Chapter 368: Chapter 353 Under the Fog

In Zhou Leng’s mind, the Crossing Body Divine Text spins.

At the same time, it absorbs the power of Ceres.

The surrounding Star Conches emit a faint radiance.

Zhou Leng, with closed eyes, fails to see the shallow silvery starlight on his body, like moonlight gauze clothing.

Strands of stellar radiance enter his body.

After finishing cultivation, he looked at the time; the first session was almost here.

He ate some blood sausage, Blue Star Elixir, Fierce Beast meat, and purslane, then stepped out of the Tree Root Cave to wait outside the railing of the Tree of Life.

Tree-men gradually arrived, shaking their branches to greet Zhou Leng.

Others not far off were puzzled, witnessing for the first time so many Tree-men greeting a human.

Even the Demon Spirit Master, the Dwarf, and Zhao He, who were about to enter the first session, were filled with curiosity.

Because they could enter too, but were actually separated from the Tree-men.

Tree-men did not play with them.

Yet now, the Vigorous Root led Zhou Leng inside, together with the Tree-men, making no distinction.

Soon, everyone entered inside.

Heaven descended with white mist.

For the first time, Zhou Leng found himself cultivating within the Life White Mist.

An indescribable joy emanated from his body.

Every cell seemed to be singing a joyous song.

Life essence trickled into his body along the skin like streams, gradually irrigating every part of his body.

Zhou Leng clearly sensed the difference from his previous cultivation.

Previous cultivation felt like sipping water slowly.

This cultivation felt like soaking in a bath.

He had experienced the Spiritual Energy Limit at the Ancient River Sect.

But now, not only did he reach the Spiritual Energy Limit, but it also contained a strong life force.

Spiritual Qi and life force were so intense, it was like standing in over-40-degree feverish rainy season, the body felt like in a steam oven.

The speed of cultivation outside the railing was roughly three times that of ordinary Blue Stars.

Without the mist, cultivation under the tree was roughly ten times the speed outside the railing.

Training in the Tree Root Cave was twice that under an ordinary tree.

Under the white mist, cultivation was about three times that of the Tree Root Cave.

Under the white mist tree, the cultivation speed was 180 times that of ordinary Blue Stars, but the total effect exceeded 200 times.

Because, not only does the Life White Mist enhance the effects of cultivation, but it can also expand the body’s limits, the latter being more crucial.

The moment Zhou Leng activated the Star Phoenix Rejuvenation Technique, he felt a light tremor in the Star Phoenix Feather warmed within his marrow.

The Star Phoenix Rejuvenation Technique spun rapidly.

Soon, Phoenix Power condensed into the first feather, falling into his spine.

Then, star phoenix feathers continuously gathered in the chest and continuously merged into the marrow.

An indescribable sensation of cultivation joy arose in his heart, a feeling even more enjoyable than cultivating in the Spring Hall.

A double pleasure for both spirit and soul.

Martial awareness keenly detected that now, whenever a Star Phoenix Feather was formed, his body experienced subtle changes.

The activity of every muscle, bone, blood, skin, and body organ enhanced slightly.

The body’s basic healing ability, treatment ability, and Spiritual Qi storage capacity were all strengthened.

All cells in the human body, through metabolism, eventually age and then replace with new ones.

But now, the metabolism capacity of all cells will enhance, and their lifespan will extend.

The body of the Martial Artist began to evolve gradually.

The essence of Innate is the evolution of the body.

The two evolutions combined have a stronger effect.

Various powers stored within Zhou Leng’s body were activated by the Life White Mist, accelerating integration.

When the bell rang, Zhou Leng slowly opened his eyes.

Training under a tree without mist increased two Half-Star Phoenix Feathers per hour.

Now it reached eight per hour.

The key was the limit hadn’t been reached.

Zhou Leng walked out from under the tree, heading to his Tree Root Cave room.

Someone tapped his shoulder from behind.

