Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 165 Finally Entering the Bone Forging Stage

As the carriage passed the last mountain pass, a breathtaking view suddenly opened up before us.

The first thing that catches the eye is the seemingly endless, towering city wall that is so majestic it's awe-inspiring.

The city wall is over twenty zhang high and is made entirely of a kind of dark blue giant stone block. Its surface is as smooth as a mirror and has a faint shimmering light, which is obviously a powerful protective formation.

On the city wall, banners fluttered and armored soldiers stood in rows, their fierce aura far surpassing that of the soldiers of Tianshui City.

The city gates were wide open, large enough to accommodate ten carriages side by side. The flow of people and vehicles was dense, yet orderly.

Before even entering the city, an atmosphere of bustling prosperity, noise, and a certain solemnity wafted over us.

"This is Xiuyang City, the heart of Yunxiu Prefecture," Wang Xuanwu's voice rang out softly in the carriage.

After exchanging the documents and travel permits of the Pingtianmen disciples, the carriage entered the city smoothly. Once inside the city, Song Jingcai truly understood what a "prefectural city" was and what a "countryside" was.

The streets were wider than imagined, paved entirely with smooth, flat bluestone slabs. The buildings on both sides stood side by side, often five or six stories high, with flying eaves, bracket sets, carved beams and painted rafters, displaying extreme luxury.

The shop signs were dazzling, such as "Bai Cao Tang", "Shen Bing Ge", "Qi Zhen Fang" and "Zui Xian Lou"—they were very grand, and the customers who came in and out were all well-dressed and rich.

The crowds were like a surging tide, shoulder to shoulder.

What alarmed Song Jing was that the proportion of martial artists among the people walking on the street was frighteningly high!

The aura of the Bone Forging Realm was almost everywhere, whether people were hurrying along, stopping to talk, or entering those tall shops, as if it were just an ordinary occurrence.

The majority of martial artists were at the Body Refining Realm, including many at the Perfect Body Refining Realm, but here they seemed to be just "ordinary".

Occasionally, one could even sense a few obscure and profound auras, far exceeding those of the Bone Forging Realm, flashing by in a fleeting moment, which sent chills down one's spine.

Compared to this place, the inner city of Tianshui is like a slightly busier town.

The prosperity here is built upon a strong martial arts force and a massive flow of resources, and is filled with a cold, hierarchical sense of order.

People's attire was clearly distinct. Those dressed in fine silks and satins, adorned with jade, and exuding a lingering aura were mostly scions of noble families or elites of sects; those dressed simply but neatly and with sharp eyes were likely rogue cultivators or guards; while the majority of busy, ordinary people had a faint aura, struggling to make a living.

One can roughly judge a person's status and level of strength simply by their clothing, accessories, and demeanor.

Song Jing noticed that his white robes with cloud patterns, worn by an outer disciple of the Pingtian Sect, attracted many curious, envious, or inquisitive glances on the street.

Young martial artists, in particular, would often glance at him a few more times and whisper among themselves when they saw him.

"Huh? A disciple of the Pingtian Sect? So young?"

"Perfected Body Refining Realm? At this age, that's quite good in the prefectural city, but to be able to directly wear the outer sect robes—"

"Judging from the style of the clothes, they're from the latest batch. Could it be someone just starting out?"

"Upgraded from a county town? Entering the outer sect at the peak of the Flesh Refining Realm? That's a rare thing outside the prefectural city, hasn't been seen for decades?"

"I wonder which county this genius came from. He's quite interesting."

Although these whispers were low, they did not escape Song Jing's keen ears.

His face remained calm, but he understood perfectly.

In the prefectural city, being a disciple of the Pingtian Sect is undoubtedly a dazzling halo, but it also means greater attention and potential comparisons.

While his cultivation at the peak of the Body Refining Realm might not be considered top-tier among the younger generation in the city, obtaining outer sect qualification directly as someone from outside the city certainly seemed rather conspicuous.

