Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 178 Breakthrough in the Mid-Stage of Bone Forging

In the small courtyard where Song Jing was temporarily residing in Tianshui City.

The moonlight, like water, poured into the quiet courtyard.

Song Jing sat cross-legged on a stone bench in the courtyard, his eyes slightly closed. His aura was calm and still, with faint red, blue, and pale gold lights alternating and flowing, echoing the stars in the sky.

The spiritual energy in the air seemed to be drawn towards him, slowly converging to form tiny vortices that were barely visible to the naked eye.

During this month, he focused single-mindedly on cultivating his skills and consolidating his realm.

As a rare and precious cultivation technique, the "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill" is far more difficult to cultivate than one can imagine.

Even with the aid of a core water vein elixir like the "Mysterious Origin Pill," progress was as slow as a tortoise's pace.

The generation and growth of each strand of profound true energy requires the meticulous guidance of a powerful divine soul. It must circulate through the complex and resilient meridians according to mysterious routes, repeatedly refining and tempering it until it is as condensed as mercury and as deep as an abyss, possessing both the permeability and transformation of water and a trace of the gravity of the origin.

This process is slow and arduous, and it is extremely mentally taxing. If you make a slight mistake, you may end up achieving less than you gained.

However, the power of a rare skill gradually becomes apparent through slow accumulation.

Even though he had only reached the "entry-level" stage of cultivation, and was still quite far from the "minor achievement" stage, Song Jing could clearly sense the qualitative change in his own true energy.

The originally blazing and domineering Wildfire True Qi was not weakened after being integrated with the Azure True Qi cultivated from the Profound Origin Heavy Water True Qi. Instead, it became more resilient, penetrating, and explosive with the harmonization of "water" and the enhancement of "heavy".

While the total amount of true qi may not be an exaggeration, its purity, controllability, and nourishing effect on the body have undergone a complete transformation.

When performing martial arts, the flow of true qi is smoother, less energy is consumed, but the power is stronger.

In terms of the overall strength boost brought by true qi alone, this "entry-level" "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill" is already comparable to the improvement brought by cultivating the "Wildfire Spear Technique" of the fine mid-level to "mastery"!

This gave him a more direct sense of awe for the power of rare martial arts techniques.

He did not slacken in his practice of the Wildfire Spear Technique. Holding the Five Elements Dao Spear, his mind was immersed in the understanding of the harmony of water and fire, and the balance of strength and gentleness. He gained a new understanding of this spear technique, which he had already mastered.

The spear technique no longer solely pursues extreme explosiveness, but begins to incorporate the penetrating and continuous nature of "heavy water" and the meaning of "change," making the spear technique not only aggressive and fiery, but also unpredictable, difficult to defend against, and with a long-lasting aftereffect.

Although it is still stuck at the peak of "Great Completion" and has not been able to break through to "Return to Truth" in one go, its power and changes have reached a new level.

The Nine Shadow Steps have already been perfected, and there is no further progress to be made.

However, while practicing the "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill," Song Jing had a sudden inspiration and tried to apply the concept of "water has no fixed shape and adapts to any shape."

The artistic conception is integrated into the footwork, which makes the already light and unpredictable movement even more fluid and elusive, like "flowing clouds and water, penetrating everywhere". Combined with the True Nature level Chasing Wind Leg Technique and Wind and Thunder Leg Technique, the speed and change of direction of the movement are further improved.

The Golden Bell Cover, which originated from the Zhou family and had been perfected by the talent of "Heaven rewards diligence," finally touched that solid barrier under the continuous nourishment and tempering of the physical body by the Profound Origin Heavy Water True Skill.

A pale golden luster flowed beneath her skin, subtly revealing a profound sense of "immovable as a mountain, impervious to all laws." She was only a short period of arduous cultivation away from breaking through the limits of the mortal realm and entering the state of "returning to the true self."

The four techniques, whether arduous to master, meticulous to refine, or seeking transformation, advance in tandem.

His daily rigorous training made his foundation more solid, his control over power more precise, and his understanding of martial arts more profound.

That night, when the moonlight was at its brightest, Song Jing's bones and true energy, which had long been tempered by the "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill" and filled with the power of a massive amount of pills, finally reached their peak.

"boom!"

Like a dormant volcano suddenly erupting, or a river bursting its banks, an overwhelming and unstoppable force surged forth from the depths of the dantian and the bones throughout the body!

The crimson and azure true energies were no longer clearly distinct, but rather like two dragons, frantically intertwining, colliding, and merging, ultimately transforming into a more profound, more condensed, and powerful energy that exuded a faint chaotic aura, instantly shattering the solid barrier that stood between the early and middle stages of bone forging!

"Click, click, click—"

The bones throughout the body emitted a dense, crackling sound, like raindrops pattering on banana leaves, yet also as clear and crisp as the tinkling of gold and jade. This was not a sign of breaking, but rather a sign of rebirth and transformation!

