」
Someone recognized the insignia on Cui Tu's clothes. The Cloud Mist Sect, one of the Nine Sects of the Eastern Desolation, was like a colossal entity to a small border town.
Between the two, there was an unbridgeable gap in status. Even the top genius of Tianwu City considered it an honor to become an outer disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect.
If a disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect were to kill someone in this small border town, it would be no different from crushing an ant underfoot.
"How did Jiāng Chén offend someone from the Cloud Mist Sect? No one can save him now!"
"If one could forge a connection with the Cloud Mist Sect, they could walk sideways in Tianwu City."
"Such a disciple from a major sect must have acted justly. Jiāng Chén won't be able to save this consumptive wretch now!"
Old Master Jiāng Hǎi's mind buzzed. How could he not know the Cloud Mist Sect? Once, on the battlefield, the army Jiāng Liè was in was ordered to protect a guest elder of the Cloud Mist Sect.
It could be said that even the Grand Marshal, second only to the Emperor, treated that guest elder with utmost respect.
And Jiāng Liè died protecting that guest elder.
For such a figure to personally make a move...
Jiāng Hǎi's eyes were filled with despair. Could it be that the heavens truly intended to destroy the Jiāng Family!
Jiāng Chén's gaze was icy. The man in green before him exuded a powerful aura, like a ferocious demon beast. This was the strongest opponent Jiāng Chén had ever encountered.
But he showed no fear, his fighting spirit brimming.
"Triple Spear Strike!"
Jiāng Chén unleashed the Jiāng Family's inherited martial skill, his spear weaving numerous illusory trails as he charged at Cui Tu. Such a fierce killing move was easily dodged by Cui Tu.
"Don't keep using such shallow martial skills. If this is all you have, you will certainly die by my hand in the next exchange. Remember my name, I am Cui Tu."
Cui Tu sneered, utterly disdainful of killing such an ant.
"Then try me."
Jiāng Chén's spear flashed. It was still the Triple Spear Strike, but it instantly split into three, then ten, then a hundred. Even Cui Tu showed a hint of surprise in his eyes. Such a low-level, first-tier martial skill, to be cultivated by Jiāng Chén to such a degree!
And so what? A mere Body Tempering Stage martial artist, no matter how exquisite his techniques, could not wound me?
"Blazing Sun Palm!"
Cui Tu swung his hands violently. Instantly, a wave of scorching heat spread out. His hands turned crimson, and everything they touched became intensely hot.
"This is the third-tier martial skill, Blazing Sun Palm!"
"The Cloud Mist Sect truly lives up to its reputation. At such a young age, how can he use such a terrifying martial skill!"
"This kind of martial skill, even those in the Innate Realm would find it hard to resist. Jiāng Chén is finished!"
Jiāng Chén did not evade. His spear, carrying immense power, struck Cui Tu's left arm, while Cui Tu's right palm hit Jiāng Chén's chest.
Boom! A thunderous sound!
At this moment, everyone held their breath. Even the neighboring villagers who disliked Jiāng Chén showed expressions of pity.
Jiāng Chén was sent flying back again, a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. But his eyes shone brighter, his fighting spirit more intense.
Cui Tu's eyes showed a hint of surprise. This mere Body Tempering Stage martial artist actually possessed such abundant True Essence!
Even an outer disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect would be severely wounded and unable to fight after taking this blow. Yet before him, the young man only had a slightly flushed face and could still fight!
But what did it matter! The gap in cultivation realm could not be compensated by mere True Essence.
Even if Jiāng Chén were truly a genius, offending the Cloud Mist Sect's prodigy Lín Hán meant only certain death!
Cui Tu grinned savagely, having already thought of countless ways to torment Jiāng Chén to his death. Jiāng Chén, however, had a smile in his eyes, as if enjoying this battle. In his previous life, Jiāng Chén had emerged victorious from countless battles against prodigies. Facing pressure only served as a whetstone for him.
