Translator: Cinder Translations
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"Strengthening technique?"
"Something's off!"
Inside the courtyard, several true disciples were surprised as they saw Xu Tingxiao being knocked back several steps by a punch.
The other students lying or standing on the ground blinked in disbelief, while Cao Tong stood frozen, unable to react.
"Such strength!"
Xu Tingxiao furrowed his brows, slowly raising his eyes, his arms crossed over his chest.
White energy swirled continuously, enveloping his arms.
Noticing that he was not injured, Chen Feng stomped his foot and rushed forward coldly.
Swish!
The hungry tiger pounced on the staff, one of the eleven movements of the Flame Tiger Stance.
A shadow dashed forward, causing the ground to shake as a punch flew out.
Buzz!!
The image of the fist appeared, howling and tearing through the air.
Beside them, Jiang Hu's face changed slightly, completely caught off guard by the fact that someone's strength was greater than his own.
Boom!!
A palm print struck the air, but the powerful fist was suddenly blocked.
White energy, like starlight, gathered and thickened, condensing to about half an inch between Xu Tingxiao's palms.
"Ah, so this is your confidence."
His face remained arrogant as he stood still, unmoving.
"Unfortunately, it's too weak."
Buzz!
He thrust out a hand, sending a rapid palm strike, leaving behind an afterimage that slammed into Chen Feng's chest.
Boom!!!
A muffled explosion rang out, and the air rippled.
Chen Feng's grey robe tore at the slap's impact, with several torn pieces of cloth fluttering like willow catkins.
Seeing this, Cao Tong's face turned pale.
But before he could react, Wu Shuang, who was standing nearby, suddenly froze, her pupils contracting.
"This!"
Looking closely, Chen Feng stood still.
His exposed chest, though red from the strike, bore a palm-shaped bruise.
However...
"Are you scratching an itch for me?"
Chen Feng spoke coldly, his aura suddenly surging!
Crack, crack, crack!
Bones and muscles expanded, his body swelling.
In the blink of an eye, a ripping sound echoed, and the upper half of his grey robe exploded.
Veins, like iron threads, bulged under his skin, revealing a towering giant two meters tall, standing proudly, overlooking everything.
"This!!"
"A giant tiger!"
Several true disciples stared in disbelief, their expressions changed. Xu Tingxiao's face froze, and he felt the air around him become unbearably oppressive, making it hard to breathe.
Buzz!
A whistling sound suddenly erupted as a hand, like a fan, swept horizontally.
With nearly a ton of force, Xu Tingxiao raised his hand to block.
Boom!!
The violent clash of forces shook the ground. Both stood rooted to the spot, their feet sinking into the earth, with stone bricks shattering beneath them.
"Get lost!!"
Xu Tingxiao roared, his face turning red as the energy in his palms erupted with greater force.
The next second.
Roar!!!
A tiger's roar echoed, and Chen Feng's arm muscles trembled before rapidly expanding, growing half a size larger.
All the energy was forcefully dispersed, and the remaining force in his pores quickly vanished.
Then, a punch was thrown like a cement pillar, directly striking Xu Tingxiao's head.
Boom!
Pfft!!
Blood spurted out as Xu Tingxiao was sent flying backward.
His blue robe-wearing figure crashed through the courtyard wall, and the atmosphere fell dead silent.
"You—"
Xu Tingxiao, half-lying on the ground, struggled as if trying to say something.
His robe was tattered and covered in dust.
But eventually, his head tilted.
He fainted, completely collapsing.
The onlookers' expressions varied, with eight or nine core disciples staring in shock, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.
They had thought him to be an arrogant weakling.
But unexpectedly, he turned out to be the strongest one?
Eyes continued to fixate on him, with true disciples standing on the rooftops and nearby, all observing the burly young man standing in the courtyard, half-naked.
"Master's disciple this time..."
Someone tried to speak but ultimately just sighed and shook their head.
A true disciple appeared to carry Xu Tingxiao away.
Crack, crack, crack!
His bones shrank back, and his muscles contracted.
The two-meter-tall physique quickly shrank, and Chen Feng, now half-naked, returned to his normal form.
"Chen... Junior Brother."
Cao Tong, standing aside, looked complicated, his voice still laced with disbelief.
Chen Feng smiled faintly. After the battle, he had fully adapted to his sudden surge in strength.
Then, his gaze flickered.
Wu Shuang, in her white robe, appeared before him, her face full of shock and suspicion.
Soon, other true disciples arrived, gathering around with warm expressions.
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"Junior Uncle, the Master has summoned you."
