Wave after wave of spiritual qi entered Li Mo's body, battering his meridians. It was still a bit painful, but after a few minor cycles, the pain faded and Li Mo felt a sense of comfort!
Li Mo didn't know that if Liu Shizhong didn't use his overbearing spiritual qi to open his blocked meridians, he would still be struggling to clear them!
How could he be able to absorb the spiritual energy into his body so quickly and circulate it as he wished?
The meridians were like a stream, gathering in Li Mo's dantian!
Over and over again, absorbing the spiritual qi, moving it through his meridians, and turning it into internal strength in his dantian …
Li Mo was in a meditative state, oblivious to the passage of time. His body and mind were immersed in cultivation!
Only when Li Mo felt his dantian was saturated with qi and the rate at which he absorbed spiritual qi slowed did he wake up. He stood up and stretched his numb limbs. Looking at the sky, he saw it was still daytime, but he had no idea how long it took him to finish this cultivation!
Li Mo circulated his spiritual qi and punched a boulder!
He wanted to see the results of this cultivation!
Boom!
A loud sound scared the birds in the forest away. The boulder had a fist-sized dent, with cracks all around!
Li Mo was very satisfied with the result. When he first came, he couldn't even break a small tree. But now he could leave such a deep mark on an incomparably hard boulder. How could he not be excited!
At the same time, his confidence in his future was ignited!
But what he didn't know was that he was now a high ranked martial artist!
"Hey!
Big bro, there's someone over there! "
"Nonsense, I don't know who he is!
Get out of my way, don't get in my way all the time! "
Two men in black walked towards Li Mo!
"Hey!
Kid!
What are you doing?
Did you hear that sound? "
One of them, a man with a scar on his face, shouted at Li Mo with a saber in hand!
They were attracted by the sound of Li Mo's fist!
But when they saw Li Mo's soft and tender skin, they didn't associate him with the loud noise at all!
"F * ck!
My big bro is talking to you!
Are you deaf?
The other skinny black-clothed man beside the scar-faced man clamored!
"F * ck me, Big Brother, is this guy really deaf?"
"Humph!
Pretending to be mysterious!
Judging from the way this kid is dressed, he should be very rich!
Snatch it first!
Watch my blade! "
With Li Mo so silent, the scarred man lost his patience and swung his saber at Li Mo!
This burly man didn't even blink. It seemed like he was a veteran in killing and robbing!
Bang!
Bam!
Countless sparks flew when the long saber and the stone collided, numbing the scar-faced man's arm that was holding the saber!
On the other hand, Li Mo dodged and circled behind the man!
Bang!
He kicked the man to the ground!
This time, it was not his long saber that was in close contact with the stone!
The burly man's big face was pressed against the rock. Under the influence of inertia, his body was pushed forward. His already ferocious face became even more bloody after rubbing against the rock!
"F * ck, Big Brother!
You brat, just you wait! "
The skinny man in black walked around Li Mo in fear and checked the scar-faced man's injuries!
"Yo!
That hurts!
Can't you f * cking be gentler! "The scar-faced man bared his teeth and howled!
"Brat, you dared to injure my big brother like this!
Do you know who we are? "
"Oh!
I'd like to hear who you are! "Li Mo was intrigued by the man's introduction.
"F * ck!
You'll be scared to death!
We are from the Black Dragon Stronghold. Have you thought about the consequences of offending us?
Our leader won't let you get away with this! "
"Cut the crap!
Go!
Kill him! "The scar-faced man was in no mood to listen to his comrade's bullshit from Li Mo's injury.
He raised his saber and pounced on Li Mo!
The saber was about to land on Li Mo's head. The scar-faced man's blood-covered face revealed a sinister smile, making him look even stranger!
Li Mo didn't dodge but met it with a punch!
Bang!
Another punch. Li Mo didn't hold back this time, using spiritual qi!
"Ah!"
The scar-faced man screamed as he flew back with blood spewing from his mouth. He hit a boulder, his eyes wide open, his neck crooked, and he died!
In the end, he still couldn't figure out how this weak-looking youth killed him!
