Chapter 115: Defying Mortality to Ascend to Immortality—the Supreme Bone Conceives a Divine Art

After a night of cultivation, Jiang Ming had improved considerably.

“You should have refined at least one pill by now!” Instructor Yu said again.

“I’ve refined them all,” Jiang Ming replied.

“All of them?”

“Yes.”

Instructor Yu felt his scalp tingle. It wasn’t due to a lack of experience—on the contrary, his extensive knowledge made Jiang Ming seem all the more terrifying.

Those were Ninefold Treasure Blood Pills; ordinarily, it took at least ten to fifteen days to fully absorb one. Given what he knew of Jiang Ming, refining one pill overnight was plausible.

But all of them?

“You didn’t also refine and absorb the Return Origin Vajra Pill, did you?” Instructor Yu suddenly realized, his eyes widening.

“Yes,” Jiang Ming nodded helplessly. “Unfortunately, there was no breakthrough.”

“Impossible!” Instructor Yu exclaimed in disbelief. “Impossible!”

The two impossibilities carried different meanings.

The first was how Jiang Ming could have refined the Return Origin Vajra Pill in just one night—or rather, half a night—alongside three Ninefold Treasure Blood Pills, absorbing them all completely. It was enough to rattle even him.

As for the second impossibility?

“How can you not break through after absorbing all those pills?” Instructor Yu was baffled. “Even if your foundation was only moderate, three pills should push you into the realm of perfection. Add the Return Origin Vajra Pill as a catalyst, and with your talent, you should have broken through easily.”

“He has a unique physique!” Elder Tang approached. “Don’t forget, during the provincial exams, he said he had refined his bones to the Jade Bone realm. You must understand what that means—it represents the true limit of a mortal body.”

“Reaching the Blood Exchange realm and stepping into the ultimate stage is only natural.”

“Indeed.”

“So, the effects of these four pills were clearly absorbed in this aspect.”

“Is that right, kid Jiang?”

Elder Tang’s reasoning was meticulous.

“Yes,” Jiang Ming nodded. “When I reached the Marrow Washing realm, my marrow became like silver frost—not the usual cold mist, but truly silver in color. It’s a kind of limit. I thought I could advance further, but realized that was the absolute limit.”

“The Blood Exchange realm is similar! My blood is like quicksilver—I've long reached that stage. After refining with these pills, every drop of blood feels incredibly heavy, containing explosive power. The blood even emanates faint golden light.” He scratched lightly with his fingernail, leaving only a white mark.

Jiang Ming smiled wryly. Summoning his sword intent, he fiercely and painstakingly opened a tiny wound on his thumb, letting a drop of blood seep out—reddish with golden glimmers.

The wound healed instantly.

“Your physique has truly been refined to a superhuman level,” Elder Tang sighed.

“Indeed, it’s beyond human,” Instructor Yu muttered, impressed.

“I have reached the true perfection of the Blood Exchange realm, but I don’t understand why the tendon and bone refinement has multiple limits and only reaches its peak at the Jade Bone stage, yet Marrow Washing and Blood Exchange each have only a single limit,” Jiang Ming asked.

“You should have guessed this already,” Elder Tang said softly.

Instructor Yu sneered.

Both these experts felt a touch of envy.

“Is it because breaking the tendon and bone limits successively also indirectly promotes the organs and blood marrow, breaking their constraints as well?” Jiang Ming pondered. “So Marrow Washing and Blood Exchange are comparatively easier?”

Elder Tang nodded. “The human body is a whole; true cultivation is about holistic coordination. Traditional methods cultivate the entire body simultaneously, avoiding weaknesses—tendons, bones, organs all progressing together.”

“You’re cultivating externally to internally—skin, then tendons and bones, then organs, then marrow washing and blood exchange—step by step, simpler but prone to internal injuries. For example, strong tendons and bones grant shocking power but may recoil and damage the organs.”

“However, the body is a whole; even when focusing solely on tendons and bones, organs and marrow improve to some extent.”

“Because you continuously broke tendon and bone limits, you inadvertently cleared other limits, making Marrow Washing and Blood Exchange easier.”

“But the real difference between orthodox and your method lies in the Sixth Transfer realm.”

“The Sixth Transfer Vajra realm requires the body’s power to flow through seamlessly, uniting inside and out like a single iron plate—flawless, powerful, natural in blood and energy, without any weakness.”

“Yet the body has invisible barriers among skin, tendons, bones, organs, and marrow. To reach the Sixth Transfer, these must all be broken through.”

“You must have sensed this.”

“This is the true bottleneck of the Sixth Transfer.”

“In your path, once you reach the fifth transfer limit, it’s extremely hard to advance. Your step-by-step approach strengthens internal barriers, making breakthroughs exceptionally difficult. Ten fifth transfer experts might not produce even one breakthrough.”

“In contrast, orthodox cultivation strengthens the body as a whole, gradually weakening internal barriers invisibly. Reaching the fifth transfer usually leads to an easy leap to the sixth.”

