Online Game: Me, with Unparalleled Comprehension

Several days later, when he struck a level 20 elite "Frostpool Crocodile" in a deep pool beneath a waterfall, denting its skull with a single palm strike, the number in his skill bar finally settled at: [Iron Sand Palm (Perfect 20126/20000)].

My proficiency is overflowing again.

Wu Changfeng was already somewhat numb as he looked at the new notification that popped up.

[Upon reaching the final bottleneck in the cultivation of "Iron Palm," one must combine it with the "Yi Jing Marrow Cleansing Soup" for immersion and final tempering to break through to the highest realm—Great Perfection! The ultimate prescription has been unlocked.]

Open the prescription: one ounce of Red Blood Vine (30 years old), five mace of 100-year-old Cinnabar (crystal), one plant of Iron Wire Grass King, five petals of Blazing Sun Flower King, ten drops of Earth Core Milk Essence, three drops of Cold Jade Marrow, three mace of 100-year-old Polygonatum... a total of eighteen medicinal materials, several of which are marked as "rare" or "precious".

Price estimate: Seventy taels of silver.

"Seventy taels..." Wu Changfeng pressed his brow, feeling his temples throbbing.

From fifteen taels to thirty-two taels, and then to seventy taels... the cost of each advancement in Iron Sand Palm increased exponentially.

In total, it exceeded one hundred and twenty taels! And that doesn't even include the one hundred taels he spent on tuition at the martial arts school.

"What a money-devouring beast." He shook his head, helplessly leading the horse over. "Well, we've come this far, we can't just give up halfway. Let's see what surprises the Great Perfection can bring."

Fortunately, the rewards from killing high-level monsters have been good recently, and with what I had left over, the silver in my inventory has risen back to over 140 taels. Seventy taels is still manageable.

He mounted his horse and galloped toward Wudang Town, the last town he passed through and the largest town near Wudang Mountain.

When we arrived in Wudang Town, it was already evening.

From a distance, the town is built against the mountain, quite large in scale, dotted with lights, and bustling with activity.

Further away, the majestic, continuous mountain shadows in the twilight resemble a giant dragon lying horizontally, with clouds and mist swirling around the highest point, exuding an ethereal aura—that is the sacred land of martial arts, Wudang Mountain.

Wu Changfeng's heart stirred slightly, but he did not go up the mountain directly. He first led his horse into Wudang Town.

The town has wide streets and is lined with shops. There are noticeably more people dressed as martial arts practitioners among the passersby, and you can even see some low-level Wudang disciples wearing Taoist robes and carrying long swords.

He went directly to Huichuntang, the largest pharmacy in town.

Sure enough, the medicinal herbs here were plentiful, but the prices of the main ingredients needed for the Yi Jing Xi Sui Tang were truly staggering.

After some haggling, the deal was finally struck at sixty-eight taels of silver.

Holding the precious package of medicinal herbs, Wu Changfeng booked a top-class room at Yunlai Inn, the best inn in town.

This medicinal bath process is no small matter; it requires absolute quiet, and the innkeepers are more professional at preparing the medicine.

When the pot of medicinal soup, with its amber luster, lingering fragrance, and subtle shimmering light, was prepared, even the well-traveled innkeeper couldn't help but take a second look.

Wu Changfeng dismissed everyone else and closed the door tightly.

I slowly immersed my palms into the medicinal soup. The expected excruciating pain did not come immediately. Instead, a warm, thick, and extremely penetrating heat flowed into every pore of my palms, flowing upwards along the meridians of my arms, and even rushing towards my torso and head!

It felt as if my whole body was being immersed in a warm current, my muscles and bones resonated, and my blood and energy surged.

He dared not delay and immediately activated the Iron Sand Palm ultimate technique with all his might, guiding this powerful medicinal force to cleanse and strengthen every minute structure of his hands and even his arms, completing the final Yi Jing marrow cleansing.

The process lasted a full hour. The color of the medicinal soup gradually changed from amber to clear as water, as all the essence had been absorbed.

[System notification: Conditions met, Iron Palm has broken through to its highest level—Great Perfection!]

[Iron Palm (Great Perfection). Arm Strength +120, Constitution +60, Max HP +800, External Defense +200, Palm Damage +100%. The palm strike contains "Ultimate Yang Power," ignoring most protective true qi of the same level (third-rate and below), and is absolutely effective against Yin-type and poison-type techniques. The palms are indestructible and can briefly withstand strikes from blue-quality weapons. Additional effect "Evil Qi Invasion": After hitting the target, residual evil qi continuously deals damage and hinders the flow of their internal energy.]

Even though he was mentally prepared, Wu Changfeng still couldn't help but gasp when he saw the terrifying panel bonuses and special effects descriptions.

This attribute boost is practically equivalent to the combined power of several third-rate martial arts at their peak! The special effects are also incredibly powerful and practical!

