Chapter 7

Xiao Han returned to his own stilt house, indulged in some wild thoughts for a while, and then fell asleep. In his dream, he became an outer sect disciple, cultivated an unparalleled divine skill, and challenged Xue Jianfeng, defeating him with his own hands on the arena. What a delightful dream!

* * *

The deep and prolonged morning bell woke Xiao Han from his dream. Another day of being a live target began.

Xiao Han stretched his limbs, feeling full of energy and refreshed. He got up, washed up quickly, and went downstairs to collect his breakfast.

As usual, after a simple breakfast, Xiao Han joined a large group of live targets, crossing mountains and ridges to enter the training area for the many entry-level disciples of the Yunyu Sect.

The morning mist, like silk, swirled around the mountains, ethereal, enchanting, and filled with a divine aura. The towering peaks, solemn and mysterious, were as enduring and poetic as ink paintings. In his previous life on Earth, Xiao Han had climbed some famous mountains, but none could compare to the grandeur and allure of the Yunyu Mountains.

Soon, Xiao Han and nearly a hundred live targets climbed a peak.

At the summit, dozens of entry-level disciples had already gathered, practicing their morning exercises. Their explosive bodies moved with such force that they tore through the air, sending sand and stones flying, a truly impressive sight.

If it were a few months ago, Xiao Han would have felt a sense of awe and unattainability at the skills of these entry-level disciples. But now, with his bones exploding 200 times, almost reaching the pinnacle of the Bone Tempering stage, he found these entry-level disciples to be nothing special.

After a short while, the group of entry-level disciples completed their basic training. However, unlike usual, they did not come over to kick and beat the live targets. Instead, they all looked up expectantly, as if waiting for something.

At that moment, the sound of hooves echoed, and a powerful, tall horse galloped up the mountain path, reaching the summit.

The rider on the horse had dark skin, a pockmarked face, and a fierce expression. He was none other than Qi Shi, one of the most outstanding entry-level disciples of the Yunyu Sect.

Xiao Han looked up at Qi Shi and couldn't help but clench his fists lightly.

"Brother Qi has arrived," the entry-level disciples greeted him respectfully.

Qi Shi let out a long whistle, dismounted, and his muscles and bones exploded in a series of loud cracks as he strode into the training ground. As he walked, he said, "What, all of you junior brothers have completed today's training? Then let's start beating the live targets!"

Today, Qi Shi was in high spirits, his face beaming with joy.

One of the entry-level disciples immediately said with a smile, "Brother Qi, you reached the 100th bone explosion three days ago, and we are all happy for you. From now on, Brother Qi will soar to new heights, with a bright future... In short, we will all rely on you, Brother Qi."

"Ha ha ha..." Qi Shi became even more pleased, laughing wildly. "I have finally reached the 100th bone explosion and am about to become an outer sect disciple. Truly, I deserve it! I have taken another solid step on the path of martial arts. All of you junior brothers must also work hard."

"Qi Shi, congratulations on reaching the 100th bone explosion," a lazy voice echoed, and then a young man in white, with his hands behind his back, walked into the training ground with a casual demeanor. He was Tu Yifei, an entry-level disciple whose cultivation was not inferior to Qi Shi's.

"Oh? Tu, I suppose you're almost there too?" Brother Qi sneered.

"I may not be talented, but I reached the 104th bone explosion seven days ago, still outperforming you, Qi Shi... Ha ha ha... Ha ha ha..." Tu Yifei suddenly laughed maniacally, his eyes full of arrogance and pride.

"Ah~~~ Brother Tu has also surpassed the 100th bone explosion, congratulations, congratulations," the entry-level disciples flattered him. "Brother Tu is truly a genius!"

Qi Shi's lips curled into a sneer. "So what if you reached the 104th bone explosion? The path of cultivation is long, and a moment of glory does not mean you will be the last to laugh."

"Qi Shi, Tu Yifei, you are still ahead of me. I only reached the 101st bone explosion yesterday," another calm voice echoed, and a man in purple, fanning himself, walked into the training ground with a leisurely pace, exuding an aura of grandeur and elegance.

"Zhou Xiong, another so-called genius entry-level disciple, has killed countless live targets," Xiao Han licked his lips and thought to himself.

"I, Chen Chong, am not inferior to any of you!" A giant, bear-like man, exuding a powerful aura as he walked, also entered the training ground. "I, Chen Chong, have reached the 110th bone explosion. Who among you can match me?"

In a short time, more top entry-level disciples arrived at the peak, all of whom had recently completed the 100th bone explosion, earning the qualification to become outer sect disciples.

Seventeen entry-level disciples, all with bone explosions exceeding 100, gathered together!

The most powerful among them was a sixteen-year-old named Linghu Xuan, who had reached the 130th bone explosion, transcending the ordinary. With just a slight movement, he exuded a powerful fighting spirit and an overwhelming sense of victory.

"Three months ago, these guys were all at the 90th bone explosion, and now they have all surpassed 100. Truly, they have made remarkable progress. However, compared to me, they are nothing..." Xiao Han thought to himself.

