Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 189 Breaking Through the Cold Pool, A Complete Transformation!

Thirty li west of the city lies Hantan Ravine.

This place truly lives up to its name; a deep, secluded mountain stream winds its way in, its bottom chilling and perpetually shrouded in milky white fog, rarely visited by humans.

The stream was icy cold, and at its source was a bottomless pool of water with an eerie dark green color. Even in the height of summer, a chill lingered on the surface of the water, and white frost clung to the rocks along the edge of the pool.

When Song Jing arrived, it was already afternoon.

He found a secluded spot, surrounded by cliffs on three sides and backed by a cold pool. After confirming that there were no dangerous creatures or other people around, he set up a few small warning and suffocation devices around the perimeter.

After doing all this, he sat cross-legged on a black rock that had been smoothed like a mirror by the cold air, facing the dark green pool.

The water element here is exceptionally abundant, and it carries a natural chill, which perfectly complements his cultivation of the "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Technique." It may even help him better refine the evil energy within the Blood Lotus Secret Pill.

Instead of immediately taking the Blood Lotus Secret Pill, he first took out the two Bone Strengthening Pills that he had scavenged from Sheng Huaixu.

This elixir is balanced and mild, with gentle medicinal effects. It can serve as a prelude to adjusting one's own condition to its best and enhancing the activity of qi, blood, and bones to a certain extent, thus making full preparations for taking the Blood Lotus Secret Elixir.

Adjusting his breathing to bring himself to his optimal state, Song Jing swallowed two Bone Strengthening Pills.

Once the elixir entered the abdomen, it transformed into two gentle and mellow streams of energy that quickly permeated the limbs and bones, beginning to strengthen the bones and replenish the body's vital energy and blood.

Song Jing circulated the "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill," guiding the medicinal power to evenly penetrate every bone in his body. He was already weakened by the successive battles...

The slightly more active blood and qi became even more surging, and a tingling, itchy, and comfortable sensation came from the bones.

Half an hour later, the effects of the Bone Strengthening Pill were fully absorbed.

Song Jing felt his blood and energy surging, his bones faintly glowing with a jade-like luster, and his condition had reached its peak.

The path to breaking through to the mid-stage of Bone Forging is now clearly visible.

"It's time!"

Without further hesitation, Song Jing took out the two Blood Lotus Secret Pills, which emitted an eerie blood-red light and a powerful fluctuation, from the jade box he kept close to his body.

He didn't greedily take both at the same time, but carefully took out one first. The pill trembled slightly in his palm, as if it were alive, exuding an alluring yet dangerous aura.

He stopped examining it and decisively put it in his mouth.

"Gulp."

The pill didn't dissolve immediately upon entering the mouth; instead, it slid down the throat and into the stomach as if it had a life of its own. The next moment, "BOOM!!!"

It was as if a volcano had erupted within Song Jing's body! Or as if thousands of thunderbolts had simultaneously exploded in his blood!

A terrifying energy, far beyond imagination, instantly erupted within Song Jing's body!

That was not simply the power of qi and blood, but a mixture of massive amounts of life essence, violent true energy, and countless impure resentments, evil spirits, and blood.

A torrent of energy, emanating a stench of blood!

This torrent was so vast, so domineering, so chaotic, it seemed intent on completely bursting and tearing Song Jing's body apart, inside and out.

erosion!

Even though he was prepared, Song Jing couldn't help but let out a muffled groan. His face instantly turned red, and the veins on his forehead, neck, and arms bulged like twisted earthworms.

He felt as if his body had become a furnace that could explode at any moment, or a battlefield being torn apart and attacked by countless vengeful spirits.

Countless illusions seemed to appear before his eyes: mountains of corpses and seas of blood, wailing of wronged souls, vengeful ghosts demanding lives, and bloody slaughter—it was the resentment of the dead contained in the Blood Lotus Secret Pill that was causing trouble, trying to assault his mind and drag him into an abyss of endless killing.

