Chapter 19: The Stone-Moving Realm Expands the Heart Even Further

The sky had completely darkened, but Lu Xiao’s training did not cease. If anyone knew he was attempting to break through to the Stone-Moving Realm using the "Gang Qi Mental Technique," they would surely call him delusional.

However, the "Gang Qi Mental Technique" had already been refined to the second tier. Previously, the technique was simplistic and mediocre—one might even say inferior. Yet, at the second tier, the improvements it provided were on par with the cultivation methods of many established sects. Even before reaching the Stone-Moving Realm, Lu Xiao’s striking power was already formidable; he could fell a thick tree with a single blow. This clearly demonstrated that the value of the technique had increased significantly after refinement.

Late autumn had passed, and the bitter winter was approaching. The days grew shorter and colder, which was a blessing for Lu Xiao. The servants of the Marquis’s estate were less inclined to seek him out, preferring to hide in their rooms to escape the freezing temperatures. This gave him the perfect opportunity to dedicate himself entirely to his cultivation.

Currently, Lu Xiao had left the estate and retreated into the dense forest to the north. His strikes were fierce, and the air whistled with every punch. Even after refinement, the "Gang Qi Mental Technique" relied on boxing as a medium, using the intent of the fist to temper the body. Lu Xiao was practicing the "Qi Gathering Chapter," which states: *The human body possesses no innate Gang Qi; one must focus the spirit and gather intent to forge it. Hold the Gang in a sphere, treat it as energy, and condense it into Gang Qi.*

Lu Xiao felt his physical foundation was already solid. Although he had started his training late, the refined technique provided immense benefits with every session. He was certain his physique was ready for the Stone-Moving Realm. The second-tier technique even offered a method for advancement. While medicinal pills were the preferred choice for breaking through, the technique explicitly stated that if pills were unavailable, this internal method could be used as a substitute. Knowing how difficult it was for him to obtain pills, Lu Xiao did not hesitate.

In the darkness, Lu Xiao practiced, accustomed to the gloom. A layer of Gang Qi shimmered around his body—a sign that his training had achieved initial success. Now, he intended to use this Gang Qi to hammer his own physique, forcing a transformative change.

A cold wind swept through the forest, causing withered leaves to drift down. As they fell near Lu Xiao, they seemed to be struck against his body by an invisible force. Muffled thuds echoed as the air hammered into him. If one looked closely, they could see his skin indenting under the pressure, the sound resembling a heavy iron mallet striking damp earth.

A quarter-hour passed, then two... Lu Xiao gritted his teeth so hard that a trace of blood leaked from the corner of his mouth. He endured the agony for half an hour until the intense pain gradually subsided, becoming so faint it was almost imperceptible. Lu Xiao, who had been hunched over in pain, stood up straight. As he stretched, he could hear his own bones and sinews popping.

The tempering continued, but the initial agony had vanished. Lu Xiao knew he had broken through to the Stone-Moving Realm.

The term "Stone-Moving Realm" had been passed down for ages. In ancient times, a warrior who reached this level could lift massive boulders with their bare hands, possessing the strength of a thousand catties. Back then, that was an accomplishment worth praising. However, after thousands of years of refinement, martial arts had evolved significantly. Even ordinary practitioners who had not reached the Stone-Moving Realm could lift heavy rocks; the name was merely a trace left behind by the pioneers.

For Lu Xiao, the most obvious difference was the change in his own senses. His hearing was sharper, and his vision clearer. With the breakthrough, his sight and hearing improved drastically. It was likely the hour of the Rat; apart from a few distant torches, the world was pitch black. Previously, he could only see faint silhouettes in such dim light, but now, his surroundings were clear. He could even hear the faint crackling of the distant torches.

Beyond that, the greatest change was in his physique. His defensive capabilities had significantly increased, as had his blood and vital energy. Every movement, from walking to rising, felt effortless—his body felt light. He could throw a punch without expending nearly as much energy as before.

Recalling this, Lu Xiao executed the "Spirit Wind Step." His figure moved like the moon and wind, drifting and weaving. The falling leaves and withered branches that once seemed to snag and obstruct him were now easily evaded by his nimble footwork. The improvement in his cultivation brought a comprehensive upgrade to his overall strength.

Feeling these changes, a rare smile appeared on Lu Xiao’s face. The only drawback to the Stone-Moving Realm was a massive increase in appetite; he was ravenously hungry. He did not linger in the forest but returned to his quarters to eat some dry rations. Though the hard, stale cakes tasted terrible, they were filling. Washing them down with water, he felt his energy restored.

Now, Lu Xiao wanted to test his mysterious ability to refine all things. His own growth seemed to be fueling the growth of this power. Initially, he could only refine items to the first tier. After opening his body to training, he reached the second tier. Now that he had reached the Stone-Moving Realm, he wondered if this ability would advance further.

He did not hesitate. Focusing his mind on his copy of the "Gang Qi Mental Technique," he watched the small white text appear: [Gang Qi Mental Technique +2]. He exerted his will. In an instant, his energy and stamina drained by more than half. The text before his eyes shifted: [Gang Qi Mental Technique +3].

The second-tier technique had successfully advanced to the third tier. Joy filled his heart. His prediction was correct: as his personal strength progressed and his physique hardened, this mysterious ability also continued to grow.

He felt more confident about the future. Even though he was restricted within the Marquis’s estate and found it difficult to obtain anything of value, he possessed the power to refine all things. Even if he could only get his hands on the most basic or even harmful items, he could transform them into something useful. He would not sacrifice his future or end up crippled for the sake of people who did not care about him. He would do everything in his power to carve out his own destiny. If he could not live an ordinary life, then he would fight to earn himself a better one.