The Chu Family.
Training ground.
Two figures, like high-speed Fighter Jet, engaged in a fierce exchange of fire.
Jiang Shu held a wooden sword, and the Thirteen Forms of the Saber in his hands were as powerful as mountains and forests, as frost and mist, as fiery and lightning, transcending the ordinary and reaching a state of sainthood.
After studying the " Crimson Palace Thunder Method Aperture Training Chapter," his fighting style became even more expansive and powerful, with an unparalleled ferocity. The movements of his limbs and bones were dignified and radiant, like a Vajra descending to earth.
" Brother Jiang's realm is becoming increasingly profound and unfathomable. I'm afraid that in a few more months, he will officially step into the Aperture Opening Realm. No wonder you don't care about your ranking on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings at all."
Chu Xisheng loudly, his wooden spear transforming into a powerful form as he condensed his True Force, resembling an ancient giant elephant, trampling and roaring.
The air in the training ground fell silent, as if an immense pressure had truly descended.
Under the advice of his elders in the family, his marksmanship improved further. His essence and blood condensed, and the surrounding heaven and earth energy forced him to come. His state was getting closer and closer to the Aperture Realm.
"Congratulations, Brother Chu, on reaching the Qi Induction stage."
With a focused gaze, Jiang Shu finished speaking, turned his body, took a step forward, and unleashed the Five Elements Swordplay, Qilin.
After Limit Break the Four Seasons Swordplay, Jiang Shu named it the Five Elements Swordplay, using the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, and Qilin as metaphors for it.
This strike was like the majestic Dao, like an emperor on a tour, exuding authority without anger.
It is the true sword of the Holy King.
The roar of the giant elephant grew deeper and deeper in that instant, as if the gathered Origin Qi of heaven and earth had been opened, and streams of Origin Qi dispersed outwards.
"Bang!"
The wooden spears on the field turned into wood chips under the burst of True Force. Looking at the astonished Chu Xisheng, Jiang Shu sheathed his sword and stood up.
"I really don't know how you cultivated..."
After a long pause, Chu Xisheng murmured to himself. In the past few months, he had never stopped cultivating, and his ranking on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings had already jumped from twenty-third to twelfth.
He thought that now that he had stabilized his cultivation level, he would be able to fight Jiang Shu to a standstill.
Unexpectedly, the gap between the two widened further.
"Judging by your level, you should be close to reaching the Qi Gathering stage."
Releasing the wood shavings from his hand, Chu Xisheng's words were tinged with envy.
The Blood Exchange Realm to the Aperture Opening Realm is not like the previous four realms of cultivation; it's the Body Refining to Qi Refining, so it naturally cannot be achieved overnight.
To break it down further, to reach the Aperture Opening Realm, a martial artist in the Blood Exchange Realm needs to go through three stages.
Qi Sensing, Qi Induction, Qi Gathering.
"I'm afraid you could make it into the top three of the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings even without that set of Treasure Artifact. This time, the Danxia Merchant Guild has really struck gold. You don't know, the other two chambers of commerce in the state city are constantly trying to recruit geniuses, all dreaming of producing another one like you."
"This is still without them knowing your true strength. They all mistakenly believe that you killed Zhao Zhongming Zhao Zhongming by relying on the power of your Treasure Artifact. But in reality, if the two of you were to have another life-or-death battle now, even if you were using a wooden sword, you could probably still easily kill Zhao Zhongming."
Chu Xisheng couldn't help but shake his head.
Qi Sensing, sensing the Origin Qi of heaven and earth.
Qi Induction means drawing upon the Origin Qi of heaven and earth.
Qi Gathering, the Origin Qi of heaven and earth, and merging it with the innate Qi generated by the internal organs, opening up the Aperture, one can officially enter the Aperture Opening Realm.
"Still a little short."
Jiang Shu smiled but did not tell the truth. The wooden knife in his hand shattered into dust.
Over the past two weeks, his understanding of the " Crimson Palace Thunder Method Aperture Training Chapter " has deepened, and he has long been able to reach the Qi Gathering stage. However, the " Great Dream Sleep Dan Art " is only at its peak, and he plans to work on it until it Limit Break.
