Sky Roc Dragon-Seizing Physique Diagram

Su Family Estate.

Night had fallen, yet the study was still brightly lit. Wang Ping sat upright within, the hemp paper in his hand falling into the flames and slowly turning to ash.

[Sky Roc Dragon-Seizing Physique Diagram].

This was Chen Haoyan's deepest-hidden secret, yet Wang Ping burned it without hesitation. Of course, he had already recorded every last detail with his Spirit Sense.

"This is the safest way."

Having done all this, Wang Ping finally relaxed. He calmed his mind and carefully studied the diagram that could allow one to condense Inner Force.

A Cultivation-Body Diagram was, in essence, a painting—one rendered with extraordinarily free yet vivid brushwork. It depicted a colossal roc that blotted out the sky and covered the earth as it hunted dragons and serpents. The entire painting was detailed to a hair-raising degree; he could even see every feather on the roc's wings as it swooped down to kill its prey.

Even stranger was the fact that—the painting moved.

"It must use some kind of technique. The painting looks different from every angle, and when all the images overlap, they form a brief animation."

Wang Ping focused his Spirit Sense and grew even more serious.

Gradually, he saw words upon the roc's body. Every feather was like a brush, tracing patterns along with the roc's movements.

Immediately afterward, a passage of scripture sprang into his mind.

"Heaven Roc Seizes Dragon, feeding and wraithing... What a wicked art!"

Before long, Wang Ping had successfully learned the principles and key secrets of the entire [Sky Roc Dragon-Seizing Physique Diagram]. The bewilderment in his expression gradually gave way to a trace of understanding.

As its name implied, the Inner Force condensed through this Cultivation-Body Diagram was called [Heavenly Roc Force]. It sounded grand and majestic, but its effects were mainly used in two ways. The first was called "Wraith." As the name suggested, it involved striking Inner Force into another person's body, then transforming them into the roc master's servant!

It was an exceptionally sinister and brutal method.

Once [Heavenly Roc Force] entered another person's body, it would automatically transform into another special kind of Inner Force known as [Wraith Dragon Force], which possessed terrifyingly strong corrosive power.

It was like a deadly poison.

Once someone was completely eroded by [Wraith Dragon Force], their every word and action, even their life and death, would no longer be under their own control. They would be at the roc master's mercy.

Its second use was even more sinister.

It was called "Feed."

Put simply, the roc master could devour the Inner Force painstakingly cultivated by a wraith dragon, thereby nourishing themself and even using it to break through crucial bottlenecks.

Wang Ping stared for quite some time before finally seeing the core concept of this martial art between the lines.

[Eat People]!

Yet at that moment, a rather strange thought suddenly surfaced in Wang Ping's mind: did the wraith dragons controlled by [Heavenly Roc Force] include corpses?

If they did not, then so be it.

But if they did, could he kill himself and revive, then refine his own corpse into a wraith dragon before eating it—using his left foot to step on his right foot and rise into the sky?

At that thought, Wang Ping's heart suddenly burned with excitement. If this idea could work, there would be far more room for maneuver in the future.

A moment later, he left the room and headed for the stables.

When the Curly-Mane Horse saw him approaching, it seemed to realize something. It did not even need his help. It merely rolled its eyes at him, then voluntarily stuck out its rear.

"Pfft, pfft, pfft!"

It pooped out the pills itself.

Seeing this, Wang Ping could not help wondering whether his horse had become a little too intelligent. It did not seem to have been like this at first.

But he soon cast such trivial matters to the back of his mind. He quickly picked up the lump of dung, washed it clean with water, then undid the seal and took out the pill bottles inside. He had already eaten most of the pills Chen Haoyan had given him during this period of meteoric advancement.

In exchange, he had attained External Arts Perfection.

Other than the poison pills and the Heaven's Will Soul-Returning Pill, whose purpose he did not know, only the two bottles in his hands still possessed nourishing effects.

[Heaven-Reversing Rebirth Pill].

[Snow Ginseng Icefruit Nectar].

"Based on my previous experiments, these two medicines nourish not the body, but Inner Force. They can help me complete the Cultivation-Body Diagram's training at the fastest speed."

Wang Ping's eyes shone brightly.

As far as he knew, the cultivation of an Inner Force Martial Master was essentially a process of constantly perfecting one's own cultivation body. The more complete the cultivation body, the stronger the Martial Master.

