Chapter 139: Breakthrough to the Eighth Rank Martial Dao

Chapter 139: Breakthrough to the Eighth Rank Martial Dao

In the courtyard, Jiang Ning clenched his fist.

Instantly, he felt his body undergo a transformation.

His strength had evidently increased.

Just by clenching his fist, he could distinctly feel that the power he could unleash had reached a whole new level.

"The skin membrane has transformed, becoming as tough as bronze, adding a few hundred jin to my strength. Now, my power should be close to two thousand jin!" he muttered to himself.

Then, he picked up a piece of broken stone from the ground and held it in his palm, exerting force with his hand.

Crack!

The sound of the stone shattering reverberated in his hand.

After a few breaths, Jiang Ning opened his right hand, revealing only a pile of white powder in his palm.

Huff!

A powerful gust of air blew out from his mouth, instantly sweeping the white powder into the air, leaving behind his smooth and pristine palm.

There wasn't a single trace of a wound on his palm.

"The skin's strength is indeed greater than before! But I wonder if it can withstand ordinary blades and swords solely based on its toughness."

Jiang Ning muttered to himself, pondering this thought.

He turned and walked towards the corner of the courtyard.

The blackwood longsword he had previously cut was now lying in the corner of the yard.

Reaching the corner, Jiang Ning quickly found the broken sword he had carelessly discarded earlier.

"Let's use this sword to test the toughness of my skin! According to the Indestructible Body Technique, even if both are at the Ultimate Skin Tempering level, the skin membrane should be as tough as bronze."

"However, the skin membrane tempered by this technique is generally three to five times stronger than that of the same level."

With this in mind, Jiang Ning picked up the broken sword and aimed the sharp blade at his arm, then lightly drew it across.

Instantly, he saw his skin sinking inward, and his arm gave him a faint sensation of pain.

After the blade passed through the skin.

The sunken skin instantly recovered, leaving no trace of a wound.

Only a faint white mark appeared on his arm.

He used his finger to wipe the white mark, and it instantly disappeared.

"It's truly different now!"

Jiang Ning's expression brightened as he observed the change in his arm.

Then, he held the sword and drew it across his arm again.

This time, he used much more force than before.

In an instant, he felt a sharp pain in his arm.

It was the sensation of his skin being cut by the sharp blade.

But the next moment, he felt a layer of resistance on the blade, an extremely strong resistance.

In the face of this resistance, the blade couldn't advance even an inch.

"This must be the effect of the skin membrane!" Jiang Ning muttered to himself.

Then he moved the blade away from his arm and immediately saw a thin scratch on his left arm.

This was clearly the mark left by the broken sword on his arm.

But at this moment, the thin scratch was still relatively minor.

Only a few strands of blood appeared from the wound, with no significant bleeding.

"It seems the toughness of the skin membrane is much stronger than that of the skin."

"From my test, it appears that a weapon forged from tempered steel, wielded with a force of a hundred jin, can break through my skin, but it's evident that it can't penetrate the skin membrane beneath."

At this moment, Jiang Ning roughly understood how high his physical defense was after achieving Ultimate Skin Tempering.

The skin membrane covering his entire body was now like a layer of iron, protecting him.

In this state, even an ordinary person holding a weapon would find it difficult to damage his skin, let alone the skin membrane beneath.

"Ultimate Skin Tempering is indeed a quantum leap!"

Jiang Ning rejoiced inwardly.

Then, he casually threw the broken sword into the corner.

He wanted to test if the Indestructible Body Technique could continue to gain experience.

According to Lin Qingyi's explanation and the records in the incomplete version of the Indestructible Body Technique, the Indestructible Body Technique was a supreme martial art of Vajra Temple.

If cultivated to perfection, it was said to condense the legendary Immortal Golden Body.

Practitioners at this level were known as Vajra Indestructible, fearless of any weapon or divine martial art.

This was the ultimate realm of skin tempering.

The incomplete version of the Indestructible Body Technique that I possess was deliberately spread by Vajra Temple, and it only records up to the Ultimate Skin Tempering level, with the skin membrane as tough as bronze.

My current progress in skin tempering can be said to have reached the highest level described in the incomplete version of Vajra Temple's supreme martial art.

Normally, to advance further in skin tempering, one would need to join Vajra Temple, pass their tests, and become a disciple to have a chance of obtaining the subsequent inheritance of the Indestructible Body Technique.

This is probably why Vajra Temple chose to spread the incomplete version of their supreme martial art.

Normally, with my cultivation efficiency of the Indestructible Body Technique, passing the Vajra Temple's trials and becoming a disciple of the Vajra Temple should not be difficult.

But it’s easier said than done.

The Vajra Temple is one of the top sects under heaven.

Even with my performance, obtaining the subsequent inheritance of this sect’s core martial arts is not that simple.

After all, these are the core martial arts of the sect; it would not be so easily imparted.

