Breakthrough

The group descended the mountain quickly, but they hadn't gone far when Lin Sheng heard shouts from a distance.

He glanced at Xiao Shi and the others beside him. They appeared unfazed, clearly having heard nothing.

Lin Sheng pondered for a moment, then led them closer to the direction of the sound.

He focused his vision, trying to see what was happening there. However, the mountain was dense with trees and overgrown with weeds, obstructing his view. As they drew nearer, the voices became clearer, and he could faintly make out spoken words.

He didn't approach further but slowed his pace, listening as he continued down.

"We're from the Beast Hunter Hall! How dare you attack us, you blind fools!!"

A rough, indignant voice rang out.

It was met with a series of cold laughs.

"So what if you're from the Beast Hunter Hall? Brothers, attack! Leave none alive."

Soon, the sounds of shouting, killing, and clashing weapons filled the air.

After a short while, screams erupted, and the forest fell silent.

"People from the Beast Hunter Hall!?"

Lin Sheng, hearing the exchange from afar, his expression shifted slightly.

He guessed it was another team from the Beast Hunter Hall, and they seemed to be in trouble.

He wasn't particularly interested in helping. After all, he had no idea of their strength and didn't want to take any risks.

Moreover, even if he wanted to help, it was too late; the battle seemed to have already concluded.

The victors were likely the attackers. They wouldn't have dared to strike if they weren't confident they could handle the hunters.

Things unfolded as he had anticipated, and soon, more voices carried over.

"Venerable Yan, isn't it a bit risky to attack people from the Beast Hunter Hall like this? This is Town Mountain Tower's territory, after all. If others notice, it could cause trouble."

"Hmph, what's there to fear? So what if it's Town Mountain Tower? A treasure trove like Yangping Mountain isn't something an outsider force can control forever. If it were in the past, I might be more wary, but now, Town Mountain Tower won't last much longer..."

The speaker trailed off, seemingly hesitant to say more. After a moment, their voices faded into the distance until they were completely gone.

Lin Sheng, far away, narrowed his eyes, watching the direction from which the voices had disappeared.

"Captain Lin, what's wrong? Is there something over there?"

Xiao Shi noticed Lin Sheng's gaze and asked.

"Nothing. Let's hurry down the mountain,"

Lin Sheng shook his head slightly, not elaborating.

However, his mind was far from as calm as his expression suggested.

Yangping Mountain was fraught with exotic beasts, as well as various poisonous plants and insects, making it quite dangerous. Yet, beyond these, the other people venturing into the mountain were equally, and often more, perilous than the exotic beasts themselves.

Those who entered Yangping Mountain were generally individuals with some strength, and they usually entered in groups; lone travelers were rare.

After entering the mountain, these people would either hunt exotic beasts or gather rare medicinal herbs, usually reaping some rewards.

Consequently, there were many who resorted to robbing and killing, and even those who lay in wait, using the guise of hunting in the mountain to target those descending.

Although Town Mountain Tower had regulations regarding such matters, Yangping Mountain was vast, and the Beast Hunter Hall couldn't monitor everything constantly. Thus, such incidents were not uncommon in Yangping Mountain.

Furthermore, those entering the mountain rarely targeted members of the Beast Hunter Hall.

Firstly, they were experienced hunters with considerable strength. Secondly, the base of the Beast Hunter Hall was located just below the mountain.

There had been instances in the past where people attacked Beast Hunter Hall hunters. When discovered, experts from Town Mountain Tower immediately intervened, eliminating all the perpetrators. Even the forces behind them suffered significant losses, causing quite a stir in the county city.

Having lived two lives, Lin Sheng's mind was exceptionally sharp.

From the conversation he had overheard, it seemed someone was planning to target Town Mountain Tower.

As the foremost power in Lin'an County, it wouldn't be easy to move against Town Mountain Tower. Ordinary forces wouldn't, nor would they dare.

Unless... it was another major power within Lin'an County City.

Lin Sheng walked on, his mind racing with thoughts, before he eventually shook his head, pushing the idea aside.

"Never mind. Town Mountain Tower has powerful experts in the Blood Circulation realm, and they've been entrenched in Lin'an County City for years, with deep-rooted influence. Even if someone covets Yangping Mountain and wants to do something, it won't be that easy. Besides, these aren't things I should be worrying about right now. Compared to all this, improving my strength as quickly as possible is the most important thing..."

The great sun began to set, and the sky gradually darkened. Lin Sheng and his companions returned to Yangping Town, handed over the Horned Eagle, bought some food, and then returned to their residence.

With a creak, he opened the courtyard gate.

A yellow-haired stray dog, which had been rummaging by the stove, suddenly jumped up, yelped, and quickly retreated to a corner of the yard. It curled into a ball, burying its long face in its legs, only its eyes peeking out as it fearfully watched the courtyard gate.