He subconsciously brought up the overall attribute panel:

Arm strength: 27 + 446 + 120 = 608

[Root bone: 27 + 197 + 60 = 284]

[Agility: 27 + 80 + 95 = 202]

[Internal Strength: 130]

His health points increased to over 4500, and his true energy points exceeded 1500.

However, when his gaze fell on the top [Realm] column, those four words were still glaring: Third-rate martial artist.

"Still third-rate?" Wu Changfeng frowned, a sense of absurdity rising in his heart.

He possesses several perfected martial arts skills, whose attributes far surpass those of ordinary third-rate martial artists. His Iron Sand Palm is a genuine perfected second-rate martial art. Why is his cultivation level still stuck at the third-rate level?

"That martial arts school owner, Zhao Tieshan, is definitely hiding something crucial from teaching him!" He instantly realized.

The cultivation systems for players and NPCs seem to diverge here.

Players can cram in attributes by increasing their proficiency, but to achieve a system-recognized advancement in their realm, they will likely need to trigger specific conditions or receive orthodox guidance.

"It seems that joining Wudang Mountain and seeking a master's lineage is necessary." Wu Changfeng's gaze fell on the majestic mountain silhouette against the night sky outside the window.

With that in mind, he didn't delay any longer.

The Iron Palm technique has been perfected, and there are no new techniques to practice in the short term.

He went downstairs to settle the bill, then led his horse out of the inn.

Wudang Town is already at the foot of the mountain. The path leading up the mountain ahead is mostly narrow stone steps, rugged and steep, making it difficult for horses to pass. Bringing horses would only be a burden.

Wu Changfeng led his horse to the livestock market at the town entrance. It was almost closing time, and the market was nearly deserted.

Find a horse trader and sell a horse.

"Sir, this horse is well-bred!" The horse trader circled the black horse, praising it with admiration.

"Sell it. I need to go up the mountain and can't take it with me," Wu Changfeng said directly.

The horse trader's eyes darted around, and he held up five fingers: "Five taels, I'll take it."

Wu Changfeng, too lazy to argue, nodded: "Okay."

The transaction was completed, and I received five taels of silver.

Watching his companion of several days being led away, he felt little emotion. It was just a game, a tool.

Turning around, I looked at the stone steps winding into the deep mountain mist, illuminated by starlight and scattered lanterns.

Wudang Mountain is right in front of us.

Climb the steps.

The mountain breeze is getting cooler, carrying the fresh scent of pine and cypress trees and night dew.

Ancient trees towered on both sides of the stone steps. The night was quiet, with only the sound of his own footsteps and the faint sound of a stream in the distance.

His steps were steady, and his breath was deep and resonant.

Now, this attribute allows him to walk on this mountain path as if it were flat ground.

The mountain road winds its way through the morning mist.

Wu Changfeng walked briskly, the stone steps beneath his feet creating a gust of wind. The higher he went, the crisper the air became, accompanied by the gentle rustling of the pines. Rounding a bend in the mountain wall, the view suddenly opened up before him.

On a wide, open mountain plateau, the Taoist temple buildings with gray tiles and white walls rise up the mountain in layers, solemn and dignified.

The vermilion mountain gate is tall and imposing, with the two characters "Wudang" on the plaque written in vigorous strokes, hinting at the spirit of swordsmanship.

The square in front of the gate is paved with bluestone slabs and swept clean.

Several Taoist priests dressed in blue robes and carrying long swords were slowly practicing their fist techniques. Their movements were gentle and smooth, yet they possessed a calm and composed demeanor.

Compared to the hustle and bustle and bloodshed of the martial world down the mountain, this place is like another world, peaceful and distant, yet full of hidden mysteries.

As soon as Wu Changfeng stepped onto the square, a young Taoist priest guarding the mountain gate noticed him, stopped his boxing stance, and walked over with steady steps.

The Taoist priest, who appeared to be in his early twenties, had a handsome face and clear eyes. He sized up Wu Changfeng, lingering particularly on his clothes, which, though changed, still betrayed a sense of travel and a hint of bloodlust. He asked in a calm tone, "This young hero looks unfamiliar. You came up the mountain this early in the morning. Do you have business with Wudang?"

The voice was not loud, but it entered the ears clearly, revealing an impressive foundation of internal strength.

Without wasting words, Wu Changfeng took out the slightly worn letter of recommendation from his pocket and handed it over: "Greetings, Daoist Master. I am Wu Changfeng, and I have come to Wudang to seek your tutelage."

The young Taoist priest took the letter, glanced at the blurred Tai Chi symbol on the sealing wax, and his expression became more serious. He nodded: "Young hero, please follow me."

Leading Wu Changfeng through the mountain gate, past the main hall dedicated to the True Martial Emperor, and along a corridor to a quieter hall to the side and rear.

The plaque above the main hall bears the three characters "Jingxin Hall".