Coin of rebirth

He felt the barriers between realms within him begin to crumble. First, the barrier to the second level of Foundation Establishment shattered and Pingala Nadi (Second major meridian, Solar Channel, governing vigor and action), then, moments later, the third Sushumna Nadi (Central Channel, governing balance and spiritual ascent). He surged forward, breaking through to the third level of Foundation Establishment, his body humming with newfound power. Just when he thought he was finished, one of the seven lesser meridian cluster of 108 Upana nadis, Muladhara Cluster (Root Chakra) opened . When he opened his eyes, the faint light from the crevice seemed to burn brighter. He felt stronger, more alive than he had ever felt before. He flexed his hand, marveling at the raw strength coursing through his muscles. He estimated his strength had increased from a mere 50 Jin to a staggering 300 Jin. He had anticipated around 200 Jin at the third level, but the Meridian Flow, by widening and strengthening his Nadis beyond normal capacity and opening of his root chakra, had far exceeded his expectations.

After Mu Yan's breakthrough, the subtle, sweet aroma in the chamber seemed to grow stronger, almost hypnotic. Then, a low, guttural hiss sliced through the air, vibrating off the ancient rock walls. From the shadows of a particularly jagged cluster of stalagmites, a creature slithered forth. It was a Jade Lizard, its scales gleaming with a dull, emerald luminescence in the dim light, its eyes like chips of ancient amber reflecting their forms. Though no bigger than a large dog, its aura pulsed with a raw, predatory intent. Its movements were unnervingly swift, a blur of green as it fixed its gaze on Qin Ying, who stood slightly behind Mu Yan, momentarily caught off guard.

Without a moment's hesitation, Mu Yan moved. He stepped forward, planting himself firmly between Qin Ying and the advancing beast. The act was purely instinctive, a surge of protectiveness for someone he cared for. Qin Ying, startled by the lizard's sudden appearance, watched, a flicker of surprise and then a subtle, intrigued warmth entering her eyes as Mu Yan, someone weaker than her, chose to protect her and face the threat head-on. A faint blush touched her cheeks. His determination, even against a stronger foe, held a peculiar charm.

The Jade Lizard coiled its muscular tail, then sprang, a living arrow aimed directly at Qin Ying. Mu Yan roared, a sound torn from his very core, and channeled every iota of Prana in his newly expanded Dantian. This was the moment to test the first combat technique of the Chaos engine body.

He activated the Iron Bone Forge for the very first time. A deep, resonant hum vibrated within his skeletal structure. It wasn't a flashy outward display, but an intense internal transformation. Mu Yan felt his bones harden, taking on the density and resilience of wrought iron, a sensation of incredible solidity spreading through him. The Prana that now flowed abundantly through his newly expanded Nadis Ida, Pingala and Sushumna Nadi, and lastly through Root Chakra from the Meridian Flow's effects, was instantly absorbed by his reinforced bone structure. The established basic Prana flow through his Nadis was exponentially enhanced by the hardened bone, allowing for a far greater, more direct transfer of physical power than his base 300 Jin. The raw strength wasn't just in his muscles, but now rooted deep in his very skeleton, a temporary, yet immense, physical amplification.

With newfound, almost brutal grace, Mu Yan met the lizard's charge head-on. His fist, backed by the sheer, unyielding force of his iron-forged bones and the amplified Prana coursing through his Nadis, connected with an audible crack against the Jade Lizard's surprisingly tough hide. The creature, expecting minimal resistance from a seemingly weak cultivator, shrieked in pain as its momentum was violently disrupted. It was thrown back, skidding across the stone floor, a spiderweb of cracks appearing on one of its emerald scales. Before it could recover, Mu Yan lunged again, a blur of hardened sinew and bone. Each strike, now imbued with the terrifying density of the Iron Bone Forge, landed with devastating, bone-jarring power. His attacks were direct, relentless, focusing on the lizard's vulnerable joints and the softer underside of its throat. The Jade Lizard, for all its speed and tough scales, was utterly unprepared for such raw, focused, and dense power from a seemingly weaker opponent.

A final, thunderous blow, delivered with every ounce of his remaining amplified strength, crushed the lizard's head against the cavern wall. Its body went limp, the emerald sheen fading as its life force dissipated. Mu Yan stood panting, the intense feeling of Iron Bone Forge receding, his muscles aching with exhaustion, but his spirit triumphant. Remembering the creature should possess a core, he approximated its cultivation at the third foundational stage. Mu Yan then selected a sharp stone, shattering the skull to search for the core. After a brief search, he discovered a small, crude jade bead, roughly the size of a marble. Wiping away the blood, he placed it in his makeshift bag.

He turned to Qin Ying, a faint smile touching his lips. She was staring at him, her eyes wide, a mix of awe and a newly kindled spark of admiration. Her cultivation was indeed far higher, but his actions, his raw courage, and the unexpected power he displayed in her defense had touched a chord deep within her. He had shielded her without question, despite the obvious disparity in their power. It was an act of genuine, selfless bravery that spoke volumes, far more than any flashy display of cultivation might. The subtle attraction was clear in her gaze.