In chaotic times, one can become a martial immortal.

As his internal energy continuously washed and refined his skin, Lu Yuan could clearly feel a constant stinging sensation all over his body.

An even more intense burning sensation surged in wave after wave.

It was as if someone was using a red-hot iron to heat his skin inch by inch.

Lu Yuan remained unfazed; this pain was nothing to him.

He can endure it as long as he can become stronger.

"Splash... splash... splash..."

As time went by, Lu Yuan seemed to faintly see a layer of golden light emanating from his skin.

This is not an illusion, but a sign that the Golden Skin is about to be completed.

The internal energy surged and continued to wash over the skin, making the golden light even more brilliant.

The golden patterns are already faintly visible beneath the skin.

Gold skin, done!

At this moment, Lu Yuan looked as if he were wearing a golden robe.

Its luster flows and shines brilliantly.

"Ninth-grade Golden Skin represents the pinnacle of this realm."

A slight smile appeared on Lu Yuan's lips.

This is a realm that even top-tier geniuses with exceptional talent and ample resources cannot easily enter.

Looking across the entire Qinghe County, he might even be the first person to have ventured into this field.

He not only did it, but he did it in just three months.

Even the resources consumed are far less than those of the scions of wealthy families who frantically accumulate wealth.

Most importantly, the Golden Skin is the pinnacle of the ninth rank, not only making it invincible in this realm, but also laying the most solid foundation for the future path of martial arts, the perfect foundation that countless martial artists dream of.

Moreover, he will continue to pursue perfection in the upcoming chapters on flesh refining and bone forging.

Lu Yuan picked up the longsword from the weapon rack and swung it backhand, slashing it directly at his own arm.

As internal energy surged, golden patterns appeared beneath the skin.

"clang!"

With a crisp metallic clang, the longsword shattered completely.

Lu Yuan's arm, however, was completely unharmed, without even a white mark.

"Buzz!"

Lu Yuan picked up a new longsword again, gave it a gentle shake, and the sword light burst forth.

The blazing sword light still couldn't damage his skin in the slightest.

Lu Yuan continued to channel his inner energy, and the most destructive Blazing Sun Sword Qi condensed and emerged.

This time, however, he proceeded cautiously, slowly approaching the arm.

"Thump!"

The moment the sword energy touched the membrane, it was as if a golden bell had been struck. Although a muffled sound was heard, it still failed to cause any real damage. However, the consumption of internal energy was obviously much faster.

This is the ultimate manifestation of skin polishing, the golden skin.

It is impervious to swords and blades, and unaffected by water or fire.

Let's see the limits!

Lu Yuan took a deep breath and then pushed his internal energy to its limit.

The sword energy suddenly surged, reaching a height of three feet, and became even sharper and hotter.

"Snap!"

As the sword energy touched the membrane again, a cracking sound was heard.

Lu Yuan did not stop and continued to verify.

As the membrane continued to rupture, trickles of fresh blood oozed out.

"It seems that the Blazing Sun Sword Qi, when pushed to its limit, can even break through golden armor!"

Lu Yuan sheathed his sword and stood there, pondering to himself.

This is the ultimate power of a Xuan-grade technique; even those with golden skin would find it difficult to withstand.

This wasn't necessarily a bad thing for him.

Looking across the entire Qinghe County, there are only a handful of ninth-rank martial artists, and besides him, it's hard to find two more who have mastered sword qi and saber qi.

Therefore, it can be said that after mastering the Golden Skin technique, almost no one can truly threaten him anymore.

Having mastered the Blazing Sun Sword Qi, he could easily defeat even top-tier geniuses who had also mastered the Golden Skin technique.

In short, he has the strongest defense and the strongest attack.

Of course, for Lu Yuan, this was still not enough.

He still has a long way to go.

"When I've mastered both the Flesh Refining and Bone Forging techniques, what kind of splendor will I possess?"

Lu Yuan smiled slightly, filled with anticipation.

……

"Get the oil in there!"

"Add scallions, ginger, and garlic inside!"

"Wild beef, get inside!"

Although it was late at night and the martial arts examination was tomorrow, Lu Yuan seemed unable to sleep.

Not only him, but Zheng Shuang and Zhang Yida are the same.

So the three of them got together and started eating hot pot in the courtyard.

Before long, the scalding hot pot began to boil vigorously.

Besides the beef hot pot, there's also pickled vegetable and tofu stew, and many other delicacies.

"Brother Yuan, your cooking is absolutely amazing!"

"Especially this pickled vegetable and tofu stew, it's absolutely amazing!"

Zheng Shuang and Zhang Yida ate with shining eyes, constantly giving thumbs up.

"What are your plans for tomorrow?"

Lu Yuan smiled and then asked.

"Although I have already broken through to the Transformation Realm, there is still a considerable gap between me and opening up my internal dantian. If I'm lucky, I might still be able to pass the martial arts examination; if I'm unlucky, I'll just have to try again next time!"

Zheng Shuang slurped up a piece of meat and said with a smile.

"I'm about the same, but it doesn't matter. It would be great if I could pass, but it's okay if I can't. I can just inherit the family business."

Zhang Yida smiled and said.

Clearly, those from wealthy families, although they would participate in the martial arts examinations, did not care so much about the results, and certainly would not risk their lives to obtain the title of martial arts scholar.

"Brother Yuan, what about you?"

The two of them then fixed their gazes on Lu Yuan.

"Just do your best!"

Lu Yuan smiled faintly.

With his current cultivation level and strength, passing the martial arts exam is a foregone conclusion; becoming the martial arts champion is his ultimate goal.

……

Lieyang Martial Arts School.

"Ah Jun, are you feeling pressured about tomorrow's martial arts exam?"

Chu Kuang stared at Chu Jun and asked.

"Father, my goal has never been this martial arts exam, but rather the martial arts academy in the prefecture, and even the imperial martial arts examination!"

Chu Jun simply smiled faintly and said directly, "As for tomorrow, I have already reached the rank of martial arts master and have no rivals. I only need to make a slight move to take the title of martial arts champion without any pressure!"

"This is truly my good son, Chu Kuang! Strong enough, and arrogant enough!"

Chu Kuang laughed heartily with satisfaction.

……

Song Yuan.

Even though it was late at night, people still gathered here.

Apart from a few familiar faces like Wu Yu, Gu Ming, and Chen Pi, the crowd was almost entirely comprised of new people.

Of course, Hong Lei and Fang Chang, who were most valued by Song Tingwei, are still around.

Both of them are first-rate geniuses with exceptional natural talent, and with Song Tingwei's full support, their cultivation progress has far surpassed that of others.

Not only has he reached the pinnacle of skill, but his true strength is also significantly greater than that of an ordinary cultivator at the Transformation Realm.

"Ah Yuan, I've already reached the Transformation Realm, you should still be working towards the Manifest Realm, right?"

Fang Chang stood with his hands behind his back, a confident smile on his face.

Suddenly, the scene flashed through his mind: he and Lu Yuan carrying people to the mass grave together, then entering Song Courtyard side by side, with him calling Lu Yuan "Brother Yuan" repeatedly.

Although only three months have passed, everything seems to have changed.

Fang Chang shook his head, as if trying to shake off that unbearable memory and focus on his bright future.

He believed that he would not only pass tomorrow's martial arts exam, but would also rise higher and higher.

As for Lu Yuan, he was at most just a small pebble on his path, not worth his attention or concern.

……