."

There were no explanations, no small talk.

After Lin Kang finished speaking, he turned around and led the way out, his steps steady.

Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei exchanged a glance.

Jiang Wei's face remained calm as she silently chewed up the last bit of the lollipop, then jogged a few steps to catch up with Fang Qingyu.

Lin Kang did not drive the iconic off-road assault vehicle of the Shenguan Bureau.

Instead, he drove a slightly worn black civilian sedan with a low-pitched engine.

The car drove out of the underground parking lot of the Sanctuary and merged into the traffic of Qingjian City at night.

Neon lights flashed, and car headlights shone like a tapestry.

Lin Kang drove the car, but did not head towards the brightly lit commercial districts or upscale restaurants.

Instead, it meandered around and finally stopped on the side of a relatively quiet old street with dim streetlights.

A simple plastic shed stood on the street corner.

Under the shed, there were a few folding tables and a few plastic stools.

An elderly man with gray hair and wearing an apron was hunched over, tending to a large, steaming pot filled with a thick, white bone broth. The rich aroma wafted in the cool night breeze.

This is an ordinary street-side noodle stall.

"Boss, three bowls of noodles, with meat and an egg."

Lin Kang expertly pulled out a plastic stool and sat down, his voice low.

"Alright, Captain Lin! Just a moment!"

The old man clearly recognized Lin Kang, a simple smile appearing on his face as he quickly began preparing the noodles.

Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei also sat down opposite Lin Kang.

A small folding table, a dim incandescent light bulb hanging overhead, swaying slightly in the night breeze, lengthening and shortening the shadows of the three people.

soon.

Three steaming bowls of noodles, topped with dark brown braised pork and golden poached eggs, were served.

The noodles are chewy, the broth is rich, the braised meat is tender, and the poached egg has a crispy edge.

Simple food, exuding a comforting and warm aroma.

Lin Kang picked up his chopsticks, stirred the noodles in his bowl, but didn't eat them immediately.

The dim light fell on his sharply defined profile, casting a deep shadow.

He silently ate a few bites of noodles, moving very slowly, as if he were organizing his thoughts or perhaps recalling something.

“Back then,” Lin Kang’s voice broke the silence, sounding somewhat low and muffled in the steaming soup, “I was in the bureau, and I mentored someone.”

"His name is Chen Feng. He has exceptional talent, comes from an ordinary background like you, has high aspirations, and is extremely ruthless in his martial arts training. When he was at the Microscopic Realm, he dared to chase after a Fate Ghost at the initial stage of the Profound Realm. That kind of ruthlessness was rare in the entire bureau at that time."

"Later, like you, he was selected for a talent development program similar to 'Hidden Dragon' and went to Beijing."

Lin Kang picked up a piece of braised meat, dipped it in the noodle soup, but didn't put it in his mouth.

"When he first arrived, he was full of vigor. Every time he sent back news, it was about his rapid progress, being valued by a certain martial saint, receiving certain resources, and standing out in certain competitions. We were all happy for him, thinking that a true dragon had emerged from Qingjian."

Lin Kang's voice lowered, carrying a hint of barely perceptible regret.

"Later, the news took a turn for the worse. He began to complain about the unfair distribution of resources, about others taking his opportunities because of their connections, and about those scions of wealthy families being arrogant and condescending. His words were full of resentment, calculation, and short-sightedness."

"The last mission was to clear out a large group of Fate Ghosts in a polluted area on the outskirts of Shangjing. In order to take the credit, despite the clear instructions from the commander to proceed steadily and coordinate the advance, he broke away from the team without authorization. Relying on his speed, he forcibly broke into the core area where the Fate Ghosts were most concentrated, hoping to kill the leader at the peak of the Profound Realm in one fell swoop."

Lin Kang put down his chopsticks, the steaming broth in his bowl blurring his expression.

