Chu Yan pondered whether to consume the Verdant Earthapple directly or convert it into attribute points. Converting it would allow him to increase his cultivation level without any side effects.
Lost in thought, Chu Yan suddenly slapped himself on both cheeks. "It seems I've been relying too much on the system panel," he mused, a hint of fear in his eyes. If he truly wanted to become the strongest, he needed to depend more on his own abilities, even though the system could be considered a valuable talent.
After firm his will, he bit into the Verdant Earthapple, the sweet, crisp flesh breaking apart easily in his mouth. As he swallowed, a surge of energy exploded within him, spreading through his body like a wildfire.
Chu Yan immediately began circulating his cultivation technique, channeling the Verdant Earthapple's potent energy into his bones. The effects were remarkable—the essence of the fruit melded seamlessly with his own, making the tempering process smooth and almost effortless. He could feel his bones growing stronger, the arduous process now surprisingly easy.
As the tempering progressed, Chu Yan's bones began to emit a faint red light, signaling that they were being successfully tempered. However, as the energy delved deeper, an unexpected phenomenon occurred. A vibrant green light began to manifest, growing increasingly intense. Chu Yan felt a peculiar sensation, as if his bones were being fundamentally transformed.
Hours slipped by in a focused haze of cultivation. The green light continued to expand, not just within his bones but outward, spreading through his skin until his entire body glowed softly in the dimness of the room.
When Chu Yan finally opened his eyes, he glanced down at his hands, now bathed in a soft green radiance. Startled, he quickly ended his cultivation posture and hurried to the mirror. His reflection was astonishing—his entire body was suffused with a greenish glow, with his bones seeming to radiate light from within.
"What is this?" Chu Yan murmured, his voice filled with both awe and concern.
He turned his focus inward, using his inner sight to examine the condition of his bones. What he discovered left him astounded. His bones had been thoroughly tempered, but they had also undergone a remarkable transformation. Green streaks now coursed through them, weaving intricately with the natural structure of his skeleton. This green coloration wasn't merely superficial; it seemed to be embedded deep within, as if his bones had absorbed the very essence of the Verdant Earthapple itself.
"Green color, could it be jade bones?!" thought Chu Yan as he remember quote from the legend says,' Skin as tough as copper, bones as hard as jade, blood flowing like mercury, and a golden body that conquers heaven and earth.'
"Why are there so many mutations occurring in my body?" Chu Yan pondered, his brow furrowing as he considered the implications. The unexpected change was puzzling, but it didn't seem detrimental. On the contrary, his bones felt stronger than ever, with the green light pulsating rhythmically, harmonizing with his inner energy and exuding a peculiar vitality.
He sat back down, trying to control the glow, but it persisted, illuminating his room like a dim lantern. After a few more hours of cultivation, trying to understand and integrate this new power, Chu Yan finally managed to remove the green light.
Realizing it was already early morning, Chu Yan decided to take a brief nap. Having reached the Martial Artist Realm, he knew he no longer needed as much rest as others.
The next morning, Chu Yan woke up and reviewed his recent achievements. In addition to the unexpected mutation in his bones, he had successfully advanced to the Fifth-Layer Martial Artist Realm.
Over the past few days, Chu Yan had been intensely focused on his training. Following his recent breakthrough, his reputation had soared, and he had become well-known throughout the city. News of the exceptional talent from No. 2 High School had spread, drawing the attention of other schools that took note of Chu Yan's abilities.
However, as he ventured out to purchase an elixir for his sister, Chu Yan began to feel an unsettling sense of being watched. While he was aware that his newfound fame had attracted public attention, this time he sensed something more sinister. There was a distinct undercurrent of murderous intent behind these observations.
"There are people tailing me, and their numbers are substantial," Chu Yan thought as he glanced behind him. He deliberately avoided the main streets and slipped into a dark alley.
Sensing that he was encircled, Chu Yan halted and called out, "Show yourselves. I know you're here."
There was no immediate response. Instead, a few pairs of blood-red eyes glowed menacingly from the shadows, fixated on Chu Yan with a palpable hunger, as if they wanted to tear him apart.