Lu Changsheng was still at the Bone Forging Realm, not yet at the Half-Step Divine Power Realm.
However, he had completed a "blood exchange" with the help of the Blood Exchange Bead, resulting in an unparalleled improvement in his body.
After the blood exchange, Lu Changsheng felt that his body had become much lighter, as if a burden had been lifted. He felt energetic every day, and every aspect of his physical qualities had significantly improved. Although it wasn't a true rebirth, it wasn't far from it.
The most noticeable improvement was in his vitality.
During the blood exchange, his vitality, which had already reached its limit, continued to steadily increase. Lu Changsheng's vitality had become terrifying, surpassing even the top organ-refining martial artists.
Lu Changsheng calmed his mind and checked his attributes panel.
Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: 301 (considerable potential) Icy Bone Forging Technique: Sixth level Nine-Character Thunderous Chant: Not initiated
"Huh?" "My comprehension has exceeded 300 points. It seems that I have mastered several martial techniques thoroughly in this period. But why is my comprehension still considered to have considerable potential?"
Lu Changsheng hadn't paid much attention to his comprehension lately and was surprised to see it had crossed 300 points. His comprehension had undergone a qualitative transformation when it went from 100 to 200 points, but reaching 300 points didn't seem to bring such a transformation. Nevertheless, 300 points of comprehension were already quite terrifying.
Previously, Lu Changsheng had speculated that with a comprehension of 300 points, he could initiate the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant. Now it seemed like it was worth a try.
With this in mind, Lu Changsheng began practicing the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant. He had attempted it before but had always felt that something was off, which prevented him from mastering it. However, this time was different.
"Lin!"
Suddenly, a loud shout came from Lu Changsheng's mouth. At the same time, he felt a resonance within his bones. This "Lin" character had actually caused vibrations in his bones.
"Those who are about to fight, assemble in formation!"
As Lu Changsheng performed the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant, each character seemed to trigger bone vibrations, but the effects on his bones varied with each character. When the last "Xing" character finished resonating within his bones, a row of small text appeared before his eyes.
"Icy Bone Forging Technique complete, +7 Comprehension."
With this line of text, Lu Changsheng felt that his bones had become even tougher, not just on the surface but also internally. He immediately checked his attributes panel again.
Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: 308 (considerable potential) Icy Bone Forging Technique: Seventh level, complete Nine-Character Thunderous Chant: Initiated
Indeed, the Icy Bone Forging Technique had been completed. Not only that, but the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant had finally been initiated.
"The Nine-Character Thunderous Chant has just been initiated, yet it boosted the Icy Bone Forging Technique from the sixth level to complete the seventh level. This effect is astonishing!"
A glint of excitement flashed in Lu Changsheng's eyes. He knew that the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant was powerful, but he hadn't expected it to be this potent. The Icy Bone Forging Technique was a high-level martial art, ranked at the seventh level, and it increased comprehension by 7 points.
Of all the martial arts Lu Changsheng had practiced so far, apart from the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant, the Icy Bone Forging Technique was the only seventh-level martial art. Previously, he hadn't been very confident in transforming his bones into jade-like quality, but now, witnessing the incredible effect of the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant, his confidence was renewed.
If a technique as powerful as the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant couldn't transform his bones into jade-like quality, then who in the world could?
"It's been a month..."
Lu Changsheng calculated the time. In reality, now that the Icy Bone Forging Technique was complete, he didn't need to stay in the ice cave any longer. However, he had grown fond of the solitude and tranquility it offered, which allowed him to focus on his training.
"Now that the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant has been initiated and can assist in bone refinement..."
"I have eight other regular bone forging martial arts and access to herbal medicine. I can stay in this ice cave for a long time. Perhaps I should take the opportunity to fully refine my bones into 'jade bones.'"
