Two Months Later: Sinews and Skin at Greater Accomplishment

Once upon a time, there was a mountain.

There is a Eternal Spring Temple in the mountains.

This is where Old Mo stayed in his early years when he practiced martial arts and sought enlightenment.

According to Old Mo, he came from a Aristocratic Clan fishermen. Later, he was chosen by a wandering Daoist priest who took him away from his hometown to practice martial arts and seek the Tao. This place was where he and his master stayed in their early years.

Over the years, although Old Mo has never returned to this place, he has asked a few friends to secretly take care of this Daoist temple. As a result, Eternal Spring Temple is not large and does not have any top masters, but it has been able to prosper for a long time and its incense has never stopped burning, making it a small ancestral temple of Daoist School in the surrounding area.

now.

In the backyard of the Daoist temple, there is a large clump of banana trees in the corner of the wall. The leaves are broad and thick, and the lush green shade makes half of the courtyard cool.

Yu Tunzhou practiced his boxing alone in the courtyard. His stance was set up, and in one instant his punches were as powerful as thunder, and in the next instant he was as still as a pine tree.

The transition between movement and stillness is natural and spontaneous, and most importantly, it involves guiding the Qi and Blood throughout the body.

When at rest, the Inner Qi are like the hidden vitality in the depths of winter, concealed yet abundant, round and lustrous like cinnabar.

When in motion, it is like the thunder of spring, extremely masculine, with Qi and Blood surging to the limbs and bones, and the tendons stretching out like a strong bow and thunder; as the skin bulges, that masculine energy seems to burst forth from every pore, upright and mighty.

Every change in the flow of Qi and Blood is a tempering of his muscles, bones, and skin.

Finally, his muscles and bones suddenly stretched, and his joints cracked softly one after another, like a series of firecrackers, causing his blue robe to sway slightly.

Yu Tunzhou then slowly exhaled, withdrew his fist, stood up, and looked up at the clear blue sky.

Two months have passed in the blink of an eye, and it's already early summer.

For the past two months, besides researching his own Immortal Foundation Divine Ability, Yu Tunzhou has spent his days practicing martial arts to circulate his Qi and Blood, taking medicinal baths, and nourishing his Inner Qi.

The days were as tranquil as a mountain stream, without ripples or waves, seemingly no different from those in the grotto, yet they brought him a profound sense of peace.

As for Martial Dao prowess, while progress may not be rapid, it is certainly steady and gradual.

Martial Dao training involves Qi Ingestion and Meridian Opening and Form Refinement and Acupoint Opening the orifices.

Two months ago, he had already achieved the Great Perfection of Immortal Foundation. His body had been cleansed of all impurities, becoming as clear as glass. His meridians were unblocked, and his torso stretched and expanded like golden branches and jade leaves.

After pushing the Great Spirit Courtyard to the forty-ninth stage within the Qi Ingestion Realm, he did not linger and smoothly stepped into the Chain Forming Realm.

The Form Refinement realm, in summary, is about refining muscles, bones, and skin to achieve a high level of Qi and Blood, then nourishing the five internal organs, forging a furnace of Blood Qi, and finally opening the seven orifices.

When Qi and Blood are fully developed, it can be considered Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment.

The furnace for smelting Blood Qi is the Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment.

Opening the seven orifices Form Refinement Perfection.

Over the past two months, with the support of the medicinal baths at the Daoist temple, he has successively mastered the training of his tendons and skin, with only the final step of bone strengthening remaining.

In his previous life, Yu Tunzhou had heard of certain ancient martial arts sayings, such as "external training of muscles, bones, and skin, and internal training of breath."

Mastering even one skill to its peak makes one a renowned expert. If one can master two or even three skills, one can enjoy a great reputation in history. This process often takes decades, and often the skill is not mastered before the person grows old.

After achieving mastery of Inner Qi, he then trained his tendons and skin to mastery within two months.