The Aperture Opening Realm opens up all 365 Aperture in the body, allowing each Aperture to gather and store the Origin Qi of heaven and earth.
The more Aperture a martial artist opens up for the first time, the higher their martial arts talent will be, and the faster and farther they can go in this realm.
He has reached the limit of the Body Refining arts of the Great Jing Dynasty.
Now, we can only wait and see what surprises the " Great Dream Sleep Dan Art " will bring him.
Anyway, Liang Yuanzhou hasn't broken through to the Blood Exchange Realm yet, so he still has time to try.
"Who knows how much you're lacking?"
Chu Xisheng muttered, looked at Jiang Shu, and said, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore, let's go have a drink. You know, why did you learn the Crimson Palace Thunder? I think the Dirty Water Thunder is pretty good too. If you had learned the Dirty Water Thunder, I would have picked out one of the courtesans in the Mist Temple for you. It wouldn't have been a waste for you to come and spar with me."
"Actually, if you're not in a hurry, you can stay in the state capital for a while longer. You've only been here for a few months and haven't even had a chance to explore, yet you're already planning to go to the Royal City. Cultivation is important, but you should also see the scenery along the way. Look at me, I'm a prime example. I could have cultivated faster in the state capital, but I went to the county capital for training."
"On the path of martial arts, there is a balance between tension and relaxation. It's alright to take it easy for a while."
"As for the Hundred Dynasty War you asked me about, there's really no need to rush. Anyone under the age of thirty-five can participate in the Hundred Dynasty War. We definitely won't make it this year. A year is too difficult to go from Blood Exchanging to the Mortal Shedding Realm."
The Chu Family's banquet was extremely lavish.
Chu Xisheng drank more and more, and talked more and more. To satisfy Jiang Shu's curiosity, he once again told him about the situation of the Aristocratic Clan in Cloud State Capital, the layout of each Aristocratic Clan, the division of industries, the system for their children, and what they needed to do after being promoted to genius.
Several days later.
Jiang Shu left the city on a giant ship.
But no one knew that not long after the giant ship set sail...
Jiang Shu turned around, his figure shifted, and he arrived at a restaurant in the North City.
From this restaurant, one can see the courtyard where Liang Yuanzhou is located.
"Now, all the martial artists in the city think I've left, and it's time to start making plans. The Liang Family's competition is only half a month away, and Liang Yuanzhou is indeed cunning. He was given enough Marrow Cleansing Pill, but only took a portion of them."
"I'm afraid it's partly to protect myself, and partly because I want to be greedy. The Marrow Cleansing Pill is different from the Chao Yuan Pill; even at the Blood Exchange Realm, it can improve a martial artist's martial arts level."
Jiang Shu squinted. As Alchemist, he could naturally see the changes after taking the pills.
Liang Yuanzhou in the courtyard seemed to be taking pills every day and practicing diligently, but Jiang Shu could clearly sense that Liang Yuanzhou was deliberately slowing down his cultivation speed.
"They probably want to break through a few days before the competition. Anyway, judging geniuses doesn't take much time. Besides, breaking through before the competition means their realm is unstable, which can also prove that they are no match for Liang Yuanhong. They can avoid offending anyone and still get something out of themselves."
"After all, compared to offending the grandson of an elder in the Aperture Opening Realm of the Aristocratic Clan, offending himself, Blood Exchange Realm martial artist who is clearly an ordinary martial artist, is the best choice. Right now, it's just a pretense. Once he reaches the Blood Exchange Realm, he will be a genius in the Aristocratic Clan just like everyone else. Which ordinary Blood Exchange Realm martial artist would dare to break ties with him then?"
"I do have some cleverness, but why not use it on my own people?"
Jiang Shu murmured, her voice growing colder and colder.
The Panel appeared in my mind.
Jiang Shu —
" Four Symbols Viscera Transformation Force ": Limit Break
The Great Dream Sleep Dan Art: Perfect (988/1000)
"Based on the progress, I should Limit Break after tonight. Then Qi Gathering and open up my Aperture to fully enter the Aperture Opening Realm."
