C476 She Advanced!(2)

Within the Azure Sun Martial Mansion, the people there are considered true Body Tempering cultivators. In contrast, young folks like Dahu have only been granted a few scraps of martial arts techniques.

Woo Zhengyang originally lagged behind even Dahu and his peers, as he lived in a world where Body Tempering was nearly forgotten. However, Zhengyang's progress was unmatched by anyone, thanks to the golden vortex—a miraculous treasure seemingly designed for Body Tempering.

Unfortunately, the golden vortex has its own rules for martial arts enlightenment. Otherwise, Zhengyang would have discovered the true essence of the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" much sooner. Even so, Zhengyang has gained significant benefits.

Initially, Zhengyang aimed to integrate various martial arts into the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps." But as he practiced, he realized his approach was flawed, perhaps a bit too eager for quick results. The "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" is a comprehensive martial art. Whether it's the "Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist" or the "Ink Night Sword Washing Arts," each has its own essence. To blend them, one must fully master each.

So far, Zhengyang has only used the power of the golden vortex to perfect the "Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist." The others are still in the early stages, far from being seamlessly integrated.

Woo Zhengyang's immediate priority was to master the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" perfectly. Time and again, he moved with the flow, even during his daily walks, practicing the technique. Perhaps it was his sincerity or maybe an accidental trigger, but the golden vortex finally began to take effect.

Golden threads wove through Woo Zhengyang's body. These weren't true energy or blood force; they were simply pathways for channeling power. Every stance and movement altered the strength of his power, and with the guidance of these golden threads, Woo Zhengyang easily found the optimal routes to channel his strength, seamlessly integrating it with the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps."

Once he achieved this, Woo Zhengyang didn't need to rely on other martial techniques for the time being. With his power fully connected, the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" wasn't just about footwork anymore. Woo Zhengyang could use different stances and force to manifest its power throughout his body, whether punching, wielding a sword, or using his shoulder. He could unleash the technique's power from any part of his body.

At this point, Woo Zhengyang didn't have a formal martial technique, yet he could exert the power of one from all over his body. This was why he could continuously engage with Zhan Yifei and maintain an advantage over him.

In the days that followed, everyone remained busy. Woo Zhengyang broke through one restriction after another, while Liu Dahu and Rice unearthed one Qi Blood Crystal after another, which Rice eagerly devoured.

Three days later, Rice excitedly shared with the two that she had reached the late Skin Stage. This news left Liu Dahu and Woo Zhengyang feeling a mix of envy and admiration. Liu Dahu had spent over a decade of hard training to reach the late Skin Stage, while five-year-old Rice, without any formal training, had caught up to him just by consuming a few Qi Blood Crystals.

Woo Zhengyang's progress was swift, but the pain he endured was beyond what most could comprehend. Given Rice's rapid advancement, it seemed only a matter of time before she would catch up to Woo Zhengyang as well, fueling their envy even more.

Initially, Woo Zhengyang worried that Rice's reliance on external aids for her advancement might lead to an unstable foundation. However, after Rice and Liu Dahu secretly sparred, and Liu Dahu found himself pinned to the ground despite his full effort, Woo Zhengyang's concerns vanished.

It seemed Rice was born to consume Qi Blood Crystals. Her physical strength, after ingesting so many, far surpassed Liu Dahu's. Already adorable and fair-skinned, Rice had become even more refined, like a meticulously crafted porcelain doll, with each refinement bringing her closer to perfection.

Two days later, it was time for another round of challenges. When Zhan Yifei saw Woo Zhengyang, he immediately lost his confidence. Liu Xiangdong felt the same upon seeing Zhan Yifei, vividly recalling the last time they were thoroughly defeated.

This time, Woo Zhengyang faced off against Zhan Yinuo. Zhan Yinuo also practiced the Ape Strike Technique, but his understanding of it was clearly much stronger than Zhan Yifei's.

After three battles, Woo Zhengyang remained undefeated. However, staying at the top came at a cost—he was battered and bruised all over. Zhan Yinuo didn't fare much better; after being knocked off the platform for the third time, he barely had the strength to stand.

Even so, Zhan Yinuo, like Zhan Yifei, insisted that Woo Zhengyang should challenge him again next time.

Five days later, another round of challenges left both combatants battered, but they could feel their skills improving rapidly. Such evenly matched opponents were rare, so they agreed to meet again.

By their third round of challenges, Woo Zhengyang was much more at ease, and Zhan Yinuo was too, though he lost with surprising ease.

As for Rice, while munching away, she leveled up once more!