Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 192 Advancement to Earth-Rank Disciple!

With Elder Jinghong's spear manual in hand, Song Jing bid farewell to the preoccupied Lu Jiutian and returned to Tingtao Academy.

Upon entering the courtyard, one immediately sensed a somewhat oppressive atmosphere. Chen Mo, Fang Yue, Zhao Yuan, and two other young disciples of the Water Vein, Wang Hai and Li Ming, both at the mid-stage of the Bone Forging realm, were gathered in the courtyard, their brows furrowed and their faces grim, a stark contrast to their earlier excitement upon learning that Song Jing was going to pay his respects to Elder Jinghong.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Song Jing asked, a thought crossing his mind.

"Junior Brother Song, you're back." Fang Yue raised his head, forcing a smile, but the worry between his brows deepened. "How did things go with Elder Jinghong?"

"I've been given an opportunity, but also a challenge." Song Jing briefly explained the six-month period, without revealing that he had already mastered the skills, only saying that he needed to do his best.

When everyone heard that it was Elder Jinghong's test, although they felt the conditions were harsh, they were also happy that Song Jing had obtained such an opportunity. However, this happiness was quickly overshadowed by the troubles at hand.

"Alas, Junior Brother Song, you are exceptionally talented. Elder Jinghong's test is difficult, but at least you have a goal and something to look forward to." Chen Mo rarely spoke such a long sentence, his voice low and deep. "But for us—for our Water Clan, it will be even more difficult."

"What exactly happened?" Song Jing pressed.

Zhao Yuan sighed, indignantly saying, "It's the Alchemy Hall! They just issued new regulations, saying that in order to allocate resources more rationally and concentrate efforts on cultivating elites," they're going to revise the rules for distributing Xuan Yuan Pills!

"How should I change it?" Song Jing had a bad feeling.

"The new rule says that starting next month, only those who are promoted to Earth-rank disciples will be eligible to receive a fixed monthly allowance of Profound Essence Pills! Below the Earth-rank disciples, whether ordinary disciples or Profound-rank disciples, no more Profound Essence Pills will be issued!" Li Ming couldn't help but interject, his voice trembling with tears, "Senior Brother Song, this... this is clearly targeting our Water Vein!"

"Earth-rank disciple?" Song Jing frowned. Earth-rank disciples usually need to reach the Refining Realm and pass the corresponding assessment.

The population of the Water Vein is sparse, and the cultivation level is generally not high. The only ones who can reach the standard of Earth-rank disciple are probably Senior Brother Lu Jiutian and a few senior brothers such as Chen Mo, Fang Yue, and Zhao Yuan. They have only just touched the threshold of the Refining Realm or are still polishing themselves in the Bone Forging Realm and have not officially obtained the status of Earth-rank disciple.

As for himself and the other disciples with even lower cultivation levels, they were even further from becoming Earth-rank disciples.

"Not only that," Wang Hai said with a bitter face, "the new regulations also say that the quota of Xuan Yuan Pills for Earth-rank disciples will be 'appropriately' increased, for example, from the original five pills per month, it may be increased to ten pills."

But what's the use? Most of us can't even get into the Earth Rank, we can't get a single one! This increase is clearly taking the share of us lower-level disciples to subsidize those Earth Rank and Heaven Rank disciples who already have abundant resources!"

"Yes!" Li Ming said urgently, "I've been practicing for three years and I'm still stuck in the mid-stage of Bone Forging. Even getting started with the Profound Origin Heavy Water True Skill is incredibly difficult. I'm really counting on those few Profound Origin Pills each month to help me with my cultivation."

Now, even that little bit of hope is gone! Without the Profound Origin Pill, I'm afraid I'll never be able to even begin to learn this cultivation technique in my lifetime!

"If you can't even get the basics of the cultivation technique, it will be even harder to improve your cultivation level, creating a vicious cycle—I... I might never reach the late stage of Bone Forging in this lifetime, let alone the Refining Dirty Realm—" He said, his eyes reddening.

