C7 The Overlord Spear

Zhang Heng's mastery of the Overlord Spear had truly attained the First Glimpse level. With his eyes tightly shut, he was fully immersed in the nuances of the spear technique he had just executed. Moments later, his eyes flickered open, seemingly brighter than before.

"So, this is what the First Glimpse feels like."

"The spear is distinct from the fist. The essence of fist fighting lies in the explosive force, requiring the origin energy to permeate the entire fist. It then bursts forth upon contact with an adversary, like a thunderclap unleashing its might."

"Nor is the spear akin to the knife. A knife's essence is akin to that of an axe, prioritizing the slashing force. The origin energy needs only to edge the blade, lending it enhanced sharpness. With one slice, it can naturally cleave mountains and shatter stones."

"The quintessence of spear technique is in the piercing force. I need not diffuse the origin energy along the spear's length; concentrating as much as possible at the tip will render it incomparably sharp, thereby significantly amplifying its power."

Zhang Heng whispered to himself, his eyes growing increasingly luminous.

"The First Glimpse is about grasping the core of each weapon's unique mastery."

"If the First Glimpse is already this enigmatic, what then of Small Completion?"

He tilted his head back and downed a bottle of Qi Replenishing Pills as effortlessly as one would enjoy a piece of candy, before sinking back into his deep, self-forgetful training.

Come morning, Zhang Heng, who had foregone sleep, had executed three thousand precise stabs.

He had moved on from practicing on poplar trees, which now stood no chance against his spear, crumbling with the slightest touch. Instead, he turned his attention to the massive boulders dotting the clearing.

With a resonant twang and a shower of sparks, the tip of Zhang Heng's Damascus Steel spear quivered as it punctured a small section into the monolithic boulder before him.

"I've pushed the piercing force of my spear technique to its limit, yet this is the extent of its effect," he mused.

"To achieve Small Completion, I must be able to bury the spear's tip into the rock effortlessly."

Zhang Heng's brow was furrowed in concentration, yet he was far from surrendering.

Like an indefatigable machine, he thrust his spear again and again.

When hunger struck, he consumed Qi Refining Pills as sustenance.

When his Yuan Qi waned, he would sit and practice the Qi Refining Technique.

Once replete with Yuan Qi, he resumed his relentless spear thrusts.

At times, he would pause to sit in quiet contemplation, seeking deeper understanding.

And so, two more days slipped by.

During this time, his Overlord Spear technique had not advanced further. However, the constant cycle of condensing and releasing Yuan Qi had refined his sea of Qi, elevating his realm slightly to the mid-phase of the First Glimpse of Qi Refining.

By the third morning, the people atop the hill had grown accustomed to the persistent metallic ringing emanating from the populus euphratica forest below, night after night.

Unaware of the others' acclimation, Zhang Heng remained immersed in his rigorous training.

After a lengthy period of meditative stillness with eyes closed, he abruptly opened them and turned to look at a spot a short distance away.

There stood a millennial populus euphratica tree, previously cleaved in two by his spear.

The sight of the tree's severed trunk eased the tension in his brow.

Rising to his feet, spear in hand, he channeled his Qi Sea, directing the energy to the spear's tip before thrusting decisively.

The spear aimed straight for the head of a tiger-shaped boulder.

Upon contact, the spear's tip effortlessly pierced the stone.

Not just the tip, but the shaft too sank three inches deep.

With a soft sound, he withdrew the iron spear and observed the deep hole in the boulder. A smile of satisfaction spread across Zhang Heng's face. "Just as I hypothesized, thrusting with this spear is akin to slicing through tofu."

"To achieve Small Completion, I must grasp not only the piercing power of the spear technique but also the rotational force."

"Previously, I could easily split the populus euphratica tree because I inadvertently employed rotational force by twisting my arms."

"Yet, while this accidental application of rotational force could sever the tree with ease, it proved insufficient to penetrate the tougher stone."

"Only when I fully focus on harnessing the Whirlwind Force and combine it with the thrusting force does my spear technique achieve the level of Small Completion."

Zhang Heng felt a slight surge of joy as the first technique of the Overlord Spear reached Small Completion.

Shortly thereafter.

Looking westward, Zhang Heng murmured to himself, "Now, working in isolation, the assistance I can offer to my ultimate technique is diminishing."

