Since his comprehension was so strong, Chu Ming decided to keep practicing the Cyan Yang Swordsmanship. Within three days, he had mastered the ninth technique of Cyan Yang Swordsmanship, the Cyan Light Kill, to perfection.
Moreover, during this period of continuously channeling spiritual power, his cultivation also reached the early stage of the Postnatal Fifth Layer.
"Slash!"
A cyan light flashed, ethereal and elusive, impossible to track, and extremely fast. When the cyan light dissipated, a deep sword mark appeared on the big rock in front of him. Such an attack could easily slice a person in half.
"It's time to choose another martial technique."
Chu Ming pondered. Cyan Yang Swordsmanship was undoubtedly too simple for him now.
The inner strength he cultivated was the Cyan Yuan Technique from the Chu Family, a top-tier Yellow Level cultivation technique, divided into six layers. Currently, he had only reached the First Layer.
There was no need to switch cultivation techniques for now, after all, the highest-level cultivation technique in the Cyan Yang Sect's Outer Sect was only a high-level Yellow Level technique.
This was also an advantage of being from a prominent family, allowing one to get ahead of others.
Inner strength cultivation focuses on the concentration of one's own spiritual power. The amount of spiritual power a person possesses is determined by their inner strength, and a good inner strength cultivation technique can significantly enhance cultivation speed.
For example, breaking through from the Postnatal Ninth Layer to the Transcendence Realm with an intermediate Yellow Level technique takes about nine months, while a high-level Yellow Level technique takes only five months, saving nearly half the time.
Martial techniques, on the other hand, determine how effectively one can utilize their spiritual power to exert power. With powerful martial techniques, one can even challenge those of higher cultivation levels.
A person's progress in martial arts depends on two factors: innate talent and comprehension, which together form the essence of their cultivation.
Innate talent refers to those cultivators with extremely fast cultivation speeds, such as Chu Feng and Chu Ru, who are undoubtedly faster than others in their cultivation process.
Strong comprehension determines how quickly one can cultivate martial techniques and how effectively they can wield their power, like Chu Ming, who mastered Cyan Yang Swordsmanship to perfection in just three days. He was confident that he could exert 120% of the power of the Cyan Yang Swordsmanship.
Chu Ming sheathed his Refined Iron Sword at his waist and headed towards the Martial Arts Pavilion. The martial techniques stored in the Outer Sect's Martial Arts Pavilion were of common quality, while the truly important martial techniques were in the Inner Sect.
The Martial Arts Pavilion was located halfway up the mountain, surrounded by lush greenery, occupying a vast area.
The entrance of the Martial Arts Pavilion was bustling with people, some returning martial techniques, and others, like Chu Ming, borrowing them.
Looking at the Martial Arts Pavilion in front of him, Chu Ming's expression grew serious. He had only been to the Martial Arts Pavilion once, when he became an Outer Sect disciple. Taking a deep breath, Chu Ming stepped forward, ready to enter.
"Chu Ming, stop right there!"
Chu Ming was slightly stunned. Turning his head, he saw three youths slowly walking out from a nearby path. The leader stared at Chu Ming with a sinister expression, a gloomy look in his eyes.
"You've broken through?!"
In just a split second, the three youths were already in front of Chu Ming, sensing his aura with surprise.
"This kid was at the early stage of the Postnatal Fourth Layer a few days ago, and now he's already at the early stage of the Postnatal Fifth Layer!" The three exchanged glances.
"Hmph, this kid must have obtained some heavenly treasure to make such a breakthrough," thought the leading youth.
"Kid, hand over your Spirit Stones for this month!" The youth to the left of the leader, with a sallow complexion, demanded.
Even though Chu Ming had reached the early stage of the Postnatal Fifth Layer, the trio showed no fear. They were all above the Fifth Layer, with the leader already at the Sixth Layer.
The sinister-looking disciple was named Zhao Yun, an Outer Sect disciple, but relied on his brother, who was an Inner Sect disciple, to intimidate others. Even the top ten Outer Sect disciples did not dare to cross him.
With his brother as his backer, Zhao Yun could do whatever he wanted in the Outer Sect, including forcibly collecting Spirit Stones from other disciples.
But he only targeted disciples below the Sixth Layer. Anyone stronger would be beyond his capability to handle.
Spirit Stones?
Chu Ming's heart stirred. Each Outer Sect disciple received five Spirit Stones every month to aid in their cultivation.
Even if Chu Ming had received his share, he would not hand it over.
With his cultivation reaching the early stage of the Postnatal Fifth Layer and his Cyan Light Kill technique mastered, he was confident he could even take on a Sixth Layer opponent.
