Translator: Cinder Translations
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Several core martial arts techniques appeared in front of Chen Feng, totaling five.
However, among them, there was only one strengthening technique, which surprised Chen Feng.
"Our sect has produced very few masters in body training martial arts throughout history, so our accumulation in this area is limited," Li Tong said, seemingly understanding Chen Feng's thoughts. He continued, "Moreover, most strengthening techniques emphasize strength over power, which is another reason why we have few strengthening techniques."
"Of course, you need not worry about this."
Suddenly, his tone paused, and Li Tong smiled. "Although our sect lacks outstanding strengthening techniques, there is a sect in nearby Luohe City that possesses relevant inheritance."
"They practice techniques that can not only forge a hard body but also strengthen their power, making them quite impressive."
"I will go retrieve it for you in a few days."
Chen Feng fell silent for a moment.
How could a technique from another sect be easily passed to an outsider?
The price, needless to say, Li Tong's determined tone made Chen Feng feel he had made the right choice in his master.
"Thank you, Master."
He did not act overly formal but nodded in acknowledgment.
"It's nothing," Li Tong waved dismissively, not overly concerned.
Then he looked at the two, who were contemplating which martial technique to choose, and offered his advice.
"Tingxiao, although you've already entered the 'entry strength' realm, it's only barely flowing through your limbs. You haven't fully explored the subtle uses of your power, remaining at a basic level of practice."
"You can choose between Extreme Tiger Technique and Crimson Tiger Force. Both contain complementary techniques for power, such as Shock, Explosion, Gathering, and Contraction. This way, you can continue to strengthen your power and better understand the subtle uses of power."
Li Tong explained patiently, while Chen Feng felt somewhat confused.
Since he had not entered the power realm yet, he did not understand these concepts well.
Xu Tingxiao saw his confusion, first thanking the master, and then arrogantly explaining, "It's obvious you don't know anything."
"There are three stages in entering power: the power flows through the limbs, the power flows throughout the body, and the unity of internal methods."
"I'm at the stage where power flows through my limbs, and my energy can barely circulate through my arms."
"If I can circulate it through my legs, that will be the first stage of completion. Later, if the power can flow and cover vulnerable parts such as the chest, abdomen, and neck, that will be the second stage—power flowing throughout the body."
Looking at Chen Feng with a half-sneer, Xu Tingxiao continued, "Each breakthrough in the power realm refines a corresponding body part. But more importantly, it's the application of power."
"The same force can cause more destruction. This is what the master mentioned, techniques like Shock, Explosion, and Gathering. These are the true subtleties of power."
"The third stage, I won't bother explaining to you, since you probably won't even reach it."
His tone was still proud and aloof, but Chen Feng didn't feel like punching him.
Three stages of power.
No wonder he thought Xu Tingxiao was so weak, only to find that he had just entered the first stage.
"Hmm, Tingxiao has been taught martial arts by elders since he was young, so his foundation in this area is solid."
"However, don't underestimate yourself. Just focus on your practice," Li Tong smiled and encouraged, seemingly worried about Chen Feng's confidence.
Xu Tingxiao wore a proud expression, and finally looked at the martial techniques, choosing Crimson Tiger Force.
It was the strongest technique in their sect for cultivating power, with a chance to break through beyond the power realm.
Of course, the difficulty was immense, but he was confident he could succeed.
"What about you?" Li Tong asked, looking at Chen Feng.
"I want to choose Crimson Tiger Force and the Bronze Statue Technique," Chen Feng replied truthfully.
The former was a required technique and the best choice for entering the 'entry strength'.
The latter was a special strengthening technique.
Though it was ordinary in terms of power, it had one outstanding feature.
Recoil!
There were three stages after entering the technique: Bronze Skin, Bronze Bones, and Bronze Statue. Each stage increased the recoil force by half or a full level, which, combined with his strong physique, would complement each other perfectly.