Li Mo wasn't a bloodthirsty man, but from what the scar-faced man said, they were from the Black Dragon Stronghold. Needless to say, they were bandits and bandits. These people harmed the common people, committing all kinds of crimes. Death was not to be regretted!
"Sir!
I had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai!
Please spare me, sir! "The scar-faced man knelt and begged for mercy!
The two went down the mountain to see if they could fish for some profit, but their luck wasn't on their side!
They didn't meet any lone travelers!
They prepared to return to the mountain!
They heard the commotion on the way. Seeing Li Mo's extraordinary clothes, they figured he must be rich and wanted to make a killing!
But who would've thought that this weak-looking youth was so skilled!
His big brother was dealt with in one punch!
He didn't even have a shred of malice in him!
"Where is your Black Dragon Stronghold?"
"Sir, it is 30 li from here. We just have to cross this mountain range!"
"Then will you take me to your Black Dragon Stronghold?"
"T-that won't do!
If the leader finds out I brought you there, he'll skin me alive!
Sir, I beg you, let me go! "
"Are you afraid of your leader, but not me?" Li Mo's voice suddenly turned harsh!
Li Mo knew that if he wanted to succeed on the martial path, he couldn't just rely on practice. He had to constantly apply what he learned in actual combat. Only then would he have a breakthrough!
The bandits of the Black Dragon Stronghold could test out what he had learned, and he could also benefit the common people. So, why not?
"How many people does your stronghold have?
How strong is your leader? "
"Our stronghold only has 20 people. It's hard to say how strong the leader is!
But compared to you, he's a far cry … "
The scar-faced bandit's voice grew softer and softer!
He resigned himself to his fate. The leader didn't dare offend him, and this master was even less of a pushover!
'From his tone, he wants to destroy my stronghold!'
"Good!
As long as you take me there, if everything is as you say, I will spare your life. But if you deceive me, your elder brother will be your role model! "
"I wouldn't dare!
I wouldn't dare! "
The scar-faced bandit wanted nothing more than for Li Mo to break the stronghold!
At least he would have a chance to live!
Along the way, the bandit knew how to conduct himself. He took the initiative to lead Li Mo's horse and gave him some general information about the stronghold!
The two walked on the winding mountain roads for half a day!
The scar-faced bandit pointed at a valley and said to Li Mo, "Sir!
Look ahead is the stronghold!
I will wait for sir's triumphant return! "
Li Mo followed the bandit's finger and saw a wooden stronghold in the valley!
"I still need you to help me knock on the door!
How could you not leave?!
Lead the way! "Li Mo's words were unquestionable.
The scar-faced bandit could only brace himself and lead the way!
"Monkey, when did your taste change? You brought back a pretty boy this time!
Where's Hei Xiong?
Didn't he go with you? "
The two weren't far from the stronghold when a black-clothed man darted out of the underbrush, sizing Li Mo up with a cheeky grin!
"F * ck, you scared me to death. This is the stronghold leader's honored guest. Go, go!
Stand your ground. You can't afford a delay! "Then he ignored the man!
He led Li Mo to the stronghold!
"F * ck, what're you so proud of? If not for your elder brother Black Bear's protection, I would've killed you long ago!"
"Monkey is back!
Open the gate! "The bandit behind the stronghold shouted!
Creak!
Creak!
The wooden gate opened!
Ten bandits rushed out, and the last one was a strong man with a bare upper body!
His body was covered in scars and his face was filled with killing intent. He held a long snake spear in his hand!
Monkey saw who it was and hid behind Li Mo as he whispered!
"This is our stronghold's leader, Black Dragon!"
"Monkey!
Where's Black Bear?
Who is this person? "A deep voice rang out from the black dragon's mouth!
"I've already killed Black Bear!
As for me?
I'm here to rob! "Li Mo gazed calmly at Black Dragon!
"Ha-ha-ha … just you?
You're tired of living, aren't you? "
"Big bro, I'll take care of this brat. His hair hasn't even grown and he dares to spout such nonsense!"
