Chapter Seven: Refining the Body Sixfold

  Lu Fan held his breath, now he just hoped this wild beast was blind and couldn't see him.

  Suddenly, a monster walked out from the depths of the cave. At the moment he saw the monster, Lu Fan was stunned.

  It's not the fear and shock of a monster that's surprising, but rather how... cute this monster is.

  A small dog that looked somewhat disabled walked out upright, its two front legs a bit short, and a pair of big eyes twinkling.

  Lu Fan was stunned for a moment, this animal that looked harmless to humans and animals didn't seem like a wild beast at all.

  Lu Fan slightly let out a breath of relief and began to focus his attention on digesting the medicinal properties of the Divine Spirit Flower in his body.

  The little dog walked up slowly, and the leaves of the earth spirit flower seemed to have seen an old acquaintance, wrapping themselves around its body.

  A faint glow seeped into the puppy's body, and it let out a comfortable sound. But soon, the glow dissipated. The puppy only then saw that the Earth Spirit Flower's blossom had disappeared, and suddenly it became angry, baring its still-developing fangs at Lu Fan.

  The little dog suddenly ran up and bit Lu Fan's wrist, standing upright like a human.

  Lu Fan looked at the little dog biting him, but didn't dare move.

  Blood flowed freely, and Lu Fan's heart was filled with endless anxiety.

  Damn it, if I really have to die at the mouth of a powerful wild beast, then so be it. But if I'm going to die at the mouth of a small dog, I'll be too ashamed to face the ghosts after death.

  At this moment, the power that was originally violent in Lu Fan's body suddenly calmed down and flowed out along his blood to his wrist.

  The puppy's body glowed with a soft light, as if absorbing the medicinal energy that flowed out of him.

  The little dog seemed to have sucked in its breath and loosened its jaws. It bared its teeth at Lu Fan for a moment, then quickly ran into the depths of the cave.

  Lu Fan didn't know whether he should cry or laugh.

  He was threatened by a mysterious little dog, but this little dog helped him solve a big problem.

  The excess energy inside was absorbed by the puppy, and the remaining medicinal power was no longer enough to pose a threat to Lu Fan.

  Lu Fan sat quietly there, waiting for his body to slowly absorb the medicinal effects.

  Breathing gradually stabilized, Lu Fan closed his eyes and entered the state of Wu Dao's entry, the original flashing light belonging to Di Ling Hua also appeared on his body.

  This is one day and one night.

  When Lu Fan opened his eyes again, a ray of light flashed in his pupils.

  With just a slight movement, his body emitted a burst of sounds similar to popping beans.

  Lu Fan exercised his arm and let out a loud shout, punching the wall with a fist.

  Bōzan-ken!

  A dull thud echoed through the cave, and a crack appeared on the wall in front of him. Suddenly, countless rocks burst forth, and a deep pit emerged.

  Lu Fan smiled as he watched this scene, it seemed that his Collapsing Mountain Fist was somewhat successful.

  And his strength, seems to have made great progress too. Judging from it, even if he's not at the sixth level of Body Refining, he's not far off either. A month and three levels up, this speed, is something that even their family's current most talented genius, Lu Ming, can't keep up with.

  Suddenly, Lu Fan smelled a foul odor, and upon closer sniffing, he discovered that the smell was actually coming from his own body.

  Okay, he really hasn't taken a bath for many days.

  Lu Fan quickly walked out of the cave and casually grabbed a handful of snow to wipe his body.

  It's time to go back now that the training is complete.

  Clutching his fist, is he trash?

  This year's annual festival will give you a huge surprise, I'd like to see who can drive me away!

  A long whistle sounded, and Lu Fan began sprinting through the mountains and forests, his figure disappearing into the distance.

  But after he ran far away, a small dog crawled out of the cave, looked around and then retreated back into its den.

  A few days later, Jiang arrived at Lincheng and visited the Lu family.

