Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 128 Advancing Again Before Battle

The news of the "double armor" at the training ground was like a spark thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the entire inner city.

He quickly closed the incense stick's flame and exerted himself to hold 550 jin for ten breaths, breaking the previous record in both categories. Moreover, he was a little-known boy from another city named Song Jing.

The weight of these two "top-tier" ratings was so great that even many self-important geniuses in the inner city felt like they couldn't breathe.

Speed ​​and power are the most basic, yet most essential, qualities of a martial artist.

To have honed these two skills to such an inhuman level, one's foundation is incredibly solid, one's vital energy is incredibly abundant, and one's physique is incredibly strong—it has reached an unbelievable level.

With such terrifying basic qualities, their actual combat ability could not possibly be lacking.

It could even be said that with his terrifying speed and strength alone, Song Jing already possesses the qualifications to rampage through the ring and overcome skill with brute force.

Many exquisite techniques often become useless when faced with overwhelming speed and power.

"No wonder he was able to kill two evil cultivators at the Body Refinement Realm in succession—so that's the root of the problem!"

"Such speed, lightning-fast advances and retreats, striking unexpectedly; such power, utterly devastating, fearless in direct confrontation. A perfect blend of offense and defense, simply unbeatable!"

"It seems we all underestimated this kid from the outer city. He has the ability to compete for a top ten spot, or even higher!"

Throughout the inner city, similar discussions were rampant. Song Jing's image had instantly transformed from a lucky outsider who had "made a name for himself by chance" into a powerful competitor who was "deeply hidden and had a terrifying foundation," enough to make any opponent abandon their contempt.

However, what amazes the world is only the "tip of the iceberg" that Song Jing has revealed on the surface of the water.

They were awestruck by the ghostly speed and horrified by the dragon-like strength, but no one knew that within this seemingly well-proportioned and slender body, which actually contained explosive power, lay another, even more solid trump card—the "Golden Bell Cover," a hard martial art that had reached its peak.

Defense is always a martial artist's most reliable partner, but it is also the most easily overlooked foundation.

Unlike the inner city geniuses who pursue exquisite moves and ruthless killing, Song Jing started in the outer city with extremely limited resources and knew the importance of protecting himself.

He devoted countless efforts and endured unimaginable pain and tedium to master this external training method, known for its "grinding skills" and "extreme perseverance," until he reached a high level of proficiency.

Now, the pale golden luster beneath his skin has completely subsided, merging with his skin, muscles, bones, and flesh. If ordinary swords were to strike him, it would probably be difficult to even leave a white mark.

When fully activated, its defensive power is strong enough to withstand the full-force normal attack of an ordinary martial artist in the mid-stage of the Body Refining Realm without budging.

This means that in the heat of battle, he can use his body to withstand many moves that his opponents have to dodge or block, thus creating excellent opportunities for a counterattack, or trading injury for life to secure victory.

The hardships of practicing external martial arts are such that only those with great perseverance can endure them.

Unlike other martial arts techniques that produce immediate results and enhance killing power, it requires years of tedious beatings, medicinal baths, and internal energy cleansing, enduring the unbearable pain of torn bones and ripped flesh.

Those geniuses from privileged backgrounds in the inner city have better choices of cultivation methods and more "efficient" ways to improve, so naturally few of them are willing to suffer the pain of this "laborious" effort.

This also makes Song Jing's mastery of external martial arts almost unique among the younger generation in the inner city. It is an ace that opponents can hardly predict and that can turn the tide of battle at crucial moments.

Of course, Song Jing himself was also keenly aware that compared with the top talents in the inner city, such as the "Eight Talents of the Inner City," he still had obvious shortcomings.

The biggest difference lies in weapons and top-tier martial arts techniques for killing.

The weapons wielded by the Eight Masters of the Inner City, and even the leaders of the three major martial arts schools, were all purchased at great expense by their families or schools.

They hire renowned craftsmen, use rare materials to create custom-made pieces, and some are even heirloom "masterpieces".

