After just one hour of cultivation, Ling Xiao’s *Red Sun Technique* broke through to the first layer.
He could feel his true qi growing noticeably thicker, his body expelling a black, foul-smelling waste fluid from the transformation process.
Though his strength hadn’t increased, the robustness of his true qi and the resilience of his meridians had improved by about two or three points.
To break through the first layer of the *Red Sun Technique* in a single hour—this cultivation speed was astonishing!
Ling Xiao’s heart surged with excitement. This internal energy technique had only three layers, and upon reaching the third layer’s perfection, his attacks could carry the aura of flames.
It might even form flame gang qi.
Gang qi, mind you, was something only martial artists above the fourth level of the Martial Vein could wield. The greatest advantage of this technique lay precisely in that potential.
Yet, because it was so difficult to master fully, few practiced it. After all, spending so much time on one technique often seemed less worthwhile than simply advancing one’s cultivation to the fourth level, where true qi naturally transformed into gang qi.
But Ling Xiao thought differently. If he could condense gang qi at the awakening stage, his combat power would soar.
After another hour of cultivating the *Red Sun Technique* to stabilize the first layer, Ling Xiao shifted to other martial skills.
Per the Mountain and River Martial Soul’s guidance, synchronizing all five skills progressively would yield the best results.
In other words, rather than focusing solely on one, he should first bring all five to the first layer, then cycle through them for steady improvement.
Next, he chose the *Meteor Fist*.
As a martial technique and attack method, it was a must-learn.
As the Mountain and River Martial Soul had indicated, mastering the *Red Sun Technique* made cultivating the *Meteor Fist* remarkably easy.
This fist technique had nine forms, its moves simple with just nine variations. It prioritized power over speed or versatility.
Ling Xiao liked that—it was easier to practice.
In just two hours, he mastered the first six forms of the *Meteor Fist*, though the last three proved trickier.
He didn’t push it, instead turning to the *Explosive Qi Technique*.
This secret method had only one stage, with a straightforward purpose: instantly condensing a burst of true qi into a martial skill.
The amount was controllable—sixty percent, seventy percent, even a full hundred percent, a desperate all-or-nothing move.
Though he was eager to test the *Meteor Fist*’s might under the *Explosive Qi Technique*, Ling Xiao held back. For sustained combat, he needed to master the *Qi Recovery Technique* too.
Like the *Explosive Qi Technique*, the *Qi Recovery Technique* was a single-layer secret method. With the right knack, it was easy to learn, and thanks to the Mountain and River Martial Soul’s analysis, he nailed it in one hour.
The *Qi Recovery Technique* had two effects: a slow, constant trickle of true qi recovery anytime, anywhere, and a faster option—sitting in meditation for a quarter-hour to near-fully replenish.
This applied only to the awakening stage, below the third Martial Vein level.
Higher cultivation meant slower full recovery, as true qi reserves grew larger.
The *Tiger Descending the Mountain Steps*’ first layer was also simple, focusing on momentum. With his prior foundation, Ling Xiao opted to practice it under explosive qi, breaking through in just a quarter-hour.
Another quarter-hour of recovery later, he returned to the *Red Sun Technique*, using explosive qi again, and easily reached the second layer.
Ling Xiao was itching to spar. With the synergy of the “Soul of the Fist” set, he was confident he could hold his own against a third-level Martial Vein martial artist.
He might not win outright, but he wouldn’t lose either—unless they had a special technique too.
Thrilled, Ling Xiao intensified his training. Aside from brief meal breaks, he locked himself in his room.
Two days later, his *Red Sun Technique* neared third-layer perfection, he’d grasped the seventh form of the *Meteor Fist*, and he’d mostly mastered the *Tiger Descending the Mountain Steps*’ nine forms and 108 variations.
The problem was, his room was too small for proper movement. To test the *Tiger Descending the Mountain Steps*, he’d need a bigger space.
The *Meteor Fist* was the same—solo practice wouldn’t fully unlock its essence without real combat.
By now, his martial cultivation hovered near the peak of the second Martial Vein level, a hair’s breadth from breaking through.
Perhaps all he needed was a fight.
But first, he headed to the city’s auction house to check on those ten basic martial skills.
The staff informed him all ten had sold for a total of one hundred taels of silver. After fees, ninety taels remained, already deposited into his bank account.
Ling Xiao was pleased.
Next door at the bank, he confirmed the ninety taels.
He left another ten basic martial skills at the auction house.
The staff didn’t bat an eye—basic skills were common fare to them.
With silver in hand, Ling Xiao hired a doctor specializing in bone injuries.
But as he reached the Ling Clan’s side gate, he spotted a group practicing light-body techniques.
While the training field worked, the outdoors—with trees, beams, and complex terrain—was ideal for honing such skills.
*Whoosh!*
A figure leapt onto a tree, darting and weaving like an agile ape before landing.
“Great technique! Senior Brother Ling Fei’s light-body skill is unmatched in the Elite Hall!”
“Yeah, even if he’s lacking elsewhere, that movement alone gives his peers a headache.”
“Exactly! ‘No martial art withstands speed.’ With this technique and pace, he might take first in the Elite Hall at this year’s competition!”
The crowd below cheered nonstop.
“I wonder how my *Tiger Descending the Mountain Steps* stacks up against this Ling Fei,” Ling Xiao mused, itching to test himself. He had to admit Ling Fei’s skill was impressive, but he wasn’t convinced.
*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*
Spurred by the praise, Ling Fei showily shifted directions midair, his movements graceful.
But perhaps overexerted, he nearly fell. Spotting Ling Xiao, he aimed a foot at his shoulder to save face.
Ling Xiao had no grudge with Ling Fei but wasn’t about to be a stepping stone. He kicked upward, giving Ling Fei a perch.
Ling Fei landed smoothly, though his face flashed with irritation.
“Senior Brother Ling’s amazing! Even that was like a soaring swallow!”
Unaware of his near blunder, they kept lavishing praise.
