The Martial Path lineage is the earliest cultivation system to have appeared in the world. Through the summarization and compilation by the predecessors, the Martial Path cultivation method is now very well-developed.
First, Body Refining, followed by Qi Refining, and then Refining Spirit.
After Refining Spirit, one can embark on the Path of Intent.
The Bone Tempering is the last step of Body Refining; only upon succeeding in Bone Tempering is the Martial Path truly opened.
In calculating the actual time of beginning cultivation, it has only been a little over twenty days.
Shen Han knows that although the effectiveness of this Bone Tempering Pill has been reduced, it is still a tough challenge for him.
The surrounding crowd all have their eyes on Shen Han.
Their expressions seem concerned, yet faintly carry a trace of amusement.
Taking a deep breath, less than a quarter of an hour later, the effects of the Bone Tempering Pill begin.
The muscles and bones feel as if being hammered with iron hammers, each strike more forceful than the last.
If a breath is let loose, Shen Han knows his muscles and bones will surely fracture.
"Shen Han, how are you? Are you okay?"
"Madam He, don't worry. The Bone Tempering Pill is like this; some pain is normal."
In front of others, the two members of the Shen Family do their utmost to show their concern for Shen Han.
But in their hearts, they are hoping for Shen Han to be maimed soon.
Inside Yun'an Tavern, the gaze of the surrounding patrons all converge.
To watch the commotion, they even pause their meals.
Images of mountains and rivers flash through the mind, with intentions of stability and continuity permeating his body.
Clenching his teeth, Shen Han utters not a sound, even as a trace of fresh blood flows from the corner of his mouth.
Watching the trembling Shen Han, Liu Xilan's heart stirs with a trace of compassion.
She too has endured the pain of the Bone Tempering Pill; at the very least, she couldn't withstand it silently.
The light in the young man's eyes suggests a defiance of fate, determined to fight for his place in the world.
But Liu Xilan knows full well that this Bone Tempering Pill is not an ordinary one, its potency too fierce for a boy unacquainted with the Martial Path to swallow.
Shen Han's situation worsens; a pallor cloaks his face, and his lips crack open.
Madam He and Madam Xie wear expressions of worry, yet cannot suppress the curve at the corners of their lips.
For the Shen and Su families, the best way to nullify the engagement is to sacrifice Shen Han.
The Shen Family is not lacking in descendants; sacrificing an overlooked offspring is of no consequence.
Clenched fists reveal bulging veins; Liu Xilan understands the immense pain the youth endures.
Yet his eyes remain resolute.
After a moment's hesitation, Liu Xilan takes action.
With nimble fingers picking up a pill, she gently pushes it into Shen Han's mouth.
This sudden action leaves those around in stunned silence.
"Senior Sister, you..."
Liu Xilan is the senior master of Xiaoyao Peak; the two junior brothers at her side dare not reprimand her upon witnessing this.
Their senior sister remains soft-hearted and kind, and they did not wish for her to come here in the first place...
The faces of the Shen Family members change suddenly.
Weren't the people from Xiaoyao Peak here to help Su Jinyu dissolve the engagement? What are they doing now...
Were it not for Liu Xilan being the senior master of the Holy Land of Xiaoyao Peak, several members of the Shen Family would have already rebuked her.
The bones still creak and groan; Shen Han hadn't expected that even after the entry of the [overly potent] term had been removed, the Bone Tempering Pill would still be so fierce.
But he can endure!
And after Liu Xilan administered the pill, a soothing comfort began to flow.
Another quarter of an hour passes, and Shen Han's complexion gradually recovers.
The once pale face regains its rosy hue, with a faint hint of vigor.
The Bone Tempering is successful.
"Shen Han...? Are you okay?"
Madam He tentatively inquires, showing keen concern for Shen Han's status, though she hoped for his complete fracturing.
"Thanks to the protection of the two elders, Shen Han has succeeded in Bone Tempering."
Shen Han bows in salute to the two elders, a trace of genuine gratitude on his face.
"If it's successful, it's good... it's good..."
The two respond against their hearts, their disappointment surprisingly evident in their tone.
The myriad scheming inadvertently helped Shen Han succeed in Bone Tempering...
Afterwards, there is the evening banquet.
The two barely eat before leaving, using an early departure to express their discontent.
In their view, had it not been for Liu Xilan giving Shen Han that pill, he couldn't have endured the beating of the Bone Tempering Pill.
What vexes them most is Shen Han, deemed useless by the family, succeeding in Bone Tempering.
Beside her, Liu Xilan frequently lets her gaze fall on Shen Han.
The pill she administered was merely a soothing one to alleviate pain.
It had no effect on overcoming the beating of the Bone Tempering Pill.
The outcome before her indicates Shen Han possesses a bit of talent.
And judging by his condition, there's something peculiar about him.
At the banquet, Shen Han tries to fill his stomach as much as possible.
A rare opportunity to enjoy such good food mustn't be wasted.
Seeing Liu Xilan and the two eat little, with much left over, he even requests to take away the leftovers.
The two male disciples beside him look on with disdain; this impoverished appearance bears none of the grace of a young master of the Shen Family.
Once packed, Shen Han bids farewell to the three and heads to his residence.
In the early autumn night, the moon frequently hangs high.
As he walks, Shen Han feels the changes in his body.
After Bone Tempering, he can distinctly feel his body becoming lighter.
Control over his body has also become more nimble and precise.
Additionally, his stamina now feels like a pond rather than a mere basin, expanded dozens of times over.
Today's gains excite him, but Shen Han sees even more clearly the devious tactics of Madam He and the others.
Will they let him go after this failure?
On the contrary, they'll surely employ even more despicable methods against him.
Moreover, people from Xiaoyao Peak came today to help set him up.
No doubt it's at the invitation of Su Jinyu from the Su family.
The one she wants to marry is likely Shen Ye, the genius eldest son of the Shen Family, rather than himself, this neglected junior.
Just like Madam He, she likely hopes for some mishap to occur, so the engagement can be annulled smoothly.
He hides his anger well within.
Powerless rage is just futile fury.
Shen Han doesn't plan to waste time being angry; what he needs now is to strive for improvement.
With strength, he can better counter those deceitful tactics.
Why should the struggle between the Imperial Family and the Shen and Su families be resolved at the expense of himself?
Why?
Within Yun'an Tavern, Liu Xilan and the two junior brothers remain seated.
"Senior Sister, why... why did you help that Shen Han...?"
The two junior brothers, faces laden with complaint, look unhappily at Liu Xilan.
"I just couldn't bear it. The thought of a proud young man lying crippled for the rest of his life is too cruel.
Besides, he did nothing wrong, just caught in the crossfire of political strife.
He doesn't deserve such a fate."
Liu Xilan explains to the two junior brothers, but they clearly aren't receptive to her reasoning.
"Senior Master, Shen Han's fate is like this; it's his destined calamity, and he should accept it."
"Even if you save him this time, the Shen and Su families will strike again; Shen Han will ultimately end up crippled."
"Now both the Shen Family and Su Family will be dissatisfied with us; Junior Sister Su definitely won't be pleased either..."
Every word from the two feels grating to Liu Xilan.
After voicing their grievances, the two seem to recall something, promptly inquiring.
"Senior Sister, what kind of miraculous pill did you give Shen Han earlier?
For such a potent Bone Tempering Pill to be overcome, that pill must be extraordinary."
Both junior brothers gaze expectantly at Liu Xilan.
Yet Liu Xilan offers a Soothing Pill.
"I merely gave a Soothing Pill to ease pain. His endurance in overcoming the Bone Tempering Pill's pounding wasn't due to me."