As they were talking, the carriage had already reached a fork in the road.

Nie Daoyi clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Young Song, Master Wang, I'll take my leave here. I need to find an old friend to heal my wounds and inquire about some things. I will never forget your life-saving grace. In the future, if you ever need anything, as long as it doesn't violate my principles, I will do my utmost!"

Song Jing quickly returned the greeting: "Senior Nie, you flatter me. Please take care of yourself, and I hope we will meet again someday."

Nie Daoyi nodded to Wang Xuanwu again, then turned around and disappeared into the crowd.

Watching his departing figure, Song Jing's respect for him deepened.

This veteran, though still wounded, had his heart already soaring back to the harsh frontier, back to the battlefield where he fought against the barbarians.

This deep sense of patriotism and unwavering integrity is truly moving.

Wang Xuanwu withdrew his gaze and said to Song Jing, "Old man Nie is a real man. Let's go, I'll take you to Pingtianmen."

The carriage continued on its way, and Wang Xuanwu, unusually, took the initiative to speak, introducing Song Jing to the power structure of the prefectural city.

"Xiuyang City, and even the entire Yunxiu Prefecture, are nominally governed by the government offices established by the Great Zhou Dynasty, but in reality, it is the major sects and aristocratic families that maintain order and decide on resource allocation."

Among them, the five strongest sects are collectively known as the Five Elements Sects.

"7

"The Five Elements Sect?" Song Jing asked curiously.

"Yes, Golden Rainbow Valley, Green Wood Cliff, Profound Water Palace, Li Huo Sect, and Thick Earth Sect. These five sects have a long history and profound foundation, each specializing in techniques and secret arts based on the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Legend has it that their founding masters were from the same school, and their cultivation methods originated from the same source, forming a perfect combination of five complementary techniques! After the founding master passed away, each of the five disciples received a portion of the techniques, thus branching out and forming the Five Elements Sects as we know them today."

Wang Xuanwu paused for a moment, then continued, "There is a rumor that if one can gather the core secret techniques of the five sects and combine them into one, one can recreate the supreme technique of the founder, whose power is earth-shattering and enough to reach a higher level of martial arts."

However, this is just a legend. There is both cooperation and competition among the five sects; to gather all five methods is as difficult as ascending to heaven.

"A top-grade cultivation technique?" This was the first time Song Jing had ever heard of this rank.

"Not bad. The cultivation techniques and weapons are roughly of similar quality, divided into common, fine, rare, and supreme grades, each grade further divided into lower,..."

"The four levels: middle, upper, and top," Wang Xuanwu explained. "Most of what you learned in the outer and inner cities were ordinary. For example, your Wind and Thunder Leg Technique was originally a fragment of a high-quality, low-level technique. Even if you complete it, it will only be a high-quality, low-level technique."

The Golden Bell Shield is a mid-level ordinary item, but if you master it to perfection, its defensive power can barely rival that of a high-level beginner-level exquisite item.

The Nine Shadow Steps is a complete, high-quality, beginner-level movement technique. As for the Wildfire Spear Technique, it is a closely guarded secret of the Nie family, classified as a high-quality, mid-level technique, considered a family-protecting skill even in ordinary aristocratic families.

Premium Mid-Tier!

Song Jing understood immediately; no wonder the Wildfire Spear Technique was so powerful and so difficult to cultivate.

"By joining the Pingtian Sect as an outer disciple, you will have the opportunity to choose a rare cultivation technique!" A solemn look flashed in Wang Xuanwu's eyes. "A rare cultivation technique, even if it is only of the lower grade, is far more valuable than a top-grade fine technique. The martial arts essence it contains is more profound, and the true qi cultivated from it is also more refined."

For those in the Bone Forging Realm, their Qi and blood become even purer and more abundant, greatly benefiting their future breakthroughs to higher realms. This is a foundation that only major sects can provide; therefore, careful selection is essential.

