Fifth Level of the Physical Body

Quiet.

Deathly quiet. Might Guy was so shocked by Xiao Yun that he was utterly speechless.

Challenge the fifth level?

Even he would need to open the Third Gate of the Eight Inner Gates before he could reach the fifth level. This kid was climbing Jier Mountain for the first time!

"Nani? What did you just say?"

Might Guy struggled to raise his hands and rub his ears, deeply suspecting that he had misheard.

"Teacher Guy, you heard correctly. I want to challenge the fifth level!"

Xiao Yun declared loudly and resolutely.

Countless cries of "Nani?!" came from every direction. The onlookers stared at one another in disbelief. Had this guy gone crazy?

He had definitely gone crazy!

"Kakashi, notify Guy. Don't let Xiao Yun act recklessly. The gravity enhancement past the fourth level of Jier Mountain is too terrifying. It could damage his foundation."

Rare urgency appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's usually placid old face.

"This is far too reckless! Anbu A, B, and Xi, stop Xiao Yun as quickly as possible. Nothing must happen to Konoha's Holy Son!"

"Yes!"

"This Xiao Yun has truly brought us too many surprises! On his first climb up Jier Mountain, he reached the fourth level and now wants to challenge the fifth. Back then, this old man only made it to the second level."

Hyuga Hiashi could not help admiring Xiao Yun even more. This fellow was unquestionably the foremost genius among geniuses, unprecedented throughout history.

"Grandfather, Xiao Yun is being too reckless. If..."

"Yumi, there is no need to worry. That old fox Hiruzen Sarutobi will not stand by and do nothing."

"Blegh... blegh... blegh... Pregnancy is fucking miserable. Even fighting Hanzo of the Salamander was not this exhausting."

"Lady Tsunade, it seems Xiao Yun is about to charge toward the fifth level."

"Then let him charge! Nani? The fifth level? Is he trying to get himself killed? Xiao Yun, get your ass down here!"

"Xiao Yun, on your first climb up Jier Mountain, you reached the fourth level. That achievement already rivals the First Hokage's."

"After the fourth level, Jier Mountain's gravity enhancement becomes far too terrifying. Stop now."

Even Might Guy, known as Konoha's brute, frowned tightly and did not approve of Xiao Yun continuing his climb. After all, this gravity enhancement was more than ten times stronger than before.

If they had previously been climbing while carrying a hen, they were now climbing with an elephant on their backs.

"No! As a ninja, how can I retreat in the face of difficulty? Only by standing atop the highest peak and looking down upon all mountains can one be called a true man!"

Xiao Yun's face was resolute as he waved for Teacher Guy to stop trying to persuade him.

"Good! As expected of my Kirin disciple! I'll charge ahead with you. But Xiao Yun, since we've climbed this far, I think you can throw away the rice on your back."

Might Guy looked at Xiao Yun with immense approval.

"Alright!"

Xiao Yun did not stand on ceremony and tossed away the sack on his shoulder. Might Guy followed suit and threw his away as well.

"Huh? Teacher Guy, you're throwing yours away too?"

"Ahem, uh... well, it's so I can take care of you more easily. If something happens, carrying rice would be inconvenient, wouldn't it?"

Might Guy's gaze flickered.

"Oh! I see!"

Xiao Yun was deeply moved.

Let's go.

One step.

So heavy!

The moment Xiao Yun took a step forward, he nearly collapsed onto the ground. This was far too heavy!

Steady!

Another step.

Smack!

The blood vessels on the back of Xiao Yun's hand burst open, and blood rapidly dripped onto the ground.

Wood Release—Spring Returns to Earth!

With the rice no longer absorbing his Chakra, Xiao Yun's Chakra gradually recovered, and the healing effect of Spring Returns to Earth improved significantly.

Another step.

Crack!

The sound of bones breaking rang out, and the immense pain nearly made Xiao Yun pass out.

Fortunately, Spring Returns to Earth could not only heal injuries, but also greatly ease the pain.

For my Wood Release Chakra to evolve into its second form, I'll risk it all!

Xiao Yun raised his foot and took another step, though the distance was noticeably shorter.

Nearly every step required Xiao Yun to use Spring Returns to Earth. Over a distance of just two meters, he had already used it more than ten times, leaving almost no Chakra in his body.

Keep going!

Gradually, Xiao Yun's consciousness began to fade. He did not know how long had passed before he collapsed headfirst...

When Xiao Yun woke again, he found himself lying in Konoha Hospital, surrounded by a dense crowd of people.

Ding

Congratulations, Host, for completing the system mission. You have obtained 10 Wood Release Chakra evolution points. Congratulations, Host, your Wood Release Chakra has entered its second form!

Congratulations, Host, you have obtained dual-attribute Chakra absorption privileges. You may choose one among metal, water, fire, and earth. Would you like to choose and absorb it now?

The system's voice rang out.

The mission was complete. That meant he had climbed to the fifth level!

No!

Xiao Yun rejected the system without hesitation. He was already conspicuous enough. If he absorbed another type of Chakra now, would Konoha's people not seize him and hand him over to Orochimaru, the scientist, for dissection and research?

Besides, even if he wanted to absorb it, he could not do so right now. His entire body seemed to be wrapped in bandages, and the occasional agonizing pain shooting through him made Xiao Yun cry out involuntarily.

"Xiao Yun, you were far too reckless. If the Anbu had not acted in time and used a secret technique to weaken Jier Mountain's gravity field, you would have been severely injured even if you did not die."

The Hokage took a puff of smoke as he spoke.

"Third Hokage, a genius like Xiao Yun absolutely cannot be left with that brute Guy. If you insist, I can only convene a special Konoha meeting and report this matter to the Daimyo, allowing the Daimyo to decide."

Danzo spoke in an icy tone.

"I do not care how you argue. Xiao Yun must become the son-in-law of my Hyuga Clan."

Hyuga Hiashi could not be bothered to argue with them. His goal was clear: make Xiao Yun the Hyuga Clan's stud and have him inherit his outstanding genes.

"This old man will naturally do everything in his power to make it happen."

This time, Danzo had learned his lesson and spoke first.

The Hyuga Clan held an extraordinary position in Konoha. Even if he could not win their support, having them remain neutral would still be a good outcome.

Creak.

The door to the room suddenly opened, and an old man and an old woman walked in...