For ordinary disciples, resources are their lifeline. Without the aid of Xuan Yuan Pills, their cultivation speed will be greatly reduced, and their future will be bleak.

Chen Mo's expression was also extremely unpleasant. He had been stuck at the peak of Bone Forging for over a year and needed a large number of Profound Origin Pills to break through to the Refining Realm and to push the "Profound Origin Heavy Water True Technique" to the minor completion stage.

Five coins a month may not seem like much, but little by little, they add up and eventually bring hope.

The sudden break is undoubtedly a huge blow to his attempt to break through to the Refining Realm.

He remained silent for a long time before saying in a hoarse voice, "If this rule is implemented, it will be even more difficult for us disciples of the Water Vein to rise to prominence. Forging bones and breaking through the impurities is already extremely difficult, and now we've lost the most important auxiliary elixir—alas."

Fang Yue and Zhao Yuan exchanged a glance, their faces also filled with worry. Both of them had reached the peak of Bone Forging, and were only one step away from Refining the Impurity.

But without sufficient resources to support it, this final step could become an insurmountable barrier.

Unlike Chen Mo, who was taciturn, they also felt powerless: "These rules are clearly a way for someone to suppress our water veins under the guise of 'centralizing resources and optimizing allocation'! It must be the Zhou family pulling the strings behind the scenes! Zhou Ming is dead, and the Zhou family is holding us water veins accountable, especially you, Junior Brother Song! They don't dare to do it openly, so they're using these insidious methods to destroy our foundation!"

"I heard that the suggestion was made by Zhou Mu, the deacon elder of the Alchemy Hall, who is from a collateral branch of the Zhou family. Moreover, it seems that Zhou Lingyun, the top-ranked Heavenly Master, is behind it," Zhao Yuan said resentfully. "Vice Hall Master Wu, who is in charge of pill distribution, somehow agreed to it! The Hall Master is in seclusion refining pills year-round, detached from worldly affairs. This Alchemy Hall is practically controlled by Zhou Mu and Vice Hall Master Wu!"

The more they talked, the angrier they became, but also the more desperate they felt.

Faced with a behemoth like the Zhou family, and the tacit approval of the sect's higher-ups.

At least the deputy hall master agreed. What could these lower-level disciples do?

Revolt?

accuse?

This will likely only invite a more severe blow.

The atmosphere in the courtyard became extremely oppressive.

The initial excitement brought by Song Jing's return and the opportunity to be tested by Elder Jinghong has now been completely shattered by this sudden bad news.

The road ahead seemed shrouded in darkness.

Song Jing listened quietly, his expression gradually darkening. He hadn't expected the Zhou family's revenge to come so swiftly and so cunningly.

Instead of targeting him personally, they cut off the cultivation resources of most of the disciples in the water vein!

This tactic is indeed ruthless, killing without shedding blood. If this continues, the disciples of the Water Cultivation Sect will grow slowly, or even stagnate, and the entire Water Cultivation Sect will decline further, eventually becoming a third-rate sect.

As a disciple of the Water Vein, Song Jing naturally could not remain unaffected.

However, after listening to everyone's complaints and despair, Song Jing's initial anger quickly subsided, and he even felt a faint sense of absurdity.

"I must advance to the Earth Rank disciple level to receive the Profound Origin Pill?" His mind raced. "My Profound Origin Heavy Water True Technique is now at a minor completion stage, enough to crush ordinary early-stage Refining cultivators, and I'm not even afraid of mid-stage Refining cultivators. Advancing to the Earth Rank disciple level seems—not difficult?"

"Moreover, after advancing to the Earth Rank, the number of Profound Origin Pills per month will increase from five to ten?" Song Jing's eyes lit up slightly.

This is actually a good thing for him! He's currently in the late stage of Bone Forging, and his cultivation already consumes a great deal of energy; the Profound Origin Heavy Water True Technique...

Both "The Shadow of the Spear" and "The Spear of the Flying Swan" are big spenders on resources.

Five Xuan Yuan Pills were already a stretch; if he could get ten, it would greatly help his cultivation progress!