Having mastered the art of tendon training, his tendons are like a great dragon, capable of binding and releasing his flesh and blood. Now, whenever he wants, all his muscles can swell up, his body grows larger, and his strength increases dramatically.

When one's skin is fully trained, one's entire body becomes an eye, and one's skin seems to have consciousness. One is extremely sensitive to airflow, strong winds, and killing intent. Wherever one's Qi and Blood and qi flow, one's skin becomes tougher and softer than copper. Ordinary swords and knives can hardly leave a mark on it. Moreover, no matter how much force one's bones and muscles exert, one's skin can withstand it without bursting.

Although the senses of the skin are far inferior to those of the Primordial Spirit, and Yu Tunzhou was used to observing his body with his Primordial Spirit in the past, in future battles in the martial world, if one's cultivation level is not high, revealing Primordial Spirit would expose one's weaknesses.

Now, the muscles, bones, and skin are all in place; only the final bone-strengthening is needed.

Bone training is also the most difficult step. Even if Yu Tunzhou has abundant Inner Qi Inner Qi and nourishes his body with it, it still takes time to complete the transformation of his entire skeletal system.

The muscles, bones, and skin support and complement each other. Once the bone training is complete, it will bring about a significant transformation in his strength.

According to the information Yu Tunzhou had gathered these past few days, Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment was already considered a formidable opponent in the martial arts world.

If one reaches the Divine Ability Realm, one can roam freely in the martial world.

Most of the young martial artists on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking are at the stage of Form Refinement Perfection to the early stage of Divine Ability.

The next level is said to be beyond the age limit, since the Dragon and Tiger Ranking only lists those under 25.

Yu Tunzhou is now close to achieving minor mastery of its Form Refinement, but its true strength is far greater than that.

Since he established his Immortal Foundation, he could feel his own Root Bone improving, with a slow increase every day.

Simply put, his innate stats are different from most martial artists.

At this moment, having harmonized the Qi and Blood within his body, Yu Tunzhou looked up at the top of the wall.

The two little heads quickly retracted.

Yu Tunzhou smiled.

These are two disciples from the Daoist temple. You have to call him "Uncle-Master" when you see him. The two little guys are not very old, even younger than Dingguang.

The old abbot, whose Daoist name Wolong, only accepted two disciples, so there were only eight people in the temple, including him.

Two of them were the old abbot's junior disciples, and the other two were young people who were responsible for daily chores and cooking. I heard they were also Registered Disciple of the Daoist temple.

Yu Tunzhou walked out of the courtyard and headed towards the front hall.

The Daoist temple wasn't crowded, but it was quite large, and the incense offerings were very popular. He stayed in the back courtyard, while at the front was a shrine dedicated to Dao Venerable.

On the way, he glanced around and spotted two furtive little creatures hiding not far away.

"Qingxuan, Qingwu, come and lead the way for your martial uncle." Yu Tunzhou didn't hesitate to use his seniority to intimidate them.

Only then did the two young Daoist boys emerge.

One of them, slightly taller, with a gentle appearance and the Daoist name Qingwu, was muttering to himself that his companion must have gained weight recently. Half of his body was sticking out of the rock, which is when his master noticed him.

The other one had a round, chubby face, with a lively and spirited air about him, and his Daoist name was Qingxuan.

The two young Daoist disciples slowly approached and respectfully bowed to Yu Tunzhou.

"You're peeking at your martial uncle practicing again?"

Yu Tunzhou reached out and gently pressed the heads of the two little ones. The soft touch of his fingertips was truly delightful.

Qingxuan's eyes darted around, and he said with a serious expression, "Uncle-Master, we've come to call you. Master said your travel permit and identification have already been prepared by the local government."

Yu Tunzhou laughed and said, "Then let's go, lead me to the front hall."

The two little ones led the way, and every few steps they couldn't help but turn back to look at him.

