Chapter 104 - 96: Vermilion Bird Guardian, Tendon Transformation Martial Arts
Once his channels were cleared, Lu Changfeng guided the circulated Inner Strength to his Dantian, triggering what felt like a fundamental transformation.
The vitality in Lu Changfeng’s body began to convert into Inner Strength at a frantic pace.
During the process, Lu Changfeng’s body grew more well-proportioned and slender, his skin becoming as smooth and lustrous as jade.
Inner Strength continuously flowed into his Dantian, forming a swirling vortex.
The vortex of Inner Strength in his Dantian grew larger and larger, expanding to a size unheard of in this era—it filled Lu Changfeng’s entire Dantian!
He had reached the Tendon Transformation Realm!
’The depth of my Inner Strength... it’s more than ten times that of an ordinary Low-Grade Martial Artist!’
Lu Changfeng compared his breakthrough to what he’d heard about other Martial Artists and came to a staggering conclusion.
With this much Inner Strength protecting his body, he could probably just stand there and let an ordinary Martial Artist attack him without suffering any internal injuries.
Conversely, a single casual punch from him would unleash astonishing power.
These were the benefits of breaking through to the Tendon Transformation Realm from the Ninth Layer of the Blood Forging Realm: sturdy channels and an amount of Inner Strength far deeper than any ordinary person’s.
...
Cultivation in the Tendon Transformation Realm consisted of constantly circulating one’s Inner Strength. During this process, the Inner Strength would absorb the body’s essence and a small amount of Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy to improve its quality.
Lu Changfeng possessed the `Hero` Root Bone and was naturally able to absorb Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy, so his cultivation in the Tendon Transformation Realm would be countless times faster than an ordinary Martial Artist’s.
A Martial Artist with an ordinary Root Bone might take ten years to increase the purity of their Inner Strength by a single degree. With his `Hero` Root Bone, however, Lu Changfeng was confident he could break through to become a Middle-Grade Martial Artist within a year.
The sign of advancing beyond a Low-Grade Martial Artist was the transformation of one’s Inner Strength, allowing it to extend from a weapon as a three-inch-long Sword Aura.
The quality of one’s Inner Strength couldn’t be measured directly; it could only be judged by the length of the Sword or Saber Aura it could project.
This was also an extremely intuitive way to judge power.
A three-inch aura signified a Middle-Grade Martial Artist.
A foot-long aura signified a High-Grade Martial Artist.
Those who could launch ranged attacks by shaping their Inner Strength, such as projecting Sword Auras or Palm Seals, could be called Grand Martial Artists.
At this stage, one’s Inner Strength had been refined to a sufficient degree. They only needed to wait for the right moment to drive it deep into their body and begin Bone Forging.
Lu Changfeng circulated the `Fengtian Inner Vein Method` several times. Only when the Cultivation Technique was flowing freely within his body did he finally rise.
When he opened his eyes, the sky was already beginning to brighten with the light of dawn.
After three days of frantic cultivation, Lu Changfeng had unexpectedly pulled another all-nighter.
’The replication interface... Only one day left until I can use it again.’
This time, Lu Changfeng decided to first replicate Teng Xiaofan’s `Transformation` Talent.
This would make it easier for him to operate under his identity as the Saint Master.
Meanwhile, his public identity as Lu Changfeng of the `Nine Heroes of Jiangnan` would remain unaffected.
Lu Changfeng got up and stretched.
Although his body was fine after cultivating all night, he felt mentally exhausted.
After a quick breakfast in the main hall, Lu Changfeng left a few instructions and returned to his room, where he fell into a deep sleep.
...
「When he woke up.」
It was already daytime of the following day.
Even while he slept, the `Fengtian Inner Vein Method` circulated passively within his body at all times.
Thanks to his `Hero` Root Bone, his passive cultivation speed was quite fast.
Of course, if he were to cultivate actively, the circulation of his Inner Strength would speed up severalfold.
’Now that I’ve advanced to the Tendon Transformation Realm, it’s time to update my arsenal of Martial Arts. The next few days are going to be busy.’
The replication interface had refreshed. After washing up, Lu Changfeng went to the backyard and found Teng Xiaofan sparring with Zhisha.
He made an excuse to touch Teng Xiaofan and used his sixth replication of the year to copy the young man’s `Transformation` Talent.