"The Zhou family—Zhou Lingyun—you want to suppress the water veins and me using this method?" Song Jing's lips curled into a cold smile. "I'm afraid you're only shooting yourself in the foot, doing all the work for me! The more you suppress me, the faster I'll advance to the Earth Rank and take away what rightfully belongs to me, and even more resources!"

Having figured this out, Song Jing's gloom vanished, replaced by a surge of strong fighting spirit.

He looked at his fellow disciples, who were all frowning, and slowly spoke, his voice calm yet carrying a strange strength: "Fellow disciples, there is no need to be so discouraged."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked up at him, their eyes filled with confusion and a faint glimmer of hope.

Song Jing surveyed the crowd and said in a deep voice, "Although the new rules are harsh, they are not without ways to circumvent them. Since the rule stipulates that only Earth-rank disciples can receive the Profound Origin Pill, then let's strive to become Earth-rank disciples!"

"Becoming a disciple of the Earth Rank? Easier said than done!" Li Ming smiled bitterly. "Senior Brother Song, you are naturally gifted and don't realize it. But for us—the cultivation of the Profound Origin Heavy Water True Technique is difficult. Without the aid of the Profound Origin Pill, it's hard to even break through to the late stage of Bone Forging, let alone the Refining Realm and pass the Earth Rank assessment."

"Yes, Junior Brother Song," Fang Yue sighed. "The Refining Realm is a huge hurdle. Countless people get stuck at the Bone Forging Perfection stage, wasting their entire lives."

Although we have all reached the pinnacle, when we will be able to break through is still unknown. This new rule is tantamount to cutting off our hope of breaking through.

Song Jing shook his head and said, "It all depends on human effort. Even without the Xuan Yuan Pill, we have other options. Sect missions, training trips, and even—mutual support. Resources are static, but people are dynamic. I also had some spoils in Tianshui City this time. Although it wasn't much, we can share some with our fellow disciples to help us get through this difficult time."

"How can that be!" Chen Mo immediately objected. "That was earned with your life, it was your destiny. How can we—"

"Senior Brother Chen, why be so particular among those of the same lineage?" Song Jing interrupted him, speaking seriously, "With the Water Lineage weakened, we should unite even more. Even a little bit of resources, if it helps you all break through sooner, will be good for the entire Water Lineage. Besides—"

He paused, a sharp glint in his eyes: "These new rules may not be without loopholes. They can change the rules, and we can exploit them too. My immediate priority is to pass the seventh trial as soon as possible and advance to the Earth Rank disciple!"

"Once I advance to the Earth Rank, I'll receive ten Profound Origin Pills per month. At that time, I'll find a way to turn this new rule into an opportunity for our water vein!"

"Passed the seventh level? Advanced to the Earth Rank?" Everyone was stunned at first, then realized what was happening.

Yup!

Although Junior Brother Song is only at the late stage of Bone Forging, his combat power is heaven-defying. He can even kill those in the Refining Realm. Most importantly, he has already mastered the Profound Water Rejuvenation True Technique in a short period of time. Passing the seventh test and advancing to the Earth Rank disciple seems to be—not impossible!

In fact, the hope is very high!

"Junior Brother Song, are you confident?" Zhao Yuan's eyes rekindled with hope.

"How will I know if I don't try?" Song Jing didn't make a definitive statement, but the confidence in his tone infected everyone. "Besides, I just returned from Elder Jinghong's place. Although I haven't formally become his disciple, I have gained some insights and am looking for someone to spar with and verify them. This seventh level is a good whetstone for me."

Looking into Song Jing's calm and determined eyes, the gloom in everyone's hearts seemed to dissipate somewhat.

Although the road ahead is still difficult, at least we have a clear goal and a glimmer of hope.

Song Jing's strength is undeniable. If he can truly advance to the Earth Rank and obtain ten Profound Origin Pills, he might be able to thwart the Zhou family's schemes, and the Water Vein might have a very slim chance of rising again.

