27: Chapter 27 Fourth-Order Fate, Dragon-Subduing and Tiger-Taming Skill

A month after returning to the Canglang Water Dock, on a dark and windy night.

Jiang Hanzhou sat cross-legged alone in his room, and a light screen quietly appeared before his eyes:

【host: Jiang Hanzhou】

【fate: Late Bloomer (Rank 3)】

【Cultivation Technique: Tidal Breathing Technique (Perfection), Layered Wave Bone Tempering Strength (Perfection), Blood Fortifying Secret Record (Perfection), Hundred Refinements Viscera Essence Method (Perfection), Tendon Transformation Chapter (Major Achievement), Iron Bone Strength (Perfection), Bronze Skin Art (Perfection)】

【Martial Skill: Tidal Shadow Thousand Hands (Major Achievement), Wind Chasing Blade (Perfection), Rock Shattering Fist (Perfection), Spirit Cat Steps (Perfection), Layered Wave Palm (Perfection), Breath Concealment Method (Perfection)...】

Ever since his 【Late Bloomer】 fate had promoted to the third rank.

His Aptitude and Comprehension Ability had improved significantly, and multiple Yellow Rank Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills had all been cultivated to Perfection in a short period.

Now, he was only thirty years of cultivation away from breaking through to the fourth rank.

Tonight was the critical moment.

During this time, the various Cultivation Techniques Jiang Hanzhou practiced each had their own miraculous effects:

"Bronze Skin Art" focused on the skin and membranes, making the skin as tough as old cowhide, impervious to ordinary swords and blades.

"Hundred Refinements Viscera Essence Method" tempered the internal organs, increasing the viscera Origin Qi, making his breathing as long and steady as a tortoise's breath.

"Blood Fortifying Secret Record" stimulated the bone marrow, making the regeneration speed of his Qi and blood far exceed that of ordinary people.

"Layered Wave Bone Tempering Strength" made his bones as tough as iron, concealing the Layered Wave strength.

And among them, the "Tendon Transformation Chapter" was the secret method for tempering the tendons and meridians of the whole body.

The human body's meridians were like bridges, connecting bones and muscles, conducting Qi, blood, and strength.

"Tendon Transformation Chapter" emphasized warming and nourishing with Qi and blood, stretching with strength, and connecting with intent, making the tendons of the whole body as flexible and powerful as bowstrings.

Cultivated to the depths, the tendons could expand and contract freely, explosive power would double, and it could cushion the impact of external forces, protecting the viscera and bones.

Jiang Hanzhou had already cultivated it to Major Achievement, and the large tendons throughout his body were like dormant dragons, with a faint golden luster flowing under his skin.

At this moment, he held his breath and focused, operating the final barrier of the "Tendon Transformation Chapter."

His Qi and blood, like a stream, slowly infiltrated along those tiny yet important meridians in his limbs and skeleton.

Under the nourishment of the Qi and blood, his meridians grew slightly hot, transmitting a feeling of numbness and soreness, as if countless tiny chains were being slowly pulled open and reshaped.

He immersed his mind in it, completely forgetting himself.

Time ticked away, the wind outside the window wailed, and the moonlight was completely swallowed by dark clouds.

At a certain moment—

The meridians throughout Jiang Hanzhou's body trembled in unison!

It was as if a bowstring stretched to its limit had suddenly relaxed, and as if a sleeping flood dragon had awakened and stretched.

A sense of thoroughness and harmony, a feeling of unimpeded flow of strength, surged from the depths of his limbs and skeleton!

【Tendon Transformation Chapter (Perfection)】

Almost at the same time, the light screen in his mind shook violently, and the 【Late Bloomer】 fate column burst forth with unprecedented, brilliant golden light!

【Martial Arts Comprehension accumulation has reached 900 years, fate promotion conditions met.】

【Late Bloomer fate, promoted to Rank 4! The next rank requires accumulating 3,000 years of "Martial Arts Comprehension." Current progress: 0/3,000 years】

It succeeded!

Jiang Hanzhou's heart was clear, and before he had time to experience the changes brought about by the Rank 4 fate, a sudden change occurred!

It was like the scene when "Tidal Shadow Thousand Hands" was born from the Fusion of Martial Skills last time, but this time, the commotion was greater and the spectacle more magnificent!

In his Sea of Consciousness, the seven body-tempering Cultivation Techniques that had been cultivated to Perfection: "Layered Wave Bone Tempering Strength," "Blood Fortifying Secret Record," "Hundred Refinements Viscera Essence Method," "Tendon Transformation Chapter," "Iron Bone Strength," "Bronze Skin Art," and even the foundational "Tidal Breathing Technique," all lit up simultaneously!

