GUH!! 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

The flesh around the hollow where Zhao Xuanqi’s thumb pressed in suddenly bulged like a distorted vortex. Then, the muscles in both his arms tensed and contorted, veins popping to the surface in a ferocious, terrifying display.

It was as if the skin and muscle of his arms were about to burst apart. Faintly, he could even hear the sounds of skin stretching and muscle tearing.

Zhao Xuanqi’s expression twisted, as if he were enduring excruciating pain. It felt as if countless beasts were gnawing on his arms, chewing relentlessly. He could feel his muscles ripping apart over and over again.

But despite the searing pain, his eyes remained vacant. A kaleidoscope of expressions flickered within them, as if his consciousness was on another plane of existence.

He held the acupoint stimulation for less than three seconds before his arms shot up again, striking his own body. His thumbs pressed into two new acupoints.

This fusion of acupoint stimulation, Pile Skill practice, and Divine Thought Meditation was the Profound Technique of the Hundred Beasts Fist’s secret training method: the Hundred Beasts Mystic Gate!

By striking one’s own specific acupoints in conjunction with the Hundred Beasts Meditation, the technique forced the body’s skin, muscle, and fascia to generate power beyond their natural limits. This process created tears and strains, which were then rapidly repaired and strengthened under the effects of the Pile Skill. Through repeated contortion and tempering, this practice also gradually reshaped the very structure of the body’s tissues. It enabled the practitioner to withstand previously unimaginable methods of Power Generation and terrifyingly powerful Techniques.

The human body is inherently limited, possessing numerous flaws, especially when it comes to combat.

The Hundred Beasts Mystic Gate was designed to overcome these flaws, transforming the human body into a form perfectly suited for battle.

Without a doubt, this Striking Technique was fraught with enormous risk.

Improper control of the acupoint stimulation could lead to permanent physical damage. Furthermore, the Hundred Beasts Meditation simulated the hunting intent of wild beasts, altering one’s instincts through extreme pain. At the same time, the mental toll of the Hundred Beasts Sect’s Secret Transmission would gradually manifest. A Cultivator could easily lose their humanity, becoming lost in the brutal law of the hunt.

However, the results it produced were equally dramatic.

Beyond the basic effects of Cross-Training, the Hundred Beasts Mystic Gate could reshape a Martial Artist’s body, forging it into the physique of a beast born for battle. Simultaneously, one’s physical instincts and intuition would be vastly enhanced.

The body of a beast, the intent of a predator.

After about a Quarter Hour, Zhao Xuanqi abruptly ceased all movement, clarity returning to his once-vacant eyes.

His expression was still contorted, and his body trembled faintly.

In just a Quarter Hour, he felt as if his body’s strength was completely depleted. Pushing any further would likely cause fundamental damage to his constitution.

And yet, earlier today, he had practiced the Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall’s secret Striking Technique for a full hour.

The intensity of the two methods was worlds apart.

’I can only last a Quarter Hour at a time? This body’s foundation is too poor, and the Secret Medicine from the Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall isn’t very effective.’

’To get the best results, I’ll still need the Hundred Beasts Sect’s Secret Medicine.’

Zhao Xuanqi caught his breath and sat back down in the chair.

Now that he was at the Cross-Training realm, the Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall’s Secret Medicine was no longer sufficient. He needed to find Rare Beast Materials to concoct the Hundred Beasts Sect’s Secret Medicine, which would provide the maximum support for his Hundred Beasts Mystic Gate training.

’Fortunately, I now have the status of a True Disciple in the Martial Arts Hall. The Secret Medicine is in unlimited supply. If the quality is lacking, I can just barely make up for it with quantity.’

’Once I’ve properly established myself in the Cross-Training realm, I won’t have to stay in seclusion at the hall...’

Zhao Xuanqi mused.

As a True Disciple, beyond the supply of resources, the greatest benefit was the ability to cultivate his own faction within the Martial Arts Hall.

The Martial Arts Hall’s three current True Disciples each commanded their own power base.

Second Senior Brother, Liu Changfeng, managed the hall’s combat forces.

Third Senior Brother, Luo Moyou, handled the hall’s commercial enterprises.

As for his First Senior Brother, whom he had never met, he was said to hold a post in the Giant Spirit Army, serving as a pillar of support for the Martial Arts Hall.

Once he became the fourth True Disciple, he too would have significant authority and autonomy.

...

...

「Another month passed.」

「In the back courtyard of the Martial Arts Hall.」

Two figures were locked in a tangled struggle.

One of them was tall and powerfully muscled. His entire upper body, including his waist and abdomen, was in a state of Qi Surge. Engorged with blood, his torso swelled to a deep crimson, veins bulging as if ready to burst. He looked like an Asura from Purgatory. It was none other than the Martial Arts Hall’s Second True Disciple, Liu Changfeng.

The other, standing around 1.8 meters tall, was covered in lean, well-defined muscle. The most striking feature, however, was his hands.

