Chapter 132: Kui Niu Thunder Roar Mastered, Breakthrough to Eighth Rank, Build the Spiritual Bridge Between Heaven and Earth

Zhuang Ziqing wasn't surprised by the sheer power of Zhao Xing's sound wave technique. What truly astonished him was that he hadn't heard much sound at all during its execution.

As the saying goes, a layman watches the spectacle, while an expert discerns the mastery.

Zhuang Ziqing immediately recognized that Zhao Xing's 'Folding Sound Curved Form - Sound Blade' had reached at least the seventh revolution, indicating true mastery.

Everyone had received the same mandatory training notice around the same time. How could Zhao Xing have progressed so rapidly in just a few days? Had he been cultivating sound wave techniques previously?

Han Bing was equally astonished, but his perpetually stoic expression made him appear remarkably calm.

"Zhuang Ziqing, Han Bing, analyze Zhao Xing's sound wave technique for me," Tian Yan said, seizing the chance to use Zhao Xing as a practical lesson and seamlessly moving into instruction. "Han Bing, you first."

"Yes," Han Bing began. "Zhao Xing's sound wave technique completely contained the power of the sound waves. The sound only intensified upon impact, when its full power erupted. This technique offers significant stealth in combat because sound is intangible and thus very difficult to perceive."

"Could you discern its physical form?"

"No, Lord Tian, I could not," Han Bing replied, shaking his head.

Lord Tian then turned to Zhuang Ziqing. "Your turn," he prompted.

"Yes," Zhuang Ziqing affirmed. "I observed that Zhao Xing's sound wave attack was shaped like a blade. The clean cut on the stone lion indicates that the sound waves only dispersed after slicing through a corner of the lion, rather than upon initial impact as Han Bing suggested. Furthermore, I don't believe Zhao Xing's technique produced absolutely no sound dispersion. Instead, the emitted sound likely exceeded the auditory range of a ninth-rank human. Zhao Xing's cultivation of this sound wave technique has indeed reached an advanced stage, which is truly remarkable."

Tian Yan nodded. "Excellent," he praised, "your analysis is spot on."

Internally, Tian Yan was highly impressed with Zhao Xing. While 'Folding Sound Curved Form - Sound Blade' was relatively simple to begin, reaching the seventh revolution in just a few days was quite challenging, demanding both diligent practice and innate talent. As Zhao Xing's teacher, however, he couldn't openly lavish praise, fearing it might foster arrogance. Thus, he subtly expressed his satisfaction through Zhuang Ziqing and Han Bing's observations, maintaining a neutral facade.

"Zhao Xing, while your 'Folding Sound Curved Form - Sound Blade' is proficient, it still has several areas for improvement," Tian Yan stated. "The Dantian, lungs, throat, and mouth are the four critical points for shaping sound wave techniques. Using Five Elements Observation, I just analyzed your casting process and noticed that your initial energy surge from the Dantian was slightly too forceful, your lung exertion was a bit weak, and then the flow decelerated slightly at both the throat and mouth. These minor imbalances resulted in flaws in the technique's final form. Though the discrepancies were small, these imperfections were significant enough for Zhuang Ziqing and Han Bing to detect the sound. If truly perfected, a ninth-rank human's ears should not be able to perceive it."

"Teacher, how should I adjust?" Zhao Xing asked, listening intently.

"Your throat's exertion and mouth's shaping are already quite standard," Tian Yan explained. "What needs correction is the initiation from your Dantian and the energy accumulation in your lungs. There's no quick method for instant perfection; these are minute adjustments that require you to personally find the optimal balance among these four elements."

Zhao Xing pondered this. He had been convinced he was meticulously following the instructions in the spell tome and had met all the criteria. Yet, in practical application, the results diverged from his expectations. He hadn't been able to pinpoint the issue himself, but Tian Yan had identified it instantly.

