Living as a Mortal: Grinding Experience Starting from the Underworld

"What?"

Even the usually composed Zhang Feng couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Zhang Feng has checked all the cultivation techniques left behind by the cultivators in the ancestral hall one by one.

Let alone cultivation techniques that can be practiced in the Netherworld, even ordinary body-refining techniques are rarely recorded.

Moreover, my experience panel is missing a technique that can be improved without spiritual power.

"Senior Huang, is this true?"

Li Ning was also breathing rapidly. In this dark and gloomy place, she could not use her spiritual power, and she urgently needed a technique to improve her strength and save her life.

"Haha! Of course. Didn't you two already witness that just now!"

Huang Tiangu stroked his beard, a hint of smugness in his eyes.

He himself became the current village chief of Huangtu Village by relying on this skill.

Zhang Feng and Li Ning exchanged a glance. The hatred from the outside world was nothing compared to what was right in front of them—this life-saving technique that would enhance their strength.

When interests align, people can temporarily set aside hatred.

"Senior Huang, as long as I am certain that the technique is genuine, I will definitely accept your request."

Zhang Feng quickly calmed his agitated emotions and bowed respectfully.

"That's only natural!"

Huang Tiangu took out a leather scroll from his bosom and handed it to Zhang Feng.

Zhang Feng picked it up solemnly and began to watch.

This method is called "Netherworld Body Refining Technique," a demonic body refining technique. When practicing it, one must infuse spiritual energy into the body, into the skin, flesh, bones, and marrow.

Zhang Feng frowned, handed the cultivation manual to Li Ning beside him, and said in a cold voice:

"Senior Huang, are you joking about this technique? Where would you find spiritual energy in this Netherworld to infuse your body?"

"Yes! Senior, are you taking advantage of our illiteracy? Do you think we don't understand the cultivation requirements?"

After reading it, Li Ning also spoke coldly.

"Hey~ Fellow Daoists, don't be angry. There is indeed no spiritual energy here, but this item is here."

Huang Tiangu took out two emerald green crystals, each the size of a chicken egg, from his bosom.

"Is this a Netherworld Beast Crystal?"

Li Ning asked.

"That's right. After many years of exploration and improvement, I've finally been able to use this Netherworld Beast Crystal to replace spiritual energy for body infusion!"

"In this way, one can barely cultivate the Netherworld Body Refining Technique."

Huang Tiangu stroked the beast crystal in his hand and spoke slowly.

"Using beast crystals instead of spiritual energy will likely have negative effects, right?"

Zhang Feng recalled the changes that occurred in the bodies of the elders who controlled the beast crystals in the anime.

"That's right, it will indeed have unknown negative consequences."

But as long as I can regain my strength, I can accept some consequences.

You're right, aren't you, Fellow Daoist Zhang!

A red glint flashed in Huang Tiangu's eyes.

Zhang Feng nodded helplessly; what he said was indeed true.

For cultivators who have lost their power, nothing is more attractive than regaining it, and it is worth the great price to pay.

"This beast crystal is my sincere offering. If you two agree, the cultivation technique and the beast crystal will both be yours."

"Time is of the essence, gentlemen, please consider this carefully."

"No need to worry, I, Li Ning, will accept Senior Huang's request."

"Zhang is one of them."

Hearing Li Ning's urgent voice, Zhang Feng had no choice but to respond. For the time being, the two of them were in the same boat.

"Alright, I'll leave the beast crystal and cultivation technique to you two. I can hold on for another six months. After that, the fate of Huangtu Village will be in your hands."

Huang Tiangu put down the beast crystal, turned around and walked out of the ancestral hall.

As soon as Huang Tiangu left, Zhang Feng and Li Ning instantly switched to a state of mutual distrust.

"Brother Zhang, I have already memorized the cultivation technique. I originally intended to leave it to you, but I hope you will take Senior Huang's request seriously."

Li Ning picked up the beast crystal, faced Zhang Feng, and slowly withdrew from the ancestral hall.

Only after seeing him walk away did Zhang Feng lower his left hand from where he had hidden the throwing blade at his waist.

Zhang Feng had a chance to launch a sneak attack, but after careful consideration, he decided to maintain peaceful relations for now, since Huangtian Valley was still there and the situation of the other elders in the village was still unknown.

Holding the beast crystal and the cultivation technique, Zhang Feng found Huang Qing, who was on patrol, and asked for a stone house before beginning to study the technique.

Huang Tiangu really brought Zhang Feng a pillow just when he was dozing off.

Huang Tiangu's method of using beast crystals to replace spiritual energy was also written in the cultivation technique. Zhang Feng only raised the question to confirm the authenticity of the method, and Li Ning immediately understood and followed suit.

