Cultivating Immortality in a World of Chaos

Chapter 11: Three Transformations

In his previous life, Fang Xi had experienced lending money to relatives and friends, with outcomes often turning sour.

Hearing this request now, a hint of disgust stirred within him.

“Oh, that…” He feigned contemplation, intending to stall for time.

As Wu Ji waited patiently, his expression gradually soured.

He considered himself highly esteemed at the dojo, having already achieved the two transformations of blood and qi - a status among the upper ranks.

When Fang Xi joined the dojo, Wu Ji deliberately tried to befriend him, aiming to introduce him into his own inner circle. However… it was as if Fang Xi remained clueless, failing to grasp his subtle hints.

Now, even borrowing money seemed to be met with hesitation.

Feeling Wu Ji’s gaze, Fang Xi inwardly sighed softly.

Some people were inherently petty by nature.

Even if Fang Xi agreed to lend money just to ward off nuisance, like dealing with a beggar, Wu Ji might still harbor resentment simply because of the delay!

‘Furthermore… should I really fear someone insignificant like Wu Ji?’

With this thought, Fang Xi made his decision promptly. “My sincere apologies, but I’ve been short on funds lately and cannot assist you…”

“You…” Wu Ji’s face flushed red then turned pale, resembling a display of assorted dyes, quite striking in appearance. “Shidi, well done, truly well done…”

Feeling the mocking gazes from surrounding disciples, he couldn’t bear it any longer and swiftly left with a flick of his sleeves.

Once Wu Ji departed, Tang Xuan approached Fang Xi. “Junior Brother Fang, be cautious. Elder Brother Wu has a very thin skin.”

Fang Xi glanced at Tang Xuan, slightly taken aback.

This third senior brother, with his unassuming appearance, seemed more astute than he let on. Or perhaps, since showcasing his talent, several members of Baiyun Dojo had been eager to align themselves with him - which was quite normal!

After all, Fang Xi possessed both exceptional talent and wealth! It would be unusual if others didn’t try to curry favor with him.

“What does Wu Ji’s family do?” Fang Xi casually asked.

“Elder Brother Wu’s family is involved in trade,” Tang Xuan replied. “They have a small merchant caravan and employ numerous martial artist guards.”

“Ah, traders…” Fang Xi smiled.

While he knew little about business warfare, he certainly had ample funds! If truly pushed, he wouldn’t hesitate to inflict heavy losses even at great personal cost; money could be used as a potent weapon.

‘But isn’t going overboard by bankrupting someone just for a rude look a bit too Mary Sue-ish?’

‘The old school Mary Sues were thrilling, but given today’s climate, they rarely end well…’ Fang Xi internally grumbled.

Despite this, he appreciated Tang Xuan’s initiative to approach him. They continued their conversation, eventually discussing their progress in martial arts.

Tang Xuan, like Wu Ji, had reached the two transformations of blood and qi, which was considered quite strong within the dojo.

Unfortunately, reaching the third transformation seemed distant and uncertain.

At this thought, even Tang Xuan couldn’t hide a hint of frustration on his face. “In truth… I’m still fortunate. Fourth Junior Sister has been unable to break through to the second transformation for a long time, and her family keeps pressuring her to return and marry.”

Fang Xi was taken aback; he never imagined that the shijie who always treated him generously could be facing such a difficult situation.

However, recalling the outer courtyard disciples who, despite paying tuition, struggled to master their blood qi and eventually left disheartened, Fang Xi felt somewhat reassured about his own circumstances.

In reality, mastering martial arts heavily relies on both talent and resources.

Initially, Yuanhe Mountain’s assessment hadn’t been wrong; his physical aptitude was indeed average.

But with the nourishment from the cultivation world’s spiritual energy and spirit rice, he managed to progress significantly, akin to a minor genius at an ordinary dojo.

This was the tragic reality for commoners!

With talent, one could swiftly rise and become part of the elite.

Without talent and scarce resources, they were destined to remain mired in obscurity for life!

“But not me, I refuse to accept it!”

“I must strive relentlessly for resources in this Great Liang World!”

With these thoughts, Fang Xi exited Baiyun Dojo and returned to the Fang Manor.

“Gongzi is back!”

A-Fu along with Yuegui and other maids eagerly greeted Fang Xi, their eyes filled with smiles.

The young master had mysteriously disappeared for several days before finally reappearing today.

“Head to the practice field, I need to train.”

Ignoring Yuegui’s slightly resentful gaze, Fang Xi made his way to the practice field.

Swish!

In a flash, he leaped onto a wooden post and began practicing the Eight Techniques of the Snake.

He never neglected training the Red Snake Leg technique either, now reaching the same level of two transformations of blood and qi!

“Snake Form Leg!”

Instantly, Fang Xi executed three swift kicks mid-air.

His leg movements were fluid and boneless, resembling serpents poised to strike from unpredictable directions.

Bam! Bam! Bam!

Three wooden posts snapped simultaneously with loud cracks!

“Not only is the Red Snake Leg formidable, it greatly enhances my overall leg techniques…” Fang Xi murmured as he lowered his legs.

Upon obtaining the Divine Illustration Diagram of the Red Snake Leg, he effectively gained access to its core teachings. This allowed him to at least cultivate it to the dojo master’s level, making it natural for him not to abandon such training.

If one were to lift his pant cuffs, they would notice that his legs had visibly thickened, muscles sharply defined.

Moreover, along the major tendons, there appeared a twisted pattern resembling a serpent - a unique phenomenon after achieving two transformations of blood and qi with the Red Snake Leg.

“The immediate priority is to swiftly break through to the third transformation of blood and qi, thereby gaining access to demonic flesh resources…”

After practicing the Red Snake Leg, Fang Xi mentally outlined his plan.

