Chapter 194: Severe Injury

In the manor, the massive Underworld King Snake lay its body on the walls and rooftops. Its pair of yellow vertical pupils roamed around, examining the entire estate. The soldiers and servants nearby occasionally glanced at the Underworld King Snake on the roof, their eyes filled with curiosity and fear.

Inside the room, Zuo Zhicheng sat cross-legged on the bed, shirtless. A physician held his arm to check his pulse, and the more he checked, the more surprised his expression became. Several other physicians were also examining his body, their faces unable to hide their shock.

Outside the door, Qingyue Qiu and Qingyue Yang waited together. During this time, Qingyue Qiu reported the events in detail to Qingyue Yang once more.

“That’s what happened.”

“Don’t worry, I will take care of Ahao and the others’ funeral arrangements.” Qingyue Yang asked with a concerned expression, “Are you alright?”

Qingyue Qiu, however, appeared all businesslike. “I’m fine.”

Qingyue Yang gave a bitter smile. Just then, an old man with white eyebrows walked in from the courtyard. Qingyue Yang waved his hand and said, “Elder Tang, why have you come too?”

“My granddaughter was involved, how could I not come?” The white-haired Elder Tang asked urgently, “So? I heard that Dharma King Zhuan Lun was killed? Is it true?”

This Elder Tang was the martial arts instructor of the Shadow Corps. Although his own martial arts had not reached the Human Aspect level and he did not hold much real power, nearly everyone in the Shadow Corps had learned martial arts from him, making him an elder with considerable hidden influence.

Tang Saier was his granddaughter.

“It’s true.” At this point, Qingyue Yang’s face also showed an extremely grave expression. “It took just one punch, one palm strike, and one sword move. Dharma King Zhuan Lun was beheaded.”

“I examined the body too. After the second palm strike, Zuo Zhicheng had already forced him to his knees.”

“Forced to his knees?” Elder Tang gasped sharply. “Although Dharma King Zhuan Lun was Crimson Sun Monk’s junior brother, he was also a Human Aspect Martial Artist. His skills were even above Crimson Sun Monk’s. To force him to his knees with one palm strike… How much strength, how powerful a palm force would that require? This person’s physical power has probably reached the peak of human potential.”

Although Elder Tang’s martial arts had reached a first-class level, after decades of training, his judgment of people was extremely accurate. He immediately estimated Zuo Zhicheng’s condition almost perfectly.

“To cultivate one’s body to its peak at such a young age… either he possesses great perseverance and talent, or he has encountered some extraordinary opportunity.”

Qingyue Yang nodded. “Regardless of how he obtained these skills, after this battle, his fame will likely far surpass ours.”

“I doubt the Dìyù Gate will let this go easily.”

Qingyue Yang said with a proud expression, “Hmph, let them come. Would our Shadow Corps fear them? With Zuo Zhicheng on our side, even if the Yama Holy Son comes, he might have to stay.”

“Hold on, Xiao Qiu, tell me again exactly how this fight went.” Elder Tang, having only heard fragments, was immensely curious about the specifics of the battle and immediately turned to Qingyue Qiu beside him.

“You said before the three Dharma Kings even appeared, he just lightly sat down, crushing the carriage roof, and then exchanged a blow with the ambushing Dharma King of Destruction? And the airflow from that punch directly shattered the carriage? Incredible, incredible…”

Seeing Qingyue Qiu nod, Qingyue Yang, who was standing nearby, also showed a look of astonishment; he hadn’t heard such detailed combat details before.

“Remarkable. Not only is this person’s physical cultivation extremely powerful, but the skill in applying his force and the sensitivity of his mind have also reached an unbelievable level.”

“How so?” Qingyue Qiu wrinkled her pretty nose, curious. “Isn’t it just that he’s particularly strong?”

Elder Tang shook his head, making a gesture of fists and palms clashing, and explained, “Each of these three Dharma Kings from the Dìyù Gate is a veteran of countless battles. To sense them before they even make a move shows his sensitivity has reached the realm where the cicada knows the autumn wind hasn’t even stirred. Such a person’s eyes, ears, and nose are incredibly sharp. He can probably hear every word we’re saying right now clearly.”

However, after saying this, Elder Tang showed no intention of lowering his voice. He continued, “He generated power while sitting, meaning his waist and legs are unified, with no difference between standing and sitting. Moreover, exchanging blows with the Dharma King of Destruction, fist against palm, and being able to tear the carriage apart… This person’s strength is probably enough to rip tigers and leopards apart with his bare hands, and even throw an elephant.”

“You see, the Dharma King of Destruction relies on his own substantial weight to deliver such powerful punches and palm strikes. Zuo Zhicheng, however, relies entirely on his own physical power.”

“With such physical power and energy to practice Transform Fist Practice into Brain Cultivation and train in the path of Spirit Refining… terrifying… terrifying… truly terrifying…”

Elder Tang said ‘terrifying’ three times in a row, his tone filled with apprehension.

“Is Spirit Refining more powerful the stronger one’s physical body is?” Qingyue Qiu asked curiously.

“Of course,” Elder Tang deeply agreed. “The path of martial arts ultimately cultivates the way of the Heart Mind, the power of spirit. But the stronger the physical body, the greater the potential of the brain, and the faster and greater the potential for cultivating the path of Spirit Refining.”

“Did you know? The founding emperor of our dynasty was born with divine strength. Even before practicing martial arts, he had the power of nine oxen and two tigers. That’s why, after he began training, his progress was rapid, and he later swept through armies and founded the Great Qi empire.”

“Good thing we didn’t clash with him from the start,” Qingyue Yang smiled. “This way, he’s practically on our side.”

About the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, several physicians came out of the room. Qingyue Yang stepped forward directly and asked the lead physician, “Physician Xia, how is he?”

“The superficial burns are manageable. They just need bandaging and medicine applied.” Physician Xia wore an expression as if he’d seen a ghost. “But forty percent of the bones throughout his body are broken, his internal organs are bleeding, and even his spine, the great dragon, is cracked. The muscles and tendons in his left arm are a complete mess. I’ve never seen someone in such a condition still alive. He really could still walk and run?”

Qingyue Yang and the others looked at each other, not knowing what to say.

Physician Xia waved his hand. “Anyway, we will apply wooden splints to immobilize his bones, and prescribe medicine to nourish his energy, replenish his blood, strengthen his bones, and invigorate his marrow. Starting today, he must rest in bed at all times and needs servants constantly attending to him. As for whether he will recover, or how long it will take, I don’t know.”

Inside the room, Zuo Zhicheng remained sitting cross-legged on the bed. With every breath he took, a bloody taste involuntarily rose in his mouth because his internal organs were bleeding.

However, although his injuries were severe, Zuo Zhicheng knew that after his modifications, his healing ability was far superior to ordinary people, and his Physique Strength was formidable. So, as long as he avoided intense battles from now on, he understood that his recovery was just a matter of time.