Chapter 74

In the courtyard, Zhuge Xiang's shadow kept flipping, his feet moving rapidly, taking three steps to the left, two steps to the right, advancing three steps, and retreating one step. It seemed like he was walking in a chaotic manner without any pattern, but his steps and rhythm gave off an incredibly profound feeling. At a glance, it was surprising to see four figures appearing in the courtyard, each vivid and lifelike. As one figure slowly faded and disappeared, another new figure would inevitably appear...

With a flash, Zhuge Xiang stopped his steps, exhaling a long breath, his face filled with joy. He realized that spending a skill point was indeed very effective. He had already grasped the basics of the Ghostly Flash step technique.

When he used the step technique, the feeling of changing direction at will during movement was exhilarating. Of course, the most important thing was the effect of the step technique, which significantly enhanced Zhuge Xiang's overall combat power. With the Attack-Killing Sword, the only five-star weapon he had, he was confident even against a third-layer Body Tempering Realm cultivator.

In half a year, Zhuge Xiang's equipment had not changed much, but the three one-star magical artifacts—Flowing Cloud Cloak, Frost Headband, and Star Chasing Boots—had all been replaced. Now, all his magical artifacts were at least two-star.

Life Headgear (Two-star Magical Artifact): Requires fifth-layer Qi Cultivation, Defense 16-22, Passive: Restore 5 HP per normal attack, Durability 28/28, Weight 3.

Speed Boots (Three-star Magical Artifact): Requires fourth-layer Qi Cultivation, Defense 20-26, Unique Passive: Within a 50-meter radius, friendly targets with a level no more than five levels higher than yourself gain +20% speed, Durability 33/36, Weight 7.

Substitute Cloak (Two-star Magical Artifact): Requires fourth-layer Qi Cultivation, Defense 10-13, Unique Active: Can transfer any attack entirely to the cloak, which will then be destroyed and disappear after use, Durability 12/26, Weight 4.

After half a year of battling in the Endless Mountains, at least a hundred pieces of equipment had dropped, but their attributes were not very impressive. These three pieces of equipment were just right to replace his three one-star magical artifacts, and their attributes were all very good, especially the Life Headgear and Substitute Cloak. If used well, the Life Headgear's healing speed could match that of a healing pill. Although the Substitute Cloak's defense was not high, its special effect was highly coveted. After breaking through to the Body Tempering Realm, Zhuge Xiang's character stats had significantly improved.

Zhuge Xiang, male, 15 years old, HP: 400, MP: 500, Defense 330-360, Attack: 340-388.

Zhuge Xiang was very satisfied with his character stats, especially after replacing the Attack-Killing Sword, which directly increased his attack by over 60. From the character stats, it was clear that the effect of the magical artifacts was significant. Without the Bloodlust Skill or Qi Shield, Zhuge Xiang's defense was still over 300, though 100 points of this were due to breaking through to the Body Tempering Realm, which increased his stats by 100 points.

"Zhuge Xiang, you really did come back?" A defiant voice suddenly rang out from outside the courtyard. Turning his head, Zhuge Xiang saw a teenager standing at his door, about 16 or 17 years old, with red hair and red eyes. It could only be Zhang Kuang. After half a year, Zhang Kuang's aura was even stronger, making Zhuge Xiang's heart race. He was at the third-layer Body Tempering Realm.

"You've been training intensely in the Endless Mountains for half a year, and indeed, your gains have been substantial, reaching the Body Tempering Realm."

Without being invited, Zhang Kuang entered the courtyard as if it were his own. Sensing the thick and stable aura emanating from Zhuge Xiang, his eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he swiped his hand at his waist, pulling out a long spear from his storage belt and lunging forward.

"Good!" Zhang Kuang exclaimed, appreciating Zhuge Xiang's combat enthusiasm. He swiped his hand over his storage ring, and the Attack-Killing Sword appeared, meeting Zhang Kuang's spear head-on.

Zhuge Xiang didn't want to take things out of the storage space system because it would be too shocking. While he could see the storage space opening in front of him, others would see him pulling things out of thin air, a feat only available to Soul Transformation disciples.

So, items like the Iron Essence Core, Sky Talisman, Breath Concealment Jade, Hand Speed Scroll, and the Mysterious Wooden Token, which he used less frequently, were kept in the storage space system.