"Give me the town!"

Song Jing suddenly bit the tip of his tongue, and the intense pain cleared his mind.

He let out a low roar and pushed the Lesser Completion of the Profound Origin Heavy Water True Skill to its limit!

Within his dantian, the deep blue lake of heavy water true energy churned violently, stirring up towering waves and transforming into countless pure, clean, heavy, and condensed torrents of deep blue true energy, actively meeting the violent and chaotic energy torrent within his body.

At the same time, he frantically activated his "Heaven Rewards Diligence" talent, pushing his control over power and true qi to the limit, like the most skilled craftsman, precisely guiding, sorting, and stripping away that massive amount of energy.

At the edge of the icy pool, the rich water-based spiritual energy and icy cold energy were drawn together, converging and merging into Song Jing's body to help him suppress the fiery and violent medicinal power.

The black rock beneath him rapidly formed a thick layer of frost centered on him, which then spread outwards.

The dark green, cold pool water seemed to be stirred by an invisible force, rippling in waves.

This is a life-or-death struggle between willpower, cultivation techniques, talent, and the power of evil pills!

Song Jing's skin sometimes turned blood red, steaming with heat; at other times it was covered with a layer of dark blue frost, exuding a chilling aura.

His body trembled violently, and blood kept spilling from the corner of his mouth, caused by the violent energy impacting his meridians. However, his eyes were tightly closed, his jaw was clenched, and his expression was as firm as a rock, without the slightest wavering.

I don't know how much time passed; it might have been a moment, or it might have been a long hour.

Finally, under the continuous refinement and guidance of the Xuan Yuan Heavy Water True Qi and the "Heaven Rewards Diligence" talent, the violent and chaotic energy torrent began to be gradually "tamed".

Countless mixed resentments and evil energies were gradually worn down, purified, and expelled from the body by the pure heavy water true energy.

It transformed into a faint blackish-red mist, dissipating into the chill of the cold pool.

The most essential and purest part of the Qi and blood essence and life essence was carefully extracted and, like a trickle, flowed into Song Jing's own blood vessels, bones, and internal organs.

"Click—click-clack—"

With the infusion of this unimaginably pure energy, Song Jing's bones emitted a continuous, resonant sound, like the clinking of jade.

A crisp, clear sound!

The sound was initially faint, then became dense, and finally merged into one, as if his entire skeleton was undergoing a transformative metamorphosis!

Beneath the skin, the muscle fibers seemed to come alive, writhing, reorganizing, becoming more resilient, and filled with explosive power like a serpentine dragon.

Although the meridians were damaged by the violent energy, they were quickly repaired under the nourishment of the life essence, and became wider and more resilient than before, able to accommodate and transmit more true energy.

The internal organs were also cleansed and strengthened, becoming more vibrant.

His blood and qi surged and roared within his body like the Yangtze River, making a thunderous sound. It was as viscous as mercury and as hot as fire, yet under the control of the Xuan Yuan Heavy Water True Qi, it contained a power as calm as an abyss.

The seemingly solid barrier of the mid-stage Bone Forging Realm melted away rapidly under the impact of this overwhelming torrent, like ice and snow under the sun.

"break!"

At one point, Song Jing let out a low shout in his heart.

"boom!"

As if an invisible shackle had been broken, a brand new and more powerful force surged out of Song Jing's body like a volcanic eruption!

The air around him suddenly trembled, and the frost that had formed beneath his feet exploded, turning into a sky full of ice crystals!

An invisible force pushed the water in the cold pool apart, creating a distinct depression!

The progress bar for the mid-stage of Bone Forging (750/2000) soared like a rocket, instantly breaking through the bottleneck and advancing all the way until it finally came to a slow stop at the late-stage of Bone Forging (1000/2000)!

One Blood Lotus Secret Pill, plus the two Bone Strengthening Pills he had previously taken, directly increased his progress by more than 250 points, which would have taken at least several months of arduous cultivation.