"I bet Black Bear went to a brothel!
How can he kill Black Bear? "
"Kill him!
Kill him! "
Li Mo's words drew jeers from the bandits. Only Black Dragon didn't laugh. He believed Li Mo!
He was never one to underestimate his enemies!
Or else he wouldn't have set up his own stronghold. He had to have something special about him!
"Shut the f * ck up!"
Hearing the Black Dragon's shout, the mountain bandits who were in a mess just now immediately quietened down!
"Monkey, tell me, where's Black Bear?
Why did you bring him to the stronghold? "
"Uhm … leader, I …"
Monkey was still hiding behind Li Mo, mumbling for a long time without uttering a single word!
"Humph!
You're a traitor!
Brothers, tear these two to pieces! "
Seeing Monkey's panic, Black Dragon knew the answer and didn't waste any more time!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
All the bandits drew their weapons and charged at the two of them!
Monkey was a coward by nature. Seeing this, he was scared out of his wits, hugging his head and hiding behind a tree.
Li Mo's figure flashed, dodging the bandits' attacks!
Seeing their numbers, he drew his sword and attacked!
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
Sword light danced and two bandits died on the spot!
"F * ck!
This kid has some skill. Have a taste of grandpa's Splitting Mountain Axe! "
Weng!
A tall bandit swung his axe at Li Mo's head!
His speed and power left people speechless.
It was too late to dodge. If Li Mo was hit, even with his internal qi protecting him, he'd be gravely injured if not dead!
So he didn't dare to be careless. He held his sword above his head and infused it with internal qi to block the fatal blow!
Clang!
Li Mo's sword was cut in half, sticking to the ground!
Li Mo was shocked!
"This guy is so strong. I'll need to find a good weapon in the future!"
The axe-wielding man wasn't in a good state either. His hands were still holding the axe, but blood seeped from the webbing between his thumb and forefinger. His arms were shaking!
"Good!
Kill him! "
"He's out of weapons. Brothers, kill!"
…
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Li Mo punched three times and three visible shockwaves exploded among the bandits!
Yellow soil flew, mixed with painful moans and howls!
This was Li Mo's first time using the Burning Sun Fist!
Even he himself was shocked by the might of this attack!
"I was wondering how a brat like you had the guts to come looking for trouble!
I didn't expect you to be a martial artist at such a young age! "
Black Tiger's cold voice came.
"Since you can see my power, you must be no ordinary person!"
"Since we're both martial artists, there's no need to make a fuss!
As long as you don't come looking for trouble in my stronghold, I will let this matter rest. How about it? "
Black Dragon was also a martial artist, but he had just reached the intermediate stage. He was a high and mighty existence in the eyes of his bandits. But now he ran into Li Mo, and his strength was out of the ordinary!
He wasn't sure he could defeat him and was already thinking of retreating!
"Humph!
You bandits who terrorize the common people, looting and committing all manner of crimes. Do you think you can live after running into me today? "
"Brat, don't go too far. You want to kill me?
Don't be so easy! "
"Go too far?
Ha-ha … if I weren't a martial artist, I would've been killed by your men!
Do you think they'll give me a chance to live?
Cut the crap and get to work! "
Black Dragon was furious!
He cursed Black Tiger and Monkey for offending so many people!
Of all the people they could've offended!
"It seems it's either you or me!
Take this! "
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Black Tiger saw there was no room for negotiation and attacked first!
The snake spear in his hand danced and two cold beams shot at Li Mo!
This was Li Mo's first time fighting a martial artist, so he had to be cautious!
He leaped twenty feet into the air, dodging Black Dragon's attack, and the two beams pierced the tree behind him!
Bang!
The tree snapped in half!
"Burning Sun Fist!" Li Mo roared and attacked in midair!
Whoosh!
This time, he used his full strength, throwing who knew how many punches!
The shockwave was like raindrops, pouring down on Black Dragon!
"Ah!"
A blood-curdling scream came from Black Dragon's mouth. His body was covered in a bloody mist, like a delicate flower blooming!
He crashed to the ground, deader than dead!