In the tranquil courtyard, with bamboo leaves drifting, a figure in a grey-white robe stood at the edge of a stone path by the pond.
"He's decided to make an exception and take on another personal disciple. He invites you to join him."
"I understand."
Li Chenye nodded gently, his pupils clear and distinct.
Then, he casually threw some bait into the pond.
Ripples spread, and the goldfish gathered, darting around in a frenzy.
"I have to say, this time, we've truly broadened our horizons."
"Indeed, not to mention Zhao's disciple, entering the realm at twenty-two, his future is unimaginable. But this Chen... personal disciple? His Strengthening technique talent is simply remarkable. After such a short time, he has already perfected the Giant Tiger Technique?"
"Not just that. I suspect he's naturally strong. Didn't you see how his punch could even overpower Zhao, who just entered the realm?"
"I heard he also has the martial arts enlightenment? I swear, at this rate, I might not be his match soon."
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Half an hour later, the true disciples gathered again, standing outside the Master's courtyard.
As they spoke, Xu Tingxiao, one of the true disciples, suddenly looked at Wu Shuang, his voice complex and filled with emotion.
"Junior Sister Wu, you really hid this well from us."
"Perfected the Giant Tiger Technique. Was this just a breakthrough in bone training?"
As soon as he spoke, everyone chimed in.
Wu Shuang, expressionless, felt their gazes on her, her shock still lingering in her heart.
When did he even break through the Giant Tiger Technique?
"Ah, forget it."
"I think Junior Sister Wu might not even know the extent of his strength. Let's not ask her anymore."
Someone attempted to defuse the tension, and the voices of casual conversation continued.
Chen Feng paid no mind to this.
He had simply changed into a new grey robe, and with a bruised and swollen Xu Tingxiao, who had regained consciousness, they waited for the Master to arrive in the small courtyard.
"This time, you win."
"When I'm recovered, let's have another match!"
Xu Tingxiao said, his voice a little unclear, his left cheek still swollen.
Chen Feng remained expressionless, merely clenching his fist, wondering whether it was possible to strike again here.
After defeating Xu Tingxiao, the other true disciples were astonished, calling him "Personal Disciple Chen," and they brought him here.
He had some guesses in his mind, but perhaps due to his strong will, he remained calm.
"Why aren't you speaking?"
"Are you afraid?"
Xu Tingxiao, feeling somewhat dissatisfied with Chen Feng's silence, was about to say more when suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed.
Tap tap!
The footsteps were steady, and they could clearly hear someone calling from outside the small courtyard.
"Sect Master!"
"Junior Uncle!"
Turning their heads, two figures appeared, one after the other, walking in sync.
One was dressed in a white-gray robe, slender and tall, with narrow phoenix eyes and a cold aura—Li Chenye, the sect's Junior Uncle.
In front of him by half a step was an older man wearing a flame-patterned white robe, slightly plump, with white hair, a peaceful demeanor, and a ruddy face. He seemed to be in his fifties, with a smile reminiscent of the Maitreya Buddha—Li Tong, the current sect master of the Heavenly Flame Tiger Sect.
TL/N: The "Heavenly Flame Tiger Sect" is the sect's full name.
"Master!"
Xu Tingxiao hurriedly called out. He had already sworn allegiance to the sect the night before but had yet to officially pay his respects.
"Hm."
With a slight nod, the sect master smiled and gently rubbed Xu Tingxiao's head.
It seemed as if some force appeared in his hand. In the blink of an eye, Chen Feng's gaze sharpened.
He clearly saw Xu Tingxiao's slightly swollen left cheek return to normal in just a few seconds.
A chill ran down his spine as he immediately noticed the sect master's gaze fall on him.
"Chen Feng."
"Twenty-three years old, only a little over a month of martial practice."
"Martial path awakened, born with a tyrant's physique."
With a sly smile, as if an old fox, Li Tong asked warmly, "My Heavenly Flame Tiger Sect has never had such a talent. I wonder, would you be willing to become my disciple and be recognized as a direct disciple?"
The words fell, and despite the prior expectation, the other direct disciples outside couldn't help but feel envious.
As for Xu Tingxiao, he opened his mouth but hesitated to speak.
"What is an Innate Tyrant Physique?"
Unexpectedly, Chen Feng didn't immediately agree but asked a question instead.
Li Tong didn't mind. He walked to the pearwood chair in front and sat down, explaining, "Some people have a special physique, like the Jiang Hu brought back by Xiao Si, born with immense strength, making them better at training Strengthening techniques than others."
"Also, some disciples from other sects have unique bone structures that make them highly compatible with certain martial techniques, allowing them to advance rapidly."
