Martial Universe

"Scream! Go ahead and scream, even if you scream until your lung collapses, no one will come save you!"

In the shadowy alley, Du Fei pressed his right hand to his chest to prevent the blood that was frothing in his throat from spilling out. However, his gaze coldly settled on the white-clothed young man not far in front of him, his expression showed a complicated mixture of emotions.

At this moment, the white-clothed young man clearly didn't put Du Fei in high regards. And those words weren't even directed at him. The youth's slightly lecherous gaze teasingly lingered on the graceful figure standing in front of Du Fei.

This figure seemed to be around fifteen or sixteen years old. Even though only her back was visible, one could tell she was undoubtedly a beauty. Yet, what marred the scene was the large sword she held, which seemed even bigger than her petite frame, emanating a faintly sharp murderous aura.

"Little Ai..."

Gazing at the young girl's figure, Du Fei unconsciously murmured. After a moment, he sighed softly, saying, "Little Ai, just go. If this is my fate, so be it. You are not of the Du Family, why risk your life for a useless person like me..."

Hearing Du Fei speak, the girl's silhouette slightly trembled. After a brief pause, she slowly shook her head and whispered, "Young Master, since Old Master instructed me before his death to escort you back to our home, even if I lose my life, I will definitely do it. You can rest assured, Young Master."

Although her voice was soft, it was filled with an undeniable determination.

Hearing her words, Du Fei's pupils involuntarily contracted, a fleeting trace of pain evident in his eyes.

That day was the fortieth birthday of Du Fei's father, Du Tian.

Although Du Fei's family wasn't large, in that small town, they were akin to overlords. However, on that day, right when the hall was filled with joyous guests, a strange man in black suddenly burst in!

Just one move!

Only one move!

Without asking for any reasons or wasting any words, the black-clothed stranger simply extended his hand with a sinister grasp amidst his eerie laughter...

In that single grip, all, including the eight Senior Elders fostered by the Du Family, the well-trained guardians, and the guests who came to offer birthday wishes, a few hundred of them, vomited blood and died on the spot! Aside from a small number who had a chance to react, many of them were sprawled on the ground like dead dogs the moment the man in black appeared.

At that time, thanks to Du Tian's protection, both Du Fei and Little Ai were spared from the calamity inside the hall.

However, upon reflection, it might not have been because of Du Tian's protection that the two were spared. Rather, it might have been the black-clothed stranger's deliberate restraint...

"Go! Bring the young master back to our home, it's the only way to survive!" After leaving behind these words, both Du Fei and Little Ai were thrown out of the hall by Du Tian in shock, followed by the sound of an explosion from within the hall.

Faced with such a sudden disaster, the two couldn't react in time. Fortunately, even in that almost desperate situation, Little Ai strictly followed Du Tian's orders. Ignoring Du Fei's resistance, she forcibly took him away. Du Fei, who from childhood was diagnosed with a blocked meridian and couldn't practice martial arts, naturally couldn't resist the martial practicing Little Ai.

Later on, when the two stealthily returned to the Du Family, they found that not only was the entire Du Family eradicated, there was not even a single survivor present in the entire town. There weren't even any corpses left. It was as if that town had already been deserted long ago.

Du Tian, who had long been an Eighth-grade Martial Artist, obviously didn't survive the situation. After all, the eight guardians revered by the Du Family might have been slightly weaker than Du Tian, but they all possessed the strength of middle-stage Eighth-grade Martial Artists. If even those eight had no power to resist, Du Tian probably wouldn't fare much better!

To be able to treat an Eighth-grade Martial Artist like an ant, casually taking countless lives with a wave of his hand, the strength of that man in black must be comparable to a fifth-grade Martial Master!

On the Xuanwu Continent, all martial practitioners are divided into nine ranks across three levels. Seventh to ninth rank are termed Martial Artists, fourth to sixth rank are Martial Masters, and first to third rank are Martial Saints.