At the age of sixteen, reaching the 130th bone explosion was indeed a sign of genius. Therefore, Linghu Xuan, among the seventeen top entry-level disciples, had significant influence.

"Everyone is here today, which is good," Linghu Xuan, mature beyond his years, said with a commanding presence. "We seventeen are the strongest entry-level disciples of this generation, and we are about to become outer sect disciples. However, I have heard that the competition among outer sect disciples is extremely fierce, and they often form groups to support each other. As new outer sect disciples, if we do not unite, we will surely be bullied. My suggestion is that we, as entry-level disciples, form a group after advancing to the outer sect, standing together, and becoming a solid force, so that we are not bullied by the outer sect disciples."

"Agreed, I support Linghu Xuan's suggestion. We should form a group, advancing and retreating together, so that we are not isolated and vulnerable to manipulation," Tu Yifei was the first to agree.

"I also agree," another entry-level disciple nodded.

"I agree."

"Agreed."

...

"Good, very good," Linghu Xuan nodded repeatedly. "It seems everyone is smart. However, since we are forming a group, we should elect a leader to avoid a lack of leadership." Linghu Xuan's tone changed, and he said proudly, "I, though not talented, have reached the 130th bone explosion, surpassing all of you. Moreover, among the outstanding entry-level disciples of the Yunyu Sect in the past ten years, no one can match me! It is only right that I become the leader of our small group!"

"What? Linghu Xuan, you want to be our leader?" Chen Chong bared his teeth. "Do you think I don't know? You occasionally obtained a rare opportunity, took a heavenly treasure, and thus reached the 130th bone explosion. What qualifications do you have to be a leader?"

"Linghu Xuan, don't be too absolute. Your foundation may be stronger, but it doesn't mean you will always be ahead of us," Tu Yifei also sneered.

...

For a moment, these top entry-level disciples began to argue, none of them willing to yield to the others.

"Enough!" A roar like a thunderclap echoed. It was Zhou Xiong, in purple, fanning himself, exuding a sense of strategic brilliance. "Everyone, stop arguing. Since no one is willing to yield, I have a method to determine who is the best. What do you think?"

"Oh? Zhou Xiong? You are always full of strategies. What method do you have? Speak."

"Alright, everyone, please look. Today, nearly a hundred live targets have reached the summit. Why don't we all seventeen attack these live targets simultaneously, and the one who kills the most will be the leader of our group. What do you think?" Zhou Xiong said casually.

"Good! I, Qi Shi, agree with Zhou Xiong's method!" Qi Shi sneered, his bones exploding with a rolling thunder, "We have all successfully reached the 100th bone explosion, with a strength of 3 dings, capable of tearing apart tigers and leopards. Killing these live targets is like blowing away dust! Therefore, killing live targets is not a skill; the one who kills the most is the true skill!"

In martial arts, 'ding' is the unit of measurement for strength. A standard bronze ding weighs 1000 catties. Therefore, when a martial artist's strength reaches 1000 catties, it is called '1 ding' of strength.

At the peak of the 'Tendon and Skin Tempering' stage, a martial artist can burst with '1 ding' of strength in a single punch; if they reach the 'Bone Tempering' stage with the 100th bone explosion, they have '3 dings' of strength.

These elite entry-level disciples, all with bone explosions exceeding 100, had reached 3 dings of strength, or 3000 catties of force. Such formidable strength could kill a live target in one punch, even if they wore a rattan armor.

"Good! Let's see who kills the most live targets!"

The elite entry-level disciples nodded and then all looked at the group of live targets! Their eyes were like those of wolves, filled with killing intent, eager to attack!

"Ah? What... What does this mean? Are... Are you going to beat us to death?"

The live targets also heard the conversation of the elite entry-level disciples. In an instant, their faces turned ashen, and they all retreated. Some were so frightened that their legs turned weak and they fell to the ground; some trembled on the ground; some knelt and wailed, begging for mercy...

"Please spare us, sirs, please spare us..."

"Sirs, if I endure for a few more months, I will have completed 15 years as a live target and can be allocated land and livestock to live out my days... Please spare me... Let me go..."

...

Cries of despair echoed.

The elite entry-level disciples, however, were unmoved. Instead, they continued to build up their strength, like a pack of hungry tigers ready to pounce on a flock of sheep, tearing and killing!

The lives of live targets were as light as grass!

At this moment, Xiao Han's heart was cold... "A killing contest? Tsk tsk, these entry-level disciples are truly domineering! To come up with such a cruel and vicious method to elect a leader... They really don't treat us live targets as human beings..."

Xiao Han had been a live target for several years. Before cultivating the 'Indestructible Golden Body,' he endured daily beatings and bullying, with a deep-seated resentment that could not be vented. He was extremely frustrated, forced to endure due to his lack of strength. But today, he could no longer bear it.

"You are too domineering. Even if you are domineering, you can't be this domineering, treating us live targets like pigs and cows?"

Xiao Han suddenly spoke up in the crowd.