“This is why orthodox cultivation is considered orthodox.”

Elder Tang explained thoroughly.

“I see now!” Jiang Ming suddenly understood.

He felt faint blockages throughout his body—vague and unclear, causing a slight hesitation in energy flow. Previously unnoticed, it now grew stronger.

Still, the barriers among his organs and bones were much weaker.

“I once read about this in books but never paid much attention. I only knew that the Sixth Transfer realm was crucial—power flowing through the entire body like a solid iron plate, called the Vajra Body.”

“Vajra means hardness and strength, with a hint of immortality. The books say the Sixth Transfer can transform the body, forging powerful physiques like Glazed Body, Black Iron War Body, Silver War Body, Earth War Body, Undying War Body, and Berserker War Body.”

“Some even say this realm can truly reverse a mortal body to rival a saintly one. Is that so?”

“To walk the path of physical cultivation, tendon and bone refinement is the first key; then comes the Sixth Transfer. Even orthodox methods regard the Sixth Transfer as the pivotal stage—connecting the past and future, forging the foundation of great strength,” Elder Tang said, unusually serious.

“Like the four realms of martial cultivation, revealing many layers of understanding—from the strongest ten realms to the weakest wave patterns—vastly different.”

“The Sixth Transfer’s basic form is seamless integration of the whole body, power flowing perfectly like the movement of limbs. Beyond that, it forges various war bodies.”

“Kid Jiang, if you truly want to pursue this path, study the Sixth Transfer carefully.”

“I’m grateful for your guidance!” Jiang Ming nodded, then looked at Instructor Yu with a smile. “Can you still support me?”

“Of course!” Instructor Yu smiled. “Not supporting a genius like you would be inviting heaven’s wrath! Unlimited support during this crucial exam, until you reach the peak of the Sixth Transfer. How does that sound?”

“Thank you!” Jiang Ming bowed gratefully.

Although Instructor Yu’s support was voluntary, Jiang Ming knew he must remember this favor and repay it when capable.

After all, this was his hometown.

Though he was new here, it remained his refuge and background.

Qin Zhiyan and the others gradually emerged.

At the dining table:

“Qin, today let’s aim to wipe them out, blood flowing like rivers!” Long Aotian began to rally spirits.

“With water and fire perfected, plus innate bloodline talent, breaking into the top hundred won’t be hard,” Lan Xin said thoughtfully. “Unless we run into someone with special abilities, odds are eight or nine out of ten.”

“I found one—young, gaunt, probably specializing in the soul path: curses. Watch out if you meet him,” Gun Jiu warned. “One strike and it’s a guaranteed kill, no chance for the opponent.”

“Curses?” Jiang Ming frowned. “A strange power. I’d really like to see it, feel it.”

Everyone looked at him oddly.

“Isn’t it just to broaden one’s knowledge?” Jiang Ming laughed. “Besides, from my guess, the curse path should be a branch of the soul path, even involving the way of fate. Experiencing it now means not panicking when it appears later.”

“That’s sensible,” Elder Tang nodded approvingly. “Unknown powers are the most dangerous. Seeing them ahead and preparing is the best defense.”

“You’re quite insightful!” Jiang Ming gave a thumbs up to Qin Zhiyan. “Stay calm and steady. Fighting to gain experience is the best training. With your strength, entering the top hundred is very doable.”

“Thanks!” Qin Zhiyan acknowledged him. “Are you going back in?”

“Of course!” Jiang Ming nodded. “Every student who reaches this test is a rare genius. Their cultivation, combat skills, and tactics reflect immense wisdom. Watching the battles is both a feast and an opportunity to absorb experience, broaden horizons, and accumulate knowledge. Each represents a major faction; through them, you get a glimpse of the whole picture.”

“Jiang, your mindset, courage, wisdom, and insight are truly extraordinary. Among the many prodigies in the exam, very few compare to you,” Lan Xin admired.

Long Aotian agreed wholeheartedly.

Even Gun Jiu nodded, glancing at Jiang Ming, his thoughts shifting.

Elder Tang and Instructor Yu exchanged satisfied looks.

With such ambition from Hainan Baichuan, what great feat could fail?

Jiang Ming felt embarrassed by their praise.

After breakfast and some idle chatter, everyone entered the virtual combat network.

It was a vast martial arena.

Surrounded by ascending tiers, with the fighting floor in the center.

The arena covered over ten thousand square meters, with the ability to expand as needed.

Beside Jiang Ming, Shi Lei and others appeared.

Ten in total—the top ten who had directly entered the finals: Jiang Ming, Shi Lei, Fang Qinghan, Ye Bai, Luo Feng, Chen Bei, Wang Qiutong, Jun Qiye, Li Ping’an, and Luo Qingchen.

As for San Yan Yangjian, Sword Bone Ji Yunning, and Ice Body Bai Bing—they were slightly behind but no one underestimated them.

