Breaking Through the Realm, Decisive Intent

Two quarters of an hour later, the medicinal effects wore off, and Li Cunxiao collapsed onto the ground with a thud.

His entire body was soaked in sweat, his breathing rapid like a bellows, and a palpitation lingered long after.

"Untreated demon meat is truly this malevolent, yet it significantly boosts the effectiveness of practicing martial arts."

"Is this only the case with Tiger Form Fist, or the Flying Tiger Escort Agency, or..."

Li Cunxiao didn't want to think further and forcefully shifted his attention to the Vajra Scepter, finally feeling a sense of solace in his heart.

The golden light had already reached the center of the Vajra Scepter, nearing the halfway point.

This unprocessed demon meat could increase its charge by about one-eighth each time. Meaning, after another four or five days of consumption, the Vajra Scepter would be fully charged, and by then...

When Li Cunxiao woke up from the floor, it was already close to the hour of the Ox. Even the sweat-soaked clothes on his body had dried.

Fortunately, he had already reached the Sensing Qi realm, and having consumed demon meat last night, his Blood Essence was abundant. Otherwise, sleeping on the ground for a whole night like this, in this early autumn season, he would likely have fallen seriously ill.

He hurriedly left the inn and rushed back to the escort agency. In the training grounds, the earlier apprentices were already up practicing, and among them was Run Dong, his roommate.

Ever since Li Cunxiao and He Bi broke through to Sensing Qi and were taught combat techniques, Run Dong had become increasingly taciturn. He practiced martial arts even more desperately every day, even adding several hours of practice at night, only going to bed after the early hours of the Rat, and then waking up for morning practice with less than four hours of rest.

Li Cunxiao watched his diligent efforts from afar, feeling a pang of emotion.

Sometimes, people desperately hoped to change the outcome through hard work, but the reality was that talent was sometimes more important than effort.

Run Dong alone took over two months to reach Sensing Qi. This speed was only slightly better than those who took the slowest three months. Frankly speaking, his talent was even below average.

If Sensing Qi was slow, then Controlling Qi would be even more difficult. Perhaps with another four or five months of effort, he could grasp Blood Essence, but that would only be barely stepping onto the threshold of an Escort.

Once he reached the Strengthening Qi realm, circulating Blood Essence through the great and small cycles, that would truly be a matter of slow and steady effort. With Run Dong's talent, it might take over a decade, meaning he wouldn't reach Blood Essence Grand Perfection until his thirties.

Yet, just across the wall, in the courtyard north of the training grounds, were almost all the young masters from the inner city who were in the Blood Essence Grand Perfection realm.

They were born without a lack of medicinal baths and dietary supplements, possessing a solid foundation. Their Blood Essence was already incredibly robust. As long as they obtained the Tiger Form Fist cultivation method, they could gain entry in a few days and achieve minor success in a month or two.

Even for the more difficult Strengthening Qi realm, their families would naturally hire experienced Martial Masters to teach them personally. Those who were faster could reach Blood Essence Grand Perfection in one or two years.

When others were already looking towards higher steps, children like Run Dong were biting their lips until they bled, their steps faltering as they chased that sliver of hope.

"If it weren't for the existence of the Vajra Scepter, I wouldn't dare to consume demon meat so recklessly."

"My progress in cultivation probably wouldn't be much better than Run Dong's."

Li Cunxiao silently watched the sweat-drenched youth, his desire for power growing stronger.

"Brother Li," He Bi walked over. For some reason, he felt that Li Cunxiao looked a bit different today.

Could it be that he was too anxious and had eaten too much demon meat?

"Brother He, thank you for what happened last night."

Li Cunxiao cupped his hands solemnly. Seeing the clarity in He Bi's eyes, he finally relaxed and waved his hand.

"Brother Li, there's no need for that. Frankly speaking, I just think highly of you and am investing a little."

'No, Brother He, you don't understand.'

Li Cunxiao collected his thoughts and slowly assumed the starting posture of the Tiger Form Eight Styles.

'Those who are willing to help me become stronger are my friends, and I will repay them with all my heart;'

'As for anyone who obstructs my strength or harms my family, they are...'

Li Cunxiao stomped his feet on the ground. Even during his daily practice, his face was as fierce as a tiger's. He unleashed a punch with all his might—

'Enemies!'

Another three days passed.

During these days, besides practicing his fist techniques, Cui Yao also individually taught Li Cunxiao and He Bi a set of basic staff fighting methods. It was said that these were for escorts preparing for missions, to be used for forming formations and confronting enemies while on the road.

