Chapter 251: Chapter 249: Speculation He took off his shirt, revealing a body not overly muscular but with extremely fluid muscle lines upon closer inspection. He stood firmly in place, holding a static pile. The white-haired old man then brushed and spread red oil on his body, meticulously doing so two or three times. At first, Lou Yi felt nothing. Moments later, he felt some itching on the surface of his skin, like countless small ants crawling on him. Soon, this sensation did not just remain on the surface, but gradually penetrated into his flesh and veins. He felt innumerable areas inside his body itching, swelling. If it were someone else experiencing it for the first time, they might be extremely uncomfortable, unable to resist twitching their body. But how strong-willed is Lou Yi? He stood like a pillar and did not even blink. Seeing this, Sang Peng admired him even more. He taught Lou Yi several moves to pair with the red oil, namely the Flat Ground Straight Punch and the Bent Waist Side Kick, emphasizing the importance of mastering continuity for better effects. Lou Yi struck his fists in place, feeling the itching inside his body gradually subside, seeming to transform into waves of warm currents traversing his body. After burning a stick of incense, the warm currents disappeared, leaving Lou Yi feeling refreshingly clear-spirited. He glanced at the Attribute Panel and noticed a change in the Cultivation Technique column, gaining a new item: [Cultivation Technique: Yellow Extreme Breathing Technique (Second Segment, Mastery 0/10000+1 Spirit Tempering Flower)]→[Cultivation Technique: Yellow Extreme Breathing Technique (Second Segment, Mastery 0/10000+1 Spirit Tempering Flower), Skin Refining Technique (Uninitiated 0/30)] Breathing Techniques cannot be mixed, so what about Skin Refining Technique, which differs in principle? Combining them, could it enhance his strength? Lou Yi nurtured anticipation in his heart, deciding to verify this back at his residence later. In a reciprocal gesture, he taught the Hu Family Breathing Technique to Sang Peng and demonstrated it on the spot, practicing Pile Skill alongside Breathing. For instance, with both hands raised to shoulder-width, squatting in a horse stance, twisting the head rightwards until it couldn’t move anymore, taking three long breaths, one short exhale, repeating fifty times. Raising both hands at a forty-five-degree angle to the ground... Sang Peng followed along with excitement, continually praising, "This Breathing Technique truly is mystical; I feel a warmth inside, so comfortable..." Seeing Sang Peng incessantly asking Lou Yi for advice and learning earnestly. Some people in the crowd showed displeasure and dissatisfaction in their eyes. "Peng, the Skin Refining Technique we’ve practiced is martial arts that have been passed down for thousands of years. Even compared with the Blood Fusion Technique widely spread in Yan Kingdom, it doesn’t lose out a bit. When learned deeply, even an Immortal Master wouldn’t underestimate it. As for the martial arts taught by this outsider, who knows their origins or potential risks, it’s better not to learn it willy-nilly." A burly man loudly proclaimed. He seemed to be nearly thirty, with a scarred face and fierce eyes. His physique was as burly as a bear, his head dangling with dozens of little braids, exuding a strong wild flavor. "Brother Lou Yi is a master, able to hold his own against the Black Wind Demon for so long; could you do the same?" Sang Peng frowned. "Holding on for so long? Who knows if that’s just boastful talk?" the scarred man scoffed. Lou Yi heard this but didn’t argue, instead turning to look around before walking to the largest grindstone in the courtyard. This grindstone was entirely grayish-white, measuring about ten feet in diameter, less than two feet thick, with a sturdy vertical shaft in the middle, allowing it to rotate. Just a moment ago, Lou Yi saw someone here turning the grindstone, exercising their strength. People on the scene were watching him, guessing what he planned to do next. "Turning the grindstone? Even this largest one can be easily turned by anyone who’s practiced for three to five years in our village..." the scarred man hadn’t finished speaking when his eyes suddenly widened in shock. Just as Lou Yi indeed did, his right hand inserted five fingers directly into the grindstone as easily as penetrating tofu. Then, he swiftly lifted it upward. The grindstone weighing at least fifteen to sixteen thousand pounds was lifted effortlessly by Lou Yi. He steadied it at chest height, holding it for a full twenty to thirty breaths before gently placing it back in its place. "Breathing Technique practiced to a certain realm can achieve this." Lou Yi casually remarked. Everyone present widened their eyes, remaining silent for a long time. Nearly twenty thousand pounds of grindstone was lifted with one hand? To know, even if Skin Refining Technique is cultivated to the highest black skin level, in terms of pure strength, it’s just slightly stronger than a Full Cycle but wouldn’t exceed ten thousand pounds by much. Lou Yi’s ability to single-handedly lift nearly twenty thousand pounds of grindstone moved beyond mere strength, into the realm of the incredible and insane. "I’ve been short-sighted." The scarred man who previously looked down on Lou Yi instantly spoke in a much more respectful tone, no longer daring to meet Lou Yi’s gaze. This is the universal law anywhere in the world; the stronger commands respect. "Breathing Technique is so formidable, but alas, I’ve already learned Skin Refining Technique and can’t dedicate much time to another one." Sang Peng regretfully commented. "Actually, Breathing Technique and Skin Refining don’t have essential differences; the distinction lies in the practitioner. Whoever can delve deeper is stronger." Lou Yi remarked. Then asked further: "Here, does no one learn Immortal Techniques from Immortal Master Xia?" "Immortal Master Xia wishes to teach us but unfortunately, in Ping’an Village, none of suitable age possess Spirit Roots." Sang Peng spoke regretfully. This surprised Lou Yi greatly, realizing Spirit Roots required for cultivation were even rarer than he imagined. Reflecting on the banquet previously, having Huang Longgang and Tian Su numerously possessing Spirit Roots was exceptionally rare. From discussing Breathing Technique to Spirit Roots, then chatting about the geography and customs surrounding Ping’an Village, Lou Yi gained a general understanding of his current environment. Ping’an Village is located at the intersection of the Three Realms, referred to as the Three Major Forces. The north of Ping’an Village is the boundless Longjiang River, across which Lou Yi and others came from. To the east lies the human nation Zhao Kingdom, the west the human nation Yan Kingdom, and the south the Demon Clan’s Cyan Wolf Ridge, essentially surviving amidst three major forces. "Why not relocate to Zhao or Yan Kingdom? Being fellow humans, they should welcome you." Lou Yi asked puzzled. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂 "Our ancestors were mostly criminals exiled by the two kingdoms, and it’s quite likely that descendants may still be thriving, so relocating isn’t wise." Sang Peng sighed, "Moreover, upon returning, there would be no land or houses, starting everything from scratch. In Ping’an Village, it’s somewhat dangerous, yet there’s no tax, no governmental oppression, and everyone unites, only worrying about the frequent monster attacks..." ’Clack-clack-clack!’ Just as Sang Peng finished speaking, urgent footfalls echoed from outside the courtyard. "The creatures from Red Leaf Forest have returned!" "Dare to come back again? Haven’t they learned from last time’s suffering?" Sang Peng’s eyes flashed with a murderous intent, leading other sturdy men in the courtyard out. ...