Though this world lacked immortal energy to cast immortal spells, for Jiāng Chén, exploring the circulation of True Essence through combat was the best form of cultivation.
"The warm-up is over. Let's begin in earnest."
"Warm-up?" Cui Tu was almost angered to laughter by Jiāng Chén. He looked at Jiāng Chén with disdain. "I didn't expect you to be so arrogant. However, a mere Body Tempering Stage martial artist is not worthy of being my opponent. In my eyes, you are no different from an ant!"
As he spoke, Cui Tu's clothes began to rustle violently, as if whipped by a fierce wind.
The next moment, his body surged forward like a hurricane, stirring up gusts of wind that were laden with killing intent!
"Fierce Wind Howl!"
Several whirlwinds appeared out of thin air before Jiāng Chén, forming a wall of wind. Where they met, fierce winds howled, and silver light flashed within the wind, carrying the power of lightning.
"Tiger Hunt!"
The tip of the spear materialized into the phantom of a fierce tiger, roaring through the mountains, commanding all beasts to kneel! Cui Tu's attacks grew increasingly rapid, the wind augmenting his palm strikes, layering upon each other like waves.
"Fierce Wind Howl!" "Ice Thorn!" "Cloud Stone Strike!"
They fought back and forth, trading blows.
After a dozen exchanges, although Cui Tu was strong, he could not immediately subdue Jiāng Chén in the face of his peculiar divine abilities.
Instead, Jiāng Chén continuously attacked with his spear during the brief intervals between releasing his divine abilities.
The onlookers, witnessing Jiāng Chén's fierce offense and his almost uncanny divine ability techniques, were utterly amazed, even those who had never practiced martial arts.
Was this still the same youth they had dismissed as trash?
Jiāng Chén's fighting spirit burned intensely.
True Essence within him surged like a mighty tide through his meridians and acupoints.
The pair of giant eyes in his Sea of Qi now emanated divine light, within which all things transformed, and seas turned into mulberry fields. Chapter 17: Qi Condensation Shocks the World.
"He's performing Qi Condensation and Meridian Opening!"
Cui Tu, who had maintained a calm expression, now showed fear.
"I can't let him succeed in condensing Qi!"
Cui Tu thought to himself.
He had initially thought Jiāng Chén was just a mere Body Tempering Stage martial artist, but unexpectedly, he was so troublesome.
Lín Hán, in the tea house,
His previously mocking expression turned solemn.
Because the strength Jiāng Chén had displayed far exceeded his expectations.
Even he, at the same Body Tempering Stage, might not have been Jiāng Chén's match.
Killing intent flickered in his eyes.
This kind of person must never be allowed to grow. Otherwise, he would surely become a great enemy in the future!
Jiāng Chén, however, seemed oblivious, immersed in each move and strike.
With every spear thrust, he felt the vibration of his bloodline.
With every technique employed, he could sense the True Essence surging through his meridians!
Qi Condensation and Meridian Opening was the most crucial step in martial arts. "Condensing Qi" meant condensing Qi to break through meridians, unblocking the eight major meridians within the body, transforming the mortal physique into that of a martial artist.
After condensing Qi, strength, speed, and even resilience would be greatly enhanced. The number of meridians unblocked determined the height of one's future martial arts path.
For an ordinary person, unblocking three meridians was already difficult. For example, Jiāng Chén's father, Jiāng Liè, had unblocked three. Only disciples of major sects had the chance to unblock four.
As for more, they were the prodigies of each sect, destined to become future sect leaders or rulers of a region. Their learned techniques and individual talents were all top-tier in the world.
However, unblocking meridians in the midst of battle was unheard of!
"He's opened his first meridian!"
The gazes of the surrounding crowd were all focused above Jiāng Chén. There, a white vortex emerged, the symbol of opening the first meridian. Soon, a second vortex began to form.