This process actually had only two steps.

The first step was for the cultivation body to contain the Twelve Principal Meridians. This was the Lesser Celestial Circuit Body, where Inner Force formed an initial cycle within the martial artist's body and underwent a qualitative leap in power.

The second step was for the cultivation body to contain the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. This was the Greater Celestial Circuit Body, which greatly enhanced Inner Force output, total reserves, and special effects.

"Most Cultivation-Body Diagrams cannot even complete the first step. After all, the Twelve Principal Meridians include the three yin and three yang meridians of the hands and feet, while most diagrams can only contain one of them. Trying to encompass them all is unrealistic... At least, ordinary superior martial arts cannot achieve it. One must cultivate other martial arts alongside them."

Thinking of this, Wang Ping grew even more excited.

Because he discovered that the [Sky Roc Dragon-Seizing Physique Diagram] was of an extraordinarily high grade. It actually included all Twelve Principal Meridians, lacking only the Eight Extraordinary Meridians!

"Unbelievable."

"Where exactly did Chen Haoyan obtain this Cultivation-Body Diagram? It is absurdly overpowered. Could it have been copied from some peerless martial art?"

After a moment of silence, Wang Ping took out the Black Chi Bow.

It was a forbidden item from the county yamen's armory. Though it was still a [Mortal Weapon], it was only one step away from becoming a higher-grade [Fine Weapon].

"It is just right for making a breakthrough."

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The wind howled, the candle flame went out, and the room sank into darkness. Wang Ping sat cross-legged on the floor, already wearing six Mortal Weapons.

Aside from the Black Chi Bow and the Ox-Tail Saber, he wore a Blacksteel Soft Armor, an Exquisite Armor Belt, and a Tiger-Head Heartguard. He had taken them all from the Su Family Estate. Fully equipped, they resonated with his martial arts and emitted faint glimmers in the darkness.

Then, he grasped the two pill bottles in his hands.

"Gulp."

The pills entered his stomach like exploding bombs. A violent, scorching current of medicinal power erupted from his lower abdomen, coiling around his meridians before instantly flooding toward every limb and bone.

"Condensing a cultivation body is actually extremely dangerous."

"After all, everything happens within the body, where the naked eye cannot see. Yet one wrong step can damage the meridians or even leave grievous injuries that are difficult to repair."

Thus, the vast majority of martial artists were exceedingly cautious when condensing their cultivation bodies. They often spent ten or twenty years on the task, taking every step with utmost care. Some who truly could not bear the loneliness would choose to give up after condensing a Lesser Celestial Circuit Body, unwilling to continue walking a tightrope.

Moreover, whether it was a Lesser Celestial Circuit Body or a Greater Celestial Circuit Body—

In theory, both could produce a Titled Martial Master and earn a place on the Weapon Ranking. Their true difference lay in the Grandmaster Realm, where the Greater Celestial Circuit Body offered greater hope.

But so what?

Even if a Greater Celestial Circuit Body helped one charge toward the Grandmaster Realm, it increased the odds by less than ten percent. To many, that was utterly meaningless.

Besides, ninety-nine percent of martial artists in the world could forget about becoming Grandmasters. Even reaching the final threshold before the Grandmaster Realm made them one in hundreds of thousands.

Since that was the case, why make things difficult for oneself?

"Just thinking about it feels hard."

Wang Ping sighed. The Martial Dao was like this: the higher one climbed, the more difficult it became, harder than ascending to the heavens. Those who could reach the end were all extraordinary heroes of their age.

And for someone like him, swallowing a massive amount of Inner Force-nourishing pills while condensing his cultivation body, calling it walking a tightrope would not even begin to describe the danger.

He was practically dancing on a tightrope!

"The rampaging medicinal power will not give me any time to react. Before I can determine which path is correct, it will have already shattered my meridians."

Condensing a cultivation body within one's body was like feeling for stones while crossing a river in the dark. Others used time to slowly grind away at it, while the river was shallow and clear. But if he wanted rapid success in a short time, it was equivalent to facing a monstrous flood head-on. Being swept away and buried in the bellies of fish was almost inevitable.

If any other martial artist were here, they would probably have already declared themself dead.

"What? I cultivate immortality? Then it's fine!"