Lu Changsheng set a new goal for himself: to transform his bones into "jade bones." It was a challenging task, but he believed it was achievable. With eight different bone forging martial arts, combined with the power of the Nine-Character Thunderous Chant, he felt confident that he could accomplish it.
So, Lu Changsheng continued to stay deep within Wushan.
In Wushan City, Long Fei was handed a bowl of medicine by Liu Hongluan.
"Fei Ge, it's time to take your medicine."
Long Fei looked at Liu Hongluan and smiled. Over the past month, their relationship had developed rapidly. The previous conflicts and misunderstandings had dissolved during this time, and they were now deeply in love.
After drinking the medicine, despite its bitterness, Long Fei was in a good mood. His injuries had improved significantly over the past month, and at this rate, he would likely fully recover in another month or two.
"Fei Ge, I sneaked out this time."
"If your injuries heal, can you visit my home? My parents..."
Liu Hongluan hesitated. In the past, she had been single-mindedly devoted to Long Fei, ignoring her parents' feelings. Now, she realized how disrespectful she had been. With Long Fei's acceptance of her, she hoped to gain her parents' blessings and approval.
"Of course, Hongluan. Once I'm fully healed, I'll personally go to your uncle and aunt to apologize."
"Don't worry, Hongluan. I promise to marry you properly..."
As Liu Hongluan listened to Long Fei's words, she felt incredibly sweet, her face blushing. However, their moment was interrupted abruptly when Long Fei suddenly embraced her and rolled to the side, drawing his blade from its sheath.
"Clang!"
A brilliant flash of the blade, accompanied by a terrifying aura, sliced through the air and deflected a hidden projectile.
"Clang!"
The sound of a striking blade was followed by silence. Long Fei's face turned serious as he gazed at a figure that had suddenly appeared in the courtyard, wearing a menacing and terrifying mask.
"'Ghostface' Chen Sannine! How did you find this place?"
Long Fei's tone was filled with gravity. Clearly, this 'Ghostface' was not to be underestimated. In fact, 'Ghostface' was among the top martial artists below the Divine Power Realm.
Even at the peak of his strength, Long Fei might not be a match for 'Ghostface,' let alone in his current state.
However, he was curious. He had never met 'Ghostface' Chen Sannine before. How had he managed to track him down and come after him personally?
"Long Fei, with your injuries, you won't be able to kill Shen Lun."
"Tell me, who killed Shen Lun? When the time comes, I can give you a quick death."
'Ghostface' spoke with a cold, even hoarse voice, sending shivers down the spine.
"Shen Lun?"
Long Fei's eyes narrowed. 'Ghostface' had come for Shen Lun. What he didn't know was that Shen Lun had been working for 'Ghostface' all these years, seeking revenge. Shen Lun's death had been a severe blow to 'Ghostface,' akin to losing a right-hand man. How could 'Ghostface' not be furious?
"Shen Lun was killed by me, and no one else."
"Chen Sannine, if you want to kill me, go ahead. You don't need a reason."
Long Fei's words were resolute. He didn't want to involve Lu Changsheng, as 'Ghostface' was too formidable. Anyone below the Divine Power Realm would likely be no match for him. Lu Changsheng had saved his life, and Long Fei didn't want to expose him to such a dangerous enemy.
"Hehe, I've captured you, and I have ways to make you talk!"
Chen Sannine sneered, and with a flick of his hand, a barrage of hidden projectiles rained down upon Long Fei.
"Run!"
Long Fei shouted loudly as his energy and blood surged. His aura, combined with a malevolent force, seemed to form a massive blade shadow in the empty space.
"Chop!"
The enormous blade shadow descended instantly, forcing even 'Ghostface' to temporarily retreat from its sharpness.
"Boom!"
As the smoke cleared, Long Fei and Liu Hongluan had disappeared.
"Ghostface" saw a puddle of fresh blood on the ground and a cold, determined look in his eyes.
"How far can you run..."
With that, "Ghostface" swiftly pursued them.