As the `Transformation` Talent integrated into his body, Lu Changfeng immediately felt a difference.
With the `Transformation` Talent, Lu Changfeng could easily manipulate his flesh and shift his bones. He could even use his Inner Strength to stimulate hair growth.
Of course, since he hadn’t learned any Martial Arts related to Disguise and Transformation, Lu Changfeng now possessed the Talent but lacked the skill to use it.
Lu Changfeng’s gaze fell upon Teng Xiaofan. The young man was a disciple of the `Thief God`.
He had surely learned plenty of skills related to Disguise and Transformation.
"Little Feng, I want to discuss something with you!" Lu Changfeng said.
Teng Xiaofan adopted a fawning tone. "Hall Master, you’re too kind. Just give me an order for whatever you need. There’s no need for discussion."
Lu Changfeng eyed him suspiciously, and after a moment’s thought, asked, "Is there something you want from me?"
Hearing this, Teng Xiaofan grew fidgety, opening his mouth to speak but then hesitating.
It was Sikong Jue, who was cultivating off to the side, who revealed Teng Xiaofan’s secret. "He wants to join the Saint Demon Sect and become one of us."
Lu Changfeng looked at Teng Xiaofan, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "You’re a disciple of the great Thief God. Won’t joining the Saint Demon Sect just be asking for trouble?"
Teng Xiaofan chuckled. "Heh heh, that depends on who you’re following. If I joined the Saint Demon Sect as some ordinary cannon-fodder disciple, then you’re right, there’d be no future in it."
"But if I’m following the leader of the Saint Demon Sect—a wise Saint Master like you—then it’s a completely different story!"
"If you could make me a Protector of the Saint Demon Sect..."
Lu Changfeng raised a hand, stopping Teng Xiaofan from continuing his glib flattery.
"A Protector? You’ve certainly got a big appetite."
Lu Changfeng checked Teng Xiaofan’s Root Bone and Talents.
Name: Teng Xiaofan
Root Bone: Middle A Class
Talents: Middle Grade Talent [Transformation], High-Grade Talent [Flying Swallow]
’His Root Bone is a bit lacking, but his Talents are passable.’
’And these Talents destine him to be a support member.’
’If I give him a Demon Fiend Bloodline in the future, he might even be able to reach the Rebirth Realm.’
"Saint Master, please give me a chance! It must be fate that we met," Teng Xiaofan pleaded.
From the looks of it, he truly craved the status of a Protector. His way of thinking wasn’t quite the same as an ordinary person’s.
’The White Tiger Protector is in charge of slaughter, so that position must be reserved for a fierce warrior.’
’The Black Tortoise Protector is in charge of defense and requires a steady and reliable person.’
"In that case... are you willing to take the position of Vermilion Bird Guardian?" Lu Changfeng asked after a moment of consideration.
Teng Xiaofan’s face lit up with joy. "I am! Hahaha!"
And so, Teng Xiaofan officially became the Vermilion Bird Guardian, serving under the Saint Master of the Saint Demon Sect.
Now that he was the Vermilion Bird Guardian, Teng Xiaofan finally felt that the sense of distance between him and the others in the Martial Arts Hall’s backyard had vanished.
’Following the Saint Master means endless excitement!’
Lu Changfeng patted Teng Xiaofan’s shoulder, telling him to calm down.
"Now then, give me a copy of your manuals on Disguise and Transformation, as well as your Lightweight Skill techniques."
The knowledge imprinted in Lu Changfeng’s mind included the `Fengtian Inner Vein Method` and the `Fengtian Saber Technique` for the Tendon Transformation Realm, but it lacked any Light Body Technique.
Teng Xiaofan didn’t hesitate, handing over two manuals from within his robes.
One was `Hundred-Change Star Monarch`, which recorded many techniques for Disguise and Transformation.
The other was `Flying Swan Stepping on Snow`, a top-tier Light Body Technique for the Tendon Transformation Realm. It detailed numerous secrets for using Inner Strength to accelerate one’s movement and alter one’s form.
Lu Changfeng accepted the two manuals, thinking, ’Now I have plenty to work on.’
...
「In the blink of an eye.」
Winter arrived in Jiangzhou.
A cold wind whistled through the streets, and the common folk had donned thick coats.
During this time, news of Lu Changfeng’s advancement to the Tendon Transformation Realm had leaked.