Within the nine ranks, each rank is further divided into upper, middle, and lower tiers. The power difference between each tier is vast, and the disparity between each rank is like the difference between heaven and earth!

There weren't many of the fifth-grade Martial Masters even in the entire Da'an Dynasty! Although Du Fei couldn't practice martial arts, having been exposed to the martial world since childhood, he had a clear understanding of the strength divisions among martial artists. When he realized the strength of the man in black, a profound sense of helplessness washed over him. In this lifetime, he feared he might never have a chance at revenge!

Regardless of the intention of why the man in black targeted the Du Family, or what the outcome for Du Tian was, Du Fei probably wouldn't have another chance to find out.

It's a world where the law of the jungle prevails, where might is right! Power is the only rule of this world, the standard by which everything is judged. Without strength, one can't achieve anything...

......

Slightly clenching his fists, in the alleyway, Du Fei pursed his lips a little, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.

......

"Clap, clap, clap..."

Gently clapping his hands, the young man in white seemed to notice Du Fei for the first time. A slightly lascivious gaze slowly moved from Little Ai to Du Fei, revealing a peculiar interest.

"Indeed worthy of being a member of the Du Family, one of Yunshui's Five Families. Although you, Young Master Du Fei, are just a distant branch of the family, having survived a blow from me, Long Aotian, is already an achievement. Just by this, you're not the good-for-nothing that people make you out to be." Long Aotian's slender lips curled up slightly, speaking with a faint tone of appreciation.

"Considering that," Long Aotian said with a faint smile, "hand over the Du Family's Ice Heart Technique, and I'll spare your life."

"Du Family, Ice Heart Technique..." These words spilled from Du Fei's mouth as his right hand subconsciously gripped a jade amulet hanging on his chest.

This object had been hung around his neck since he was ten years old. Aside from himself and Du Tian, no one else knew that he, deemed a wastrel incapable of martial arts, actually carried the Du Family's heritage cultivation method with him.

The Du Family was originally a powerful family within the Da'an Dynasty. Although it was unclear why Du Tian had limited contact to the main family, being a descendant, he still knew some of the Du Family's cultivation methods. The Ice Heart Technique was considered a profound method within the Du Family. It wasn't surprising that someone would covet it. However, how did this Long Aotian know that the Ice Heart Technique was in his possession? Why was he so certain?

Without giving Du Fei a chance to react, Long Aotian didn't seem to care about Du Fei's response. His indifferent gaze swept over Du Fei, murmuring to himself, "If you don't appreciate kindness, I'll send you on your way. As for this charming servant of yours, I'll take her for myself."

His words were cold, treating Du Fei as if he were already dead.

Having spoken, Long Aotian's figure soared, and his right hand fiercely clenched mid-air. Suddenly, a turbulent flow in the air was generated, pulling Du Fei towards his palm.

"How dare you!"

From the side, Little Ai shouted, swinging her large sword. With a forceful stomp of her feet, she charged straight at Long Aotian.

"Overestimating your capabilities... seeking your own death..." Long Aotian sneered coldly, forming a peculiar finger gesture with his left hand, while his right hand made another grabbing motion in the air...

"Splat..."

Little Ai's figure in mid-air violently shook. She spat out a mouthful of blood and crashed to the ground, her face pale, it was uncertain whether she was dead or alive.

Almost simultaneously, Du Fei, who had been prepared to meet his end, had a flash of realization in his eyes!

He had seen this move before!

Although there was a vast difference in power, the move that Long Aotian used was 80% similar to the one used by that man in black that day!

"So, that's how it is!" Hatred filled Du Fei's eyes. Even though he had been pulled mid-air by the wind from Long Aotian's palm, his teeth were gritting loudly, "Long Aotian, if I, Du Fei, survive today, I'll train in the greatest martial arts! I won't be satisfied until I exterminate your entire family and punish all your kin! No matter what lies ahead, I'll find the person behind you and avenge my family's massacre! If a god stands behind you, I'll kill that god. If it's a Buddha, I'll kill that Buddha. If it's the heavens, I, Du Fei, will devour those heavens!"

