The male disciples were actually setting up an ambush. Of course, they weren't going to physically harm Shen Long as fighting between disciples were strictly prohibited. They just planned on teaching Shen Long a lesson by doing a jump-scare. They wanted Shen Long to embarrass himself in front of the Goddess, to reveal his cowardice personality.
Concealing themselves in bushes and behind ancient street posts, they waited for the opportunity to strike. They waited and waited, but the duo never passed by this point. Gradually getting annoyed, they continued to wait until a whole hour had passed. One disciple couldn't stand it anymore as he started leaving, and others all followed.
Despite never realizing the crowds' unfriendly stares, that was actually their last lap. After all, it was nearly 8 o'clock, and they had been running for almost three hours now. They reluctantly parted as they both headed back to their respective residence, coincidentally avoiding the so-called ambush by other disciples.
After running and speaking with Chen Mei, Shen Long's mood had changed drastically. Brimming with enthusiasm, Shen Long headed to the training ground after taking a cold shower. Even the weather was quite nice today, and everything seemed to be going in Shen Long's favour. Staring at the sapphire-blue sky, he noticed something he never thought of before.
As there was sunlight, that meant that this planet must be in the Milky Way (a galaxy). Shen Long wondered if this planet was actually one of the major planets like Mars, Jupiter, Mercury. However, it didn't make any sense as the scientists couldn't detect any human activities from these planets. He continued to ponder this matter as he slowly walked to the training ground.
Shen Long continued to attempt using his scientific knowledge to answer his own question. However, he quickly discovered that he would never find the actual answer. Instead of minding these insignificant details, Shen Long focused on his training upon entering the training ground. As usual, Shen Long started off with some Qi cultivation practice.
It was obvious that the Seventh Level was much harder than the Sixth. Shen Long was soaked with sweat, after going through the Seventh Level once. Shen Long barely had energy left, and he had to forcefully end his Qi cultivation session. Unlike the previous stances, the Seventh Level of the [Moonlight Script] focused on the fusion of Shen Long's body and his Qi.
The first three stances focused on opening the Qi gates in our body. As one mastered the third level, Qi should be able to flow anywhere to your body as every vessel should be unblocked. The Fourth to Sixth stance focused on exerting and materialising Qi. When one completed the sixth level, their Qi could be exerted outward. Of course, the quality of the Qi would also be more refined as one advanced.
The Seventh to Ninth Level, for Demigod Cultivators, solely focused on merging the Qi with the body. In scientific terms, one's Qi would basically become the muscles' energy source. For ordinary mortals, they would obtain energy by carrying out respiration. However, this process would be replaced by their Qi.
Merging Qi and the muscles together would bring another benefit. When a normal person punched something, they relied on speed and strength for the force. However, a cultivator could utilize their entire body's energy, as well as speed and strength for their punch. Not only a cultivator's strength was higher so their punch would naturally be stronger, but Qi allowed the cultivator to borrow energy from the entire body.
With that extra boost from Qi, cultivator would be at least a thousand times' stronger than a normal person. However, it was very difficult for Qi to merge with the body. Firstly, the muscles needed to be completely exhausted so they would demand energy to repair the muscle. Instead of using glucose/energy, they would use Qi to feed the muscle. At this point, Qi would be in their muscle already.
However, the Qi would "leak" from the muscle after. However, as this process would be consistently repeated, the muscle would be able to retain more Qi each time. Gradually, Qi would be a part of the muscle, and this was the major focus of the Seventh Stance. This was why Shen Long was completely exhausted after training in the Seventh Level. Before Qi could "feed" the muscle, the muscle needed to be completely "empty".
The Eighth and Ninth Stances also focused on the process of assimilation, however, to a different extent. The Ninth Stance was the most important of all as a cultivator would be able to completely replace the function of a heart. The Ninth Stance required one to choose a location in their body, and that specific point would be responsible for the channelling of the Qi.
Otherwise, it was too easy for cultivators to kill each other. Everyone would just focus their attacks on the enemy's heart. So every Peak Demigod Qi Cultivator would have the opportunity to choose a "vital point" in their body for them to store their Qi. Shen Long had yet to reach that stage, so right now he didn't have to worry about that yet.
Although Shen Long could practise the Seventh Level once before being exhausted, his rate of recovery had greatly increased. Shen Long could actually cultivate his Qi twice a day now, every twelve hours. After taking a break, Shen Long moved onto body strengthening. To his surprise, the pieces of gym equipment were no longer useful to him.
Shen Long's strength massively increased after breaking through to Demigod realm. The weights he used to use could now be easily lifted. Well, some equipment could still be used. He could do 350kg squats before, now he could use that equipment for bench press. He did 105kg bench press before, now he could use it for bicep curls.
He decided to upgrade his gym equipment today instead. It was quite an easy task since the weights could be made easily. He went back to the alley and bought tons and tons of metal. He carried it on his back, and it made Shen Long appear like a Ninja Turtle. Well, more specifically, the orange-masked one.
It was hard for him to not catch any attention, so many disciples noticed him as he walked back. The male disciples also, of course, spotted Shen Long. They evilly grinned as they thanked the Heaven.
"Hehehe. The Heavens never disappoint. There's no way you're gonna somehow juke us again! Hahaha! Receive your punishment for talking to our Goddess!"
Same plan as before, they started hiding in the bush. They predicted Shen Long's route as Shen Long seemed like he was returning home. After all, no one knew about the secret training ground. They hid near Shen Long's residence as they waited again for Shen Long. Unfortunately, Shen Long was returning to the training ground.
It seemed like those male disciples had wasted their time once again. After waiting for an hour, they gave up again as they cursed loudly. Even their tears started dropping as they couldn't believe their plan failed again.
"I curse you, freaking Shen Long. You a ninja or something!? Where the fu** did you go!? Twice now! You're gonna suffer if we ever see you again! I bloody curse you..."