Xiao Ruobai's Breakthrough

Xiao Ruobai closed his eyes, allowing the profound mysteries of the War God's Stratagem to unfold in his mind.

The opening body-tempering method seemed simple, but it contained hidden profundities.

Every stance precisely corresponded to the meridian nodes of the War God Physique, as if tailor-made for him.

Following the technique's guidance, he attempted to circulate the golden battle aura within his body. As soon as the thought arose, the battle aura moved as easily as his own limbs, surging along a specific trajectory.

In just a moment, he felt his vitality and blood surging. Faint cracking sounds came from his bones and muscles, as if some shackles were loosening.

Just the introductory breathing method was over a hundred times stronger than the crude mental cultivation techniques he had secretly practiced in the past.

Xiao Ruobai's eyes were filled with shock and ecstasy.

He continued to comprehend the technique, growing more astounded the more he read.

This War God's Stratagem was not only a cultivation technique but also contained countless exquisite combat skills.

From the basic Stone-Splitting Fist to the invincible War God Domain, every move and stance emanated an unparalleled, domineering battle intent.

This was especially true for the War God Domain. According to the description, it could construct a small realm using one's own battle aura. Within this domain, one's own combat power would multiply, while the opponent would be suppressed by endless battle intent. It was truly incredibly domineering.

"If I can successfully cultivate this War God Domain..."

Xiao Ruobai clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with a blazing light.

At that time, let alone taking revenge, even if he faced those legendary prodigies of the Holy Lands, he would have the confidence to fight and win!

An unknown amount of time passed, and the sky outside the window gradually darkened.

Xiao Ruobai recovered from his immersion, feeling completely refreshed. The golden battle aura in his body was more condensed than before, and its circulation was much smoother.

He stood up and stretched his limbs. A series of crisp pops echoed from his body, and he felt significantly lighter and more agile.

"It is time to try this body-tempering technique."

He whispered, sinking his divine sense into the jade slip. The body-tempering mental technique of the War God's Stratagem flooded his mind like a tidal wave.

The moment he willed it, the golden battle aura within his body surged along the technique's trajectory.

The spiritual energy of Purple Bamboo Peak was already a hundred times richer than the outside world. Now, as if guided, it transformed into ribbons of light that drilled into his body, weaving into a net with his battle aura and washing over every inch of his bones and muscles.

The first level of the Body Tempering Realm, which would take ordinary cultivators months to polish, he broke through in a mere half an hour.

Within the tingling sensation coming from his meridians, there was also the lingering, gentle medicinal power of the Nine-Revolution Golden Pill.

That was a divine pill comparable to the Emperor level. Activating the origin of the War God Physique had only consumed thirty percent of its medicinal power.

The remaining seventy percent of the essence had been sealed deep within his dantian by Gu Changge using a secret technique. Now, following the circulation of the War God's Stratagem, it nourished every inch of his muscles and bones like a trickling stream.

Looking across the entire Xuanhuang Great World, perhaps not even Great Emperor sects could produce a single one. Yet Gu Changge had used it on him so casually, reserving seventy percent of its medicinal power just to solidify his foundation. This level of generosity was enough to drive any cultivator mad.

Boom!

When the first ray of morning light shone on his face through the bamboo window, Xiao Ruobai suddenly opened his eyes, a golden light flashing across his pupils.

He raised his hand and punched the ground. The stone bed was actually shaken to the point of forming fine cracks, while his fist remained completely unharmed.

The ninth level of the Body Tempering Realm, achieved in a single night!

If this speed were to spread, it would be enough to shock the entire cultivation world of Xuan Province.

But Xiao Ruobai himself knew that if it were not for the environment of Purple Bamboo Peak, where one could grasp spiritual energy just by raising a hand...

If it were not for the heaven-defying medicinal efficacy of the Nine-Revolution Golden Pill, and if it were not for the inherent might of the War God Physique that was born for combat, let alone reaching the ninth level in one night, even achieving it in a year would already be considered a heaven-sent talent.

He got up and pushed open the bamboo door. The spiritual energy in the purple bamboo forest churned in the morning light. Taking a deep breath felt as though his lungs had been washed by a clear spring.

Not far away, Gu Changge was dozing on a long chair, while the little black bird at his feet was focused on eating a spirit fruit.

