Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 195 Rising to Fame Before the Tower of Babel

On the arena, Song Jing, with his late-stage Bone Forging cultivation, cleanly and decisively defeated Zhou An, who was in the early stage of the Body Refining realm and had mastered the precious technique "Gengjin Po Sha Zhen Jue" to a minor degree, within twenty moves. This news spread like wildfire throughout the outer sect and even caused some ripples in the inner sect.

Forging bones and refining the genitals are rare occurrences.

Moreover, Song Jing used Elder Jinghong's signature move, the "Swift Shadow Spear," which subtly possessed the principle of water element restraining metal element. This undoubtedly added more legendary color and talking points to this victory.

For a time, the matter was being discussed everywhere in the outer gate.

"Have you heard? Song Jing, the newly promoted Earth-rank disciple of the Water Vein, beat up Zhou An of the Gold Vein!"

"It wasn't just a fight, it was a head-on defeat within twenty moves! Zhou An is severely injured, vomiting blood, and unconscious!"

"Really? Zhou An is at the early stage of Refining Elixir, and has achieved minor success in the 'Gengjin Breaking Evil True Technique.' He's not weak among Earth-rank disciples!"

"Absolutely true! I was there at the time! Song Jing's spear technique, wow, it was truly divine! So fast and unpredictable, combining the Fire Fiery Spear Technique with the Shadowless Spear Technique, and even specifically countering Zhou An's Geng Metal True Qi, it was dazzling to watch!"

"The Swift Shadow Spear? That's Elder Swift Shadow's signature move! How long has he been an apprentice? And he's already mastered it?"

"A prodigy, truly a prodigy! The water veins are likely to make a comeback this time!"

Along with Song Jing's fame, the hefty stakes of that gambling match also spread.

The ownership of the twenty Xuan Yuan Pills, and the outcome of the betting odds offered by the Zhou family.

Those disciples who had placed bets on Zhou An at the Zhou family's gambling table because they believed in him were now grieving and beating their chests in despair.

"My ten low-grade spirit stones! They're all gone!"

"I bet five Profound Origin Pills! I saved up those for three months by scrimping and saving! Zhou An, that good-for-nothing!"

"Oh no, oh no, we're running out of cultivation resources again—"

"It's all Zhou An's fault! He bragged like a madman, but he turned out to be all show and no substance! He's ruined my life!"

"Odds of 1 to 3! I should have bet on Song Jing! I'm so regretful!"

Those disciples from the Gold and Fire lineages who had placed heavy bets were particularly distraught, their faces ashen, and they were on the verge of tears.

They originally thought they could make a sure profit, both by watching the water veins fail and by earning a small fortune. However, they ended up losing both their wife and their army, suffering heavy losses.

Many people vented their resentment on Zhou An and the Zhou family, and their reverence for the gold vein diminished.

Those disciples with discerning eyes, or those who already supported the Water Vein and bet on the underdog Song Jingying, were all smiles, as if it were a festival.

"Hahaha! I've struck gold! I knew Senior Brother Song was no ordinary man! He really won! With odds of one to three, I bet five Profound Origin Pills, and in the blink of an eye, it became fifteen! That's enough for me to cultivate for quite a while!"

"Me too! I bet everything I had—three Profound Origin Pills and ten low-grade spirit stones—and it's doubled! Senior Brother Song is truly my lucky star!"

"Thanks to Senior Brother Song! Now we have the resources to break through to the mid-stage of the Refining Realm!"

"Heh heh, those idiots who bet on Zhou An to win are probably crying their eyes out right now!"

Among them, the disciples of the Water Vein were the most excited and grateful. They were not only proud of Song Jing's victory, but also because many of them had bet on Song Jing and made a small profit.

Outside Song Jing's residence at Tingtao Courtyard, a large number of water vein disciples were gathered, their faces beaming with excitement.

"Junior Brother Song! Is Junior Brother Song here?" The loud voice of the second senior brother, Wang Zhong, came from afar. He was carrying a jar of wine and had a happy face. Behind him were the third senior brother, Sun Rui, who was also smiling, as well as many familiar water vein disciples. Even the sixth senior brother, Chen Mo, who was usually taciturn because he was over thirty and had not yet broken through to the Refining stage, was among them.