Those in the Qi Condensation Realm were familiar with this sight, as it would also appear when they were condensing Qi. This was Qi surging towards the eight meridians, determining one's future achievements.
"He's opened his second meridian, and the third is forming!"
As the meridians were unblocked, Jiāng Chén's aura grew increasingly powerful and solid.
With a single punch, it actually produced a sound of cleaving through the air!
"His father unblocked three meridians. His talent is no less than Jiāng Liè's!"
Some people in the Qi Condensation Realm commented. Although they had condensed Qi, their strength was only slightly increased, and they weren't pursuing the path of martial artists, most could only unblock one meridian.
Seeing Jiāng Chén unblock three meridians at this moment, their eyes were filled with astonishment.
Cui Tu no longer held back. True Essence surged from his body, and the fierce wind, carrying flames, rushed towards Jiāng Chén! Jiāng Chén, who had just opened his third meridian, was instantly sent flying.
The immense force even sent Jiāng Chén tens of meters away.
At this moment, fragments of insight from the Heaven Swallowing Chaos Scripture flowed into his mind, instantly becoming clear and integrated.
His entire being was sublimating. At this moment, he was immersed in the profound truths of the Great Dao. Rolling True Essence surged into his acupoints, and golden runes manifested in his eight meridians, his aura rising further!
"Heavens, am I seeing this correctly? He's about to open his fourth meridian!"
A person exclaimed. Indeed, as the third vortex solidified, a fourth vortex slowly began to condense.
Moreover, this vortex was no longer white but emitted a faint blue glow.
"This meridian opened is the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)!"
Jiāng Fēng suddenly stood up in the room upstairs. He had opened his Conception Vessel!
He had also opened four meridians when he condensed Qi, but they were the lowest grade. Now, this Jiāng Chén not only possessed strength surpassing his peers but had also opened the Conception Vessel!
The commotion here had alerted people in other districts, and more and more people were gathering. After all, opening four meridians and exhibiting unusual phenomena was extremely rare in Tianwu City.
Everyone wanted to see which prodigy was performing Qi Condensation and Meridian Opening!
The faint blue vortex above Jiāng Chén's head became more solid.
"Blazing Flames Scorch the Heavens!"
Cui Tu's clothes suddenly rustled violently, as if whipped by a hurricane. Powerful heatwaves surged around his body.
"Die!"
Cui Tu's eyes turned crimson. Even for him, using the profound moves of a third-tier martial skill was somewhat strenuous. His body surged forward, the heatwaves taking form, like a man-eating fire dragon!
Jiāng Chén was heavily struck and sent flying.
He spat out a mouthful of blood. Jiāng Chén, who should have been severely wounded and unable to rise, somehow got up again. At this moment, his body emitted divine light, radiant energy flowing like a descending deity, his aura becoming even more powerful.
Suddenly,
A gust of wind blew through the street, though no one knew from where.
This wind was strange, but it converged above Jiāng Chén.
"Fifth meridian!"
"What! The fifth meridian?"
"Even disciples of major sects rarely open five meridians!"
The wind swirled above Jiāng Chén, its speed not decreasing but accelerating. The fifth vortex was actually red.
"Fifth meridian, the Breakthrough Vessel (Chong Mai)!"
The Breakthrough Vessel is called the "Sea of Blood," containing the True Essence of the eight meridians. Those who break through this meridian will have True Essence several times stronger than their peers!
Jiāng Chén's True Essence surged inexhaustibly, and specks of golden light appeared in his meridians.
At this moment, the crowd seemed to hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore.
The sound of waves rose and fell everywhere. Lín Hán and others' expressions grew increasingly grim.
After dozens of breaths, the sound of waves became clearer.
All the surrounding noise fell silent.
The faces of everyone present were filled with disbelief.
In the crowd,
An old man passing by stopped to watch. The wooden staff in his hand was distinctly withered, yet a green branch on it emitted a vibrant life force, spreading a gentle light like lingering dawn.