However, upon seeing those charming maidservants, he decided to postpone his intentions momentarily.

Having endured the arduous task of tilling fields in the cultivation realm, it was now time for him to continue enjoying life here.

The next day.

At Baiyun Dojo.

Fang Xi’s determination remained unwavering. Despite enjoying tea and music the previous night, he continued his training today.

He could sense his blood qi stirring with anticipation.

Perhaps…today is the day to break through the third transformation of blood and qi!

“Burn! Keep adding more fire!”

Standing by the clay stove, Fang Xi felt the intense stimulation from the highly toxic brew diminishing on his palms. Without showing any sign of hesitation, he repeatedly urged for increased heat.

“Yes, sir!”

Several servants, stripped down to their waist, worked tirelessly amidst sweat-drenched brows, barely finding time to wipe away perspiration as they piled more wood beneath the stove and continuously added toxins to the pot.

Unbeknownst to him, a crowd had gathered around, watching intently.

Wu Ji, among the spectators, couldn’t help but raise his voice, “Junior Brother Fang risks overreaching here… hastily increasing the toxin dosage might irreversibly damage his hands…”

Tang Xuan’s lips twitched, wanting to speak up, but Liu Taotao beat him to it, asserting, “I believe our Shidi has reached a breakthrough point, aiming for rapid advancement!”

Her crisp voice not only halted Wu Ji’s expression, but Tang Xuan also cast her a look of surprise.

What was this shimei on today? To directly challenge Second Senior Brother?

Soon, Mu Canglong and Mu Piaomiao were alerted and arrived together, each displaying varied expressions at the scene unfolding before them.

After about an hour:

“Phew…”

Fang Xi withdrew his palms, noticing they had turned bright red. As the redness faded, a layer of gray gradually spread from the palm centers to the edges and then across the backs…

Finally, both hands were entirely gray.

“That’s…the Dark Cloud stage?” Mu Piaomiao blurted out in surprise.

Blood Qi Three Transformations, reaching the Dark Cloud stage!

This indicated that Fang Xi’s mastery of the White Cloud Palm had now equaled hers, surpassed only by Mu Canglong himself!

“He actually broke through?” Wu Ji stared wide-eyed, resembling a startled frog.

However, at this moment, no one paid attention to such a clown.

“Congratulations, Junior Brother Fang! Your martial prowess has greatly advanced!” Tang Xuan exclaimed with admiration.

“Hail to Junior Brother (Elder Brother) Fang…for your remarkable progress!” The disciples bowed collectively.

“Thank you all!”

Fang Xi remained composed, but as he passed Liu Taotao, he smiled gently and whispered, “If Shijie ever faces difficulties obtaining resources for cultivation, feel free to approach me…”

His words caused noticeable changes on the faces around him.

Many disciples looked enviously at Liu Taotao, knowing well that due to her lack of martial success, her family was pressuring her to marry soon!

With Elder Brother Fang offering assistance, her situation would undoubtedly improve significantly.

“Thank you…Junior Brother!” Liu Taotao’s voice wavered, filled with emotion.

“No need to thank me,” Fang Xi waved dismissively.

To him, it was merely a casual investment.

In the main hall of the dojo.

“Excellent, very well done!”

Mu Canglong gazed at Fang Xi with evident satisfaction. He never anticipated that a simple apprentice, initially hired for silver coins, would display such exceptional talent in the White Cloud Palm!

“Fang Xi, having achieved Blood Qi Three Transformations, your next step is to harmonize your blood and qi, advancing towards the true force level.”

With a serious expression, Mu Canglong produced a scroll. “This is the secret Divine Illustration Diagram of our White Cloud Palm technique. Study it carefully, remember - focus on understanding its essence rather than just the form, pay attention to the divine aura depicted within!”

“Many thanks, Master.”

Fang Xi planned to have A-Fu deliver a substantial gift later as gratitude. Without hesitation, he accepted the scroll and began unfolding it.

The vast painting depicted only scattered clouds.

The clouds swirled gracefully, evoking a sense of ethereal mystery.

He studied it intently, striving to grasp its deeper meaning.

“It’s perfectly normal not to fully comprehend the Divine Illustration immediately. In the future, you can spend an hour each day with Elder Sister Piao Miao, studying together,” Mu Canglong advised calmly.

“I understand.” Fang Xi returned the scroll to Mu Canglong.

After all, there would be ample opportunities to create his own copy later.

However, Fang Xi’s primary concern at that moment was another matter: “Master… I wanted to ask about demons.”

“I’ve heard from Piao Miao that you’re quite interested in demon flesh?”

Mu Canglong nodded initially, then shook his head, a rare hint of fear flickering across his face: “Demons can be divided into two categories - ‘Yao’ and ‘Mo’. Yao roam freely, posing almost certain death for ordinary people upon encounter, yet they are still relatively easier to deal with… The truly terrifying ones are the ‘Mo’!”

“Mo?”

Fang Xi displayed curiosity, but Mu Canglong merely waved his hand dismissively: “In summary, even as a martial artist like myself, facing Mo is inevitably fatal. Across the Nine Provinces of Great Liang, should any city suffer a Mo disaster, it could become a perilous wasteland!”

“That horrifying?”

Fang Xi drew in a sharp breath, though admittedly, most of his reaction was feigned.

“As for resources of demon meat… only martial artists who have achieved three transformations in blood qi can cautiously consume some…” Mu Canglong pondered briefly before tossing Fang Xi a wooden token. “In Blackstone City, there’s a black market where you can find demon meat resources. If you desire them, feel free to purchase some.”