Martial Peak: Eternal Void Great Emperor

"I was just worried that something to you so I was about to check on you. Fortunately, you woke up on your own."

"I see." Liu Feiyang replied.

Meng nodded and then added, "So, what brings you here? It's not even the time of the month for contribution points. Don't tell me you're just here to chat?"

"Hardly," Liu Feiyang replied with a faint smile. "I need to check how many contribution points I have left. Also, I'd like to buy a few herbs if possible."

Meng raised an eyebrow, "What do you need herbs for? Don't tell me you've suddenly gained the motivation to become an alchemist."

Liu Feiyang chuckled faintly, shaking his head. "You sure know how to make a joke, Treasurer Meng. How can I think of becoming an alchemist when I can't even gather Qi right now? Please just help me with my request."

"Hmm," Meng mused, flipping through the large account book in front of him. The pages rustled under his practiced fingers. "Let's see... Ah, here it is. You currently have a total of 23 contribution points. So, which herbs do you want to buy?"

"Three Leaved Chaos Spirit Flower and Dead Jedi Tree Grass. Five stacks each."

Meng glanced up, "Ordinary grade, low rank? That will cost you 10 contribution points in total. Do you need anything else?"

Liu Feiyang paused, tapping his chin as he considered his options. "Give me one bottle of Blood Clotting Cream as well. Oh, and help me arrange for a separate accommodation."

Meng's head tilted slightly. "Huh? What's wrong with your current one? Is someone bullying you? Just tell me his name, and I'll take care of it," he said, rolling up his sleeves dramatically.

"No, no, no!" Liu Feiyang waved his hands frantically. "It's nothing like that. I just want a separate place all to myself. You know, for privacy."

The Treasurer's sharp eyes narrowed briefly before a knowing grin spread across his face. "Heh, you should've said so from the beginning. When you mentioned the cream and moving, I thought someone might be bullying you. Turns out, it's you who wants to bully someone else."

Liu Feiyang instantly understood the underlying means and his face turned red. "Don't slander me with baseless assumptions. Just give me what I asked for."

Meng leaned back, clearly enjoying himself, but he complied. "Alright, alright. Here's the Blood Clotting Cream," he said, pulling a small vial from a drawer. "And here's your key. For the separate accommodation, all 23 contribution points will be deducted, leaving you with none."

"Thank you, Treasurer Meng. Hope you have a great day," Liu Feiyang said, gathering the items and hurrying out of the room before Meng could tease him further.

Outside the Contribution Hall, he let out a deep sigh. "I have never seen him being nice to anyone other than his own disciple and Yang Kai in the beginning, also what's the deal with those memories. Do I know his from the past?" he muttered to himself, "Well, I will think about it later."

Liu Feiyang soon arrived at Yang Kai's small hut, his steps quickening. He placed the Blood Clotting Cream on a small wooden chair just inside the door, alongside a hastily written note:

"No need to dilute it in water, I will give you another one next week so use without any concern."

He had already taken one of his biggest opportunity, prolonging his suffering and though he understood that he couldn't stop just at this if he wants to survive in this world where strength is everything, helping him heal his injuries was probably the least he could do.

He stepped back, glancing briefly at the unassuming hut before leaving without a word.

---------

That night, Liu Feiyang moved all his belongings into his new, modest quarters. Despite its simplicity, the space felt refreshing—finally, a place of his own. With everything settled, he turned his attention to the antique incense burner. Retrieving the black book, he carefully prepared the materials and arranged them in the burner according to the instruction.

The first flicker of the flame cast an eerie glow across the room. Strange, transparent smoke began to rise, curling and spreading as it filled the air.

Feiyang took a deep breaths to take it in but frowned. "Even though it smells unusual, I don't feel any significant change. Could it be that I need the True Yang Secret Art to activate its effects?"

Just as the thought crossed his mind, a wave of numbness washed over him, causing him to collapse to his knees. His muscles ached, his body unresponsive.

"So this is it," he murmured through gritted teeth. "So this is it, huh? Using a state of physical exhaustion to push the body to the limit. Then, Let's do it.

With great effort, he rose, his limbs trembling. He began practicing basic martial arts stances. Each movement felt as though he were wading through water, everything was now dozens of times harder than normal. Sweat poured down his face, but he refused to stop.

----------------- 

Next Morning,

Liu Feiyang lay sprawled on the floor, utterly spent. Sunlight streamed through the small window, warming his face. Slowly, he stirred, feeling a peculiar energy coursing through his veins.

"Must be the effect of the incense," he muttered, stretching his sore limbs. "I should complete my early morning training before moving on to the day's tasks."

.....

[The host has reached Tempered Body 4th Stage.]

"YEAHHHHHH! This feels even better than the last break through." Liu Feiyang exclaimed as he basked in the feeling of another break through., grinning from ear to ear. He was very happy but deep down he knew that this streak cannot be continued and now it will take at least a few days before a break through.

After completing up his morning chores, he decided to challenge someone for a match for the time to gain experience and most importantly Contribution Points.

In the Outer Courtyard,

The crisp morning air was alive with energy. Groups of disciples were scattered across the training grounds, probably because it was the usual for disciples to challenge each other in the morning to afternoon period.

He wandered through the crowd, his eyes scanning for a suitable opponent, someone at 5th Stage Body Tempering.

One might ask why not challenge higher if he is cultivation such profound arts and must be having much more strength?

The answer was simple- It was because he has never once fought a martial artist in his previous life and even though he now has memories of fighting quite a few times, he needs to fight a few times to truly become accustomed to fighting and his newfound strength.

It took a few minutes but he finally found the perfect target, Zhao Ding Jun - An ordinary disciple of large stature with a cultivation of 5th Stage Body tempering. Zhao was leaning casually against a wooden post, his arms crossed, watching a nearby duel with mild interest. He seemed like the perfect candidate.

Taking a deep breath, Feiyang approached. "Greetings, Brother Zhao Ding Jun. I, Liu Feiyang, would like to challenge you."

Zhao Ding Jun reciprocated the greeting and looked at Feiyang for a moment to gauge his strength, 'This guy was a tempered body second stage the last time I saw him, he couldn't broken through several layers, so how did he get the courage to challenge someone at the 5th stage?'

"Brother Liu Feiyang, Are you sure about challenging me? I don't mind complying to your request but It would be unfair to you."

"I appreciate your concern," Feiyang replied, bowing slightly. "But I'm certain."

"Very well."

Disciples gathered around forming a ring around the two disciples. To challenge someone stronger than you, it was a rare sight in the outer courtyard.

"Ordinary disciple Zhao Ding Jun, Tempered body 5th stage"

"Trial disciple Liu Feiyang, Tempered Body 4th Stage," Feiyang announced, his voice steady.

Everyone present now somewhat understood the reason behind Liu Feiyang's courage.