Chapter Seventy-Four: Guidance

After twenty consecutive days of grand competitions, Chu Feng composed himself and devoted his entire being to body refinement and contemplation of the Way of the Sword. According to Xiao Yue, only by growing stronger could one reap greater rewards in the Holy Trial a year and a half from now, and so Chu Feng strove tirelessly toward this short-term goal.

Another month slipped by, and the storms stirred up by the competitions finally began to subside. As for Chu Feng, he remained low-key, spending each day alone in a secluded training chamber, wholly absorbed in his own pursuits.

Yet, on the path of body refinement, Chu Feng at last encountered an inexplicable obstacle. Bathed in dense spiritual energy and pushing himself relentlessly, he had achieved a burden of two thousand catties half a month ago. But afterward, no matter how hard he trained, his body seemed to have reached a limit. Even after two weeks, he made no further progress in physical strength.

At dusk, as the sun set, Chu Feng sat cross-legged in the training chamber, his face clouded with gravity. By now, he could almost be certain that his physical growth had come to a complete halt; further improvement seemed impossible.

“Has my body truly reached its utmost limit?” Chu Feng wondered in silence, taking out the small sword he wore at his chest.

The spirit imprint of Elder Yu Yang resided within this sword. He remembered Yu Yang once telling him that they would meet again when his body reached a certain extreme. But now, holding the little sword, nothing happened.

Perplexed, Chu Feng suddenly realized something and muttered to himself, “A certain extreme—could there be many such limits? But I have indeed encountered one now. How am I to break through it?”

He knew only how to train with all his might, but it was clear now that this method had lost its efficacy. Returning the sword to his chest, Chu Feng stood up. Since he could not comprehend the problem on his own, he decided to consult Xiao Yue.

He soon found Xiao Yue in the faculty office building. Walking together along a forested path, Chu Feng explained in detail the doubts that had plagued him these past two weeks.

Once Chu Feng finished, Xiao Yue looked at him with a trace of astonishment, then sighed, saying, “I never expected you’d reach this point on the path of body refinement so soon.”

Xiao Yue had long known Chu Feng was walking this path, and believed that with his tenacity and talent, he would eventually reach this stage. Though it was within his expectations, he could not help but be surprised by how swiftly the moment had come.

Noticing Xiao Yue’s expression, Chu Feng’s heart stirred. Clearly, Xiao Yue knew more about body refinement than he did. At once, he asked, “What is this stage exactly?”

As they walked, Xiao Yue explained, “In truth, body refinement is even more complicated and perilous than you imagine. It isn’t a road that can be conquered by sheer training alone. You have already completed the first step—Foundation Establishment.”

“Foundation Establishment?” Chu Feng echoed softly. Though he did not fully understand, the name itself suggested it was laying the groundwork for further progress.

“The human body, though said to be of limitless potential, is so chiefly in spirit; the flesh ultimately has its bounds. Through unceasing training, one’s physique grows stronger, but eventually, you reach a limit. Bearing two thousand catties—that is the physical limit. Achieving this is what it means to complete Foundation Establishment.”

Xiao Yue gazed off into the distance, sighing as he continued, “Once Foundation Establishment is accomplished, further progress cannot be made through training alone.”

Chu Feng’s eyes lit with understanding—there was more to this than met the eye. “If this is only the first step, then there must be other ways to break through?”

Xiao Yue nodded. “Just as there are countless techniques on the road of cultivation, so too are there secret tomes on the path of body refinement.”

Excitement shone on Chu Feng’s face. So this was why Elder Yu Yang had urged him to join the Spirit War Pavilion—these secret tomes were the key. Clearly, those who came before had walked far down this road.

Xiao Yue continued, “These tomes do not record cultivation techniques, but formulas for body refining potions.”

“Body refining potions?” Chu Feng was surprised.

“It’s said these formulas are extraordinary. They are used precisely at the moment of reaching an extreme, to break through that limit. With their aid, the body is refined and undergoes a fundamental transformation. Each metamorphosis is a new beginning. Afterward, further training will again increase your strength until the next threshold is reached, at which point a stronger potion is required to break through.” Xiao Yue explained patiently.

Enlightenment dawned on Chu Feng; this was the true path of body refinement. He breathed a sigh of relief. “So that’s how it is. That makes things much easier.”

Seeing his relaxed expression, Xiao Yue shook his head. “It’s not as simple as you think. Although my clan’s ancient records mention such things, not a single formula survives. The inheritance of body refinement is nearly lost. If not for ancient lineages, most people wouldn’t even know this path exists.”