Song Jing opened the courtyard gate and was slightly taken aback when he saw this scene.

"Senior Brother Wang, Senior Brother Sun, Senior Brother Chen, fellow senior brothers and junior brothers, this is—"

"Hahaha! Junior Brother Song, you've really brought honor and wealth to our water vein and all of us!" Wang Chong excitedly slapped Song Jing on the shoulder, the force so great that Song Jing staggered. He raised his glass of wine...

At the altar, someone exclaimed, "Look! This is the spirit wine I bought with the spirit stones I won! Today, let's drink until we drop to celebrate Junior Brother Song's resounding victory and spread the fame of our Water Vein!"

"Yes! Junior Brother Song, you're amazing!" Sun Rui stepped forward, his eyes filled with admiration and gratitude. "That Zhou An was arrogant and domineering, but you beat him like a dead dog! It was so satisfying to watch! And—" He lowered his voice, unable to hide his excitement, "This time, I bet all my savings, five Xuan Yuan Pills, on you winning. The odds were 1 to 3, and I won by fifteen! Plus, I got back the ten I lent you before, so now I have twenty-five Xuan Yuan Pills! Originally, I thought breaking through to the mid-stage of Refining Waste was a long way off, that I'd have to endure at least another year and a half. Now, with these pills, I feel like I can try to break through to the mid-stage of Refining Waste in at most six months!"

Wang Zhong grinned broadly and said, "That's right! Me too! I bet eight and won twenty-four! Adding my initial investment, I'm suddenly much better off! My chances of breaking through to the mid-stage are much higher! Junior Brother Song, you're truly our lucky star!"

Other disciples of the Water Vein also spoke up to express their gratitude and congratulations.

"Senior Brother Song is awesome! I bet two and won six!"

"Me too! All thanks to Senior Brother Song!"

"If Senior Brother Song needs anything in the future, please feel free to ask!"

Even the usually taciturn sixth senior brother, Chen Mo, had a rare flush of excitement on his face. He rubbed his hands together and said somewhat awkwardly to Song Jing, "Junior Brother Song, thank you so much this time. I... I bet you on winning with the three Xuan Yuan Pills I had saved up and hadn't been willing to use, as well as a few unused materials."

We won—we won a lot. I originally thought I'd be stuck at the peak of Bone Forging for the rest of my life, with little hope of breaking through to the Refining Realm.

"I was so lost, I was almost ready to give up. But... but now—I think, maybe—I can try again." A glimmer of hope rekindled in his eyes.

Looking at the excited, grateful, and hopeful faces before him, Song Jing felt a warmth rise in his heart.

He cupped his hands in a respectful greeting and said with a smile, "My fellow disciples, you're too kind. Winning the bet was my own business. It's a pleasant surprise that everyone has benefited as well. This wine is on me!"

"good!"

"Junior Brother Song is straightforward!"

The crowd cheered, and in Song Jing's courtyard, a simple table and chairs were set up, and they began to drink heartily. Although it was just ordinary spirit wine, the atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and joy. After this battle, Song Jing's status in the hearts of the Water Vein disciples had undoubtedly risen to a new level.

Elder Lu Jiutian naturally heard about this as well. While pruning flowers in his courtyard, he paused slightly, a smile appearing on his face. He muttered to himself, "This kid—he's got some skills. He's mastered the 'Swift Shadow Spear' technique in just a few days? And used it to defeat that Zhou family brat? Hmm, he hasn't embarrassed me. It seems the test six months from now might not be hopeless."

He put down the scissors, looked towards the main peak of the water vein, and a hint of relief flashed in his eyes. The water vein had been dormant for too long; perhaps it really needed a "fish" like this to stir up this stagnant pool.

On the back mountain, under that crooked old pine tree, Elder Jinghong was fishing with his eyes closed, seemingly blending into the surrounding mountains and waters.

A disciple resembling a young Taoist priest stood respectfully not far away, quietly reporting the latest news from the outer sect, which naturally included the battle between Song Jing and Zhou An.

When Elder Jinghong heard that Song Jing had defeated Zhou An within twenty moves using the "Flying Shadow Spear" technique, his fingers, which were gripping the fishing rod, twitched almost imperceptibly.

