By the banks of Luoshui Lake.
East Courtyard.
[Skills]: Firewood Chopping Blade Technique (Fourth Breakthrough 5000/5000) (Traits: Versatility, Swift as the Wind, Divine Blade Control, Unity of Man and Blade)
"The experience value is still full. It seems that my occasional firewood chopping has paid off!"
"I wonder how many Source Energy points the next breakthrough will require?"
"Probably 200 points!"
Jiang Ning thought to himself.
After checking his panel, he closed it.
Then, he began practicing his martial arts to warm up.
[Skills]: Five Animals Fist (Perfection 787/1000)
The Five Animals Fist had now reached the perfection level. Each time he practiced it, he gained five strands of blood and energy.
Moreover, the experience value was not far from reaching 1000 points, only needing a little over two hundred more.
With his current efficiency, reaching the maximum wouldn't be difficult.
At most, it would take a few days.
Once the experience value was full, he could attempt his first breakthrough.
He had high expectations for the breakthrough of the Five Animals Fist.
After all, this was the breakthrough of a lower-tier martial art, far different from the Firewood Chopping Blade Technique, which was not even considered a formal skill.
[Five Animals Fist Experience +1]
[Five Animals Fist Experience +1]
[Five Animals Fist Experience +1]
After practicing the fist technique three times in a row, he felt his body thoroughly warmed up, and the blood in his veins flowed faster.
At this moment.
There was still some time before sunrise, and the hour of Chen (7-9 AM) was more than an hour away.
Jiang Ning then removed his clothes in the courtyard, leaving only a pair of shorts.
His courtyard gate was locked, and the walls were high, over ten feet tall.
Moreover, he lived in the easternmost part of the courtyard, closest to Luoshui Lake, which was relatively secluded.
So he wasn't worried about anyone disturbing him.
Here, he could safely temper his skin and improve his progress in the Indestructible Vajra Body.
The next moment.
He took out the skin-tempering sand.
And began vigorously rubbing it all over his body.
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
He had rubbed the sand over his entire body.
This was his first skin-tempering session after reaching the initial stage of Skin Refinement.
He also noticed that this time was completely different from before. Not only did his skin not bleed, but no matter how hard he rubbed, his skin didn't even turn red.
So after working hard for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he gave up.
Then.
With the skin-tempering sand still covering his body, Jiang Ning thought for a moment and assumed the first stance of the Indestructible Vajra Body.
He then channeled his energy, pushing the blood and energy in his body to flow into the skin all over his body.
At this stage of his Five Animals Fist training, his blood and energy were already extremely vigorous, far surpassing ordinary martial artists of the same level.
Especially after refining the fifty-year-old Blood Lotus yesterday, his blood and energy had grown even stronger.
Now, as he channeled his energy, the blood and energy in his body boiled, surging into his skin with a rolling momentum, tempering the resilience of his skin.
A moment later.
[Indestructible Vajra Body Experience +1]
Seeing the prompt in front of him, Jiang Ning's expression remained unchanged as he assumed the second stance.
[Indestructible Vajra Body Experience +1]
Then, he proceeded to the third, fourth, and fifth stances...
Up to the ninth stance of the Indestructible Vajra Body fragment he had mastered.
With each stance, he pushed his blood and energy to temper his skin.
Seeing the prompt appear.
[Indestructible Vajra Body Experience +1]
After completing all nine stances and seeing the prompt appear nine times.
He finally stopped.
[Skills]: Indestructible Vajra Body (Proficient 9/2000)
Looking at the changes on the panel, a hint of joy appeared in Jiang Ning's eyes.
"As expected, whether it's one stance or nine, I can still increase the experience value of the Indestructible Vajra Body."
Then, he looked up at the sky.
The sun had already risen, releasing intense heat that enveloped the earth.
He glanced at the sundial and knew what time it was.
It was already halfway through the fourth mark of Chen (around 8:30 AM).
"About two and a half hours and the Indestructible Vajra Body gained nine experience points!"
"The efficiency hasn't decreased; in fact, it's increased!"
"The growth of blood and energy has indeed greatly improved my skin-tempering efficiency."
After understanding his skin-tempering efficiency, Jiang Ning felt reassured.
However, the effectiveness of the skin-tempering sand had noticeably diminished due to the increased resilience of his skin, making it difficult for the medicinal properties to penetrate his skin and be absorbed.
