The first rays of dawn pierced the Iron Wind Pavilion as I sat cross-legged in the simple disciple courtyard assigned to me. My heart still raced with excitement from the events of yesterday—my first real step into the world of cultivation.
Clutched tightly in my palm was the Body Tempering Pill I had earned from the Beast Arena Trial. Its faint, bitter aroma filled my nostrils.
I took a deep breath.
This is the beginning.
Without hesitation, I swallowed the pill.
A rush of burning energy exploded inside my body, spreading like wildfire through my veins. My heart pounded violently as the heat surged toward my muscles.
I quickly activated the Heaven Reversion Law, guiding the raging medicinal power through the paths I had only just begun to understand.
> The elder's voice echoed in my memory:
"Body Tempering consists of nine minor stages: Skin, Flesh, Bones, Marrow, Organs, Blood, Veins, Nervs and Meridians . Only after completing them all can your body handle the power of Qi."
The first layer—Skin Tempering—was already behind me.
Now, I focused on the second layer: Flesh Tempering.
The medicinal energy invaded my muscles, burning and tearing as if reshaping my flesh from within. The pain was sharp, but I gritted my teeth and forced myself to endure.
Crack.
I felt something shift.
The tightness in my muscles eased. My flesh felt firmer, denser, and alive with power.
> Flesh Tempering... complete.
But I didn't stop. The pill's power still pulsed inside me, like a fire waiting to be consumed.
I drove the remaining energy deeper, this time toward my bones. The pain intensified. It felt like countless tiny hammers were pounding against my skeleton from within.
I trembled, but I didn't break. I clenched my fists and continued to push forward.
Crack.
Something loosened inside me again.
> Bone Tempering... complete.
I collapsed backward, panting, my body drenched in sweat but buzzing with strength.
I had successfully broken through two minor stages in one sitting.
It was a small step… but it was my first real victory on this path.