Bone density, hardness, and toughness surged again, bone marrow became like syrup, and vitality surged.

The blood and qi in his body boiled, like the Yangtze River surging and roaring in his veins, emitting a deep rumble.

Mid-stage Bone Forging Realm!

It's a matter of course!

Song Jing suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze shining brightly. A phantom of crimson flame seemed to flash in his left eye, while his right eye seemed to contain a deep, cold pool. Then, all of that light was withdrawn, turning into an even deeper and calmer pitch black.

He slowly rose to his feet. Without any effort, a powerful and imposing aura, several times stronger than before, naturally emanated from him. The surrounding air seemed to freeze, and the dust on the ground rippled out in a ring.

He gently clenched his fist, feeling the terrifying power emanating from his fingertips, as if it could crush fine iron, and the boundless true energy flowing within his body, far surpassing its former quality. An indescribable excitement and sense of power filled his heart.

"Finally—I've broken through!" A triumphant smile appeared on Song Jing's lips.

This breakthrough is not only a surge in power, but also a significant affirmation of his own path in martial arts.

He could "see" the invisible scale in his mind, which clearly pointed to the mid-stage of Bone Forging, 610/2000!

The foundation is so solid that it far exceeds expectations.

This is thanks to the ultimate tempering of true qi by the "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill", and also thanks to the perfect control and absorption of every bit of power under the talent of "Heaven rewards diligence".

"With my current strength, if I were to face a guy like Chang Yuan who is new to the Refining Realm and whose foundation is unstable, I probably wouldn't need fifty moves, or even ten, to take his life!" Song Jing felt a surge of pride.

The Five Elements Dao Spear seemed to sense its master's breakthrough and fighting spirit, emitting a slight, excited tremor from its holster on its back.

Just as Song Jing was immersed in the joy of his breakthrough and getting familiar with his newfound power, a burst of excited noise came from outside the courtyard.

"Brother Song! Brother Song! We've broken through! We've become martial artists!" Monkey's signature high-pitched voice carried from afar.

Immediately afterwards, Chen Pangzi's honest and excited voice and Song Yi's steady yet trembling voice rang out one after another.

Song Jing opened the courtyard gate and saw Song Yi, Monkey, and Fatty Chen, all with ruddy complexions. Although their auras were weak, they were already different from ordinary people, with faint but real blood and qi flowing in their bodies.

They truly stepped into the threshold of martial arts and became awesome martial artists!

"Brother Song! Thanks to your medicine! I feel so energetic!" Monkey exclaimed excitedly, waving his arms and legs.

"Yeah, Brother Song, we're martial artists now too!" Fatty Chen scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly.

Song Yi's eyes reddened slightly as he patted Song Jing's shoulder heavily: "Brother, thanks! Without you, our lives might have been..."

Looking at his three earliest companions, who came from humble backgrounds, now embarking on the path of martial arts and changing their destinies, Song Jing felt a surge of warmth and a sense of accomplishment.

He smiled and hugged each of the three, encouraging them to avoid arrogance and impetuosity and to lay a solid foundation.

Soon after, Zhou Xingyun also arrived upon hearing the news. This sixth senior brother was now in good health, his wrinkles seemed to have smoothed out, and his eyes were shining brightly. He had broken through the Copper Skin Realm that had troubled him for many years and successfully stepped into the Flesh Refining Realm! "Junior Brother Song, I can't thank you enough! Old Zhou, I—I—" He was so excited that he couldn't speak coherently.

Following that, Li Ling Shuang and Nie Feng also visited together.

Li Ling Shuang's aura became more refined, and her figure became even more light and agile. She had advanced from the early stage of flesh refining to the middle stage. Her pretty face showed undisguised joy and gratitude towards Song Jing.

Nie Feng, on the other hand, possessed a powerful aura and sharp eyes, clearly having stabilized at the late stage of the Body Refining Realm and not far from perfection.

He looked at Song Jing with sincere admiration and a desire to follow him.

"Senior Brother Song, congratulations on your breakthrough!" the two congratulated each other in unison, and also shared their good news.

Seeing his old friends and acquaintances improve their skills and find hope in life thanks to his help, Song Jing's smile became even more genuine.

This is one of the meanings of power: it can not only protect oneself, but also illuminate the path for others.

However, beneath the joy and light of the world, shadows and filth always breed and spread.

While Song Jing was diligently cultivating in Tianshui City and his old friends were breaking through to new heights, a deadly storm was quietly brewing in a secluded valley in Yunxiu Prefecture, within the Blood Lotus Sect branch altar, where blood and evil emanated.

The main hall of the branch altar was gloomy and terrifying, with skulls embedded in the walls and eerie green flames burning from the eternal lamps. On the main seat in the hall sat an old man dressed in a scarlet robe, with a gaunt, ghostly face and eyes as sinister as a venomous snake.