Long Aotian slightly trembled, but a fleeting cold expression passed over his face, "Young Master Du Fei, sharp eyes! Such spirit! With that, I can't possibly let you live!"

As his voice trailed off, Long Aotian's right palm curled like a claw. Several gray streams of energy seeped between his fingers, and he aimed a clawed strike straight at Du Fei's chest...

"Is this how I die? What a pity, my blood feud remains unavenged! If only I, Du Fei, knew martial arts! If only I, Du Fei, knew martial arts!"

As Long Aotian's claw descended, this thought flashed across Du Fei's mind in an instant, followed by all his hatred turning into helplessness.

He never thought that in two lifetimes as a human, he achieved nothing in his previous life, and the same in this one...

"Beep... Level three crisis detected, threat level one hundred percent, system auto-activating."

"Warning, do you wish to activate automatic defense function? Activate? Activate......"

"Beep! Automatic defense activated!"

A cold electronic sound instantly resounded in Du Fei's mind. Before he could react, some decisions seemed to have already been made.

Subsequently, Du Fei distinctly felt an icy cold current emerge from his lower abdomen, rushing instantly to the palm of his right hand. At the moment this cold current emerged, his figure in mid-air fiercely spun, and immediately, he forcefully slapped towards Long Aotian's descending claw.

"Boom..."

The intense cold current, bursting from Du Fei's palm, seemed to freeze the surrounding air in an instant. Soon after, the chilling aura and turbulent air collided fiercely, causing both of their figures to violently shake.

"Hmmph..."

Long Aotian let out a strange and inexplicable sound. His previously calm face changed dramatically, retreating quickly as if he had seen a ghost. Landing on the ground, he stumbled back several steps, "Thud thud thud..." leaving deep footprints as his complexion grew worse.

On the other hand, Du Fei's body also propelled backward quickly. However, his fall wasn't as graceful as Long Aotian and ended up crashing clumsily into the wall at the end of the alley. His body finally came to an abrupt stop, and almost immediately, he felt a taste in his throat, and a mouthful of blood spurted out.

"What's going on? Why do I have Qi inside me?"

Given his condition and years of fruitless effort, Du Fei was well aware that his meridians were blocked. He couldn't harness the Primordial Force from the heavens and earth into his body, making cultivation impossible. But why was there an absolutely impossible presence of Qi within him now?

And what about that cold electronic voice in his mind? System? The computer system he was familiar with from his previous life? But if it was a computer system, why would it appear in his own mind?

All these questions arose simultaneously, stirring great doubts in Du Fei's heart. However, at this moment, Du Fei didn't have the time to slowly unravel these mysteries. After all, the imminent threat in front of him was still unresolved...

"Beep...Temporary crisis cessation. Due to the heavy mental and physical strain caused by automatic retaliation, the automatic defense mode is temporarily deactivated."

With the cold "beep" sound echoing, the icy sensation all over Du Fei's body quickly faded, replaced by an intense soreness in his muscles, as if he had overexerted himself.

"Young Master Long, are you..." Across from Du Fei, in the shadows of the alley, several men in black suddenly sprang out. Another figure, who seemed to be their leader, quickly approached Long Aotian, inquiring in a low voice.

"It's nothing." Long Aotian shook his head slightly, casting a peculiar gaze onto Du Fei. He coldly remarked, "The intelligence was wrong. Wasn't it said that this Du Fei is a once-in-a-century good-for-nothing, unable to practice martial arts in this lifetime? How can this Du Fei use the Ice Heart Qi? Moreover, by invoking the Ice Heart Qi within Buyue City, those old ghosts of the Du Family must have noticed. Today's mission can be considered a failure..."