These weapons are not only incredibly sharp, but they also perfectly complement their owner's cultivation techniques, enhancing the circulation of true energy and even providing special effects.

Although Song Jing's "Crimson Wildfire Spear" is a top-grade blood weapon of excellent quality, its cost is "only" five thousand taels. In terms of material quality, the depth of its compatibility with the cultivation technique, and the possible "spirituality" or special power, it is probably still inferior to those inherited weapons worth tens of thousands of taels or even beyond monetary value.

When weapons clash, these subtle differences can be magnified.

Secondly, there are top-tier martial arts techniques and killing skills.

The Eight Masters of the Inner City practice the unique skills passed down through generations by various families or martial arts schools, honed through countless trials and tribulations.

These techniques are not only of extremely high quality, but their accompanying killing moves and ultimate skills have also been optimized by countless generations of predecessors, making them incredibly powerful and infinitely versatile.

Although Song Jing's Wind Chasing Leg Technique (perfected), Wind and Thunder Leg Technique (mastered), Wildfire Spear Technique (beginner), and Nine Shadow Steps (minor mastery) are all of superior quality, and he has cultivated them very solidly because of "Heaven rewards diligence," in terms of the "upper limit" of the techniques themselves and the "exquisite and bizarre" level of the accompanying killing techniques, they may still be slightly inferior to the top inheritances in the inner city.

This requires him to compensate with stronger on-the-spot adaptability, more solid basic skills, and an unreasonable defense in actual combat.

Although he has weaknesses in the extreme sharpness of his weapons and the exquisite inheritance of his killing techniques, he is catching up with these weaknesses at an astonishing speed—his Wildfire Spear Technique is becoming increasingly proficient, and the "Star Pattern Iron Essence" promised by the Nie family is about to be tempered.

While everyone in the training ground was still shocked by the "Double A" achievement and speculating about his actual combat ability, they did not know that the young man in the blue robe was hiding far more than they had seen.

Speed, strength, and defense, combined into one, formed his almost impeccable foundation in combat.

The arena of the martial arts competition will become the battlefield for him to test himself, make up for his shortcomings, and truly declare his existence to the entire inner city.

The news of "Double Armor" naturally reached the Zhuifeng Martial Arts School. The acting headmaster, Zhuo Bufan, was both surprised and delighted, while Song Jing's senior brother, Zhou Xingyun, after a brief moment of shock, suddenly slapped his thigh and burst into wild laughter.

"Good! Good lad! I knew my judgment, Zhou Xingyun's, was spot on!" Zhou Xingyun paced excitedly in the hall, his face beaming with pride and excitement. "He quickly closed the double armor and broke the record! Now let's see what those arrogant guys in the inner city have to say! Junior Brother Jing has really given us outer city warriors a much-needed boost!"

He quickly calmed down and said to Zhuo Bufan, "Junior Brother Zhuo, the competition is imminent, and the quotas need to be decided as soon as possible. Junior Sister Wan'er, Junior Brother Jing, and I will definitely participate. The three quotas that Duan Yue Martial Arts School sent as an apology, plus our original three, make a total of six quotas. We will only use three, and the remaining three—"

He looked at Lin Wan'er, who was sitting to the side and whose aura was much calmer and more refined than before, having already broken through to the Great Perfection of the Bronze Skin Realm. Then he looked at Song Jing with a questioning look in his eyes.

Lin Wan'er said softly, "Junior Brother Song's strength is unparalleled, needless to say. Although Senior Brother Zhou and I have made some progress, we are afraid we will not go very far in such a grand event, and we will gain more experience. It would be a waste to leave the remaining spots in the academy, so it would be better to—dispose of them properly, so as to add some resources to the academy."

She was thoughtful and knew that with her and Zhou Xingyun's current strength, it was already difficult to pass the first two trials. The hope of breaking through the encirclement in actual combat and obtaining the qualification of Pingtianmen was slim.

Instead of taking up a spot, we should exchange it for some tangible benefits to enhance the martial arts school's foundation and repay Song Jing for his continued generosity.