"Senior Brother Liang mentioned that the only way to rapidly enhance one's martial arts is through real combat experience."

"It looks like it's time for me to head to Silverflow Canyon."

Silverflow Canyon is situated thirteen miles to the west of Elmaserine City.

Nestled at the base of the Western Region's highest peak, Kunlun Peak, the canyon is fed by numerous melting glaciers. The unique surrounding terrain has created a lush valley forest spanning a thousand miles, rightfully earning it the title of the desert's jewel.

The area is not only teeming with ferocious beasts but also produces various heavenly materials and earthly treasures essential for concocting pills of different grades.

Hence, disciples from neighboring academies often venture into the canyon to hone their martial arts and gather these precious materials.

After three days of intensive training, Zhang Heng's martial arts had improved significantly, but he had consumed more than half of his Qi Replenishing Pills. A trip to Silverflow Canyon would also provide an opportunity to acquire resources to replenish what he had expended.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Heng returned to his modest wooden hut for a brief rest, sleeping for four hours.

Four hours later.

Onlookers saw the door to Zhang Heng's wooden hut swing open.

With a hefty iron spear in hand and a small pack slung over his shoulder, Zhang Heng stepped out, closing the door behind him, and departed from his humble abode.

This time, he did not head towards the populus euphratica forest behind the mountain. Instead, he left the academy and passed through the western gate of Elmaserine City, making a beeline for the outskirts of Silverflow Canyon.

For Zhang Heng, a ten-mile journey was a mere trifle.

Before him lay a vast and slender mountain pass.

Crossing this mile-long pass would lead him directly into Silverflow Canyon.

Even from the entrance of the pass, Zhang Heng could already discern the melodious chorus of exotic birds echoing from within the canyon.

Zhang Heng could detect the faint scent of grass and trees wafting from Silverflow Canyon, carried gently by the valley breeze. Even the wind that caressed his face carried a moist, refreshing mist. Yet, just beyond the mountain pass, his feet trod upon dry, desolate yellow sand, and the scorching wind at his back made him sweat profusely.

As Zhang Heng stepped through the mountain pass, a cool breeze greeted him, making him feel as though he had entered a celestial realm. However, before he could take in the view, a sudden, fierce gust of wind struck him. The rigorous training he had undergone with the Overlord Spear over the past three days proved its worth in that instant. Sensing the danger, Zhang Heng reacted in the nick of time, thrusting his long spear forward.

With a 'puff,' warm blood sprayed onto Zhang Heng's face. Wiping it away, he noticed the weight of the spear in his right hand had increased. Looking closely, he saw a snow-white Cloud Leopard impaled on his dark, sturdy iron spear. The beast had been slain in one blow, the spear's point entering under its chin, piercing through its skull, and emerging from the back of its head.

Despite having killed the Cloud Leopard, Zhang Heng was left in a cold sweat. This beast was on par with a human at the First Steps of the Qi Refining Realm. In terms of combat strength, it was at least a small step stronger than a human brave at the same level. Currently in the middle stage of the First Glimpse of the Qi Refining Realm, Zhang Heng was only one level above his adversary. Had it been another person of equal standing, they likely would have perished under such a stealthy assault.

Subsequently, Zhang Heng felt a strange sensation within him, as if a mysterious force of devouring had briefly surged through his body. After a thorough examination of his dantian and Qi Sea, he found no changes. Inspecting other parts of his body revealed nothing out of the ordinary. With no other choice, Zhang Heng reluctantly decided to set aside this anomaly for the moment and carry on.

He withdrew his spear and with another thrust, opened the chest of the Cloud Leopard, extracting a diamond-shaped crystal from within the creature's heart.

It was no larger than a pinky finger, yet it weighed a full pound. This was the demonic crystal of a demonic beast. Any demonic beast that had reached the Qi Refining realm could condense such a crystal. The essence of the demonic beast's power and its unique bloodline abilities were all encapsulated within this tiny, exquisite crystal.

Zhang Heng knew that while humans couldn't directly harness the power and bloodline from the demonic crystal, Fang Shu practitioners could use their forging techniques to create a variety of powerful and special Origin Weapons. Moreover, the demonic crystal was a crucial ingredient for alchemists crafting numerous types of medicinal pills.

The crystal in Zhang Heng's possession was semi-transparent with a pale red hue, indicating that he had slain a first-level Qi Refining demonic beast. Nonchalantly, he tucked the crystal into his pack and pressed on.