  Lanterns are hung and colorful decorations are put up, drums and music fill the sky, another year has come to an end, every family is decorated with a new look.

  For the people of Wu'an, there is no more important festival than New Year's. Everyone will celebrate on this day, and the streets are filled with a joyful atmosphere.

  A big family like the Lu's had been setting up a banquet to entertain guests since two days ago. Regardless of whether they were rich or poor, as long as they came to the Lu's house, they would definitely be able to eat something, which was also a tradition of the Lu's family.

  Today is the last day of the year, and tonight there is the most important activity of the year-end, the annual festival, mainly to pray for a good harvest next year, a bumper grain crop, and thriving business.

  At the annual ceremony, all the children of the Lu family had to participate in a round of tests to see their progress over the past year.

  On this day, the head of the Lu family, namely Lu Ming's grandfather, Lu Haoran, will also attend and personally give awards to the outstanding young members of the Lu family.

  Originally at this time, Lu Ming was always the one who was ridiculed by everyone and then forgotten in a corner, returning to his room alone to spend the holiday.

  But this year it's clearly not going to happen, sitting at the banquet table, Lu Fan watched the ongoing song and dance performance, sipping his wine, feeling pretty good, relaxed and happy.

  It seems like celebrating the New Year is also a very enjoyable thing?

  "Fei Wu Tang Di, how are you going to make a fool of yourself this year?"

  Just as they were watching with relish, the annoying voice of Lu Ming came from behind, accompanied by the mocking laughter of Lu Tianxia and others.

  Lu Fan didn't even bother to turn his head back and continued watching the singing and dancing.

  Lu Tianpeng patted Lu Fan's shoulder and said in a low voice: "Tonight, are you ready to be beaten up by me?"

  Lu Fan raised his head and glanced at Lu Tian Ge, calmly saying: "I'll be waiting respectfully at any time."

  "Hmm, you're still quite arrogant. Alright, let me see how you beg for mercy tonight."

  After finishing speaking, Lu Tianxia strode away, and the people beside him pointed and whispered to each other, casting disdainful glances at Lu Fan.

  Lu Fan didn't say a word and sat quietly.

  Kneel down and beg for mercy? He wouldn't have done it in the first place, now even more so.

  Gently put down the wine glass, Lu Fan's eyes sparkled with light.

  Night is coming soon.

  The bright and prosperous Lu family is about to welcome the arrival of a new year.

  Lu Haoran, the head of the Lu family, sat on the main seat wearing a long gown. Next to him were seated Lu Feng, Lu Ming's father; Lu Hao, Lu Fan's father; and several other uncles who Lu Ming rarely saw.

  The music and dance slowly came to a stop, and Lu Fan knew that what followed would be the most important moment for him.

  Lu Haoran held up his wine cup and stood up, saying: "The Lu family's descendants offer sacrifices to heaven and earth!"

  All the Lu family members stood up and raised their wine cups.

  "At the beginning of the new year, martial arts will last forever."

  As soon as he finished speaking, the wine cups were overturned, and everyone followed Lu Haoran in pouring the wine from their cups onto the ground.

  After doing all this, Lu Hao Ran finally sat back down and waved his hand to signal that the inkstone which had been placed at the back should be brought out.

  Then, one of Lu Fan's uncles walked out and shouted loudly: "Lu family children, start testing!"

  At the sound of an order, all the young members of the Lu family stood up and responded. Then, Lu Feng began to call out their names one by one. The Lu family children who were called out had different reactions, some looked nervous and uneasy, while others appeared calm and relaxed.

  Above, Lu Hao Ran quietly watched. Every time he saw the younger generation of the Lu family growing up vigorously, Lu Hao Ran was very happy.

  Lu Hao, who was sitting on one side, kept looking in Lu Fan's direction. Although Lu Fan's expression was calm, Lu Hao was still very tense.

  "Lu Hao, you seem a bit uneasy."

