Chapter Fifteen: The Tiger Descends from the Mountain

Returning to his own quarters, Luo Tian began to contemplate with the handbook that every outer disciple received, as well as the newly acquired "Nine Beasts Fist of Form and Will." After a thorough study, Luo Tian finally gained a deeper understanding of what was meant by "innate talent."

Each stage demanded different things from a cultivator’s body. For instance, at the Body Tempering stage, where the servant disciples were, the fewer acquired impurities and defects in the meridians, the faster the progress. At the Qi Condensation stage, the width of the meridians became more important—the broader and sturdier the meridians, the more space within, and the greater the amount of vital energy that could pass through in a given time. This brought significant advantages, whether it was absorbing external vital energy for refinement or controlling vital energy to break through to the next realm.

Upon reaching the Pulse Flow stage, the toughness of the meridians became paramount. The handbook only briefly mentioned this, so with such scant information, Luo Tian could not deduce much else. Yet, it was clear that the body-refining secret arts seemed to be connected to all these aspects. Could there be some hidden secret within? Luo Tian furrowed his brow, plagued by countless doubts, but no matter how hard he thought, he could not make sense of it.

Better to focus on cultivation for now.

After carefully reading through the "Nine Beasts Fist of Form and Will," Luo Tian nodded to himself. This body-refining secret art seemed quite promising; each step was explained with great clarity, and the principles behind body refinement were thoroughly expounded.

Excellent.

He nodded in approval. Generally, the postures in body-refining arts often drew inspiration from the movements of demonic beasts, though some imitated natural phenomena or even drew from daily life. For example, the "Maiden Pouring Water" secret art that Tang Yueran practiced was inspired by a cultivator witnessing a woman bending gracefully to pour water from a jug, focusing on refining the back, neck, waist, hips, and arms.

Naturally, these secret arts were also divided into levels and stages. In the early Qi Condensation stage, the emphasis was on overall bodily quality and flexibility. When one reached the Pulse Flow stage, the focus shifted towards defensive capabilities. This was directly related to the intensity of a cultivator's power. In the Qi Condensation stage, vital energy was like mist—ethereal and elusive. In the Pulse Flow stage, it was like water—rushing and unceasing. The difference in strength dictated the ultimate effect of body refinement.

Luo Tian had already skimmed through the "Nine Beasts Fist of Form and Will" and was thoroughly satisfied. This secret art was divided into two stages: Form and Will. The Form stage involved imitating the postures and motions of demonic beasts, tirelessly tempering the corresponding body parts—highly effective during the Qi Condensation stage. The Will stage was about learning the strength and presence of demonic beasts, transforming the flesh to resemble theirs and infusing one’s attacks and movements with the beasts’ ferocity and ruthlessness.

The first method of cultivation in the Form stage was "The Tiger Descends the Mountain." Luo Tian studied it intently, memorizing every word, engraving every motion into his mind. Only after quite some time did he fully comprehend "The Tiger Descends the Mountain." Closing his eyes, he silently recalled the entire sequence from beginning to end.

Almost ready. Time to give it a try.

Luo Tian rose and stepped outside into the courtyard. When his duel with Li Yang had ended, night was only just falling. But after returning, Luo Tian had devoted himself wholly to studying the secret art, and time had slipped by unnoticed. Now the sky was filled with stars, and a round moon hung high.

After stretching his limbs, Luo Tian abruptly lowered himself, crouching with his body parallel to the ground. But this was not simply lying flat; his body was supported only by hands and feet—legs, knees, waist, abdomen, and chest all had to remain suspended, not touching the earth.

Though it seemed a simple action, the requirements were stringent. Not the slightest tremor in muscles or bones was permitted, and even his breathing could not be disturbed. It had to remain calm and steady.

After tempering at the Body Refining stage, a cultivator’s body was far stronger than that of an ordinary person. Yet in body refinement, every step had to be taken steadily; aside from stamina and vital energy, cultivators had little advantage over commoners.

Maintaining this posture, Luo Tian soon began to feel intense discomfort spreading from his bones and sinews. With his spiritual sight, he monitored everything within his body.

Hips, wrists, waist—

He directed vital energy toward the most uncomfortable areas, and the warm flow immediately brought great relief.

So this is body-refining secret art?

Indeed, it was no easy task.

Luo Tian was shocked. This was only holding a single posture—already a torment hard to describe. If he were to imitate a tiger’s running or pouncing, how much more excruciating would it be?

Still, the effects were impressive. Even this one motion revealed many shortcomings in his body. It was not a flaw in his body refinement or meridians, but in the very foundation of his physique.

Demonic beasts were far stronger than humans, and most body-refining techniques were derived from them, aiming to increase a cultivator’s control over the body, bringing significant benefits in both cultivation and combat.

At this moment, although Luo Tian could persist physically, the real challenge was enduring the sheer discomfort of the posture. It was so intense that one almost wished for death.

After an hour, Luo Tian finally collapsed to the ground, exhausted, and took a long time to stand up again. In his bones, tendons, and flesh, it was as if countless tiny insects were crawling and gnawing—a torment beyond words.

Clenching his teeth, Luo Tian’s body trembled, but he never uttered a sound. He did not know how much time passed before he managed to stagger upright.

As soon as the numb, tingling sensation faded, a feeling of weightless comfort washed over him, as if his body had subtly changed with the completion of the movement.

So effective?

Luo Tian was pleasantly surprised and felt even more determined to practice this body-refining secret art.

But then a wave of weakness struck him. In that single hour, more than half the vital energy in his dantian had been consumed, evidently used up in the deep transformation and tempering of his body.

So body-refining secret arts really do slow down vital energy cultivation…

Luo Tian frowned, suddenly torn.

Admittedly, he had only scratched the surface of body refinement, yet already sensed its potential. With deeper study, he was certain he could achieve a complete transformation.

But vital energy cultivation was the true foundation of a cultivator. With limited lifespan and resources, it was simply unrealistic to pursue both paths equally.

What should he do?

Luo Tian shook his head with a sigh, suddenly overcome by a sense of helplessness.