Chapter 34: Restoration of the Ninth Vein
"How's it going? Have you memorized the energy circulation method for Blood Ignition Body Refinement?" Mu Feng asked with a smile, his tone light but his gaze sharp.
"Of course!" Mu Kuang grinned, wiping sweat off his brow. "It's amazing. Painful, yes, but I can already feel how much stronger I've become after just one session."
Mu Feng clapped his brother on the shoulder, his expression one of pride. "Pain is the forge for greatness. Endure what others can't, and we'll stand above them all. A blade is only sharpened through grinding. Stick to it, and we'll achieve something extraordinary together."
"Right! Next time the academy opens for enrollment, those big shots will get a real surprise from us." Mu Kuang's face lit up with resolve.
"Then let's not waste time. Onward!" Mu Feng laughed, and the brothers resumed their journey deeper into the wilderness.
Six Days Later
The dense forest canopy filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows across the undergrowth. A low growl rumbled through the air, drawing the two young men to a halt.
From the shadows emerged a Jungle Wolf, a hulking beast nearly two meters long and standing chest-high to an average adult. Its gray fur bristled, and its sharp teeth glinted as it sniffed the air, detecting the scent of blood.
Hanging from a tree was a bloody leg of wild boar, strategically placed four meters above the ground. The Jungle Wolf hesitated briefly, puzzled by the peculiar location of the meat, before hunger overtook caution. With a powerful leap, it snatched the bait and dragged it to the ground.
Just as it began to feast, a flash of steel descended upon it.
A young warrior leapt from the tree, his blade aimed for the wolf's spine. The beast reacted with astonishing speed, sidestepping the blow, though the blade's edge grazed its back, leaving a bloody gash.
"Awooo!"
The Jungle Wolf howled in pain, its glowing eyes locking onto its attacker. The beast bared its fangs, crouching low, ready to strike.
Mu Kuang stood firm, his blade poised, a cold determination in his eyes.
The wolf lunged first, claws extended. Mu Kuang pivoted sharply, dodging the strike with practiced ease. As the wolf's momentum carried it past, he slashed upward.
Slash!
A fresh wound appeared across the wolf's belly, spilling blood onto the forest floor. Enraged, the wolf twisted mid-air and charged again. Mu Kuang met its ferocity head-on, dancing between its strikes with precision honed through days of relentless practice.
Watching from the treetops, Mu Feng smiled. His brother had grown considerably in both skill and confidence. The air around Mu Kuang now carried the unmistakable aura of a warrior, tempered by real combat.
Moments later, the wolf staggered, its movements slowed by exhaustion and blood loss. Sensing his chance, Mu Kuang surged forward. With a powerful thrust, he drove his blade through the beast's throat, silencing it with a final, pitiful whimper.
"Not bad," Mu Feng called as he hopped down from the tree. "Your technique and agility have improved a lot."
Mu Kuang grinned sheepishly, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Well, fighting beasts every day does that to you. This one's yours for training."
"No," Mu Feng said, shaking his head. "You killed it. You should use it to refine your body. I'll keep watch."
"If I can absorb this one, I might be able to form my Qi Membrane!" Mu Kuang said excitedly, dropping into a meditative stance without hesitation.
Half a Month Later
Under a canopy of ancient trees, the brothers faced their most formidable opponent yet—a massive Ironhide Boar. Its black scales gleamed like armor, and its bulk rivaled that of a small carriage. The boar roared as it charged, its tusks aimed to impale.
"Now!" Mu Feng shouted.
Mu Kuang clenched his fists, his body brimming with raw energy. He stepped forward, his punch landing squarely on the boar's snout.
Boom!
The colossal beast skidded back several meters, its footing unsteady. Before it could recover, Mu Feng dashed in, his blade glowing faintly with concentrated Yuan Qi. In a flash, he plunged the blade into the boar's exposed underbelly, piercing its vital organs.
With a guttural roar, the boar collapsed, its lifeblood pooling beneath it.
As the brothers caught their breath, Mu Feng wasted no time. Placing his hands on the beast's body, he began the process of refining its immense blood energy. Waves of crimson energy poured into him, coursing through his veins.
This time, something extraordinary happened.
His Ninth Vein, damaged and dormant for so long, fully regenerated. Mu Feng's entire body seemed to hum with power as his Yuan Qi flowed seamlessly through all nine veins.
Yet, as the energy continued to flood his system, he felt a stirring in his core.
A Tenth Vein was forming.
A New Stage of Power
By the time the energy dissipated, Mu Feng opened his eyes, a triumphant glint in his gaze. "It's done. My Ninth Vein is restored. I'm back to the peak of the Meridian Stage."
Mu Kuang clapped him on the back, grinning from ear to ear. "That's incredible, Feng! But what's next?"
Mu Feng's eyes narrowed, determination etched into his features. "Now, it's time to open my Purple Core. Only then will I reclaim my rightful strength—and begin to tip the scales of this war."
The brothers stood under the ancient trees, their spirits unwavering. The trials of the wilderness had forged them anew, and they were ready to face whatever came next.