A myriad of things.
Zhuo Bufan introduced ingredients worth a total of six thousand spirit stones. Setting aside everything else, the names and appearances of these animals were certainly sensational, though the best ingredient was only level twenty in terms of edibility.
Zhang Wei asked, "What does the beast grade mean?"
"A Level 1 beast is equivalent to the Qi Refining stage, and a Level 2 beast is equivalent to the Foundation Establishment stage. Each stage has upper, middle, and lower grades, corresponding to the thirteen layers of the Qi Refining stage."
"Hmm... Let's set up a sparring ring. I want to see your abilities. I also have some servants; I'll have them demonstrate."
Zhan Hua pondered, "Is this to test our sect's cultivation techniques?"
Although the Tianmen Sect was in decline, its cultivation methods were of the orthodox Xuanmen lineage. Not only was the true qi pure and the aura stable, but the techniques used were also upright and honorable!
This senior, with a casual wave of his hand, could turn a completely untalented cook into someone comparable to a Foundation Establishment cultivator in a short period. What an astonishing feat!
Even a tiny bit of such astonishing power sprinkled from the gaps between his fingers would be infinitely beneficial to the Tianmen Sect.
The sparring ring was set up.
From the first to the thirteenth layer of Qi Refining, all were present.
Zhang Wei, on the other hand, summoned several individuals from the Treasure Hall, who were also apprentice Gourmet Hunters of very low levels.
It was understood that the so-called first layer of Qi Refining was when one first opened a qi sea within their body and could sense true qi, which then qualified them as being in the first layer of Qi Refining. At this point, cultivators had very little true qi and could not use complete techniques, but the circulating true qi could make their physique lighter, and their steps far surpassed ordinary people.
Being able to fully execute a technique was the mark of the second layer of Qi Refining, but the total amount of true qi was still very small.
"Is this all the slight enhancement there is..."
It seemed to be quite lacking compared to Gourmet Cells.
Capturing a beast of capture level one was enough to grant the user a powerful physique capable of fighting ten armed hunters with shotguns.
Zhang Wei waved his hand and summoned a Level 1 apprentice hunter. This apprentice hunter was clad in armor, equipped with not only sturdy armor but also sharp blades and a bow and arrows, truly fully armed.
The apprentice said excitedly, "Novice Hunter Toronto, greetings, Principal!"
"Mm, go and demonstrate."
Toronto stepped onto the training ground and began by chopping a wooden stake. Relying on his exquisite blade and strength, Toronto could cleave through a wooden stake as thick as a person's embrace with a single strike!
This was no ordinary pine wood, but extremely dense Dou wood, which was twice as heavy as pine of the same volume!
Toronto wielded the saber as if slicing tofu, flowing like water.
Next was archery. Toronto drew his bow and shot arrows. The heavy bow, weighing hundreds of pounds, felt like a toy in his hands. There was no hesitation in drawing it, and he could easily hit a rapidly moving flying disc.
If he were to shoot at a stone pier, the heavy arrowhead could penetrate four inches deep.
For the wrist strength assessment, he could lift a stone lock weighing eighteen hundred pounds with one hand, astonishing the cultivators present.
Even a cultivator at the second layer of Qi Refining using the Giant Strength technique could only lift eight hundred pounds, and a third-layer cultivator using it could not lift more than thirteen hundred pounds.
Zhan Hua mused, "This person doesn't seem like a cultivator; he's more like a martial artist from the mortal world."
"A martial artist? You mean those who cultivate low-level inner strength?"
"Yes, inner strength has very low requirements for aptitude, almost anyone can cultivate it, and it doesn't need purification, so progress is very fast."
"But can mortals possess such exaggerated strength?"
"I've seen it, but it requires years of rigorous training of the body, pushing it to the limit for mortals."
Normally, cultivating inner strength would lead to the Qi Refining first layer in about three years, while a talented cultivator, without the aid of elixirs, would have just begun to sense qi.
However, the subsequent paths for both were vastly different. Inner strength provided very little increase in lifespan, with those who had mastered it usually living only to a hundred years old. But those who achieved Qi Refining could live to two hundred years, and those who successfully established their foundation could add another two hundred years.
