Kent walked back to the white wood tree where his new master, Tang Zi, was meditating in a lotus position beneath the massive white wood tree.
As Kent drew closer, the heavy trunk of a peculiar tree dragging behind him, Tang Zi’s eyes flickered open, curiosity sparking in his gaze. He rose gracefully, moving towards Kent with a calm yet curious demeanor.
“What’s this?” Tang Zi asked, eyeing the large tree trunk Kent was dragging.
Kent wiped the sweat from his brow and caught his breath before responding. “I found this near a lake deep in the forest. There’s a strange liquid inside it, and an evolved beast was guarding it fiercely.”
Tang Zi’s curiosity turned to astonishment as he leaned in to inspect the trunk. He made a small incision with his nail, allowing the thick, amber-colored sap to ooze out. Tentatively, he tasted a drop of the liquid. His eyes widened in excitement, and he immediately turned to Kent.
“Where exactly did you find this?” he asked, his voice tinged with a rare note of enthusiasm.
“Near the lake, there are more of these big wood trees there. It was quite a trek to get there.” Kent replied, pointing in the direction he had come from.
Tang Zi’s expression softened into one of approval and surprise. “I’m impressed you managed to reach such a distance on your first day.”
He patted Kent on the shoulder, a rare gesture of praise. “This sap is incredibly valuable. It’s known as ‘Golden wood Elixir.’ When lightning strikes a tree during a beast’s evolution, it infuses the sap of these trees with extraordinary properties. Consuming it can significantly harden your internal organs, making you far more resilient.”
Tang Zi guided Kent to a nearby rock, motioning for him to sit. “Drink some of the sap every day before we begin your training. Its effects will complement the body cultivation techniques.”
Kent nodded, taking a deep breath as he settled onto the rock. Tang Zi handed him a wood vial, and Kent filled it with the Golden wood elixir. As he took his first sip, a warm sensation spread through his body, making him feel invigorated.
“Remember,” Tang Zi said, his tone turning serious, “this training will push you to your limits and beyond. The Thunderstrike Elixir will aid you, but you must also push yourself harder than you ever have before.
Your strength will not just be measured by your muscles, but by your endurance, control, and resilience. Even if you have a half demi-god treasure body, it will be a waste without control.”
Kent looked up at his master, determination burning in his eyes. “I understand, Master. I’ll give it everything I have.”
Tang Zi nodded, his expression one of solemn respect. “Good. By the way, what are your thoughts about this place? Have you observed anything strange?”
Kent, still feeling the warm effects of the Thunderstrike Elixir, furrowed his brow in deep thought before replying,
“Master, I have the ability to talk with beasts. But somehow, I couldn’t communicate with any of these beasts in the forest.”
Tang Zi burst into a hearty laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Not bad… you noticed that on your first day. All the animals in this forest have no soul. Not even the evolved beasts. They operate purely on instincts—hunger, anger, the drive to kill or be killed.”
He handed Kent a water bottle made from bottle gourd. As Kent took a sip, he processed this revelation. “Master, how is this possible? All these beasts seem very much alive.”
“This is a cursed land, the Mountain Devil has claimed this place. Only those with iron wills and strong minds can stay here without losing themselves. Otherwise, the Mountain Devil will occupy their thoughts and subdue their souls.”
Kent’s eyes widened in shock. “Master, is this why you warned me not to go toward the northern mountains side?”
Tang Zi nodded, his gaze drifting towards the distant, ominous peak that glowed with an eerie black light.
“Yes. The closer you get to the Mountain Devil’s lair, the stronger its influence becomes. It preys on the weak-minded, consuming their essence and leaving behind soulless husks.”
Kent stared at the distant mountain, a chill running down his spine despite the warmth of the elixir. “Master, why did you choose to train me here?”
Tang Zi’s expression softened slightly. “Because this place will test you in ways no other place can. It will force you to confront your fears, strengthen your resolve, and harden your spirit. If you can thrive here, you will be prepared for any challenge the world throws at you. Facing the Mountain Devil is your last trail.”
Kent nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of his master’s words. “I understand, Master. I’ll be ready.”
Tang Zi clapped him on the shoulder, a rare smile playing on his lips. “Being a body mage is not so easy. It’s about understanding and mastering the very essence of your physical form. You must learn to control every muscle, every tendon, every bone. The process is arduous and demands absolute dedication.”
He paused, looking at Kent to ensure he was absorbing the information. “First, there is the basic stage, where you harden your body and enhance your physical endurance. You consume natural treasures, like the sap from the Thunderstrike Elixir tree you found today, to strengthen your internal organs and tissues.”
Kent nodded, intrigued. “So, it’s about building a foundation first?
“Exactly,” Tang Zi continued. “Once your body is tempered, you move to the second stage: Muscle Refinement. Here, you focus on enhancing your muscle fibers, making them as strong and flexible as steel. This involves rigorous physical training and specific techniques to break down and rebuild muscle tissue.”
“Then comes Bone Forging,” Tang Zi said, his eyes gleaming with intensity. “In this stage, you must consume rare minerals and practice techniques that transform your bones into an indestructible framework. This is where your body’s true potential begins to emerge.”
“And the final stage?” Kent asked, leaning forward.
Tang Zi smiled. “The final stage is Organ Transmutation. Here, you refine your internal organs to their peak condition, making them resistant to poisons, enhancing their efficiency, and even granting them unique abilities. It’s a process that requires immense focus and control.”
–
PeterPan 🙂