The growth of his blood and energy meant his current efficiency wasn't slow; in fact, it was quite high.
In about two and a half hours, his Indestructible Vajra Body could gain nine experience points.
If he could practice the Indestructible Vajra Body continuously, tempering his skin without pause, his progress would skyrocket.
He could gain seventy to eighty experience points in a day.
With two thousand experience points, it would take at most a month.
In other words, he could achieve perfect Skin Refinement, with skin as tough as bronze, in a month.
However, this was an ideal scenario, and Jiang Ning knew it.
After tempering his skin for over two hours, he felt a faint ache all over his skin.
This was a sign that his skin had reached a high level of stress from prolonged tempering.
In this state, he needed some time to rest before he could temper his skin again.
Jiang Ning sat cross-legged, facing the sun.
Although it was already past the fourth mark of Chen, with less than an hour left until the hour of Si (9-11 AM).
And with his skin reaching a stressed state from tempering.
Moreover, the time in a day when he could absorb the sun's essence to temper his internal organs was limited.
Jiang Ning still seized the less than an hour he had today to begin absorbing the sun's essence and continue tempering his internal organs.
The growth of his internal organs had been immensely beneficial to him, as he had fully realized during this period.
Not to mention, as the Inner Alchemy Cultivation Technique progressed, it would undergo a greater qualitative change, allowing him to master internal breathing.
A moment later.
[Inner Alchemy Cultivation Technique Experience +1]
[Inner Alchemy Cultivation Technique Experience +1]
[Inner Alchemy Cultivation Technique Experience +1]
[...]
As the hour approached Si, Jiang Ning stopped his breathing exercises.
[Skills]: Inner Alchemy Cultivation Technique (Proficient 1075/2000)
"I'm more than halfway there. It won't be long before I master internal breathing!"
Jiang Ning looked at his panel with anticipation.
Then.
He finally had time to jump into the water vat to wash off the dried skin-tempering sand.
After cleaning, all the dirt on his body was washed away, and Jiang Ning felt refreshed as he stood in the courtyard.
Especially as the lake breeze blew past, the moisture on his body quickly evaporated.
Making him feel a cool sensation on this hot day.
"So comfortable!"
"Taking a bath on a hot day is refreshing!"
Jiang Ning looked invigorated.
"Time to get some breakfast!"
After dressing, Jiang Ning walked out of the courtyard.
These days, no matter when he went, whether morning, noon, or evening, his elder brother and sister-in-law had already prepared food in the kitchen.
This made him feel extremely convenient.
It also made him feel that his decision to bring his elder brother and sister-in-law to live with him was extremely wise.
Without them, living in such a large house would have been much less convenient.
As for hiring servants.
He didn't want to do that now.
Not because he couldn't afford it, but because he had too many secrets.
He was afraid that someone with ulterior motives might arrange for a servant to come close to him.
Especially the Cao family.
Morning.
[Five Animals Fist Experience +1]
[Five Animals Fist Experience +1]
[Five Animals Fist Experience +1]
[...]
Jiang Ning practiced his fist technique over and over in the courtyard.
Each time he practiced, his blood and energy increased by five strands, and the experience value of the Five Animals Fist slowly grew.
While practicing, he could also feel that the stress on his skin from earlier gradually subsided as the blood and energy in his body flowed.
Not long after.
The sun rose higher.
And the temperature also rose.
[Skills]: Five Animals Fist (Perfection 799/1000)
After glancing at his panel, Jiang Ning stopped practicing.
Because he felt that his skin had recovered and he could continue tempering it.
This time, he decided to change his approach.
Earlier, he had tried and found that the skin-tempering sand was much less effective now that his skin was as tough as stone.
So he wanted to try.
Try tempering his skin without using the skin-tempering sand.
Then.
He opened a bottle of herbal essence and drank it in one gulp.
After his body absorbed much of the medicinal effect and his condition was almost optimal, he assumed the first stance of the Indestructible Vajra Body.
Then, he channeled his energy, pushing the blood and energy in his body to temper his skin.
As the blood and energy washed over him again and again.
New prompts slowly appeared in front of him.
[Indestructible Vajra Body Experience +1]
[Indestructible Vajra Body Experience +1]
[Indestructible Vajra Body Experience +1]
[...]
When he felt his skin reach a stressed state again, with a faint ache all over, he stopped tempering.
[Skills]: Indestructible Vajra Body (Proficient 19/2000)
After closing the panel, he glanced at the sundial in the courtyard.
