Taking the Stage

At this moment, Su Ti's attributes had undergone a great change!

[Strength: 1.2, Agility: 1.1, Constitution: 1.1, Intelligence: 1.2]

"Strength and Constitution each increased by 0.2, Agility increased by 0.1!"

Don't underestimate this increase of 0.2 and 0.1. You should know that each decimal place increase in attributes is a product of the previous ones.

Moreover, the all-round improvement in Strength, Constitution, and Agility made Su Ti at least 50% stronger than before in the Tongli Stage.

In martial arts, a small difference can lead to a huge gap. A 50% difference is a leapfrog improvement, which is very astonishing.

"No wonder they thought I was crazy for challenging the Inner Refinement Stage in the Tongli Stage. Even Master didn't think highly of me. It turns out the gap was this big."

Su Ti felt that killing his previous self now wouldn't even take ten moves.

He looked at the Golden Snake Molting technique, which had changed to:

Golden Snake Molting (Minor Accomplishment 1%) [Inner Refinement once] +

Energy: 330%

"It cost me 150% of my energy to go from beginner to minor accomplishment in Golden Snake Molting and complete the first inner refinement."

The energy spent to enter the Inner Refinement Stage was less than reaching the maximum level in the Tongli Stage.

However, one inner refinement was far from the end. Overall, the Inner Refinement Stage required more energy than the Tongli Stage.

"Although I've only undergone one inner refinement now, that Demon Mountain has also undergone one inner refinement, and he also cultivates external techniques. With his natural divine strength, he has a greater advantage than me."

Breaking through to the first level of the Inner Refinement realm did not make Su Ti taller.

He was now 1.74 meters tall, while Demon Mountain was 2 meters tall and weighed more than two and a half times Su Ti's weight. Although both were at the first level of Inner Refinement, the opponent's resistance to blows and strength were much higher than Su Ti's.

Therefore, if Su Ti wanted to defeat him, he had to reach a higher Inner Refinement realm.

With this thought, Su Ti once again looked at the plus sign after Golden Snake Molting.

Boom!

Energy plummeted again. At the same time, the proficiency of Golden Snake Molting increased significantly again.

Minor Accomplishment 20%!

Minor Accomplishment 60%

Minor Accomplishment 99%

Major Accomplishment!

When Golden Snake Molting reached Major Accomplishment, this inner refinement technique could no longer be improved. Just like the last time, a large amount of hot energy exploded within Su Ti's body, spreading throughout his entire body, and a strong pain came over him.

From a microscopic perspective, Su Ti's body cells were undergoing rapid metabolism at this moment. Every bone and every muscle cell became stronger in this iteration, while a large number of dead cells and waste products were expelled from his pores, accumulating and thickening on his epidermis, finally forming a product like dead skin.

Su Ti peeled off this layer of dead skin, finally completing the second molting of Golden Snake Molting.

At this time, his martial arts and attributes also changed to:

Golden Snake Molting: Major Accomplishment [Inner Refinement twice]

[Strength: 1.4, Constitution: 1.3, Agility: 1.1, Intelligence: 1.2]

"Strong, too strong!"

After the second molting, although Intelligence and Agility did not change, Constitution increased by 0.2, and Strength increased by 0.2!

Two molts, two all-round surges in attributes. This enhancement of his own origin surpassed the pleasure brought by any external object. Su Ti felt extremely exhilarated!

Su Ti glanced at his energy.

Energy: 130%

"The second inner refinement cost me a total of 200% energy, which is 50% more than the first time's 150%. Is the difficulty of each inner refinement higher than the last?"

Su Ti didn't know the answer to this question yet. Now that he had just undergone two inner refinements, Golden Snake Molting had already reached Major Accomplishment, and he couldn't perform a third inner refinement. He was also a little confused about this.

Because he remembered Long Yuanzheng saying that Senior Sister Yao Juan had undergone three inner refinements, and Long Yuanzheng himself had undergone six inner refinements, all using the Golden Snake Molting inner refinement technique. Why was it that he had only undergone two inner refinements and the technique had already reached Major Accomplishment, with no further progress possible?