The old man was short, his weather-beaten face like ancient bark, and his homespun clothes were old and tattered. His eyes were turbid, only flashing with a spark of light when he glanced at Jiāng Chén.
His ancient voice echoed throughout the scene.
"Sixth meridian, the Governing Vessel (Du Mai)!"
Instantly, the specks of golden light rose from Jiāng Chén's body and converged in the air. Under gazes of shock, the golden light transformed into a golden vortex like a spinning tornado!
Anyone who could open six meridians,
Without exception, became a supreme powerhouse who could dominate a region.
And today,
They were witnessing this miracle with their own eyes. Nángōng Wǎn'ér, though a prodigy of the Monster Race, understood what opening six meridians symbolized. Even among human prodigies, those who could unblock the Conception and Governing Vessels were exceedingly rare.
This was because the Conception and Governing Vessels were the seas of Yin and Yang, the same Yin and Yang, endlessly circulating. What incredible fortune did this brat possess to unblock the Conception and Governing Vessels? What stirred her heart even more were the golden runes within the meridians.
They were clearly the supreme battle inscriptions recorded by ancient powerhouses of the Monster Race! Jiāng Chén must harbor secrets! Could he be a disciple of some hidden master?
At this moment, the voices of the onlookers trembled, their gazes towards Jiāng Chén were like looking at a monstrous genius.
"A six-meridian prodigy. I've lived for fifty years and seen one for the first time. My life is not in vain!"
"Oh, please. You've seen a five-meridian one for the first time too."
"This kid Jiāng Chén, I never realized he was this formidable?"
"Look, he hasn't stopped yet!"
Indeed, Jiāng Chén's eyes lit up, shooting out two beams of golden light. Within them, Daoist runes flickered, dazzling and brilliant, as if forged from immortal gold, imprinted upon heaven and earth, completely engulfing Jiāng Chén.
Tangible, a cold sweat broke out on the backs of the onlookers. They had never heard of anyone opening a seventh meridian. How had he cultivated? How deep were his foundations to break through seven meridians during Qi Condensation!
Boom!
A wave of energy erupted.
The seven swirling vortexes above Jiāng Chén exploded, their energy waves surging towards the sky!
It seemed the surrounding sky sensed this power, and gradually converged in the air, forming a giant vortex of clouds, like a celestial change!
The old man tightened his homespun robe and found an inconspicuous corner to sit down, no longer intending to continue his journey. He took a sip from the gourd at his waist.
"This kid is quite interesting."
The entire street,
Was silent.
Jiāng Chén held his silver spear, his expression calm, his tone casual.
"I have entered the Qi Condensation Realm." Chapter 18: There Are Immortals in the World.
Jiāng Chén's voice was very calm,
But to everyone else, it was like thunder.
For so many years, everyone had treated Jiāng Chén as a waste, looked down on him.
Was it scorn, or an inability to see clearly?
Today, this sword, sheathed for so long, was finally about to be drawn.
From now on, perhaps no one could stop this sword!
After condensing Qi, Jiāng Chén's physique underwent a tremendous change.
A transcendent aura emanated from between his brows. Standing, his robes swayed gently, exuding an elegant demeanor.
One could say,
Now, he had truly become a martial artist.
Heaven and earth seemed clearer in his eyes.
Cui Tu burst into laughter.
"Killing a seven-meridian genius might be the greatest honor of my life. Actually, I almost hoped to be defeated by you."
He had held back just now; otherwise, he would not have allowed Jiāng Chén to break through the last two meridians so smoothly. He did so not just because he was Lín Hán's subordinate, but also as a human martial artist.
"My next move will be my strongest strike. You'd better be prepared!"
Cui Tu took a step forward. True Essence surged from his body, his acupoints opening fully, generating waves of energy.
The crowd felt a heavy pressure and quickly retreated, a fear born from confronting a powerful being.
