C20 Counterattack(1)

In this world where power defines rank, demonic beasts are no exception, classified from levels one to nine based on their strength. The levels of these beasts don't directly correspond to the stages of martial artists, as a warrior's power isn't solely tied to their rank. Factors like magical artifacts, combat skills, and even personal insight play crucial roles in battle. However, if there's a significant gap in rank, these factors might not make a difference.

Generally, those below the Martial Master Stage can hunt demonic beasts up to level four. This standard is based on the capabilities of a nine-star Martial Disciple with above-average strength. In the Falling Leaf Mountain Range, the highest level beast is a level three. An eight-star Martial Disciple can handle these, while a top-tier seven-star with strong combat skills or artifacts can manage without much risk. Six-star disciples shouldn't attempt it, as their limit is level two beasts.

Though there's only a one-level difference between level one and level two beasts, they are separated by an insurmountable divide: the demon core. Half of the level one beasts can't form a demon core, and even if they do, they can't use it. Level two beasts, however, always form a demon core and can wield its power.

Just like in a mystical mirror, the wolf-shaped puppet used the most basic ability of its core, the fire of the demon core.

At this point, Woo Zhengyang's cultivation in refining energy was negligible, and his physical training had just barely reached the level of a Five-star Martial Disciple. He had no magical tools and didn't know any martial techniques.

Dealing with the wolf-shaped puppet was easy for Woo Zhengyang, but facing a real second-level demonic beast would be a stretch.

After some thought, Woo Zhengyang came up with a plan.

Since he rarely ventured out, he knew he had to visit the second-level demonic beast area for his training, despite the danger. However, that wasn't the priority right now. He needed to complete his task first, which was to gather enough demon cores from the Iron Armored Beasts.

With a clear plan, Woo Zhengyang started deliberately searching for Iron Armored Beasts. Other first-level demonic beasts were of little use to him now; he avoided them when possible and quickly dealt with them when not.

This strategy significantly increased the speed at which he collected the demon cores. By the end of the morning, Woo Zhengyang had gathered seventeen cores. Adding the two from the previous day, he was just one short of being able to venture deeper into the Falling Leaf Forest.

Although the Flesh Condensing Technique was showing slower results, it hadn't stalled completely. After more than twenty battles, Woo Zhengyang's strength had improved significantly. Without any testing equipment nearby, he could only estimate his punching power, which he believed was over 550 pounds, though not quite reaching 600 pounds.

In just a few days, Woo Zhengyang had advanced from an ordinary person with no Origin Genuine Qi to a Five-star Martial Disciple. The speed of his physical cultivation left him in awe. He realized that his rapid progress was largely due to the mysterious vortex that had appeared, granting him incredible recovery abilities. For anyone else, such intense battles would lead to exhaustion or injury, making it impossible to endure the relentless self-imposed challenges as he did.

"If I venture into areas where Level Two Demonic Beasts roam, reaching the Six-star Martial Disciple level shouldn't take long. It's a shame the body cultivation technique is incomplete; otherwise, focusing solely on physical training might be even faster," he mused. With this thought, Woo Zhengyang paused. Not far ahead, an Iron Armored Beast was devouring a massive chunk of black iron rock, which contained refined iron—its favorite food and the source of its formidable defense.

This was the last one. Woo Zhengyang clenched his fist, ready to charge, but then stopped in his tracks.

"Yun Shaoqing's plan to wait and catch you off guard was brilliant. We actually caught you," came the sarcastic voice of Lee Sanshui from behind.

Turning around, Woo Zhengyang saw Lee Sanshui and Liu Tieniu jumping down from the trunks of two flame cloud trees.

"Where's Yun Shaoqing?" Woo Zhengyang asked directly.

Their presence here was no coincidence; they were clearly after him. Woo Zhengyang just wanted to know if Yun Shaoqing was nearby as well.

"Do we really need Yun to deal with you?"

"We'll split up..."

Lee Sanshui and Liu Tieniu spoke almost simultaneously. While Lee tried to confuse the situation, Liu blurted out the truth.

Lee, frustrated with Liu's lack of subtlety, shot him a glare and snapped, "Stop wasting time, let's finish him!"

With that, Lee drew his Green Steel Sword but didn't immediately charge forward. Liu, on the other hand, rushed ahead without even drawing his sword, aiming a punch at Woo Zhengyang and shouting, "Watch me settle the score with a punch!"

Woo Zhengyang was thrilled to see Liu charging in without a weapon. Seeing the punch coming, he was even more delighted and met it with a punch of his own.

"Boom..."

The two fists collided, creating a slight explosion sound. This was because Liu's fist was enveloped in genuine qi. While not a martial technique, this layer of qi not only protected his fist but also significantly increased the power of his punch. For someone with strong qi, breaking stones or metal would be a breeze.