Upon seeing Lin Sheng carrying many things, the fear in its eyes lessened slightly.

Lin Sheng was accustomed to the dog's timidity.

It was originally a stray he had caught on a whim to test the Blood Cultivating Pill, intending to release it afterward. However, on second thought, living alone in the courtyard was indeed a bit lonely, and having another living creature around wasn't a bad idea.

Furthermore, his courtyard lacked a guard, so Lin Sheng decided to keep it for the time being. Still, the dog was far too timid.

Seeing the messy stove in the yard, Lin Sheng frowned, contemplating whether to throw the creature out right then and there.

Ignoring it, Lin Sheng set down the food he was carrying and carefully sensed his surroundings, confirming no one was following him.

He then retrieved the Blood Cultivating Pill from a hidden spot in his room. Previously, due to Tian Hu and Wang Sanyang, he had been hesitant and hadn't had the chance to use it, but now that concern was gone.

With his current senses, he was definitely above Tian Hu, and far surpassed him, so he had no worries about anyone secretly watching him.

As the sky completely darkened, Lin Sheng sat cross-legged in the courtyard.

With a flip of his wrist, he tossed the blood-red Blood Cultivating Pill into his mouth. The pill tasted overwhelmingly of blood, as if amplifying the original bloody scent several times over. Lin Sheng frowned slightly and swallowed it in one gulp.

He mobilized the Blood Essence within his body and began to refine it.

Soon, in just over ten breaths, Lin Sheng felt a surging, tidal heat flow gather in his Dantian.

He had anticipated this situation and began to guide the heat flow with his consciousness towards the myriad channels of his body.

Like a trail of fire, as soon as Lin Sheng guided it, the heat flow entered his body, and the Blood Essence within him immediately became more fervent, significantly more active than before. The heat flow began to be slowly absorbed by his body, merging with his own Blood Essence.

Especially below his waist, it received the majority of the heat flow. Lin Sheng immediately stood up, bent his legs, and assumed a strange posture.

This continued for half an hour, then suddenly his legs swelled by a full circle, and a series of crisp bone cracks, like firecrackers, erupted from his body.

Lin Sheng felt as if his leg muscles were being filled with something, causing a slight pain from the inside out.

Very quickly, the sound of bones cracking in his body abruptly stopped. Lin Sheng felt his internal Blood Essence suddenly pause, and in the next moment, his body felt much lighter, as if he had shed heavy shackles.

"Breakthrough!!"

His body was already drenched in sweat. He haphazardly wiped the sweat from his forehead, and a joyful smile appeared on Lin Sheng's face.

With a single step, he had finally cultivated the White Ape Leg Technique to Great Accomplishment, which also meant he had officially entered the Muscle Forging realm.

He clenched his fist, feeling the immense change within his body. At this moment, he felt like he had integrated with a Tusk Mountain Boar. It was worth noting that his current integration was still with a Horned Eagle; apart from his senses, he had no other enhancements.

However, the feedback of strength from his body was very real.

"The most direct power has more than doubled compared to before, and his speed has also greatly improved."

Lin Sheng's figure weaved and moved through the courtyard. At this moment, his body was extremely light, even more so than the Agility Boost from the White Ape.

"It seems my previous guess was correct. After integrating with the Tusk Mountain Boar, I can already contend with ordinary early-stage Muscle Forging martial artists."

After sensing the changes in his body, Lin Sheng stopped his movements, the smile on his face undiminished.

"Now that I've broken through to the early stage of Muscle Forging, combined with the integration effect of the Tusk Mountain Boar, my strength will surge even further, and my physique will also be significantly strengthened. I wonder if, with both combined, I can contend with those in the late stage of Muscle Forging."

He pondered this in his heart.

He couldn't be sure about this point, as he had never seen a late-stage Muscle Forging martial artist in action. In Lin'an County City, martial artists at this level were already considered genuine high-tier combatants.

They were honored guests in any faction, much like Tian Hu, who held a high position in the Town Mountain Tower.

In the absence of Blood Circulation realm martial artists, warriors of this caliber were enough to dominate.

However, one thing was certain: his strength was now completely capable of crushing ordinary early-stage Muscle Forging martial artists, like Wang Sanyang.

At this moment, there was still residual heat flow within Lin Sheng's body; this was the medicinal effect of the Blood Cultivating Pill.

The Blood Cultivating Pill was said to have the effect of improving bones and tendons, but after taking one, he didn't feel anything significant.

Upon closer thought, if it could truly have a noticeable effect on improving bones and tendons, the price of the Blood Cultivating Pill probably wouldn't be only two to three hundred taels of silver.

The effect on bones and tendons was only a trace, and it would take effect slowly over time.

Although there was no significant improvement in his bones and tendons, the Blood Cultivating Pill did play a considerable role in his breakthrough this time.