They were no longer independent Cultivation Techniques, but transformed into seven torrents of light, each with different colors but originating from the same source and flowing together:

The pale gold representing bone tempering, the crimson red representing Qi and blood regeneration, the earthy yellow representing viscera tempering, the cyan green representing meridian stretching, the grey-black representing Iron Bone hardness, the bronze color representing skin and membrane toughness, and the Tide water blue as the Foundation.

The seven-colored torrents swirled and intertwined in his Sea of Consciousness, colliding and fusing!

At first, it was chaotic, but gradually, it was as if combed by an invisible hand, evolving towards a direction of complete integration.

Jiang Hanzhou was blessed with sudden inspiration; not only did he not resist, but he actively guided it with his intent, pouring all his understanding of the Dao of body tempering and his insights into Qi, blood, tendons, and bones into this Fusion process.

"Boom—!"

His Sea of Consciousness shook as if heaven and earth were being created.

The seven-colored torrents completely disappeared, and in their place was the complete Legacy of a brand-new Cultivation Technique, deeply branded into the depths of his Divine Soul:

【Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Skill】

【Grade: Earth Rank Low Grade】

【Brief Description: Formed by integrating the essence of multiple body-tempering Cultivation Techniques, taking the meaning of "Dragon Tendons and Tiger Bones," tempering the body's tendons, bones, skin, membranes, viscera, marrow, and blood, pursuing a leak-free Physical Body and a flawless Foundation. When cultivated to Major Achievement, the tendons are like coiling dragons, expanding and contracting freely; the bones are like crouching tigers, combining hardness and softness; the Qi and blood surge like rivers and seas, and the viscera are like an inextinguishable furnace. This technique is the strongest Foundation Establishment method for the Iron Bone Realm and can lay an immortal Foundation for future promotion to Burning Viscera and even higher Realms.】

Earth Rank Cultivation Technique!

Jiang Hanzhou's mind was agitated, and he could hardly control himself.

He suppressed his excitement and continued to perceive.

As the information of the Cultivation Technique flowed, two additional Legacies naturally emerged:

First, a secret technique named "Dragons Roar and Tigers Howl":

【Dragons Roar and Tigers Howl】

【Grade: Earth Rank Low Grade】

【Brief Description: A sonic attack technique, requiring the Dragon-Tiger Qi and blood cultivated by the "Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Skill" as a base. The Dragon's Roar is clear and resonant, striking directly at the Divine Soul, capable of intimidating the mind and disrupting Qi and blood; the Tiger's Howl is majestic and powerful, capable of shattering metal and stone, breaking Protective Aura, and injuring the viscera. Initial practice is difficult and requires extremely high Comprehension Ability and control.】

Second, a medicinal diet recipe named "dragon tiger bone tempering soup":

【dragon tiger bone tempering soup】

【Brief Description: A medicinal diet created specifically to complement the cultivation of the "Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Skill." It uses the bones of a strange beast tiger as the main ingredient, supplemented by eighteen auxiliary herbs such as Dragon Blood Grass, Diamond Flower, and Jade Marrow Ganoderma, brewed alternately with gentle and intense fire for nine days. Consuming it can significantly increase the speed of Cultivation Technique practice, temper the bones, promote the transformation into "Jade Bone," and has a weak effect of tendon transformation and blood fortification.】

【Main Ingredient: One set of strange beast tiger bones over a hundred years old.】

【Auxiliary Ingredients: Three stalks of Dragon Blood Grass, five Diamond Flowers, two taels of Jade Marrow Ganoderma...】

After receiving the information, Jiang Hanzhou slowly opened his eyes.

In his eyes, there seemed to be dragon shadows swimming and tiger shapes lying dormant, which flashed and disappeared.

He carefully experienced the changes in himself.

First was the leap in his Aptitude again!

What the Rank 4 【Late Bloomer】 fate brought was a sense of Comprehension Ability that was almost "transparent."

Some obscure and difficult points in his past cultivation suddenly became clear with just a little thought now.

His control over Qi and blood, his understanding of strength, and his insight into the essence of Cultivation Techniques had all jumped to a brand-new level.

If the Rank 3 fate allowed him to learn quickly, then the Rank 4 fate allowed him to see deeply and understand thoroughly.

At the same time, although the newly fused "Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Skill" had not been formally practiced, its Concept had already begun to influence his body.

Under introspection, on the surface of his originally pale-gold "Gold Bone," a layer of extremely faint and moist jade-like luster had quietly emerged!

Although it was just spots, like the first snow covering gold and stone, it was indeed a sign of moving towards the legendary "Jade Bone" Realm!

Moreover, he vaguely felt that the potential of this "Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Skill" went far beyond this.

If he could gather and consume the accompanying "dragon tiger bone tempering soup" and supplement it with diligent practice, the speed of his bone transformation would far exceed that of ordinary Martial Artists cultivating "Jade Bone," and perhaps...

It might be possible to touch upon that ethereal state above "Jade Bone"?

