"Dong ~ ~ Dong ~ ~ Dong ~ ~ ~"
The deep and long morning bell woke Xiao Han up from his dreams.
His life as a live target had begun once again.
Xiao Han stretched his muscles and bones. He felt his whole body brimming with energy and refreshed.
He got up and washed up simply before going downstairs to get his breakfast with his rattan helmet and mask.
As usual, after a simple breakfast, Xiao Han crossed the mountains with a large group of live targets and entered the cultivation area of Cloud Rain Sect where the inner disciples of Cloud Rain Sect cultivated.
The morning mist was like silk, lingering between the mountains. It was ethereal, enchanting and filled with an immortal aura.
The mountains that rose from the ground gave off a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. It was as meaningful and poetic as an ink painting.
Xiao Han had been to some famous mountains on Earth in his previous life. However, they could not compare to the majesty and attraction of Cloud Rain Mountain Range.
Before long, Xiao Han and close to a hundred live targets reached the peak of a mountain.
Dozens of new disciples had already gathered at the peak.
They were training in the morning.
Their bodies that were filled with explosive power tore through the air, sending sand and pebbles flying in an awe-inspiring manner.
If it was a few months ago, Xiao Han would have felt as though he was looking at a mountain that was beyond his reach when he saw the skills of these new disciples.
But at this moment, Xiao Han's bones had almost reached the peak of Bone Refinement realm. He felt that these new disciples were nothing much.
Before long, the group of new disciples completed their basic training. However, they did not walk over to kick the live targets as usual. Instead, they raised their heads in anticipation, as though they were waiting for something.
Right then, the sound of hooves could be heard. A majestic horse galloped along the mountain path and arrived at the peak of the mountain.
The rider on the horse had tanned skin and his face was full of potholes. He had a ferocious expression and was one of the most outstanding new disciples of Cloud Rain Sect, Qi Shi.
Xiao Han looked up at Qi Shi and could not help but clench his fists.
"Senior Brother Qi is here," The new disciples greeted respectfully.
Qi Shi let out a long roar and got off the horse. His muscles and tendons exploded continuously as he strode into the dojo.
He said as he walked.
"What's wrong, junior brothers? Are you done with today's training?
Let's hit the live targets then! "
Today, Qi Shi's eyebrows danced and he was in high spirits. There was a joyous expression on his face.
Immediately, a new disciple said with a face full of joy.
"Senior Brother Qi, we're all happy for you that you've reached the Hundred Bone Refining Echo stage three days ago.
From now on, Senior Brother Qi will soar to the sky with a bright future … In short, we will have to rely on Senior Brother Qi in the future. "
"Hahahaha …" Senior Brother Qi Zheng became even more complacent and laughed hysterically.
"My bones have finally exploded, and I'm about to become an outer sect disciple.
What a well-deserved reputation!
He had taken another solid step on the path of martial arts.
Junior Brothers, you must also work hard. "
"Qi Shi, congratulations on reaching a hundred echoes in your Bone Refinement." A lazy voice floated in the air. Then, a white-clothed youth with his hands behind his back and a carefree expression slowly walked into the training grounds.
It was the Inner Disciple Tu Yi Fei whose cultivation was not inferior to Qi Shi.
"Oh?
The one with the surname Tu, I'm sure you're almost there, right? "Senior Qi sneered.
"I'm not talented, but I managed to reach 104 echoes seven days ago. I'm still a head above you, Qi Shi … Hahaha … Hahahaha …" Tu Yi Fei suddenly laughed wildly. His eyes were filled with arrogance and conceit.
"Ah ~ ~ ~ ~ Senior Brother Tu has also reached a hundred echoes in his Bone Refinement Echo stage. Congratulations, congratulations." The new disciples started to flatter him.
"Senior Brother Tu is really a genius!"
The corner of Qi Shi's mouth twitched as he laughed sinisterly.
"So what if you have 104 echoes?
The path of cultivation is long. A moment's glory doesn't mean that you'll be the one laughing in the end. "
"Qi Shi, Tu Yi Fei, you're still one step ahead of me. I have just reached the peak of 101 echoes in my Bone Refinement Echo stage yesterday."