Li Mo panted heavily as he landed!
"F * ck!
Without a strong inner qi to support it, I'd better not use this fist art in the future! "
The surviving bandits in the surroundings saw their Stronghold Master, who had always been high and mighty, being instantly killed by their opponent!
How could they dare to continue fighting? They cried and ran in all directions!
The weakened Li Mo was in no mood to chase. He sat cross-legged to recover his exhausted inner qi!
His dried up meridians and dantian were nourished by spiritual qi, brimming with vitality!
And under the impact of the spiritual qi, his meridians seemed to have widened!
His absorption speed was also much faster than before. The endless spiritual qi of heaven and earth turned into inner qi and gathered in his dantian!
His exhaustion vanished!
Li Mo stopped cultivating. This place wasn't safe after all. After recovering a bit, he stood up and looked around. Apart from the bandits' corpses, there was no one else alive!
Monkey took advantage of the chaos to escape!
Although he didn't catch all the bandits in one fell swoop, the few that escaped wouldn't be able to cause any more trouble.
Li Mo crouched down and searched the black dragon's corpse!
There wasn't anything valuable!
On the other hand, the snake spear was not damaged at all under his fierce attack. It seemed that it was also an extraordinary item!
Li Mo picked up the Serpent Spear and scavenged the stronghold. Then with two chests of jewelry, he rode his horse back to his training ground!
It was as quiet as ever!
Sitting cross-legged on a familiar boulder, Li Mo cleared his mind of distracting thoughts and closed his eyes to meditate. He felt a strange change in his body!
His dantian's inner qi was dried up and could hold more than before. This made him realize he was on the verge of a breakthrough!
The surrounding spiritual qi of heaven and earth flowed into his body. He felt his meridians surging like a river, sending spiritual qi into his dantian and turning it into pure inner qi. His body couldn't help but tremble!
An unprecedented feeling of comfort welled up in his heart!
Only when his dantian was full did Li Mo stop the spiritual qi entering his body!
Or else his body would explode from the spiritual qi!
With the last strand of spiritual qi turned into inner qi, the most unexpected thing happened!
His dantian's inner qi crazily leaked out, roaming every part of Li Mo's body!
"F * ck!
What's going on? "Li Mo, who had never had a breakthrough before, panicked!
The internal force attacked Li Mo's organs, and the unimaginable pain made him faint!
"Where am I?
Am I already dead? "Li Mo looked around but there was nothing. The world was white!
"Ah!
Is anyone there? "
Li Mo yelled as he walked in this white space!
But the only reply he got was silence!
"Where the hell is this? I can't be dead, can I?!
Sigh … I'm so unlucky! "
Li Mo finally gave up on yelling!
He sat cross-legged to see if he still had inner qi, but the result was disappointing. His body was just like the outside, empty. Not to mention inner qi, even his organs were gone!
"I'm a spiritual body?"
Li Mo was depressed to the max!
"Why didn't I go back and break through? At least master can keep me safe!
You reap what you sow! Why are you trying to be strong? You deserve it!
"Ha-ha … don't be sad, young friend!"
An aged voice rang.
"Who?
Who's talking to me? "
Li Mo looked around, the voice coming from nowhere!
"Don't bother looking!
I'm here! "
A translucent figure appeared before Li Mo, its features blurred!
Only from the voice could one tell it was an old man!
"Who are you?
Where is this place? "
"Ha-ha …"
The figure only smiled at Li Mo's barrage of questions!
"It seems you're a spiritual body just like me!"
Li Mo spoke to himself and ignored the figure!
He lay on the ground, waiting for his fate to come!
"You're right!
We're both spiritual bodies, but you and I are different. You have to return to reality!
While I am on the verge of disappearing! "
Li Mo stood up with a start at the possibility of coming back to life!
"Is that so?
Then how can I go back? "
"Young man, you must be patient. What's the rush?
Did you cultivate the Scorching Sun Fist? "
"Yes!
Junior encountered a bottleneck in cultivating the Scorching Sun Fist. When I was breaking through, something happened and brought me here! "