So, after the burst of blood and qi brought about by the first Blood Lotus Secret Pill subsided, he thought for a moment and decided that if he took the second one, he would definitely be able to break through to the late stage of Bone Forging!

At the time, we didn't know how much his strength could improve, but it should be comparable to that of an ordinary late-stage Refinement Realm cultivator!

For example, if Zhou Ming were to encounter him again, in a one-on-one situation, it would definitely be like turning on the light in the toilet—asking for death.

He immediately took the second Blood Lotus Secret Pill.

The second lesson on elixirs also stirred his emotions.

These two pills not only helped him break through to the late stage of Bone Forging in one fell swoop, but also saved him at least several months of hard work!

The moment he broke through, Song Jing suddenly opened his eyes!

"Two beams of light, seemingly tangible, shot out from his eyes like lightning in the night, disappearing in an instant!"

His entire demeanor underwent a dramatic change!

If the Song Jing of the past was like a sharp sword with its edge concealed but occasionally revealing its brilliance, then he at this moment is like a towering mountain, steady, heavy, and full of suffocating pressure!

It is like a bottomless, icy pool, calm on the surface but containing a terrifying power that can devour everything!

He slowly stood up, his bones crackling like popping beans, every muscle brimming with explosive power, its lines smooth and perfect, containing terrifying strength and speed.

The skin has a healthy wheat color with a subtle jade-like luster, which is a sign that the bones are strong to a certain extent and the blood and qi are abundant to the extreme.

Make a fist gently.

"Snap!"

The air seemed to explode under his grip, producing a soft popping sound!

His pure physical strength has increased at least several times compared to before the breakthrough!

He felt that with his physical strength alone, he could crush most people in the Bone Forging Realm and even fight against some late-stage Refining Realm cultivators who were not good at strength!

With a thought, the dark blue Xuan Yuan Heavy Water True Qi burst forth from his body, forming a layer of solid, water-like True Qi veil on his skin, which was thicker and more refined than before, greatly increasing his defensive power!

The circulation of true energy was seamless and effortless, as if controlling one's own limbs. Whether it was the speed of the spear thrust, or the explosive power and endurance of the true energy, it was unparalleled.

They are comparable!

The mid-stage Bone Forging skill on the panel has changed to [Late-stage Bone Forging (1220/2000)]

"This is—the late stage of Bone Forging!" Song Jing felt the surging, boundless power within his body, an unprecedented sense of strength filling his heart.

He slowly raised his arm, spread his fingers, and then clenched them tightly!

"boom!"

The air ahead was compressed rapidly, producing a muffled explosion. A visible white shockwave spread out in a ring, causing the pool water to ripple and the pebbles to roll.

"Speed!" He thought again, and simultaneously activated the Nine Shadow Steps and the Wind and Thunder Leg Technique.

"Whoosh!"

He left only a faint afterimage in place, while his true form had already appeared three zhang away by the pool. The whole process was as fast as a ghost and as silent as a sound!

This speed is almost twice as fast as before!

Combined with his current physical strength and burst of true energy, his instantaneous burst speed over short distances is probably something that even some mid-stage Refining cultivators might not be able to see!

"Defend!" Song Jing shouted in a low voice, neither dodging nor avoiding, letting a rock the size of a millstone, which had been knocked down by his energy, hit his shoulder.

"Bang!"

The rock shattered into pieces, sending fragments flying, but Song Jing's shoulder didn't even have a red mark left!

The powerful physique of the Breakthrough Golden Bell Cover, nourished by the true qi of the Lesser Completion of the Profound Origin Heavy Water True Skill and tempered by this breakthrough, has reached an astonishing level!

Ordinary swords and blades would probably be unable to harm him in the slightest!

