Chapter 237: The Twelve Transformations of Internal Qi

Chapter 237: The Twelve Transformations of Internal Qi

Yucheng City.

In a teahouse within the inner city.

Ever since the four major sects established their presence in Yucheng County, the entire region gradually shifted from barely maintaining its governance under the imperial court to becoming more aligned with the ways of the jianghu. News that was once unheard of in the county now became a common topic of discussion.

At this moment, on the second floor of the teahouse, an elderly man in a long robe was shaking his head as he spoke about the affairs of the jianghu.

"Let me tell you... The true disciple of the Spirit Profound Peak of the Seven Mysteries Sect, Chen Mu, displayed the might of the Skyward Primal Concept at the Cloudy Peak Pass, sweeping through demons and monsters, and managed to defend the pass with over two thousand three hundred soldiers, shocking all of Jade Province. Then, in Youzhou, he once again made a name for himself."

Pa! The old man struck the table with his ruler, and after the room fell silent, he continued with heightened enthusiasm.

"However, the first on the Rising Talent List, the true disciple of the Sky Sword Sect, Zuo Qianqiu, encountered Luo Mo, known as the Crimson Blood Hand, ranked thirty on the Gale Wind Rankings, in the Heliang Mountain Range of Youzhou, and a conflict erupted over a trivial matter!"

"This Crimson Blood Hand, Luo Mo, is a renowned expert on the Gale Wind Rankings. Although he is ranked at the bottom, he has failed to make the list multiple times, but he has always hovered around the lower ranks. He is also a formidable figure who has escaped the hands of grandmasters. His heart is ruthless, and he has killed countless people. It is said that his hands are thoroughly stained with blood, permanently dyed red, hence the name Crimson Blood Hand!"

"Although Zuo Qianqiu is ranked first on the Rising Talent List, he is still part of the young generation. I thought that when Crimson Blood Hand Luo Mo made his move, it would be an easy victory, but who could have imagined..."

The old man paused, intentionally leaving the listeners in suspense.

The teahouse and even the onlookers on the street were all staring intently, waiting for his next words.

Pa! The old man struck the table with his ruler again, startling many.

"But who could have imagined that Zuo Qianqiu's Sky Sword Cultivation had advanced even further, and he had integrated another sword intention. Moreover, he had harnessed the legendary spirit armament, the 'Heaven-Earth Sword Diagram,' and fought a fierce battle with Crimson Blood Hand Luo Mo for ten rounds without suffering defeat!"

Upon hearing this, the numerous listeners in the teahouse burst into an uproar. Someone exclaimed, "Impossible! Although Zuo Qianqiu is formidable, he is still part of the young generation. He shouldn't be able to withstand a Gale Wind Rankings expert. Zhang Lao, you must be talking nonsense again."

The listeners in the teahouse were either officials and nobles of Yucheng or outer disciples of the four major sects, or they had some personal connections. They all started discussing, each with a hint of disbelief.

Zhang Lao, the storyteller, remained unperturbed and smiled as he glanced over the crowd. He even leisurely sipped his tea and cleared his throat.

"And then? What happened next?"

At this moment, a young woman's voice spoke up.

Zhang Lao glanced in the direction of the voice and smiled, saying, "Don't worry, let me slowly tell you... Then, Zuo Qianqiu withstood Crimson Blood Hand Luo Mo for ten rounds, holding out until a grandmaster from the Sky Sword Sect arrived!"

"Realizing the situation was hopeless, Crimson Blood Hand Luo Mo retreated."

As soon as these words were spoken, some of the onlookers nearby secretly cursed Zhang Lao for intentionally leaving them hanging, starting with a bang and ending with a whimper. They had thought that Zuo Qianqiu could truly fight a Gale Wind Rankings expert, but in the end, a grandmaster from the Sky Sword Sect had to intervene.

"Haha."

Zhang Lao laughed as he observed the crowd's reaction. "You must be thinking that Zuo Qianqiu could defeat a Gale Wind Rankings expert. Although he might be able to do so in the future, it's still too early now. Being able to hold out for ten rounds is already extraordinary. Apart from Zuo Qianqiu, who else on the Rising Talent List dares to claim they can withstand a Gale Wind Rankings expert for ten rounds?"