At this time, Su Ti didn't know that it was a problem with his root bone. Long Yuanzheng hadn't told him either, because Long Yuanzheng hadn't expected Su Ti to cultivate Golden Snake Molting so quickly and complete two inner refinements!

However, Su Ti didn't plan to ask Long Yuanzheng for the time being. His cultivation had increased too quickly. If he went to see Long Yuanzheng in his current state, it would be strange if he wasn't treated as a monster.

Seeing him again in the arena a week later, although still terrifying, at least he would have an explanation.

Su Ti didn't plan to keep the remaining 130% energy either, and added it all to the Golden Python Four Forms!

Golden Python Four Forms: Beginner 1%

Beginner 30%

Beginner 60%

Beginner 99%

Minor Accomplishment 1%!

Boom!

As the last bit of energy was used up, Su Ti's Golden Python Four Forms fighting style leaped to the level of Minor Accomplishment!

The improvement in fighting style allowed countless muscle memories to flood Su Ti's entire body. In an instant, he went from a novice who had just come into contact with the Golden Python Four Forms to someone who had practiced diligently for several years!

Boom!

He suddenly reached out and struck with a claw!

His entire arm suddenly swelled by half, turning a flushed red as if heavily engorged with blood!

Although his palm wasn't as dark and monstrous as Long Yuanzheng's, it also swelled by more than half a circle, resembling a small cattail leaf fan, tearing through the air and producing a tearing sound of fierce wind!

"King Python Hand!"

Su Ti reached out and grabbed the bark of a large tree in the park. With a tearing sound, he ripped it off directly, along with an inch-thick section of the tree trunk!

If this claw had landed on a person, it would have ripped off a large chunk of skin and flesh!

He retracted his palm and dispersed the King Python Hand technique. His arm quickly returned to its normal fair complexion, and his five fingers also changed from their swollen state to being slender.

After observing the power of this claw, Su Ti was quite satisfied.

"This Inner Refinement Stage fighting style is indeed powerful. It's no longer a traditional sense of moves, but rather a way to strengthen the body and unleash vital energy!"

As the Golden Python Four Forms fighting style improved and reached the minor accomplishment realm, Su Ti also gained many insights into the fighting style.

What is vital energy? According to Long Yuanzheng, it is actually the strength of every inch of muscle and blood in the body.

Ordinary people can mobilize their strength for large movements, but they cannot be precise down to every muscle fiber.

The Tongli Stage can integrate most of the muscle strength in the body, but it still cannot minutely control muscle fibers or blood flow.

Because this is the exclusive privilege of Inner Refinement Stage martial artists!

After reaching the Inner Refinement Stage, not only do the attributes change, but the body's sensitivity also greatly increases.

One can vaguely sense the power of vital energy, and the deeper the Inner Refinement, the stronger this sensation becomes.

And the fighting style is to turn this sensation into concrete control!

Su Ti swung out another claw. The King Python Hand activated, and his arm swelled. Seeing this, he showed a satisfied expression and retracted his arm.

"Although the improvement in fighting style is just some muscle memory and experience, without any substantial attribute enhancement, it is precisely these muscle memories and experiences that make my vital energy usage more mature and the power of my moves greater."

In the following week, Su Ti was not idle either. He practiced in Red Leaf Park day and night.

Although the Inner Refinement technique Golden Snake Molting could not be improved and he could not continue Inner Refinement, he had been diligently practicing the first three forms of the Golden Python Four Forms fighting style.

Although practicing gave little proficiency, in the current situation without energy, every bit added was a gain. He couldn't rely solely on the modifier and not practice at all himself. That way, he would eventually become a useless person and lose his drive.

Su Ti was not idle in other aspects either, especially regarding the Cursed Antiques that provided energy. He had been searching for them on the dark web and found some merchants selling such items.