Halfway there, Qingxuan finally couldn't contain his curiosity and looked up at her, asking, "Uncle-Master, Master said you have Immortal Seed, is that true?"

Yu Tunzhou, his expression unchanged, said, "It's fake."

Qingwu, standing to the side, was overjoyed, almost jumping for joy. "I won! I knew Master was bragging again!"

Qingxuan frowned slightly, looking at her martial uncle with suspicion.

Yu Tunzhou said with a smile, "Qingwu, you gambled with Qingxuan again? Isn't that breaking the rules again? I'll tell your master later, and he'll treat you to a meal of bamboo shoots stir-fried with pork."

Qingwu's face immediately fell, and he looked pitifully at his martial uncle.

Qingxuan said seriously, "I think Master wasn't lying this time; it was Uncle-Master teasing the child."

As soon as the teasing remark was made to the child, Yu Tunzhou immediately chuckled and patted Qingxuan's shoulder lightly, "Good to know, don't expose me."

This time, it was Qingxuan's turn to be overjoyed. Qingwu exclaimed, "Uncle-Master, you really are Immortal Seed? But I've heard that no Immortal Seed has appeared in our Everlasting Spring Mountain for hundreds of years."

"So, Uncle-Master has arrived, hasn't he?"

A gentle breeze rustles through the mountains, and the shadows of the pines sway in the breeze.

The two little Daoist boys chattered away the whole way, but when they arrived at the main hall, they suddenly fell silent because their master was standing in front of the hall!

The old abbot had white hair and beard, a gaunt face with deep wrinkles, but a gentle expression in his eyes and brows.

He looked at Qingwu and said with a smile, "Qingwu, go and clean my courtyard, or you won't be eating dinner tonight. You'll have bamboo shoots stir-fried with meat."

Qingwu exclaimed, "Ah! Does Master already know?"

He had clearly begged his martial uncle not to report him, and it was clearly he and Qingxuan who gambled together, so why was he the only one punished?

The old Daoist priest looked at Qingxuan and smiled, "Qingxuan, do you know why your master punished Qingwu?"

Qingxuan said with a serious face, "Qingwu doesn't trust Master and thinks Master is bragging. He deserves to be punished. But I've always trusted Master. I believe everything Master says."

Qingwu's eyes widened. This is allowed?

The old abbot hummed in agreement and nodded, saying, "Then go help Qingwu."

Qingxuan scratched his head and said, "Was my answer incorrect?"

"That's a correct answer," the old abbot said seriously. "However, you are fellow disciples. Qingwu has been punished; are you just going to stand by and watch?"

Having said that, the old abbot looked at Yu Tunzhou, gestured for him to enter, and said with a smile, "Junior Brother Yu, this way please."

Yu Tunzhou chuckled and patted his two junior disciples on the head before walking straight into the main hall.

The temple houses a statue of a deity, but its face is indistinct; it is not Three Pure Ones, but rather Dao Venerable.

In the legends of this world, the Dao Venerable is the head of the Daoist School, and his antiquity predates even the Three Pure Ones.

The [Book of Changes] that Yu Tunzhou obtained was left behind by the Dao Venerable!

Therefore, after entering the hall, Yu Tunzhou first paid his respects to the Dao Venerable, and then looked at his senior brother, the abbot.

"Senior Brother Wolong."

Yu Tunzhou vividly remembered that when Old Mo led him to this Daoist temple, after recognizing the abbot, he stared at him for a long time before exclaiming, "Senior Brother Wolong, you're not dead yet?"

"Pah, pah, pah!" The abbot clasped his hands together, chanting "Boundless Dao Venerable," and murmured towards the sky, "Junior Brother Mo speaks without restraint; please, Dao Venerable, do not take it seriously. This disciple wishes to live a few more years."

Old Mo was puzzled. He put his hands behind his back, circled the abbot twice, and asked in surprise, "Senior Brother Wolong, can your Everlasting Eternal Spring Art really Changsheng?"

