C232 Advance to the next Level(1)

As Woo Zhengyang unlocked the meridian connecting his core and mind, he felt his body enter a profound state. Before this breakthrough, he could only channel his energy using specific techniques. Now, his soul energy could effortlessly flow through the meridian, allowing him to control the sword-shaped genuine qi within him.

With just a thought, Zhengyang could direct this qi to execute his intentions, making his techniques far more efficient than before. The process, once cumbersome, was now swift and straightforward. Most importantly, the soul energy allowed his sword-shaped genuine qi to extend beyond his body or sword, forming powerful energy blasts without needing special methods, and these were even more potent than before.

As for what changes might occur with the use of special techniques, Zhengyang was uncertain and planned to experiment later. At this moment, he was at a critical juncture in his physical cultivation. After a night of intense refinement, the connection between his flesh and skin had softened significantly.

Finally, an invisible gap appeared. Under Zhengyang's control, the vital energy of heaven and earth surged into this gap, merging seamlessly with his skin.

With the first step taken, the second soon follows, and they only increase in number. While skin can't compare to flesh and blood in volume, it absorbs Heaven and Earth Vital Energy more efficiently. As this energy refines, Woo Zhengyang's skin becomes tougher and more resilient—this is the Skin Stage!

In one night, he reached both the Reality Condensing Stage of Qi Refining and the Skin Stage of Body Tempering. Woo Zhengyang felt invigorated and eager for more. He considered pushing through a few more meridians to connect to his spiritual core but decided to calm himself first.

Advancing in Body Tempering requires more practical experience. Moreover, Woo Zhengyang lacked a specific technique for the Skin Stage. Relying solely on self-refinement could take ages to show results. His immediate priority was to find a Body Tempering Technique for the Skin Stage.

Returning to the Profound Heaven Sect to pursue the Martial Master Stage, Woo Zhengyang aimed to acquire this Body Tempering Technique. Techniques for the Martial Master Stage were housed on the second floor of the Profound Arts Pavilion. To access them, Woo Zhengyang first needed to become an inner disciple.

“Junior Brother Woo... no... Senior Brother Woo...”

Just as he stepped out of his stone chamber, Woo Zhengyang heard a voice nearby. To his surprise, he found a crowd gathered outside, some holding ornate lunch boxes. One person stood in front, holding something, and respectfully saluted Woo Zhengyang. It was this person who had spoken.

Yuen Tianshan! A third-ranked disciple of the outer sect of the Profound Heaven Sect, he was the one who, under Yue Liqing's orders, once challenged Woo Zhengyang during the outer sect assembly.

"What are you all doing here?" Woo Zhengyang asked, a bit puzzled.

"We heard Senior Brother Woo returned to the sect, so I, as your junior, prepared some breakfast from Taiji Valley to welcome you back. In the past, I was short-sighted and offended you. I hope you'll be the bigger person and not hold it against me!"

"And I'm Sun Cheng! I'm here to apologize to Senior Brother Woo as well!"

"And I'm Lee Ye. That kid Lee Sanshui has been disowned by my family. What he did has nothing to do with us!"

Voices kept coming, and Woo Zhengyang realized why they were all here. They must have heard about him taking down twenty-five family heads. Compared to those families, the families of Yuen Tianshan and the others were clearly much weaker. Given Woo Zhengyang's reputation as an Array Master, wiping out their entire families would be a piece of cake.

So, they were here early in the morning to apologize! However, aside from Yuen Tianshan and Lee Sanshui, Woo Zhengyang hadn't even heard of the others' names. They were just people who had sided with Yue Liqing back then. This apology was a bit over the top!

"You all don't need to do this. I'm not someone who delights in killing. Even with those twenty-five families, as long as no one causes trouble again, I won't pursue it. But if it happens again and anyone threatens those around me, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Senior Brother Woo, your generosity and righteousness are truly admirable. We have already prepared a place for you in Taiji Valley. Would you like to have breakfast here, or would you prefer to head to Taiji Valley first?" Yuen Tianshan asked cautiously.

"Just leave the food here. I have other matters to attend to," Woo Zhengyang replied.

Initially, Woo Zhengyang considered sending them back with the breakfast, but then thought better of it. He didn't want them to think he was rejecting their gesture of apology, which might make them anxious.

In reality, aside from a select few like Yue Liqing, Woo Zhengyang didn't pay much attention to the others. He had once experienced a life of submission and lack of choice as a disciple himself, so he understood that many were simply caught in circumstances beyond their control. As long as they didn't cross the line, he bore no grudges. However, if someone did manage to leave a lasting impression on him, the consequences would be severe.

Of course, someone like Yue Liqing was no longer worth Woo Zhengyang's concern.