"Junior Brother Song, you—" Chen Mo looked at Song Jing with a complicated expression, which finally turned into a long sigh. He patted Song Jing's shoulder heavily and said, "Be careful in everything. The guardian of the seventh level is no ordinary person."

"I understand." Song Jingdian nodded. "There's no time to lose, I'll head to the cultivation technique pavilion now. Fellow disciples, don't be discouraged, seize the time to cultivate. We'll find a way to get the resources."

After saying this, Song Jing cupped his hands in greeting to everyone, turned around and strode away from Tingtao Courtyard, heading straight for the Cultivation Technique Pavilion.

He now urgently needs to test his strength after his breakthrough through actual combat, especially the power of the Swift Shadow Spear after entering the basics - the seventh level, which is an excellent testing ground!

Watching Song Jing's tall, departing figure, the people in the courtyard exchanged glances, their despair and sorrow gradually replaced by a spirit of defiance.

"Junior Brother Song is right! It's all about human effort!" Fang Yue clenched his fist. "We can't just sit here and wait to die! From today onward, we must train twice as hard! Without Xuan Yuan Pills, we'll use the hard way, we'll fight with our sweat!"

"That's right!" Zhao Yuan also perked up. "Junior Brother Song is risking his life for us, how can we give up on ourselves? So what if we've reached the Bone Forging Perfection stage? I refuse to believe that we can't break through to the Dirty Refining Realm without elixirs!"

Even the most pessimistic and silent Chen Mo had a renewed fighting spirit in his eyes.

Perhaps the turning point for the water veins lies in this junior brother who has repeatedly created miracles?

The entrance to the seventh floor of the Gongfa Pavilion.

The gatekeeper was still the same old man with a profound aura. When he saw Song Jing come again, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He naturally recognized this disciple who had recently passed the sixth level, and he had also heard about his amazing achievements in Tianshui City.

"You want to attempt the seventh trial?" the elder asked, his tone carrying a hint of scrutiny. The guardian of the seventh trial was far more formidable than those of the first six.

"Yes, disciple Song Jing requests to attempt the seventh trial in order to advance to the Earth Rank." Song Jing clasped his hands in a fist salute, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable firmness.

The elder gave him a deep look and nodded: "Alright. You already know the rules: defeating the gatekeeper is the way to pass."

"Disciple understands, thank you for the reminder, Elder."

As the elder opened the barrier, Song Jing stepped into the assessment space on the seventh floor.

The scene before me changed, but it was still a training ground with a radius of about 100 feet.

In the arena, a middle-aged man dressed in a gray outfit, with an indistinct face and a profound and imposing aura, stood with his hands behind his back.

The fluctuations of true energy emanating from his body were extraordinary!

Moreover, it was far more solid and substantial than the likes of Tu Gang and Liu Wumei that Song Jing had previously killed, clearly indicating that its foundation was extremely solid and far beyond that of ordinary cultivators.

Their comprehension of the techniques will undoubtedly be extraordinary!

"Those attempting this challenge, state your names." The gatekeeper's voice was calm and unwavering.

"Water Vein, Song Jing." Song Jing took off the Five Elements Dao Spear and held it horizontally in front of him. The Profound Origin Heavy Water True Qi quietly circulated, and his aura was as solid as a mountain.

"Late stage of Bone Forging?" The gatekeeper seemed somewhat surprised, but didn't say much, only nodding. "To have made it this far, you must have something to rely on. Make your move and let me see your skills."

"Excuse me!"

Without hesitation, Song Jing let out a low shout and suddenly charged forward!

He did not immediately use the newly learned Swift Shadow Spear technique, but instead started with the Wildfire Spear Technique to test his opponent's strengths and weaknesses.

"A single spark can start a prairie fire!"

After a series of bloody battles and breakthroughs, his Wildfire Spear Technique had become incredibly refined. Now, when he unleashed it at full power, its strength surpassed that of the past. Wherever the spear shadow passed, the air hissed as if it were about to be ignited.

A hint of approval flashed in the eyes of the afterimage gatekeeper, but he neither dodged nor avoided it. He spread his five fingers on his right hand and grabbed at the air!