"As a result, he underestimated the cunning and strength of the mutated ghost, and even more so the frenzy of the enraged beast horde's counterattack. He was trapped. In order to rescue him, his squad was forced to change their plans and launch a hasty attack, at the cost of three dead and five seriously injured, before they could drag him out of the pile of corpses. He himself was also half-dead, his foundation was damaged, and he could no longer make any progress."

Under the dim light of the noodle stall, Lin Kang's voice carried a cold heaviness.

"When it came to accountability afterward, he became the target of public criticism. He desperately tried to defend himself, shifting the blame to incompetent command, inadequate support from his teammates, and exclusion from the aristocratic families. But he never mentioned his own heart, which had been spoiled and rotten by the fame and fortune of the capital."

Lin Kang raised his head, his gaze as heavy as lead, pressing down on Fang Qingyu's heart.

“Qingzi, the capital is vast, and the waters of Qianlong run deep. The resources, status, factional infighting, and the recruitment by powerful families there can easily amplify the ‘injustice’ and ‘desire’ in people’s hearts a thousand times over. Just like the oil in this noodle soup, it looks tempting, but if you get too much of it, it will blind you, cloud your mind, and make you forget who you really are and why you picked up this knife in the first place.”

Lin Kang's gaze was sharp as a knife, piercing straight into the depths of Fang Qingyu's soul.

"Chen Feng forgot. He forgot why he wielded the knife. All he could see were his ranking on the merit list, the meat in other people's bowls, and that seemingly glittering but actually treacherous shortcut. In the end, the knife was destroyed, and so was he."

Lin Kang picked up the bowl and drank the last bit of noodle soup in one gulp, his Adam's apple bobbing as he made a dull sound.

He put down the empty bowl and fixed his gaze on Fang Qingyu with a deep look.

"I'm telling you this story not to make you timid and hesitant. You can't afford to miss out on anything that needs to be fought for! If your fists aren't strong, you can't stand firm anywhere."

"What I'm trying to tell you is that no matter how high you climb, how far you go, or how hard your fists become in the future..."

Lin Kang's voice was resolute, carrying a power that penetrated people's hearts.

"Never forget why you embarked on this path and why you gripped this knife in the first place."

"Don't let the bright lights and bustling nightlife of the capital spoil your heart. Don't let the opinions and judgments of others distort your path. And don't let the temptations of seemingly shortcuts blind you to the distant future."

Under the dim streetlights, the steam from the noodle soup rose gently.

Lin Kang's words were like a pebble thrown into a deep pool, creating ripples in Fang Qingyu's heart.

It's not about preaching, but about using the depravity I've witnessed firsthand to warn future generations who are about to embark on their journeys.

Fang Qingyu looked into Lin Kang's eyes, which held so many stories.

There was silence for a few seconds.

Then, he picked up his chopsticks, slurped the last mouthful of chewy noodles into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed.

The movements are crisp and clean.

Fang Qingyu raised his head, met Lin Kang's gaze, and his lips slowly curved upwards into a smile.

There was no confusion or wavering in that smile.

"Team Leader Lin, don't worry."

Lin Kang looked at the familiar light in Fang Qingyu's eyes.
The lines on his face seemed to soften for a moment, and he nodded very slightly.

Without saying anything more, he simply picked up the vinegar bottle on the table and poured some more into his half-empty noodle bowl.

"Boss, have another bowl!"

"okay!"

Beside her, Jiang Wei had already finished her bowl of noodles.

She was sitting quietly on a plastic stool, and a new lollipop had appeared in her little hand. She slowly unwrapped it.

She popped the glistening orange-flavored candy ball into her mouth, her little cheeks puffing out.

Her clear, large eyes narrowed slightly, reflecting the figures of two men silently eating noodles under the dim yellow light.

The night breeze blew through the simple noodle stall.

It brings the hazy hustle and bustle of distant cities.

The air was filled with the warm aroma of noodle soup and a hint of sweet orange candy.

(End of this chapter)