Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 494 Breaking the Heart · Practicing Martial Arts
After passing these two major hurdles, there is still one last dangerous challenge.

It is also the most difficult and dangerous hurdle—the mind!
The reason why the mind-orifice is the most difficult hurdle is because it is the last major orifice.

In the process of guiding the torrent of Qi and blood to impact the major acupoints throughout the body, occupying each major acupoint can reshape a part of the body, thereby stimulating more Qi and blood power.

This force becomes stronger as time goes on.

So much so that even before completing the breakthrough, it had already surpassed the limits that a third-tier cultivator could control.

On the one hand, this brought tremendous benefits.

Power far exceeding the third rank will bring unprecedented changes to cultivators.

Those old, weak body parts were directly destroyed by the torrent of qi and blood, melted into pure qi and blood, and then devoured and absorbed.

Then, driven by the technique, new flesh, blood, muscles and bones regenerated.

The magnitude of this change is so drastic that it cannot be described by the phrase "a complete transformation."

On the other hand, such behavior is extremely dangerous from beginning to end, akin to walking a tightrope on a cliff.

That massive, violent torrent of blood and qi, far beyond the control of cultivators, was a double-edged sword.

Since it has the ability to bring about transformation, it also has the ability to bring about destruction.

If not handled properly, it can easily get out of control.

Therefore, the further one progresses, the more major acupoints are opened, and the stronger the flow of qi and blood becomes.

The difficulty and danger of manipulation have also increased significantly, further testing the cultivator's guidance abilities.

Indeed, at this stage, cultivators are no longer able to precisely control this power and can only rely on their cultivation techniques to guide it cautiously.

Therefore, for safety reasons...

The time required to break through the acupoints often starts with several attempts a day at the beginning, gradually slows down to one attempt every few days, and then eventually takes more than ten days to break through one acupoint.

By extending the breakthrough time as much as possible, the risk of this force getting out of control can be reduced.

However, simply delaying the process will not solve the real problem.

As time goes by, the cultivator's vital energy and blood will also be continuously depleted.

Although before breaking through, cultivators often try their best to increase their total amount of qi and blood by taking spiritual medicines that can restore qi and blood.

However, all of this will eventually have an upper limit, and it won't be particularly high.

This means that if a cultivator is too cautious during the breakthrough process and the breakthrough time is too long, the loss of qi and blood will be too severe.

Then it's easy for a lack of follow-up strength to occur.

While this eliminates the worry of losing control, it also signifies the failure of the breakthrough and leaves the patient with the aftereffects of significant blood and qi depletion.

In milder cases, it can shorten one's lifespan by decades or even a hundred years; in more severe cases, it can lead to immediate death.

Moreover, Xiao Chen faces even greater physical exhaustion than ordinary body cultivators.

Because he took a shortcut back then, fusing his life-giving elixir with his natal flying sword.

Therefore, now that the time for breakthrough has come, not only does he need to consume his own qi and blood, but the wind and thunder swords hidden in his life core are like two bottomless pits.

Every day, it absorbs a large amount of vital energy to help him complete the leap.

Fortunately, Xiao Chen has a unique advantage in this regard.

If you only look at the total amount of Qi and blood, he is almost no different from a fourth-level body cultivator.

This means he is long-lasting.

Even if an extra supply of one's natal flying sword is needed, one can still confidently extend the breakthrough time, guide it slowly, and make sufficient preparations before attempting the breakthrough.

However, having ample preparation time does not guarantee success.

They still have to get through this final, life-or-death ordeal.

Once you cross that threshold, the world will be your oyster.

If you can't get over it, then everything is over.

Facing this challenge tests a cultivator's faith and courage, at least according to the cultivation method.

It just so happens that although Xiao Chen is cautious in his actions, he is actually quite bold.

The key is that even if he fails, he still has Hextech as a safety net, so he doesn't have to worry about the worst outcome, which naturally gives him more confidence.

After thorough preparation, they immediately launched an assault on this final, perilous obstacle.

The mighty torrent that had passed through the 107 major orifices immediately rushed into the heart orifice with unparalleled momentum.

"Oh!"

An unprecedented, terrifying roar, almost capable of shattering one's soul, exploded from Xiao Chen's chest!

That was the beating of his heart after it had been pushed to its limit!

Then, everything fell silent.

Under immense pressure, Xiao Chen's heart stopped beating.

Then all the rage, all the roar, all the power slowly and inevitably began to dissipate.

One breath, two breaths, three breaths...

Xiao Chen's blood and qi almost stopped flowing, and his aura began to decline rapidly.

The flame of a person's life flickers like a candle in the wind, seemingly about to be extinguished in the next breath, plunging into eternal darkness.

Gradually, even his sea of ​​consciousness seemed to be affected.

Xiao Chen's consciousness began to stagnate, as if he had fallen into a deathly silence.

