After another stretch of time, the searing plasma turned into a layer of frost. Heat and cold alternated, making his pores contract.
This solidified the runes deep within his skin and formed a series of muscle memories. After all, he had never practiced the so-called "Thousand Hammers, Hundred Refinements," so this was the only way to give him a crash course.
After who knew how long, Zhang Ming, who was almost frozen stiff, was transported back out.
A group of Macrosteel People unceremoniously picked up their hammers and pounded away. A few clangs broke open the layer of metal on the surface, and they pulled a living man out.
"Haha, he's still alive!"
You bastards! Old Zhang cursed furiously inside.
"Hurry up! Finish within half an hour!" Master Gong Jinye urged in his booming voice.
Another seven or eight hammers came crashing down.
The sight terrified Zhang Ming, but for some reason, the hammers striking his skin actually made the ringing sound of metal on metal... and it felt rather good? It was like a massage!
"Mr. Zhang, please bear with it. This is only the beginning... Next, we need to carve inscriptions into your bones. We've applied a little anesthetic here, so please don't resist the pain."
"Carve inscriptions into your bones!" Without looking, he knew that lewd, sleazy repetition had come from Stone Mama. He had no idea why Stone Mama was so delighted.
The next second, Old Zhang grimaced, feeling a Rune Blade slice open his back. Despite the anesthetic, he could still clearly sense these fellows carving something into his bones...
Honestly, the sensation was rather creepy. Just imagine being cut open and having your bones carved into. It was even more terrifying than "Intraoperative Awareness."
Zhang Ming could only force his way through on willpower