"Oh, you want to practice another strengthening technique? That's fine, after all, you have a dominant physique," Li Tong nodded without further comment.
A moment later, he stood firm.
Suddenly, his center of gravity sank, and a phantom of a fierce tiger appeared behind him.
Its four legs were surrounded by flames, with red patterns all over its body, coiling behind Li Tong.
The "King" character on its forehead exuded immense dominance, and its vertical pupils held authority, looking down at Chen Feng and Xu Tingxiao.
"!!"
Chen Feng's gaze sharpened. The last time he saw such an image was on the Third Elder, but this was even more solid and powerful.
"True Intent."
"Such powerful martial intent."
Xu Tingxiao beside him showed admiration, and Chen Feng keenly heard his muttering, memorizing it in his heart.
"Clear your mind, and watch as I demonstrate Crimson Tiger Force for you."
Li Tong's calm voice rang out, and in an instant, the red tiger phantom vanished from their view.
"Crimson Tiger Force is our sect's most powerful core martial technique. It contains thirteen power techniques, and after mastering the first, there are four stages of progression."
"Blazing Flame, Steel Fire, Mountain Burning, Crimson Tiger!"
"The first stage, Blazing Flame, resembles scorching flames that temper the internal organs, strengthening power. After mastering it, you can channel power through your limbs and unleash the power of flame, burning others upon contact."
"The second stage, Steel Fire, is invasive like fire and wild like steel. Upon completion, you can channel power throughout your body, with every move and strike triggering the Steel Fire."
"I'll now teach you the key points of the first two stages. Listen carefully."
Li Tong's voice continued, and the image of him standing still with red power circulating around him became vivid.
Sometimes he squatted, lowering his center of gravity.
Other times, he stepped sideways and struck with energy targeting acupoints.
Step by step, Chen Feng noticed Xu Tingxiao's aura suddenly changing.
In an instant, his palms emitted a white light energy.
But when examined closely, a faint reddish hue slowly spread, gradually turning into the color of flames.
"Tingxiao, you've already entered the power realm. The first stage, Flame, won't be a problem for you. You just need to convert your energy and practice gradually," Li Tong explained.
Chen Feng thoughtfully observed, understanding that Xu Tingxiao had already surpassed the entry stage, moving directly into the first stage.
"Chen Feng, you just recently broke through and your energy is still weak, insufficient for circulation."
"Crimson Tiger Force is difficult to master at the start, so observe carefully, and practice diligently with the key points. You will definitely break through to the Flame stage."
Li Tong's voice continued to encourage him.
Chen Feng nodded and didn't delay. He quickly followed Li Tong's instructions, visualizing the Crimson Tiger Soaring Through the Sky diagram in his mind, setting his posture, and attempting to guide the weak energy within his body.
One minute… two minutes… three minutes.
The energy slowly circulated through his internal organs, but the panel didn't show the entry-level prompt.
Xu Tingxiao's aura grew stronger beside him, and the white light in his hands gradually became red and fiery.
Chen Feng didn't rush. With his strong will, he stayed calm and focused, isolating any negative emotions.
Time passed.
"Tingxiao's talent in the power realm is indeed strong. After today, he will likely have fully converted into Crimson Tiger Force."
"Chen Feng, hmm, steady and composed. It seems entering the entry-level is only a matter of time."
Li Tong nodded with satisfaction, feeling fortunate to have two such excellent disciples.
Unaware of his thoughts, Chen Feng's forehead began to sweat.
His concentration was exhausting, and just as he started to feel fatigued, a faint but vital energy finally completed a full cycle through his body.
Suddenly, the panel appeared with a prompt.
[Crimson Tiger Force: Entry (1%) +]
Without hesitation, Chen Feng mentally whispered two words.
"Upgrade!"
Buzz!
In an instant, as Chen Feng's thoughts moved, seven points of power surged, disappearing rapidly.
[Crimson Tiger Force: Entry (56%) +]
"Only halfway?" Chen Feng frowned in surprise.
