Golden Crocodile Douluo was on his way; arrival in Heaven Dou City

In a broad clearing, three figures held strange poses while another moved among them, carefully adjusting their positions and correcting their mistakes bit by bit.

Half an hour passed in a flash. Xue Qinghe was the first to buckle under the tremendous drain on his qi and blood caused by Standing Stake, his body swaying on the verge of collapse.

Tang Shan reached out a broad hand beneath his waist and steadied him.

A flicker of awkwardness crossed Xue Qinghe's eyes. He gave two dry coughs and changed the subject. "Why am I so exhausted when I haven't been training for very long?"

Tang Shan had acted without thinking, simply reaching out when he saw Xue Qinghe about to fall. At the question, he answered casually, "Standing Stake isn't that simple. It already has some ability to mobilize your qi and blood and strengthen your body. But that mobilization is passive, so you don't notice it as clearly.

"Your qi and blood are constantly being depleted, so naturally, you feel tired."

Tang Shan looked at the two Douluos and continued, "These two seniors have profound cultivation. Even though they've never practiced internal martial arts before, their formidable soul power has nourished powerful bodies, giving them considerable reserves of qi and blood. It's only natural that they can last longer than you."

Grrr!

A sudden rumble came from Xue Qinghe's stomach, plunging everyone into a brief, awkward silence.

"Ahem, it's getting late. It's about time for lunch, too. Let's head back."

Tang Shan took the initiative to offer him a way out.

Xue Qinghe murmured his agreement, keeping his expression deliberately composed. His feet, however, unconsciously picked up speed as he put some distance between himself and Tang Shan and strode toward the Imperial Guard's camp.

"I'll go protect the Young