Gravity Body Forging, White Lotus Healing

Murong Huai arrived at a clearing in front of the waterfall in Star Dome Valley and asked, "What is the training plan the teacher has arranged for me?"

Hearing this, Tu Zhen slowly replied, "Reporting to the Holy Son, the Pope Palace has instructed that every morning after waking, you are to spend one hour on physical conditioning to improve your physical fitness. Following that, you are to practice sword techniques for an hour to solidify your foundation, after which you may cultivate your soul power."

"Physical conditioning? What are the specifics?" Murong Huai inquired.

"Ju Qinglan and I are here specifically to assist with your conditioning. I was fortunate enough to obtain a soul bone that granted me a gravity-control skill. According to the Pope's wishes, you are to perform tasks such as running and stance training under the pressure of gravity," Tu Zhen explained from the side.

Hearing Tu Zhen's words, Murong Huai nodded. Although running was a primitive method of conditioning, he had to admit it was undeniably effective, and when combined with gravity, the results would be even greater.

Moreover, gravity had far more advantages than carrying heavy stones. Generally, the period before age fifteen was a child's growth phase; if one were to train by carrying heavy stones for a long time, it would affect their development, doing more harm than good.

Gravity, however, could produce the same or even better results while posing minimal risk to the human body. Besides, even if there were risks, having an auxiliary-type Soul Saint standing by meant he was in good hands.

"Very well. In that case, let's not waste time. Begin!"

Hearing Murong Huai's command, Tu Zhen nodded. Soul power surged around his body, and his torso flashed with a momentary cyan light. "Soul Bone Skill—Gravity Control!!"

The area within a hundred-meter radius around Murong Huai was instantly enveloped by a special energy. Murong Huai immediately felt a massive pressure descend upon him.

Tu Zhen controlled the gravity, slowly weakening it until it reached a range Murong Huai could adapt to—roughly double the normal force. This was not Murong Huai's limit; it was set this way because he needed to adapt before slowly increasing the intensity. Reaching the limit right from the start would be counterproductive.

"Holy Son, the gravity has reached your current threshold. Once you have fully adapted, I will increase it further."

Murong Huai nodded, feeling the oppressive gravity permeate every part of his body. By distributing the pressure evenly, he could exercise every muscle group.

Adjusting his breathing, Murong Huai began to run slowly along the perimeter of the gravity field. As he ran, the gravity adjusted to the contraction state of his muscles—a display of the high-precision control a Soul Douluo possessed over their soul skills, confirming that Tu Zhen was among the most formidable of his rank.

At first, Murong Huai could barely maintain his running speed, but within half an hour, his knees began to buckle and his body started to sink. Sweat quickly soaked his thin clothes, steaming into a faint white mist in the morning light.

"Hah... hah..." The sound of rapid breathing echoed through the valley. Murong Huai's steps grew heavier, but he forced himself to pick up the pace.

As time passed, his gait gradually stabilized. Although his body felt as heavy as if it were filled with lead, his movements began to flow. Running under double gravity made the ground tremble slightly with every step he took.

Feeling the tearing sensation in his muscles, he found the pain refreshing. He loved this kind of improvement; though sweat drenched his clothes, it could not stop his progress.

Another half hour later, Murong Huai finished his run. After catching his breath, he moved to a plum blossom stake, dropped into a horse stance with his feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent as if sitting on an invisible chair, and raised his hands to shoulder height to begin his stance training.

During the stance, his body remained relatively still, but internal changes were quietly taking place. This allowed his muscles to receive moderate exercise, enhancing their strength and endurance, while simultaneously promoting blood circulation and improving the stability of his lower body.

This process was still carried out under the pressure of gravity. As time dragged on, a burning pain radiated through his legs, but Murong Huai persisted. Drenched in sweat and exhausted, he kept his posture unchanged, gritting his teeth.

"Since I, Murong Huai, have come to the Douluo Continent, I cannot be as mediocre as I was in my past life. If I want to stand at the pinnacle of this world, what is a little pain like this!"

As time slipped by, half an hour passed. Murong Huai finished his conditioning, and Tu Zhen withdrew the gravity suppression. With his stamina completely depleted, Murong Huai swayed and collapsed backward.

Seeing this, Tu Zhen instantly flashed to his side to catch him, then looked toward Ju Qinglan. Understanding the cue, she raised her hand as soul power surged, and a milky-white lotus appeared in her palm. Two yellow, two purple, and three black soul rings descended.

"Heart of White Lotus, Light of Healing!"

Instantly, milky-white energy poured from the lotus and merged into Murong Huai's body. In a flash, he felt a warm energy flow through his limbs and bones, restoring his exhausted stamina in an instant.

Even the minor damage his bones had sustained under double gravity was completely healed. It had to be said that Qian Daoliu's arrangements were impeccable: one person controlled gravity to train Murong Huai's body, while the other provided healing to ensure no hidden injuries remained, allowing Murong Huai to strengthen his physique without any worries.

As his bodily functions rapidly recovered, Murong Huai stood up and clenched his fists. He felt full of strength, and the muscle soreness from the high-intensity training had vanished.

"Heh, training without any worries—this feels great."

He then walked to the clearing, summoned the Immortal Lord Nine-Arrival Sword, and drew the blade to begin practicing the thirteen basic sword forms. Compared to yesterday, Murong Huai's movements were much smoother and more fluid.

Each strike now carried a hint of poise, and the Immortal Lord Nine-Arrival Sword felt more natural in his grip. Wherever the sword light passed, its sharpness was revealed.

Swish, swish, swish—

Murong Huai swung the longsword faster and faster, becoming more adept. He was lost in the art of the sword, unable to pull himself away.

Watching from the side, Tu Zhen couldn't help but sigh.

"As expected of the Pope's prized disciple. It has only been one day since he learned the sword techniques, and this is only his second practice session, yet he has already reached the level of an ordinary person's months of effort. He is truly a genius of the sword."

As Murong Huai practiced in a trance, time flowed away like falling petals and running water. His sword forms grew increasingly intense, as if some power were about to erupt. Just as he finished his final strike, Murong Huai closed his eyes.

A golden flash of sword light streaked through his mind. In an instant, it was as if the light of the stars had flickered across the azure sky. A hint of golden light appeared in Murong Huai's eyes, and a faint sword intent attached itself to the Immortal Lord Nine-Arrival Sword.

Tu Zhen and Ju Qinglan, who were guarding nearby, caught sight of Murong Huai's state and exchanged a look of shock.

"This is..."

Leaping into the air, he tapped his sword lightly toward the east before swinging it violently. An arc of light emerged, and the sword qi, like the rising morning sun, shattered the darkness.

"Nine-Fold Holy Judgment, First Form—Morning Star Enlightenment!!!"