Wang Ping activated his Spirit Sense and instantly locked onto the Twelve Principal Meridians within his body. He then guided the medicinal power into them. The whole process could not exactly be called arduous at every step.

At the very least, it could be called effortless.

"Rumble!"

Gradually, Wang Ping's breathing became deep and thunderous, as though lightning were gathering within the dim study, or a great river were rushing and surging.

Just then, the door was pushed open.

"Creak..."

Madam Su, who had just finished arranging Chen Haoyan's burial and returned home, froze. Her gaze immediately stuck uncontrollably to the person in the room.

His appearance had not changed in the slightest, yet for some reason, though he stood in darkness, he seemed to be glowing, his presence almost overwhelming.

The next second, Wang Ping abruptly opened his eyes.

Whoosh!

It was as though a bolt of lightning flashed across the dim room. For an instant, all was white before darkness swiftly returned, startling Madam Su into stumbling.

Madam Su nearly fell, but before that could happen, a large hand had already reached over and steadily supported her willow-slender body.

"Is Madam all right?" Wang Ping asked with a solemn expression.

"Mm..."

Madam Su covered her face. Thinking of how she had treated Wang Ping with cold disdain just days ago, only to now be lying in his arms, left her too ashamed to speak.

Yet she could not quite bear to break free at this moment.

So she consoled herself, continuing to use the excuse of I was forced by someone, then half-pushed and half-yielded as she nestled into Wang Ping's embrace.

Yet Wang Ping was in no hurry to make a move.

Instead, he seriously helped Madam Su steady herself, then led her to the kitchen next door and showed her a table laden with dishes.

"This... did you make this?" Madam Su looked astonished.

"Uh, Madam thinks too highly of me."

Wang Ping was a little embarrassed. "It is food therapy from Joyous Arrival Tower. I had them deliver it. Since Madam has recently begun practicing martial arts, you cannot neglect your meals."

"Eat quickly."

At those words, Madam Su covered her vermilion lips, her heart brimming with indescribable joy.

After all, she had seen clearly just now that Wang Ping had obviously been immersed in cultivation, yet he had still remembered her and prepared such a table of nourishing food for her.

Then she recalled all those years when she had always arranged food therapy for Chen Haoyan, terrified of missing the right time and delaying that bastard's cultivation, only to invite a savage beating.

A surge of impulse rose within her.

By the time Madam Su came back to her senses, she had already thrown her arms tightly around Wang Ping. Standing on tiptoe, she wished she could knead her entire body into his.

"Madam, you—?"

"Don't speak..."

Several hours later.

More than half the kitchen table had already collapsed. Pots, bowls, and ladles lay scattered across the floor, yet the food had been eaten clean. Madam Su lay completely limp in Wang Ping's arms.

"I'm full," Madam Su said softly.

The warmth brought by her full stomach spread through her abdomen, while the happiness and satisfaction in her heart were beyond measure. She did not even want to move a finger.

Seeing this, Wang Ping also breathed a sigh of relief.

If before it had been for Chen Haoyan's martial arts manual, then now he was purely coaxing Madam Su. For that, he had truly put in a great deal of effort.

But there was nothing to be done about it. Things had already reached this point. He could hardly pull up his pants and deny knowing her, then make a clean break with Madam Su. How would that make him any different from Chen Haoyan? Besides, she had originally been a pitiful woman. If he wronged her too, she might truly seek death.

By nightfall, Madam Su was utterly exhausted and had fallen into a deep sleep.

After settling her down, Wang Ping left the room and entered the courtyard. Then he activated his Spirit Sense and examined the state of his body.

Within his Spirit Sense, the three yang and three yin meridians of his hands and feet—twelve meridians in all—were filled with Inner Force. They formed cycles with one another, then unfolded into an enormous network that covered his entire body. Though there were still many gaps and flaws, it was broadly complete, pulsing rhythmically with every breath he took.

The Twelve Principal Meridians were complete—the Lesser Celestial Circuit Body!

"That was too fast..."

Wang Ping was somewhat astonished. He could not help looking once more toward [Spirit Wandering Temple]. The methods of these Transcendent alchemists recognized by the imperial court were simply too formidable.

Just a few pills had equaled at least ten years of his bitter cultivation!

He wondered whether there were any more.

At that thought, Wang Ping's gaze toward [Spirit Wandering Temple] flickered slightly. He licked his lips, but quickly suppressed the greed in his heart.