After all, when traveling, relying solely on bare hands would inevitably lead to disadvantages. However, if one wished to learn the techniques of blades and spears, they would first need to grasp Qi and Blood and truly become an Escort before having the qualification.

But apart from these two, the other apprentices who progressed more slowly did not receive such treatment. Grand Escort Cui Yao's favor greatly stimulated the apprentices' enthusiasm for cultivating martial arts.

Qin Yu became even more eager towards Li Cunxiao and He Bi, while Run Dong grew even more silent, and his sleep time became shorter and shorter.

Besides practicing in the morning, Li Cunxiao also began to practice extra in the evenings. Consuming one to two portions of demon meat daily caused his Blood Essence to expand rapidly. From time to time, his punches were already carrying force, and the golden light on the Vajra Scepter was also growing at a steady pace, until—

"Nearly a month has passed since Zhao Heishe's death, and the Vajra Scepter is finally full."

Closing his eyes and concentrating, in his mind, the dimness on the single-pronged Vajra Scepter had completely disappeared. Even every carved line on the lotus pedestal was filled with a faint golden light.

Reaching this point, Li Cunxiao's heart was enlightened. He naturally understood that before consuming this golden light, consuming more demon meat would not accumulate any further.

This was his first time using the Vajra Scepter, and he didn't know if it would cause a major disturbance. For safety's sake, Li Cunxiao informed the steward and, taking advantage of the fact that it wasn't too late, he slipped away and ran home.

Looking at the familiar yet dilapidated house, complex emotions surged within Li Cunxiao.

He caressed the polished tabletop. He used to sit here and give a larger bone with meat to his younger brother;

The low bed covered with straw could no longer accommodate his nearly 1.8-meter frame, but when Mucha was still small, the brothers used to tumble on the bed. Their father would cook thin porridge by the stove, and their mother, by the oil lamp, would alter his worn-out clothes to make them smaller, so she could give them to his brother.

The dilapidated house was silent. When Li Cunxiao opened his eyes again, only calmness remained in them.

"Vajra Scepter, shatter for me!"

Vajra, meaning indestructible; one who holds the Vajra Scepter can break through all afflictions without obstruction!

In that instant, it felt as if a cool, invisible energy flowed from the Baihui point on his head, spreading throughout his body like the wind.

Countless experiences and insights surged into his mind. Li Cunxiao didn't hesitate. He planted his feet in living stances, forming his hands into tiger claws. For a moment, his entire being was like a ferocious tiger. The Blood Essence within him coursed rapidly according to his will, flowing through his hands, elbows, feet, and knees.

His muscles engorged and swelled. His eyes, like those of a leopard's head, turned purplish-red. He resembled a hunting leopard in the jungle, yet even so, Li Cunxiao's fists showed no sign of slowing down.

Faster, faster!

Break through Controlling Qi faster! Break through Strengthening Qi faster! Break through Blood Essence faster!

He wanted to make a name for himself, to re-enter the Chief Escort's view before his impression faded. He needed to continuously display his talent to secure more resources.

He needed to become stronger at an even faster pace before this chaotic era arrived, strong enough to withstand all storms with his own shoulders!

The room suddenly fell silent.

A moment later, Li Cunxiao, having returned to normal, walked out.

He raised his arm. Following his thoughts, Blood Essence naturally gathered in his fingers, causing them to quickly engorge and swell. His palm instantly became as large as a fan.

His fingers formed claws and he suddenly lunged at a nearby pillar.

Wood chips exploded, leaving five uneven claw marks. His fingers, however, felt no pain.

"Still far from Master Cui,"

The next day, in the training grounds.

Cui Yao watched the apprentices practicing their horse stance, shaking his head inwardly.

Sensing Qi wasn't difficult. With proper supplements, it could be achieved within months, or at most, a year.

Controlling Qi wasn't difficult either. With supplements, it could be achieved within a year, or two to three years.

But people like that wouldn't become Escorts.

The Escort Agency only needed youths who could Sense Qi and Control Qi within three months. With such talent, they might achieve Grand Perfection in Blood Essence before the age of twenty, and with the most vigorous spirit and abundant Blood Essence, they could attempt the next level.

Even if they failed once, they would still have another chance.

He turned and walked towards another side of the training field.

The apprentices sparring were the reserve Escorts.

Cui Yao scanned them inch by inch, then suddenly frowned. He noticed that Li Cunxiao, usually diligent, was inexplicably not training today.

He even noticed Li Cunxiao's gaze and walked over proactively.

"Master Cui," Li Cunxiao said respectfully. Behind him, He Bi's mouth was still agape in surprise.

"I have already mastered Controlling Qi, and the Tiger Form Fist."

"Minor Accomplishment."