Chen Ping's Sword-Chapter 32: Body and Qi Refining, Two Paths

"It’s not because I love killing and arson or have a cruel hand in destroying flowers

It’s because this world easily turns people into monsters."

Chen Ping sighed deeply.

Based on what he has seen, heard, and experienced in recent times, it truly is incredibly difficult to survive as a weakling.

The term "living on the edge" is not merely a description.

It’s reality.

With a little strength, sometimes he feels a secret joy and a surge of courage, wanting to do something, to change something.

It’s only a thought, after all.

He can’t even protect himself or those around him...

What else does he want to do?

What can he do?

Better to wash up and sleep, that’s more sensible.

Zhang Ruoxue was targeted and abducted from her home, quite an innocent situation.

But as a pampered young lady from a rich family, she’s been spoiled half her life, becoming wilful and reckless.

Due to family relations, she’s accustomed to the trade-offs of businessmen, and some thoughts have been subtly ingrained in her bones.

When Chen Ping suddenly attacked, killing Tang Sanliang and Lv Xi to save her, she must have felt some gratitude.

This Chen Ping would never mistake.

There’s the joy of being rescued, but also a trace of worry and fear.

Fear is understandable.

After all, seeing someone kill right in front of you is horrifying, and it’s normal for anyone to be afraid of such brutal means.

Worry is even more understandable.

She was toyed with by that wretched Lv Xi, "Soul Chaser," who tore her clothes away for a short while... Surprisingly, she couldn’t resist and even showed an expression of pleasure.

This is quite humiliating.

Though it was due to some strange drug Lv Xi used, it stirred her true nature, after all.

For a woman who’s regarded herself highly, it’s ultimately a stain.

The most unbearable aspect is that this scene was witnessed by another.

Moreover, someone alive.

This was why, upon seeing Chief Constable Wang and Jiang Ziming arrive, her heart settled, yet she instantly bit back at Chen Ping.

"I understand it all, but I just can’t forgive."

Chen Ping’s gaze flickered over Zhang Ruoxue’s slightly distorted yet delicate face, returning his expression to calm indifference.

He doesn’t wish to be soft-hearted and lead himself into endless trouble.

Fleeing daily, forever hidden from light.

He hasn’t forgotten, presently, compared to the Government, the wealthy families, and the Martial Hall, he’s still quite weak.

Despite Chief Constable Wang’s pretentious humble demeanor, fooling people with his remarks, that final statement wasn’t deceitful.

’I can’t bear the crime of killing an official.’

As for Jiang Ziming, when fighting to the death, it’s either him or me.

Killing him.

No need for more words.

All these thoughts lingered for one second, and Chen Ping shifted his focus to the Spring and Autumn Silkworm attribute panel.

Just after the battle, breaking tribulation and seizing fortune, the panel had changed.

[Spring and Autumn Silkworm (Second Transformation)]

[Talent: Trace Origin and Steal Fortune, Cocoon Rebirth]

[Innate Talent: 5 (Moderate Human Quality)]

[Enlightenment: 3 (Ordinary)]

[Tribulation: 4 (Breaking Realm)]

[Fortune: 4 (Change Destiny)]

[Cultivation Technique: Wandering Body Bagua Palm (Perfection), Spring Leg (Great Success), Seven Stars Step (Entry)]

[Body Refining: Tier Two (Marrow Cleansing) 37%]

[Qi Refining: Tier Two (Qi Cultivation) 1%]

’Tribulations have sizes, fortunes vary. From the attribute panel, today’s tribulation was truly difficult to handle.’

The Tribulation Points increased by 4, which is two more than the time with Boss Yat.

’This time, facing Jiang Ziming’s elaborately crafted Inner Cultivation Swordsmanship and Chief Constable Wang’s seasoned attacks... If not for the numerous setups, using oneself as bait, and skillfully exploiting the opponent’s psychology, breaking them down individually, it would’ve really been dangerous.’

’Even if I didn’t die here, I’d be severely injured, escaping would be a good outcome.’

Fortunately, it’s me who won ultimately.’

Chen Ping’s gaze fell on Jiang Ziming, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

This guy is indeed formidable, yet his combat experience seems lacking.

At least, his mind wasn’t quite at peace...

Engaged in a life and death battle, still having thoughts about women.

With too many distractions, his death certainly wasn’t unjust.

As for Chief Constable Wang, he’s unrelated to the battle now.

Whether it’s his timing or decisiveness in advancing or retreating, it’s commendable.

Had it not been Chen Ping he encountered but another, someone in the "Marrow Cleansing" realm without such abnormally strong physique and monstrous strength, he might’ve succeeded.

Only say, destiny plays its part.

Life’s full of surprises.

Given these individuals’ combat power, the tribulation was immensely challenging, granting 4 Tribulation Points and 2 Fortune Points in one go seems quite reasonable.

...

After quickly skimming through the Tribulation and Fortune Points,

His gaze lingered on the newly activated "Trace Origin and Steal Fortune" talent, then swiftly moved to the newly appeared [Body Refining] and [Qi Refining] on the attribute column.

Combining this with his understanding of external situations over time,

He more or less comprehends.

The tier of his current strength.

Regarding Body Refining, the first stage is naturally "External Training of Muscles, Bones, and Skin."

Ordinary people train their body diligently, stretching tendons and bones, familiarizing themselves with Fist Technique.

As long as practiced correctly and avoiding self-harm,

You’ll naturally achieve "Bone Strengthening"...

The body’s fascia merges into one, greatly enhancing strength, tough physique. In Jianghu, among non-mainstream martial artists, it’s a niche status.

Within various gangs and sects, this tier may hold a not too big or small leader position, overseeing people.

In the Government and military, they’re accounted as fierce soldiers and minor officers, not numerous...

As for Qi refining.

When Chen Ping conversed with Hua Lian’er about Jianghu matters, he heard the first step in Qi refining is Nourishing the Root.

Cultivating the body’s vitality, fortifying health, developing Qi Sensing.

This step takes considerable time...

Moreover, compared to Qi Blood Martial Arts, early stages are less combative, mostly "hidden away," laying the foundation.

While renowned sects may have ways to accelerate cultivation speed. Typically by hands-on guidance from masters, sowing Qi Mechanism seeds... it’s a lighter path compared to body refining, moving smoothly along.

It’s not as painful as enduring muscle and bones, yet the threshold is higher.

It involves gains and losses.

Poor families must hustle early for survival, battered and bruised, fighting for chances, naturally won’t choose Qi refining.

Ninety-nine percent still tread the path of Qi Blood Martial Arts.

No matter the technique’s shallowness, training the body is never wrong.

Just don’t kill oneself practicing.

Admittedly, children from impoverished backgrounds lack backing, even desiring Qi refining, can’t pursue it.

Wanting to join a Martial Hall or sect isn’t possible without silver.

Among the vast Jianghu, across the world, martial artists mostly stall at the first stage.

Truly entering the second stage is when one truly steps into the Martial Dao.

............