He thought for a moment, realizing that this was a core martial technique aimed at breaking through the power realm, so the difficulty was understandably high.
The energy continued to circulate through his internal organs.
Perhaps due to the upgrade, the faint energy began to grow slightly stronger, about half an inch in length.
Looking up, the blazing sun had already passed two or three hours, nearing noon.
Li Tong, unaware, had found a brown wooden recliner and was leisurely lying on it, swaying back and forth.
Other than his slightly comical appearance while playing on his phone, he resembled the Third Elder quite a bit. Both were from the same martial lineage.
Then, looking at Xu Tingxiao, who was still diligently practicing, Chen Feng thought about tomorrow morning's farewell to Chen Yun. He quickly walked over and stood beside Li Tong's recliner.
"What's the matter?" Li Tong put down his phone and sat up.
"Master, I'd like to go down the mountain today," Chen Feng briefly explained.
"Oh, you should go and see her off."
Li Tong nodded, as if recalling something.
"Well, you don't have many acquaintances on the mountain, and you probably don't feel too comfortable staying here."
"From now on, just return to the mountain once a week so I can check your progress."
"Alright." Chen Feng agreed readily, glad to leave. He never liked staying here in the ancient robes.
Plus, he still had to visit Lin Hao's club, there were some things he wanted to ask for help with.
"Here, let's add each other on WeChat, and I'll send you the Bronze Statue Technique shortly."
Li Tong took out his phone, unlocked it, and scanned the QR code. It was done smoothly.
Chen Feng pretended not to notice the short-form video of a dancing influencer that Li Tong quickly switched from and added him as a friend.
[Carefree]
Li Tong's WeChat nickname. Chen Feng changed the remark.
"If you go down the mountain, tell Li Shi."
"When you come back, just let him know if there are any trivial matters, but for martial matters, ask me."
Li Tong smiled and gave a few instructions. His expression then became serious as he reminded, "Also, remember."
"You are now my personal disciple, the eldest disciple of the Flame Tiger lineage."
"Don't shortchange yourself. Of course, you don't seem like the type who would."
He smiled at the end, and Chen Feng nodded to acknowledge it.
Whoosh!
A white jade porcelain bottle was flicked from Li Tong's fingers and landed in Chen Feng's hand.
"Taking too many secret medicines like the Viscera Strengthening Pill isn't good. It can cause impurities in your power and affect your foundation."
"So, to enter Crimson Tiger Force, you must rely on yourself."
Li Tong smiled leisurely and added, "As for this secret medicine, it contains seven Muscle-Fortifying Tiger Bone Pills that can strengthen your muscles and bones, open your blood vessels, and assist in practicing the Bronze Statue Technique."
"Take one a day, and when it's finished, come back to me."
His lighthearted tone made it sound like a casual remark.
Chen Feng quietly held the white jade porcelain bottle, remaining silent for a while.
"Alright."
He nodded in acknowledgment, then turned and left the courtyard.
The sound of footsteps echoed as Xu Tingxiao, who had just finished his training, opened his eyes.
He's leaving?
Watching the person's silhouette fade away, his hand's strength flared like a flame.
It was almost transforming into the Crimson Tiger Force, but he felt incredibly uncomfortable.
Now he's leaving? How am I supposed to regain my honor?
"Master, when will he come back?"
"Probably in a week."
Probably? A week?
"By the way, be more polite. Don't just call him 'he.' Next time, call him 'Senior Brother' properly."
Li Tong casually said, switching back to a short video page on his phone.
The twisting dance moves made him smile. Now, this was freedom.
Seeing this, Xu Tingxiao clenched his fists.
This is so frustrating!!
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At 2 PM.
In the mountains, a black sports car slowly drove down the cement road.
Chen Feng was still wearing a gray robe, sitting in the backseat.
Li Shi had prepared several sets of red-patterned silver robes for him, but he couldn't be bothered to change. They were left up in the mountains.