Withdrawing his gaze, Jiang Shu began his daily cultivation.
The Liang Family Grand Competition, Liang Yuanhong, was a smokescreen deliberately released by him from the very beginning.
Whether Liang Yuanzhou does it or not, it will not affect his overall strategy.
Sitting cross-legged, his body is like a great elixir, and the vitality of heaven and earth around him is gathering little by little.
The sun is setting in the west.
Clouds stretching for thousands of miles drifted by with the cool breeze, the weather suddenly turned cold, a drop of rain fell from the depths of the clouds, followed by the pitter-patter of rain falling on the eaves, moss, and the streets paved with white stone slabs.
The bottleneck within Jiang Shu's body quietly broke through amidst the sound of rain.
There seemed to be a big pill in his abdomen that was slowly rotating, and the vitality of the surrounding world surged in instantly.
Every pore on its body was open, like a fish in a scenic lake opening its mouth to welcome each grain of food.
"Puff..."
The Heart Fire leads the lung qi to erupt first.
Sounds softly within oneself.
The Origin Qi of heaven and earth converges to form this.
One hundred and eight rings!
Jiang Shu could clearly feel that his Lifespan and strength were improving qualitatively, and his entire body was becoming more integrated into the world.
It was like a dragon trapped in shallow water suddenly being plunged into the deep sea.
One hundred and eight Aperture were completely opened.
Hundred Apertures Gathering Spirit!
The " Crimson Palace Thunder Method Aperture Training Chapter " circulates in the Lesser Celestial Circuit, and the Qi in the abdomen gradually becomes ethereal, transforming into a human figure that sits upright in the Dantian.
Outside the window, thunder rumbled.
Within the body, Five Thunders Erupting Simultaneously.
Jiang Shu closed his eyes, feeling the jubilation in every cell of his body. Taking this step meant that he had completely stepped into the realm of the inhuman.
Even without food or water, they can survive for a month.
Ordinary people eat meat to cultivate courage and ferocity.
Martial artists who Body Refining consume elixirs in order to achieve a healthy and youthful appearance.
Only those who Qi Refining can abstain from grains and Qi Ingestion Grain Avoidance.
Lifespan of 240 years.
He was so engrossed in it that he allowed the Origin Qi of heaven and earth to fill every Aperture, completely unaware of the passage of time.
" The Crimson Palace Thunder Method Aperture Training Chapter ": Minor Success (1/1000)
Months of accumulation erupted overnight.
Even a beginner can achieve some success.
Ten days later.
The air in the city felt even fresher after the recent rain.
The Liang Family was extremely busy. Some of the younger members who had been training in the county town rushed back to register for the annual competition.
Liang Yuanzhou stepped inside, his blood surging like molten mercury. His back, bent for countless years, straightened instantly.
Blood Exchange Realm!
The discerning members of the Liang Family all stared in disbelief at the scene before them, their pupils dilating slightly. They watched as Liang Yuanzhou reported his cultivation level in the Elder Hall, had his cultivation checked, and ultimately received a reward, becoming Lineage genius.
Amid the elders' praise, Liang Yuanzhou grew increasingly smug and returned to the courtyard to make ample preparations for the upcoming competition.
"Your progress is much slower than I expected."
In Liang Yuanzhou's hands, the Giant Whale Subduing Wave Palm became even more Furnace Fire. After reaching the Blood Exchange Realm, his understanding of his former martial arts skills deepened further.
As long as one's level of understanding remains stable and continues to improve.
Wait until the late stage of the Blood Exchange Realm.
They will surely be able to re-enter the Lineage's Hidden Scripture Pavilion and obtain Superior Grade Cultivation Method and Top-Grade Martial Art.
By then.
I might even be able to break through to the Aperture Opening Realm in my lifetime!
With a surge of emotion, the Giant Whale Subduing Wave Palm technique became more refined and condensed with each strike.
Hearing the increasingly familiar voice from the past few days, he didn't turn his head. Only after finishing his palm technique did he speak, "That's also reaching the Blood Exchange Realm. As for the competition the day after tomorrow, I can only say I'll do my best."
