Grinding to Become the Martial Saint of the Mortal World

Roar 

A beast-like roar suddenly erupted from the battlefield. 

Jiang Ning immediately saw Xiao Peng step into Cheng Ran's striking range. With a fierce roar, Xiao Peng stomped his right foot heavily on the ground. 

Thud 

The stone slab beneath his foot cracked instantly. Propelled by the force of his stomp, Xiao Peng's body shot forward like a cannonball, slamming directly into Cheng Ran's chest. 

Facing this impact, Cheng Ran was sent flying as if struck by a raging bull, his body arcing through the air like a parabola toward the wall near Jiang Ning. 

At this moment, Jiang Ning had no time to be shocked. 

If Cheng Ran were to crash into the wall after being hit by Xiao Peng, he would undoubtedly be bedridden for at least ten days to half a month, if not longer. 

Cheng Ran was Jiang Ning's closest friend in the entire Canglang Martial Arts School. Naturally, Jiang Ning couldn't stand by and watch him suffer severe injuries from crashing into the wall. 

In the next instant, Jiang Ning leaped into action. Like a white ape pouncing, he swiftly positioned himself in the path of Cheng Ran's trajectory. 

With precise timing, Jiang Ning reached out with his right hand, grabbing the sash around Cheng Ran's waist. Sinking his stance, he channeled force from his feet, his entire body moving as one cohesive unit. 

Cheng Ran's flying body was abruptly redirected and pulled down from mid-air by Jiang Ning. Jiang Ning's hand then shifted to Cheng Ran's back, exerting an upward force, like a mighty bear lifting the heavens. 

A moment later, Cheng Ran landed with a thud, stirring up a cloud of dust. 

By now, the onlookers in the distance were utterly stunned by the spectacle. 

"Senior Brother Xiao Peng is truly formidable! His use of the 'Blind Man Leaning on a Tree' technique was flawless and unexpected. With that single move, he secured his victory." 

"Indeed! Despite being slightly weaker in terms of physical strength, Senior Brother Xiao Peng managed to defeat a stronger opponent. He truly deserves to be called a true disciple of Master Wang!" 

"Absolutely! For Senior Brother Xiao Peng to achieve this, he must have reached at least a proficient or even a masterful level in the Bear Fist technique, right?" 

"That must be it. From the conversation between Senior Brother Xiao Peng and Senior Brother Cheng Ran earlier, we learned that Senior Brother Xiao Peng's strength exceeds 400 jin. Even though Senior Brother Cheng Ran has fully developed his qi and blood, Senior Brother Xiao Peng is only about 100 behind. This must be the result of his mastery of the Bear Fist technique." 

"From this perspective, Senior Brother Xiao Peng's comprehension is truly exceptional!" 

"Who could argue with that? In just four months of training, he has achieved mastery in at least one fist technique, proficiency in another, and possibly even a third. His progress is unmatched!" 

"Not necessarily! Don't forget about Jiang Ning. It's said that on his second day of training, he had already begun practicing all five forms simultaneously, reaching the initial stage of qi and blood development. And now..." 

As the speaker's gaze fell on Jiang Ning, Cheng Ran had just gotten up from the ground. 

The speaker continued, "From the way Jiang Ning just intervened, it's clear that his progress in the Five Animals Fist is remarkable! These past few days, it's also been evident that Master Wang holds him in higher regard than the rest of us." 

"..." 

The crowd continued to chatter, discussing the events that had just unfolded. 

Meanwhile, Xiao Peng also looked at Jiang Ning with a hint of surprise. 

Then, a faint smile appeared on his lips. 

"What a sophisticated technique of redirecting force! I underestimated this junior brother before." 

He then turned to the crowd behind him. 

"Fellow junior brothers, does anyone know the name and background of that junior brother?" Xiao Peng pointed at Jiang Ning as he spoke. 

"I know!" someone called out, pushing forward. 

"Junior Brother Qian, please speak," Xiao Peng said. 

