Vajra Technique

Incense smoke curled through the great hall, yet it could not dispel the sudden heaviness that had descended.

Zhang Tie's words fell like a stone into a deep pool, stirring only a silent ripple before being swallowed by boundless silence.

Master Xiūmù's weathered eyes narrowed slightly. An indescribably strange expression appeared on his deeply lined face—part suspicion, part disbelief at the sheer absurdity of it.

Xie Jingchun's hand froze halfway through stroking his beard, his fingers unconsciously twisting a strand. His refined face furrowed deeply as his gaze roamed over Zhang Tie's face, trying to pierce that calm exterior.

Even Chen Ping'an, usually so lively, seemed to have had his hands and feet bound by invisible ropes. His mouth hung slightly open as he looked from Zhang Tie to the two silent elders, scarcely daring to breathe.

"My fault. I didn't explain myself clearly!"

Zhang Tie's heart tightened as he instantly caught the misunderstanding and awkwardness hanging in the air.

His expression stiffened, and he quickly spoke up. His voice was clear and steady, breaking the suffocating silence. "You have misunderstood. I have a cultivation technique here." He paused, sweeping his gaze across the three of them as he emphasized,

"It is a body-refining method I modified based on a profound art I cultivate myself. Its unique aspect is that it requires no spiritual roots! Even ordinary mortals can practice it!"

The instant those words left his mouth, Master Xiūmù's breathing seemed to halt. Xie Jingchun's beard-stroking fingers went completely still, while Chen Ping'an sucked in a sharp breath, disbelief nearly overflowing from his face.

Zhang Tie continued, "This technique specializes in cultivating the physical body, following the path of Ancient Body Cultivators. At its peak, its combat strength can rival a Nascent Soul cultivator!"

He clearly spoke the words