"Less than three hours."
"It seems the skin-tempering sand isn't helping me much anymore!"
"Its effect on my efficiency has slowed down significantly. On the other hand, the growth of my blood and energy, as well as the assistance effect of the Five Animals Fist, must be quite good, which is why my skin-tempering efficiency is still so high."
After testing, Jiang Ning placed even more importance on the Five Animals Fist.
Blood and energy were the foundation of martial arts.
Practicing fist techniques was his best way to increase blood and energy.
As long as his blood and energy were sufficiently abundant, not only would his physique become stronger.
But it would also greatly assist his future breakthroughs, significantly boosting his efficiency.
In short, nothing was more important than this.
The next afternoon.
Luoshui Lake.
On the deserted island.
A small boat was moored on the beach.
"Elder Liu, according to the guidance of the Gu insect, the scent left by the elder on Tian Buyi should be in this direction."
Liu Qingsong stood on the bow of the small boat, scanning the surroundings.
He then nodded.
"This island is indeed a good hiding spot."
"Tian Buyi's nickname is River Dragon, and his swimming skills are exceptional. This place is an ideal hiding spot for him."
The attendant behind him hesitated upon hearing this.
"Elder Liu, if that's the case, even if we find Tian Buyi, can we capture him?"
"His swimming skills are too good. Once he enters the water, he disappears, and his breath-holding ability far surpasses that of ordinary people."
Another person nodded. "Yes! How can we catch him?"
Liu Qingsong said, "Don't worry if we can't catch him this time! He was injured by my palm strike and must have internal injuries. I also left medicinal powder on him, which has already merged into his flesh. He can't remove this scent."
"Now, with the guidance of the Gu insect, he can't escape."
"As long as we keep up the pressure, his injuries will inevitably worsen, and we will catch him sooner or later."
As he spoke.
Liu Qingsong took out a jade bottle from his robe and slowly opened the lid.
The next moment.
A Gu insect glowing faintly flew out of the bottle and fluttered its wings, heading in a certain direction.
"Follow it quickly!" Liu Qingsong ordered.
"Yes, Elder Liu!" The group responded and hurriedly followed.
A moment later.
They arrived at a shore.
Liu Qingsong watched as the Gu insect in the air slowly landed on a patch of dried blood.
His eyes narrowed, and he quickly crouched in front of the dried blood.
"Elder Liu, did you find something?" The people behind him stopped, slightly out of breath.
Liu Qingsong touched the dried blood in front of him and quickly made a judgment.
"The Gu insect stopped here, which means this is the blood left by Tian Buyi."
"Only Tian Buyi's blood, mixed with the medicinal powder, can attract the Gu insect."
Upon hearing this, one of the people behind him spoke up.
"Elder Liu's divine power is unmatched. Tian Buyi must have been injured by Elder Liu's palm strike, which is why he left this patch of dried blood here."
Another person chimed in, "Senior Brother Shangguan is right! It seems Tian Buyi is still on this deserted island."
At this moment, Liu Qingsong added, "Judging from the state of the dried blood, it was left about two days ago."
The next moment.
Liu Qingsong issued an order.
"Tian Buyi is injured and is likely still somewhere on this island recovering."
"Spread out and search. If you find him, immediately fire a signal flare to notify me!"
"Remember, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Tian Buyi is a true powerhouse among eighth-rank martial artists. Except for Wu Sheng and Wang Jiu, none of you should engage him in combat."
The group bowed in acknowledgment.
"Yes, Elder!"
After speaking, they scattered in all directions.
Liu Qingsong continued to guide the Gu insect to search for Tian Buyi's scent.
Half an hour later.
He arrived at a cliff near Luoshui County.
The lake was turbulent.
The waves at his feet surged, crashing against the rocks and exploding into white foam.
Watching the Gu insect continuously descending ahead.
Liu Qingsong's eyes narrowed, and he leaped toward a rock in front of him.
The cliff, over forty feet high, was cleared in a single leap.
Boom
As he landed, the rock beneath his feet shattered into pieces.
Liu Qingsong remained expressionless, looking up and waiting for the Gu insect to guide him further.
A moment later.
The Gu insect landed on another rock.
When Liu Qingsong saw that rock, he was slightly puzzled.
Because the rock was completely bare, as smooth and clean as the others.
Then, he took a few steps and arrived at the rock.
