C3 Qi Refining Stage Level Two
In an instant, Hua Hsing mastered the first level of the One-qi Sword, leaving him a bit stunned. However, he quickly regained his composure, understanding that it was all thanks to the Golden Heart.
Only now did Hua Hsing realize that the Golden Heart not only provided him with a constant source of energy but also significantly accelerated his sword training.
“It must be because of that golden sword,” Hua Hsing thought, his face lighting up with excitement.
The series of changes left Hua Hsing utterly amazed. He had expected the One-qi Sword training to take some time, but he had already mastered the first level in the blink of an eye.
The One-qi Sword had three levels in total, and Hua Hsing had already completed the first.
“Let me see if I can reach the second level,” Hua Hsing said to himself.
He then began to practice the second level's techniques, but the Golden Heart didn’t speed up its rhythm this time. Naturally, he didn’t succeed in reaching the second level of the One-qi Sword.
“Could it be because I haven’t perfected the first level yet?” Hua Hsing wondered, unable to think of any other reason.
After several attempts, with no response from the Golden Heart, Hua Hsing became more convinced of his theory.
Even though he couldn’t master the One-qi Sword in one go, achieving such progress at this pace was no small feat.
Moreover, Hua Hsing felt that the Golden Heart was extraordinary. As his strength increased, he was sure he would understand the unique qualities of the Golden Heart even more.
"The Golden Heart has deepened my understanding of swordsmanship. Now, grasping sword techniques comes easily to me. This is my advantage, and I must make the most of it," Hua Hsing murmured, clenching his fists.
The Golden Heart was Hua Hsing's biggest secret and his greatest asset. He was confident that he could quickly advance to the second level of the Qi Refining Stage.
And so, Hua Hsing continued his training in his secluded courtyard.
Time ticked by. After half a month, Feng Gan emerged from his retreat, having reached the peak of the second level of the Qi Refining Stage, placing him at an average level among the Outer Sect disciples.
Feng Gan's reappearance caught the attention of many Outer Sect disciples, who sensed that something exciting was about to unfold.
Sure enough, the first thing Feng Gan heard upon returning was news about Hua Hsing.
After hearing it, Feng Gan's face darkened with anger.
"He’s still alive," Feng Gan said coldly in a plaza.
"Senior Brother Feng, not only is he alive, but he also defeated Zhang Loong in a single move," a disciple whispered nearby.
Hearing this, Feng Gan's anger finally erupted.
"Even though he's gotten a bit stronger, he's still no match for me," Feng Gan said in a deep voice.
"Senior Brother Feng, what should we do next?" a disciple asked.
"He was lucky to survive last time. This time, I'll make sure he doesn't," Feng Gan muttered to himself.
The square was crowded with many outer sect disciples, most of whom were there for the spectacle. Standing at the center was Feng Gan. After reaching the peak of the second level of the Qi Refining Stage, he looked down on Hua Hsing even more.
"Hua Hsing, all of this is because you crossed the wrong person," Feng Gan thought to himself.
Just then, two figures appeared in the distance. They were Hsu Feng and Jiang Ho, Hua Hsing's close friends.
"Senior Brother Feng, those two are Hua Hsing's buddies," a disciple said.
Hearing this, Feng Gan lifted his gaze, a strange smile forming as he began to walk toward them.
Hsu Feng and Jiang Ho noticed Feng Gan and their expressions changed slightly. They quickened their pace, intending to leave.
But Feng Gan wasn't about to let them get away so easily. Although Hsu Feng and Jiang Ho were at the second level of the Qi Refining Stage, they were far from being a match for Feng Gan.
"Stop right there," Feng Gan's icy voice echoed.
Hsu Feng and Jiang Ho paused briefly upon hearing him, then continued forward, as if they hadn't heard Feng Gan at all.
Feng Gan was seething with anger as the two ignored him. "I told you two to stop right there."
As soon as Feng Gan finished speaking, he clenched his fist and threw a punch at them without hesitation. Hearing the commotion behind them, Hsu Feng and Jiang He were startled. They quickly mustered all their strength to defend themselves. With a loud bang, they staggered back, barely managing to withstand the blow.
"What do you mean by this, Feng Gan?" Hsu Feng demanded, glaring at him.
"It's all because you're loyal followers of Hua Hsing," Feng Gan retorted, drawing his sword to attack them.
"Senior Brother Feng is really strong."
"His potential is impressive. Given time, he could easily rank among the top ten of the Outer Sect disciples."
"Yeah, Hsu Feng and Jiang He are no match for him."
Meanwhile, in Hua Hsing's secluded courtyard, he was deep in training. After half a month of intense practice, Hua Hsing had reached the peak of Qi Refining Stage Level One, and now he was on the verge of a breakthrough.