Another voice that was as clear as water sounded. A purple-clothed man waved a folding fan in his hand as he strolled into the training grounds. His entire body emitted the aura of a high mountain and flowing water.
"Zhou Xiong, another new disciple who is known as a genius. The number of people who have died in his hands is uncountable." Xiao Han licked his lips and thought to himself.
"I, Chen Chong, will not lose to you!"
A burly man that was like a giant bear emitted a rumbling aura as he walked. His gait was like that of a dragon or a tiger as he walked into the training grounds.
"I, Chen Chong, have 110 echoes in my Bone Refinement Echo stage. Which one of you can compare to me?"
For a time, the top new disciples continuously came to this mountain peak. All of them had recently completed their Bone Refinement Echo stage and obtained the qualifications to become outer court disciples.
A total of seventeen new disciples that had over 100 echoes in their Bone Refinement Echo stage. It was a gathering of heroes!
Among them, the most powerful one was only sixteen years old. His name was Linghu Xuan. He had 130 echoes in his Bone Refinement Echo stage and was extraordinary.
With a slight movement of his aura, a powerful battle intent was aroused from his body. The belief that he would definitely win surged like a tide.
"Three months ago, the cultivation of these fellows were only around 90 echoes. I didn't expect that they would all surpass 100 echoes today. Their improvement is truly remarkable. However, compared to me, they are only so-so …" Xiao Han thought disapprovingly in his heart.
To be able to cultivate to 130 echoes in his Bone Refinement Echo stage at the age of sixteen, he was indeed a genius.
Thus, this Linghu Xuan had the strongest right to speak amongst the seventeen top new disciples.
"Everyone is here today. Very good." Linghu Xuan was young and mature. His every movement had a domineering and elegant demeanor that seemed to be in control of everything.
"The seventeen of us are the strongest new disciples in this generation of Cloud Rain Sect. In the blink of an eye, we're going to become outer court disciples.
However, I heard that the competition among the outer court disciples is extremely intense. It's popular to form cliques and groups to take care of each other.
We've just become outer court disciples and are newcomers. If we don't unite, we'll definitely be bullied.
What I mean is that after we, the new disciples, are promoted to the outer court, we should also form a group. We'll be united as one and not be afraid of being bullied by those outer court disciples. "
"Alright, I agree with what you said, Linghu Xuan.
We'll form a group and advance and retreat together. We won't be alone and be schemed against by others. "Tu Yifei was the first to agree.
"I agree as well." Another new disciple nodded as well.
"I agree."
"I agree."
…
"Mm, very good." Linghu Xuan nodded repeatedly.
"Looks like everyone is smart.
However, since we're going to form a group, we should elect a leader.
At least we won't be without a leader. "Linghu Xuan changed the topic and said proudly.
"Not only did I surpass all of you with 130 bone explosions, I'm also unparalleled among the outstanding new disciples who appeared in the past decade!
Naturally, I'll be the leader of our group! "
"What?
Linghu Xuan, you want to be our leader? "The new disciple, Chen Chong, gritted his teeth.
"Do you think I don't know?
You had a fortuitous encounter and consumed a treasure to refine your body. That's why you can make 130 bone explosions.
How are you qualified to be our leader? "
"Linghu Xuan, you can't speak in absolute terms. Your foundation is stronger than ours, but it doesn't mean that you'll always suppress us." Tu Yifei sneered as well.
…
All of a sudden, the top new disciples started bickering. None of them were willing to submit to the other.
"Enough!" A thunderous roar rang out.
It was the new disciple, Zhou Xiong.
Dressed in purple robes, he waved his folding fan gently. He gave off an air of strategizing and wisdom.
"Everyone, don't argue.
Since no one is willing to submit to the other, then I have an idea. Let's have a competition to determine who's the better.
How about it? "
"Oh?
Zhou Xiong?
You've always been resourceful. What idea do you have?
Say it. "Linghu Xuan looked at Zhou Xiong.
"En, how about this … Everyone, please take a look. There are close to a hundred live targets at the peak today. Why don't the seventeen of us attack at the same time and attack these live targets with all our might? In the end, whoever kills the most live targets will be the leader of this small group. How about it?" Zhou Xiong said casually.