"The five senses!" He closed his eyes and carefully perceived. The rustling of leaves in the wind in the distant mountain stream, the subtle sound of water flowing in the depths of the cold pool, and even the movement of insects and ants crawling in the soil were all clearly heard.

His vision, smell, and touch have all been enhanced in all aspects, and the whole world has become clearer and more vivid in his perception.

His "spirit and energy" were incredibly abundant. The fatigue from the battles of the past few days had vanished, leaving him full of energy, with sharp eyes like an eagle, clear thinking, and a new level of control over his own power.

"If I were to face someone like Tu Gang or Liu Wumei now, I would probably be able to kill them within five moves!"

Even against Commander Chen at his peak, in the late stage of the Refining Realm, I would have the strength to fight, and even—to win! Song Jing's eyes gleamed with a terrifying light, the powerful confidence that came with absolute strength.

He walked to the edge of the cold pool and looked at his reflection in the water.

The boy in the reflection is as tall and straight as a pine tree, with a resolute face and deep and sharp eyes. He has a unique aura that is both as solid as a mountain and as agile as water, which makes people feel awe when they look at him.

"Two Blood Lotus Secret Pills allowed me to break through from the mid-stage of Bone Forging to the late-stage in one fell swoop—" Song Jing looked at the empty jade box in his hand, his eyes gleaming. "Although this pill is evil, if used properly, it is indeed a supreme treasure! If I could have a few more, perhaps the time it takes to break through to the Refining Realm could be greatly shortened."

He carefully put away the remaining animal hide scrolls containing the refining methods, as well as other miscellaneous items he had scavenged from Sheng Huaixu.

He wouldn't refine or use these heretical items, but handing them over to the sect might earn him a lot of merit points, or allow him to study the weaknesses of the Blood Lotus Sect.

I looked up at the sky; the sun was already setting.

Unbeknownst to him, he had been by the cold pool for nearly two hours.

"It's time to go back." Song Jing stretched his muscles and bones, his whole body bursting out with a popping sound like popping beans, full of power.

He picked up the Five Elements Dao Spear, feeling the spiritual energy emanating from the spear shaft, which felt even more compatible and intuitive, and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

With a swift movement, he vanished from the spot like a ghost, leaving behind only the shattered frost and cracked rocks by the cold pool, and the lingering, strange aura in the air—a mixture of blood, coldness, and the power of new life—witnessing the transformative change that had just taken place here.

Late stage of bone forging, complete!

With unstoppable momentum, Song Jing stepped onto a higher level of martial arts.

What awaits him ahead is an even more magnificent and treacherous path of martial arts, and—an even greater storm is about to break.

Just as Song Jing successfully broke through in the Cold Pool Ravine and underwent a complete transformation, the atmosphere on the city wall of Tianshui was not relaxed; in fact, it could be described as heavy and anxious.

The aftermath of the fierce battle had not yet been completely cleaned up; the city walls were covered with dried bloodstains, broken weapons, and cracks that had not yet been repaired.

The air was thick with the stench of blood and the smell of gunpowder, a reminder of the brutal battle that had just ended.

Chen Yanzhou, He Tianxiong, Nie Feng, Li Lingshuang, Bai Yunfei, and Master Nie of Qingyun Martial Arts School, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, were gathered near the city gate tower.

They have calmed down a bit from the initial shock and euphoria and are beginning to face the harsh reality that the crisis is not completely over.

"Young Master Song—truly a divine being!" Old Master Nie stroked his long beard, his face still bearing the incredulous look of amazement, yet his eyes were filled with lingering fear and relief. "If it weren't for Young Master Song's miraculous intervention, we—we would likely be nothing but bones beneath the city walls, and Tianshui City would surely have been slaughtered. This immense kindness will be forever etched in the hearts of everyone in Tianshui City!"

The old museum owner had also participated in the defense of the city and witnessed firsthand how Song Jing, with his Bone Forging Realm cultivation, slew seven evil disciples in the Dirty Refining Realm as easily as cutting melons and vegetables. The shock and impact he felt were a hundred times stronger than what others had recounted.