As he fervently absorbed the cosmic spiritual energy, his Golden Heart suddenly began to beat faster. The next moment, Hua Hsing was astonished to find he had silently advanced to Qi Refining Stage Level Two.
"So this is Qi Refining Stage Level Two?" Hua Hsing stopped his training, a smile spreading across his face. Half a month of hard work had finally paid off, allowing him to break through to the next level.
Hua Hsing adjusted to his newfound strength at Qi Refining Stage Level Two, realizing it was more than twice as powerful as before. To his delight, his mastery of the Body Refining Fist had also reached the fifth level.
Slowly standing up, Hua Hsing unleashed a powerful punch, channeling all his energy into his fist. When the force collided with the ground, two distinct roars echoed, signifying his strength equivalent to that of two bulls. Although he had already possessed the strength of two bulls at the fourth level of Body Refining Fist, the fifth level's power was significantly more formidable.
"Now that I have the One-qi Sword, I'm not afraid of any fighter in the mid to late stages of Level Two," Hua Hsing declared confidently.
Suddenly, an outer sect disciple rushed into Hua Hsing's courtyard, panting heavily.
"Hua Hsing, something terrible has happened!" the disciple shouted.
Seeing the disciple, Hua Hsing's expression changed slightly, and he immediately asked, "What happened?"
Hua Hsing recognized the disciple, who was on good terms with Hsu Feng, though his abilities were somewhat lacking.
"Hua Hsing, Feng Gan has emerged and ran into Hsu Feng and Zhang Loong..."
Before the disciple could finish, Hua Hsing dashed out of the courtyard like a gust of wind.
"Feng Gan, if you dare harm Hsu Feng and Zhang Loong, I won't let you get away with it."
Hua Hsing knew without a doubt that Feng Gan's targeting of Hsu Feng and Zhang Loong was entirely because of him.
Hua Hsing moved swiftly, appearing in the square just in time to see Hsu Feng and Jiang He being pushed back. A flash of a sword cut through the air, sending Jiang He flying, a deep gash bleeding across his body.
"Feng Gan, you jerk!" Hsu Feng shouted in anger, but another flash of the sword sent him reeling. He staggered back, and Hua Hsing rushed forward to support him.
"Are you okay?" Hua Hsing asked quietly, his eyes cold as he looked at Feng Gan.
"Hua Hsing, why are you here? Feng Gan is targeting you. You need to leave," Hsu Feng shouted upon seeing him.
"Hua Hsing, you can't take on Feng Gan," Jiang He added.
Feng Gan, ready to attack, noticed Hua Hsing and a vicious glint appeared in his eyes. "Hua Hsing, you actually dared to show up."
"Hsu Feng and Jiang He have no quarrel with you. Why attack them?" Hua Hsing asked icily.
"You're lucky you survived our last encounter two weeks ago," Feng Gan replied, ignoring Hua Hsing's question. "But you won't be so lucky this time."
Hua Hsing helped Hsu Feng and Jiang He to the side, then stepped toward Feng Gan. "If you want me dead, you'll pay a heavy price. Trust me, it's more than you can handle."
Feng Gan frowned slightly. Just two weeks ago, Hua Hsing wouldn't have dared to speak to him like this, let alone fight back. Could Hua Hsing have encountered some kind of opportunity in such a short time?
"Hua Hsing, do you really think you can escape my attack?" Feng Gan asked with a sinister smile.
"I will definitely settle the score from two weeks ago," Hua Hsing replied.
"Hua Hsing, I'm giving you one last chance. Destroy your own cultivation, kneel before me, and apologize. Maybe then I'll let you go. Otherwise..." Feng Gan threatened.
Hearing this, Hua Hsing shook his head slightly. He was no longer the person who would let Feng Gan bully him. Having lived two lives, Hua Hsing knew that to avoid being bullied, one must be strong. Besides, now that he had reached the second level of the Qi Refining Stage, he wasn't afraid of Feng Gan.
"Apologize to Hsu Feng and Zhang Loong," Hua Hsing demanded.
His words caused a stir among the surrounding disciples.
"Hua Hsing actually dared to demand an apology from Senior Brother Feng? Is he out of his mind?"
"Two weeks ago, he nearly died at the hands of Senior Brother Feng. Does he really think that after just two weeks of training, he can stand up to him?"
"Honestly, even if Senior Brother Feng kills him, the sect won't intervene."
"He's offended Senior Brother Feng, and there's no good outcome for him. Acting so recklessly, he's bound to get into trouble."
Amidst the chatter of countless disciples, Feng Gan caught snippets of their conversations. His face was like stone, cold and unyielding. Hua Hsing was clearly challenging him. "This time," he thought, "let's see who can save you."
