Chapter 35: Iron Body Technique

Xiang Yu approached the table with measured steps, his eyes scanning over the array of technique manuals spread before him. Each leather-bound manual promised different paths to power, their covers embossed with distinct patterns that hinted at their contents. He methodically examined each one: [Low-grade Iron Body Technique], [Basic Tiger Claw], [Low-grade Stone Breaking Fist], [Basic Cloud Step], and many others.

As he assessed the collection, Xiang Yu couldn’t help but notice that many weren’t particularly impressive. His fingers hovered over the [Basic Cloud Step] manual momentarily, appreciating its value. A movement technique would significantly enhance his primary survival strategy—fleeing was, after all, his top priority. Yet, the [Low-grade Iron Body Technique] caught his attention as well. While escape remained paramount, avoiding injury ranked nearly as high on his list of concerns.

The technique classifications tipped the scales. Since Iron Body was classified as low-grade while Cloud Step was merely basic, the former represented greater potential value. Xiang Yu suspected Huang Fengqi was deliberately conservative with her initial offerings, likely wanting to verify his comprehension abilities firsthand before committing more valuable resources. She would probably provide additional techniques once he demonstrated mastery of this one.

Decision made, he selected the Iron Body manual, lifting it from the table with careful hands.

“You have a good eye,” Elder Guo remarked, unable to contain his approval. “This is the best technique among this collection. Though it’s classified as low-grade, it’s not far from achieving mid-grade status.” The elder’s voice carried unmistakable pride as he continued, “If you master this technique to the perfect stage, combined with peak body refining, you should be able to withstand at least one punch from a cultivator at peak Qi Refining stage.”

Xiang Yu felt a surge of satisfaction. His assessment had been correct—the technique offered substantial defensive capabilities that aligned perfectly with his survival-focused approach.

After the meal concluded, the elders departed, leaving the disciples to resume their training regimen. As they reached their familiar clearing, Li Yao paused before they could begin sparring. Her delicate hand disappeared into her pouch, rummaging intently for several moments before withdrawing another manual.

“Here,” she offered, extending the manual toward Xiang Yu. The cover displayed the title [Mid-grade Phantom Footwork] in elegant script.

“I noticed you were interested in that movement technique,” she explained, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “You can have this one instead. It’s superior to what was offered. I obtained it from the dean after… dealing with him.” Her words carried a mixture of embarrassment and pride.

Xiang Yu accepted the manual, a genuine smile warming his features. His junior sister truly looked out for him, even when he hadn’t explicitly asked. He silently reflected that she probably misunderstood his capabilities, likely assuming his comprehension talent matched her own. She couldn’t know about his system or its limitations.

Still, he gratefully accepted her gift. Even if mastering a mid-grade technique seemed beyond his current abilities, who could say for certain? With his system’s exponential growth and the steady increase in his enlightenment stat, perhaps such an achievement wasn’t entirely impossible.

…

Xiang Yu exchanged several rapid blows with Li Yao before strategically backstepping, creating essential distance between them. His chest heaved as he drew in a deep breath, muscles burning pleasantly beneath the weight of his training clothes. After a moment’s recovery, he charged forward again, his determination unwavering despite the countless defeats he’d already suffered today.

As he closed the gap between them, satisfaction warmed his thoughts. The Low-grade Iron Body Technique had proven an excellent choice—its practice methods aligned perfectly with his weighted clothing regimen, creating natural synergy between his different training approaches. Simultaneously, though he harbored minimal expectations for the Mid-grade Phantom Footwork, he deliberately incorporated its basic movements into his combat patterns against Li Yao. This meant he was effectively practicing three distinct techniques concurrently—and adding the Mountain Heart Scripture made it four. He was truly maximizing every moment, optimizing his advancement through pure efficiency.

His knife met Li Yao’s sword with a metallic clash, sparks briefly illuminating their determined expressions. Despite his improved technique, she effortlessly redirected his attack, her superior skill allowing her to knock his knife from his grip with a precise flick of her wrist.

A confident smile graced her features as she swung toward him, blade tracing a gleaming arc through the air. Yet Xiang Yu’s reflexes had improved considerably—he dropped into a fluid roll beneath her sword, his body moving with surprising agility despite the weighted clothing. His hand found his fallen knife, fingers closing around the hilt with practiced precision.

As he began to rise, the cool touch of steel pressed gently against his neck. Li Yao stood above him, sword perfectly positioned for a killing blow.

“Too slow,” she remarked simply, withdrawing her blade to allow him to stand.

While Xiang Yu dusted himself off, Li Yao observed him with thoughtful appreciation. Her senior brother demonstrated remarkable adaptability—though his technical skills improved more gradually than she’d expected, he possessed a natural combat intelligence that prevented him from repeating mistakes. He’d even anticipated her counter this time, executing that dodge with surprisingly good timing. His only significant limitation was speed, a factor largely determined by cultivation level. If he ever reached higher realms, she genuinely doubted she would remain his superior for long.

A mischievous smile tugged at her lips as this thought crystallized. Since that eventuality remained distant, shouldn’t she take full advantage of her current superiority? After all, she was absolutely certain he would torment her mercilessly once he surpassed her—what was wrong with collecting some advance compensation?

Within her consciousness, the empress observed Li Yao’s twisted reasoning with a resigned sigh. She was gradually becoming accustomed to her vessel’s peculiar thought processes. Who else would actively seek revenge for hypothetical future offenses that hadn’t even occurred yet?

Their sparring continued uninterrupted until evening descended upon the mountain, shadows lengthening across their training ground. They eventually departed to prepare dinner, returning to the pavilion’s communal kitchen with comfortable familiarity. Tonight Huang Fengqi was absent, leaving just the master and his two disciples to share the meal.

After enjoying Xiang Yu’s delicious cooking, they separated to their respective evening routines—Elder Guo returning to his chambers for cultivation, while the two disciples made their way back to the training grounds.

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