Seeing that the Gu insect was still on the rock and hadn't left, the meaning was clear.
Seeing this, his eyes narrowed.
He took out a small jade bottle from his robe.
After opening the bottle, he slowly poured the liquid inside onto the rock.
The next moment.
He saw the rock begin to change color, with faint purple powder appearing.
In an instant.
Liu Qingsong's brows furrowed, and a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.
"There's powder left on this rock. No wonder the Gu insect stopped here."
"But the powder should have merged with Tian Buyi's flesh. For so much powder to appear on this rock, did Tian Buyi leave a lot of blood here?"
At this thought, Liu Qingsong's frown deepened.
He muttered to himself, "Strange! Why would Tian Buyi leave so much blood here?"
"Did his internal injuries worsen?"
"But that's impossible!"
"My palm strike wasn't that powerful, and my energy couldn't penetrate his body."
"He came ashore on the other side. After recovering, his injuries shouldn't have worsened!"
After pondering for a long time, Liu Qingsong still couldn't figure it out.
But he knew that Tian Buyi must have left a lot of blood on this rock.
That's why so much powder remained on it.
At this moment.
The Gu insect took off again.
Seeing this, Liu Qingsong set aside his doubts and continued to follow the Gu insect.
Just a few dozen breaths later.
The Gu insect began to descend again.
Liu Qingsong's gaze fell on a piece of clothing on the rock.
He took a few steps and arrived at the rock.
Looking at the piece of clothing washed onto the rock by the waves, he felt a sense of familiarity.
Then, I saw the Gu insect slowly land on the clothing.
Liu Qingsong's expression changed again.
"Is this Tian Buyi's clothing?"
The next moment.
He quickly took out a jade bottle and poured some liquid onto the clothing.
As the liquid seeped in.
In an instant.
The clothing was covered in countless specks of purple powder.
Seeing this, Liu Qingsong became certain.
He remembered that when Tian Buyi had been chased by him, they had had a brief encounter.
During that encounter, he had gotten a rough impression of Tian Buyi's attire.
This was Tian Buyi's clothing.
He had also struck Tian Buyi with a palm strike, which not only shattered Tian Buyi's defensive stance but also landed on his chest.
Tian Buyi had then retreated several feet and plunged into Luoshui Lake.
It was during this encounter that Liu Qingsong truly witnessed why Tian Buyi was called the River Dragon.
He had seen firsthand how exceptional Tian Buyi's swimming skills were.
Even after being struck by his palm, Tian Buyi had disappeared into the water without a trace.
If Liu Qingsong hadn't been cautious and scattered a large amount of tracking powder during the strike, allowing it to stick to Tian Buyi's clothing and enter his body through his nose and mouth.
If he hadn't taken this precaution, with Tian Buyi's swimming skills, entering Luoshui Lake would have been like a fish returning to the sea.
Catching Tian Buyi would have been harder than reaching the heavens.
After this incident, Tian Buyi would undoubtedly become even more cautious, making it infinitely harder to find him.
So when Liu Qingsong saw the scene before him, the purple powder on the clothing, and the impression were left in his mind.
He became certain that this was the clothing Tian Buyi had been wearing at the time.
At this moment, a thought suddenly occurred to him.
His expression turned to one of shock.
"Could Tian Buyi be dead?"
This thought, once it arose, grew like weeds in his mind, quickly taking over all his thoughts.
He examined the clothing in his hands and the more he looked, the more he felt this possibility was real.
Because the clothing washed onto the rock was damaged, with tears from fish and holes everywhere.
Holding the clothing, he thought for a long time.
Then he shook his head and stood up. "It shouldn't be possible! Tian Buyi is an eighth-rank martial artist and one who could withstand my palm strike at that. He's stronger than Wu Sheng and Wang Jiu. In this small Luoshui County, there aren't many who can defeat him!"
"Not to mention, this is by the water. With Tian Buyi's swimming skills, killing him would be as difficult as reaching the heavens, even for me."
"Once he enters the water, he disappears without a trace. Even I would be helpless in such a situation."
"With his strength and skills, it's impossible for him to die on a deserted island like this!"
"I must be overthinking it!"
Liu Qingsong muttered to himself, trying to convince himself.
Then, he urged the Gu insect to continue searching for Tian Buyi's scent.
But no matter how he tried to guide it, the Gu insect remained motionless.
"Has the Gu insect lost its target?"
Liu Qingsong's eyes narrowed again.
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