C13 Achieve the Grandmaster

Was it the Universe Diagram's Artifact Spirit that killed Ning Feihong just now?

Even though I caught only a brief glimpse of a massive claw, the sight deeply shook me, Zhang Chen.

If a mere claw wielded such power, the full might of its true form must be unimaginable.

But dwelling on such thoughts is not my current priority. The urgent matter at hand is to dispose of Ning Feihong's body.

Ning Feihong, at the Peak of the Master Stage, was on the cusp of advancing to an Energy Master and becoming an Inner Disciple. His sudden, unexplained disappearance would surely prompt an investigation by the sect. Furthermore, with an older brother like Ning Feilong, any trace of evidence could lead to dire consequences for me.

While pondering how to handle Ning Feihong's remains, the Universe Diagram on me stirred unexpectedly. It soared out, enveloped the corpse, and then retreated back into my body.

"This individual was at the Peak of the Master Stage, his Qi and blood richly cultivated and robust. Absorbing his Qi and blood will certainly aid in the restoration of some of my Yuan Qi!"

The voice of the Universe Diagram's Artifact Spirit echoed in my mind, steadying the look in my eyes.

In this world where the strong dominate the weak, and survival goes to the fittest, one must rise above to avoid a fate like Ning Feihong's.

Aside from his dark metal bow, Ning Feihong also possessed nearly a hundred Blood Nourishing Pills—a discovery that thrilled me.

Armed with these pills and the Bone Refining Technique, I stand a strong chance of ascending to the Master Stage!

Reaching the Master Stage is the pinnacle for any martial artist, rendering their physique incredibly resilient. Advancing to the Energy Master Stage allows one to strive for the Diamond Stage, achieving a state of invulnerability known as Unbreakable Diamond.

I now face two options: one is to return to Cloud Water Peak and cultivate at a measured pace. With this abundance of Blood Nourishing Pills, reaching the Master Stage is almost assured. The alternative is to employ the Bone Refining Technique to refine the pills, bolstering my Qi and blood in an attempt to break through to the Master Stage. Although the Bone Refining Technique is merely a Middle Grade Common Level practice, it can still propel one to the Master Stage. Yet, this route is fraught with peril; any misstep could lead to a catastrophic Qi and blood backlash, leaving me incapacitated.

Upon hearing the news, Zhang Chen's eyes narrowed.

Time was running out for him.

The clash between Ning Feihong and himself had been witnessed by many disciples at the Spiritual Pill Hall. Regardless of whether the sect would trace the matter back to him, Ning Feihong's brother, Ning Feilong, was certain not to let the issue rest.

Ning Feilong was an Inner Disciple, at the very least an Energy Master. If he sought revenge for his brother Ning Feihong, Zhang Chen was no match for him.

Even though Zhang Chen was a disciple of Cloud Water Peak, it was not guaranteed that Zhang Yuner would risk a fallout with Ning Feilong on his behalf.

"I cannot leave my destiny in the hands of others!" In a moment, Zhang Chen resolved to take action.

Having served the Zhang Family since birth, he was intimately familiar with the bitterness of a life controlled by others. He had no choice in the past, but now, having embarked on the path of cultivation, he could not afford to let others dictate his survival.

With his eyes closed, Zhang Chen engaged the Bone Refining Technique to fortify his bone marrow, revitalizing his blood. Feeling the vigorous flow of blood throughout his limbs and body, he consumed dozens of Blood Nourishing Pills he had taken from Ning Feihong in one go.

As the Medicine Pill settled in his stomach, its power unfurled, and Zhang Chen's blood and Qi surged anew. His skin flushed a deep red as every meridian, vein, and muscle voraciously absorbed the potent life force.

Furthermore, Zhang Chen's organs continuously pulsed, strengthening every inch of his being.

This was the harbinger of ascension to the Master Stage!

The hallmark of the Master Stage was the seamless integration of one's muscles, bones, skin, and internal organs, with the five senses sharpened to an extraordinary level, allowing for the perception of even the most minute changes within oneself.

