Cultivating Immortality in a World of Chaos

Chapter 28: True Force Enters the Marrow

Shantytown.

Inside the cellar.

Inhale… Exhale…

Terrifying waves of air surged against the walls, spreading outward like they were about to form a sweeping gust.

Fang Xi, bare-chested, breathed deeply with his chest expanding and contracting like a bellows.

With each breath, his blood qi seemed to grow stronger, causing his muscles to become resilient, akin to rubber, filled with elasticity.

“The principle behind Iron Clothes Art is shock absorption!”

“Once mastered, even blunt weapons wielded by other cultivators would struggle to inflict significant damage!”

Fang Xi took a fierce bite of Beefwood meat and closed his eyes, meditating on the Divine Intent Diagram for Iron Clothes Art.

Time passed unnoticed.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes, “Success!”

Having achieved mastery over Iron Clothes Art, Fang Xi once again broke through his true force barrier!

This time, it felt as though an invisible veil had draped around his entire body, significantly enhancing his defense, particularly across his chest and back!

These areas were notably vulnerable due to gaps in White Cloud Palm and Red Snake Leg coverage!

“As expected… With the aid of spiritual energy from the cultivation world and the Beefwood meat, my martial arts progress has skyrocketed! Breaking through barriers now feels as effortless as eating or drinking.”

Fang Xi’s eyes sparkled slightly.

Of course, this ease came naturally as he was already a true force cultivator. Advancing another martial art to such a level would inevitably be much simpler for him.

Moreover, his spiritual sense greatly aided his comprehension of the Divine Intent Diagrams.

“However…the overall enhancement Iron Clothes Art provides to my true force is becoming quite minimal.”

After examining himself internally for a moment, Fang Xi felt somewhat helpless.

The??of true force martial arts is not as straightforward as simple addition.

If breaking through Red Snake Leg initially increased his true force by ten units, mastering White Cloud Palm added only around four to five units at most.

Naturally, even this increase of forty to fifty percent doubled his combat strength.

But…following that, Fang Xi studied various martial arts and chose the ‘Heavenly Vision and Earthly Hearing Art’. Upon completion, it contributed approximately two units to his true force.

Now with the breakthrough of Iron Clothes Art, the total increase to his true force was less than one unit…

“In reality, this is expected. The total amount of blood qi within a person is limited, so there must inherently be a cap…otherwise, couldn’t cultivators become invincible by continuously stacking martial arts?”

“However, as I continue mixing martial arts, the benefits diminish significantly, eventually approaching zero… Conversely, the conflicts within my blood qi intensify!”

Suddenly, faint streaks of an abnormal reddish hue appeared on Fang Xi’s face but were swiftly suppressed by him.

“Using spiritual introspection, I’ve tried to select non-conflicting martial arts as much as possible, but I’ve reached my limit… Continuing this way will become increasingly counterproductive.”

Furthermore, relying on his terrifying introspection ability, Fang Xi subtly adjusted the four cultivation techniques, enhancing the coordination of their blood qi circulation and reducing conflicts.

If any other martial artist from the Great Liang World had practiced like he did, they would likely have been plagued with numerous ailments…

“Fortunately… after layering these four martial arts, my true force now covers most parts of my body.”

In the Great Liang martial realm, the stages up to three transformations of blood and qi primarily focus on foundation-building, collectively known as ‘martial apprentices’!

Grasping Divine Intent Diagrams and integrating true force marks one as a ‘true energy cultivator’! This is equivalent to the first level of Body Tempering, comparable to Initial Stage Qi Refinement for cultivators!

Beyond true force lies covering the entire body with it, strengthening internal organs, limbs, and every bone… awaiting the emergence of True Vigor! Such individuals are called ‘True Vigor Martial Artists’!

A martial artist achieving True Vigor is comparable to the second level of body refinement, equivalent to Mid Qi Refining for a cultivator!

Currently, Fang Xi aims to enhance his strength by layering multiple martial arts techniques, striving to cover his entire body with true force for comprehensive tempering.

The White Cloud Palm primarily strengthens the palms and arms, Red Snake Leg focuses on the legs, Iron Clothes Art covers the torso, while Heavenly Vision and Earthly Hearing Art, being somewhat unconventional, enhances eyesight and hearing, additionally aiding in head fortification.

“Unfortunately… I’m still missing one True Vigor technique. Mu Canglong was merely a true force cultivator, so most of my understanding beyond this point is speculative…” Fang Xi’s gaze lowered pensively. “It’s time to reap from the fattened Yuanhe Mountain branch.”

Although he had long known their presence near the south city gate, he hadn’t taken action yet.

This delay mainly stemmed from Linghu Yang’s martial skills reaching the True Vigor stage, akin to the second level of body refinement for a cultivator.

While not as versatile as a cultivator, he was still formidable. To ensure success, Fang Xi needed to maximize his own capabilities before making any moves.

Besides, Blackstone City was now like a giant cage; there was no escape for Linghu Yang! Thus, there was no rush.

Regardless, over time, Fang Xi would undoubtedly progress at the fastest rate!

At Qingzhu Mountain Market, within the Pill Cauldron Pavilion.

“Can I assist you with purchasing medicinal pills, Daoist friend?” Zhuo Luting greeted a veiled customer warmly, her expression unchanged.

Cultivators often preferred discretion, and concealing one’s appearance was quite common.

“I’m seeking a specific type of medicinal pill to address issues related to blood qi circulation within my body…” Fang Xi spoke in a gruff voice, outlining his requirements.

After several martial breakthroughs, his physique had significantly transformed from before. Combined with covering his face, unless Zhuo Luting were a great Foundation Establishment cultivator, she wouldn’t recognize him.