"A child with supernatural powers can live past two hundred years old?"

The abbot corrected him, saying, "This old Daoist is 256 years old this year, and is currently in good health. As long as I don't suffer any unexpected mishaps, living another fifty years shouldn't be a problem."

Old Mo gave a thumbs up and later explained to Yu Tunzhou that the lifespan of a Divine Ability Realm is generally only two to three Jiazi (60 years), and the limit for the External Scenery is about three hundred years. In fact, due to various hidden injuries, most of them do not live to that age.

"Senior Brother Wolong, you've chosen the wrong Daoist name. If you were to choose 'Divine Turtle,' wouldn't your fortune double? You could come with me then."

Old Mo said sincerely that with the world changing so drastically, he, in his current Dharma Aspect, would only live to be six hundred years old.

The abbot sighed, "That's what I thought too, but I deeply regret it. That's why I took in two disciples and gave them the most auspicious Daoist names."

"Qingxuan and Qingwu, come and pay your respects to your Uncle Mo. Your Uncle Mo is a top-tier master, and you are truly blessed to have the opportunity to witness him revisiting his old haunts. With just a few things from your Uncle Mo, you could live comfortably for the rest of your lives."

Old Mo gave another thumbs up, "One Xuan and one Wu, together they make Xuanwu! It really is a divine tortoise."

Then, under the eager anticipation of the two young Daoist boys, Old Mo hesitated for a long time before finally saying, "Next time, next time. This trip was really rushed. I'll have someone bring it next time."

The two young Daoist disciples immediately began to doubt the "master" their master had mentioned.

now.

The abbot of Wolong Temple handed over his travel permit and identification, smiling, "Junior Brother Yu, with these two items, you can travel freely to any county or prefecture for three years."

After accepting the Yu Tunzhou sincerely said, "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Brother Wolong. I will be leaving in a few days and won't bother you any longer."

The abbot waved his hand and laughed, "Junior brother, this identity document bears the name of my Eternal Spring Temple. If you make a name for yourself in the martial world in the future, my Eternal Spring Temple will also benefit from your success."

"Junior brother, do you have a destination in mind next?"

"These past few days, I've been looking at maps of the surrounding area, and I'm planning to head towards Northern Plains along the Eternal Spring Mountain Range."

The old abbot pondered for a moment and said, "Then, junior brother, you must be careful after entering the mountain. The mountains are full of dangers, and these dangers don't just come from people."

"I'll give this travel journal to my junior brother. Along the way, if you follow the clues in the journal, you might be able to gather some powerful medicinal herbs. These herbs can nourish your blood, and you can also sell them for some money."

"Also, here's some silver; junior brother, take it for your travel expenses."

Yu Tunzhou accepted the note without hesitation. "Thank you, Senior Brother!"

"Junior Brother Yu, you're too kind," the old abbot said with a smile. "The martial world is dangerous, but it also has its own unique charm. I wish you a safe and successful journey, Junior Brother."

Yu Tunzhou the greeting with a bow, took his leave, and returned to the backyard.

He sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard and carefully examined the travel permit and identification document in his hand.

With these two items, he now has a legitimate identity and is no longer the vagrant he once was.

Then he looked through the travel notes, and it was clear at a glance that they were handwritten by the elders of the temple, with detailed routes that far surpassed the maps he had seen before.

Some of them also have special markings indicating where the medicinal herbs grow, and even the date of the last harvest.

In the mountains, medicinal herbs are usually harvested with their roots intact, rather than all at once; this is considered an unwritten rule.

Yu Tunzhou flipped through his notes and decided to rest for two days, study the route, and set off the day after tomorrow.

Then.

He quickly gathered his belongings; it wasn't much, just enough for him to pack a few bags and set off.

Come to think of it, in the novels I read in my previous life, there were similar spatial Law Treasure for storing supplies, allowing one person to travel the world alone. I haven't heard of anything like that in this world.