Some of the onlookers were still dissatisfied with Zhang Lao, secretly cursing him for talking nonsense. However, there were also those who understood the jianghu affairs and silently nodded in agreement. Indeed, the Gale Wind Rankings experts were formidable figures, renowned for many years and dominating the jianghu.

There were countless figures who had perished at the hands of the Gale Wind Rankings expert, Inspector Yan Jingqing, and not just a hundred, but several dozen had fallen.

After all, Zuo Qianqiu was still part of the young generation and had not yet reached the Six Viscera Realm; he was only twenty-seven years old.

"How could the Sky Sword Concept be so powerful?" someone shook his head and asked.

"You wouldn't know about this," the person beside him said with a hint of pride. "I've heard that the Sky Sword Concept is about human determination overcoming nature, encompassing all sword intentions, and following the path of supremacy. The more realms and insights one gains, the stronger the sword intention becomes. Otherwise, how could it be recognized as approaching the complete Yin and Yang Concepts and the Five Elements?"

"So that's the case," someone exclaimed. "The Sky Sword Sect's once-in-a-century prodigy is indeed extraordinary, living up to the title of the first on the Rising Talent List. He is almost invincible among the young generation and will likely be able to truly rival Gale Wind Rankings experts soon."

Someone sighed in admiration.

At this moment, another person spoke up, "Speaking of the Rising Talent List, who else is close behind? The second-ranked Yuan Yingsong has already cultivated the Skyward Primal Concept and is only one step away from the second stage of the Heaven-Earth Concept. His Eight Phases Halberd Technique is no small matter, and he has already reached the fifth layer. Initially, he only narrowly lost to Zuo Qianqiu, but now he might not be weaker."

"Indeed," someone else chimed in. "The third-ranked true disciple of the No Life Temple, 'Mystic Hardness,' is said to have cultivated the 'Arhat Golden Body,' which is indestructible. He hasn't fought Zuo Qianqiu or Yuan Yingsong but he might not be the third-ranked."

"The 'Mystic Hardness' of the No Life Temple is indeed formidable," someone else agreed.

Pa! At this moment, Zhang Lao, the storyteller, struck the table again, quieting the noisy room.

"As for who is stronger between Zuo Qianqiu and Yuan Yingsong, or whether the 'Mystic Hardness' of the No Life Temple and the 'Blossom Moon' of the Harmony Sect can match them, not only you but even I, an old man, am curious. However, we might not have to wait long for an answer."

Holding his teacup, Zhang Lao smiled and said, "Three days ago, the Seven Mysteries Sect issued the Seven Mysteries Order. During the turmoil in Jade Province's Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder, the young generation of the Cold Northern Road can ascend the ladder to seek enlightenment and debate the Dao."

"The outstanding talents and prodigies on the Rising Talent List are all on their way to Jade Province. Unfortunately, we won't be able to witness it, but as soon as news arrives, I will be the first to share it with all of you. Remember to come for tea every day."

Speaking of this, Old Man Zhang covered the teacup and slowly walked upstairs.

The tea house fell silent for a moment, then erupted again with chatter. Some cursed the "Jianghu Tea House" for its exorbitant tea prices, while others excitedly discussed the strengths of Zuo Qianqiu, Yuan Yingsong, and others.

In a corner, two figures wearing cloth hats and veiled bamboo hats, distinguishable as young women, quietly stood up and slipped out the back door, walking along the streets until they reached the outskirts of the Yu family residence.

"Sigh, I didn't hear anything about Brother Mu, and I don't know how he's doing now," Yu Ru said, rubbing her cheek.

Chen Yue, walking beside her, tilted her head and said, "After doing such a big thing at Cloud Summit Pass, he must have returned to the sect. It'll be a while before he comes back."

Yu Ru blinked and asked, "You mentioned the Amethyst Province, do you think Brother Mu will go there?"

"Probably," Chen Yue replied, her eyes glinting slightly. "Brother Mu has realized the Skyward Primal Concept, and in the next Rising Talent List, he'll likely be in the top ten. If the young generation of the Cold Northern Road, including the Heaven's Pride, go to the Amethyst Province, he'll definitely be among them."

The girl's heart was filled with admiration.

In the Amethyst Province, she had already gained some fame due to her young age and entry into the Sinew Forging Realm. Currently, she was one of the most outstanding among the Yu family's younger generation and could barely qualify as an inner disciple in a major sect.