The person continued, "That junior brother is named Jiang Ning. He comes from an ordinary family in the outer city." 

"So, he's from an ordinary family in the outer city. To have reached this level is quite impressive!" Xiao Peng nodded slightly, showing his approval of Jiang Ning. 

For a brief moment, Xiao Peng had felt a slight sense of threat from Jiang Ning a potential rival for the coveted spot in the upcoming election in three months. 

However, upon learning that Jiang Ning was from an ordinary family in the outer city, that sense of threat vanished entirely. 

Three months? Even if Jiang Ning had unparalleled comprehension and could master fist techniques with ease, what did it matter? 

Even if he achieved mastery in a month, in Xiao Peng's eyes, Jiang Ning posed no threat. 

After all, Jiang Ning came from an ordinary family. How could such a background sustain the resources needed to fully develop his qi and blood, let alone achieve full-body circulation? 

Xiao Peng himself had reached his current level by consuming a Blood-Nourishing Pill every three days, along with various other supplements. Even so, it had taken him nearly a year to fully develop his qi and blood and circulate it through his limbs. The wealth he had spent in the process was immense. 

"Scholars thrive on poverty, but martial artists require wealth." 

The prime age for martial arts training was only about twenty years. Without a substantial family fortune, one's progress in martial arts would inevitably be limited. 

In three months, to fully develop qi and blood, achieve full-body circulation, and reach the rank of a martial artist? 

Xiao Peng shook his head inwardly. 

"I must be overthinking it." 

"The only real threat to my spot is Cheng Ran. During our fight just now, I noticed that his skin membrane was different from mine. Within three months, he will undoubtedly refine his skin membrane and easily achieve the rank of a martial artist." 

"As for mastering fist techniques, for him, it's just a matter of opportunity. I can't afford to underestimate him." 

"Three months isn't long. I need to make the most of my time." 

"I must fully develop my qi and blood as soon as possible. Once that's done, refining my skin membrane will be a natural next step." 

"Refining the skin membrane is the mark of a martial artist." 

"If Cheng Ran meets the same requirements as me, the final test will likely come down to combat skills. The Inspection Bureau undoubtedly seeks martial artists skilled in real combat. I can't neglect my combat training during this time." 

Lost in thought, Xiao Peng's eyes flickered with contemplation. 

On the other side, Cheng Ran slowly got up from the ground. 

"Senior Brother Cheng, are you alright?" Jiang Ning bent down to help him up. 

"Cough" Cheng Ran let out a few light coughs and specks of blood foam appeared at the corners of his mouth. 

He waved his hand, signaling that he didn't need Jiang Ning's help. 

"I'm fine. My skin membrane is nearly formed, so my resistance to blows has greatly improved. This is just a minor injury." 

"So, Senior Brother Cheng, you're not far from achieving the rank of a martial artist?" Jiang Ning's face showed surprise. 

Cheng Ran nodded. "Indeed, I'm not far off. I should achieve it within a month." 

He then took a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly to calm the turbulent qi and blood within his body. 

"Thank you, Junior Brother Jiang," Cheng Ran said, bowing slightly with a serious expression. 

"Senior Brother Cheng, there's no need for such formality!" Jiang Ning quickly reached out to support Cheng Ran's arms. 

In that instant, Jiang Ning felt the strength contained within Cheng Ran's arms. Instinctively, his arms exerted a counterforce. 

The force subsided, and Cheng Ran stood up, his gaze toward Jiang Ning now filled with complexity and a hint of astonishment. 

Earlier, when Jiang Ning had redirected his body's momentum, Cheng Ran had felt the steady, mountain-like force emanating from Jiang Ning's arm supporting his back. Though not as strong as his own, it was still formidable. 

It was thanks to Jiang Ning's intervention and the force he exerted that Cheng Ran avoided more severe injuries. 

The strength Jiang Ning displayed during the rescue surprised Cheng Ran, prompting this subtle test. 

After the test, Cheng Ran had a clear sense of Jiang Ning's approximate strength. 

Over 200 jin of force! 

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