His eyes remained closed, but the corners of his mouth seemed to curve into an almost imperceptible arc.

"To be able to grasp the basics in just a few days and apply them in actual combat, defeating the strong with the weak—their comprehension and temperament are both top-notch. The Water-based Spear Technique is agile and unpredictable, which suits them well." Elder Jinghong's voice was calm and even, revealing no emotion. "The six-month period has given me quite a bit of anticipation."

Upon hearing this, the young Taoist priest felt a chill run down his spine.

He had followed Elder Jinghong for many years and knew that the elder had extremely high standards. To receive a single word of "expectation" from him was already an extremely rare compliment.

It seems that the water vein disciple named Song Jing has truly caught the elder's eye.

A few days later, Song Jing collected the twenty Xuan Yuan Pills he had won, along with the ten he had won this month and the few he had left over, bringing his total to thirty-five Xuan Yuan Pills.

However, he knew that these resources were far from enough to master the "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill" within six months and become proficient in the "Surprising Shadow Spear" to meet Elder Jinghong's test.

He remembered the Five Elements Tower, another important location for the sect to obtain resources.

The Five Elements Tower, located in the core area of ​​the sect, is an ancient stone tower with nine stories.

It is said that the tower has its own space, and each floor is guarded by puppets or formations of corresponding cultivation levels. Defeating the guardians will earn you rewards.

The rewards are extremely generous, especially the Xuan Yuan Pill.

The specific rules are:

First level: Requires early-stage Refining Realm combat strength; the gatekeeper is a puppet of corresponding strength. Reward for passing: Fifty Profound Origin Pills.

Second level: Requires mid-stage Refining Realm combat strength; the gatekeeper is even stronger. Reward for passing: 100 Profound Origin Pills.

Third level: Requires late-stage Refining Realm combat power. Reward: 150 Profound Origin Pills.

Fourth level: Requires perfect combat strength in the Refining Realm. Reward: 200 Xuan Yuan Pills.

And so on. For each additional level you pass, the number of Xuan Yuan Pills you are rewarded with increases by fifty, and these rewards are cumulative!

In other words, if you can get through the fourth level, you can get two hundred Xuan Yuan Pills in one go!

This is an amazing treasure for any disciple.

Of course, it is also extremely difficult.

Each level's guardian is a top expert in their respective realm, and the unique environment within the tower poses a significant challenge to the challenger's inner energy, martial arts skills, and mental fortitude.

Many Earth-rank disciples are even stuck on the first or second level and cannot make any progress.

But for Song Jing, this was undoubtedly a shortcut to quickly obtain a large number of Xuan Yuan Pills.

He figured that with his current strength, defeating Zhou An, who was in the early stages of the Refining Realm, would be quite easy, and passing the first level shouldn't be difficult either.

You could even try to break through to the second level!

"Two hundred Xuan Yuan Pills—enough for me to push the 'Xuan Yuan Heavy Water True Technique' to its ultimate level!" A determined look flashed in Song Jing's eyes. Without further hesitation, he packed up and headed towards the Five Elements Tower.

The Five Elements Tower is located on a separate plaza.

The tower is ancient and soars into the clouds, exuding an aura of vicissitudes and profound weight.

The plaza in front of the tower was quite spacious, and many disciples had already gathered there. Some were watching, some were adjusting their breathing to prepare, and some had just come out of the tower, some happy and some sad.

When Song Jing appeared on the square dressed in a blue Earth-rank disciple's robes and carrying a long spear, he immediately attracted a lot of attention.

"Look, it's Song Jing!"

Which Song Jing?

"That's Song Jing from the Water Vein, the one who defeated Zhou An from the Gold Vein in twenty moves on the arena a few days ago!"

"Oh? It's him? He looks so young!"

"I heard he's only at the late stage of Bone Forging? Really? Can he defeat someone at the early stage of Dirty Refining?"

"Absolutely true! I saw it with my own eyes! That spear technique was unpredictable and elusive; even Zhou An's Geng Metal True Qi was suppressed by him!"

"Hiss—a late-stage Bone Forging Realm cultivator with early-stage Digestion Refining Realm combat strength? Doesn't that qualify him to challenge the Five Elements Tower of Heaven?"