Consequently, Lu Changfeng was, as expected, removed from the various rankings for the Blood Forging Realm.
On the Hidden Dragon List, however, he shot straight up to sixtieth place.
It was worth noting that Bai Yimeng had advanced to the Tendon Transformation Realm even faster than Lu Changfeng.
This confirmed Lu Changfeng’s suspicion: Bai Yimeng had already been capable of advancing to the Tendon Transformation Realm back during the martial arts tournament.
With two top Swordsmen having advanced and Sikong Jue now missing, the Swordsman rankings for the Blood Forging Realm in Jiangnan Prefecture seemed momentarily devoid of talent. However, it only took a few days for new, genius Swordsmen to emerge and seize the opportunity.
Through their performances, they gradually captured the public’s attention.
As for Lu Changfeng and Bai Yimeng, having just entered the Tendon Transformation Realm, they now had to be measured against the other experts of that same realm.
Naturally, they would need some time to consolidate their new strength before they could make a name for themselves once more in the Tendon Transformation Realm.
...
Inside the Cultivation Chamber, a cold wind slipped through a crack in the windowsill and brushed against Lu Changfeng’s face.
Lu Changfeng opened his eyes. ’The interface refreshes tomorrow. It looks like I need to make a trip to the Dark Buddha Demon Sect and check on my Demon Fiend Bloodline Treasure Vault.’
Over the past month or so, aside from a trip to the Broken Moon Sect to give a lecture and thank Luoo Tianhua in person for the Tai Sui Meat, Lu Changfeng had spent all his time holed up in the Martial Arts Hall, cultivating Martial Arts for the Tendon Transformation Realm.
After more than forty days of cultivation, Lu Changfeng’s status panel had changed dramatically.
Name: Lu Changfeng
Root Bone: Hero (33%)
Talents: Supreme Talent [Longevity Sword Dao (Lifespan +3.8 years, Combat Power +0.9%)], High-Grade Talent [Flying Swallow], High-Grade Talent [Fist Martial Arts], High-Grade Talent [Saber Extremity]
Bloodline Talent: [Ancient Sword Bone Dragon 0.5% (Ancient-level Demon Fiend Bloodline, increases physical attributes by 30% upon activation), (Demon Fiend Skill: ’Sword Bone Demon Rain’)]
Realm: Low-Grade Tendon Transformation Realm
Tendon Transformation Skill: [Fengtian Inner Vein Method]
Martial Arts: [Fengtian Saber Technique: Tendon Transformation Chapter] (Minor Achievement), [Hundred-Change Star Monarch] (Great Success), [Flying Swan Stepping on Snow] (Minor Achievement), (Blood Forging Realm Martial Arts omitted)
Martial Arts Insights: Death Sword Intent (Advanced Sword Intent, can visualize a Shadow of Death providing defense around the host, max burst power: 500%), Falling Leaves Saber Intent (Basic Saber Intent) (Increases saber strike power by 55%)
Replication Cooldown: One day
Martial Arts at the Tendon Transformation Realm involved a greater use of Inner Strength.
This made them somewhat slower to learn.
However, Lu Changfeng felt that with a few more months, he could cultivate all three Tendon Transformation Martial Arts to the Perfection Realm.
He cultivated `Hundred-Change Star Monarch` to be able to change his appearance and maintain his identity as the Saint Master.
He cultivated `Flying Swan Stepping on Snow` for self-preservation. By pairing this supreme Lightweight Skill with his `Flying Swallow` Talent and his profound Inner Strength, Lu Changfeng was confident that once he reached the Great Success stage, not even a Grand Martial Artist could catch him based on speed alone.
As for cultivating the `Fengtian Saber Technique: Tendon Transformation Chapter`, that was also for the sake of maintaining his Saint Master identity.
Every generation of the Saint Master had been famous for their Saber Technique, so Lu Changfeng naturally had to use it when acting in that role.
Next, Lu Changfeng would have to diligently cultivate and improve his Saber Intent. Only then could he display a higher level of Sabersmanship and maintain the persona of the Saint Master when the time came to unite the Saint Demon Sect.
He had been immersed in cultivating these three Tendon Transformation Martial Arts for over a month, so he’d had no time to practice Swordsmanship for his `Longevity Sword Dao` to devour.
As a result, his `Longevity Sword Dao` had seen little improvement.