Song Jing nodded emphatically. A rare and precious cultivation technique! This was undoubtedly a huge temptation and opportunity for him.

"In addition, the monthly allowance for outer disciples far exceeds your imagination. Every month, they not only receive a large number of pills to improve their qi and blood, but also Bone Strengthening Pills to assist in the cultivation of the Bone Forging Realm."

If you break through to the Bone Forging Realm, you can receive ten Bone Strengthening Pills every month! These pills are extremely valuable on the market, and are practically unavailable.

As they spoke, the carriage entered a relatively quiet area, but with a noticeably stronger spiritual energy.

In the distance, a magnificent architectural complex comes into view, built against the mountain, with palaces and pavilions stretching as far as the eye can see, their flying eaves and painted red, nestled among the green pines and cypresses and the misty spiritual atmosphere, creating a magnificent and ever-changing scene.

At the main gate, a towering white marble archway, ten zhang high, stands majestically, with three large characters written on it in bold, elegant strokes: Pingtianmen!

The handwriting seemed to contain boundless sword intent and imposing power, inspiring awe in those who looked upon it.

Compared to this magnificent mountain gate, the Tianshui City branch was like the villa of a nouveau riche in the countryside.

The carriage stopped outside the mountain gate.

Pingtianmen covers a vast area, and vehicles and horses are not allowed to enter unless they are disciples of the sect or have special permission.

Song Jing and Wang Xuanwu alighted from the carriage. Wang Xuanwu said, "I will escort you this far. The Forging Pavilion is on the west side of the city. After you are settled, you may come to find me if you have free time. If you need any forging or materials, you may also come to find me."

"Thank you for your guidance along the way, Master Wang." Song Jing bowed respectfully.

Wang Xuanwu waved his hand, turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the crowd.

Song Jing straightened his robes, held his identity jade token, and walked towards the mountain gate.

The gatekeepers were two middle-aged disciples with calm demeanor and sharp eyes, both possessing cultivation at the mid-stage of the Bone Forging Realm.

After they examined the jade token and confirmed it was genuine, one of them said, "New junior brother? Please wait here for a moment. A senior brother has come to guide you."

No sooner had the words been spoken than a figure in blue strode swiftly from inside the mountain gate.

The newcomer appeared to be around twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with a handsome face and a warm smile on his lips. He wore a moon-white robe similar to Song Jing's, but with seemingly more exquisite patterns. His aura was long and deep, clearly indicating that he had reached the peak of the Bone Forging Realm!

"Could you be Junior Brother Song Jing from Tianshui City?" The young man smiled warmly, his gaze sweeping over Song Jing, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes before his smile widened.

"It is indeed Song Jing. Greetings, Senior Brother." Song Jing clasped his hands in greeting.

"No need for formalities. My surname is Chen, and my given name is Mo. You can call me Senior Brother Chen." Chen Mo was very enthusiastic and patted Song Jing on the shoulder. "Junior Brother Song, you must be tired from your journey. Come on, let me take you inside first, get your belongings, and then arrange your accommodations."

The two walked side by side into the mountain gate.

The spiritual energy inside the gate grew increasingly rich, the road was wide and clean, ancient trees towered on both sides, and exotic flowers and rare herbs could be seen everywhere. Disciples dressed in various colors passed by in a hurry from time to time, and most of them had a strong aura.

"Senior Brother Chen, thank you for your trouble." Song Jing thanked him, but he was a little puzzled.

As a senior disciple of the Bone Forging Realm, this senior brother Chen must have a high status among the outer disciples. Why is he so enthusiastic towards a junior disciple who has just entered the Flesh Refining Realm?

Moreover, it seems he already knew his name and origin?

Chen Mo seemed to sense Song Jing's confusion and said with a smile as he walked, "Junior Brother Song, there's no need to be surprised. My uncle, Chen Yanzhou, is the Commandant of Tianshui City. He wrote to me a few days ago, specifically instructing me to take good care of any talented junior brother named Song Jing who joins the sect."