Zhao Xing then meticulously absorbed the advice, and remarkably, in a short period, he boosted the proficiency of 'Folding Sound Curved Form - Sound Blade' by another 200 points. This highlighted the invaluable benefit of having a skilled teacher, a point of significant envy for others regarding top-tier geniuses.

"Hmph!" Zhuang Ziqing then demonstrated his own cultivated techniques before Tian Yan.

Zhao Xing also seized the opportunity to observe this genius's movements. His Five Elements Observation couldn't penetrate Zhuang Ziqing's internal organs because Zhuang Ziqing had cultivated the "Yin-Yang True Self Scripture" to a high degree. This technique integrated his inner five elements into a single circulation, concealing all manifestations of his vital energy. Neither Zhao Xing nor Han Bing could discern how he channeled his power, nor even his current rank. However, the external effects of his sound wave martial technique were still visible once he unleashed it.

Zhao Xing vaguely noticed that after Zhuang Ziqing opened his mouth, he expelled two spherical orbs. The first was emitted initially, and halfway through its flight, it was overtaken by the second sound wave orb. A third, even faster orb then caught up, perfectly aligning all three at the same point just as the second orb merged with the first. Ultimately, only a single sound wave sphere impacted the stone lion.

"Bang!" The stone lion exploded, shattering into dozens of fragments.

"Lord Tian," Zhuang Ziqing said, his gaze fixed on Tian Yan after completing his demonstration.

"Han Bing, Zhao Xing, you two analyze this first," Tian Yan instructed, maintaining his practice of having students critique each other. "Han Bing, you begin."

"I detected two sound wave spheres," Han Bing stated. "The second one overtook the first and rapidly merged with it. Upon impacting the stone lion, it exploded, demolishing it."

Tian Yan remained noncommittal, then shifted his gaze to Zhao Xing.

"Teacher, I observed three sound wave spheres," Zhao Xing corrected. "The third one overtook the first two."

Zhao Xing recalled meticulously, "Zhuang Ziqing must be cultivating the secret art 'Yin Xun Nine Explosions,' which has reached the third revolution of a martial technique. My observation showed that the stone lion was initially shattered in parts. At this point, the sound wave orb had not yet detonated; instead, it entered the lion's interior before fully exploding and pulverizing it."

Zhuang Ziqing cast a glance at Zhao Xing, acknowledging that Zhao Xing's assessment was entirely accurate and that he had completely dissected his technique.

"Then do you know why his 'Yin Xun Nine Explosions' possesses such immense power?" Tian Yan inquired.

"It might be due to the difference in the secret art itself," Zhao Xing replied. 'Yin Xun Nine Explosions' also cost 8,000 points, placing it on par with 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar'. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for; even at the third revolution, its power is comparable to the fifth revolution of 'Folding Sound Curved Form'.

"Partially, it's due to the secret art's inherent quality, and partially, it's because he has already reached the eighth rank," Tian Yan explained.

Zhuang Ziqing was already at the eighth rank? Zhao Xing and Han Bing exchanged a look, though it wasn't particularly surprising. Before entering the branch academy, Zhuang Ziqing had already achieved the perfected ninth rank (upper ninth rank). With the substantial resources gained upon completing the branch academy, it was only natural for him to break through easily.

"Zhuang Ziqing, if you wish to elevate 'Yin Xun Nine Explosions' to the next level, you could focus on..." Tian Yan then proceeded to offer guidance on Zhuang Ziqing's cultivation.

Three hours later, the trio departed from Fuchun Garden.

"What a truly beneficial session," Zhuang Ziqing remarked. "Lord Tian is indeed worthy of his fifth-rank status. Zhao Xing, you're incredibly fortunate."

"What, are you envious of me? Do you think your own teacher isn't good enough?"

"Haha, my teacher is excellent too, of course," Zhuang Ziqing chuckled. "Han Bing, Zhao Xing, I'm heading off. See you in seventeen days; we'd better work hard so we don't get ourselves beaten to a pulp."

"Farewell."

"Farewell."