Yu Tunzhou returned to the courtyard, moved his Qi and Blood several times, and continued to nourish his bones.

Strengthening muscles, bones, and skin is different from Qi Ingestion Method; it's not a Secret Method. Any Chain Forming Martial Arts can have a strengthening effect.

He learned several masculine boxing styles from Master Lu, as well as styles that combined strength and gentleness, such as the Subduing the Dragon and Taming the Tiger Fist.

But in the end, he incorporated all these boxing techniques into Taiji, renaming it Taiji Formless.

Using the Taijiquan Intent to master all kinds of martial arts.

At this point, the "appearance" of Taiji has gradually broken free from the constraints of its past, while the principles and Fist Intent remain unchanged.

The reason for choosing the formless form rather than the myriad forms is that Yu Tunzhou does not want this boxing technique to be bound by any fixed pattern.

After circulating his Qi and Blood several more times, Yu Tunzhou noticed obvious signs of fatigue and stopped, then went to take a medicinal bath.

Lying on my back in the tub of medicine, the warm water reached above my chest, and the medicinal aroma seeped into my skin, making my whole body feel warm and comfortable.

Yu Tunzhou gently fiddled with the Buddhist prayer beads he had obtained from Master Lu on his wrist, and Meditative Concentration a meditative state.

In the Luofu Grotto-Heaven, he unexpectedly entered the [Pure Land] several times, but was unable to stay for long.

However, according to Master Lu, once something happens, it will happen again.

Once is fortuitous opportunity, twice is good fortune, and after that, it becomes the norm.

Therefore, in the past two months, in addition to manipulating Qi and Blood and nourishing Inner Qi, he has also Meditative Concentration his spare time meditating and contemplating, truly not wasting a single moment!

now.

As he Meditative Concentration a meditative state, whether it was due to his sincerity over the past two months, or the gradual calming of his mind during this period, coupled with the joy of receiving the travel permit today and being able to travel freely throughout the world, he gradually entered a mysterious realm.

Meanwhile...

One of the beads on his Buddhist prayer beads gradually emitted a faint, invisible light.

I don't know how much time passed.

As Yu Tunzhou gradually regained consciousness, he felt a chilling coldness on his skin, carrying an indescribable ferocious murderous intent.

This startled him.

Wasn't he taking a medicinal bath in the Daoist temple? Who would want to murderous intent him?!

But when he opened his eyes, he was greeted by a dazzling display of golden light and crimson hues, and a thousand streams of auspicious energy spraying purple mist!

The scene before him was a deep, bright blue, crafted from crystal and adorned with precious jade. Dozens of tall, imposing golden-armored deities stood there, yet no one looked at him.

Yu Tunzhou looks astonished.

Where am I?!

He wasn't spending his time in a Daoist temple—

Yu Tunzhou suddenly remembered something and quickly looked at his body. Sure enough, he was completely naked except for the string of Buddhist prayer beads on his wrist.

this----

Yu Tunzhou's expression froze.

Has he suddenly time-traveled again?

That doesn't make sense. I didn't do anything this time; I just wanted to escape to Pure Land.

Suddenly.

Footsteps sounded ahead.

The scene before Yu Tunzhou was like a shattered illusion; the golden light and auspicious aura vanished without a trace.

The once magnificent pavilions and towers have been reduced to ruins, showing signs of decay everywhere, and dozens of golden-armored deities have vanished without a trace.

This upheaval greatly shocked Yu Tunzhou.

But footsteps were already approaching from around the corner. He had no time to think, and it was inconvenient to see anyone, so he quickly hid in a palace ruin.

As soon as he entered the ruins, he saw a corpse that had been pierced through by a sword!

Yu Tunzhou serious. He couldn't care less about anything else at the moment. He quickly took off the other person's outer clothes and put them on himself.

Just then, he suddenly saw a plaque next to him that was mostly burned down, with two characters written on it:

South.

sky.