Being forced to grow like a pig? But I'm immune to the consequences!

"Of course." Guo Hui sighed. "The path of body tempering becomes increasingly difficult as you progress, with numerous bottlenecks appearing. It's common for a single hurdle to trap you for years. Especially for you using potential-enhancing drugs..." He suddenly stopped, seemingly touching on some sensitive matters, and then said, "In short, becoming a formal martial artist is extremely difficult. But you are still young, and anything is possible."

After giving a few more instructions, Guo Hui turned and left.

Wu Sheng stood alone in place, his consciousness sinking into the depths.

【吴生】：生命力 15/16 (原核：4/19+1)

Xu Wenbo's palm strike nearly depleted the life reserves that the primordial core had already lost due to the use of the potential-enhancing drug. However, the impact of forces of different levels and natures also raised the primordial core's tolerance limit a little further.

"Seventh level of body tempering..."

Wu Sheng moved his slightly numb arm, his eyes showing no fear, but rather a cold determination.

"I'll get there soon."

The seventh day.

Life on the training ground is monotonous, forging everyone's will with its relentless pace. But yesterday's incident undoubtedly threw a stone into this stagnant pool, stirring up ripples and whispers.

Many people couldn't contain their curiosity and wanted to find out the truth. Some went to ask Yan Liang and Wang An, but the two gave the same story, which was full of flimsy and unconvincing slander.

Mohan, unable to stand by and watch, and driven by the fear that "a lie repeated a thousand times becomes the truth," proactively revealed the facts as he knew them to the other trainees. Clearly, not everyone present was foolish; Mohan's narrative was logically sound and detailed, carrying far more weight than Yan Liang's and the other's accounts.

Immediately, the training ground was abuzz with discussion:

"The contribution points that my own father risked his life for were swallowed up? Who could tolerate that?"

"That Wu Sheng is really ruthless; he dared to pull out a knife right there!"

"Not only ruthless, but also cunning! He took the money and immediately hid in the Hyena Gang. If he had stayed in the settlement, would those from the inner city have let him go?"

"No matter what, we still suffered a great loss. The road into the inner city was cut off, so we had no choice but to come here to risk our lives, and we even got into trouble with an enemy from the inner city... I heard that the person yesterday was even stronger than Master Guo!"

Some people, especially Liao Xing and his group, were more concerned about Wu Sheng's injuries. They had witnessed Xu Wenbo's solid palm strike to Wu Sheng's chest, sending him flying backward through the air.

"He was hit so hard, he looks fine on the surface, but his internal organs are probably damaged."

"How can he temper his body while injured? With a month of training, I think his chances are slim."

"Most likely useless."

In any case, after this incident, some people felt more sympathy or admiration for Wu and were willing to have normal interactions with him; others, fearing trouble, chose to distance themselves.

Wu Sheng paid no attention to any of this, focusing all his attention on his own training. In this world of extraordinary power, he recognized an irrefutable truth earlier than anyone else—absolute power is the eternal foundation and talisman.

night.

[Wu Sheng]: Vitality 15/16 (Original Core: 14/20)

[Body Tempering Level 4: 79/80]

The final yoga practice was completed, the postures ended, and the energy returned to its source. In my consciousness, the last bit of progress was quietly made up.

hum-

It felt as if an invisible barrier within my body had been broken, and an even more profound sense of power surged forth from the depths of my limbs and bones, flowing endlessly.

[Wu Sheng]: Vitality 16/17 (Original Core: 14/21)

[Body Tempering Level 5: 0/160]

"I've broken through, reached the fourth level of Body Tempering." Wu Sheng slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, a glint of light appearing in his eyes.

This breakthrough was different from the previous ones; Wu Sheng felt that itching sensation in his spine again. The last time was when he took the evolution potion.

Wu Sheng didn't understand why this was happening. Perhaps it was a common reaction when breaking through to the Body Tempering Realm?

Wu Sheng didn't think much of it; he had a feeling it wouldn't be a bad thing.

"I haven't encountered the anticipated bottleneck, but the progress requirements have doubled again... It seems the further we go, the more terrifying the consumption of resources and time becomes. I just wonder if those high-ranking nobles in the inner city also use this kind of 'powerful medicine' that overdraws their life potential for cultivation..."

……

The afternoon of the eighth day.

On the training field, a sudden exclamation broke the monotonous rhythm of practice.

"I...I've broken through to the second level of Body Tempering!"

Everyone turned to look in the direction of the voice, their faces showing surprise. They hadn't heard of anyone breaking through to the second level in the past few days; the owner of this voice was likely the first.

Yan Liang stood there, his face displaying just the right amount of "surprise" and "disbelief," as if he himself had just realized this "fact."

"Damn! Yan Liang, you're amazing!" Wang An immediately shouted, his voice even louder than Yan Liang's, as if afraid no one would hear him. "Weren't they saying each level was harder than the last? You've broken through again without making a sound!"

Yan Liang quickly glanced around, fully basking in the mixed expressions of surprise, envy, and even jealousy directed at him. After a few seconds, he waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Perhaps... it's all thanks to that extra potential-enhancing potion."

Wang An immediately chimed in meaningfully, raising his voice: "Heh heh! If you ask me, it's all about talent! Some people, even with the potion in their hands, just can't seem to use it!"

Yan Liang felt a surge of secret pleasure upon hearing this, but he still tried his best to maintain his composure. He turned to the crowd and said in a "humble and seeking-verification" tone, "Has anyone else also felt like they've broken through? Maybe I'm wrong? If others have broken through, we can exchange ideas and verify them."

That being said, his real purpose was simply to confirm whether he was the "one and only" first one.

As expected, the field fell silent, and no one responded. Seeing this, Yan Liang's barely restrained smile finally crept up slightly.

Just as he was about to say a few more "humbly" words, Zhang Lin's slightly hesitant voice came from the side:

"I think I've also broken through."

Yan Liang's smile froze instantly, and his sense of superiority, as if he were "top of the pack," receded like the tide. But he reacted quickly; almost the next second, his signature fake smile returned: "Impressive, Zhang Lin! I knew it! Our talents are about the same. I broke through, how could you not have made a move?"

The news that Zhang Lin had also broken through to the second level of Body Tempering once again ignited everyone's attention. These two had stood out in the last test, and now they had taken the lead in breaking through to the second level, undoubtedly making them the true "rising stars" among this batch of trainees.

For a moment, Yan Liang and Zhang Lin became the absolute focus of attention. Yan Liang tried his best to maintain that "triumphant yet restrained" posture, while Zhang Lin appeared somewhat awkward and shy. Wang An, standing to the side, also felt proud and straightened his back.

Only Liao Xing's face was so gloomy it could drip water.

The reason is simple—he hasn't been able to break through to the second level of Body Tempering.

"Alright, alright!" Liao Xing suddenly spoke impatiently, his tone clearly laced with sarcasm and annoyance. "I know you guys broke through! Why are you yelling so loudly? Can't a person train in peace? Have some manners! It's just breaking through to the second level, what's there to brag about!"