With Chen Mu's brilliance, her small achievements seemed insignificant. She didn't care, though; she only wished for him to shine brighter, so she could follow his shadow.

...

Spirit Profound Peak.

At the peak, within a bamboo hut.

Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a bamboo bed, and with a thought, he summoned the system panel.

[Internal Qi Method (11th Transformation)]



[Experience: 0 points]



"It's almost ready."

He exhaled a white mist that condensed into a sword-like line in the air, lingering for a long time.

Nearly two months had passed since he returned to the sect from Cloud Summit Pass, and the 11th transformation of the Internal Qi Method, or the 10th refinement of the Organ Realms, was almost complete.

The gap between the 10th and 11th transformations was more significant than Chen Mu had anticipated! When he initially entered the Organ Realms, his Primordial Energy True Strength was twofold. After completing the 10th refinement, his Primordial Energy reached approximately fivefold, increasing by half with each refinement.

However, the 11th refinement was different. In a single refinement, his Primordial Energy directly reached fivefold! It was equivalent to the previous two refinements combined.

With the system panel's aid, Chen Mu had achieved an unprecedented level in the Organ Realms. Even in a vast sea of people over hundreds of years, only those with extremely rare physiques, like the 'Dual Hearts,' could potentially reach this level.

But Chen Mu was about to go even further.

"The 12th refinement, 4,000 experience points..."

Chen Mu whispered as he looked at the system panel, confirming his earlier prediction. The experience required for the 12th refinement had doubled again, reaching 4,000 points. However, the spirit materials he had gathered for refinement were still sufficient.

Nineteen spirit materials for refinement, including the Five Elements Essence Orbs, had six used during the 10th refinement. Thirteen remained, more than enough.

Without hesitation, he waved, and fifteen spirit materials of various colors and types flew from his sleeve.

He then took out a bundle from under the bed, filled with a chaotic assortment of herbs: insect husks, withered branches, exotic flowers, and peculiar grasses. With a wave, a gentle breeze lifted the herbs, floating them in mid-air.

Chen Mu summoned water spirit energy, which quickly gathered and formed thirteen full water spheres.

The herbs silently turned to powder and were poured into the floating water spheres, followed by the remaining spirit materials, which naturally shattered and merged.

Finally, a flame appeared at the bottom of the floating water spheres.

"The Heaven-Earth Eight Phases, the law of all things... If there were such a thing as the Immortal Path, this would be it," Chen Mu thought as he watched, feeling a bit awed. After mastering the Heaven-Earth Concept, his abilities began to resemble immortal techniques more than martial arts. It was no wonder he often heard tales of the strange and bizarre.

(End of Chapter)

As he reached this level of understanding about the world, it became clear to him that there had never been any path of immortality, only the path of martial arts existed since ancient times, and no one could ever escape the limits of their lifespan, not even a Martial Saint.

Gurgle, gurgle!

Soon, thirteen floating water bubbles emerged, each bubbling with colorful viscous liquids.

Chen Mu didn't hesitate, opening his mouth, and the thirteen bubbles flew towards it, one by one, swallowed into his mouth, and each transformed into gushing primal energy, swiftly flowing into his five viscera according to their respective affinities.

At the same time, the experience on the system panel rapidly increased.

341,

789,

1454,

213,

Until he broke through 4000 points! Chen Mu almost stared unblinkingly at the system panel, and without hesitation, he clicked as the experience reached 4000 points, and the system panel changed, while inside his body, a torrent of primal energy surged uncontrollably, almost causing chaos, but soon, every strand of energy calmed down, merging harmoniously with his five viscera.

At this moment, all the primal energy became extremely docile, intertwining with his five viscera, refining and tempering them, so that his entire body was filled with a warm and harmonious energy.

Like this.

After an unknown amount of time, Chen Mu's body trembled slightly, and he opened his eyes, exhaling a dense mist.

The Twelve Transformations of the Five Viscera Inner Cultivation Technique completed!

After carefully sensing the changes within his body, Chen Mu's eyes flashed with delight, surprise, hesitation, and finally, a contemplative look settled in.

First, the twelfth tempering of the five viscera, compared to before, the transformation of the Essence Energy increased even further, and now, the Essence Energy he mobilized with his True Strength had directly increased from 'five portions' to 'six portions'!