A thick, solid, earthy-yellow true energy surged out, transforming into a giant true energy palm that directly crushed the countless spear shadows in the sky!

"Bang!"

A surge of energy coursed through the air, and Song Jing felt a tremendous force surge through him, causing his arm to go slightly numb and his body to involuntarily take two steps back.

"Your strength is good, and your marksmanship is fast enough, but your skill is still lacking, and your inner energy is not concentrated enough." The gatekeeper commented calmly, then took a step forward, his figure approaching like a ghost, and punched straight at Song Jing's chest! The wind from the punch was howling, as heavy as a mountain, carrying an unstoppable sense of oppression!

"Well done!" Song Jing was not surprised but delighted; this was exactly the kind of pressure he wanted!

His figure retreated swiftly, his spear swirling as he executed the exquisite techniques of the "Wildfire Spear Technique" with fluid grace, clashing with the defender.

Those who guarded the pass fought in one place.

The gatekeeper's fist technique was wide and powerful, each punch weighing a ton, and his defense was extremely strong. When Song Jing's Wildfire Spear Technique struck him, it often only left shallow white marks.

What's even more terrifying is that his movements, though seemingly clumsy, are actually incredibly agile, always managing to dodge Song Jing's deadly attacks with the slightest chance and launch a fierce counterattack.

In the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged dozens of blows.

Song Jing pushed the "Prairie Fire Spear Technique" to its limit, even faintly touching the "perfect" membrane. His spear technique became more and more refined, and its power gradually increased, but he still could not break through the gatekeeper's defense. Instead, he was forced into a somewhat disheveled state by the opponent's powerful true energy and exquisite fist techniques.

"To possess such strength at the late stage of Bone Forging is already remarkable. However, this spear technique alone is far from sufficient to pass this test." The gatekeeper punched away the spear and said in a deep voice, "If you have no other means, you will surely be defeated in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."

Song Jing took a deep breath, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

He knew it was time to test his true strength!

"In that case, please, senior, appraise my newly learned marksmanship!"

Before he finished speaking, Song Jing's demeanor changed drastically!

The originally fiery and explosive Wildfire spear intent instantly subsided, replaced by agile, swift, and elusive energy.

New gun intent!

The Five Elements Dao Spear in his hand seemed to lose its weight instantly, becoming incredibly light and agile.

A fleeting glimpse!

The gun shot was silent, swift as lightning!

A cold glint appeared without warning, just three inches from the gatekeeper's throat!

Its speed and angle far surpassed the previous Wildfire Spear Technique!

The gatekeeper's pupils contracted slightly, clearly not expecting Song Jing's marksmanship to undergo such a dramatic change!

He had no time to think. In the blink of an eye, his head snapped back, and at the same time, his right fist swung upward, attempting to deflect the spear tip.

However, Song Jing flicked his wrist, and the tip of the spear, as if it had a life of its own, traced a strange arc, easily avoiding the fist.

"Fleeting Glimpse of Light!"

The gun trembled, instantly splitting into three indistinguishable spear shadows, attacking the guards from the top, middle, and bottom!

The gatekeeper had no choice but to retreat hastily, his fists flailing to protect himself.

"A gentle breeze caresses the willows!"

The spear's momentum changed again, becoming gentle and flowing, like a spring breeze, yet concealing deadly intent. The spear's shadow, like silk threads, coiled upwards, gradually dissipating and disintegrating the guard's powerful fist force!

"Stars fall like rain!"

"Dragon's Claw Probe!"

One after another, exquisite spear techniques were unleashed by Song Jing.

Although it is only the beginning and far from the level of Elder Jinghong, its power, combined with Song Jing's minor mastery of the "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill", far surpasses the "Prairie Fire Spear Technique" at the perfect level!

The condensation, penetration, and transformation characteristics of Xuan Yuan Heavy Water True Qi are perfectly combined with the speed, unpredictability, and explosiveness of the Jing Hong Lue Ying Spear!