After advancing to the Blood Exchange Realm and becoming a genius of the Lineage, he had ample confidence to converse with this unfamiliar middle-aged man.
Liang Yuanhong is not someone to be trifled with.
Who knows if this person has any hidden cards up their sleeve during the competition?
Compared to fighting tooth and nail in the competition, he preferred to conceal his true abilities and simply demonstrate his level of skill.
After all, he's not a real genius.
On the path of martial arts, stability is key.
"Is it to do one's best, or is it that one doesn't want to do it?"
Jiang Shu spoke casually.
This advancement to the Aperture Opening Realm was far smoother and more powerful than he had imagined.
After Limit Break the " Great Dream Sleep Dan Art ", his own body had obviously risen to a higher level of talent.
Upon breakthrough, Hundred Apertures Gathering Spirit, and the Origin Qi Shape Shifting.
He was confident he could even fight those experts in the mid-stage of the Aperture Opening Realm.
"Of course, we will do our best."
Liang Yuanzhou frowned, took a deep breath, and then softened his tone, saying, "I know you are eager for revenge. But I am truly limited in my abilities, and I estimate that I am no match for Liang Yuanhong in this competition. I think it would be better if we waited until next year's competition before I made my formal move."
"Consider the Chao Yuan Pill and Marrow Cleansing Pill from before as your support. If I am unable to avenge you within a year, I will naturally return them."
"Just a few days ago you were calling me 'senior,' but now you're addressed as 'Your Excellency.'"
Jiang Shu sighed and shook his head. Sure enough, too many people in this world are self-centered.
Especially those from aristocratic Aristocratic Clan, even if they are from a collateral branch, still consider themselves members of the Aristocratic Clan and look down on martial artists from ordinary backgrounds, displaying an arrogant and superior attitude.
People like Chu Xisheng are extremely rare.
But it's good, it saves me some trouble.
If this person is truly loyal and righteous, I might be in a bit of trouble. I should knock him unconscious, leave him a note, and tell him to leave the city immediately after he wakes up.
But now...
"We are at the same cultivation level, so it's natural for us to address each other as equals. Of course, I am still very grateful for the elixirs you previously gifted me. We'll see next year..."
"No need to wait."
Before Liang Yuanzhou could speak, Jiang Shu stretched out his hand, like Azure Dragon reaching out its claws.
The Origin Qi, generated from the heart and flowing out through all the orifices, suppressed Liang Yuanzhou's True Force.
A large hand pinned Liang Yuanzhou tightly to the ground.
Liang Yuanzhou's eyes widened in disbelief. Only now did he realize just how unfamiliar the familiar middle-aged man in front of him truly was.
Isn't his enemy Liang Yuanhong?
Why... why would someone attack me...?
Moreover, what Blood Exchange Realm? It's so powerful...
Am I not at the Blood Exchange Realm, or am I?
No matter how much training they receive, they show no ability to struggle at all.
Liang Yuanzhou could feel his Qi and Blood instantly congealed, unable to enter his nostrils, unable to breathe, and unable to circulate even the slightest bit of power. His limbs and bones felt utterly powerless, and even the pores on his body seemed to be tightly shut.
He was like an ordinary person who had never practiced martial arts, drowning in the deep sea.
"Your death is repaying a debt of gratitude."
The Origin Qi directly entered Liang Yuanzhou's body, probing inside and out. With the circulation of True Force and the flow of Qi and Blood, Jiang Shu's figure also changed, gradually becoming another " Liang Yuanzhou ".
He stood up, and below him, Liang Yuanzhou, his face filled with resentment, died from exhaustion.
A specific elixir rolled down, its extremely corrosive properties instantly corroding the entire body, turning it into a pool of stagnant water.
Jiang Shu took out Liang Yuanzhou's old clothes from the room, put them on, and began to practice the Giant Whale Subduing Wave Palm.
Within the body, Origin Qi circulated in a simulated manner according to the Liang Family's True Force Cultivation Method.
From unfamiliar to extremely familiar.
The crescent moon hangs low, and the stars twinkle.
The next day.
Jiang Shu pushed open the door and, disguised as Liang Yuanzhou, swaggered into the Liang Family.