If this situation continues, his consciousness will completely collapse.

There is great terror between life and death!
Only those who, when faced with dire circumstances, firmly believe from the bottom of their hearts that they can overcome this challenge and maintain an unwavering faith can succeed.

"Boom!"

After an unknown amount of time, a heartbeat, even more magnificent and louder, like a thunderclap, suddenly exploded!

The heart that had stopped beating has been restarted in a completely new way!

A torrent of qi and blood, several times purer than before, erupted from the depths of his heart like a volcanic eruption.

The aura that had plummeted to rock bottom rebounded instantly, and it was several times stronger than before.

An immense pressure erupted, almost soaring into the sky.

At this moment, all 108 acupoints around Xiao Chen's body, which had been fully opened, simultaneously erupted with dazzling crimson spiritual light.

The light penetrated flesh and blood, illuminating the entire cave.

In that instant, all the major acupoints in Xiao Chen's body were tightly connected, without any further obstruction.

Even with the activation of the mind's aperture, the intensity of that torrent of qi and blood almost doubled again.

However, it is no longer difficult to control, and there is even a sense of ease in doing so.

With a unique rhythm, it circulated along the 108 major orifices.

Each cycle brings ultimate refinement and nourishment.

In terms of speed alone, it is already several times faster than at any time in the past.

In the past, Xiao Chen might have found it difficult to bear, but now he felt no pressure at all.

Because he had already become a true fourth-order body cultivator.

"Hoo~!"

Xiao Chen let out a long breath, and the air he exhaled immediately turned into a strong wind inside the cave.

He almost thought he might not make it to the final hurdle.

Fortunately, his belief remained unshaken at the critical moment, and he did not develop a fear of failure or death.

He believed that even if he failed to break through, he would not actually die, but would instead trigger the Night's Edge to escape danger.

It was precisely this absolute belief that enabled him to successfully overcome this final hurdle and break through this major bottleneck.

"Finally, we succeeded. I feel like we weren't prepared enough this time."

Xiao Chen couldn't help but sigh, "In hindsight, if this breakthrough process were repeated a hundred times, I might have failed two or three times."

"The main problem is that the handling of the critical points in the mind is not ideal."

"When we try to overcome a major bottleneck next time, we should learn from this experience and prepare as many auxiliary measures as possible."

"Ideally, the entire breakthrough process should proceed smoothly, steadily, and without any major setbacks."

Regardless, this successful breakthrough is a good thing.

Xiao Chen slowly stood up, stretched his muscles and bones on the spot, and began to adapt to the surge in power that came with his breakthrough.

Now that he has advanced to the fourth level in physical cultivation, not only are his bones as smooth as jade, but even his flesh and blood are faintly glowing.

If someone were to stand a little further away and look at him, they would notice that his body was radiating a warm, golden luster.

Even in broad daylight, it's not hard to notice if you look closely.

"From today onwards, I am also a walking luminous pearl."

Xiao Chen naturally noticed this as well, but he quickly and deliberately suppressed the radiance.

This thing has no practical use; it's simply one of the representative characteristics of a fourth-order body cultivator.

To put it bluntly, cultivators who need it can use this method to remind others – I am a fourth-order body cultivator, and I am not someone to be trifled with.

But Xiao Chen didn't need such a reminder.

Firstly, he was a Nascent Soul True Monarch, whose status was no less than that of a body cultivator.

Secondly, if we keep the news that he has broken through to the physical cultivation level a secret, we can use it as a trump card in a battle.

It can be surprisingly effective if the enemy is unaware of it.

He had previously used this tactic to achieve unexpected victories on numerous occasions, and naturally, he continues to maintain this good habit.

"I feel like I've gotten a little taller."

Xiao Chen also noticed that after breaking through to the fourth level, his figure became more slender and well-proportioned.

It may not look like much has changed, but it has actually grown several inches taller than before, almost half a head taller.

If you observe carefully at the same time...

It can also be seen that even after the glow faded, his skin was still more solid and firm than before, just like a fourth-order spirit ore that had undergone preliminary processing.

Naturally, he also possessed defensive capabilities almost identical to those of a semi-finished spirit ore.

Under such circumstances, even if Xiao Chen stood still and allowed the Golden Core cultivator to attack him, it would be difficult for the opponent's spells to harm him.

Even when using sharp weapons like flying swords, the flesh alone can neutralize most of their power.

This is even without any active resistance.

If Xiao Chen wanted to, he should be able to clamp down on a Golden Core cultivator's flying sword using only his muscles, creating an effect similar to disarming him.

Of course, aside from bullying lower-level cultivators, this is still a considerable improvement even when facing Nascent Soul cultivators.

As long as he uses his true essence to form a defensive layer with his skin and flesh, he can withstand fourth-tier spells head-on with almost no impact.