Huang Tiangu's method was simple and brutal: he directly embedded the beast crystal into the flesh and blood, relying on the flesh and blood to mobilize the Yin and Yang power within the beast crystal.

Zhang Feng thought for a moment, took out his flying blade, cut a wound on his left wrist, and quickly pressed the beast crystal into the wound.

Zhang Feng took out the wound medicine, wrapped it with gauze, and bandaged the wound in one swift motion.

The preparations I made before setting sail were a great help.

"Hiss~"

The chilling, dark energy stimulated Zhang Feng's senses, and following the description in the cultivation technique, Zhang Feng began the first infusion of dark energy into his body.

One time, I failed, and my right hand stung and I lost sensation.

Two attempts failed, and my left leg was in excruciating pain, making it impossible to bend or straighten.

Three attempts, failed; I couldn't feel my right leg.

……

Nine times in total, just as the Yin-Yang power within the beast crystal was about to be exhausted and the numb pain throughout his body was stimulating Zhang Feng to the point of unconsciousness, he finally completed the first infusion.

Zhang Feng quickly checked the panel in his mind, and a new cultivation technique had appeared in the skill section.

[Cultivation Technique: Netherworld Body Refining Technique (Beginner 1/100)]

Become!

Zhang Feng was overjoyed, and the pain of body tempering was completely suppressed.

He immediately began to circulate his internal energy, and the power of Yin and Yang flowed across the surface of his skin.

Proficiency +1 +1 +1...

[Cultivation Technique: Netherworld Body Refining Technique (Proficiency 1/100)]

Zhang Feng worked on the rigors all night long, until he was proficient, until his skin was covered in bright green blood vessels and his muscles were cramping, before he finally stopped.

I haven't felt any progress in this technique since my cultivation stagnated.

According to the content of the cultivation technique, Zhang Feng's Netherworld Body Refining Technique has already stepped into the first threshold, namely, the power of Yin and Yang permeates his entire body.

Zhang Feng raised his hands and channeled his Yin-Yang power, causing a layer of black lines to appear on his skin.

He took out his flying blade and made a slash, only to find that without applying great force, the ordinary blade could no longer cut through his skin.

Is this what body tempering is?

This was the first time Zhang Feng had experienced this feeling; his speed, defense, and strength had all been enhanced.

Compared to an ordinary cultivator, it is roughly equivalent to the strength of a cultivator at the first level of Qi Refining.

Having regained his power, Zhang Feng felt an indescribable sense of peace.

It's a pity that one beast crystal is only enough to cultivate to the first level of Qi Refining Body Refinement, but it should be fine for dealing with ordinary martial artists.

As the exercise stopped, the black lines gradually disappeared beneath the skin, leaving only a bluish mark.

"Thump! Thump!"

There was a knock on the door.

"Brother Zhang, I've come to find you!"

Huang Tianhe shouted from outside the door.

Zhang Feng got up, opened the door, and led him inside.

Huang Tianhe took two pieces of salted fish from his bag, took a bite out of one, and handed the other to Zhang Feng.

"Brother Zhang, after meeting the village chief, you'll be one of us from Huangtu Village."

My father asked me to tell you about the rules of Huangtu Village.

In our Huangtu Village, those who are capable are directly incorporated into the hunting team, while those who are not are assigned to logistical and guard duties within the village.

The hunting party gets three pieces of fish meat each day, while ordinary villagers get one piece each day.

Would you like to join the hunting party?

Huang Tianhe asked while eating the fish.

Zhang Feng took a bite of the salted fish; it was salty and fishy, ​​with a slight musty smell from being stored for too long.

Zhang Feng swallowed it without changing his expression. He was also unable to abstain from grains due to the lack of spiritual energy. He was somewhat hungry after grinding for experience all night.

He needs beast crystals to improve his proficiency and body tempering strength. Now that he has some self-defense capabilities, joining the demon hunting team is a good choice.

"Okay, I'll go to the demon-hunting team!"

"Okay, I'll go and talk to my second uncle right away. Brother Zhang can go to the river in the village to wash up."

Huang Tianhe ran out excitedly.

Zhang Feng observed Huang Tianhe's departing figure.

If his judgment is correct, Huang Tianhe has also cultivated the Netherworld Body Refining Technique, but he has not yet mastered it.

Considering his overly mature appearance, Zhang Feng guessed it might be a side effect of body tempering.

For some reason, I haven't experienced any side effects yet.

However, the absence of side effects is also a good thing.

I wonder how many members of this hunting team have cultivated the Netherworld Body Refining Technique.