Coupled with the five million yuan compensation from Li Zong, Su Ti contacted several dark web sellers of Cursed Antiques and purchased antiques from them.

As for Cursed Antiques, which are priceless items, they naturally wouldn't take the low-end route of express delivery with free shipping. Most of these items have questionable origins and cannot be exposed. They are mostly traded face-to-face in private, with money exchanged for goods.

Su Ti didn't know how deep the water was until he started buying. After a few transactions, his face turned dark.

Among these sellers, there were professional scammers who sold fake items to deceive people for money. Su Ti, relying on the modifier's ability, could tell the authenticity of a Cursed Antique by touching it, so he naturally wouldn't be deceived.

The most outrageous thing was that some sellers didn't even have the items. They simply posted pictures online to lure people in, aiming for a black-on-black scheme.

When Su Ti arrived at those abandoned buildings for the transactions, several masked men in black with knives surrounded him and started robbing him directly.

After several such incidents, not only did Su Ti not spend a single cent of the five million yuan in his card, but he even gained over a hundred thousand yuan.

Just like that, a week quickly passed with Su Ti practicing and purchasing Cursed Antiques. In the blink of an eye, it was time for his agreed-upon fight with Demon Mountain.

8 PM, Diwang Building rooftop.

Guests dressed in noble attire and wearing masks were led by special personnel to the viewing area on the rooftop and took their seats.

At this time, the thousand-square-meter rooftop had been transformed into a black boxing arena. In the center was the steel octagon cage commonly used in Death Fighting Competitions. Viewing seats were also placed all around.

Due to the limited space for the rooftop duel and the nature of the match involving faction conflicts, low-level spectators were not qualified to watch.

Those who could watch today's match were heavyweight guests who had received invitations, all of whom were either rich or noble.

Even many powerful figures from other cities, hearing about the feud between the Death Fist Society and the Dragon Gate Martial Hall, specifically rushed over to join in the excitement.

At the host's table, Li Zong and his two sons were also present.

Li Zong sat in the main seat, while Li Mingsheng and Li Mingyuan stood behind him.

Just then, Li Minggui said in a low voice.

"Dad, most of the people have arrived. Most of the guests we invited are here, and some who weren't invited also came to watch after hearing about this."

Li Zong nodded slightly, looking at so many prominent figures appearing here wearing masks, and thought to himself.

"Long Yuanzheng, today I will beat your reckless disciple to death in the ring in front of everyone! Let everyone know what happens when you provoke me, Li Zong!"

Although Li Zong thought this in his heart, he remained calm on the surface, maintaining a composed demeanor.

Not long after, Long Yuanzheng and his group also arrived.

Today, he only brought his three disciples, not a single extra person. Moreover, none of the four wore masks.

Boxers in black boxing matches wear masks because they are not presentable. Spectators wear masks for privacy, not wanting to be recognized.

As the host, Li Zong, and the Dragon Gate Martial Hall, who participated in this match, had already announced their names. Wearing masks would be like burying one's head in the sand, so they showed their faces.

Seeing Long Yuanzheng arrive, Li Zong quickly stood up to greet him, smiling as he invited him to sit.

Long Yuanzheng, however, had a cold face as he sat in the seat next to the host, his three disciples standing behind him.

Su Ti had arrived early and was seated in the competitor's area, looking across at Demon Mountain.

Between the two was a large open space. Seeing Long Yuanzheng arrive, Su Ti stood up and gave a slight bow from a distance, performing a salute. Only then did Long Yuanzheng's icy expression soften slightly.

Everyone had arrived. Li Zong gave a look, and Li Minggui walked to the center, picked up the microphone, and said.

"Distinguished guests, we have long heard of the great name of Dragon Gate Martial Hall, and our Death Fist Society has also yearned for it for a long time. Just a week ago, our Death Fist Society's A-class fighter, Demon Mountain, officially challenged Su Ti of Dragon Gate Martial Hall. Today is the day of the match. We ask everyone here to bear witness. Who is stronger and who is weaker will be revealed today."