Of course, considering that Xiao Chen's physical cultivation is currently only at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Facing top-tier Nascent Soul cultivators and their custom-made magical artifacts still presents considerable pressure. Therefore, it's best to avoid direct confrontation and instead employ coordinated defensive spells.

Of course, the better option is to practice a fourth-tier martial art and make full use of the advantages of body cultivation.

Xiao Chen had already prepared for this.

Back when he was still with the Tiangang Sect, he had already acquired a fourth-tier yellow-level martial skill and a sword technique.

However, now that he has the "Iron-Forging Body Technique" left behind by the Black Iron Venerable, he will naturally choose to cultivate this better technique.

Including the "Burning Heaven Breaking Limit Force" that I had already set my sights on but hadn't been able to start cultivating due to insufficient cultivation level, I can now try to get started.

In this way, it won't take long.

Xiao Chen can quickly enhance his defensive capabilities and gain two more different offensive methods, greatly enriching his strategies against enemies.

Anyone who thinks he only knows fire magic would be quite surprised.

"Hmm, why does this feel a little different from before?"

Since he was in the cave, Xiao Chen decided to take another look at the inheritance stone tablet in the square before starting to cultivate the "Iron-Forging Body Technique".

However, after he broke through to the fourth level, he saw those stone tablets again.

However, they were surprised to find that the feeling was very different from what they remembered.

The most obvious point is the martial arts essence preserved in the stone tablet.

Back when he was still a third-tier body cultivator, Xiao Chen had already sensed a powerful aura from the words written by the Black Iron Venerable on the stone tablet.

However, that is, after all, just a lingering sense of meaning within the words.

It only confirmed to him that it was genuine, but didn't evoke any further feelings in him.

However, Xiao Chen has now reached the fourth level in body cultivation, and his strength has greatly improved.

Theoretically speaking, the gap between him and the Black Iron Venerable has narrowed considerably.

After all, there used to be a difference of two major realms, but now there's only one.

The problem lies here: when Xiao Chen stood in front of the stone tablet again, he discovered that the majestic aura had not weakened at all, but had become even more fierce than before.

As he stared intently at the words, studying them carefully.

At one point, you could even feel the surging fighting spirit emanating from it.

"Hi~!"

Xiao Chen gasped, "This isn't right."

"Why does it feel like the gap has actually widened?"

His current mood was like seeing a mountain peak in the distance, but it didn't seem very high.

It wasn't until we reached the foot of the mountain and looked up again that we realized the mountain wasn't low at all, and was even quite majestic.

And unlike before.

After noticing the difference, Xiao Chen quickly had a sudden realization.

The problem is not actually about the concentration of Qi and blood, nor about the level of cultivation.

The real difference lies in the different levels of understanding and perception of the path of physical cultivation between the two sides.

It's easier to understand from the perspective of Dharma cultivation; it's essentially about different levels of understanding of one's own Great Dao.

"However, judging from my feelings, it shouldn't be at the level of 'Tao' yet."

Xiao Chen pondered the stone tablet for a long time and finally made a more comprehensive discovery.

The Black Iron Venerable is indeed powerful, but he is far from reaching the level of 'entering the Dao through martial arts'.

The martial arts essence he left behind in the stone tablet is actually his understanding of martial arts during his past cultivation process, as well as a strong belief he upheld.

The fusion of the two leaves behind a fighting spirit and a mental outlook.

Just as a great calligrapher can use the characters on their brush to convey a certain mood or sentiment to future generations across a long period of time.

Black Iron Venerable may have studied calligraphy, or he may not have studied it at all, but he possesses an extremely powerful martial arts essence.

This fighting spirit had seeped into his very bones, becoming almost an integral part of him.

Therefore, when leaving behind his legacy, his true martial arts principles were naturally conveyed between the lines.

"Great, that's a good thing!"

Xiao Chen was not discouraged by this; on the contrary, he was very happy: "In this way, I can come here more often in my spare time and meditate for a while longer."

The two are worlds apart, so it's perfectly normal for there to be an objective gap in their skill levels for the time being.

He didn't feel inferior because of this; on the contrary, he became even more excited.

Because Xiao Chen believed that he could achieve the same level in the future, and even surpass the Black Iron Venerable.

Therefore, the stronger the opponent is, the stronger they will become in the future. How can this not be a good thing?

Therefore, in order to adapt to the new power and to better understand the true meaning of martial arts.

Xiao Chen simply stayed in front of the stone tablet for three whole days.

During this period, in addition to reviewing past martial arts techniques and improving control over their own power, they also observed the stone tablets and comprehended the true meaning of martial arts within them.

The reason for choosing this somewhat leisurely approach is to convey a sense of relaxation.

This breakthrough didn't actually take him too much time.

Although Xiao Chen did intentionally slow down the speed of his breakthrough, he did not rush to achieve it.