Zhou Leng looked back; it was the young man who appeared to be Zhao He.

Zhao He smiled as he extended his hand and said, “Hello, my name is Zhao He, pleased to meet you.”

Zhou Leng hesitated for a moment, extended his hand, and said, “Hello, my name is Zhou Leng.”

The two of them lightly shook hands and parted.

As Zhao He thought, he said, “I’ve seen this name somewhere, but it wasn’t among the Innate Masters.”

“I just advanced to Innate not long ago, the Freshman Chart hasn’t updated yet,” Zhou Leng said.

“I remember now, you’re the Zhou Leng at the top of the Rucheng Freshman Chart, right? I’ve seen you on the National Freshman Chart, no wonder your name sounded familiar,” Zhao He said with a smile.

“I’ve also admired your name for quite a while,” Zhou Leng replied.

Zhao He waved his hand and said, “Hey, I rely on my family, I do have some skills, but not much. That day when you surpassed our team, I told the person next to me that your Martial Arts foundation was extremely solid, and meeting you now confirms it.”

“Just lucky,” Zhou Leng said.

“An Innate in the first year is rare even in Yunhua Jinjing. Are you interested in transferring schools? You’re too talented to stay in Rucheng,” Zhao He suggested.

“I still like Rucheng, it’s quite nurturing here.”

“Everyone has their own ambitions, it doesn’t matter where you are really. Many Martial Saints weren’t from Yunhua Jinjing and still roamed the world. I’m particularly curious, how did you become so familiar with the Tree-men?”

“Back on the youth battlefield, I accidentally saved a few Tree-men, twice, then the Tree-man Elder gave me these qualifications.”

“I see. Being able to save Tree-men on the youth battlefield, that’s impressive. I hesitated for several months back then and didn’t dare to go in, I just didn’t have the courage to risk my life. So, I really admire those of you who can fight and kill,” Zhao He said with genuine respect.

Zhou Leng felt puzzled inside, he’d heard that the reputations of the three young masters of the Zhao Family weren’t great. This Zhao He wasn’t much older than Zhao Tong, but he didn’t have the airs of a Martial Clan heir at all right now.

In front of strangers, Zhou Leng naturally didn’t speak much, handling things simply.

Coming from a Martial Clan, Zhao He was well-traveled and had excellent conversation and social skills.

Even if Zhou Leng didn’t speak much, Zhao He could carry the conversation with him, keeping things from getting awkward and never minded Zhou Leng’s aloofness.

As the two approached the entrance of the Tree Root Cave, Zhao He laughed, “We’re all here to save the Tree-men, maybe we’ll meet on the battlefield in the future—it’s all us, let’s help each other out, and be Martial Faith friends first.”

Zhou Leng hesitated a moment, nodded, and added Zhao He as a friend.

Just as they added each other, Chen Shouhu came up from underground.

Seeing the two of them standing together, Chen Shouhu’s face darkened, “Zhao He, get away from Zhou Leng.”

“Huh? Brother Hu, you know Zhou Leng? Come on, the two of us were chatting happily,” Zhao He said smilingly at Chen Shouhu, not angered at all by Chen Shouhu’s words.

“Zhou Leng is with our Martial Arts Brigade. If you lead him astray, I’ll complain to your father,” Chen Shouhu stated firmly.

“Wrongly accused, Brother Hu. You know my temperament, I especially like making friends with martial heroes. Zhou Leng is so strong, I’m not even done admiring him, how could I lead him astray? Besides, I’m not a bad influence, apart from loving fun, I don’t have any bad habits,” Zhao He said with a smile.

Hearing the other praising Zhou Leng, Chen Shouhu’s expression softened and he nodded, “Discussing Martial Arts is fine, just don’t mess around.”

“Just because he’s under you, Brother Hu, I definitely wouldn’t dare,” Zhao He said with a smile, looking a bit obedient even.