Furthermore, even if inner strength reached its peak, it could never withstand the offensive techniques of the third layer of Qi Refining, nor could it break through defensive techniques. The difference was like heaven and earth.
Zhan Hua pointed, and a cultivator at the first layer of Qi Refining stepped forward to demonstrate a sword technique. Where the sword flowers danced, it was like butterflies fluttering gracefully.
Zhan Hua nodded with satisfaction, "This must be Zhuo Bufan's newest disciple. Although he only joined the sect three months ago, he's performing this 'Taishang Sanqing Sword Style' quite competently."
Toronto, clearly having never seen such a thing, couldn't help but chuckle, "This... are you dancing?"
The disciple was evidently proud. Although Zhang Wei was a distinguished guest, what could such a servant-like figure do?
The disciple said, "Dancing or martial arts, we'll find out by trying!"
Toronto turned to look at Zhang Wei.
Zhang Wei said, "The difference in your strength is too great. Let's forget it."
The disciple, however, held his sword and said, "Esteemed guest, I have confidence in my swordsmanship. Please grant your permission."
Zhuo Bufan said angrily, "Shao Ying, withdraw!"
Zhang Wei, however, waved his hand, "Since you are so confident, let's give it a try."
Toronto said, "Don't worry, Principal, I'll hold back!"
The Shao Ying, on the other hand, said, "No need!"
The two stepped onto the sparring ground, a range was designated, and a rule was set: sparring was the primary focus, but no lives were to be taken.
It was also to avoid any ill will.
Shao Ying performed a solemn bow, then placed his sword horizontally in front of him, striking a very handsome starting pose.
Toronto, on the other hand, placed his shield in his right hand and picked up a heavy saber used for beast hunting with his left hand! A standard stance for confronting heavy beasts!
Zhang Wei's heart sank. The situation seemed to be going awry.
The so-called sword techniques were used for combat between people, while the saber techniques learned by hunters were for confronting powerful beasts!
The situation indeed unfolded as such!
Despite wearing heavy armor, Toronto was extremely fast, clearly intending to end the fight in one blow!
But Shao Ying twisted his body and gracefully dodged.
His light steel sword directly touched Toronto's back!
After that, it was a solo performance of dancing. Shao Ying wielded his steel sword, performing sword flowers, maneuvering and shifting, and relying on his agile footwork to evade Toronto's dense offensive!
However, Shao Ying's steel sword struck Toronto's armor, yet it didn't even leave a white mark.
Shao Ying retreated, annoyed, "This is unfair. I only have an ordinary steel sword, but his armor is extraordinary."
Toronto said nothing further. He directly stuck his saber into the ground and removed his armor on the spot, revealing a very robust, muscular physique. Moreover, Toronto was even faster without his armor.
Even with Shao Ying's exquisite swordsmanship, he could barely defend himself.
Zhang Wei praised, "Very good, you've adapted to this kind of combat."
Seizing an opportunity, Shao Ying thrust his sword horizontally and stabbed it three inches deep into Toronto's abdomen!
But before Shao Ying could gloat, Toronto's saber came crashing down. Just as he tried to pull away, his long sword was grasped as if it were stuck. In that moment of hesitation, the edge of the steel saber stopped at his face!
"You lost!"
Toronto pulled the sword from his abdomen, completely unconcerned by the minor wound.
Shao Ying stood frozen, utterly bewildered.
He had never encountered such a brave and fearless person in his life; he was like a warrior from the wilderness!
Toronto suddenly burst into laughter, and clapped Shao Ying on the shoulder, "You fought well, kid! I've never seen anyone so agile. The way you swung your sword with that swishing sound was so cool. You must teach me when you have time."
Shao Ying dazedly took back his long sword. After a long while, his spirit returned, and he reached out to grasp Toronto's hand, saying, "No, you're the one who's amazing. I lost completely!"
The two looked at each other and smiled.
The seeds of friendship began to sprout.
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Treasure Bag reminds you: Remember to collect after reading.