To master every nuance of one's body, to command the flow of blood and Qi, to perceive its course as clearly as if seeing with one's own eyes—this was the mastery of the Master Stage!

Yet, there remained three areas where the blood and Qi could not penetrate, and these were the places Zhang Chen could not 'see' clearly.

One was situated at the midpoint between the glabella and the jade pillow point, at the very center of the brain. Another was at the Tanzhong Point in the chest, and the last one was three inches below the navel.

Having studied the "Firmament Record," Zhang Chen was aware that the human body contained three Dantians: the Upper Dantian between the eyebrows, the Middle Dantian below the heart, and the Lower Dantian beneath the navel.

Mastering martial arts at the Lower Dantian could elevate one to an Energy Master. Reaching the Middle Dantian could transform one into a Vajra, and penetrating the Upper Dantian could lead to becoming a Purple Mansion.

Only those at the Master Stage could perceive these three critical points!

This meant that Zhang Chen had ascended to the Master Stage.

In less than a month, Zhang Chen, once a lowly servant, had risen from a mere mortal to the Master Stage—a feat beyond his wildest dreams, now a stunning reality.

When Zhang Chen arrived back at Cloud Water Peak, it was deep into the night, the moon shining brightly amidst a myriad of stars.

"You actually returned!"

Zhang Lin and Zhang Jing were astonished to see Zhang Chen return unharmed to Cloud Water Peak.

"Hmph! You two must have thought I, Zhang Chen, had been killed by Ning Feihong!" Zhang Chen coldly snorted as he tossed the remaining thirty Blood Nourishing Pills to Zhang Lin and Zhang Jing.

It became clear why they had entrusted him with the favorable task of exchanging for Medicine Pills—they had hoped Ning Feihong would eliminate him.

With this realization, a surge of murderous intent welled up in Zhang Chen. Had it not been for the Universe Diagram he possessed, he would have met his end.

"You've actually reached the Master Stage?"

Overwhelmed by Zhang Chen's imposing aura, Zhang Lin finally recognized that Zhang Chen had indeed advanced to the Master Stage.

Upon hearing her Second Elder Brother's exclamation, Zhang Jing recoiled in fear, "Zhang Chen, please, think carefully before you act. My older sister has just advanced to the Energy Master Stage this afternoon and has gone to meet the Master of Yuhua Palace! If you act recklessly, my sister will surely not spare you!"

"Humph! If you two behave yourselves from now on, I won't make life difficult for you! The Ten-thousand Elephants Palace is nothing like the Zhang Family. My advancement to the Master Stage has been a significant help to Senior Sister Yuner. Even if I were to discipline you both, Senior Sister Yuner wouldn't hold it against me."

Zhang Chen let out a light snort, suppressing the murderous intent within him. After all, these two were Zhang Yuner's siblings, and he naturally wouldn't dare to harm them.

What Zhang Chen hadn't anticipated was Zhang Yuner's breakthrough to the Energy Master Stage! The Ten-thousand Elephants Palace consists of three palaces and sixteen halls, with Yuhua Palace being one of the three. Yuu Wuxia, the Master of Yuhua Palace, is not only Zhang Yuner's mentor but also the junior sister of the Master of the Ten-thousand Elephants Palace, making her one of the most formidable figures within the palace.

Now that Zhang Yuner has reached the Energy Master Stage, she's likely to gain considerable advantages when she meets with Yuu Wuxia. By the time Zhang Chen sees her again, her power is sure to have increased dramatically.

"Zhang Chen, rest assured, now that you've reached the Master Stage, we wouldn't dare cross you again!" Zhang Lin said hastily, breaking the silence, while casting meaningful glances at his sister, Zhang Jing.

"Absolutely! We're all from the Zhang Family; there's no reason for us to be at odds. Besides, your rise to the Master Stage is bound to benefit our elder sister greatly in her sect endeavors."

Witnessing Zhang Chen's ascension to the Master Stage, Zhang Lin and Zhang Jing completely abandoned any thoughts of causing him trouble. Hearing their deferential tones, Zhang Chen couldn't help but bask in the satisfaction that came with his newfound power.

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