Song Jing nodded and said, "What Senior Brother and Senior Sister say is quite right. As for the remaining three spots, I think—we can sell them to the second branch of the Nie family."

"The second branch of the Nie family?" Zhou Xingyun raised an eyebrow, then suddenly realized, "That's right. They now have a very close relationship with you, Junior Brother Jing, and they need this kind of opportunity. Their family is embroiled in internal strife. If any of their members can distinguish themselves in the martial arts competition, or even gain the favor of the three major martial arts schools, it will greatly benefit the consolidation of the second branch's position. It's just that the price—"

"Junior Brother Jing can decide this matter," Zhuo Bufan said with a smile. "If it weren't for Junior Brother Jing, my Chasing Wind Martial Arts School wouldn't have these extra spots, nor would it have achieved its current prestige. If Junior Brother Jing thinks it's suitable, then it's suitable."

Song Jing immediately summoned Nie Shuli and explained the matter to him.

In the past, these spots were difficult to transfer, even for small martial arts schools. After all, those small martial arts schools relied entirely on these spots, making it their chance to change their fate.

Large families don't lack spots; only small branches within medium-sized families might need more members to join the three major martial arts schools and enhance their own lineage's foundation.

"What?! Three spots in the Inner City Martial Arts Competition?" Upon hearing this, Nie Shuli was first stunned, then overjoyed, his voice trembling with excitement, "Young Master Song—Young Master Song, is this true?! This—this is an incredible opportunity!"

He knew all too well what those three spots meant to the second wife's family now!

The eldest son's family is powerful and almost monopolizes family resources, making it extremely difficult for the younger sons of the second son's family to stand out and obtain good training and display platforms.

If we can take this opportunity to let a few promising disciples from the second branch of the family step onto the stage of the martial arts competition, even if they ultimately fail to enter Pingtianmen, as long as their performance is decent, they may be noticed by the three major martial arts schools in the inner city and taken in as disciples!

At that time, the second wife will have a new support and hope in the inner city, and can narrow the gap with the first wife!

"Young Master Song—no, Brother Song! We are deeply indebted to you!" Nie Shuli bowed deeply to Song Jing, his tone utterly sincere. "This kindness and gratitude will be etched in the hearts of the entire Nie family, second branch, forever! May I ask—what is the price of this spot? If my second branch can afford it, we will accept it without hesitation!"

Song Jing helped him up and said calmly, "Brother Nie, there's no need for that. Now that we've cooperated, it should be mutually beneficial. These three spots are temporarily surplus for my Chasing Wind Martial Arts School. But for your second branch, they're a godsend. The price—let's settle it in pills. You know I'm currently cultivating and have a huge need for Qi and Blood Pills."

Without the slightest hesitation, Nie Shuli said decisively, "Alright! We'll exchange them for pills! Currently, a single Qi and Blood Pill is worth around five hundred taels on the market, and it's practically priceless. My second branch is willing to exchange one Qi and Blood Pill for each quota! Three quotas mean three pills! However—it will take some time to gather them, but at the latest, we will present them to you by tomorrow!"

Exchanging a Qi and Blood Pill for a spot in the Inner City Grand Competition seems like a hefty price, but considering the scarcity of the spot and its strategic significance to the second branch of the Nie family, the second branch definitely got a huge bargain.

Nie Shuli's gratitude towards Song Jing was beyond measure. This was not merely a transaction; it was Song Jing openly supporting the second branch of the family!

"Agreed," Song Jing nodded in agreement. To him, these three spots were already extra, and being able to exchange them for three much-needed Qi and Blood Pills was an unexpected bonus. More importantly, it would further solidify his alliance with the second branch of the Nie family, and there might be even greater rewards in the future.

The deal was struck, and Nie Shuli left, profusely thanking everyone. He immediately returned home to procure the necessary elixirs and urgently selected three talented individuals...

Those with the best character should prepare for this opportunity that has fallen from the sky.

That evening, Nie Shuli delivered three fiery red Qi and Blood Pills with a rich medicinal aroma to Song Jing on time.