"Alright!
I, Qi Shi, agree with your idea, Zhou Xiong! "
Qi Shi grinned hideously. The bones in his body exploded and the sound of thunder rumbled, "We've all succeeded in making 100 bone explosions. Our strength has reached 3 cauldrons and we can split tigers and leopards with our bare hands. Killing these live targets is as easy as blowing dust!
Thus, killing live targets isn't considered a skill. The one who kills the most is the true skill! "
'Cauldron' was the unit of measurement used to evaluate strength in the martial dao.
A standard bronze cauldron weighed 1000 jin.
Then, when a martial artist's strength reached 1000 jin, it could be called 1 cauldron of strength.
When the fleshly body stage of the martial dao reached the peak of the Skin Refinement Stage, one punch could explode out with 1 cauldron of strength. If one reached the Bone Refinement Stage and had 100 bone explosions, then one would have 3 cauldrons of strength.
This group of elite new disciples all had over 100 bone explosions and had reached 3 cauldrons of strength, which was a strength of 3000 jin.
With such tyrannical strength, even if a live target wore rattan armor, it would still be killed with a single punch!
"Alright!
Let's see who can kill the most live targets! "
The elite new disciples all nodded their heads and immediately looked towards the group of live targets!
Their gazes were like wolves and tigers, bursting with killing intent as they became restless!
"Ah?
What … What … What does this mean?
Want … Want to beat us to death? "
The group of live targets heard the conversation between the elite new disciples. In an instant, all of their faces were ashen as they retreated.
Some of the live targets were frightened to the point that their legs went soft and they fell to the ground. Some crawled on the ground and trembled. Some knelt on their knees and started wailing and begging …
"My lords, please spare me, my lords, please spare me …"
"My lords, this lowly one only has to endure for a few more months before I can be a live target for 15 years. I can then be assigned to a good farm and live the rest of my life in peace … I beg my lords, please spare me … Let this lowly one go …"
… …
Thunderous cries resounded.
As for the group of elite new disciples, they were completely unmoved. Instead, they continued to explode their bones and accumulate strength. They were like a group of hungry tigers that were about to pounce into a flock of sheep and tear them apart!
The lives of live targets were as light as grass!
At this moment, Xiao Han's heart was filled with coldness … "Killing competition?
Tsk tsk, this group of new disciples is really tyrannical!
They actually thought of such a sinister and vicious method to choose a leader … They really don't see us as live targets … "
Xiao Han had been a live target for many years. Before he cultivated the Indestructible Golden Body, he was beaten up and bullied every day. A resentment had always been accumulated in his heart and he couldn't vent it.
He was extremely aggrieved.
Because he didn't have the strength, he was forced to endure it.
But today, he couldn't endure it anymore.
"All of you are going too far. No matter how tyrannical you are, you don't have such a tyrannical method right?
Do you really think that we live targets are pigs, dogs, cows, or sheep? "
Xiao Han suddenly spoke from within the crowd.
"Who?
Which live target was it that spoke just now?
Stand out! "
That elite new disciple, Chen Chong, heard Xiao Han's voice and immediately became furious. "Do you think that live targets have the right to speak here?
Impudent!
Stand out now! "
The group of live targets were so frightened that they kept retreating.
Xiao Han, however, maintained his composure and walked forward a few steps.
"Oh?
Xiao Han?
Known as the live target that can't be killed. "Linghu Xuan recognized Xiao Han. Immediately, the corners of his mouth curled up and he laughed sinisterly.
"Xiao Han, a few months ago, I punched you once. I thought you were dead, but I didn't expect that you are actually still alive.
Good, very good. Do you really think that you can't be killed?
Very good! "
"It really is true that the lower a person is, the harder their life is.
Leave this Xiao Han to me.
Let me beat him to death. "
Qi Shi clenched his fists. The muscles and bones in his body surged and crackled. His expression was ferocious as he walked towards Xiao Han step by step.
"Qi Shi!" Xiao Han suddenly roared!
Lightning that flattened the ground!