“Brother Shi, hope you’re well,” Jiang Ming smiled at Shi Lei.

“My mindset was calm, but yesterday, my mood was turbulent. I even wanted to crush you underfoot,” Shi Lei said quietly. “You were just begging for it.”

“Yes, same here!” Fang Qinghan nodded.

The others cast unfriendly glances their way.

“Don’t blame me!” Jiang Ming feigned innocence. “You all come from powerful lineages—Supreme Bones, Saintly Bodies, Reincarnation Bodies, Devouring Bodies. In past exams, one appearance caused a stir, yet this time, you’re all here. Facing you, I was under immense pressure, barely eating or sleeping well. But it also fired my blood up. Competing with prodigies like you is a great honor.”

“On the Heavenly Ladder, you didn’t disappoint. Like galloping steeds, you raced ahead while I quietly followed, watching your backs.”

“But then, as you slowed, I began to doubt you were anything special. Brother Shi, you proposed no more hiding—show your full strength and fight.”

“At that moment, I was shocked!”

“You were hiding?”

“After the shock came joy: no wonder you have Supreme Bones and Saintly Bodies. At this stage, still hiding, you didn’t disappoint.”

“I was amazed and stirred to fight harder.”

“So let’s fight!”

“But when I charged with passion, you only burst ahead a few steps before collapsing.”

“Alas…”

Jiang Ming sighed with disappointment.

Shi Lei’s face twisted, and through clenched teeth he growled hoarsely, “Brother Jiang, you really deserve a beating—I almost lost it!”

“Definitely deserves it. Such a handsome guy with such an annoying mouth,” Wang Qiutong laughed.

“Who would have thought someone could still show off in front of us and leave us helpless?” Saintly Body Ye Bai sighed.

The others all shook their heads.

Showing off?

Absolutely.

Truth?

Seemed so.

At the start, they led boldly, but after declaring no more hiding, this latecomer surged ahead while they fell behind.

It was not just a slap in the face—it was like having their faces ground into the dirt.

Yet there was no way to argue.

“Soon we’ll face each other. Brother Jiang, are you ready?” Li Ping’an clenched his fists, eyes full of challenge.

“I just started exploring the curse technique!” Jun Qiye gave a malicious look.

“My Overlord Blade has also advanced—I’ve mastered the Sky Escape Technique!” Luo Feng smiled.

Jiang Ming sensed waves of hostility—these guys were bent on teaching him a lesson.

“Let’s wait and see,” Jiang Ming smiled. “Hope you don’t disappoint me.”

“Don’t worry, my first treasured technique is about to mature. I’ll give you a surprise!” Shi Lei grinned confidently, with a hint of schadenfreude.

Jiang Ming’s brow twitched.

A treasured technique from Supreme Bone?

His scalp tingled.

Then there were the Reincarnation Body, the Ghost Body Jun Qiye mastering curses—definitely formidable.

Luo Qingchen and Wang Qiutong might have reached the Sixth Realm.

Even Bai Bing, a sixth-tier soul path, though not in the top ten, would enter the finals and prove a strong rival.

“None of these are easy foes!”

Jiang Ming’s eyes shone brighter, anticipation growing.

He felt this battle would push him to an extreme breakthrough.

Nearby were the eighty candidates who had directly entered the semifinals.

Opposite them, those ranked ninety-first and below awaited the second round.

For most of them, this second round would determine their final standing.

Qin Zhiyan was among them.

Soon, the host appeared.

After opening remarks, the rules were announced: a series of battles with cumulative points.

Ten teams would compete simultaneously in continuous fights.

After each fight, combatants would return to peak condition to continue.

Each team would select their strongest to form the ten semifinalists.

The candidates ranked ninety-first to one hundred formed a team—one per team—for fairness.

In the arena.

Ten consecutive battles.

Once teleported up, there was only thirty seconds to prepare, and ten minutes to fight.

If no winner emerged within ten minutes, the virtual network would judge who was stronger.

No draws—only ruthless results.

“Your little sweetheart starts the first fight!” Shi Lei whispered. “By the way, your taste is impressive. In looks, aura, cultivation, talent, and personality, she’s top-tier. She could be your lifelong partner.”

“Cut it out!” Jiang Ming quickly stopped him. “We’re just classmates; she’s also my class monitor.”

“Her gaze betrays her feelings,” Shi Lei chuckled. “Classmates or childhood friends, fighting into the top hundred together would make a great story if you paired up. Besides, you need someone to manage your affairs so you can focus on cultivation. She’s the best choice—knows you well and can grow alongside you. Honestly, I’m jealous.”

“Solo happiness isn’t something you understand,” Jiang Ming shot him a sideways glance.

“Double bliss is even more foreign to you,” Shi Lei winked.

Jiang Ming understood.

Shi Lei blushed and glared sharply at Ye Bai. “Watch out or I’ll crush your Saintly Body!”

(End of chapter)