With these three added, Song Jing now has a considerable number of Qi and Blood Pills at his disposal.

Without the slightest delay, he immediately entered a state of seclusion.

In the quiet room, the candlelight flickered. Song Jing sat cross-legged and swallowed three Qi and Blood Pills in turn.

A surge of pure medicinal power, as powerful as a tsunami, exploded within the body, frantically washing over every part of the body, nourishing every inch of fascia and muscle, and strengthening the body's vital energy.

He circulated his cultivation technique, guiding the surging medicinal power to break through the cultivation barrier of the Flesh Refining Realm.

Compared to other geniuses, Song Jing's absorption and utilization rate of elixirs was outrageously high.

This is due to his perfect control and transformation of his body, which is a gift of "hard work pays off", and also to his steady and solid foundation.

While others might only be able to absorb 60-70% of the medicinal power of the same pill, he could absorb over 90% almost perfectly and efficiently convert it into advancements in his cultivation.

The powerful medicinal properties, like the purest fuel, were injected into his already honed "furnace."

The body's blood and energy surged like a mighty river, emitting a faint roar. Under the stimulation of the medicine, muscle fibers continuously tore and...

Reorganized, becoming stronger, it contains an even more terrifying explosive power.

Fascia stretches, bones hum softly, and the whole body undergoes a slow but steady transformation.

He could clearly feel that the gap between himself and the top geniuses in the inner city was narrowing at a visible speed.

"Now, in terms of defense alone, with the Great Perfection Golden Bell Shield, I am already on par with or even surpass most mid-stage Body Refining Realm martial artists, and I am not inferior to the geniuses of the inner city's top tier." Song Jing looked inward at himself and calmly assessed, "This is my most solid reliance."

"But in terms of speed and absolute strength, compared with the real first tier, such as Qian Rushan, Li Qingmei, Zhao Yuanqing, and Lei Zhen, I am probably still slightly inferior." He was very self-aware.

Those four were all at the mid-stage of the Body Refining Realm, each possessing at least one mastered cultivation technique. They came from families with extensive knowledge and had unlimited resources. In terms of the limits of their core qualities, they were currently probably still slightly ahead of him.

Moreover, given their already formidable strength, it's impossible to know what other tricks they might have up their sleeves, especially considering the deep-rooted resources of their powerful families.

They are not comparable to ordinary small families, nor can they be compared to the outer-level martial artists of the past.

His speed and strength are probably at the top of the second tier, close to but not yet fully crossing the threshold of the first tier.

"However, this gap—is narrowing." Song Jing's eyes gleamed. He could feel that as the medicinal power of the three Qi and Blood Pills was completely refined and absorbed, the invisible scale representing his progress in the Body Refining Realm was rapidly rising!

150/1000、160/1000、170/1000————

Finally, when the last bit of medicinal power was absorbed, the scale stopped steadily at -180/1000!

There is still a distance to the mid-stage of the Body Refining Realm, but a solid step has already been taken, and the progress is more than halfway complete!

My practice these past few days is better than someone else's year of arduous training, even a genius's year of arduous training!

His foundation at the early stage of the Body Refining Realm had been honed to an unparalleled level, and his vigorous blood and strong physique far surpassed those of others at the same level.

"We're still far from it, but we're on the right track." Song Jing stood up, stretched his limbs, and a series of fine popping sounds, like popping beans, emanated from his body. His blood and energy were abundant.

He pushed open the door to the quiet room; it was almost dawn outside.

The Wuhan University of Science and Technology competition begins today.

In the soft light of dawn, the young man, dressed in a blue robe, stood upright, his gaze calm as an abyss yet sharp as a spear about to be drawn.

Overnight, his cultivation level advanced again.

Defense is already in the top tier, with speed and strength following closely behind.

The Crimson Wildfire Spear in his hand seemed to sense its master's fighting spirit, emitting a deep hum.

Geniuses of the inner city, are you ready?

This dark horse that emerged from the outer city is about to venture into this den of dragons and tigers!