Suppressing the ambition in his heart, Jiang Hanzhou turned his attention to "Dragons Roar and Tigers Howl."

With a slight movement of his mind, according to the Legacy method, he tried to mobilize a trace of the "Dragon-Tiger Qi and blood" that had naturally transformed due to the Cultivation Technique Fusion, gathered it in his throat, and exhaled gently.

"Hmph..."

A soft sound, so low it was almost inaudible.

However, the flame of the oil lamp on the table suddenly dipped, swayed violently a few times, and the air in the room seemed to ripple with an invisible wave.

Jiang Hanzhou only felt a heat in his throat, his Qi and blood churned slightly, and a slight dizziness came into his mind.

"What a domineering sonic attack technique! I only mobilized an insignificant trace of Qi and blood, tentatively making a little sound, and it had such an effect. If I were to unleash the Dragons Roar and Tigers Howl with full force..."

His eyes flashed with brilliance.

This was undoubtedly a powerful trump card.

But it was indeed difficult to practice, having extremely high requirements for Qi and blood control, mental concentration, and the endurance of the throat tendons and bones.

Even with his current Comprehension Ability, it would require persistent effort.

"It seems I must find time to practice specifically. But for now, I must first solve the problem of the main ingredient for 'dragon tiger bone tempering soup'."

Strange beast tiger bones... over a hundred years old...

This thing is not easy to find.

Strange beasts are rare, and tiger-type strange beasts are even more ferocious; their bones are one of the top Materials for tempering bones among Martial Artists, often priceless and unavailable.

"It seems I have to go to the major pharmacies and chambers of commerce in Flying Fish City to ask, or... the black market?"

Jiang Hanzhou made up his mind to go to Flying Fish City to inquire about news tomorrow during his rest day.

fate Breakthrough, obtaining an Earth Rank Cultivation Technique, the future was bright.

Even with Jiang Hanzhou's calm temperament, he couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth at this moment, in a very good mood.

He stood up, walked to the window, and pushed it open.

The night wind poured in, carrying the humidity of the river water and the chill from afar.

The dark clouds dispersed a little, revealing a crescent moon.

Jiang Hanzhou stood alone in front of the window, looking calmly in the direction of Flying Fish City, with a plan already in mind.

A moment later, he withdrew his gaze and turned back into the room.

The joy of the Breakthrough gradually settled, and he remembered that there were still two "things" in his bosom brought back from Shahe Stockade that had not been dealt with.

He took out a cold jade bottle from a hidden compartment, as well as the nameless book with a dark red leather cover.

In the jade bottle was the mother body of the 【Thousand Tribulations Nirvana Gu】 that was imprisoned by his Qi and blood.

At this moment, under the extraordinary perception brought by the Rank 4 fate, Jiang Hanzhou had a clearer grasp of the state of the Gu worm in the bottle.

It was not dead, but had fallen into a state of near-dormancy, relying on the weak energy stored within itself to maintain the minimum level of vitality.

That cold essence still existed, just suppressed by the jade bottle and the residual Qi and blood.

"This thing... according to the 'secret record of blood gu', can reshape the Dantian, push Qi and blood to the limit, and go further."

Jiang Hanzhou rubbed the jade bottle, lost in thought.

"But I am not the master of the Gu worm; can I forcibly use it?"

His gaze fell on the nameless book.

This book was obtained from He Yunqi's bosom; its material was special, cold to the touch, and there were no words on the cover.

Later, after checking, he learned that this book was named "secret record of blood gu: Fragmented Volume."

Below was a line of small annotations: "One of the secret methods of the Ten Thousand Gu Sect for refining Gu and cultivating essence, recording the techniques of Gu worm cultivation, control, and blood-devouring essence-returning. However, the method is incomplete, with many hidden dangers; learners should be cautious."

After reading this book, Jiang Hanzhou realized that He Yunqi had joined a Demonic Cultivation Sect named the Ten Thousand Gu Sect.

It seemed they had a grudge against the Heavenly Evil Cult, otherwise he wouldn't have taken the opportunity to frame him.

The book recorded many methods in detail, all of which were extremely evil and cruel; if Jiang Hanzhou had no hope for the future, he would certainly have tried them.

But he had the fate, so he only needed to walk the upright and righteous path; these minor paths would instead affect him.

"However, it's not bad to take a look; medicine and Gu arrive at the same destination by different routes, and if the essence of this Gu worm can be refined by me, improving my Aptitude and pushing my Qi and blood to the limit, that would also be excellent."

Thinking of this, Jiang Hanzhou opened the jade bottle and saw the Gu worm wriggling uneasily inside.

"Now is not the time; since there is an opportunity to achieve Jade Bone, I will wait until then to refine this bug."

Jiang Hanzhou covered the jade bottle, sat cross-legged again, and began to Cultivate.