Less than three miles out, he encountered a lush pine forest. Perched atop the tree trunks within the verdant woods were two Cloud Leopards, their eyes—a vibrant green—gleamed with an icy, bloodthirsty malice as they watched Zhang Heng.

"Sorry for killing your kin. It was a reluctant necessity. So... if you dare, come and bite me," Zhang Heng taunted the leopards, managing to find humor in the situation, though inside he remained on high alert.

Had he not mastered the Overlord Spear to Small Completion, he might have been able to handle one Cloud Leopard at his current level, but facing two simultaneously would have left him no choice but to flee. Now, with the Overlord Spear technique at Small Completion, he felt emboldened to take them on.

The beasts remained unfazed, so Zhang Heng decided to push his luck and stepped forward. Suddenly, a roar as loud as thunder broke the silence as one of the Cloud Leopards leapt from its perch, lunging straight for Zhang Heng.

He thrust his spear forward in defense. To his surprise, the Cloud Leopard, mid-pounce, lightly tapped its tail against a tree trunk, swiftly evading the reach of his spear. Seizing the moment, the other Cloud Leopard launched an attack from Zhang Heng's flank.

Zhang Heng parried with his spear.

To his surprise, the Cloud Leopard used its tail to change direction mid-leap.

Anticipating this, Zhang Heng adjusted the spear's trajectory, keeping close on its heels.

But the Cloud Leopard was exceptionally agile, twisting its body and deftly taking cover behind an ancient pine.

Zhang Heng couldn't stop his momentum in time, and the spearhead plunged into the pine's trunk.

From behind the tree, the Cloud Leopard let out a roar of triumph.

Before Zhang Heng could react with annoyance, he sensed another burst of wind from behind—an ambush by a third Cloud Leopard!

"Think you can get a piece of me that easily?" Zhang Heng sneered with fury. "Witness the might of my supreme technique, the Overlord Spear!"

While speaking, his Qi Sea churned rapidly, channeling Yuan Qi into the tip of his Damascus Steel Spear.

Both piercing and spinning forces were unleashed from his arms.

With a swift motion, Zhang Heng withdrew his spear.

Crack!

A gaping, hemispherical crater now marred the ancient pine's trunk.

Without glancing back, he thrust his spear in a flash.

A piercing shriek filled the air.

The Cloud Leopard that had attempted the sneak attack was impaled through the heart by Zhang Heng's spear, falling dead instantly.

Nearby, the remaining two Cloud Leopards, witnessing yet another comrade fall, were stricken with fear in their green eyes.

One Cloud Leopard let out a soft cry and bolted into the dense pine forest.

"Think you can just attack and then flee when outmatched? The world doesn't work that way," Zhang Heng declared.

With a flick of his arm, he hurled the Damascus Steel Spear.

The whistle of its flight was sharp and piercing.

The fleeing Cloud Leopard had barely made it a few yards before it was struck by Zhang Heng's spear, its head impaled and body pinned beneath a pine tree.

The other Cloud Leopard, too, contemplated escape.

As Zhang Heng tossed aside his spear, he was left unarmed. Seizing what seemed like an opportunity, an adversary leaped and dove straight for Zhang Heng's head.

"Do you really think you can take advantage of me just because I'm unarmed?"

"What you don't know is that my ultimate technique has reached Small Completion. Even without my spear, I can still masterfully wield the Overlord Spear."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Heng's shoulder shifted subtly, narrowly evading the Cloud Leopard's lethal claws.

Simultaneously, his right hand formed into a spike and plunged into the throat of a third Cloud Leopard.

In an instant, he had slain three Cloud Leopards at the First Steps of Qi Refining.

He then effortlessly extracted three Cloud Leopard Demonic Crystals and stowed them in his pack.

Retrieving his iron spear, Zhang Heng set out to comb the nearby populus euphratica forest once more, seeking additional Cloud Leopards to hunt.

Just then, a cacophony of Demonic Beast roars echoed from a distance.

The majority were Cloud Leopard cries.

Yet among them, one roar stood out, distinctly different from the Cloud Leopards.

"Why are there suddenly so many Demonic Beast roars? Something must have happened!"

With a sense of urgency, Zhang Heng sprinted towards the source of the noise.