"But among these, there's one physique that's particularly powerful, capable of adapting to any Strengthening technique, advancing at great speed, while also possessing innate strength—limitless power."
He paused, smiling at Chen Feng, with an expression that seemed to say, "You should understand now."
So that's it.
Chen Feng guessed that the sect master must have mistaken his steel-like bones talent for the Innate Tyrant Physique.
"Well, have you considered it?"
Li Tong asked again. At the same time, Li Chenye sat down next to him, and both of their gazes focused on Chen Feng.
The other disciples had unknowingly entered and stood on either side, waiting curiously.
Chen Feng thought about the purpose of this visit.
"Sect Master, please accept my bow."
He immediately cupped his fists and bowed. He had come here for this purpose, and there was no need to hesitate.
After all, recognizing a powerful master would never be a loss. He needed both martial skills and resources!
"Haha, good!"
Sect Master Li Tong laughed happily, then waved his hand.
The direct disciples Wu Shuang and the second direct disciple stepped forward, receiving tea from a servant and handing it to Chen Feng and Xu Tingxiao.
After a brief explanation, Chen Feng understood that this was part of the formalities for becoming a disciple.
"I don't like too extravagant a ceremony, just a simple exchange will do."
Li Tong said with a smile. Xu Tingxiao, having moved ahead, respectfully said, "Master, please have some tea."
"Good."
"From now on, you are my second disciple. Always consult with your senior brother on matters."
Li Tong took a sip of tea and spoke softly. Xu Tingxiao froze.
Senior Brother? Wasn't it said that the sect master didn't have other disciples? Hmm?
As he pondered, a shadow loomed over him, and the burly figure of Chen Feng stood beside him.
"Master." Chen Feng handed over his tea.
"Hmm, from now on, you are my eldest disciple. I hope you will take good care of your junior brother."
When these words fell, Xu Tingxiao's eyes widened in shock.
Chen Feng merely nodded in response. Then, the sect master introduced the nearby direct disciples and the sect rules.
The names were hard to remember, but Chen Feng had a general impression.
As for the rules, they were simple: unity, helping fellow disciples, and forbidding harm to one another.
The ceremony didn't take long, ending in just ten minutes.
Whoosh!
Sect Master Li Tong flicked his finger, and two white jade porcelain bottles landed in the hands of Chen Feng and Xu Tingxiao.
"Your realms are different, so I've prepared different secret medicines for you."
"Go ahead and take them. Return here tomorrow at eight in the morning."
After a wave of his hand, Chen Feng and Xu Tingxiao cupped their fists and left.
Soon, with the servant leading them, they exited the courtyard.
Tap tap tap... The footsteps grew distant, and the smile on Li Tong's face gradually faded. He then looked around at all the direct disciples.
"Born with a tyrant's physique, potential is extraordinary. Chen Feng's future achievements are bound to be immense."
"Some people might not want this, so to the outside world, they'll say Chen Feng only has innate strength."
As his words fell, many of the direct disciples nodded in agreement, then left one by one.
The courtyard returned to silence. Meanwhile, Chen Feng and Xu Tingxiao each received their own courtyard.
The courtyard was filled with green plants, and cobblestone paths. It spanned over a hundred square meters and contained a quiet room, soft mats, wooden training posts, and other martial training equipment.
"If the two direct disciples need anything else, feel free to command us."
The guide was a middle-aged man, Li Shi, the sect master's confidant. He was responsible for many of the sect's mundane tasks.
"Thank you, Uncle Li."
Chen Feng nodded gently. Xu Tingxiao, however, remained unusually quiet.
Perhaps because he had suddenly become a junior brother, he hadn't said a word along the way.
Chen Feng didn't mind. He quickly parted ways with the two and entered his own courtyard.
"Direct disciple."
In just half a day, the attitude of the direct disciples and the sect servants toward him had drastically changed.
It wasn't until now, when he was alone and quiet, that Chen Feng began to fully adjust to his new status.
"All of this is due to strength."
"Status, position, power—all are built upon it."
Lost in thought, he didn't linger on it for long and quickly picked up the white jade porcelain bottle that Sect Master Li Tong had given him.
Removing the wooden cap, he opened his hand.
A round pill appeared before him.
About the size of a fingernail, it was a white-gray color.
A faint fragrance wafted up, and he quickly swallowed it.
It was half bitter, half sweet.
Soon, a wave of warmth rose from his abdomen, and his status panel flickered, quickly displaying a new notification.
[Flame Tiger Stance: Tiger Roar (30% 31% 32%)]
(End of the Chapter)
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