Chu Feng’s heart sank at this unwelcome news. “Why is that? How could such important formulas be lost?”

“To be honest, the path is just too perilous. Even according to those ancient records, among hundreds of thousands, perhaps not one could complete Foundation Establishment. Each breakthrough at the limit is fraught with mortal danger; the formulas are ferocious. If you haven’t truly reached the limit, using them is certain death. Even if you have, the process itself might kill you,” Xiao Yue said solemnly.

Chu Feng fell silent. Only now did he realize how dangerous a road he’d chosen. Perhaps the loss of inheritance was for this reason—so many perished even after reaching the limit that few survived to pass on the knowledge.

“Does the Spirit War Pavilion have any then?” Chu Feng asked, unwilling to give up. This was the path pointed out by Elder Yu Yang, and though fraught with risk, it was his only hope.

Xiao Yue saw the unwavering resolve in Chu Feng’s eyes and replied, “It’s said there are still a few remaining.”

Chu Feng’s eyes brightened and he laughed, giving Xiao Yue a playful slap. “You should have said so! You had me worried for nothing.”

Xiao Yue smiled faintly, but tempered his words. “Don’t celebrate too soon. Even if such things exist, they are not easily obtained.”

Chu Feng’s smile faded; he realized this was true. Such dangerous secrets would never be stored in the ordinary library of the Four Camps. “Then where are they kept?”

“In the Hall of Heavenly Treasures,” Xiao Yue replied gravely.

“The Hall of Heavenly Treasures?” Chu Feng echoed, unfamiliar with the name.

Xiao Yue explained, “The Hall of Heavenly Treasures is completely independent within the Spirit War Pavilion, governed solely by the Elders. It houses many treasures—almost the greatest of the human race. The Hall exists for the sake of all humanity; merit points are useless here. Only those who have rendered great service and earned the Elders’ approval may enter and claim its treasures.”

“Moreover, the Hall contains some of our race’s mightiest secret arts, including supreme techniques, top-tier forging and barrier arts. These things are extraordinary—if a student wishes to obtain them, they must first earn the Elders’ recognition during the Holy Trial. But such cases are rare, for even the most gifted may not be suited to these arts.”

Chu Feng could not help but sigh with wonder; the Hall of Heavenly Treasures was clearly a cornerstone of the human race. As Xiao Yue had said, body refining secrets—being so rare—would surely be stored there as well.

A thrill of excitement flickered in Chu Feng’s heart. Now he understood why Elder Yu Yang had given him the Spirit War Saint Token; as long as he remained in the Pavilion, he might set foot within the Hall.

“Very well, I’ll visit the Hall of Heavenly Treasures tomorrow morning. I can hardly wait to see the secret arts of body refinement,” Chu Feng said.

Xiao Yue rolled his eyes and replied, “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Wait for Elder Pang to report your case step by step. Such things have lain sealed away too long; we’ll see if fate favors you.”

“No need to wait. That could take forever. I’ll go myself tomorrow,” Chu Feng said with a laugh.

“You’d best not be reckless,” Xiao Yue warned. “That place is almost forbidden within the Pavilion. Though there are no guards, without an Elder’s token, you can’t even open the door.”

Chu Feng smiled mysteriously, glanced around, then closed his eyes and drew the Spirit War Saint Token from his storage ring. “This should let me in, don’t you think?”

At the sight of the token, Xiao Yue’s expression changed dramatically; his eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. “Are you serious?”

“As real as can be,” Chu Feng replied.

Xiao Yue did not doubt him; such a thing was too significant to fake. Still in disbelief, he asked, “Where did you get that?”

“Don’t worry, I don’t have the ability to earn it. It was a gift from a predecessor,” Chu Feng said, returning the token to his ring.

“Who gave it to you?” Xiao Yue pressed, finding it hard to believe anyone would simply give away such a token.

“A man who once stood invincible beneath the heavens. I walked this path at his guidance,” Chu Feng answered.

Xiao Yue was stunned. With his knowledge, he quickly guessed who it might be. “Is he still alive?”

Chu Feng shook his head, his expression grave. “I fear not. I encountered only a remnant of his will, and only later discovered his identity. I’ll have to report this to the Elders when the time is right.”

Xiao Yue nodded, understanding the gravity of the matter, and said no more. “This is a tremendous opportunity, vital for your growth. Seize it well—but be careful of the Eastern King’s clan.”