Upon returning to the Eighteen Locust-Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing rested briefly before beginning his practice of 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar'.

"Through cultivating 'Folding Sound Curved Form,' I've established a solid foundation in sound wave martial techniques," Zhao Xing mused. "Now I can attempt to cultivate 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar'."

Zhao Xing opened the box. Since he already possessed Earth Fiend Lung Refining Pills and Hundred Beast Throat Pills, the auxiliary materials inside now consisted solely of Eighth-Grade Brute Bull Vocal Cord Meat and Lung Gold Spirit Fluid.

"Eighth-Grade Brute Bull Vocal Cord Meat." Zhao Xing examined a jar. Though referred to as "meat," it was actually a thick, viscous paste. This wasn't a case of simply eating a piece of meat for 'form to supplement form'; rather, a pharmacist had to prepare it using a secret recipe to create a highly effective auxiliary product. It wasn't ingested but applied externally.

"Lung Gold Spirit Fluid." This, conversely, was for drinking. A pale golden liquid, it was contained within a transparent crystal bottle, which was quite substantial, standing half a meter tall.

"First, I'll consult the martial arts secret manual." As Zhao Xing drew the leather-bound tome from the box, a faint, distant thunder seemed to resonate in his ears the moment his fingers brushed the cover. The leather depicted a peculiar beast with blue-gray fur, shaped like an ox but without horns and possessing a single hoof. As Zhao Xing gazed at it, his vision blurred, and he perceived an illusion: an exotic beast roaring skyward from a mountain peak. With its roar, miles of white clouds encircling the summit were dispersed, and the world momentarily plunged into darkness. Zhao Xing felt as if a thunderclap exploded beside his ear, causing him to involuntarily release his grip.

"Such immense power," Zhao Xing murmured. "To merely imprint a wisp of the Kui Niu's essence onto this cover can evoke such an extraordinary sensation. How physically robust must a person be to produce such a sound? No wonder so many auxiliary materials are required."

Zhao Xing turned a page, and instantly, the cultivation methods for 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar' filled his mind. After thoroughly absorbing the insights, he closed the leather cover.

He couldn't begin cultivation immediately. He first needed to establish a strong physical foundation, otherwise, he risked injuring himself.

"First, I'll take the Earth Fiend Lung Refining Pill to further strengthen my lungs. Once that trace of earth fiend qi is fully assimilated, I can proceed to the next step: consuming the Hundred Beast Throat Pill. While taking the Hundred Beast Throat Pill, I must apply the ointment made from Eighth-Grade Brute Bull Vocal Cord Meat to my throat, 4 to 7 times daily, depending on absorption rate. Only after all three components are completely absorbed can I begin to attempt cultivating 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar.' This technique places extreme pressure on the lungs; initial attempts won't meet the basic standard. After each try, I'll need to use Lung Gold Spirit Fluid to nourish my lungs and alleviate the strain. This is the only way to facilitate repetitive practice within a short timeframe."

The process was certainly intricate, but then, rapid mastery of any potent secret art rarely came without complications. Strictly speaking, in ancient times, this particular secret art wasn't even intended for practitioners of the ninth-rank Gathering Yuan Realm; its cultivation threshold was the eighth-rank Spirit Bridge Realm. However, through the diligent research of many over time, coupled with the aid of pharmacists, the cultivation barrier has been lowered, making it accessible even to ninth-rank Gathering Yuan Realm cultivators.

Seventeen days before the mandatory training, Zhao Xing consumed the Earth Fiend Lung Refining Pill. The seventh-rank Earth Fiend Realm typically referred to a stage where one would absorb earth fiend qi to fortify their body. Even though the pill contained only a minute trace of earth fiend qi, it still took Zhao Xing three full days to absorb it completely. After absorption, Zhao Xing performed an internal inspection of his lungs. Discovering that their fortification wasn't as perfect as he'd hoped, he took a second pill. This second pill was absorbed slightly faster, taking a day and a half to fully digest.