He was holding a brown paper bag, which Li Shi had given him when he left the mountain gate.
Inside were two keys and property certificates for two high-end residential areas in Nanjiang City.
"True Disciple Chen, this is from the Sect Leader. From now on, it will be under your name."
The words echoed in his mind, and Chen Feng looked out the window at the retreating mountain forest, slightly lost in thought.
This master doesn't seem too bad.
The car was quiet. He then tilted his head and looked ahead, thinking of something.
The driver was the same one from the day before yesterday, and the front passenger seat was still occupied by Cao Tong.
Cao Tong also planned to descend the mountain today, so they were returning together.
"Brother Cao."
"True Disciple Chen."
Cao Tong replied awkwardly, clearly still not accustomed to the title.
Being a True Disciple carried more weight than a core disciple, especially since he was just a core disciple himself.
"Brother Cao, let's just keep it casual."
Chen Feng shook his head, easing the other's discomfort.
Before this, Cao Tong had taken good care of him, and he naturally remembered this kindness.
Upon hearing this, Cao Tong breathed a sigh of relief, then felt a wave of satisfaction.
As Chen Feng's recommender, he not only forged a good connection but also received a reward from the sect.
Secret medicine, true skills.
Thanks to his success, he had finally seen the threshold of entering the inner force and was confident he would breakthrough in the future.
Chen Feng had heard about this and didn't pay much attention.
Instead, he asked, "Brother Cao, have you heard of the Heart Ape Sect?"
Chen Feng had planned to ask Li Tong about it this morning but forgot due to his martial training.
"Heart Ape Sect?"
Cao Tong was stunned for a moment, then recalled, "It's a martial arts school from Nanjiang. It was once quite prosperous."
"But later, their sect leader was severely injured and had his martial arts crippled. In recent years, it has declined."
"I heard only one or two experts who entered the inner force are left."
Chen Feng nodded, cross-checking this information with what Lin Hao had told him and learning more details.
No wonder that skinny young man could become the true disciple of the school just after achieving the peak of the organ refinement.
Perhaps Xu Tingxiao could even become their sect leader.
"Why? Did you run into someone from the Heart Ape Sect?"
Cao Tong asked curiously. Chen Feng didn't hide it and explained the situation.
"Oh, then it's fine." Cao Tong shook his head. "There are many conflicts in the martial arts world. You've already shown mercy."
"Besides, he was in the wrong to start with. If he got hurt, it's his own fault."
The two chatted casually, and Chen Feng took the opportunity to learn about other martial schools in Nanjiang.
"Our Heavenly Flame Tiger Sect is an outsider, and we've only been around for about thirty years. But due to the sect leader and the third elder's influence, we are the strongest in this area and have some impact in the surrounding cities."
"Others, like the Golden Flying Eagle Sect, the Giant Elephant Sect, and the Sea-Swallowing Whale Sect, are all powerful, but their main gates are not in Nanjiang. These are just branches here."
"Besides them, there are smaller schools like the Heart Ape Sect, and some don't even have masters who've entered the inner force."
Chen Feng raised an eyebrow in surprise at the short history of his own school.
Only thirty-something years?
"I'm not sure about the exact reason."
"But now that you're a True Disciple, if you ask the sect leader, you should get an answer," Cao Tong said enviously. He understood that this matter probably involved the sect's secrets.
After all, martial arts schools always take root in one place to maintain their influence.
Changing territories suddenly must have some reason behind it.
Chen Feng nodded thoughtfully.
Gradually, the car grew silent again.
The vehicle continued driving, entering the bustling area of Jin Hua District.
Chen Feng and Cao Tong got out of the car and went to a changing room, where they changed into loose black t-shirts and pants.
Next, they went to the basement.
"The third elder must have already received the news."
"We're going to visit him now to make him happy," Cao Tong said with a smile, and Chen Feng understood what he meant.
