NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 147
Velo, a venerable elder of the Spirit Tribe, had reached the ripe age of 175. By their standards, he was well into his twilight years, his life force slowly waning. However, his strength as a third-level Body Physique Realm warrior had granted him an extended lifespan and allowed him to maintain his peak combat prowess.
Despite this, Velo felt the weight of each passing day. As dawn's grey light filtered into his cave, he awoke with a familiar sense of dizziness. He rubbed his temples and rose from his bed, noticing the absence of his granddaughter, Fala.
A subtle fragrance led him outside, where he found Fala diligently roasting meat over an open fire. The golden-brown meat, seasoned with aromatic spices, tantalized his senses.
"Thank you for your hard work, Fala," Velo said as he reached for a piece of meat.
Fala swiftly swatted his hand away. "Wash your hands first before eating!" she chided.
Velo chuckled, acquiescing to her demand. "Alright, alright, I'll follow your instructions."
They shared a simple yet satisfying meal. Afterward, Fala retreated to a secluded spot for cultivation, while Velo focused his energy, summoning his Source Power.
A swirling vortex of air materialized in his palm, gradually rising into the sky. With Velo's guidance, it soared above the Nanxiang Gathering Place, its purpose a mystery.
Velo gestured again, and a translucent membrane shimmered into existence before them. The membrane displayed a live feed of the events transpiring at the Nanxiang Gathering Place.
"Do you see that strong man?" Fala's sweet voice inquired, a hint of amusement in her tone.
Velo's brow furrowed. "You're slacking off again!" he admonished.
Fala pouted, feigning innocence. "I'm just curious..."
Indeed, she was slacking off. But Velo couldn't bring himself to scold her, not when she wore such a pitiful expression. With a sigh, he relented.
"Alright, let's watch together," he conceded, manipulating the air mass to focus on the area above Lu Ming's house.
Morning arrived, and after a hearty breakfast, Lu Ming began his daily training regimen with the assistance of Chengcheng and Wei Lan. Velo, observing from afar, couldn't help but nod in approval.
"Cultivation requires persistence," he remarked to Fala. "As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Although I don't recognize the Origin Power Skill he's practicing, his dedication is commendable."
His words, though seemingly aimed at Lu Ming, were a subtle critique of Fala's own lack of diligence. Fala, understanding the implication, merely pouted and ignored her grandfather's pointed remark.
After completing his morning routine, Lu Ming rested briefly before commencing his practice of the Knight's Body Forging Technique. Each movement, each breath, was executed with meticulous precision.
Velo and Fala, their attention seemingly fixated on observing the new Tribulation Transcenders, witnessed Lu Ming's training. The Knight's Body Forging Technique piqued Velo's interest.
"That's the Knight's Body Forging Technique," he noted. "A relatively decent body tempering Origin Power Skill."
Fala, ever curious, inquired, "How does it compare to our Star Spirit Body Forging Technique?"
Velo pondered briefly before responding, "They're roughly on par. Our Star Spirit Body Forging Technique is more challenging to master but yields superior results. The Knight's Body Forging Technique, on the other hand, is easier to learn but offers slightly weaker enhancements."
He continued, "As far as I know, the reason that wolf bear could rival a Level 9 being with its Level 8 body might be due to practicing the Knight's Body Forging Technique. This also means that the man acquired this technique just yesterday."
Velo's eyes narrowed as he observed Lu Ming's movements once more. He was surprised to find Lu Ming's execution of the technique incredibly skillful and fluid, as if he had been practicing for years rather than a single day.
"This person's comprehension seems exceptional," Velo remarked, impressed by Lu Ming's rapid progress.
Fala, however, remained unimpressed. Watching Lu Ming's diligent practice, she yawned, boredom evident in her demeanor. "These new Tribulation Transcenders are quite fortunate," she commented. "Possessing a body forging technique means they've unlocked the path from the Mortal Realm to the Body Realm. To obtain such a technique upon entering the Black Mist Zone... it seems the legend holds true."
The legend she spoke of claimed that each generation of Tribulation Transcenders received the blessings of the Supreme God Spirit upon their arrival in the Black Mist Zone.
Velo nodded in agreement, his attention returning to Lu Ming. After observing a full cycle of the Knight's Body Forging Technique, he praised Lu Ming's comprehension and perseverance. Mastering the technique in a day and performing a full cycle so soon were impressive feats, demonstrating not only quick learning but also exceptional willpower. Velo assumed Lu Ming was masking any signs of exhaustion through sheer determination.
However, Velo's assumption was quickly proven wrong. Lu Ming, without a hint of fatigue, began the Knight's Body Forging Technique anew.
Velo's lips curled into a smile as he witnessed Lu Ming's unwavering dedication. "Persistence is the most valuable trait on the path of cultivation," he remarked. "I have high hopes for this young man's future achievements."
He gestured towards Lu Ming on the light screen, but Fala remained silent. Turning to her, he found her fast asleep, her boredom with Lu Ming's repetitive training having lulled her into slumber.
Indeed, Lu Ming's training regimen was monotonous to the extreme. It was no wonder Fala had succumbed to drowsiness.
Throughout the day, Lu Ming completed four cycles of the Knight's Body Forging Technique in the morning, took a lunch break and a nap, and then continued with another eight cycles in the afternoon. After dinner, he resumed his practice, completing an additional eight cycles before finally retiring for the night.
For Lu Ming, it had been an eventful and productive day. But for those observing, his routine was utterly incomprehensible.
Velo and Fala, having witnessed Lu Ming's relentless training, were left questioning their own understanding of endurance.
"Isn't he tired?" Velo muttered, perplexed. "The Body Forging Technique consumes a tremendous amount of physical energy..."
He couldn't fathom how anyone could perform the demanding technique twenty times in a single day.
Velo, a seasoned warrior with centuries of experience, had never encountered such relentless dedication to training. Fala, equally bewildered, couldn't fathom the existence of someone so driven.
After a moment of contemplation, Fala offered a plausible explanation. "These Tribulation Transcenders are new to the Black Mist Zone and are witnessing the Body Forging Technique for the first time. Their eagerness for power is understandable, hence their intense focus on cultivation. I doubt he'll maintain this level of enthusiasm tomorrow."
Her words, though seemingly spoken to herself, were directed at Velo. He nodded in agreement, finding her logic sound.
The third day in the Black Mist Zone dawned. Lu Ming's schedule remained packed with his usual exercise routine, supplemented by another twenty cycles of the Knight's Body Forging Technique. His days were fulfilling and rewarding.
By the end of the day, the proficiency of the Knight's Body Forging Technique had increased by another 20 points, reaching the beginner level (45/100). Both the Tiger Steps Stance and Horse Resistance Stance had also advanced to Level 35.
Unbeknownst to Lu Ming, Velo and Fala were utterly astounded by his unwavering dedication. As Lu Ming retired to his house for the night, they exchanged bewildered glances.
"Doesn't he ever do anything else?" Fala questioned, a hint of disbelief in her voice.
Velo struggled to find an appropriate response. "Let's observe a bit longer," he finally said. "I find it hard to believe that anyone could be so dedicated."