But in the end, it only took him ten and a half months, which wasn't particularly long.

This is mainly because he is confident enough, so although his movements are slow, he is decisive and his overall speed is not slow.

In other words, there are still at least two months before the opening of the Vast Ocean Secret Realm.

With Hextech's help, Xiao Chen quickly mastered Yellow-level techniques, and his learning of Yellow-level martial arts wouldn't be much slower.

He has plenty of time, so there's no need to rush.

So, after three days of observing and relaxing, I decided to do so.

Xiao Chen then officially began cultivating the Nascent Soul stage of the "Iron-Forging Body Technique".

Sure enough, he successfully mastered the basics in just two days and reached the level of the tenth level.

In this technique, the Black Iron Venerable imitated the process of iron smelting, dividing different levels of cultivation into ten forgings, a hundred forgings, and a thousand forgings.

Even if one has mastered the first ten refinements, their physical body is like a fourth-tier spirit robe, and ordinary spells cannot break through it.

When facing an enemy, it is enough to block or weaken the first three rounds of spells. If you can quickly get close during this period, you already have a certain chance of winning.

If one can achieve a hundred refinements, that would be considered a minor success, at which point the physical body would be almost equivalent to a fourth-tier spirit shield.

By then, not only will you be able to withstand magic, but you can also directly withstand custom-made magical artifacts.

If one can undergo a thousand refinements, then the skill can be considered to have been mastered.

At that time, his physical strength alone will surpass most defensive magical artifacts in the world, and he will basically be able to roam freely in the Nascent Soul stage.

However, this stage is extremely difficult.

Even though True Monarch Black Iron himself had only cultivated to the level of Nine Hundred Refinements, he was already able to travel around as a rogue cultivator and protect himself.

Considering the cost-effectiveness, Xiao Chen did not continue cultivating.

Instead, he switched to the "Burning Heaven Breaking Limit Force" and mastered the basics in three days.

It's worth mentioning that this martial art is actually divided into a total of thirty-six moves.

However, the most powerful and lethal move among them is also called the Heaven-Burning Breaking Force.

Xiao Chen naturally focused on practicing this move.

After all, what he valued from the very beginning was the powerful explosive force that this move brought.

"Boom~!"

Xiao Chen threw a punch, and even though there were dozens of feet between them, the thick rock shield that was being used as a temporary target still trembled violently.

"Truly worthy of being called an explosive martial skill!"

His eyes lit up immediately: "I feel that if it can be used to really hit someone, even if it's only at the beginner level, its power is no less than that of the Shattering Sky and Melting Mountain Palm."

"It would be good if this martial art skill could be mastered to a high level, no, even just a small level."

"With the help of Hextech, I will have a significant advantage in close combat in the future."

Xiao Chen even had a crazy thought: "What if I could cultivate this 'Burning Heaven Breaking Limit Force' to the point of perfection?"

"Would it be possible to exchange blows with a Nascent Soul cultivator at very close range?"

The reason he thought this way was because the explosive power of this martial art was truly formidable.

However, after calming down a bit, Xiao Chen took the initiative to dismiss the thought: "Xiao Chen, what are you thinking about all day long?"

"After learning a martial art, he started thinking about fighting at a higher realm."

"Isn't this tantamount to deliberately taking a risk?"

"With that time and energy, you might as well think about how to break through to the Nascent Soul stage."

"Even if you're going to fight an enemy of a higher level, you should go down to the lower level first."

Although initially, influenced by the newly acquired power, he became slightly arrogant.

However, Xiao Chen quickly adjusted his mindset.

For him, perhaps he can be more aggressive on a specific matter, after all, Hextech does give him a lot of leeway.

However, overall, we should still adhere to the principle of being steady and cautious.

As the saying goes, "Despise the enemy strategically, but take the enemy seriously tactically."

Moreover, to be honest, given Xiao Chen's current conditions, breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage is almost just a matter of time.

If it weren't for the need to ensure a high success rate, he could have gone into seclusion right now and tried to break through to the Nascent Soul stage directly using the mixed-color phoenix flower.

Theoretically, there's a 20% success rate.

However, Xiao Chen thought the success rate was too low, so he didn't do that.

He now controls two cultivation realms, especially the new cultivation realm, which is clearly a level higher than this one.

Of course, we can't miss out on such an advantage.

Next, we must exert effort from both ends simultaneously to maximize the success rate of a breakthrough.

"Speaking of which, my fully fused magical artifact should be finished by now."

Thinking of the new cultivation world, Xiao Chen also remembered the spear he had customized from True Monarch Shattered Gold.

Now that the breakthrough is complete, it's time to go and take a look over there.

However, he did not rush to set off, but stayed in the Black Iron Cave for three more days.

He also began to master the sword technique he obtained from the Tiangang Sect.

Then they left the cave and found a secluded place to travel.

(End of this chapter)