The spear's force was sometimes as heavy as a mountain, pressing down on the gatekeeper and making his breath stagnate; sometimes as agile as the wind, thrusting out from unbelievable angles, forcing the gatekeeper to scramble and panic; and sometimes continuous, like waves of tide, consuming the gatekeeper's true energy and physical strength.

The defenders grew increasingly alarmed with each battle!

This spear technique is exquisite, unpredictable, and highly compatible with the opponent's true qi attribute. The power it unleashes even faintly exceeds the scope of the Bone Forging Realm!

What made it even more troublesome for him was that the opponent's true energy seemed to have a peculiar penetrating and shocking power. Every time weapons or fists and palms clashed, that heavy and yin-like force would penetrate his defenses and invade his meridians. Although it could not cause too much damage for the time being, it made his blood and qi surge and his true energy circulation become a little sluggish!

"A superb spear technique! And he has already mastered three aspects of it! This kid is truly remarkable!" The gatekeeper praised inwardly, but his hands did not slow down at all. The powerful true energy of the early stage of the Refining Realm was fully unleashed, and his fist technique became even more fierce and violent, attempting to overcome skill with brute force and defeat all techniques with sheer force.

However, Song Jing's Swift Shadow Spear was originally adept at using skill to overcome force. With the added support of Xuan Yuan Heavy Water True Qi, he managed to withstand the fierce attack of the gatekeeper and even occasionally counterattacked with a few spears, forcing the gatekeeper to retreat and defend.

"That's exhilarating!" Song Jing became more and more excited as he fought. He could feel that under the powerful pressure of the gatekeeper, his understanding of the Swift Shadow Spear was improving rapidly. Many of the awkward parts quickly became smooth and natural, and the combination of spear technique and true energy was becoming more and more seamless.

What was originally just a beginner's shooting skill is now steadily improving!

Under extreme pressure, the "limit-breaking" barrier of "The Wildfire Spear Technique" becomes increasingly clear, as if it might be punctured at any moment!

"Mysterious Water Gun Barrage!"

After a prolonged and unsuccessful battle, a glint of light flashed in Song Jing's eyes, and he suddenly changed his tactics!

No longer bound by the fixed moves of the Swift Shadow Spear, but combining its essence with his own understanding, he thrust out with a single spear!

The spear tip trembled, and a dark blue Xuan Yuan Heavy Water True Qi burst forth, instantly forming a dense, heavy, and viscous True Qi spear curtain in front!

This is not any move from the Flying Shadow Spear, but a killing move that Song Jing created on the spot in actual combat by combining the "momentum" of the Wildfire Spear Technique, the "change" of the Flying Shadow Spear, and the "heaviness" and "penetration" of the Profound Origin Heavy Water True Qi!

The gatekeeper punched into the barrage of gunfire, and immediately felt as if he had sunk into a quagmire. His punch speed and power were greatly reduced, and countless fine and subtle forces eroded his fist!

His expression changed, and he hurriedly withdrew and retreated, but the barrage of gunfire followed closely, enveloping him!

"break!"

The gatekeeper let out a low roar, unleashing his True Qi of the Refined Realm without reservation. His earth-yellow fist energy solidified into a tangible form, tearing a large hole in the gun barrage before retreating rapidly.

However, just as his old strength was exhausted and his new strength had not yet arisen, a cold glint, like a venomous snake that had been lying in wait for a long time, silently pierced out from the torn opening and went straight for his chest!

A fleeting glimpse!

This shot was the culmination of Song Jing's long preparation; the timing, angle, and speed were all perfectly executed! It was the opening stance of the "Swift Shadow Spear," but now it became a deadly move!

The gatekeeper's pupils contracted sharply; he had no time to parry or completely dodge!

In the critical moment, he had no choice but to take a deep breath, his chest suddenly caved in by a third, and at the same time, he used his left arm to block his chest.

"Sizzle!"

The spear tip grazed his left arm, drawing a trail of blood, before finally piercing his clothes and stopping half an inch from his chest. The cold glint of the spear stung his skin.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly froze.