This single tempering was comparable to the previous four times!

It seemed like only a single portion had been added, and for Chen Mu, the improvement didn't seem obvious, but once he entered the Six Viscera Realm, he would create a huge gap with others.

Martial arts were like building a towering structure, each brick was a foundation, and the cultivation technique was the supporting pillar, layer by layer, one could reach the end, and finally surpass others!

The increase in his True Strength was a delight to Chen Mu, but what made him slightly contemplative was that the twelfth tempering of the five viscera was not yet the end, and he now clearly understood that the limit for the five viscera was the thirteenth time!

Chen Mu summoned the system panel and tested it again.

"Indeed, it requires 8000 points of experience, which means twenty or more portions of visceral refining materials, and the Seven Mysteries Sect should have them, but it might be slightly more difficult to obtain."

A hint of consideration flashed in Chen Mu's eyes.

In fact, the true disciple's quota hadn't been fully used yet, because a year had already passed, and now, as a true disciple, he could take the third year's quota, and obtain four more portions.

Additionally, if he brought out items like the Obsidian Rock and the Earthly Origin Lotus Seed, it would also be enough to exchange for twenty portions.

However, Chen Mu wasn't too keen on using up the Obsidian Rock and the Earthly Origin Lotus Seed just like that.

"As long as Master Qing wakes up, that would be great."

Chen Mu suddenly sighed.

Qing Mengjun was a top-tier grandmaster, and previously, she had instantly recognized his cultivation of the Heaven-Earth Concept. Chen Mu thought that if he told her about his intention to perform the 'eleventh' or 'twelfth' visceral refining, requiring twenty or more portions of refining materials, it wouldn't be an issue for her. She could definitely help him obtain them, and it was even possible to directly transfer them from the sect.

Although the value of visceral refining materials was precious, for Qing Mengjun, twenty or more portions were not a problem, and she had recently climbed the back mountain, knowing that Qing Mengjun was still in deep sleep.

As for the other high-ranking members of the Seven Mysteries Sect...

Chen Mu truly didn't dare to openly speak about his visceral tempering realm, and he was even more unwilling to reveal his cultivation of the Heaven-Earth Concept, after all, in this world, there were many cultivators of the Heaven-Earth Concept, and those who had completed it were not few, he was just a bit younger and had cultivated faster.

But the visceral tempering, even if it was the twelfth time, was still unprecedented, and no one knew if they would be dissected inch by inch by the grandmasters of the Seven Mysteries Sect.

If it was Qing Mengjun, then it would be fine.

Chen Mu didn't mind being examined by her, as she wouldn't be able to figure out anything anyway.

But he couldn't be trusted, and the previous incident with Qing Mengjun undoubtedly indicated internal issues within the Seven Mysteries Sect, and now, in Chen Mu's eyes, everyone except for Qing Mengjun and perhaps the Supreme Elder of the Blood Exchange Realm, couldn't be fully trusted, not even the Acting Sect Leader, Qi Zhi, left a question mark in Chen Mu's mind.

"Never mind, let's discuss it again when we return from the Jade Province."

Chen Mu stood up.

Half a month ago, he had received news from the Seven Mysteries Sect that the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder in the Jade Province would open, an event that occurred once every five years, allowing one to witness the profound mysteries of heaven and earth up close.

Even ordinary people could gain numerous insights from it, and some might even advance their concept to the second step, so for Chen Mu, it was undoubtedly an opportunity for transformation, allowing his Heaven-Earth Concept to take another step forward.

Currently, his Heaven-Earth Concept, after returning from Cloudy Peak, besides the tempering of the five viscera, was also about day and night comprehension and cultivation, and with the accumulated knowledge from exploring the desert, he had completed the second step of deduction after entering the Five Viscera Realm.

Now, his Heaven-Earth Concept, although it was difficult to clearly quantify with 'portions,' had reached a level where he could mobilize around 'fifteen portions' of heaven and earth energy, and with the aid of external forces, relying on the fourth layer of the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal, he could reach around 'twenty-five portions'!

Adding his True Strength to this, during a full-power burst, he could reach the limit of 'thirty portions,' and on the Wind-Fire Rankings, he would definitely not be at the bottom, and according to his estimation, he was probably close to the lower limit of a Marrow-Washing Grandmaster!

(End)

Chapter end