Originally, everyone thought that when Qi Shi approached Xiao Han, Xiao Han would cover his head and flee like a rat. Unexpectedly, Xiao Han let out a shout.
"Hmm?" Qi Shi's body froze. He almost didn't dare believe his own ears!
"Qi Shi!
You trash!
You relied on a White Tiger Bone Refining Pill to cultivate to the Hundred Bone Refining Echo!
Otherwise, you would never be able to enter the outer court in this lifetime!
Do you really think that you have any ability?
You are trash!
A complete and utter trash! "Xiao Han scolded loudly.
Towards Qi Shi, he no longer tolerated it.
The resentment that had accumulated in his heart suddenly gushed out, and he felt extremely carefree.
"Hehehehe ~ ~ ~" Qi Shi was scolded badly by Xiao Han. All the blood in his body rushed to his face, causing his originally dark and rough face to completely flush red!
"Xiao Han, you have offended your superior. You deserve ten thousand deaths.
Today, the first live target to be killed is you! "Linghu Xuan flew into a rage, pointing at Xiao Han as he roared.
"Hahahahaha ~ ~ ~ ~" Suddenly, Xiao Han laughed loudly.
"Offended my superior?
What is down?
What is up?
I am down, and you are up?
What a joke!
In this world, strength is everything!
The strong are up, and the weak are down!
Fine, today, I, Xiao Han, have no choice but to throw caution to the wind!
I will also let you, the new disciples, see who is up and who is down! "
Xiao Han threw the rattan helmet and mask on the ground, and walked towards Senior Brother Qi.
"Oh?
This Xiao Han's brain is probably damaged from the beating.
Interesting, truly interesting. "Zhou Xiong waved his folding fan, pointing out the situation.
"Qi Shi, you first kill this Xiao Han, then we will start killing live targets. Let's see who can kill more.
The more wins. "
"All these years, you have beaten me up very happily, right?" The corners of Xiao Han's mouth slightly curled, and his harmless face immediately became demonic.
"Now it's finally your father's turn to beat you up, right?"
Suddenly, Xiao Han roared explosively, and the sound of thunder rumbled within his body, shaking the surroundings!
All the strength in his body surged together!
In the next moment, Xiao Han took a step forward, and his body tore through the air, instantly arriving before Qi Shi. With a twist of his body, he punched out like lightning!
He actually gained the upper hand with a show of strength!
This punch was an ordinary body refining technique of the 'Raging Bull Bone Forging Fist'. It focused on the unity of the waist and the explosive strength. In the past, Xiao Han's body was too weak, and when he punched out, he could not use any strength at all. But now, his bones had exploded 200 times, and his physical strength was comparable to that of a wild beast. When he punched out, it could split mountains, and it could split rocks!
"Impudent!" Qi Shi only saw a blur in front of him, and Xiao Han had already closed in on him, punching out.
He roared, and could not dodge in time, so he could only punch out, wanting to meet Xiao Han head on.
"Bang!!!!"
Their fists collided with a loud bang!
Like a falling meteorite, it hit the ground!
In the next moment …
"Crack crack crack ~ ~ ~ ~ ~"
The sound of bones breaking rang out like firecrackers.
"Ah ~ ~ ~ ~" Qi Shi let out a blood-curdling scream, and his tower-like body rapidly retreated!
The two fists collided, and Qi Shi's right hand's finger bones, wrist bones, arm bones, shoulder bones were shattered by Xiao Han's tyrannical strength …
Xiao Han took a step forward, and with a sweeping kick, the air let out a heart-wrenching and lung-splitting sound, it hit Qi Shi's waist!
Qi Shi did not even make a sound, and his whole body was kicked away like a sandbag, falling to the ground, and creating a shallow human-shaped pit. Blood spurted out, and teeth were scattered all over the ground. It was unknown how many bones in his body were broken.
The live target Xiao Han actually sent the top inner disciple, Qi Shi, flying with just one move!
Just as Qi Shi fell to the ground, Xiao Han had already rushed forward like a cheetah, and stepped on Qi Shi's left wrist. With a crack, Qi Shi's wrist bone shattered.
"You still dare to snatch my pills?!"