Xiao Ruobai rubbed the tip of his nose, walked up to Gu Changge, and bowed respectfully. "Master, your disciple has already entered the ninth level of the Body Tempering Realm."

Gu Changge's Delusion-Piercing Divine Eye swept over the surging battle aura within his body, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Not bad, you didn't waste this physique."

"You are now at the ninth level of the Body Tempering Realm. Don't rush to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm."

He sat up straight, his gaze falling on Xiao Ruobai, carrying a rare hint of seriousness.

"The foundation of the War God Physique must be polished to the absolute limit during the Body Tempering Realm. Let every inch of your muscles and bones be soaked in battle aura, transforming into a true wall of bronze and iron, before you consider breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm."

Xiao Ruobai was taken aback. "Master, the Body Tempering Realm can reach such a degree?"

"The potential of this body far exceeds your imagination. Rushing to break through will only leave hidden dangers. Remember this well."

After speaking, Gu Changge took out a jade slip from his storage ring and tossed it over. "This Can't See Through Me technique is for you. This method can conceal your aura and hide your cultivation base. It is a hundred times more profound than ordinary aura-concealing arts."

Xiao Ruobai caught the jade slip, injected his battle aura to take a look, and his mind was instantly shaken.

This Can't See Through Me technique could not only hide one's cultivation but actually simulate the auras of other physiques. It could even suppress the sharp edge of the War God Physique. It could truly be called a life-saving talisman when traveling the outside world.

"Disciple understands!"

He gripped the jade slip tightly and nodded solemnly. His master was teaching him to hide his strengths, and also protecting his safety.

Gu Changge was just about to say something else when he suddenly sensed several gentle yet strong auras approaching. He raised an eyebrow slightly, realizing it was that old fox Xuanyangzi bringing people over.

His fingertips twitched slightly, and a pale cyan halo landed on Xiao Ruobai. "Conceal your aura. Revert to how you looked three days ago."

Xiao Ruobai felt the surging battle aura within his body instantly go dormant. The strength in his entire body seemed to be shrouded by a thick fog, and even his complexion turned pale and weak. He looked exactly the same as he did before the poison was cured, save for an added layer of composure deep in his eyes.

"Remember, speak less. They are here to see you."

Gu Changge returned to his lazy demeanor.

A moment later, several figures passed through the formation of the purple bamboo forest. Leading them was Xuanyangzi, dressed in a cyan robe with a genial expression. Behind him followed the Peak Masters of Pill Cauldron Peak, Heaven-Upholding Peak, and a few others, all carrying various items in their hands.

"Junior Brother Gu, pardon the intrusion."

Xuanyangzi smiled and cupped his hands. When his gaze fell upon Xiao Ruobai, it carried a hint of concern.

"The matters regarding today's disciple acceptance ceremony have just been concluded. Since you took in a new disciple, we came over to take a look and drop off some items for his cultivation."

The Peak Master of Pill Cauldron Peak stepped forward and handed over a jade box.

"These are some pills for solidifying the foundation and nurturing vitality. A youngster who has just entered the sect will find them useful."

He looked at Xiao Ruobai, his eyes full of gentleness.

"Child, cultivate well here with Peak Master Gu. If you encounter any difficulties, you can come find me at Pill Cauldron Peak."

The Peak Master of Heaven-Upholding Peak also handed over a spirit sword. "This sword is a high-grade spirit-tier weapon, incredibly sharp. Use it for now."

The other Peak Masters also handed the treasures they brought to Xiao Ruobai.

Following his master's instructions, Xiao Ruobai timidly accepted the items and said in a low voice, "Thank you, Sect Master. Thank you, Peak Masters."

Xuanyangzi looked at his frail appearance and sighed.

"Brother Gu, this child's physique does indeed look a bit weak. You will need to put in a lot of effort."

"For this child to catch your eye, he must have something extraordinary about him. It is just that cultivation matters cannot be rushed. If you do not have enough pills, feel free to ask. The sect's storehouse still has some in stock."

He genuinely cared and hoped to see the legacy of Purple Bamboo Peak flourish. Now that he had taken in a disciple, it was only natural for the sect to offer some support.

Gu Changge cupped his hands and said, "In that case, many thanks, Senior Brother."