With grand perfection state, Chu Yan can immediately breakthrough to Fourth-Layer of Martial Artist, also known as Realm of Bone Tempering.
It was a stage that few reached with ease, where the very structure of one's bones was fortified and strengthened, laying the foundation for the true power of a martial artist. The bones tempering realm spanned from the fourth layer to the sixth, and Chu Yan was determined to take the first step.
Chu Yan took a deep breath and took out some elixir, centering himself as he focused on the flow of energy within his body.
After previous breakthrough, Chu Yan's foundation can be considered very solid. He could feel the subtle throbbing of his bones, the Bronze Skin state enhancing their resilience but not yet transforming them.
With a slow, deliberate motion, Chu Yan activated his cultivation technique, drawing the energy inward and directing it toward his skeletal system. The energy began to circulate through his bones, seeping into the marrow, tempering and refining it.
As the energy intensified, Chu Yan's body trembled, his bones beginning to heat up from within. The pain was sharp and unrelenting, as if his very skeleton was being reforged in the fires of a blacksmith's forge.
The energy coursed through his bones, each pulse stronger than the last. His marrow began to thicken, and the bones themselves started to change, growing denser, more compact. Chu Yan focused on the image of his bones hardening like steel, capable of withstanding immense pressure and delivering crushing force.
The minutes stretched into hours as Chu Yan pushed deeper into the breakthrough. His bones, once fragile and breakable, now felt like they were being forged anew, each one reinforced by the energy he channeled into them.
Finally, the energy that had been building within him suddenly surged, breaking through the final barrier with a force that rocked his entire body. A wave of power radiated from his bones, spreading through his muscles and skin, fortifying every part of his being.
Chu Yan gasped as the transformation completed, his body settling into a new, more powerful state. He could feel it—the strength in his bones, the solid, unyielding nature of his skeletal system. He had broken through to the fourth layer of the Martial Artist realm, the early stage of Bone Tempering.
Rising to his feet, Chu Yan marveled at the sensation of his newly tempered bones. His body felt lighter and more responsive, yet there was a solidity to his movements that hadn't been there before. He clenched his fists, feeling the power that now resided within his very marrow.
Ever since Chu Yan got the system, this is the first time Chu Yan has depended on himself for breakthrough. Of course, with his current talent and foundation, breaking through is not difficult.
As for testing his strength, Chu Yan did not test here, afraid of attracting enforcers from coming. After packing the resources, Chu Yan immediately leave the old building.
Arrived at the hotel, sitting cross-legged on the bed, Chu Yan immersed himself in the training since he can't tested his strength before.
Adventurer Guild.
The heavy glass doors of the Adventurer Guild creaked open as Chu Yan stepped inside, the cool air within the hall a stark contrast to the midday sun outside. The spacious hall was bustling with activity—adventurers of all kinds were gathered around, discussing their missions, submitting reports, or preparing for their next tasks.
Chu Yan moved with purpose toward the mission counter, a large dark colored desk where a few guild officials were busy processing paperwork and handling the adventurers' needs. Behind him, securely wrapped in cloth, were the stolen resources that he had recovered from the criminal Jin Rong, along with the official mission report detailing the hunt and capture.
As he approached the counter, what he saw is not the reception girl from previous, but a middle-aged man with a stern expression and sharp eyes.
"Chu Yan," the official greeted, his tone respectful. "Back from your mission, I see. I heard it was a particularly difficult task this time."
Chu Yan nodded, unwrapping the bundle he carried to reveal the various resources Jin Rong had stolen. The official's eyes widened slightly as he recognized the contents—rare herbs, spirit stones, and even a few precious elixirs, all highly valuable and sought after.
"Jin Rong put up quite a fight," Chu Yan said calmly, placing the bundle on the counter. "But he wasn't strong enough to escape. Here are the stolen resources and accounted for."
"Wait for a minute, I will call the military official in charge of this case," as he bow slightly and turned back to the office.
After a few minutes, the sound of footsteps approached from behind. Chu Yan turned slightly to see a woman in military attire walking toward the counter. Her presence was commanding, her movements confident, and her sharp eyes were locked on the bundle of recovered resources. She wore the insignia of a high-ranking military officer, and her aura spoke of authority and discipline.