The tension at the banquet table was palpable. As Fang Han's temper flared, the young royal from the Da De Dynasty, known as the "Prince Bao," sneered at him, underestimating his abilities based on his lower cultivation stage. However, Fang Han's anger only fueled the situation further.
With a swift motion, the prince unleashed a terrifying burst of power. A chilling wind swept through the room, followed by the presence of a hand appearing out of nowhere, like a phantom reaching for Fang Han. The air around them seemed to warp under the sheer force of the strike, and Fang Han instinctively dodged to avoid the fatal blow, his heart pounding from the intensity of the attack.
"Impressive speed," Fang Han thought as he barely managed to sidestep the strike. But he couldn't back down now. Despite his cultivation being inferior to the prince's, he had to fight back. His bones were like steel, and his recovery rate was far beyond that of a normal practitioner. He struck with his "Cotton Palm," a flexible technique from his "Flying Spirit Soft Bone" style, attempting to redirect the prince's powerful strike.
When their palms met, a massive force surged through him, nearly breaking his arm, but the prince was also forced to retreat slightly, his eyes narrowing in surprise. Fang Han quickly countered with a long-reaching punch aimed at the prince's throat. However, the prince's reaction was swift, his body twisting like a predator, and his hands shot forward with deadly precision, sinking into Fang Han's arm and pulling him off balance, before delivering a crushing blow to his chest.
The prince's mastery of martial arts was undeniable, but Fang Han's determination kept him on his feet, despite the injuries. He wasn't ready to give up.
As the prince turned to leave, Fang Han wiped the blood from his mouth, offering a half-smile of begrudging respect. "Impressive," he muttered.
Red Yi, watching the fight from the sidelines, observed Fang Han's resilience. "The 'Immortal Fisher' technique you just used is from the famed Wan Gui Island's martial arts," she said, referring to the prince's unique style. "It's a technique that mimics the movements of a fisherman reeling in a large fish, capable of throwing opponents off balance with terrifying force."
The prince arrogantly responded, "In the Da De Dynasty, we have access to the best martial techniques. Even Wan Gui Island's arts are within reach."
Turning to Fang Han, he continued with a hint of disdain, "Your bones are strong, and you've shown some value, but your lack of experience and your poor adaptation skills are glaring. I'll give you a chance—don't disappoint me."
As the prince departed, Liu Kang, a friend of Fang Han, asked, "Are you alright?"
Fang Han responded with a bitter smile, "I'm fine." But internally, he was already calculating how to improve. His martial experience was lacking, but he had the will to surpass it. He knew his recovery abilities were extraordinary, but that wasn't enough. He needed to push himself further, and it was time for intense practice.
Red Yi, seeing his determination, agreed to help him train, but it wasn't going to be easy. "I've fought many battles myself," she said. "If you want real combat experience, we can spar—no mercy."
The next few days were brutal for Fang Han. Every morning, Red Yi would challenge him with her sword, attacking with deadly precision. Despite the injuries, Fang Han's resolve only grew stronger. Each wound, each cut, brought him closer to his goal—perfection in both mind and body.
By the tenth day of this rigorous training, Fang Han could feel the transformation in his body. His recovery was almost instantaneous, and the energy from the Nine Aperture Golden Pill inside him had fully integrated with his body. He felt invincible, like his very bones had become as strong as steel.
On the twentieth day, just as he was about to meet Red Yi for another round of sparring, an ethereal crane made of paper appeared in his courtyard. It fluttered in front of him, burning into flames as it delivered a message.
"Outer disciple, gather at the Immortal Assembly for a mission!"
Fang Han's heart surged with anticipation. It was time to put his training to the test. He grinned fiercely, his resolve hardening. "Prince Bao, today I'll make you regret crossing me."
With his clothes hastily thrown on, he stormed out of his courtyard, ready to face whatever challenge awaited.