Chapter 92: Fifth Layer Iron Shirt, Four Vital Forces

Chapter 92: Fifth Layer Iron Shirt, Four Vital Forces (Subscription Request)

Huangshi Citadel.

After months of quelling rebellions, the city had finally regained its former peace, though the streets and alleys remained eerily deserted.

County Courthouse.

Now occupied by Hong Yue's Ironclad Legion.

Footsteps echoed as a soldier strode in, kneeling before the hall. "My lord, a letter from Tao Dingfang."

At the high platform sat a black-robed man. His face appeared gentle and scholarly, yet his towering two-meter frame rendered such refinement laughably incongruous.

"Present it."

Hong Yue rumbled, setting aside his documents. The soldier hurriedly handed over the letter. As Hong Yue read, a rare smile spread across his face. "Haha, Dingfang brings good news indeed."

He passed the letter to a middle-aged man beside him, who stroked his beard thoughtfully. "As my lord says, Tao Dingfang has not disappointed us."

Hong Yue's booming laughter filled the hall as he rose, his massive frame looming like a mountain. "Matters here are nearly settled. Since Dingfang has pacified White Stone City, let's pay him a visit. If fortune favors us, we might even encounter Pure Land Sect remnants and eliminate them all at once."

"Agreed!" the middle-aged man nodded. The soldier saluted and departed.

...

Medicine Town.

Tongshantang Charity Hall.

"Finally time for the Kryptonite Elixir. Wonder how Boiling Blood Powder compares to Vital Energy Powder!"

Su Chen gazed at the steaming herbal decoction before him, eyes gleaming.

"According to the Deaf-Mute Man, Boiling Blood Powder surpasses ordinary Blood Qi Elixirs in potency, better suited for Vital Force cultivators. Typically, one serving daily suffices - excess risks overwhelming the body."

Following the advice, Su Chen brewed only one serving. Lifting the bowl, he sipped cautiously before draining it. Waves of heat surged through his throat, radiating intense warmth.

The effect proved fiercer than Vital Energy Powder. Previously, such sensations required three servings of the latter. Now, one bowl already warmed his meridians.

After finishing, Su Chen exhaled sharply, setting down the bowl to sense his changes. Initial warmth soon blossomed into rosy skin and wisps of vapor rising from his head.

"Amazing! Feels like nine oxen raging inside!"

Though intense, his body handled the strain. Checking his Progress Panel:

[Martial Arts: ...Iron Wire Fist · Residual (Fourth Layer 10%)]

[Easy Mode: ...Iron Wire Fist · Residual 0 times (Skyshatter Kick+Limit Chasing Wind Steps+5/50 Vital Energy Powder/usage)]

"One serving advanced progress to 10% - equivalent to five Vital Energy Powders! At this rate, ten servings will complete the layer."

After the energy stabilized, he pondered, "My body hasn't reached its limit yet. Another serving might be possible..." But caution prevailed. "Better wait."

That evening, after a second serving with similar effects, he noted, "Short interval probably maintained potency. Normally effects diminish." He continued training, consuming the third bowl at 10 PM.

By the fourth day's final dose, progress reached 45/50. The last serving surged through him, completing the bar. A jolt ran through his body as a fourth Vital Force erupted from his feet.

"Four Vital Forces at last!"

Yet attempts to channel them into his organs failed. "Still can't achieve Vital Force Infusion. But Iron Shirt remains upgradeable - 400 silver taels for the fifth layer. I've got 3,000, more than enough. Progress Panel, activate Gold-Fueled Enhancement Easy Mode!"

Recalling his understanding of the system: Merging techniques increased Vital Force quantity, while Gold-Fueled Enhancement improved quality alone.

The prompt appeared:

[Easy Mode Activated: Soak in warm water for one hour to advance Iron Wire Fist · Residual to Fifth Layer.]

"Just a hot spring bath." He set about heating water.

Immersed in the steaming tub, he monitored progress. As the hour mark hit, his four Vital Forces transformed.

Boom!

The force erupted, shattering the tub into splinters. Water flooded the floor, but Su Chen's face lit with exhilaration.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end