Chapter 25: Grandmaster of the Second Rank

Following the Body Tempering prescription, Lin Yang first brewed the medicinal herbs into a decoction, then filled a thermostatic bathtub with hot water and poured the concoction in. Instantly, the water turned a deep crimson, resembling blood, sending up clouds of steam and a rich medicinal aroma.

Stripping off his clothes, Lin Yang settled into the tub and began to circulate the Dragon-Elephant Shakes the Heavens technique. As the technique worked through his body, his pores gradually opened, absorbing the medicinal power from the water.

A sharp hiss escaped him as the medicine seeped into his pores—a biting pain shot through every nerve, each pore stinging unbearably. Most people would have leapt straight out of the tub, unable to endure such torment. But after days of being beaten and abused by Qin Yanran, Lin Yang’s body and willpower had grown remarkably resilient—his endurance far exceeded ordinary men.

Gripping his resolve, he forced himself to endure the stabbing pain, channeling his cultivation technique with ever-increasing intensity. As the speed of his inner circulation accelerated, so too did the agony, doubling and redoubling.

Sweat poured from Lin Yang’s brow, his face flushed and contorted, teeth grinding audibly as his features twisted with the strain.

There are six great realms in cultivation. The first is the Postnatal Mortal Realm—the so-called warrior. The Mortal Realm itself is divided into nine ranks; first rank is entry-level, ninth is the peak. A ninth-rank Mortal is typically called a martial master, possessing the strength of two tigers. One tiger equals five hundred catties; two tigers, a thousand. A martial master’s punch or palm strike carries a thousand catties of force.

The second realm is the Innate True Realm. Upon reaching this, one becomes a martial grandmaster, held in high esteem. The transition from Postnatal to Innate is a transformation from external cultivation to internal—developing true energy, which accumulates in the dantian. Even the lowest grandmaster possesses the strength of one ox—one thousand two hundred fifty catties. Though this is only two hundred fifty more than two tigers, the grandmaster has cultivated true energy, granting inexhaustible power—a fundamental transformation.

Moreover, a grandmaster’s control over strength is far more refined; they can move great weights as if they were light, act with perfect precision, leap to rooftops, walk on water, pluck leaves to injure foes. The Innate True Realm is also divided into nine ranks—first is entry, ninth is the summit. A ninth-rank grandmaster wields the full might of nine oxen and two tigers.

As time passed, the water in the tub gradually faded from red back to clarity. Lin Yang opened his eyes and sprang from the tub, filled with an inexpressible sense of vigor and ease. His body brimmed with raw power, and the true energy in his dantian had grown considerably.

“I should now be a second-rank grandmaster. The medicinal bath technique Master Medicine Sage taught me is truly remarkable.”

Although this formula greatly increased his cultivation efficiency, it had a minor drawback. Dragon Saliva Grass, being extremely yang in nature, left Lin Yang with an excess of yang energy—a searing heat roared in his lower abdomen, making him restless and feverish. At such moments, his mind couldn’t help but drift to Qin Mownong, wishing he could find her this instant to balance his energies.

“Breathe… just bear with it for now!” Lin Yang inhaled deeply and forced himself to stop thinking of Qin Mownong—the more he dwelled on it, the fiercer the inner fire burned. Only after a cold shower did he manage to suppress the heat. After changing into fresh clothes, he received a call from Murong Yun.

“Mr. Lin, don’t forget tonight’s birthday banquet.”

“I haven’t forgotten, I’m on my way,” Lin Yang replied.

“Would you like me to pick you up personally?”

“No need to trouble you, Miss Murong. I’ll see you soon.”

“All right, but hurry—I’ve prepared a surprise for you,” Murong Yun said.

After hanging up, Lin Yang picked up the gift he’d prepared and straightened his clothes in front of the mirror.

“Qin Mownong, Liu Chengzhi—tonight, I have a surprise for you as well.”

A faint smile played at Lin Yang’s lips; for the first time, he was actually looking forward to the banquet.

He drove to the grandest hotel in Luo City—Nine Cauldrons International Hotel. The place belonged to the Murong family’s Prosperity Group and was already meticulously arranged. The parking lot swarmed with luxury cars; all the city’s notable figures would be attending the celebration.

After parking, Lin Yang headed toward the elevators, only to run into Liu Fuyu and her mother, Yu Ping, waiting there as well.

“What are you doing here?” Liu Fuyu sneered.

Yu Ping shot him a disdainful glance, not deigning to speak, acting as if she didn’t recognize him.

“What business is it of yours?” Lin Yang retorted without courtesy.

“I suppose your sugar mama brought you along? A place as upscale as this, such a grand birthday banquet—this isn’t somewhere a kept man like you belongs,” Liu Fuyu said, dressed in an elegant gown for her first Murong family banquet, having gone to great lengths with her appearance.

“Do you think wearing designer clothes and putting on a show makes you fit for this occasion? Shameless,” she continued.

“Heh… Aren’t you here to grovel before the Murongs too? Where’s your sense of superiority coming from?” Lin Yang’s words left Liu Fuyu speechless.

“Lin Yang, after two years you haven’t gained much, but your tongue’s certainly sharper. Remember, we’re no longer on the same level as you. In our presence, you ought to keep your head down,” Yu Ping said coldly, clearly displeased.

“Sorry, but my neck is stiff; I can’t bow. Besides, a sharp tongue is better than being vicious, mean, and ungrateful,” Lin Yang replied with biting sarcasm.

“You!” Yu Ping was infuriated, as if someone had stepped on her tail.

“Xiao Yang?! Is that really you?” At that moment, Liu Chengzhi, having parked his car, entered the elevator lobby, his face alight with excitement.

“It’s been two years—you’ve matured a lot. Let Uncle Liu have a good look at you.” He raised his hands, intending to pat Lin Yang’s shoulders, but Lin Yang stepped back, avoiding him.

Liu Chengzhi awkwardly lowered his hands and said, “You’ve suffered these past two years. I know you resent me, and rightly so—I didn’t do enough, and I failed your late parents.”

“Liu Chengzhi, spare me your hypocrisy. You’re not fit to mention my parents,” Lin Yang said icily.

“Dad, why bother with him? His life and death have nothing to do with us,” Liu Fuyu interjected.

“Enough! Brother Lin did our family a great kindness. Without him, we wouldn’t be where we are today. One must not forget gratitude, nor one’s roots,” Liu Chengzhi rebuked her.

Lin Yang’s face showed only disdain—he found Liu Chengzhi insufferably fake.

“All right, let’s go up,” Yu Ping urged, eager to avoid further entanglement.

“You go ahead. I want a word with Xiao Yang,” Liu Chengzhi said.

“I have nothing to say to you,” Lin Yang replied coldly.

Yu Ping and Liu Fuyu entered the elevator first. Liu Chengzhi pulled Lin Yang aside, his face full of remorse.

“Xiao Yang, you have every right to resent me. These two years, I haven’t had a chance to see you. But now that I have, there are things I must say, no matter what.”

Lin Yang’s expression remained cold and dismissive. “Fine, I’d like to hear what you have to say.”