"Then, Young Master Long, what should we do now? Should we kill the kid directly?" The man in black asked in a sinister tone.

"Do you still need me to tell you?" Long Aotian scoffed, a clear murderous intent in his eyes, "If you don't remove the roots after you cut the grass, it will grow back when the spring winds blow!"

As his words fell, Long Aotian stomped his foot hard against the ground, his figure darting towards Du Fei like a shadow. At the same time, a faint blue glow radiated from him, and his claw descended towards Du Fei!

"System rebooting..."

Almost simultaneously, a cold "beep" sound resonated. Du Fei naturally retreated half a step. His right leg felt a chill, and he swiftly kicked it towards Long Aotian's chest...

"Thud..."

With his body heavily slammed onto the ground, Long Aotian spewed out a mouthful of blood. A shocked expression flashed across his face, displaying a look of utter disbelief.

"Du Family's Ice Peak Leg?"

"How is it possible!?" Long Aotian's face twisted in rage. He struggled to his feet, his peculiar gaze resting on Du Fei for a long moment, before suddenly shifting. Then, he glanced in the eastern direction of the city, "The Du Family's keen senses, as sharp as ever! I'll settle the score with this Du Fei another day. Retreat!"

Having said this, Long Aotian gave Du Fei a cold glance, scoffed, and rapidly dashed backward. The several men in black exchanged glances and also quickly retreated, vanishing into the alley in an instant.

"They've left?" Du Fei's body shuddered slightly as he spat out another mouthful of blood. Still, he managed to move next to Little Ai, reaching out to check her pulse. After a brief moment, he sighed in relief, "Thank goodness..."

Before he could finish his words, Du Fei's vision darkened, and he collapsed.

However, just as he fell, a faint icy-blue radiance momentarily shone from his body. Moments later, it completely vanished into his frame.

This was a sign that should have appeared only on an Eighth-grade Martial Artist. For it to manifest on Du Fei now was absolutely impossible. If anyone saw this, they would undoubtedly refuse to believe it.

Moments later, within the dim night sky, a few figures rapidly emerged. After a moment's hesitation, they all descended into the alley.

Leading them was an old man with a sallow complexion. Behind him were several young men and women dressed in sturdy robes.

After their gaze briefly scanned the ground, one particularly handsome young man frowned and said, "Third Elder, it's the only son of Fourth-in-command's family, and it seems the other is his personal maid... However, didn't we receive news a few days ago that everyone in Fourth-in-command's family had been wiped out? Why would he appear here?"

"The good-for-nothing from Fourth-in-command's family?" The one addressed as Third Elder's expression noticeably darkened. After a moment, he waved his sleeve and indifferently said, "Fourth-in-command severed ties with our Du Family all those years ago for that woman's sake. He completely disgraced our eldest brother. This son of Fourth-in-command... the offspring of that witch?"

His expression shifted for a brief moment before the Third Elder reluctantly said, "If it were up to me, I'd let the boy fend for himself. However, our eldest brother sensed the Ice Heart Qi of our Du Family just now... After all, he is a member of the Du Family. If he died here, it would be a disgrace to us. Let's take him back. I believe our eldest brother will definitely want to clarify things about Fourth-in-command... after all..."

As he said this, the Third Elder coughed softly, refraining from saying more. He made a gesture and his figure flickered, disappearing from the spot without a trace.

The remaining young men and women exchanged glances. A moment later, the leading young man gave a slight nod. The rest swiftly helped Du Fei and Little Ai up, and then, they dashed towards the eastern part of the city.

"Little Ai..."

When Du Fei mustered the strength to open his eyes, he found himself in a room that felt both unfamiliar yet strangely familiar.

This baffling scene left him momentarily stunned. He quickly turned his head, only to see the delicate face of the young girl resting on his chest. Her lovely face had faint traces of tears. Whether she had cried herself to exhaustion or had finally felt relief, the young girl was clearly deep in sleep at that moment.