His hands were intensely swollen. An immense amount of Qi and Blood had pooled within them, turning them a deep, purplish-red. The color was darkest in his fingers, making them look like a pair of Hell Ghost Hands.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Liu Changfeng fought like a giant made of muscle, his Techniques wide and powerful. Each blow created a sound like muffled thunder as his Palm Force blasted the air, sending fierce gales of displaced Force howling through the courtyard.

Zhao Xuanqi’s figure flickered and dodged with incredible agility. His claw-like Ghost Hands shot out from treacherous angles, targeting nothing but Liu Changfeng’s lower body. Though Liu Changfeng had the upper hand, he found himself on edge, forced to give his undivided attention to defending against Zhao Xuanqi’s unnerving attacks.

Their exchange lasted for the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Eventually, Zhao Xuanqi’s Physical Ability waned, and Liu Changfeng seized an opening. A single palm strike caught his arm and sent him flying. Zhao Xuanqi landed firmly and was about to charge back in, but he saw that Liu Changfeng had released his Qi Surge and was waving his hands dismissively.

"I’m done! I’m done! You brat, every single one of your attacks is aimed below the belt. I’m not fighting anymore."

Liu Changfeng said with great frustration. He’d never had a satisfying spar with this kid.

"Senior Brother, if I don’t aim low, am I supposed to hit your upper body?"

Zhao Xuanqi was speechless. ’Don’t you have any idea how strong the defense of your upper body is in your Qi Surge state?’

After several months together, he and Liu Changfeng had grown quite familiar and had developed a sense of camaraderie. They could now speak to each other much more casually.

Liu Changfeng turned to Weng Xiaolin, who stood to the side. "Master, there’s no need to continue. With this kid’s strength, even against a typical martial artist at the peak of Cross-Training, he could escape if he couldn’t win. If he were armed, who knows what the outcome would be. I think he’s qualified."

Weng Xiaolin nodded, deeply satisfied with Zhao Xuanqi’s progress. He had originally thought it would take Zhao Xuanqi at least half a year, perhaps even more than a year, just to reach the initial stage of Cross-Training. He never imagined it would only take two months. He began to wonder if he had misjudged the boy’s innate talent. Even Zhou Ze probably couldn’t have progressed this quickly.

’This time, I’ve really found a gem.’

"Zhao Qi, your strength is now sufficient. I will arrange a banquet to celebrate your status as a True Disciple. At the same time, there is another matter. The True Disciples of our Martial Arts Hall all hold authority over the hall’s assets, and you will be no exception."

"I intend to place the Wind Shadow Hall under your management. What are your thoughts?"

Weng Xiaolin said, looking at Zhao Xuanqi with a broad smile.

’Wind Shadow Hall...’

Zhao Xuanqi frowned slightly at his words. The Wind Shadow Hall was undoubtedly an excellent choice for developing his own power base, but Liu Changfeng was currently managing it. If he took over, wouldn’t that be like stepping on his senior brother’s toes?

Since joining the Martial Arts Hall, Liu Changfeng had treated him very well. Without his help, it would have been impossible for him to climb to his current position so quickly.

He was one to clearly distinguish between kindness and enmity.

Seeing Zhao Xuanqi’s hesitation, Weng Xiaolin grew even more satisfied.

If Zhao Xuanqi had agreed immediately, Weng Xiaolin would have had to reconsider his character. No one wants to raise an ungrateful wretch.

Zhao Xuanqi’s hesitation proved that he still valued loyalty and honor.

"Don’t misunderstand. This was your Second Senior Brother’s own suggestion. In truth, he’s been wanting to shed some of his responsibilities for a long time. Worldly affairs have bogged him down, making it hard for him to focus on the Martial Dao. He’s been stuck at the peak of Cross-Training for five years now. If he doesn’t make a push soon, he may never have a hope of reaching a higher realm."

"Besides, you’ve been in secluded training for two months, completely cut off from the outside world. You don’t know that the situation in Celestial Sea Prefecture has changed dramatically. These are turbulent times. Your Second Senior Brother may look big and burly, but his personality is cautious. He’s good at holding the line, not at going on the offensive. In the current climate, the Martial Arts Hall needs you to contribute a great deal."

As he spoke of the situation outside, Weng Xiaolin’s expression turned grim.

’It seems much has changed in Celestial Sea Prefecture since the Three Halls Tournament.’

Zhao Xuanqi listened, understanding Weng Xiaolin’s intentions.

’The Martial Arts Hall now had several True Disciples. First Senior Brother is in the army, the hall’s pillar of support with the authorities. Second Senior Brother is cautious and excels at holding his ground, making him the hall’s shield. Third Senior Brother is backed by the Mo Family and skilled in business, serving as the hall’s purse. And he... he is an expert fighter, a natural killer. From now on, he would be the sharpest blade in the Martial Arts Hall’s arsenal.’

"This disciple will not fail his duty."

Zhao Xuanqi said, his expression serene.

This arrangement was exactly what he wanted.