"I guess so, look, he's coming this way."

Discussions arose, some with curiosity, some with scrutiny, some with doubt, and some with admiration.

News of Song Jing's battle with Zhou An has spread, and many people have recognized him.

Several disciples from the Water Vein were also there. Upon seeing Song Jing, they immediately surrounded him excitedly.

"Senior Brother Song! You're here to challenge the tower too?" a disciple from the Water Vein asked, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Okay, let's give it a try." Song Jingdian nodded.

"Great! With Senior Brother Song's strength, passing the first level will definitely be no problem!" Another Water Vein disciple said confidently.

"I think there's hope on the second floor too!" another person said.

The disciples of the Water Clan appeared quite calm, and some even seemed proud of it.

They had witnessed Song Jing's strength firsthand and had complete confidence in him.

However, disciples from other lineages had different opinions.

"Trying to conquer the Five Elements Tower with only the late-stage Bone Forging Realm? Isn't that a bit too arrogant? The guardians inside the tower aren't as easy to deal with as Zhou An." A Fire Vein disciple scoffed, clearly doubting Song Jing's achievements, or rather, unwilling to believe them.

"That's right, Zhou An is a newly promoted cultivator, and his foundation is not stable."

"The guardians in the tower were appointed by the sect and are considered top-tier among their peers. Moreover, their fighting style is unpredictable and ever-changing." Another earth-element disciple chimed in.

"I doubt it. I might be able to get through the first level, but it certainly won't be easy. As for the second level? Heh, that requires some serious training."

"A battle strength!" A disciple of the Golden Clan said with a sneer. Although Zhou An had been defeated, he was still confident in the Golden Clan's techniques and believed that Song Jing was only using tricks to restrain him and that his true strength might not be that great.

"That's not necessarily true. Senior Brother Song's marksmanship is exquisite, even Zhou An couldn't stop him, so he might be able to break through the tower." Some neutral disciples held different opinions, and they had a good impression of Song Jing, this rising star who "overthrew his superiors".

"Just wait and see, the results will be in no time."

Song Jing ignored the surrounding discussions and walked straight to the entrance of the Tower of Babel.

There was an elder deacon there who was responsible for registering and issuing tokens.

"Disciple Song Jing requests permission to attempt the tower challenge." Song Jing handed over his identity token.

The elder in charge glanced up at Song Jing, clearly recognizing him. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing. After registering the token, he handed Song Jing an ancient bronze token: "Use this token to enter. The tower is fraught with danger; proceed with caution. If you feel you are outmatched, crush the token to teleport out. Rewards will be automatically recorded upon clearing the corresponding number of floors; collect them after you exit."

"Thank you, Elder." Song Jing accepted the token, nodded to his fellow disciples from the Water Vein Sect behind him, took a deep breath, and strode into the dimly lit entrance of the Five Elements Tower.

As Song Jing's figure disappeared, the discussions in the square outside the tower grew even louder.

"He's in! He really's in!"

"What floor do you think he can reach?"

"I bet I can get through the first level, but I definitely won't make it to the second!"

"I bet he'll struggle even on the first floor!"

"I think he might be able to give us a surprise."

The disciples of the Water Vein held their breath, watching the tower with a mixture of tension and anticipation.

Although they had confidence in Song Jing, the Five Elements Tower was renowned, and no one dared to guarantee that Senior Brother Song could pass the second level or higher, since the second level required at least the mid-stage of the Refining Realm.

The guardian of the second level was an earth-attribute cultivator, and it took him a lot of effort to defeat him!

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn has passed.

Suddenly, the first level of the Five Elements Tower shone brightly, and a clear point of light appeared on the outer wall of the tower, representing the first level!

"We made it! We made it through the first level!" someone exclaimed.

"So fast? It's only been an incense stick's time! Many senior brothers in the early stages of Refining Spirit take almost half an hour to reach the first level!"

"It seems that Song Jing indeed possesses top-tier combat strength at the early stage of the Divine Refinement realm!"

However, before everyone could finish their astonishment, less than half an incense stick's time later, the second level of the Five Elements Tower of Heaven also shone brightly! A second point of light lit up!

