Guiding Dongzi

"Tut."

"This was a little beyond my expectations, but I liked it."

Looking at the words on the blue screen before him, Luo Heng was genuinely surprised for the first time. He had originally thought that, given his current cultivation, getting a Common Grade reward would already be quite good. He had not expected to receive a Refined Grade one.

A Refined Grade secret technique was already quite impressive. In the Original Work, the "Transformation Spirit Needle" Lin Dong used early on was only Common Grade, while "Sharp Spiral Wave" was Refined Grade.

Although Myriad Techniques Spirit Needle was also Refined Grade, it was a self-created secret technique that perfectly complemented the Myriad Law Seal. Its power was even a notch stronger than Sharp Spiral Wave of the same grade.

More importantly, this secret technique could improve alongside the Myriad Law Seal's growth. In the future, it might even have a chance to advance to Qi Stage and God Stage!

"Myriad Techniques Spirit Needle is perfect for 'slightly' dealing with Lei Li."

Luo Heng's tone carried a trace of amusement. Although Lei Li was at the Body Tempering Eighth Level Peak, his Spiritual Power was probably not even at the entry level.

Against warriors with such lopsided development, spiritual secret techniques were practically their nemesis. If he dared lay a hand on his family, he would have to pay the price.

He did not waste any more time and continued cultivating.

Following the circulation method of Myriad Techniques Spirit Needle, his Spiritual Power began gathering within his Niwan Palace.

The Myriad Law Seal glimmered faintly as streams of pure Spiritual Power were drawn out, slowly outlining three pale golden needles as fine as ox hairs before the seal.

"Condense!"

With a thought from Luo Heng, the three pale golden spiritual needles fully took shape. They floated within his Niwan Palace, giving off faint fluctuations.

An intent of sharpness and penetration radiated from them.

"So this is what a Spiritual Power attack feels like..." Luo Heng sensed the sharpness of the Myriad Techniques Spirit Needle and nodded in satisfaction. As expected of a Talisman Master.

For an ordinary First Seal Rune Master, being able to condense even one spiritual needle would be quite impressive. Yet on his first attempt, he had condensed three. This was naturally thanks to the Myriad Law Seal and his innately powerful Spiritual Power, but it also proved that Myriad Techniques Spirit Needle was truly formidable.

Luo Heng opened his eyes and withdrew the spiritual needles. It was already light outside the room.

After cultivating for one night, he had not only successfully broken through to the Earthen Yuan Stage and condensed his Natal Spirit Rune, the Myriad Law Seal, but had also mastered a Refined Grade spiritual secret technique.

If word of such a rate of improvement got out, it would be enough to scare countless people to death.

However, Luo Heng remained calm. He knew this was merely the beginning of his life, and there was still a long road ahead.

"System, check in."

[Ding! Daily Check-in successful! Received: Yang Yuan Pill ×5.]

Today's check-in reward was fairly ordinary. Yang Yuan Pills were useful to Luo Heng, who had just broken through, but they were certainly not as valuable as yesterday's Mysterious Nether Water.

Still, Luo Heng was not disappointed. Check-in rewards varied in quality, after all. This was perfectly normal.

He placed the Yang Yuan Pills into his Storage Space, then rose and stretched his body.

"Crack, crack."

After remaining still all night, his body let out a series of pops.

Purple-blue Primal Energy surged endlessly through his body. His spiritual senses spread outward, and everything within a hundred meters was clearly reflected in his mind.

He could even "see" Luo Qing walking quietly past the courtyard outside, seemingly afraid of disturbing his rest.

"Come in, Luo Qing."

Luo Heng's voice was transmitted directly to Luo Qing's ears through Spiritual Power.

Luo Qing, who had just reached the courtyard gate, jumped in fright. He looked around and saw no one before realizing that Young Master was calling him. He hurriedly pushed open the door and entered.

"Young Master, you're awake?"

Luo Qing looked at Luo Heng and felt that Young Master seemed somehow different, though he could not put his finger on exactly how. He only felt that Luo Heng's bearing had become more steady and profound.

"Mm. What is it?" Luo Heng asked with a smile.

"Young Master Lin Dong and Miss Qing Tan are here. They're waiting for you in the front hall," Luo Qing said respectfully.

Luo Heng nodded. He had not expected Lin Dong and Qing Tan to come so early in the morning. "Got it. I'll head over now."

He changed into a clean set of azure clothes and headed toward the front hall. Having just broken through to the Earthen Yuan Stage, his aura was restrained. Unless a powerhouse above the Heaven Yuan Realm carefully examined him, no one could discover his true cultivation.

To others, he was still the Luo Family's Young Master at the Body Tempering Fifth Level.

In the front hall, Lin Dong and Qing Tan were seated in chairs, drinking tea.

When they saw Luo Heng enter, Qing Tan immediately set down her teacup and ran over like a cheerful little bird.