Song Jing stood holding a gun, the tip pointing at the guard's chest. His breath rose and fell slightly, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

The gatekeeper looked down at the wound on his left arm, then at the tip of the spear in his chest, a complex expression on his face—shock, admiration, and a hint of disbelief.

He slowly withdrew his inner energy and dissipated his fist's momentum.

"You've won." The gatekeeper's voice returned to calm. "With your late-stage Bone Forging cultivation, you were able to injure me and force me to this point—you are qualified to advance to the Earth Rank."

As he finished speaking, a flash of light appeared around the training ground, and the portal leading to the exit slowly opened. At the same time, a cyan jade token representing the identity of an Earth-rank disciple appeared out of thin air and fell into Song Jing's hand.

Song Jing sheathed his spear and bowed respectfully to the gatekeeper, saying, "Thank you for your humility." His heart, however, was filled with boundless pride. In the previous battle, he hadn't used all his trump cards (such as the formidable defense brought by his broken Golden Bell Shield, or his increased explosive power), but he still managed to defeat the gatekeeper, a mere early-stage Refining Realm cultivator, by relying on his partially mastered "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill" and his newly acquired "Swift Shadow Spear"!

This means that his current combat strength is enough to steadily suppress the vast majority of early-stage Refinement cultivators, and he can even hold his own against some mid-stage Refinement cultivators who are not good at fighting!

"A rare spear technique, indeed incredibly powerful! Such power even at the beginner level!" Song Jing held the warm, smooth cyan jade tablet, feeling the surging power within his body and his increasingly profound understanding of the new spear technique. He was filled with excitement and confidence. "With the added benefit of the Profound Origin Heavy Water True Skill—now, even if I face a late-stage Refining Realm expert, I might not be without the power to fight!"

"At the later stages of ordinary purification, I am confident of victory!"

"Moreover, the 'Wildfire Spear Technique' seems to be on the verge of a breakthrough—" Song Jing could feel that the fierce battle just now had caused his proficiency in the Wildfire Spear Technique to surge again, and he was only one step away from "breaking the limit".

Once the limit is broken, the power will surely increase again, and it may also promote the cultivation of the Swift Shadow Spear.

"The Zhou family—Zhou Lingyun—" A cold glint flashed in Song Jing's eyes as he gripped the Earth-rank disciple's jade token tightly in his hand. "Trying to use the new rules to hold me back? Cut off my resources? Too bad, you've overlooked one thing—my strength has improved much faster than you imagine!"

"Ten Profound Origin Pills—I'm going to take them! And this is just the beginning."

Without lingering, he turned and strode out of the seventh-level assessment space, leaving the gatekeeper standing there, watching his departing figure, muttering to himself, "The younger generation is truly formidable—the Water Vein is likely to produce an extraordinary figure. However, the tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind—the Zhou family will probably not let this go easily."

As Song Jing walked out of the cultivation technique pavilion, the afterglow of the setting sun shone on him, casting a long shadow.

He glanced back at the towering pavilion of the cultivation technique hall, then looked towards the valley where the alchemy hall was located, a cold smile curving his lips.

"Earth-rank disciple—ten Profound Origin Pills—Zhou family, I accept your 'goodwill.' I hope you won't regret it." He muttered to himself, then without further hesitation, strode confidently toward the sect's affairs hall.

He needed to immediately update his disciple level and claim his new quota of Xuan Yuan Pills.

His counterattack began with his ascension to the Earth Rank.

The Zhou family's suppression will inevitably become a joke in the face of his absolute speed of improvement, or even become a stepping stone to help him grow faster.

The path of cultivation is inherently fraught with competition for resources.

Since the opponent has made a move, then we'll respond!

Let's see who has the last laugh!

The news that Song Jing had been promoted to Earth-rank disciple and would undergo Elder Jinghong's second test in six months caused quite a stir among the high-ranking outer disciples, like a stone thrown into a calm lake.

This naturally attracted discussion and attention from the Zhou family and others!