  Lu Haoran suddenly spoke up and turned his head to look at Lu Hao.

  Lu Hao said: "There is some unease."

  "Is it because of Lu Fan? You gave him all the elixirs you worked so hard to get?"

  Lu Hao sighed and said: "As a father, being able to help is already good. I'm just afraid that in the future, I won't be able to help anymore."

  Lu Feng, who was standing beside him, smiled and said: "Big brother, you're still too soft-hearted. Lu Fan is either not diligent in his cultivation, or he's naturally lazy. Or maybe he's just not talented enough, stupid and stubborn. It's not something that can be made up for with just one dan medicine."

  Lu Hao furrowed his brow, wanting to refute.

  Lu Hao Ran then waved his hand to stop the two from speaking, saying: "The children have their own blessings, if he really can't make it, staying away from the family is also good. At least outside, they can live a normal life."

  Lu Hao nodded slightly and stopped talking. He didn't tell anyone else that the dan medicine was actually given by his grandfather, although it was a reward for his contribution to helping the family grab a large market share last time, but Lu Hao knew that Lu Haoran also intentionally helped Lu Fan. The old man still had a soft spot for his grandson after all. Even if this grandson was indeed somewhat disappointing.

  Below, all the young men of the Lu family had almost finished their tests when a shout rang out.

  "Lu Tianpeng, come forward for testing."

  Lu Tian Ge, who was sitting next to Lu Ming, clenched his fists and stepped forward, his muscles bulging as he punched the inkstone with a loud crash.

  "Refined Body: Fifth Level, Mid-Grade."

  Lu Tianpeng's face fell in disappointment, still not reaching the sixth level of Body Refining. This score was somewhat dangerous, but it wasn't a big problem yet. Next time during the trial, he just needed to beat up two or three people and that would be enough.

  Lu Tianpeng walked down slowly, and the voice from above sounded again.

  "Lu Ming, come forward for testing."

  At that moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Lu Ming. Lu Ming walked forward with a confident face and punched the inkstone.

  The light burst forth, and although it was still the eighth level of Body Refining, everyone could clearly see that the cracks on the Inkstone had expanded much more than they had during the last time in the plaza. Apparently, Lu Ming's efforts over the past month had not been in vain.

  Lu Feng smiled and raised his wine glass towards Lu Ming.

  Lu Hao Ran also smiled and said, "Lu Ming's cultivation has indeed become more refined. Lu Feng, when Lu Ming returns from the academy next year, he should be able to refine his Qi. Remember to bring him here then. I will pass on our family's Blazing Golden Body technique to him."

  Lu Feng's smile grew even brighter as he bowed and said, "Yes, Father."

  Lu Haoran smiled and nodded, if nothing unexpected happens, Lu Ming should be the third-generation heir of the Lu family. What Lu Haoran is worried about is that Lu Ming is a bit too arrogant. His emotions are written all over his face, and he doesn't know how to restrain himself. This kind of personality is bound to suffer in the future, hopefully he can change it later.

  Lu Ming walked back quickly, surrounded by cheers from the Lu family's younger generation. To them, Lu Ming was their role model.

  "Lu Fan, come forward for testing."

  Another cry rang out, and Lu Fan slowly got up.

  This moment has finally arrived.

  Everyone's eyes were on Lu Fan, each and every one of them revealing a mocking smile. They were waiting for Lu Fan to make another fool of himself. Some people even sighed and shook their heads, not wanting to look at him anymore. Today was probably Lu Fan's last test, after today, this poor waste would be expelled from the family and could only play a secondary role in the family from then on.

  Lu Fan clenched his fists and stood before Mo Shi.

  Fiercely, Lu Fan punched out a fist, as if he wanted to shatter all these years of suffering at once.

  A dull thud, and the inkstone shone brightly.

  A few huge words would instantly make the hearts of everyone present stop beating suddenly.

  "Sixth stage of Body Refining, Middle Grade!"