Lu Fan had long understood that body tempering was a crucial step in strengthening his foundation. Unlike Qi cultivation, which focused on refining internal energy, body tempering enhanced a cultivator's physical resilience, allowing them to withstand greater forces. With the Sky Thunder Refinement technique he had purchased from Moonlight Traders, he was now ready to take the next step in his cultivation journey.
This technique was notorious for its risks. Most who practiced it relied on actual sky lightning, drawing upon heavenly tribulation to temper their bodies. The problem, however, was that sky lightning was unpredictable—sometimes too weak to be effective, other times so strong that it directly killed the cultivator attempting the technique. Because of this, Sky Thunder Refinement was rarely practiced, its danger outweighing its benefits for most.
But Lu Fan was different.
Unlike others, he didn't need to rely on external lightning. He already had a vast reserve of electricity stored inside his body from his previous training. This meant he could practice the art without exposing himself to deadly risks.
He sat cross-legged in his residence within the Mo Family's territory, carefully unrolling the scroll that contained the technique's instructions.
"The first stage of Sky Thunder Refinement requires the cultivator to circulate lightning Qi through their meridians, stimulating their muscles and bones. Over time, this refines the body, enhancing its conductivity and resistance to lightning damage."
Lu Fan took a deep breath and began.
With a simple thought, the electricity stored in his body began to stir. It crackled softly within his meridians, like a storm waiting to be unleashed. Following the instructions in the scroll, he directed the energy through specific pathways, allowing it to seep into his flesh, bones, and organs.
At first, the sensation was mild—like a tingling current passing through his limbs. But as he continued, he gradually increased the intensity, pushing more and more energy into his body. The tingling sensation soon turned into a burning heat, and then into a deep ache, as if every cell in his body was being stimulated at once.
Unlike those who used external lightning, Lu Fan had complete control over the intensity. He adjusted the power level instinctively, ensuring that it was strong enough to refine his body without causing permanent damage.
The technique required him to cycle the lightning energy repeatedly, forcing his body to adapt. Every time the current passed through, his muscles felt a little denser, his bones a little tougher. His flesh seemed to vibrate with raw energy, as though it were absorbing the very essence of the storm.
As he continued, he could feel his physical body changing. His skin became slightly tougher, his bones sturdier. His body began to emit faint arcs of electricity, small sparks crackling around him like a natural thunderstorm.
After several hours of practice, he finally stopped, exhaling deeply. His body was drenched in sweat, but his skin radiated warmth, and his muscles pulsed with newfound power.
"This technique is even more effective than I expected," Lu Fan muttered to himself. "With my ability to regulate the lightning, I can progress steadily without worrying about injury."
Though this was only the first session, he could already feel noticeable improvements. If he continued practicing, his body would eventually become completely immune to lightning attacks, and his strikes would carry an additional burst of electric power.
This was only the beginning.
Lu Fan clenched his fists, feeling the energy surging through him. With each practice session, he would refine his body further. The road ahead was long, but he was ready to walk it.
For the next few weeks, Lu Fan continued practicing Sky Thunder Refinement diligently. Each day, he refined his body further, allowing the electricity within him to temper his bones, muscles, and organs. His flesh became denser, and his meridians strengthened, making it easier for Qi to flow smoothly through his body.
One night, as he sat cross-legged in his residence, he decided to push his training to the next level. Up until now, he had been cautious, gradually increasing the intensity of the lightning coursing through his body. But now, he wanted to test his true limits.
"If I want to maximize the effects of this technique, I can't hold back forever," he thought.