"Who? Which live target spoke just now? Step forward!" Chen Chong, the elite entry-level disciple, immediately flew into a rage upon hearing Xiao Han's voice. "Do live targets have the right to speak here? Outrageous! Step forward!"

The live targets were terrified and retreated. Xiao Han, however, walked forward without a change in expression.

"Oh? Xiao Han? The live target who can't be killed." Linghu Xuan recognized Xiao Han and then sneered. "Xiao Han, a few months ago, I hit you with one punch, thinking you would die. But you are still alive. Good, very good, do you really think you are invincible? Excellent!"

"The more despicable a person is, the harder their life is. This Xiao Han is mine. Let me kill him." Qi Shi clenched his fists, his muscles and bones crackling, and he walked toward Xiao Han with a fierce expression.

"Qi Shi!" Xiao Han suddenly roared, his voice like a thunderclap!

Originally, everyone thought that as Qi Shi approached, Xiao Han would flee in terror. But unexpectedly, Xiao Han let out a loud shout.

"Huh?" Qi Shi's body stiffened, almost unable to believe his ears!

"Qi Shi! You are a waste! You only reached the 100th bone explosion because of a 'White Tiger Bone Tempering Pill'! Otherwise, you would never have become an outer sect disciple! You think you have skills? You are a waste! A complete waste!" Xiao Han began to curse, no longer holding back. The resentment in his heart burst forth, and he felt a great sense of relief.

"Clack clack clack~~~" Qi Shi, cursed by Xiao Han, felt his blood rush to his face, turning his already rough and dark face completely red!

"Xiao Han, you are committing a grave offense by speaking out of turn. The first live target to be killed today will be you!" Linghu Xuan flew into a rage, pointing at Xiao Han and shouting.

"Ha ha ha ha ha~~~" Suddenly, Xiao Han burst into laughter. "Speaking out of turn? What is lower? What is higher? I am lower, and you are higher? What a joke! In this world, strength is supreme! The strong are higher, and the weak are lower! Fine, today, I, Xiao Han, have no choice but to take a stand! Let you entry-level disciples see who is higher and who is lower!"

Xiao Han threw the rattan armor, helmet, and mask on the ground and walked toward Brother Qi.

"Oh? This Xiao Han must have been beaten too much. Interesting, very interesting." Zhou Xiong fanned himself, pointing out the situation. "Qi Shi, you kill this Xiao Han first, and then we will start killing the live targets to see who kills the most. The one who kills the most wins."

"Have you enjoyed beating me all these years?" Xiao Han's lips curled slightly, and his harmless face immediately turned sinister. "Now it's my turn to beat you, right?"

Suddenly, Xiao Han roared, his body emitting a rolling thunder, and his strength surged!

In the next moment, Xiao Han took a step forward, his body tearing through the air, and he reached Qi Shi in an instant, twisting his body and delivering a lightning-fast punch, taking the initiative!

This punch was a basic technique from the 'Mighty Ox Bone Tempering Fist,' emphasizing the unity of the waist and hips, and the explosive release of strength. In the past, Xiao Han's physical condition was too poor to use this technique effectively, but now, with his 200th bone explosion, his physical strength was comparable to a mighty beast. His punch could split mountains and shatter rocks!

"Outrageous!" Qi Shi saw Xiao Han approach and tried to dodge, but it was too late. He had no choice but to punch back, trying to clash with Xiao Han.

"Bang!!!"

The two fists collided with a thunderous impact, like a meteor striking the ground!

In the next moment...

"Crack crack crack~~~"

The sound of bones breaking echoed like fireworks.

"Ah~~~" Qi Shi let out a pig-like scream and was thrown back, his iron-tower-like body retreating! The clash of fists shattered his right hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder bones...

Xiao Han took a step forward and delivered a sweeping kick, the air emitting a heart-wrenching sound as it hit Qi Shi's waist!

Qi Shi didn't even have time to groan as he was kicked like a sandbag, flying through the air, landing and creating a shallow human-shaped pit, spitting blood and teeth, with countless broken bones.

The live target Xiao Han, in one move, sent the top entry-level disciple Qi Shi flying!

As Qi Shi fell to the ground, Xiao Han pounced like a leopard, stepping on his left wrist, and with a crack, Qi Shi's wrist bone shattered.

"Did you dare to steal my pills?!"

"Bang!" Xiao Han kicked Qi Shi again, finally venting his anger.

The scene suddenly became deathly silent, a pin could be heard!

All the entry-level disciples stared at Xiao Han as if they had seen a ghost, their sneers and smirks frozen on their faces.

The live targets were even more terrified, their minds unable to process what had happened, their mouths agape, not daring to breathe.

"Bang!"

Xiao Han's body exploded with a sound like waves crashing, sending sand and stones flying, and a powerful aura surged! It was as if an ancient mighty beast had been resurrected within him!

"Since I have already made my move, I will cripple all of you to vent my anger!" Xiao Han sneered and charged at the group of elite entry-level disciples, unstoppable like a thousand galloping horses!

"Kill him! Kill this live target!" Linghu Xuan roared, his eyes blazing with fire, and he rushed forward, his bones exploding