Wei Liang observed the Iron Body Academy duel with calculating interest while his internal energies processed the massive influx of techniques absorbed from Jian Wuhen's laboratory. The five sword philosophies churned within his cultivation base, their conflicting principles slowly harmonizing under his blood-avatar abilities' influence.
Fire and ice techniques finding balance through conceptual consumption rather than direct integration, he analyzed as phoenix flames danced alongside absolute zero temperatures within his meridian network. Wind and earth methods stabilizing through absorbed essence rather than forced compatibility. Lightning binding all philosophies together through stolen divine thunder heritage.
The process was intoxicating. Each integrated technique expanded his understanding of combat applications while strengthening his foundation for the Seventy-Fourth Demonic Body. However, complete assimilation would require focused cultivation time that his current circumstances didn't permit.
Patience serves conquest better than haste, Wei Liang reminded himself as Zhao Tianba recovered from the Iron Body student's counterattack. Let the Golden Mountain heir provide entertainment while I continue processing these accumulated techniques.
Zhao Tianba rose from the crater his impact had created, his expensive robes torn and his pride thoroughly wounded. The humiliation of being defeated by a "mere body refinement practitioner" had transformed his arrogance into genuine fury.
"Dirty tricks and hidden preparations!" Zhao Tianba snarled, golden qi erupting around him like molten metal. "No ordinary body cultivation could resist the Golden Mountain Sect's inherited techniques! You must have used some defensive formation!"
The Iron Body student shook his head with professional courtesy. "No formations, Young Master Zhao. Only constitutional rebuilding through dedicated training. Physical transformation doesn't require spiritual qi when the foundation itself is remade."
Constitutional rebuilding, Wei Liang noted, his predatory instincts recognizing valuable methodology. True body refinement that alters fundamental physical properties rather than just enhancing existing capabilities. Exactly what I need for demonic body advancement.
"Lies!" Zhao Tianba's cultivation surged as he prepared a more devastating attack. "My bloodline carries the mandate of the Golden Mountain itself! Witness the technique that has dominated this region for three centuries!"
Inherited Divine Mountain Avatar!
Zhao Tianba's form expanded dramatically as his bloodline technique manifested, his body taking on the characteristics of actual mountains. Stone skin harder than spiritual metals, height reaching thirty feet, weight that cracked the reinforced training ground with each step. The transformation was genuinely impressive, representing centuries of sect refinement.
Interesting approach, Wei Liang observed as other academy students retreated from the massive figure. Bloodline techniques that channel geographical features rather than animal spirits. The Golden Mountain Sect's methods could provide useful foundation for large-scale physical transformation.
However, the Iron Body student remained unimpressed by the dramatic display. His metallic skin began shifting, taking on deeper luster as he activated advanced defensive techniques that went beyond simple invulnerability.
Perfect Iron Body—Reflection Protocol!
The student's constitutional rebuilding had progressed to the point where his physical form could redirect force rather than merely absorbing it. When Zhao Tianba's mountain-enhanced fist struck, the impact was perfectly reflected back at double intensity.
The result was spectacular. Zhao Tianba's own attack, amplified by the Iron Body technique's reflection properties, sent his Divine Mountain Avatar form crashing through the academy's main building. Stone and metal construction crumbled under the redirected assault.
Remarkable efficiency, Wei Liang thought with predatory appreciation. Using an opponent's power against them through constitutional manipulation rather than energy-based redirection. The Iron Body Academy's methods are more sophisticated than initial observation suggested.
Lin Xuefei moved to Wei Liang's side, her expression showing professional concern mixed with obvious pride in her academy's techniques. "Young Master Zhao underestimated our training methods. Body refinement isn't inferior to spiritual cultivation—it's simply different."
"Indeed," Wei Liang replied smoothly, his smile carrying undertones that Lin Xuefei interpreted as scholarly appreciation. "Your student's demonstration was most educational. I'm beginning to understand why the Azure Dragon Realm's reputation for body refinement excellence spans multiple dimensions."
And why consuming this realm's accumulated knowledge will provide exponential advancement opportunities, he added silently. Every practitioner here represents decades of constitutional rebuilding expertise. Harvesting them systematically should accelerate my progress significantly.
Zhang Wuji had been documenting the combat exchange with academic enthusiasm, his notes capturing details about body refinement applications that weren't recorded in traditional texts. "Senior Wei, the integration of force reflection with constitutional rebuilding suggests theoretical frameworks that could revolutionize cultivation understanding!"
Your documentation will make your eventual consumption more valuable, Wei Liang thought while nodding approvingly. Continue gathering intelligence, Scholar Zhang. Every insight increases your worth as a final meal.
Zhao Tianba extracted himself from the rubble, his Divine Mountain Avatar technique dispelled and his cultivation base visibly strained from the reflected assault. His face showed shock at encountering resistance his sect's methods couldn't overcome.
"This isn't over," Zhao Tianba declared, though his voice lacked its previous arrogance. "The Golden Mountain Sect remembers insults. My father will hear of this academy's disrespect!"
Typical young master response, Wei Liang observed with predatory interest. Threats of family retribution when personal strength proves insufficient. However, the Golden Mountain Sect's involvement could provide access to higher-level targets.
As Zhao Tianba departed with his remaining followers, Wei Liang began planning his approach to the Iron Body Academy's consumption. The students represented valuable technique sources, but their constitutional rebuilding made them more resilient than normal cultivation targets.
Direct absorption might require modified methodology, he realized. Body refinement practitioners may resist conceptual consumption through their physical transformations. I'll need to study their techniques more carefully before attempting harvest.
"Senior Wei," Lin Xuefei said, interrupting his predatory calculations, "would you be interested in touring our advanced training facilities? The demonstration was just basic defensive techniques—our masters practice constitutional rebuilding methods that achieve true physical transcendence."
Perfect, Wei Liang thought. Guide me directly to your most valuable targets while believing you're impressing a potential student.
"We would be honored," Wei Liang replied, his tone maintaining perfect scholarly politeness. "The opportunity to observe advanced body refinement techniques in their original environment is invaluable for our research."
As they moved deeper into the Iron Body Academy complex, Wei Liang continued processing his accumulated techniques while planning the systematic consumption of the Azure Dragon Realm. Each step brought him closer to understanding how body refinement could enhance his demonic body cultivation.
Time to add constitutional rebuilding to my collection, he thought as Lin Xuefei led them toward the academy's inner sanctum. The Iron Body masters have no idea they're about to become part of something far greater than themselves.