My uncle has extremely high standards. You are the first person he would value so highly, even writing a letter of entrustment to, Junior Brother Song.

"Meeting you today, I am truly impressed by your extraordinary bearing. Despite your young age and only being at the peak of the Body Refining Realm, and being born in an outer city, you still managed to overpower all others in the sect division competition and win the qualification for an outer sect disciple. I am truly impressed."

So that's how it is! It was Commandant Chen's arrangement. A warm feeling welled up in Song Jing's heart; Commandant Chen had truly taken great care of him.

"You flatter me, Commandant. Senior Brother Chen is too kind," Song Jingqian said.

"We're all family, no need to be so polite." Chen Mo waved his hand, his tone sincere. "If you have any questions or encounter any trouble in the outer sect, feel free to come to me. I may not have any other skills, but I've been in the outer sect for a few years and know quite a few people."

He kept saying "we're family" and "we've been around for a few years," but in his heart he admired his uncle immensely.

In his letter, his uncle spoke highly of the boy, saying that he was "talented and virtuous, and was no ordinary person; he was worth befriending."

At first, some of the elders in the Chen family did not think much of it, thinking that no matter how talented a boy from a county town was, what could he do?

He always listened to his uncle the most since he was a child, and took the initiative to accept the task of guiding the way.

Now that he has seen Song Jing in person, he is impressed by his calm demeanor and clear, firm gaze. Although he is only at the peak of the Body Refining Realm, he gives Song Jing a sense of pressure. This is something that no ordinary genius can possess.

He had a vague feeling that his uncle might have chosen the right person again this time.

Making friends with this person might bring unexpected rewards in the future.

Of course, Chen Mo at this moment would never have imagined that in the near future, it would not be him "taking care" of Song Jing, but Song Jing who would repeatedly pull him out of his predicament and show him unprecedented scenery.

This "passion" he has shown today will be one of the wisest and luckiest decisions of his life.

As Chen Mo walked, he enthusiastically introduced Song Jing to him.

"That's the Outer Sect's Cultivation Techniques Pavilion, which is much more advanced than the one in your branch sect. It has nine floors, each corresponding to a different grade of cultivation technique and a different stage of training. Next to it is the Combat Hall, which contains various combat puppets and simulated formations. It's a great place to hone your combat skills."

"That's the library. It not only houses martial arts classics, but also a wide variety of miscellaneous books, geomancy, history, elixirs, and weapon-refining diagrams. You can access them with your contribution points."

"The tallest tower in the distance is the sect's mission hall, where various missions are issued. Completing these missions will earn you contribution points, which can be exchanged for almost all resources within the sect. It is one of the main ways for disciples to obtain resources."

"The courtyard on the left is the Pill Pavilion and the Weapon Forging Workshop, where you can exchange for or customize pills and weapons. Of course, the prices are quite high, but you can also pay with contribution points."

"The disciples' quarters are divided into four areas: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow, corresponding to different levels of disciples and contributions. Newly admitted outer disciples are generally assigned to the Yellow area first. Specific promotion rules, sect regulations, and detailed map explanations are all in the 'Outer Disciple Guidebook' that you will receive later. Please read it carefully."

Chen Mo gave a detailed explanation, and Song Jing listened attentively, making a preliminary memorization of the vast outer sect layout.

Before long, the two arrived at a magnificent hall with a plaque that read "Hall of General Affairs".

Inside the hall, many disciples were already queuing up to handle various matters.

Chen Mo was clearly a familiar face. He greeted the steward on duty and then led Song Jing directly to a counter. There, he completed the formal entry registration, received several sets of clothes, a thick "Outer Disciple's Guide" handbook, and the disciple's allowance for the first month.

