"Swish—"
A black-and-white figure flashed into the Old Lord's room.
"Grandfather, what's going on?"
"Oh! It's you, Rouzong. Little Shimoku is just practicing [Sage Art]. No need to panic."
The Old Lord waved his hand casually, responding to the panda who had rushed over.
[Rouzong (literally "rice dumpling")]: A new descendant of Mooncake and one of the Old Lord's descendants.
He's also currently one of the high-ranking officials at Maku Zhutai, a loyal subordinate and personal guard of the Old Lord.
His build isn't particularly muscular.
Standing about five-foot-six tall and roughly four-foot-eleven wide, he truly resembled a round rice dumpling wrapped in cloth—a perfect "Rouzong."
Nowhere near as burly as Uncle Copperluo.
Of course, just like other Summoning Beasts from sacred places such as Mount Myoboku, each Summoning Beast varies in size according to its abilities.
Those specializing in physical strength, like Uncle Copperluo, channel most of their cultivated energy internally, accelerating body growth to achieve greater physique and power.
Mooncake's bloodline, however, mainly focuses on techniques.
Rather than physical strength, they specialize more in casting various [Sage Art].
So although small in size, they master a much wider variety and number of [Ninjutsu] than brute-force types.
And as for intelligence gathering, information transmitting, sealing, and other specialized functions...
Each has its own distinctions.
After all, they ruled over this entire planet even before the era of ninja ever began...
The internal system and division of labor among Summoning Beasts aren't far behind humans...
"What?! This kid is practicing [Sage Art]? Is he trying to commit suicide?!"
"That thing isn't complete—any human who practices it turns into stone!"
"Why didn't you stop him, Grandfather?"
Rouzong was greatly alarmed, quickly asking anxiously.
He clearly understood the relationship between his son and little Shimoku.
If this child turned into stone,
his idiot son would probably just loaf around at home again...
How could I just let that slide?
"Calm down! If something really goes wrong, I'll personally intervene to disperse the natural energy inside him and do my best to prevent his transformation."
"Besides, this kid's current constitution is very special—the life force within his body is extraordinarily strong!"
"There's still a chance he might succeed."
"Just wait patiently for now!"
Upon hearing this, Rouzong felt slightly reassured,
and plopped his butt down on the spot, continuing to watch Shimoku absorb natural energy.
"Hmm? What's that you're holding in your hand?"
The Old Lord keenly caught a scent of aroma and immediately pointed at Rouzong's right hand, pressing further.
Rouzong hesitated, dragging out the moment before slowly opening his round right hand,
revealing a cleaned-off chicken bone fragment.
"You brat! Where did you get this chicken leg from?!?!"
The Old Lord glared furiously.
You see, Maku Zhutai's chicken farm had been eaten clean by these little rascals a hundred years ago.
Nowadays, where would a chicken leg even come from?
"Oh! This is dessert sent to me by Mooncake."
"The kid finally learned filial respect—I'm very pleased!"
Rouzong rubbed his head naively, smiling warmly.
The Old Lord had no words...
Just half a minute passed,
the old and the sturdy still staring wide-eyed at each other.
Everyone was suddenly alarmed and turned their heads to look at Shimoku.
Because just now...
A strong suction had burst forth from the brat's body, almost draining all the natural energy around them.
Such a hasty absorption would surely lead to an energy overload!
Old Lord frowned and was about to intervene immediately.
However, in the next moment,
The suction stopped.
And Shimoku himself abruptly opened his eyes.
"Holy hell! This kid actually woke up?"
"Did he succeed?"
"How is this possible?!!!"
Rouzong uncle was shocked beyond belief, nearly dropping his jaw.
Indeed, seeing Shimoku's body intact and his breathing stable,
Old Lord couldn't help but widen his eyes as well. He leaned on his cane and stood upright, showing utter astonishment on his face.
...
Immediately after successfully transforming into [Sage Mode],
Shimoku didn't do anything else—he quickly took out a mirror and started examining himself.
He was terrified of ending up looking like a joke—unrecognizable and absurd.
Sage techniques were important...
But his handsome appearance mattered even more. He couldn't afford to lose that!
Fortunately, there wasn't much change overall.
Only around his eyes had developed thick, dark circles—making him appear with a pair of authentic 'panda eyes.'
Although it looked somewhat comical, even giving off the look of someone who'd been totally drained—like a guy with serious burnout...
At the very least, it was still within an acceptable range.
After confirming his physical condition was normal,
Shimoku finally began sensing the wonders of [Sage Mode].
First: With the amplification of Sage Chakra, his physique had exploded in strength!
Under normal conditions, his physical strength would rival that of Might Guy, who had rigorously trained for decades!
He could easily unleash terrifying [Superhuman Strength] rivaling Hashirama!
And if combined with the extraordinary regeneration capability of the [Sage Body], then it'd become even more monstrous.
Second: The natural energy he used to be unable to sense was now clearly visible to his naked eye; his body could also absorb and manipulate surrounding natural energy at any time.
Third: Sage Chakra would greatly enhance all Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu techniques.
Hashirama's [Wood Release] was so powerful precisely because it received a double enhancement from both the [Sage Body] and [Sage Mode].
Now that Shimoku possessed both forms as well,
Though not inherited from Shikkotsu Forest, his [Maku Zhutai Sage Art] likely came just as close in power.
In that case, the power of all his current jutsu must have surged drastically!
No...
It should now properly be called: "Sage Art!"
Lastly: Through the [Maku Zhutai Sage Art], Shimoku had also gained an exclusive ability of the Panda Clan.
This was the very ability he had been most excited about.
[Supreme Invincible Body Seal]
Using overwhelming Sage Chakra to form an impenetrable armor, greatly increasing defense and strength.
Before running out of Sage Chakra, he would be immune to nearly all physical damage and most Ninjutsu attacks!
This was the effect of the Supreme Invincible Body Seal.
In fact,
Earlier when Mooncake used the [Invincible Body Seal] on Copperluo uncle, it was merely a weakened version of this Sage Art.
And this was exactly the proud Sage technique created by the ancestors of the Panda Clan!
Who could possibly dominate a region during that era?
And without depending on ninja, still retain their power all the way to today.
The heritage of the Mao Beast Clan is nearly as profound as sacred lands such as Mount Myoboku...
As for Shimoku,
this Dominant Sage Art is extremely practical!
After all, he originally possessed nearly 2000 chakra cards.
Plus the massive amount of natural energy he absorbed.
Now, his total Sage Chakra must be no less than 3000 cards!
So magnificent! Once he unleashes the [Sage Art: Absolute Invincible Body Seal], he becomes an impregnable fortress, nearly impossible to breach!
Even if facing a kick from 'Eight Gates Guy', it wouldn't be a problem.
Moreover, with the Unshakable Defense technique,
it would allow Shimoku to later unleash the forbidden triple enhancement technique [Eight Gates + Setsuna + Lightning Release],
without ever worrying about his body being unable to handle the physical strain!
It's a win on multiple fronts!
Shimoku was overjoyed.
Learning this Sage Art was absolutely the right choice!
Spending 2500 gold coins was totally worth it!
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