"Bang!" Xiao Han swept out his leg, and sent Qi Shi flying again. Only then did he vent his anger.
The scene suddenly became extremely quiet!
Even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard!
All the inner disciples looked as if they had seen a ghost, and stared at Xiao Han without blinking.
The smirks and complacency on their faces all froze!
As for the live targets, they were even more shocked, and their brains could not react. Their mouths were wide open, and they did not even dare to breathe loudly.
"Bang!"
Xiao Han's body exploded with the sound of a raging wave beating against the shore. The surrounding sand and stones flew everywhere, and the air surged wildly!
It was as if an ancient beast had been completely resurrected in Xiao Han's body!
"Since I have already made my move, I will cripple all of you!
To relieve my anger! "Xiao Han grinned, and suddenly rushed towards the group of elite inner disciples!
Like ten thousand galloping horses, he was unparalleled!
"Kill him!
Kill this live target! "
Linghu Xuan roared madly, and his eyes were spitting fire. He took a step forward, and the bones in his body exploded again and again.
He soared into the air, and with an explosive kick, he whipped towards Xiao Han's head!
This kick was as sharp as a knife, and it was extremely swift and fierce. It was a killer move!
This was one of the kicks from the 'Raging Bull Bone Forging Fist'. Xiao Han had already practiced it to the point that he was very familiar with it. He did not have time to think, and with a sidestep, he lightly dodged, and then slapped down with his palm!
Mountain Suppression!
Swift and Swift!
"Pu!!!!"
Linghu Xuan was slapped to the ground by Xiao Han. Half of his face caved in, and his face was stuck to the ground. His body twitched, and blood foam came out of the corner of his mouth. He could not get up.
"Didn't you have 130 Bone Exploding Sounds?
Weren't you very awesome?
Trash! "Xiao Han stepped on Linghu Xuan's face, and used all his strength to crush it.
"This … This live target is a bit strange … Everyone, attack together!"
The remaining elite inner disciples saw that the situation was not good, and with a shout, three elite inner disciples pounced towards Xiao Han like hungry wolves.
Xiao Han was not afraid. His physical strength was condensed to the extreme, and instead of advancing, he directly rushed forward!
"Pu!!!!"
Xiao Han and that inner disciple, Chen Chong, collided head-on with each other.
His Bone Exploding Sound was 200, and his strength was almost double that of Chen Chong's!
In an instant, he sent Chen Chong flying!
Chen Chong's right leg was forcefully broken, and he fell to the ground. He spat out a mouthful of blood, and his eyes rolled back as he fainted.
Another inner disciple punched Xiao Han's back. The hot current in Xiao Han's body surged, and the Indestructible Golden Body was incomparably strong. This caused the inner disciple's punch to only push Xiao Han back a few steps. Xiao Han turned his hand and grabbed, directly grabbing that inner disciple like a little chick.
Suddenly, Xiao Han's right hand executed the Overlord Lifting Cauldron, raising the inner disciple high above his head, and then with all his strength, he smashed him onto the ground!
"Bang!"
That inner disciple was smashed into the ground.
Xiao Han stomped his foot on his face.
"Ah!!!!"
That inner disciple let out a ghostly wail, and he unceasingly convulsed.
There was another inner disciple who rushed forward, and when he saw Xiao Han's ferocious strength, his heart immediately went cold. He actually surrendered without a fight, and he retreated repeatedly. Very quickly, a stream of stinky liquid sprayed out from his crotch.
He was actually so scared that he directly peed …
At this moment, all the inner disciples, including the remaining elite inner disciples, were in a state of shock, and their souls almost left their bodies. They only felt that at this moment, Xiao Han was not a living target, but simply a devil possessed, the reincarnation of a wild beast. They trembled in fear, retreating frantically in all directions, and begged repeatedly.
"Master Xiao Han, this has nothing to do with us, it has nothing to do with us."
Xiao Han laughed sinisterly, and said in a low voice, "So this is how it feels to hit people?
Comfortable!
Really comfortable!
Feels good!
Hitting people really feels good!
Much better than getting beaten up!
Although I'm a living target, now that I have power, I can still look down on the world! "
… … …