The example shows a Hengzhi storage bag containing: fifty "Crimson Essence Pills," a Qi and Blood Pill of a higher grade than Crimson Blood Pills, two "Strengthening Bone Pills," and one hundred Chu Gong contribution points. Adding to the eighty contribution points he had accumulated in the branch, he had a total of one hundred and eighty contribution points.

"Junior Brother Song, this is your residence key, yellow area, room number seven in courtyard three. This is the outer sect map." Chen Mo handed the items to Song Jing one by one. "Today, settle in first, familiarize yourself with the environment, and read the manual."

Tomorrow I will take you to the Cultivation Technique Pavilion to choose your prized cultivation technique. Remember, choosing a cultivation technique is of paramount importance; you must carefully consider your own circumstances and make a wise decision.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Chen!" Song Jing accepted all the items, feeling much more at ease.

After bidding farewell to the warm and considerate senior brother Chen Mo, Song Jing followed the map to find his place of residence.

The courtyard in the yellow area was quiet and tidy. Although it couldn't compare to the luxury of the heaven and earth areas, it was still far superior to his quiet room in the heavenly city.

The room is a separate room with simple soundproofing, and is fully equipped with a table, chairs, and a bed.

Closing the door shuts out the noise from the outside world.

Song Jing sat cross-legged on the bed, not immediately looking at the manual or counting the pills, but first slowly exhaling a breath of turbid air.

From leaving Tian, ​​to the arduous journey, the border attack, the initial entry into the prefectural city, and finally entering the colossal outer gate of Pingtian Gate—in just a few days, I experienced a great deal.

Now, the influx has finally found temporary peace.

He picked up the storage bag and took out its contents one by one.

Fifty Crimson Essence Pills, with a rich medicinal aroma, contain immense power of qi and blood.

The two Bone Strengthening Pills exuded an alluring luster and a profound aura.

"It's time to break through." A gleam of triumph flashed in Song Jing's eyes. His cultivation had already reached the pinnacle of the Flesh Refining Realm (901/1000) during his defense of the arena. Although he hadn't deliberately tried to break through in the following month, the resources in the Jia-level area and his own arduous cultivation had already brought him to a saturated state where there was no room for further progress. He was just one opportunity away from breaking through that barrier.

Now, being in a place as rich in spiritual energy as Pingtianmen, and having a sufficient supply of high-quality pills, is the perfect opportunity!

Without the slightest hesitation, he adjusted himself to his optimal state, took out a Crimson Essence Pill, and swallowed it.

"boom!"

The pure and potent medicinal power spread throughout his body, like igniting a volcano!

The "Heaven rewards diligence" talent was fully activated, guiding this torrent along the meridians that had already been honed to their limit, and launching an attack on that invisible barrier!

One, two, three — when the medicinal power of the tenth Crimson Essence Pill was absorbed, the power accumulated in the body had reached its peak!

The blood and qi surged and roared within the body like a dragon, creating a thunderous roar!

Song Jing didn't wait any longer and put a bone-strengthening pill into his mouth.

The pill melted instantly upon entering the mouth, transforming into a cool yet incredibly powerful torrent. Instead of spreading throughout the limbs and bones, it seemed to possess a spirit, flowing directly into every bone in the body!

In an instant, Song Jing felt a strange sensation of numbness, itching, heat, and swelling coursing through all 206 bones in his body!

It felt as if countless tiny hammers were gently tapping every inch of bone in a specific rhythm; it also felt as if countless warm currents were seeping into the depths of the bone marrow, nourishing, strengthening, and transforming it!

"Click, click, click—"

A fine, continuous sound, like the clinking of gold and jade, came from within the bones of his entire body!

This is not a break, but a tempering, a rebirth!

It was as if mortal bones were taking a crucial step towards "martial bones"!

Supported by the surging Qi and blood of the Crimson Yuan Pill, and guided and tempered by the effects of the Strong Bone Pill, the perfect Qi and blood accumulated to the extreme in Song Jing's body finally underwent a qualitative transformation!

"Boom—!"