The clashing sound of the Attack-Killing Sword and the long spear echoed. Zhang Kuang retreated three steps, while Zhuge Xiang retreated six or seven steps, which secretly alarmed him. Indeed, at the third-layer Body Tempering Realm, even with the five-star Attack-Killing Sword and two rings and a necklace that added attack power, his attack was still weaker in a direct confrontation.

"Good! Compared to half a year ago, the gap in your attack power has narrowed," Zhang Kuang said, his eyes gleaming with battle intent. He shook his long spear, and a surge of qi energy formed, creating a formidable momentum as he lunged forward again, the wind of his attack rushing toward Zhuge Xiang.

"Half a year ago, you were no match for me, and now you are even less so," Zhuge Xiang laughed, using the Ghostly Flash step technique. He left a vivid afterimage on the spot and appeared behind Zhang Kuang.

Blood Thunder Slash! The Blood Thunder Slash skill, stored in the Attack-Killing Sword, was unleashed. Zhuge Xiang's sword transformed into a brilliant light and slashed down. Breaking through to the Body Tempering Realm added 100 points of defense per layer, and even without defensive magical artifacts, a third-layer Body Tempering Realm cultivator like Zhang Kuang had over 300 points of defense. Zhuge Xiang did not underestimate him.

Breaking through to the Body Tempering Realm directly increased defense by 100 points, but physical attack power only increased by about 70 points. Of course, compared to the Qi Cultivation Realm, where each layer only increased attack by 10 points, this was a significant boost.

Seeing his spear pierce through empty air, Zhang Kuang stumbled. However, as a battle maniac, his beast-like instincts were terrifying. Before he could steady himself, he flicked his wrist, and the spear passed under his armpit, transforming into a brilliant light. Martial Skill—Backstab!

The sudden appearance of the dazzling spear light was not only incredibly powerful but also unexpected. An ordinary person would never expect such a deadly move from someone facing away. However, Zhang Kuang, a battle maniac, had quick battle instincts and reactions, and so did Zhuge Xiang.

Qi Shield!!!

The Blood Thunder Slash attack remained unchanged. At the critical moment, Zhuge Xiang activated the Qi Shield skill, boosting his defense from over 300 to nearly 500 points. The Backstab pierced through his defense but only left a superficial wound. However, Zhuge Xiang's charged attack, the Blood Thunder Slash with an additional 100 attack power, struck Zhang Kuang's back, leaving a deep, bone-deep wound. If Zhuge Xiang hadn't held back, he could have severed Zhang Kuang's spine.

Turning around, Zhang Kuang stared at Zhuge Xiang in shock, "Was that the Ghostly Flash you just used?"

"You should treat your wounds first," Zhuge Xiang said, his killing intent subsiding, neither confirming nor denying Zhang Kuang's question.

"You've become even more formidable," Zhang Kuang said, not pressing further. He quickly took out a healing ointment from the sect and applied it to his back, sighing.

However, as a battle maniac, Zhang Kuang didn't know what it meant to be dejected. He still looked at Zhuge Xiang with intense battle intent, "You know about the sect mission, right? Are you interested in teaming up with me?"

"Sure, but I have other friends joining. Do you mind?" Zhuge Xiang asked, nodding in agreement without surprise.

"This time, let's see who can kill more demon wolves. It's better if you bring your friends, especially if they are a burden. Then you're sure to lose," Zhang Kuang chuckled, agreeing on the time and place to meet the next day, and then left, temporarily stopping the bleeding on his back but needing to treat it fully.

At the Body Tempering Realm, with the sect mission, having Zhang Kuang and Lu Yuling as companions, plus Niu Geng and Hua Nongying, the five-person team was quite strong. Niu Geng's poison and Hua Nongying's agility, though not at the Body Tempering Realm, were still significant.

Zhuge Xiang had obtained the Wolf Fang Arrows from Master Lao Tie and prepared other necessary supplies. He spent the day practicing the Ghostly Flash step technique.

The next morning, Zhuge Xiang arrived at the entrance of the Asura Sect, meeting up with Lu Yuling and others. The entrance was bustling with many senior disciples who had taken the sect mission, gathering to set out.

"Junior Brother, are you preparing to go to the mountains to slay demon wolves? If you don't mind, I'm alone and would like to join you," a friendly voice said behind Zhuge Xiang as they were about to set out.

(Strictly speaking, this is already the third chapter of the day. There will be another update at 9 PM. I need your support with clicks and recommendations to push the new book up the charts and keep the updates coming.)