He exuded a chilling and violent aura that was suffocating, and his cultivation had already reached the late stage of the Refining Realm! He was Li Wuxie, one of the ten elders of the Blood Lotus Sect stationed in Yunxiu Prefecture, ranked tenth, and known as "Skin-Peeling Yama"!

Li Wuxie toyed with a token stained with dark red blood and engraved with a strange lotus flower in his hand, his eyes surging with boundless hatred and murderous intent.

Below, several Blood Lotus Sect leaders, each with a fierce aura and at least at the peak of the Bone Forging Realm, knelt on the ground, silent as if trembling in fear.

"Have you found out?" Li Wuxie's voice was dry and hoarse, like sandpaper rubbing, making people's scalps tingle.

"Reporting to the Tenth Elder, we have investigated thoroughly." A leader reported in a trembling voice, "Several months ago, our branch in Tianshui City was destroyed, and two branch leaders and dozens of brothers were all killed—after extensive investigation, the person who did it was a kid named Song Jing."

At that time, he should have only been at the Body Refinement Realm, but his combat power was strange, suggesting that he had powerful external assistance.

Now—according to the latest intelligence, this young man has returned to Tianshui City, and his cultivation level appears to have broken through to the Bone Forging Realm!

"Song Jing—Bone Forging Realm—" Li Wuxie repeated the name in a low voice, his withered fingers suddenly clenching, the metal token slightly deformed under his grip. "Wujiu—my good brother—when we were young, you took the blame for me and went to prison, suffering endless torment—after I rose to power, I immediately took you out, promising you wealth and glory, intending to share this blood-stained empire with you—"

You died at the hands of a mere brat who hadn't even grown up yet—"

His voice grew lower and lower, yet colder and colder, and the temperature in the hall seemed to plummet accordingly.

The intense killing intent was almost tangible, causing the people below to tremble.

"Bone Forging Realm? Even if he breaks through to the Dirty Refining Realm, I will skin him alive, tear him apart, and grind his bones to dust to appease my brother's spirit in heaven!" Li Wuxie suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with ferocity. "Pass on my orders: summon the three—'Skinner,' 'Tendon-Tenderer,' and 'Bone-Crusher'—to come!"

Upon hearing these three names, the leaders below all paled, their eyes filled with deep fear. These three were Li Wuxie's most ruthless and capable executioners, all at the early stage of the Refining Realm. However, they were all vicious and ruthless, killing without hesitation. They were also proficient in combined attacks, and together they had killed righteous experts at the mid-stage of the Refining Realm, earning them a fearsome reputation.

"Tenth Elder, Song Jing is only at the Bone Forging Realm. Should we use the three of you?" a leader asked cautiously.

"Hmph!" Li Wuxie snorted coldly. "Li Wuxie was also at the early stage of the Refining Realm, yet he and his branch were wiped out. There must be something strange about this kid."

Moreover, what I want is not possibility, but absolute certainty!

He should suffer all the most extreme punishments imaginable, and die slowly in pain and remorse!

Sending the three of them is just right!

He paused, a cruel and twisted smile appearing on his face: "Tell those three kids that this target is interesting. Let them go all out and do whatever they want."

Remember, I want to see that little beast's entire human skin, and I want to hear a photograph of every scream he lets out! After it's done, they'll definitely get their share of the sect's "Blood Lotus Secret Pill"!

"Yes! Your subordinates obey!" the leaders replied in unison, their voices trembling.

Soon, three figures, like ghosts, exuding a strong bloody and murderous aura, silently left the Blood Lotus Sect branch altar. Like three poisoned arrows, they pierced the night sky and sped towards Tianshui City.

"Peeling" refers to the skillful use of a fine knife to skin a person alive, leaving them unable to die.

The "muscle-cracking" technique involves immense strength, and the perpetrator enjoys tearing out a person's tendons with their bare hands, a cruel act.

"Bone Crusher" is insidious and vicious, a master of torture, specializing in crushing a person's bones and taking pleasure in their screams.

These three are all candidates for the "Ten Great Evils" in the Blood Lotus Sect. Although their cultivation is "only" at the early stage of Refining the Divine Realm, their ferocity and terrifying combat skills make them someone that even many experts at the mid-to-late stages of Refining the Divine Realm are unwilling to provoke easily.

The three of them, working together, have killed countless experts in the Refining Realm, including some well-known righteous figures in the mid-to-late stages!

Li Wuxie sent them to make a move, clearly showing that he hated Song Jing to the extreme and was determined to kill him tragically, to pay tribute to his brother in the most cruel way.

The rain is coming and the wind is all over the building.

The joy of Song Jing's breakthrough and the satisfaction of his old friend's progress did not last long.

A deadly crisis, carrying overwhelming bloodshed and malice, is quietly approaching from the depths of darkness.

At this moment, as night deepened in Tianshui City, it seemed even quieter and colder than usual.