Jiāng Chén, closest to him, felt the most oppressive force. His expression remained indifferent, standing like a deity.
Cui Tu shot into the sky, accompanied by the sound of wind and thunder. His surging aura made the crowd's hearts tremble. He swung his palm down from the sky!
Roar!
Indeed, a dragon's roar echoed across the land!
In the void, a dragon shape faintly appeared, stirring up clouds and wind, its roar shaking the heavens, looking down on all below!
And his palms were the dragon's head!
True Essence circulated through Jiāng Chén's eight meridians. Instantly, the wind howled, sand and stones flew.
"Tiger Hunt!"
The tiger roared through the mountains, its power startling the sun and moon. The descending clouds and wind were actually rolled back towards the sky.
Clouds follow dragons, wind follows tigers.
In this small Tianwu City, an unprecedented genius battle was unfolding!
Not far away,
Sū Wēi watched that familiar figure.
Her eyes seemed to burn with fire.
There was jealousy, hatred, venom, and regret...
The wind and clouds,
Flashed and vanished.
The entire street was deathly silent. All that could be faintly heard were gasps and the sound of swallowing saliva.
Everyone's eyes were wide open, staring blankly at the scene in the center, shock clearly etched on their contorted faces.
Jiāng Chén stood tall and upright, his posture unyielding.
And that Cloud Mist Sect disciple, Cui Tu, now lay on the ground, unable to stand.
Amidst the widespread astonishment,
Lín Hán's expression had turned as dark as the sea.
If he had known Jiāng Chén possessed such cultivation,
He would absolutely not have provoked Jiāng Chén.
Initially, hearing that Jiāng Chén was merely a Body Tempering Stage martial artist,
He thought he was just a weak ant,
To be crushed with ease.
He had even
Already figured out how he would torment that alluring young woman.
But as Jiāng Chén performed Qi Condensation and Meridian Opening, and even defeated Cui Tu by crossing realms,
The ant in his eyes
Clearly told him,
Jiāng Chén, having broken through seven meridians, possessed a talent far exceeding his own, even a hundred or a thousand times greater.
Jiāng Fēng's heart turned cold at this moment.
Fear even flickered in his eyes.
Was this still the Jiāng Chén he knew? Clearly, his own talent was the number one in Tianwu City, and Jiāng Chén was just a twenty-year-old waste who couldn't condense Qi. But the scene before him had completely surpassed his capacity to accept.
Such a prodigy, whom he had tried to put to death several times.
Thinking of this, his legs began to tremble.
"Are you perhaps Young Master Lín Hán of the Cloud Mist Sect?"
An elegant figure had appeared in the private room on the second floor at some unknown time.
Everyone's attention was focused on Jiāng Chén, and they hadn't noticed her arrival.
Lín Hán turned his head, and his eyes widened in surprise. Such a beautiful woman. Though not as stunning as that young woman, she was still a rare beauty.
"This humble one, Sū Wēi, greets Young Master Lín Hán."
Though her attire was pure and refined, unhidden ambition now flashed in her eyes.
"I didn't expect such hidden talents in the small Tianwu City! Besides that boy condensing Qi and opening seven meridians, there's another Heaven's Proud Daughter like you."
Sū Wēi's powerful aura surged forth. Jiāng Fēng finally came to his senses and looked at Sū Wēi with utter disbelief.
Innately Stage One!
This woman had been hiding her strength so deeply!
Sū Wēi smiled, speaking with a condescending tone, "Jiāng Fēng, now you should understand why it's impossible for us to be together. In this world, the strong are respected, and in my eyes, you are too weak."
She moved her delicate body and gracefully sat beside Lín Hán, her fragrance wafting into his nostrils, refreshing and pleasant.
At this moment, she looked at Jiāng Chén downstairs with a charming smile, but her words were filled with killing intent.
"Young Master Lín, since enmity has been established, it must be uprooted! You absolutely must not show any womanly kindness!"