"Brother Luo Heng!"

"Slow down." Luo Heng caught the rushing Qing Tan with a smile and rubbed her hair.

"What brings you here today?"

"I missed you!" Qing Tan said with a giggle, before concern appeared on her little face.

"Brother Luo Heng, we heard that Lei Li wants to challenge you to a duel, and he even wants to wager Ironwood Estate?"

Lin Dong also rose to his feet, his expression rather serious. "Brother Luo Heng, this is too risky. Lei Li is at the Body Tempering Eighth Level Peak, and the Lei Clan will definitely resort to tricks. How about... we call off this duel? We can think of another way together."

Seeing the concern in their eyes, Luo Heng felt warmth in his heart. He smiled. "Do you have that little faith in me?"

"It's not that we don't have faith in you. Lei Li is just too strong!" Qing Tan hurriedly said, afraid that Luo Heng might be hurt.

"Everyone in town says that someone at the Body Tempering Fifth Level has no chance against someone at the Body Tempering Eighth Level. Brother Luo Heng, can't we just not fight him?"

Lin Dong nodded and tried to persuade him as well. "Brother Luo Heng, endure for now and the storm will pass. Once your cultivation is higher, we can settle things with the Lei Clan."

Luo Heng knew they were sincerely thinking of him, but he had his own plans.

Besides, he was now at the Earthen Yuan Stage. Dealing with Lei Li would be as easy as playing around.

"Don't worry. Since I dared accept the challenge, I naturally have confidence." Luo Heng's tone was calm as he continued, "Dongzi, since you're here, come on. Spar with me and let me see how well you've trained your 'First Appearance of Lightning.'"

Lin Dong froze, clearly not expecting Brother Luo Heng to suddenly suggest a spar. "Now?"

Luo Heng nodded. "Yes, now. Let's go to the rear courtyard."

The Luo Family's rear courtyard had an open area specifically for martial arts practice, its ground paved with hard bluestone slabs.

Luo Heng and Lin Dong stood facing one another, while Qing Tan stood to the side, both nervous and expectant.

"Dongzi, use your strongest attack. Don't hold back." Luo Heng stood with his hands behind his back, signaling for Lin Dong to make the first move.

Lin Dong took a deep breath. He knew Brother Luo Heng was extraordinarily strong; defeating Lei Tao yesterday was proof enough.

But he also wanted to know just how great the gap was between his current Body Tempering Sixth Level and Brother Luo Heng.

"Brother Luo Heng, be careful!"

Lin Dong's gaze sharpened as Primal Energy surged through his body, fully erupting with the aura of the Body Tempering Sixth Level.

He stomped off the ground and shot toward Luo Heng. Pale Red Primal Energy gathered around his right fist, where faint arcs of lightning flickered!

Tiangang Thunderclap Fist: First Appearance of Lightning!

Lin Dong's punch carried considerable force.

Pale Red Primal Energy wrapped around faint sparks of lightning.

After several days of bitter practice, he had clearly mastered First Appearance of Lightning to sixty or seventy percent proficiency.

An ordinary Body Tempering Sixth Level cultivator would likely have to avoid the edge of this punch.

Yet Luo Heng merely stood where he was, a trace of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.

Lin Dong's rate of improvement truly was not slow, showing both his talent and diligence.

However...

Just as Lin Dong's fist was about to strike Luo Heng's chest, Luo Heng's feet shifted slightly.

Flowing Cloud and Soaring Goose Steps: Flowing Cloud Style!

His figure drifted like a flowing cloud, lightly evading the fierce attack.

"Your speed is decent, but your punching angle could be trickier." Luo Heng's voice sounded beside Lin Dong's ear.

Lin Dong was startled and swiftly changed his move. His left palm slashed sideways, using the Lin Family's Second Grade Martial Art, Bahuang Palm.

The palm wind was fierce. Combined with the follow-up variations of the Tiangang Thunderclap Fist, it sealed off Luo Heng's possible paths of evasion.

Yet Luo Heng changed his footing again, passing through a gap in the palm wind at an unbelievable angle. At the same time, he brought two fingers together like a sword and tapped Lin Dong beneath the ribs.

"When fighting, pay attention to protecting your vital points. There's a flaw in your defense."

The tap was extremely light, but Lin Dong felt a sharp aura pierce into his body, causing his Primal Energy circulation to stagnate for an instant.

He retreated three steps in a row, shock filling his face. He had never imagined that, even at the Body Tempering Sixth Level, he would be unable to touch Brother Luo Heng at all!

"Brother Luo Heng, you..."

In that instant just now, he had clearly sensed that Brother Luo Heng's aura was only at the Body Tempering Fifth Level. Yet this movement technique and insight far surpassed those of an ordinary Body Tempering Realm cultivator!

"Again."