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Chapter 216: The Third Realm—Skin Tempering Stage
Chapter 216: The Third Realm—Skin Tempering Stage (Requesting Monthly Votes)
"The Nine Gates of Martial Arts—each gate is a shackle!" Mu Hong declared, his voice echoing through the training hall. "Every breakthrough is the process of breaking free from these shackles, liberating the body’s constraints, unleashing your innate talents, and allowing life to evolve."
Lin Qi listened intently as Mu Hong explained the cultivation stages: "Martial Arts progress through realms—Flesh Cultivation as the First Realm, Tendon Cultivation as the Second, and the Third Realm being the Skin Tempering Stage."
"The skin membrane", Mu Hong continued, gesturing toward a floating black metallic sphere projecting vivid holographic images. "According to modern martial arts theory, after perfecting Tendon Cultivation, the next phase focuses on strengthening the skin membrane to enhance your physical constitution."
Lin Qi studied the holographic human anatomy display, recalling ancient martial artists who thickened their skin through coarse salt rubs or sheer endurance training. "In modern times", Mu Hong added, "our foes—Disaster Beasts—possess armor-piercing claws, fangs, and scales. While combat suits offer protection, our skin must be resilient and elastic to withstand their assaults."
Li Qing chuckled, flexing his pale, smooth forearm. "Unlike those old movies with coarse, rugged skin, our methods are more efficient." Mu Hong demonstrated, his fist exploding forward with a thunderous boom, the air itself cracking like a whip. Lin Qi flinched as the shockwave rippled past him.
"After breaking through to the Skin Tempering Stage", Mu Hong explained, "your skin becomes shock-absorbent, reducing injury risk. Combined with tendons, it amplifies power and sharpens environmental awareness."
Later, in his private training hall, Lin Qi examined three black obsidian cases. The first held Li Qing’s gift—a jar of Skin Tempering Balm, worth a million Xia Kingdom coins. The second contained a sleek new smartphone, and the third, a handwritten manual from Mu Hong titled Notes on the Skin Tempering Stage.
After applying the balm, Lin Qi donned his black martial arts uniform, activated the Gravity Chamber’s fivefold gravity, and lifted a 500-kilogram training spear. As the crushing pressure enveloped him, his skin flushed red and prickled under the balm’s effects. Through the agony, he channeled the Split Mountain Spear Techniques, his body resisting the weight while the balm’s energy coursed through his flesh.
Hours later, collapsing onto the mats, he stared at his status panel, breath ragged. The path to mastery was grueling—but progress was undeniable.
(End of Chapter)
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