The third elder had been the one who recommended him to participate in the True Disciple competition. Visiting him first upon his return was a way of showing gratitude and making him happy.
Tap!
The sound of footsteps echoed as they walked through the metal hallway and entered the herb room, where the temperature dropped.
The scent of herbs was overwhelming, and the wooden cabinets were neatly arranged.
"Third Elder!"
Cao Tong called out before even approaching.
The familiar, slim elder in gray robes was resting in a recliner with his eyes closed, and he gave a soft hum in response.
"Third Elder,"
Chen Feng cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
If it hadn't been for his recommendation and the help of secret medicine, he would have had no chance in this True Disciple competition.
"Hmm, you're not bad. But there's no need to thank me," the third elder opened his cloudy eyes. Though a junior to Li Tong, he appeared even older than him.
"Focus on practicing martial arts. Strive to reach our level, then take my senior brother's mantle."
"The future of the Flame Tiger Style ultimately rests with you younger disciples."
His voice was tinged with some nostalgia. Chen Feng nodded.
"Also, don't call me Third Elder in the future."
The third elder smiled and said, "Call me Third Uncle."
"Yes, Third Uncle." Chen Feng said calmly.
"Hmm, go on."
"If you need anything, you can come to me anytime."
The third elder waved his hand, and the two of them left.
Not lingering, Chen Feng glanced at the darkening sky. He thought for a moment, then decided not to go to the club and headed straight home.
Click!
The door opened, and the warm light flooded the room.
The dust on the sofa and coffee table had already been wiped away by Chen Yun, and the items that had been haphazardly placed on the table were now neatly arranged.
With his perception, Chen Feng could clearly see the fridge stocked with plenty of food.
Bread, milk, meat, vegetables, energy bars—every shelf was filled to the brim.
"Xiao Feng, are you back?"
Chen Yun, who was packing her luggage in the bedroom, probably heard the door opening.
With rustling sounds, Chen Feng hummed in response and walked over.
A pink suitcase was open in the middle of the floor, on the brown wooden floor.
The bed was stacked with several clothes, mostly long-sleeve shirts and coats, along with two knitted sweaters and a down jacket.
"My mentor said I'm going to study in the central city of our Feng province, Yun Port, at the Radiant Star Academy to learn from some experts."
"I think there are also some doctoral students going there for training. It's probably going to take about a year."
"The procedures for entering the central city seem a bit complicated, and I can't come back before the training ends, so I probably won't be back until next year."
Chen Yun folded the clothes one by one, placing them neatly into her suitcase.
At the end, she looked up at Chen Feng.
She was barefaced, with a few freckles.
Her features were gentle and beautiful, her eyes bright like light.
"Take good care of yourself."
"If you're unhappy or upset, feel free to message me. Don't stay up late, eat your meals on time, try to cook for yourself, and avoid ordering takeout."
"And if you're low on money, let me know. I heard that studying abroad gives you subsidies, almost ten thousand a month."
Chen Feng didn't interrupt her nagging, just silently watched her counting things off with her fingers, reminding him one thing after another.
Though they hadn't parted yet, he could already feel her reluctance.
Her voice grew softer as she spoke, and their eyes met. Chen Feng paused for a moment.
"You too."
He said seriously. Chen Yun was initially stunned, then came to her senses.
"Okay!"
She smiled, pure as a flower.
The two stood for a moment. Chen Feng helped her organize a few things before heading back to his own bedroom.
The lights were turned off, and the room gradually darkened. Standing by the window, Chen Feng's emotions stirred slightly.
Soon, he would be alone again.
His thoughts scattered but didn't linger long.
His strong willpower made him calm down, able to resist most negative emotions without forcing himself into a focused state.
Gradually, night fell.
Chen Feng suppressed his distractions and lay down on the bed.
His eyes slowly closed, his breathing evened out, and his consciousness sank.
Before long, when he opened his eyes again, he had entered the dream world.
(End of the Chapter)
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