"What's going on..."

After looking around in confusion, Du Fei carefully moved Little Ai off him. However, this slight movement still woke Little Ai up.

She quickly wiped the tear marks off her face and then joyfully said, "Young Master, are you alright... Don't worry, we're now at the main residence of the Du Family. Lord Patriarch has already sent for a physician to help treat you. The physician said that even though you were injured, the assailant didn't strike with lethal intent. So, you're not in grave danger. With some rest, you should recover."

"Is that so?" Du Fei smiled, though the pain in his chest made him wince. Nevertheless, he refrained from expressing any discomfort. Propping himself up, he leaned against the bed and softly asked, "What's the current situation?"

Upon hearing this, Little Ai furrowed her brows slightly and after a pause whispered, "Over these days, I've heard from the servants of the Du Family that we were found unconscious in the alley. It was the Du Family's Third Elder who came with people to rescue us. We're now resting in a small courtyard within the Du Family residence. I heard this place used to be where the Old Master lived during his youth."

"My father's old place?" Hearing this, Du Fei turned his head and took a closer look, then nodded slightly. No wonder he felt both familiarity and strangeness here; the layout of this place was quite similar to his father's room.

After observing for a moment, Du Fei took a deep breath. A flash of resentment appeared in his eyes, and after a pause, he said gravely, "I remember my father once told me that he was originally an inside member of Buyue City's Du Family. However, he betrayed the Du Family... And the current patriarch of the Du Family is my grandfather... In these past few days, has anyone come to ask about our family's affairs?"

Little Ai's face held a hint of complexity. After a moment, she sighed and replied, "No one has, but I believe they might be waiting for you to regain consciousness before they ask. Young Master, you should rest now. I'll go out and gather information."

Having said that, Little Ai stood up, intending to help Du Fei get comfortable.

"Forget it..." Du Fei sighed softly, then whispered, "Now that both of us are at the mercy of others, it's better to avoid making unnecessary moves."

There was something else Du Fei didn't say, Du Tian's position within the Du Family was awkward, and now that the two of them had come to seek refuge with the Du Family, they were in an even more embarassing position. It was completely normal for the people of the Du Family to be unwelcoming to them. Not to mention, his own reputation as a good-for-nothing...

Thinking of this, Du Fei suddenly slapped his forehead. He had almost forgotten that before he was knocked out by Long Aotian, it seemed that some system had protected him, allowing him to use his Qi?

Although he wasn't sure why or what that system was, perhaps if he could make good use of this so-called system, he would have the opportunity to cultivate!

However, now wasn't the right time. He should wait until the dead of night to thoroughly investigate what this so-called system really was.

"Little Ai, I apologize for disturbing again today..."

As Du Fei was lost in thought, a cheerful laughter echoed from outside the door, followed by the sound of deep footsteps approaching.

Upon hearing the voice, Little Ai's face turned pale, her expression resembling that of a frightened bunny.

Seeing this, Du Fei couldn't help but frown slightly, asking, "What's the matter?"

Little Ai gave a bitter smile, saying, "It's Young Master Qing, Young Master. You've been unconscious for a few days, so you don't know. This Young Master Qing has been visiting daily. It's been quite distressing for me."

Hearing this, Du Fei couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. To be honest, although Little Ai was young, her delicate features, snow-white skin, and pretty face always possessed a stunning aura. Back in that small town, numerous people coveted her. However, thanks to the protection of the Du Family and Little Ai's own capabilities, no one dared to pester her.

Unexpectedly, after just a few days in the Du Family, someone was already smitten with her.

"You little enchantress!" Du Fei playfully tweaked Little Ai's nose. However, he was well aware that such matters weren't her fault, so he didn't elaborate further.

At this moment, the wooden door creaked open. Following that, a youth dressed in white leisurely walked in.

