Fierce Tiger Vitality Pill

Kao Mountain City.

This city lies adjacent to the towering Zhen Nan Domain Mountains. The morning sun always arrives a little later, climbing over the peaks before bathing the city in light, but dusk falls swiftly and early. On this particular evening, as darkness deepened and the city gates were about to close, two striking young men stepped through the archway.

One was delicate and handsome, a gentle smile lingering on his face. The other stood tall and imposing, carrying a long weapon strapped to his back, its tip shrouded in cloth so as not to reveal its edge.

They were none other than Chu Liang, disciple of Shu Mountain, and Yun Chaoxian, disciple of the Gang Sect.

Originally, Yun Chaoxian had invited Chu Liang to join him in confronting the Divine Envoy of the demon tribe. Chu Liang had intended to decline, for Yun Chaoxian held him in high regard after witnessing his myriad sword technique, but Chu Liang knew his own limits well enough. The battle at hand was, frankly, a level above his usual reach.

Yet Yun Chaoxian persisted in his persuasion, promising that any gains would be Chu Liang’s alone; Yun himself only sought to fulfill his sect’s task of slaying the Divine Envoy. With such sincerity, Chu Liang’s resolve wavered. He was moved purely by Yun’s earnestness, nothing more.

He had not yet used the jade token to summon his master; thus, he still possessed the means for a grand summoning. This risk was not entirely beyond him. Sometimes, one must gamble—bronze may turn to gold.

Before setting off, Chu Liang had returned to the Cat Tribe’s den in East Mountain, visiting the Cat King and Lady Ming, siblings, to ease his mind. Upon hearing that the Tiger King had fallen, the monsters of Canglin Mountain had scattered like birds and beasts, letting the siblings slip away. The Tiger King would trouble them no more.

Lady Ming, deeply grateful to Chu Liang, returned home to her husband, eager after nearly being forced to remarry while visiting family. Her story concluded satisfactorily, and Chu Liang then followed Yun Chaoxian on the road.

As for how Yun Chaoxian tracked the Divine Envoy—he grinned slyly. “When I struck him earlier, I left a mark. I planted my sect’s secret technique, the Celestial Sound Wave, on him.”

“For three days, his whereabouts will be within my grasp. The Celestial Sound Wave does require time for the echo to return, so there’s a chance he’ll have moved by then. But if he stops anywhere, he cannot escape my hand.”

“It was with the Celestial Sound Wave that I found Canglin Mountain. The last echo returned near Kao Mountain City. If he enters the city, he likely won’t leave quickly. By tomorrow morning, I’ll pinpoint his exact location.”

Yun Chaoxian spoke with confidence, his fist clenched.

Chu Liang, impressed by his foresight, praised him, “Brother Yun, you truly are wise.”

“Naturally.” Yun Chaoxian curled his lips in a mischievous smile. “I’m famous for my quick wit in the Gang Sect.”

“Indeed,” Chu Liang nodded, though inwardly he worried for the Gang Sect’s future.

...

Once inside the city, night had fully descended. The two found an inn and rested, booking separate rooms and agreeing to meet in the morning.

Returning to his chamber, Chu Liang washed up and lay upon the bed, finally settled enough to reward himself.

After slaying the Tiger King, another tiger-shaped shadow had appeared within the White Tower.

“Refine.”

Without hesitation, he activated the refining process.

Boom!

A brilliance emerged, and Chu Liang received what appeared to be a white pill.

[Tiger Vitality Pill]:
A superior elixir containing the primordial essence of a fierce tiger. Consumption grants ten tigers’ strength, enhances vitality, improves sleep, and restores a man’s vigor.

“Ah!” Sensing its potency, Chu Liang couldn’t help but exclaim.

So powerful.

Though its effects were manifold, the most valuable was immediately obvious—restoring… that is, gaining ten tigers’ strength.

Ten tigers’ strength!

Cultivators of the Three Teachings differ from martial artists. In the nine realms, there are only two stages where one earnestly tempers the physical body: the first, Body Forging, and the sixth, Divine Physique.

But the Divine Physique stage grants spiritual qualities to the mortal form, not merely brute strength. Thus, throughout cultivation, physical strength is most enhanced at the beginning.

Of course, once one’s meridians open, cultivation naturally increases strength, but it’s not purely physical.

For example, a Daoist of the Seeking Realm can easily uproot mountains. Yet, if deprived of true energy, his physical strength might not surpass that of lower realm practitioners.

But this ten tigers’ strength was purely physical.

After consuming the pill, Chu Liang would be stronger than most martial artists in terms of sheer force.

Martial artists must consider the risks of such pills—the externally gained power is hard to control and may deplete potential.

But Chu Liang was not a martial artist. This newfound strength was simply a windfall, with no need to worry about future advancements.

After a moment’s thought, he decided not to hesitate, swallowing the Tiger Vitality Pill.

Whoosh—

As the pill entered his stomach, a fiery energy surged through his limbs and bones.

...

Chu Liang’s joints crackled uncontrollably, the sound like a fierce tiger awakening within him and stretching its sinews.

“Ah—”

At length, Chu Liang let out a low roar and opened his eyes.

If he didn’t pay attention, it seemed as if nothing had changed within him—except for exhaustion, sweat soaking his body, and a dry mouth.

He rose to pour himself some water, but the moment his left hand gripped the cup, there was a sharp crack.

The porcelain teacup shattered into fine powder, splashing water across his trousers.

“What…” He examined his palm, surprised. He’d used what felt like normal force, yet had crushed the cup in his grasp.

Clearly, the strength gained from the pill wasn’t so easily controlled.

He’d need time to adjust.

For now, he’d have to act with utmost care… especially when washing his face.

Just as he pondered this, a hurried voice called from outside, “Brother Chu, are you alright?”

It was Yun Chaoxian.

“Hmm?” Chu Liang opened the door. “Brother Yun, what’s wrong?”

“I heard you shouting just now and came to check…” Yun Chaoxian began, but paused halfway, seeing Chu Liang’s appearance.

He had overheard Chu Liang’s low roar from the next room and had come to investigate.

Now, seeing Chu Liang drenched in sweat, breathing heavily, exhausted, with a large damp patch on his trousers…

He understood.

Yun Chaoxian’s expression suddenly turned awkward. “Sorry, Brother Chu, forgive me for intruding!”

He apologized and hurried away.

“Hey…” Chu Liang wanted to call after him.

What did this clever fellow think he was interrupting?

Just as he raised his hand, he felt something in his pocket suddenly vibrate.

Chu Liang’s mind stirred.

The Soul Summoning Token—news had arrived!