C10 Orange Skin

To prepare for his upcoming battle with Chu Guangxiang, Chu Yangxiang began training with renewed fervor.

He poured his heart and soul into his training, and so did the other eighty-nine outer disciples of the Chu Family. This month of intense preparation would decide whether they could enter the Chu Family Courtyard, become Profound Warriors, and transform their destinies.

Gaining entry to the Chu Family Courtyard meant their families could leave behind their status as outer disciples, take on lighter work, and enjoy a better quality of life. This opportunity was the most significant event in their lives.

Furthermore, the family would only assess whether they had two meridians infused with Profound Power. With two such meridians, they could then proceed to the Talent Test, completing their evaluation.

Motivated by this, they all dedicated themselves to their cultivation practices.

Chu Yangxiang was the most diligent of them all.

At the Chu Family Courtyard, he practiced daily using the methods taught by the five elders. When the elders were absent, he engaged in his most intense training regimen.

His progress was unmistakable. He had mastered all twelve moves of the South Bear Fist. His Profound Power now filled five meridians. While practicing the Martial God Heavenly Technique, his skin began to take on an orange hue, and his strength had surpassed 150 kilograms.

True to his word, Chu Guangxiang had stopped mistreating Chu Yangxiang's parents from that day forward, even paying them a salary equivalent to that of four workers.

This enabled Chu Yangxiang to dedicate himself entirely to his cultivation.

At night, in the small courtyard, Chu Yangxiang disrobed and began practicing the South Bear Fist.

He stood as still as an ancient tree, his arms whirling like the blades of a windmill.

Each of his movements carried the poise of a grandmaster.

After completing the South Bear Fist routine, Chu Yangxiang grabbed a fifty-kilogram stone with both hands. He leapt forward with the stone, a strength-training technique from the South Bear Fist repertoire.

Initially, he could only manage four or five jumps with the heavy stone, but now he could surpass twenty. His stamina had significantly improved.

After his training, Chu Yangxiang was utterly spent, having pushed his physical capabilities to their absolute limit. With considerable effort, he climbed into the vat filled with Beast Blood and began his cultivation, employing the Martial God Heavenly Technique and the South Bear Skill. Chu Yangxiang was relentless in his daily practice.

One day, while in the midst of his cultivation, Chu Yangxiang experienced a sudden sensation within his body. His blood surged, and he was enveloped by a comforting warmth that coursed through him. He realized that his strength had increased by two hundred kilograms, effectively making him a Four-star Profound Warrior. His skin had become tougher, and his resilience to blows now exceeded that of a Five-star Profound Warrior.

At the Chu Family Courtyard, Chu Xiaoxiang, Chu Tixiang, and Chu Yuexing were in discussion. "Father, we've learned that Chu Yangxiang has been regularly taking the cow's blood. His rapid advancement in cultivation—could it be connected to the cows?" Chu Tixiang mused.

Chu Yuexing let out a sigh. The elders had mentioned that Chu Yangxiang's strength was nearly at the Four-star level of a Profound Warrior. His Cultivation Speed was exceptional, something Chu Yuexing had never encountered before. "It's quite possible. How else could he have improved so swiftly? Perhaps he's come across some nefarious cultivation method?"

This was beyond their clearance. They knew of evil cultivators who wreaked havoc and misery wherever they roamed. Chu Tixiang's eyes sparkled at the thought. Evil cultivation techniques were known for their formidable power and rapid progression. If Chu Yangxiang possessed such a technique, it was imperative to acquire it.

"If I could use this technique to break through to the Martial Master level or even ascend to Martial General, I'd be unstoppable in the future, doing as I please. Who could stand in my way?" Chu Tixiang pondered.

"Father, whether he's involved in evil cultivation or not, we need to keep an eye on him. We might even seize his technique for ourselves," Chu Tixiang said, his gaze darkening.

Chu Yuexing nodded in agreement. "Very well, we'll keep a close watch. My sons, you must diligently cultivate and aim to rank among the top three in the Nine States Empire. Should I be honored with the title of Zhenhai Marquis, you both will gain access to even greater resources."

Chu Yuexing produced two jade bottles. "Children, these are the Profound Qi Pills I've purchased for you at a steep price. They're Yellow Rank Pills, brimming with energy and several times more potent than the Profound Qi Pills from our family. They can significantly increase your cultivation speed. You must practice diligently."

The brothers were taken aback by the Profound Qi Pills in their father's hands. The ones their family made from the inner core of a barbaric bull were merely worth one silver coin, while Yellow Rank Pills fetched at least one gold coin—a sum equal to an ordinary family's total income over four or five years.

Their father had spared no effort for their sake.

"Father, rest assured, we won't disappoint you. We're determined to excel in the family competition and secure a place among the top three in the Nine States Empire contest."

Chu Xiaoxiang addressed his father, "Father, you must find a way to prevent Chu Yangxiang from entering our courtyard. He's bound to become a significant threat to us."

Chu Yuexing nodded. "Very well, I'll take care of it. First, I'll cut off his supply of beast blood. Then, I'll do everything I can to ensure he doesn't get into our courtyard and become an inner disciple. If he does become one and faces Chu Guangxiang in a match, I'll have Chu Guangxiang cripple him."

"We must seize control of the Chu Family."

Chu Yuexing's intentions were crystal clear. Even if the Chu Family wasn't granted the title of Zhenhai Marquis, it had to belong to him. After all, what value was there in a title if he held no sway within the family?

Chu Xiaoxiang and Chu Tixiang wholeheartedly concurred.

With a cold smile, Chu Xiaoxiang mused, "Chu Yangxiang, I'm eager to see just how splendid your expression will be when you're denied entry to the Chu Family Courtyard. I never let those who cross me off easily."