"I cannot get carried away."

"Though I am already an Inner Force Martial Master, I practice the same martial art as Chen Haoyan. It might be enough in a small county town, but it would not amount to much outside."

He still had to keep a low profile.

Yet at that moment, Wang Ping's heart suddenly skipped a beat. He raised his head and looked toward a figure rapidly rushing toward him beneath the night sky.

"Who goes there!"

"It's me."

The voice belonged to Liu Ye. The old constable's face was full of excitement, and when he saw Wang Ping, he even revealed a teasing expression.

"Yo, isn't this Little Wang?"

"Why aren't you staying next door? Have you moved into Madam Su's room instead?"

Wang Ping's expression did not change. "Madam invited me so warmly, and I could only respectfully obey rather than decline. Sigh, I truly have no interest in these sorts of things."

Liu Ye: "..."

Shameless bastard!

At this hour, Liu Ye could not be bothered with nonsense. After rolling his eyes at Wang Ping, he got straight to the point. With a flick of his hand, he tossed over a martial arts manual.

"This is...?" Wang Ping was taken aback.

"Letting you kid broaden your horizons." Liu Ye grinned proudly. "To tell you the truth, your old brother here has secretly earned the county magistrate's favor."

"A few days ago, the county magistrate personally empowered me and even passed on a true martial art and peerless skill. I am now a proper Inner Force Martial Master. The chief constable's position has long since been reserved for me, and the county yamen competition a month from now is merely a formality... So? Isn't your old brother impressive?"

Empowerment? A true martial art?

Wang Ping looked at the manual Liu Ye had thrown over. The latter was still talking. "Don't say your old brother doesn't look after you. You were the first person I thought of."

"This is the true martial art the county magistrate passed down to me."

"I specifically sought the county magistrate's permission to pass it on to you in private. Go back and train hard. In the future, your old brother will promote you to be my deputy..."

Liu Ye continued chattering endlessly about his visions for the future.

Yet on the other side, Wang Ping had stopped breathing. The instant he saw the manual, every thought in his mind froze, leaving him almost unable to think.

The next second, Liu Ye's voice came again.

"Oh, right. This is the Inner Force I cultivated after the magistrate empowered me. Take a look..."

At those words, Wang Ping abruptly raised his head. A faint glow lit up in Liu Ye's hand, and the surging force actually gave off a dragon-like roar beneath the night sky.

He knew exactly what it was.

"[Wraith Dragon Force]!"

In an instant, it was like a stone dropped onto a tranquil lake, or a butterfly alighting on a spiderweb, touching some crucial element.

Inside Wang Ping's body, the [Heavenly Roc Force] he had only just cultivated stirred.

This was completely beyond his control. The [Heavenly Roc Force] and [Wraith Dragon Force] were two sides of the same coin; within a certain distance, they would naturally resonate with each other.

Under normal circumstances, this was not a bad thing. The moment the [Heavenly Roc Force] fluctuated, Wang Ping clearly sensed the changes in Liu Ye's organs, blood and qi, sinews and bones, even every aspect of his bodily functions. At the same time, with a mere thought from Wang Ping, those functions would collapse in an instant.

That was only natural.

After all, he was the Roc Master, while Liu Ye had already fallen into becoming a wraith dragon, yet remained unaware of it. Liu Ye posed no threat to him; Liu Ye's life and death rested on a single thought of his.

However, there was another Roc Master in this county seat.

"Not good!!!"

The moment he realized this, Wang Ping's expression changed drastically. Without hesitation, he sprang backward, trying to widen the distance—only to halt all his movements at the very end.

There was no other reason. It was already too late.

"So it really was you."

A calm voice drifted out of the night, thick with surprise. "Only a few days have passed, yet you have not only cultivated the Cultivation-Body Diagram, but your Inner Force is already so profound."

"It seems the Cultivation-Body Diagram I gave Chen Haoyan back then has fallen into your hands."

"You have also consumed most of that batch of pills."

"Chen Haoyan was killed by you."

"Are you one of the White Lotus Sect?"

Before the words had even faded, a figure appeared out of thin air within the Su Family Estate. Dressed in official robes and commanding authority without anger, he was none other than Longxing County's Azure Heaven Magistrate.

The county magistrate, Xu Bingzheng.