The young man looked to be in his late teens, with a somewhat sickly pale complexion, yet his features were quite handsome. However, the moment he entered and saw Du Fei's playful gesture, his smiling face turned grave. A trace of anger flashed across his face, but it quickly faded, returning to its previous demeanor. If not for Du Fei's keen observation, the momentary anger would've gone unnoticed.

"This guy might be more than meets the eye!" Du Fei slightly furrowed his brows, sighing inwardly. Having lived two lifetimes, he had gained some worldly wisdom and naturally understood the origin of Du Qing's anger. What's more troubling was the current awkward status of both him and Little Ai with the Du Family, especially with this Du Qing...

"Young Master Qing." Upon seeing Du Qing enter, Little Ai quickly stood up and gave a slight bow.

"Ah, Little Ai, haven't I said it many times before? There's no need for such formalities between us. Just call me Brother Qing!" Du Qing laughed, waving his hand. After a moment, he deliberately shifted his gaze to Du Fei and said with a smile, "It's Cousin Du Fei, right? I didn't expect your health to recover so quickly these past few days. I've been genuinely concerned about you!"

Concerned my foot.

He sneered inwardly, but on the outside, Du Fei maintained a faint smile, responding with a slight bow, "Thank you for your concern, Cousin. I apologize, but I'm still not well enough to get up and greet you properly."

"No need for such courtesies! We're like brothers. There's no need for formalities," Du Qing chuckled, turning to Little Ai, "Little Ai, Grandfather and the others are also concerned about Cousin's health. Since he's awake, why don't you go and inform them?"

Hearing this, Little Ai hesitated, glancing at Du Fei. Only after seeing Du Fei nod slightly did she acknowledge and slowly step out.

Once Little Ai left, Du Qing strolled around the room and eventually took a seat. He tapped his index finger on the table and said with a light smile, "Cousin Du Fei, there's a favor I'd like to ask of you..."

"I'm humbled," Du Fei replied with a calm smile, "I'm new here, and given my current condition, I doubt I could be of any assistance to you."

"Hehe, you're too modest, Cousin Du Fei," Du Qing casually picked up a teacup from the table, took a sip, and after a slight pause, said, "If I remember correctly, in the Fourth Uncle's family, which is your household, you're the only son, right?"

At these words, a hint of coldness flashed in Du Fei's eyes. He was quite irritated by Du Qing's deliberate remarks. However, he was well aware that despite Du Qing's seemingly amiable demeanor, such a character couldn't possibly be as simple as he appeared. If he showed any disrespect now, the consequences might be severe!

If only he was skilled in martial arts! Why would he need to be so cautious then?

Often, when you're living under someone's roof, you have no choice but to submit to them.

Taking a deep breath, Du Fei concealed his anger well, merely sighing lightly, "You're right, Du Qing. I am indeed the only son in my family."

"So it is," Du Qing clapped his hands lightly with a relieved expression, "In that case, Miss Ai is Cousin Du Fei's maidservant, right? Haha, given that, I'll be direct! From the moment I saw Miss Ai, I was smitten. Though her status prevents me from taking her as my wife, I can still make her my concubine. So, if Cousin Du Fei agrees, I'm willing to trade ten beautiful maidservants, four guards, and a hundred taels of gold in exchange for Miss Ai. How about it?"

Having said that, Du Qing appeared utterly confident. Given his status, he believed no one would refuse such an offer, not just within the Du Family, but even throughout Buyue City.

Upon hearing this, Du Fei's eyes twitched slightly. Though he had anticipated such a proposal from Du Qing, hearing it stated so bluntly still ignited anger within him.

Nevertheless, Du Fei wasn't a naive child. He took a deep breath, suppressing his rage for the moment, and replied with a smile, "Cousin Du Qing, you are too kind... If you present such a generous offer for Little Ai, I might have considered it. After all, with your generous gesture, it's clear you genuinely care for her. A gentleman should always accept a good deal..."