Originally, according to his estimation, it would take about five more days for the White Ape Leg Technique to reach Great Accomplishment. This single Blood Cultivating Pill saved him five days, and the medicinal power within his body still seemed to be not fully depleted.

He had no intention of wasting it, after all, it cost several hundred taels of silver.

Lin Sheng immediately switched his integration to the Iron Yak and began to cultivate the Raging Bull Fist.

He intended to take advantage of the remaining medicinal power to push the Raging Bull Fist to Great Accomplishment as well.

However, it was a pity that after half an hour, the medicinal power in his body was completely exhausted, and he still hadn't managed to break through with the Raging Bull Fist.

He had only obtained the subsequent cultivation method for the Raging Bull Fist two or three days ago, and it was still some distance from Great Accomplishment. Even with the effect of the Blood Cultivating Pill, pushing it to Great Accomplishment in one go was still too strenuous.

"Although it's still a bit short, it's getting close. It should only take another two or three days to successfully break through."

With the Great Accomplishment of the White Ape Leg Technique as a boost, he found it quite helpful to cultivate the Raging Bull Fist in turn.

He stopped cultivating, washed himself in the courtyard, and then started a fire to cook.

By then, the sky had completely darkened, and it was already deep into the night. The sky was a vast expanse of gray, with only the pale moonlight and a few sparse stars.

Due to the breakthrough, Lin Sheng felt no sleepiness at all; instead, he was full of energy.

While tending the fire, he held a black, round jar filled with yellow wine. He wasn't particularly interested in alcohol, especially the strong spirits from his previous life; apart from necessary social engagements, he rarely drank.

However, the yellow wine, which was quite distinctive in this world, he found to have a pleasant taste, so he would buy some from time to time to pass the time.

Before long, the aroma of meat began to waft from the pot. Lin Sheng ate heartily with the yellow wine. This time, he had bought Iron Yak beef, which was common grade mid-tier.

Its texture and nourishing properties were much better than ordinary rock sheep meat, and naturally, its price was also much higher.

With his current financial situation, there was no need for him to be stingy about it.

Moreover, as his cultivation progressed, his appetite had also significantly increased compared to before. He almost completely devoured the entire pot of Iron Yak beef, which weighed seven to eight catties.

Patting his round belly, Lin Sheng casually tossed the last piece of beef from the pot into the courtyard.

The yellow-haired stray dog had gotten to its feet at some point, its large eyes staring intently at Lin Sheng. It didn't dare to approach, however, and the saliva constantly dripping from its mouth almost formed a continuous line, soaking a small patch of the ground. It was clearly ravenous for the Iron Yak beef.

Seeing the beef thrown its way, it no longer showed any timidity. It dashed forward a couple of steps, leaping up to snatch the beef in its mouth before it even hit the ground.

Then came the sounds of crunching and chewing.

"Not scared anymore, are we?"

Lin Sheng chuckled and cursed, still not feeling sleepy. He might as well get into position and continue practicing the Raging Bull Fist.

After downing a jar of yellow wine, though not particularly strong, it gave him a slight, scattered buzz. This, however, made his spirits soar even higher.

Hoo... hoo... hoo...

His fists swung, cutting through the air and emitting low hums. His speed shifted from fast to slow, each strike powerful and imposing, carrying considerable force.

In a corner of the yard, the yellow-haired stray dog, while gnawing on the Iron Yak beef, retreated a bit, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.

Once he started practicing his fists, time simply vanished. One hour, two hours, three hours...

The sounds of his shouts from the yard never ceased. He had lost count of how many times he'd gone through the Raging Bull Fist forms. Lin Sheng himself seemed to have entered a state of self-forgetfulness...

Caw... caw... caw...

It wasn't until the sky began to show the pale white of dawn, accompanied by a loud rooster's crow, that Lin Sheng suddenly snapped awake. The muscles in both his arms began to move rapidly, like a rushing river, flowing forward from his shoulders and converging entirely on his fists.

He threw both fists out simultaneously, and with a bang, a loud explosion echoed.

The bluestone in the courtyard, which had gathered there for a rest, shattered in response.

"I broke through!!"

Lin Sheng looked at his arms, which were noticeably thicker than before, his eyes filled with surprise.

He truly hadn't expected to break through with the Raging Bull Fist in just one night.

At this moment, both his arms appeared somewhat grayish-white. His pores were enlarged, and his skin was rough. When he touched it, it didn't feel like human skin, but more like a coarse stone wall.

He had observed Wang Sanyang's arms up close, and they looked almost identical to his current state.

"I thought it would take a few more days to break through with the Raging Bull Fist. Tsk tsk... lucky me."

A smile spread across his face. Now, both the Raging Bull Fist and the White Ape Leg Technique had been cultivated to the Great Accomplishment stage.

His strength was definitely not weak within the early stage of the Muscle Forging realm. Combined with the integration boost, he doubted anyone at this level could be his match.