He still feels somewhat dazed, as if what just happened was just a dream.

"He's more than just a god, he's a monster!" Nie Feng leaned against a broken battlement, his face still pale, a sign of excessive depletion of his true energy. His eyes held a complex mix of admiration, gratitude, and a hint of indescribable loss.

He considered himself a genius, rarely matched among his peers, but compared to Song Jing—he shook his head with a wry smile, "I've never truly admired anyone in my life, but Brother Song—I'm utterly convinced. He kills Lian Zang like a chicken, while I, despite my best efforts, could only manage to hold one off, and almost got killed in the process. It's truly—"

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

The gap is so large that it discourages people from even thinking about catching up, leaving only deep awe.

"Senior Brother Song was born with extraordinary talent, and he had already shown his abilities while still in the sect." Bai Yunfei, who was seriously injured, sat to the side, his wounds being simply bandaged by Li Ling Shuang. His voice was weak, but his eyes were bright, filled with pride. "I just didn't expect that he would grow to such a level in just over a month after he went down the mountain to train—he has achieved minor mastery of the 'Profound Origin Heavy Water True Skill,' and can kill enemies of higher levels as easily as taking candy from a baby. Such progress is unheard of. With Senior Brother Song around, we are fortunate, and the sect is fortunate as well."

Li Ling Shuang nodded silently, glancing in the direction Song Jing had left, her beautiful eyes filled with gratitude.

She came from an extraordinary background and had seen many talented young people, but someone like Song Jing, who was so young yet incredibly strong, decisive in his actions, and ruthless in killing yet not bloodthirsty, was truly a rare find in her life.

He saved himself, saved Qingyun Martial Arts School, and saved all the people in the city—this debt of gratitude is too heavy.

"Young Master Song is indeed a peerless hero. If he hadn't returned in time, Tianshui City would have been in grave danger." He Tianxiong sighed, his face showing both relief at surviving the disaster and a deep worry. "However—he has killed so many experts from the Blood Lotus Sect, including altar leaders like Tu Gang and Liu Wumei. The Blood Lotus Sect will certainly not let this go."

The Tenth Elder, Li Wuxie, is rumored to be a top expert nearing the peak of the Refining Realm, ruthless and vindictive—Young Hero Song, though strong, is still young and his cultivation is shallow. If Li Wuxie were to arrive in person—”

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.

No matter how strong Song Jing is, can he be stronger than someone who has reached the pinnacle of refinement?

Moreover, the Blood Lotus Sect has more than just one Li Wujiu.

These words immediately made the atmosphere on the city wall even more tense.

Yes, we've repelled this wave, but an even bigger crisis is probably yet to come.

The Blood Lotus Sect suffered heavy losses this time, and given their style, they will certainly not give up so easily.

Chen Yanzhou, who had been silently listening to the crowd's discussion, finally spoke, his voice hoarse yet filled with unwavering determination: "Young Hero Song has given my Tianshui City a second life. No matter how many people the Blood Lotus Sect sends, or how strong they are, as long as I, Chen Yanzhou, have a breath left, I will never allow them to harm Young Hero Song in the slightest! The entire Tianshui City is willing to live and die with Young Hero Song!"

He looked around at everyone and continued, "When Young Hero Song left, he said he had gained some insights and needed to find a quiet place to cultivate and consolidate them. This is a good thing."

The stronger he is, the greater our chances of survival. Our immediate priority is to report this situation to the Pingtianmen City branch, and even the main branch, immediately! This report should include details of Young Hero Song's slaying of Tu Gang, Liu Wumei, and seven other Refining Realm cultivators, as well as the unknown movements of the Blood Lotus Sect army and the possibility of Elder Li Wujiu's arrival. We must request the sect to dispatch truly powerful experts to provide support!