"The second floor is lit up too?!"

"How long has it been? The first level has been burned for a stick of incense, and the second level for less than half a stick of incense?!"

"My God! He made it through the second level?! Doesn't that mean he possesses the combat strength of a mid-stage Refining Realm cultivator?!"

"Late-stage Bone Forging Realm, mid-stage Digestion Refining Realm combat power? How... how is this possible?!"

The plaza outside the tower instantly erupted in chaos!

All the disciples, regardless of whether they had previously thought highly of Song Jing, now wore expressions of disbelief!

If defeating Zhou An could be explained by "technique advantage" or "Zhou An's carelessness," then passing through the first and second levels of the Five Elements Tower in such a short time is a concrete achievement that undoubtedly proves Song Jing possesses formidable combat power at least at the mid-stage of the Refining Realm! This goes beyond the scope of "the inferior defeating the superior"; it's simply monstrous!

The disciples of the Water Vein were stunned at first, then burst into a huge cheer!

"You've passed! Senior Brother Song has cleared the second level!"

"That was fast! I knew Senior Brother Song could do it!"

"Hahaha, let's see who dares to underestimate my water veins now!"

Those disciples from other branches who had previously questioned and been pessimistic were now speechless, their faces burning with embarrassment. The disciples from the Metal and Fire branches, in particular, looked extremely unwell.

"This...this Song Jing, is he really that powerful?" the Fire Vein disciple murmured, no longer daring to underestimate him in the slightest.

"It seems that his victory over Zhou An was not a fluke—" the Earth Vein disciple said in a hoarse voice.

"Late stage of Bone Forging, mid stage of Visceral Refining combat power—this Song Jing might really have the potential to compete for a place in the top ten of the Earth Rank!" someone exclaimed.

Just as everyone was shocked and discussing, the few disciples from the Water Vein straightened their backs, their faces full of pride, and began to "casually" mention another of Song Jing's achievements.

"Hmph, this is nothing! You haven't seen how powerful Senior Brother Song is in Tianshui City!" A disciple of the Water Clan said, raising his chin.

"That's right! Back in Tianshui City, when the cult besieged the city, Senior Brother Song, with his Bone Forging cultivation, single-handedly covered the rear. Relying on a long spear, he charged in and out of the crowd seven times, killing more than a dozen Refining stage experts, including many powerful cult leaders! In the end, he managed to keep the city gates intact, buying us time to survive!" another person chimed in, his voice filled with excitement.

"More than that! I heard that Senior Brother Song has also single-handedly killed more than one evil cultivator and expert from an opposing force at the Refining Realm! Among them was even a mid-stage Refining Realm cultivator!" another person added. Although some details may be exaggerated, they are generally true.

"What?! Is that even possible?!"

"Slayed a mid-stage Refining Realm expert? In Tianshui City?!"

"My God—he already had such a record!"

"No wonder they're so ferocious! They've fought their way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood!"

Upon hearing this, the disciples from the other branches were once again utterly shocked.

It turns out that Song Jing's achievements were not limited to the arena battles; he had already achieved such remarkable feats before even entering the sect!

This further confirms the rumors that he possesses mid-stage Refinement combat strength.

For a moment, everyone looked at the Five Elements Tower with awe and curiosity.

They waited, waiting to see how far this newly famous prodigy of the water veins could go in the tower.

At this moment, Song Jing, inside the tower, had just finished regulating his breathing and consumed a Xuan Yuan Pill to replenish his energy.

Although passing through two levels seemed easy, it still consumed a lot of his true energy. In particular, the guardian of the second level was indeed a level stronger than Zhou An, forcing him to use more exquisite variations from the "Fleeting Shadow Spear" technique.

"Fifty pills on the first layer, fifty pills on the second layer, a total of one hundred Xuan Yuan Pills." Song Jing felt the information from the token in his arms, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

He was determined to get the reward for the third level: 150 Xuan Yuan Pills!

Moreover, he also wanted to see where his current limits were.

To know your limits, you must first adjust your condition to its best. Only then can you sprint to the third level and have a clearer understanding of your own strength!

Having made up my mind, it won't be too late to try the third level of the Tower of Babel tomorrow after I've adjusted my state of mind!