Moreover, the Vajra Temple has numerous rules and regulations, so Jiang Ning had not the slightest thought of joining the Vajra Temple.

Unless one day he had no other choice, then he might join the Vajra Temple to gain its protection by making progress in the Indestructible Body Technique.

In the next moment, Jiang Ning thought to himself, "Now that I have reached the level of tempering my skin, whether I can continue advancing depends on whether I can still gain experience points for this technique."

"It should be possible! After all, before I mastered the Inner Alchemy Cultivation Technique, I only had the basics, and even after reaching that level, I could still continue to gain experience points."

With this in mind, Jiang Ning decided not to waste any more time.

He performed the first movement of the Indestructible Body Technique as recorded in the incomplete manual, then circulated his qi strength to push the blood and qi throughout his body to temper his skin layer.

Time slowly passed.

【Indestructible Body Technique Experience Points +1】

【Skill】: Indestructible Body (Minor 1/5000)



Seeing the change in this section of the interface, the stone that had been hanging in Jiang Ning's heart finally fell.

"In this case, there's no problem!"

"After the Indestructible Body Technique reaches theMinor stage, it will enter the blind spot as recorded in the incomplete manual."

"Since I can still gain experience points for this technique, as long as I accumulate 5000 points, I can smoothly break through to the next level, bringing me one step closer to the Perfect state and the tempering of the Indestructible Body."

Jiang Ning felt a sense of relief in his heart.

A moment later.

He stopped the act of continuing to temper his skin layer.

Because, just now, to break through, his skin layer had already reached a level of strain.

Now, to test the possibility, if he continued to temper his skin layer under continuous strain, he felt a faint pain in his skin layer.

【Skill】: Indestructible Body (Minor 2/5000)



"Two experience points, that’s enough!"

Jiang Ning finally put his mind at ease.

【Water Proficiency +1】

【Water Proficiency +1】

【Water Proficiency +1】

Soaking in the cool lake water, Jiang Ning felt the fatigue in his body gradually dissipate, while his Water Proficiency skill experience points continued to grow.

"Seems like bathing in the Luo River is indeed a better choice."

"Not only does it alleviate the fatigue in my body, but it also increases the experience points for the Water Proficiency skill."

After half an hour.

Jiang Ning got up and headed back to his room.

He looked at the TigerDragon Power Pill placed in front of him, his eyes glowing with fervent anticipation.

The TigerDragon Power Pill is the fastest way for him to step into the Eighth Rank Martial Artist stage.

The Eighth Rank Martial Artist, Divine Power Realm.

At this stage, one uses qi strength to push the blood and qi to temper the muscles throughout the body, allowing them to undergo transformation and thus burst with greater strength.

The greatest enhancement at this level is strength.

Therefore, the Eighth Rank Martial Artist is also known as the Divine Power Realm.

The most challenging aspect of this realm is mastering qi strength.

Only by mastering qi strength can one effectively temper the muscles throughout the body.

Without mastering qi strength, there is no method to temper the muscles effectively.

Whether it is the power of a spirit fruit or a pill like the TigerDragon Power Pill, they can at most allow an ordinary Ninth Rank Martial Artist to barely step into the Eighth Rank Martial Artist stage.

The further one progresses, the finer the muscles that need to be tempered become.

Without relying on oneself, there is no way to achieve this.

Mastering qi strength is never a simple matter.

It is solely related to one's insight.

Only those with high insight can cultivate inferior martial arts to the Perfect state, thereby mastering a certain type of qi strength.

Insight is inherently elusive and intangible.

Some people can spend years learning a fist technique and still not reach the Minor stage, indicating poor insight.

However, when they switch to sword techniques, they can make rapid progress, reaching the Perfect state in half a year.

This is not an exception but has happened countless times throughout history and continues to happen.

So for most people, mastering qi strength requires a bit of luck, such as encountering a weapon or martial art they excel at, which simplifies the Process: The community around the Vajra Temple is rapidly expanding, and the demand for martial arts and cultivation is increasing.

- Economic Prosperity: The local economy is booming, with more resources and opportunities available for martial artists and cultivators.

- Cultural Influence: The cultural influence of the Vajra Temple is spreading, attracting more disciples and followers.

Challenges and Opportunities:

- Mastering Qi Strength: Mastering qi strength is the most challenging aspect of the Divine Power Realm. It requires a deep understanding and high insight.

- Cultivation Resources: Access to high-quality cultivation resources like the TigerDragon Power Pill can significantly accelerate one's progress.

- Community Support: The support of the Vajra Temple community can provide valuable guidance and resources for cultivators.

Jiang Ning’s Perspective:

- Personal Insight: Jiang Ning’s high insight allows him to master qi strength more efficiently.

- EfficientProgress: With the TigerDragon Power Pill, he can swiftly advance to the Eighth Rank Martial Artist stage.