It felt like a thunderclap exploded in my mind!

The limbs and the entire body trembled violently at the same time!

On the skin's surface, a faint golden luster and a crimson light of blood and qi alternately flicker, eventually receding and merging into the depths of the bones.

The insurmountable barrier between the Flesh Refining Realm and the Bone Forging Realm was ruthlessly shattered by the surging power at this moment!

Bone Forging Realm, Initial Stage!

breakthrough!

Song Jing suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze shining brightly as if two golden lamps were lit. Then, his gaze slowly subsided, becoming even more profound and reserved.

He clenched his fist lightly, the air bursting in his palm with a low, whistling sound. With a casual shout, his arm unleashed a sharp burst of energy.

Their overall quality has been comprehensively improved!

Strength has more than tripled! Every movement exudes an overwhelming power, as if he could tear apart tigers and leopards with a flick of his wrist, and shatter metal and stone with a single punch. This is the most direct manifestation of the enhanced bones, resulting in more efficient power transmission and a more terrifying burst of power.

Speed ​​has increased by approximately two times! Not only movement speed, but also reaction and attack speed have been greatly improved. The power of the Perfected Wind Chasing Leg Technique and the Great Perfection Nine Shadow Steps will be further enhanced due to the leap in basic attributes.

Furthermore, defense is greatly enhanced. The skeleton is the human body's framework, and a strong skeleton greatly increases the body's overall resistance to blows!

The perfect Golden Bell Shield's defense was already astonishing, but now, with the support of strong bones, its defensive power has more than doubled! Ordinary high-grade weapons would probably find it difficult to break through its defense.

Enhance all senses: hearing, sight, smell, touch, and intuition!

The buzzing of mosquitoes and flies can be heard from dozens of feet away, and the texture of leaves can be clearly seen from a hundred paces away. The sense of air currents and dangers has also become more acute.

The body's muscle lines are smoother and more perfect, not overly bulging, but containing explosive power.

His skin was radiant and glowed with a subtle luster; his bones were as hard as iron; and as his blood and qi circulated, there was a faint sound of the tides.

The person's vitality has increased significantly.

Feeling the "true qi" flowing endlessly within his body, far more condensed and pure than blood and qi, carrying traces of heat and thunder attributes, that was the essence of the power of a Bone Forging Realm martial artist, and the powerful physique that was like being reborn, Song Jing stood up and slowly exhaled a long breath of turbid air.

This breath, concentrated and not dissipated, shot out like a white arrow of energy, about ten feet away, and hit the wall with a soft "poof" sound.

"Finally—I've reached the Bone Forging Realm."

He walked to the window, pushed it open, and looked out at the continuous palaces of Pingtianmen, the misty clouds, and the bright lights of the city in the distance. His heart was filled with heroic spirit.

The Flesh Refining Realm is merely a foundation-building stage. The Bone Forging Realm is where one truly embarks on the path to becoming a powerful being!

Here, he will learn rare martial arts techniques, acquire more resources, compete with stronger geniuses, and witness a wider world—"Pingtian Gate, the prefectural city—I, Song Jing, have arrived."

As night deepened, countless stars twinkled in the sky.

The chapter of Song Jing's life in the prefecture city officially began a new chapter as he stepped into the Bone Forging Realm.

The challenges and opportunities of the future will come one after another.

And he had already made preparations.

In the days that followed, Song Jing stayed indoors, refining and absorbing the remaining Crimson Essence Pills and Bone Strengthening Pills one by one.

The immense medicinal power surged under the influence of the "Heaven Rewards Diligence" talent, rapidly transforming into pure and potent Qi, nourishing the newly formed bones, and stabilizing the newly broken realm.

He practiced the technique repeatedly, familiarizing himself with the surge in power, speed, and defense, thoroughly solidifying his initial stage of the Bone Forging Realm.

Every bit of power was controlled with ease, and the flow of true energy was seamless and unimpeded.