"However, even though Little Ai is my maidservant, she was someone my father found from an unknown place years ago. He once mentioned that Little Ai has her own free will and can leave the Du Family whenever she wants. Moreover, having grown up with her, I've long stopped seeing her as a mere servant... especially since she risked so much to save me when my entire Du Family faced catastrophe. Both emotionally and logically, I can't agree to your request without consulting her first..."

"Therefore, I hope you understand, Cousin. I'm afraid I can't fulfill your request..."

At the end, Du Fei let out a slight sigh, his face showing a hint of regret.

Du Qing's face, which had been adorned with a smile, gradually turned cold upon hearing Du Fei's words.

He slowly put down his teacup, his gaze coldly fixed on Du Fei for a moment, and then he chuckled, "So, Cousin, what you're saying is, you're refusing to give me, Du Qing, any face?"

"Not at all!" Du Fei shook his head slightly, "I've explained the situation in detail to you, Cousin. I hope you understand..."

Du Qing sneered coldly, stating, "Regardless of how elegantly one speaks of a maidservant, she is but a mere appendage to her master. Surely you understand this, Cousin Du Fei. If you give the word, what courage would she have to object? Let me enlighten you... In this world, if you desire power, wealth, or women, you must have the corresponding strength. In the past, when your fourth uncle was alive, you had thier support. Now, you're nothing but a cripple. Though you have the blood of the Du Family, you've lost all your status long ago! Keeping a beauty like Little Ai by your side, aren't you just courting death? I'm discussing this for your own good... If you weren't loosely considered one of the Du Family... Humph!"

"Whether or not I keep Little Ai by my side, I have my own judgment on that matter, and there's no need for you to instruct me," Du Fei replied with a cold smirk, having realized the superficiality of their cousinly relationship. "So, I'll pretend I never heard any of this."

"You... You're impressive! Very impressive!" Du Qing stared at Du Fei for a moment before bursting into laughter, "Du Fei, do you still see yourself as that young master from before? This isn't your remote little town, this is Buyue City's Du Family! I believe it won't be long before you'll bring Little Ai to me willingly! By that time, whether I accept her or not will be an entirely different matter."

Having said that, Du Qing slowly stood up, and with a forceful slap on the table, he turned and left with a derisive chuckle.

"Body forging, the seventh stage?"

Looking at the deep handprint left on the table, Du Fei couldn't help but slightly frown.

In the path of martial cultivation, body-forging is fundamental. Only through successful body-forging, purifying the body of impurities, and continuously strengthening oneself, will one reach a certain level where Qi will form within. And only after one possesses Qi can they officially embark on martial cultivation.

Like martial cultivation, body-forging also has nine stages. The first three stages do not bring significant changes to the body. The fourth, fifth, and sixth stages gradually strengthen a person's body from the outside in. Only at the seventh stage does a mysterious internal force form in the human body. This internal force, after continuous strengthening, will precipitate in the body's dantian, forming Qi. This mysterious internal force has a common name: true breath.

Du Qing's palm strike just now had clearly demonstrated that he had cultivated true breath and possessed at least the strength of the seventh stage of body-forging. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to leave a palm imprint on the table without destroying it.

In comparison to Du Qing's seventh stage of body-forging, Du Fei, who hadn't even surpassed the threshold of the first stage, was obviously a complete waste.

Within a family, when comparing a genius at the seventh stage of body-forging to someone of an awkward status who was useless, it was quite evident who would be more valued and who possessed more strength.

"It seems I was too impulsive... If it wasn't for the fact that the patriarch hadn't met me yet, Du Qing wouldn't have dared to act this rashly. Otherwise, I fear..." Du Fei sighed, shaking his head slightly. If that so-called system still couldn't allow him to start cultivating, then life in the future would indeed become challenging.

But if he couldn't even endure the current hardships, how could he ever seek revenge for his family's deep-seated grievances?

Du Fei clenched his fist tightly, smashing it onto the bed. The intense hatred in his eyes was undisguised!