He then proceeded to the next step: absorbing the Hundred Beast Throat Pill. Each Hundred Beast Throat Pill was as large as a soccer ball. It took Zhao Xing seven days to completely digest all three pills. Concurrently, he applied the Eighth-Grade Brute Bull Vocal Cord Meat ointment daily, reaching an impressive fourteen applications by this time. After seven days, both the ointment and the Hundred Beast Throat Pills were fully absorbed. With this, only seven days remained until the start of the mandatory training.

"There are some external changes," Zhao Xing observed, gazing at his reflection in the water mirror. "My Adam's apple is thicker, and my upper body has become more robust." Previously, his physique was quite balanced, even somewhat slender, but now he had gained weight, and his body lines were more defined, appearing truly robust. "Good, at least I haven't transformed into anything strange." Zhao Xing's concern was, in fact, superfluous. Secret arts intended for human cultivation always prioritized maintaining the human physique; otherwise, they would be strictly prohibited by the Great Zhou Dynasty. Only external sects and barbarian tribes, in their pursuit of greater power, disregarded such taboos.

"In just seven days, I wonder what level I can achieve."

Dressed, Zhao Xing stepped outside and commenced his first training session.

"Hiccup!" Zhao Xing let out a resonant belch. His first attempt at cultivation ended in failure.

"Gulp." Uncorking the bottle of Lung Gold Spirit Fluid, Zhao Xing took a swallow, fortifying his lungs.

"Hiccup, hiccup, hiccup." Zhao Xing expelled a series of hiccups, finally dispelling the side effects of his failed cultivation. "My hiccups even sound like a rooster crowing, damn it," he muttered to himself.

Zhao Xing found himself amused. He had been so certain he was executing the technique correctly, yet the result was a complete failure. Where had he gone wrong? Instead of rushing into another attempt, Zhao Xing stood still, deep in contemplation.

An hour later, his second cultivation attempt commenced.

"ROAR!" A ferocious roar erupted from Zhao Xing's mouth, rippling outwards in expanding circles. The small blades of grass on the ground instantly bent sideways, severed at their bases, with their remaining stalks pulled rigidly straight. The locust tree continuously shed leaves, and shattered twigs danced through the air.

"Gulp." Zhao Xing took a drink of Lung Gold Spirit Fluid and checked his status panel. *You have successfully cast 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar,' gaining a rudimentary understanding. Progress: 50 points.*

"It's indeed a bit off," Zhao Xing noted. "Just a rudimentary understanding." He observed the scattered leaves and severed grass around him. If the technique had been executed correctly, it should have pulverized them, not merely cut them.

"Again!"

*You have successfully cast 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar' for the tenth time, gaining a rudimentary understanding. Progress: 100.**You have successfully cast 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar' for the hundredth time, qi takes form. Progress: 1,000.**You have successfully cast 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar' for the thousandth time, qi solidifies into form. Progress: 1,000.**You have cast 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar' for the five thousandth time, its sound like thunder. Progress: 1,000.**Your 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar' has reached the Fifth Revolution.*

*Kui Niu Thunder Roar: Mid-tier Martial Technique**Category: Sound Wave Secret Art**Progress: Fifth Revolution (5241/9999)*

"Fifth Revolution," Zhao Xing observed. "Seven days of non-stop practice, so much preparation, five thousand attempts... finally, the Fifth Revolution." A hint of excitement gleamed in his eyes. Despite being only at the Fifth Revolution, its power already surpassed that of the eighth revolution of 'Folding Sound Curved Form'.

"Though I haven't dedicated much practice to 'Folding Sound Curved Form,' as my preparatory work concluded and my internal organs strengthened, allowing for effortless control, it naturally progressed to the eighth revolution."

The rigorous training of 'Kui Niu Thunder Roar' catalyzed breakthroughs in his other two sound wave martial techniques: both the Sound Blade and Sound Thorn had now reached the eighth revolution.