Just the right opportunity to test my strength, Chu Ming thought.
"I don't have any Spirit Stones now, but I might have some soon." Chu Ming said indifferently. The Cyan Yang Sect did not prohibit fights as long as they didn't result in fatalities, believing that sheltered individuals often withered away.
"If you don't hand it over, don't blame us for being ruthless," said the sallow-faced youth. They had seen plenty of such disciples who, after being beaten, obediently handed over their Spirit Stones.
Whoosh
As he spoke, the sallow-faced youth moved, his footsteps swift, and his fists clenched tightly, creating a powerful wind—executing the low-level Yellow technique, Rolling Stone Fist.
Though he had only reached the Great Success Realm with Rolling Stone Fist, supported by his cultivation level, its might was impressive.
An air-piercing sound rang out. Chu Ming's eyes lit up as he gripped his Refined Iron Sword. Instantly, his entire aura underwent a massive change.
"What is happening?"
The sallow-faced youth was momentarily stunned, forgetting to attack.
"What's wrong? Afraid?" Chu Ming said calmly. The youth, hearing this, was instantly enraged, increasing his fist's force.
Buzz!
A cyan light flashed, appearing and disappearing without a trace. The youth tried to dodge, but it was too late, bracing himself for impact.
"Cyan Yang Shadowless!"
Puff
Before the sallow-faced youth's fist could touch Chu Ming, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, immediately retreating in shock.
"Hiss"
Zhao Yun gasped, noticing the deep wound on the youth's chest. If he had been a moment slower, his life would have been forfeit.
"Chu Ming, I didn't expect you to have improved so much." Zhao Yun said through gritted teeth, feeling humiliated by the injury to his follower.
"Better than you," Chu Ming replied calmly, knowing that some people only respected strength.
"Let me teach you a lesson!"
Zhao Yun roared, his palm glowing red, radiating intense heat as if it were on fire.
This was the Fire Cloud Palm, an intermediate Yellow technique, and judging by Zhao Yun's aura, he had reached the Great Success Realm with it.
Bang
The fiery palm struck the air, evaporating parts of it into nothingness.
"Cyan Yang Shadowless!"
A cyan whirlwind clashed with Zhao Yun's fiery palm. Red and cyan mingled before separating.
Thump thump thump
Both took three steps back. Chu Ming remained calm, while Zhao Yun's expression turned grim, unable to believe he hadn't subdued Chu Ming.
"Again!"
Zhao Yun shouted, the air heating up as his palm grew hotter, pushing Fire Cloud Palm to its limit.
"Clear Wind at Your Face!"
Chu Ming moved, his Refined Iron Sword transforming into a breeze, unpredictable and elusive.
The wind was everywhere!
Puff
The sound of a weapon piercing flesh rang out as they both stepped back once more. Zhao Yun gazed at his bleeding palm, face darkening.
"Hmph, enjoy your victory while it lasts!"
Zhao Yun, feeling a pang of displeasure at being bested by someone he deemed insignificant, turned to leave.
"Let's go!" His followers, eager to leave, immediately followed.
Watching them leave, Chu Ming felt a profound calm. He hadn't even unleashed his strongest attack, the Cyan Light Kill, which could deliver a blow at the early stage of the Postnatal Sixth Layer.
Sheathing his sword, Chu Ming continued towards the Martial Arts Pavilion.
"Wave-Dispelling Palm, Ghost Shadow Step, Iron Wire Hand, Cloud-piercing Fist, Clear Wind Swordsmanship, Linked Retreat..."
The Martial Arts Pavilion housed a hundred martial techniques. Chu Ming finally chose two: Rainfall Swordsmanship, an advanced Yellow technique, and Maze Step, an intermediate Yellow body technique.
Rainfall Swordsmanship was usually practiced by disciples at the Postnatal Seventh Layer, requiring exceptional comprehension but offering significant power.
"These?" The head Elder of the pavilion frowned, noting Chu Ming's cultivation at the Postnatal Fifth Layer.
"Everyone wants to learn powerful techniques, but one must know their limits. Many Postnatal Ninth Layer disciples couldn't master Rainfall Swordsmanship to Great Success. I suggest you choose another," the head Elder advised, not wanting Chu Ming to waste his time.
"I believe I can do it," Chu Ming replied calmly. With the white light shards, his comprehension was extraordinary. What others couldn't achieve, he might.
"Ah, alright. Remember, you must return the technique in three months and never share it. Failure to comply will result in the loss of your cultivation," the head Elder warned, sighing.
"Understood."
Chu Ming said, taking the two martial techniques and leaving. Returning to his wooden hut, he began his practice.