Although even if she did, it likely wouldn’t matter…

Zhuo Luting listened attentively, maintaining her smile. “Are you looking for a medicinal pill that resolves conflicts between different types of blood qi, Daoist friend? Unfortunately, our pavilion does not currently stock such pills…”

“No available options?” A hint of disappointment crossed Fang Xi’s mind.

Just then, Zhuo Luting continued with a pleasant tone, “While we don’t have them on hand, if the issue is solely about resolving conflicts between Qi Refinement and body cultivation blood qi, Daoist friend, our pavilion’s alchemist can custom-create a pill tailored to your needs… However, regarding the cost…”

“I don’t have that many spirit stones.” Fang Xi sighed.

In truth, Fang Xi was already aware of this solution. By having the Pill Cauldron Pavilion’s apothecary examine his body, diagnose the issue, prescribe a remedy, and then have an alchemist concoct a targeted medicine, the minor blood qi conflict could be easily resolved.

However, firstly, he wasn’t from a prominent Foundation Establishment clan with such influence or abundance of spirit stones.

Secondly, allowing someone to thoroughly inspect his body would inevitably reveal his unique condition, possibly even requiring him to disclose his cultivation technique—an unacceptable risk.

Thus, without further hesitation, he turned to leave.

Just then, Zhuo Luting spoke up again, “If Daoist friend isn’t seeking a permanent cure, I do have a temporary solution!”

“Oh? What kind of temporary solution?” Fang Xi paused, his eyes gleaming as he fixed his gaze on Zhuo Luting.

“Based on your description, the blood qi conflict seems like a minor issue. As long as one has a strong foundation, it shouldn’t pose significant problems,” Zhuo Luting explained. “Much like how water can suppress fire, but a single drop cannot extinguish a mountain blaze… Our pavilion offers a ‘Blood and Qi Pill’, classified as mid-tier first-grade, primarily intended for body cultivators. It enhances the internal essence and blood, fortifying their foundations… With a solid foundation, even if there are slight issues, they won’t hinder future progress. However, this merely masks the problem, not addressing its root cause. In subsequent major realms, the issue will likely become more severe…”

“Blood and Qi Pill?” Fang Xi’s voice remained steady, but his thoughts raced internally.

This Blood and Qi Pill could actually increase the maximum limit of one’s blood qi levels. In the Great Liang World, it would be considered an unparalleled divine medicine for enhancing martial arts aptitude!

In simpler terms, if Fang Xi had consumed such a pill earlier, he might never have been deemed unfit for martial pursuits…

‘This female cultivator makes sense…’

‘If my total blood qi capacity increases, I can at least practice more martial arts…’

‘As long as my foundation is strong, even with conflicting blood qi, managing it should not pose significant issues…’

‘Who knows, before any potential dangers arise, I might already break through to become a martial artist?’

After considering all angles, Fang Xi nodded in agreement. “What is the price of this Blood and Qi Pill?”

Being a mid-grade first-tier medicinal pill, its cost would undoubtedly surpass that of the Pure Spirit Pill. A foreboding feeling stirred within him.

Sure enough, Zhuo Luting’s face lit up with excitement, her red lips parting slightly as she replied, “Five spirit stones per pill.”

“Cursed Pill Cauldron… robbing me of spirit stones…” In the shantytown, Fang Xi stared at the blood-red medicinal pill in his hand, his face crestfallen.

To afford this single Blood and Qi Pill, he not only depleted all his savings by selling his entire stock of spirit rice but also borrowed four spirit stones from Chen Ping, Di Qi, and others! He agreed to repay them within a month, with an additional fifth stone as interest!

“Damn it, once I have spirit stones, I’ll pop Blood and Qi Pills like candy and toss away extras…” Fang Xi muttered angrily before swallowing the pill in one gulp, then closing his eyes to refine it with magical energy.

Soon, he felt the potency of the pill taking effect, warming his entire body.

The previous tension throughout his limbs and bones vanished, replaced by a sense of immense relief.

“It works! The Blood and Qi Pill is truly effective!” A hint of joy flashed in Fang Xi’s eyes.

“To explain the blood qi conflict metaphorically, imagine your body as a house. Currently, there are several fierce beasts inside, confined in too small a space. This inevitably leads to conflicts and clashes, causing mutual attacks that could ultimately bring down the entire house…”

“The principle behind the Blood and Qi Pill is akin to reinforcing and expanding the room… Although the fierce beasts remain, the likelihood of the house collapsing decreases significantly…”

“Since the fierce beasts remain, it merely addresses the symptoms, not the root cause.”

After a long moment,

Fang Xi stood up, noticing the dark filth mixed with blood seeping from his body. With a wry smile, he fetched water to clean himself thoroughly.

Feeling refreshed both physically and mentally, he changed into clean clothes, lay down on a bamboo chair, and gazed at the night sky. “How long has it been… since I truly let go and just admired this starlit expanse?”

With a cultivator’s spiritual sense and the aid of medicinal pills, the notion of being stuck without progress was simply laughable to him.

Yet only now did Fang Xi experience a genuine sense of relief and certainty.

In this tranquil moment, he seemed to hear a gentle flowing sound akin to a small river near his ears.

As Fang Xi focused, he realized the stream-like noise originated within his own body - it was…the flow of his blood qi.

Crackling sounds erupted from his body, resembling popping beans as every joint resonated together!

“This is… true force entering the bones, beginning the marrow refinement process?” Fang Xi’s eyes lit up.

His true force had reached an exceptionally high level, standing just one step away from generating True Force!