"Mandatory training begins tomorrow. If my vital energy accumulation is slightly weak, I might struggle to keep up with the high-intensity regimen," Zhao Xing considered. "It's time I broke through to the eighth rank."

Zhao Xing returned to his room and began consuming the remaining Earth Essence Vermilion Fruits.

"I'll eat it!" Zhao Xing took a bite of an Earth Essence Vermilion Fruit and completely digested it within fifteen minutes. He had previously consumed the Mid-Tier Fourth-Rank Giant Whale Pill, a reward from the Grand Dream Academy, which had already fortified his internal organs. Now, his cultivation of sound wave secret techniques had further strengthened his lungs and Dantian. Naturally, his absorption efficiency became effortless. The Earth Essence Vermilion Fruit was assimilated with remarkable ease.

Half an hour later, he reached the eighteenth stage. An hour later, the nineteenth stage. Zhao Xing assessed his capacity and consumed all three remaining Earth Essence Vermilion Fruits in a single go.

"BOOM!" A tremendous surge of vital energy coursed through his body. Zhao Xing performed an internal inspection, his "Yin-Yang True Self Scripture" working in conjunction with his vital energy gathering techniques to harness this vast torrent.

"It's remarkably easy," he thought. "There's no sensation of blockage or restriction whatsoever." Zhao Xing smiled.

"Having cultivated numerous spells, my comprehension of the Dao already rivals that of many seasoned eighth-rank practitioners. The inner five elements of my physical body naturally align with the fundamental principles of heaven and earth," he mused. "With abundant vital energy nourishment, my physical body naturally strengthens in accordance with these cosmic principles."

Soon, the breakthrough was complete. Zhao Xing felt his hearing and sight sharpen, and his five senses enhanced noticeably. The vital energy in his Dantian spun faster, and its quality was also superior to before.

"In ancient cultivation practices, the eighth rank was known as the Spirit Bridge Realm," he recalled. "It signifies the construction of a bridge between one's inner five elements and the principles of heaven and earth."

Zhao Xing sat cross-legged, activating his cultivation technique. His vital energy gathering speed immediately surged. Above his head, a phantom of the Spirit Bridge materialized, descending through his crown and directly into his Dantian.

"It truly is different," he thought. "The enhanced vital energy accumulation has boosted the power of my spells, owing to the superior quality of eighth-rank vital energy compared to ninth-rank. My life soul has also passively advanced from mid-ninth rank to late-ninth rank, a result of the seven corporeal souls nourishing the three spiritual souls. The Grand Path to Immortality has taken another small step forward."

With the breakthrough complete, Zhao Xing ceased his reflections and promptly lay down to sleep. He hadn't slept for seven consecutive days and nights, and with his advancement to the eighth rank coinciding with mandatory training the following day, he seized the opportunity to rest and recuperate.

On the seventh day of the fifth month, precisely one month after the branch academy's inauguration, even before the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), Zhao Xing was jolted awake by the resounding beat of a drum.

"BOOM!" It sounded as if a drum was being struck right beside him.

"All agricultural reservists of the Ninth Army are requested to assemble at the Southwest Training Grounds of Yangcheng," a voice boomed. "After three drum rolls, anyone not present, regardless of their status, will be removed from the reserve and sent back to their place of origin!"

A rapid succession of drumbeats then pounded in his ears.

"The first drum roll has begun." Zhao Xing dared not dally. He immediately sprang out of bed, donned his attire, and sprinted towards the Southwest Training Grounds of Yangcheng.

Outside, hurried figures were everywhere. This was a war drum, a call to assembly. Failing to report after three drum rolls was a lenient punishment; in actual wartime, it would mean execution. While this was only training, being late would render any pleas useless, regardless of whether one hailed from the Four Great Academies or any other branch.

Leaping onto Yangcheng's main thoroughfare, he saw the crowd steadily growing.

"That's the second drum roll! Run!" someone yelled.