"Furthermore," a cold glint flashed in Chen Yanzhou's eyes, "that traitor Sheng Huaixu, and the remnants of the Zhou family, must be brought to justice as soon as possible!"

This scoundrel, a disciple of the Pingtian Sect, colluded with an evil cult, inviting a wolf into the house. He deserves to die! If it weren't for him, how could my Tianshui City have suffered such a calamity?

"Lord He, Master Li, I urge you to mobilize the entire city's resources for a thorough search. We must not let this traitor escape!"

Mentioning Sheng Huaixu brings a surge of intense hatred and murderous intent to everyone's face.

"That damned traitor!" Nie Feng slammed his fist on the city wall, his voice filled with hatred. "If it weren't for his betrayal and collusion from within, how could the Blood Lotus Sect have so easily ascertained the city's true strength and weaknesses, and almost allowed him to open the city gates? Such a treacherous and treacherous person deserves to be torn to pieces!"

"Indeed!" Master Li, his beard and hair bristling, roared, "Several disciples of my Qingyun Martial Arts School died in the previous turmoil, and this scoundrel is certainly involved! I have already issued orders for a city-wide search; anyone found with his whereabouts is to be killed without exception!"

Bai Yunfei coughed twice, his face flushed an unnatural red with anger: "Sheng Huaixu—this traitor must die! Not only for the soldiers and civilians of my Tianshui City who died unjustly, but also to cleanse the Pingtian Sect of its own filth! He betrayed the sect and harmed his own people; his crimes are unforgivable! If I have the chance, I, Bai Yunfei, will personally take his head!"

Li Ling Shuang also said coldly, "This man is treacherous and cunning. He has most likely taken advantage of the chaos to hide or has already escaped the city. But we must not let him go! Otherwise, the consequences will be endless. Commandant Chen, Lord He, count me in on the search."

The crowd chimed in with their own words, their hatred for Sheng Huaixu almost solidifying into a tangible form.

In their view, if it weren't for Song Jing's efforts to turn the tide, Sheng Huaixu would be one of the culprits behind the current tragic state of Tianshui City!

If this thief is not eliminated, the people will not have peace of mind.

Chen Yanzhou and He Tianxiong exchanged a glance, both seeing the solemnity and determination in each other's eyes.

Sheng Huaixu must die; that's the bottom line.

But more importantly, how to deal with the potentially fiercer counterattack that may follow.

"Gentlemen," Chen Yanzhou took a deep breath, suppressing the surging hatred and worry in his chest, and said in a deep voice, "the most urgent task is to restore the city's defenses as quickly as possible, treat the wounded, and appease the people. At the same time, send out our most capable scouts to closely monitor the movements outside the city, especially the roads leading to the prefectural city. We must prepare for the worst and defend Tianshui City to the death before the sect's reinforcements arrive!"

"As for Young Hero Song—" He looked in the direction Song Jing had left, a hint of expectation and worry flashing in his eyes, "I hope he can break through as soon as possible and reach a higher level of strength. At that time, our Tianshui City will have one more glimmer of hope."

Everyone nodded silently. Although their hearts were still heavy, Song Jing's invincible figure, like a god of war, ultimately gave them a sliver of courage and hope to persevere.

As long as that boy is still alive, Tianshui City doesn't seem to be in dire straits yet.

However, they did not know that the traitor Sheng Huaixu, whom they hated to the bone and wanted to kill, was already lying dead in the wilderness, killed by Song Jingwu with five shots.

Meanwhile, Song Jing, on whom they had placed high hopes, had already made a crucial breakthrough in Han Tan Jian and was quietly returning with even greater power.

The setting sun cast a blood-red glow on the city walls, reflecting the angry, worried, or resolute expressions on the faces of the crowd.

An even greater storm is brewing in the distance, and whether Tianshui City, this border town that has just experienced the baptism of blood and fire, can stand firm in the storm to come seems to rest on the young man who has just emerged from the mountains and returned after a breakthrough.