Chen Shouhu regained his calm and asked, “How’s your cultivation, when will you advance to Grandmaster?”

Zhao He sighed and said, “You know my level, I still can’t grasp Tongjin. Without Tongjin, advancing to Grandmaster would be half-useless, so I’m slowly exploring.”

“If you’re determined, you can definitely become a Grandmaster.”

“I appreciate the encouragement. You’ve been gathering strength for a while now, you’ve surely advanced at least one more realm, right?” Zhao He looked carefully at Chen Shouhu.

“Your skills might not be great, but your eyes are sharp.”

“I always said you were the top among Xiongjing military offspring, they didn’t believe me before, now they surely do,” Zhao He said.

“Stop flattering me.”

Zhao He suddenly chuckled and said, “Brother Hu, I have a favor to ask.”

“Hmm?” Chen Shouhu raised an eyebrow.

Zhao He said, “I feel my opportunity to advance to Grandmaster lies entirely with the Ancient River Sect. Could you and Brother Xiong allow me in? I promise, once I reach Grandmaster, I’ll definitely cultivate diligently, serve the country, and slay demons and spirits.”

Chen Shouhu surprisingly glanced at Zhou Leng, then turned to Zhao He and said, “You should know the Ancient River Sect recruits disciples in batches. Whatever batches they recruit, they decide, we can’t interfere. When they expand recruitment in the future, as long as there is an opportunity, I’ll be the first to send you in.”

“Brother Hu, who is the senior brother of the Ancient River Sect? Could you grant me a favor and introduce me, maybe have a meal together?” Zhao He said with a grin.

“Stop talking nonsense with me, such important secrets aren’t to be shared. Go play elsewhere. Zhou Leng, what’re you standing there for, come with me to the training ground, get ready for tomorrow’s fight,” Chen Shouhu said as he walked forward.

“Yes!” Zhou Leng stood at attention, ready to follow orders, and trailed behind Chen Shouhu.

Watching the backs of Chen Shouhu and Zhou Leng, Zhao He sighed helplessly, “I originally aimed my heart at the bright moon.”

A follower whispered, “That… Grandmaster Chen is too arrogant.”

Zhao He said, “Arrogant as he may be, he has the capital to be arrogant. If I had his talent, I’d be arrogant too. Do you know why Tong Tianxia, Chen Shouhu, and Wang Boxiong held back on advancing to Grandmaster these past two years?”

“Why?”

“They’re all aiming for Martial Saint, fearing that their foundation is unstable, they focused on solidifying their Innate base. With a strong Innate foundation, they can quickly ascend to Grandmaster, and then aim for Martial Saint.”

“But, Martial Saint is really hard.”

“Yes, Martial Saint is really hard. Right now, among all the Grandmasters, except Li Shenkong, no one dares to say they’re one hundred percent certain of advancing to Martial Saint.”

“Huh? Grandmaster Li Shenkong?” the follower’s voice became quieter as he continued.

“It’s just my guess. Li Shenkong is truly incredible, but he’s even more arrogant than Brother Hu. I tried numerous times to make acquaintance, being courteous every time, but he never gave me any face. Still, he’s amazing, so I tolerate it,” Zhao He said with a straightforward expression.

“You truly have a broad mind.”

“It’s about recognizing reality, understanding oneself. The youngest was spoiled by grandmother, seeking quick success and instant benefits, and ended up failing. Look at the eldest, that’s what having a broad mind means. The future of our Zhao Family still depends on the eldest.”

After saying this, Zhao He glanced again in the direction where Chen Shouhu and Zhou Leng had disappeared.

“This guy named Zhou Leng is something else, Brother Hu values him a lot. Let me put it this way, even Zhang Xinglie, currently the second among Yunhua freshmen, might not be worthy of Brother Hu confronting me face-to-face. In the future, be courteous to Zhou Leng, and help whenever you can. Our Zhao Family should make good connections.”

“Understood.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep