Chapter 235: Arhat Fist

Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou had heard that Zhenyao Pass was notorious for its rampant plundering, with travelers frequently being robbed in the dense forest after making purchases at the trade association. Their original plan was to falsely declare their cultivation levels to attract bandits. However, instead of bandits, they ended up attracting a group of self-proclaimed bodyguards.

"Among Foundation Establishment stage bodyguards, we have the most positive reviews. Our prices are reasonable, our service is attentive, and we've even established long-term partnerships with several half-Golden Core stage demonic beasts. This allows us to maximize intelligence gathering and ensure safety within the dense forest."

"Furthermore, if your esteemed families or sects have assigned you trial missions, we can customize three different plans for you to choose from, at no additional cost."

The hook-nosed leader continued to enthusiastically promote his bodyguard services.

"How many spirit stones does it cost to hire your services?" Meng Jingzhou asked with interest. They needed to gather as much information as possible about the dense forest, and these local experts possessed valuable knowledge. They didn't necessarily need bodyguards, but they could certainly serve as guides.

Noticing their uncommon demeanor and sophisticated speech, the hook-nosed leader surmised they were from influential backgrounds and held up five fingers.

"Five hundred thousand spirit stones? That's not expensive."

The hook-nosed leader was utterly shocked. He had meant fifty thousand spirit stones and was prepared to lower the price if they found it too high. To his surprise, this affluent young master had effortlessly raised the price tenfold without a moment's hesitation.

Meng Jingzhou produced two hundred thousand spirit stones, stacking them into a small mound. "Here's two hundred thousand upfront," he said, "and the remainder will be settled upon completion. If your service satisfies this young master, I'll even add a bonus."

"You two can rest assured, our service is absolutely excellent value for money!" The sight of so many spirit stones made the eyes of the five bodyguards gleam with excitement. They had never encountered such a generous patron before.

"It's strange, don't you think it's getting progressively stuffier and hotter in here?" Meng Jingzhou asked, fanning his chest.

"I have the same feeling," Lu Yang replied, equally puzzled.

The hook-nosed leader remarked gravely, "Could it be that all seven of us are in a dungeon, and we're rapidly depleting the air supply?"

The dungeon was an airtight underground space, and the oxygen had been nearly consumed by the time the seven of them finished speaking. Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou then released their magical restraints, allowing all seven of them to return to the surface.

"Old Turtle, come out, the terms have been settled," the hook-nosed leader called out.

A turtle the size of a millstone slowly crawled over from nearby, emanating power beyond that of a typical Foundation Establishment cultivator. Lu Yang surmised that the "half-Golden Core stage creature" the Eagle Mountain Five Heroes claimed to have fought was indeed this very turtle.

"You really have a full cast of characters," Lu Yang thought, "even a demonic beast."

"This is Old Turtle," the hook-nosed leader introduced. "There's a small lake ahead, and Old Turtle is the lord of one-fifth of its territory."

Old Turtle shook its head, saying, "Little Eagle, I've always told you that your sales pitch sounds too much like a robbery; it's easily misunderstood. I saw it from a distance: these two young masters are geniuses capable of casting 'Imprisonment Within a Circle.' They hardly need you as bodyguards."

"That was truly 'Imprisonment Within a Circle'?" The five bodyguards were astonished. They had only speculated before, not daring to confirm, thinking it might have been a life-saving technique provided by their sect. After all, the spell 'Imprisonment Within a Circle' was not only legendary but also exceptionally difficult to master, making it virtually impossible for someone at the Foundation Establishment stage.

"You have keen eyes, Old Turtle," Lu Yang quickly admitted, "I indeed cast 'Imprisonment Within a Circle.'" Meng Jingzhou subtly rolled his eyes.

"Young masters, may I inquire about the purpose of your visit to the dense forest...?"

"To challenge demonic beasts. We've long heard that this region is rife with powerful demonic beasts, including ancient species. We hope to spar with them to hone our skills."

The hook-nosed leader nodded; that was a fairly common reason. "May I ask what level of demonic beast you wish to challenge? Are you looking for those who have just entered the late Foundation Establishment stage, or more seasoned, veteran late Foundation Establishment beasts?"

"Golden Core stage."

"Golden Core stage?!" The five bodyguards and Old Turtle, including himself, exclaimed in unison.

"Please don't boast, young masters," Old Turtle cautioned. "The disparity between the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core stages is immense, a chasm that cannot be easily bridged. Furthermore, both humans and demonic beasts who have long resided in this dense forest are quite ruthless in their attacks and should not be underestimated!" It knew these two were generous patrons and that protecting them well would bring substantial spirit stones.

"Forget the Golden Core stage," Old Turtle calmly stated, "you two might not even be able to defeat me!" It had lingered at the half-Golden Core stage for a long time, possessing vast experience and astonishing defensive capabilities. Even if the tiger demon that refined spiritual servants were to revive, it still wouldn't be able to breach its defenses.

"Then let's try," Meng Jingzhou said with a smile, stretching his limbs. He knew that if he didn't reveal his true strength, the Golden Core stage demonic beasts these individuals found for him would not be sufficiently challenging for his trial.

The group arrived at the small lake, with Old Turtle and Meng Jingzhou positioned at opposite ends.

"Begin!" Lu Yang declared.

Old Turtle took two deep breaths, activating the cultivation method inherent in its bloodline. A faint golden mark became visible on its shell, indicating its lineage from the ancient Sky-Reaching Turtle, a creature renowned for its formidable defense. It had been fortunate enough to inherit this ancestral trait.

"If you can't even breach my defenses, then don't even speak of—"

"Arhat Fist!"

Meng Jingzhou lunged forward, his legs coiled like a drawn bow, his upper body taut like an arrow poised to strike. His body tensed, and he unleashed a powerful strike onto the turtle's shell. The golden mark shattered, and Old Turtle was sent hurtling far away. It skipped across the lake surface several times, much like a stone, before finally plunging into the water.

The Eagle Mountain Five Heroes witnessed this sight, their mouths hanging open in disbelief. Old Turtle was renowned for its defensive prowess; their combined efforts couldn't even breach its defenses, yet Meng Jingzhou had knocked it over with a single punch?

This small lake was also home to four other half-Golden Core stage demonic beasts, who, along with Old Turtle, were masters of the lake. They were utterly dismayed to see Old Turtle sent flying.

"Arhat Fist? I've never seen you use that before. Is it something new you've learned?" Lu Yang asked, curious.

"Master said that some of his 'Six Forms of Heaven-Shaking' were inspired by Arhat Fist, and he wanted me to learn it too, as it would help with cultivating the Six Forms."

"I've heard that cultivating Arhat Fist to its highest realm can lead to achieving the Arhat Fruition. Perhaps you might succeed," Lu Yang teased.

"Oh, please," Meng Jingzhou scoffed. "Achieving the Arhat Fruition? You might as well tell me to become a monk."

"The way you are now isn't much different from being a monk."

"Get lost! I'm still planning to break all the precepts and truly free myself once I become an immortal."

Breaking the pure yang state would significantly decrease cultivation speed, but achieving immortality is the pinnacle of cultivation, at which point cultivation speed becomes irrelevant.

"Arhat Fist..." The Immortal Fairy, who had been silent for a long time, murmured the keyword, as if it had stirred some forgotten memories.

"You also know Arhat Fist, Fairy?" Lu Yang was actually quite eager to learn a new fist technique, as he currently only knew Pictographic Fist.

The Immortal Fairy scoffed, "What's Arhat Fist? I've never even heard of it. This immortal knows a much more advanced fist technique that, once mastered, directly leads to the Arhat Fruition. Do you wish to learn it?"

"What fist technique?"

"Luo Han Guo Fist."

Lu Yang paused, then asked, "...Does it have the effect of clearing heat, moistening the lungs, soothing the throat, and improving the voice?"

"How did you know that?" The Immortal Fairy asked, utterly surprised. Had Lu Yang practiced it before?