Conclusion:

- Achieving the Divine Power Realm: Mastering qi strength is crucial for reaching the Divine Power Realm. Jiang Ning, with his high insight, has already grasped the essence of qi strength, making the Eighth Rank Martial Artist stage no longer a mystery to him.

With just a little time, he could smoothly complete this realm.

Moreover, this realm is simple, unlike the complexities of Ultimate Skin Tempering.

Tempering the body's muscles, a strength increase of five hundred jin is the entry to the Eighth Stage.

Most warriors who reach this step possess a strength above one thousand five hundred jin, with the majority ranging from one thousand five hundred to two thousand jin.

Then, by further tempering the muscles, a strength increase of another five hundred jin is considered Minor Divine Strength Realm.

Most warriors at this step commonly possess a strength above two thousand jin, with the vast majority falling between two thousand and two thousand five hundred jin.

As for Major Divine Strength Realm, it is when all the muscles throughout the body have been completely tempered.

Strength also increases significantly, reaching the limit of this realm.

At this step, the gap becomes more noticeable.

Some people are naturally born with superior bones and well-developed muscle groups. After reaching the limit of this realm, they will possess a strength above three thousand jin.

For those born with divine strength, it can be even higher, reaching terrifying levels, with a strength above four thousand jin.

Such warriors are symbols of invincibility among their peers.

The disparity in strength allows them to easily defeat opponents of the same level.

With sufficient accumulation, even ordinary Seventh Stage Martial Dao practitioners are no match for these naturally born divine strength individuals who have also reached the limit in the Eighth Stage.

This realm, Ultimate Strength Cultivation, is a kind of ultimate limit.

Because Ultimate Strength Cultivation involves tempering all muscle groups throughout the body.

Therefore, unlike the Ninth Stage Martial Dao, even after Ultimate Skin Tempering and tempering the skin layer to Bronze Skin, there are still two more steps to go.)



At this moment, information about the Eighth Stage Martial Dao flashes through Jiang Ning's mind.

Then, he closes his eyes and observes his body.

Instantly, he notices significant changes in the muscle groups throughout his body.

This is because he had previously consumed three Bull Demon Power Fruits.

A single Bull Demon Power Fruit can increase his strength by one hundred jin.

Where does this additional one hundred jin of strength come from?

Naturally, it cannot be attributed to the enhancement brought by the spiritual fruit.

It is merely because the medicinal effects of the spiritual fruit have tempered his muscle groups, resulting in the increase in strength.

Without tempering the muscles throughout the body, it can be likened to a blank canvas.

Therefore, the initial stage is also when the Bull Demon Power Fruit's medicinal effects are at their peak.

The more time passes, the more the muscle groups are tempered, and the strength increase brought by the Bull Demon Power Fruit, a spiritual fruit, will also gradually weaken.

This is the reason why the Bull Demon Power Fruit, a spiritual fruit, can bring about an increase in strength.

Jiang Ning's mind couldn't help but marvel at this realization.

"The three Bull Demon Power Fruits gave me a three hundred jin strength increase, which means if I gain another two hundred jin, I can officially step into the Eighth Stage Martial Dao."

"In that case, it's almost time!"

Jiang Ning opens his eyes, his gaze returning to the Tiger Dragon Power Pill in front of him.

The Tiger Dragon Power Pill, without a doubt, has effects far superior to those three Bull Demon Power Fruits.

This pill is renowned for allowing one to break through a minor realm with just a single pill.

In other words, a single Tiger Dragon Power Pill can increase strength by at least five hundred jin.

Moreover, according to the circulated information, this strength increase applies regardless of whether one has yet to enter the Eighth Stage Martial Dao or has cultivated deeply in the Minor Divine Strength Realm of the Eighth Stage. It allows for a strength increase of at least five hundred jin, equivalent to breaking through a minor realm.

"Today is the day I step into the Eighth Stage Divine Power Realm!" Jiang Ning declares as he picks up the Tiger Dragon Power Pill in front of him.

The next moment,

He removes the pill's coating, and the dense medicinal fragrance instantly fills the entire room.

Jiang Ning's nose is filled with the rich scent.

"The Eighth Stage Divine Power Realm, it's time to take action!"

Jiang Ning speaks, then places the Tiger Dragon Power Pill on his tongue.

As he swallows, the pill instantly slides down his throat and enters his stomach.

Boom—

Jiang Ning feels as if a small sun has plunged into his body.

The pill instantly releases a terrifying power.

He closes his eyes and observes his body.

As Jiang Ning observes his body, he instantly senses a foreign force within him.

A force that does not belong to him.

This force is extremely domineering and filled with a lively intent.

Like a dragon and tiger, it surges and flows within his body.

It also seem to possess a lively intent, precisely integrating into his muscle groups, and the released medicinal power begins to temper the muscle groups throughout his body.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end