In the dense forest, Zhang Bin was practicing the Qingmu Longevity Technique.
As he walked slowly, he invoked the mantra. His now-strengthened spiritual power flew out of his body, transforming into an invisible vortex that enveloped the plants within a two-meter radius in front of him.
"Hooo..."
A strange thing happened. Wisps of light green Spiritual Energy flew out from the plants and were inhaled by Zhang Bin. It merged into the blood in his lungs and was then transported throughout his body.
Animals have souls, and plants have Spiritual Energy. Plants have long lifespans precisely because they are adept at absorbing Spiritual Energy. The key to the Qingmu Longevity Technique is Qi gathering: harvesting the Spiritual Energy from within plants and refining it into one's own True Qi, also known as Longevity Qi. This can extend one's life, grant immense strength, and in turn, be used to heal the sick and save people.
About an hour later, Zhang Bin stopped gathering Qi. He assumed a horse stance and began to throw alternating punches with great effort.
Angry eyes and forceful punches increase strength!
The Qingmu Longevity Technique had a total of nine realms, with the first being the Body Refinement Realm.
Qi gathering was merely the first step; Body Refinement was the foundation. Only by enabling the body to fully absorb and refine the Spiritual Energy within, becoming progressively tougher and stronger, could it be considered true cultivation.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The speed of his punches grew ever faster, and the muscles on his arms bulged high. Every punch he threw created a powerful Air Burst.
Switching movements, he began kicking frantically. Each kick landed on a large tree, shaking the thick trunk until its leaves rustled.
After about half an hour of exertion, he walked over to a stone that weighed roughly two hundred kilograms. Bending down, he lifted it and forcefully hoisted it over his head. He raised it a hundred times in a single breath before throwing the stone aside.
The stone flew seven or eight meters, smashing into the ground with a loud bang.
A look of amazement crossed Zhang Bin's face. This off-world Cultivation Technique is truly magical. I've only been practicing for half a month, but I'm like a completely different person. My strength is comparable to the fierce generals of ancient times. And this is only the first realm of the Qingmu Longevity Technique; I've barely even started. If I were to reach the ninth realm—the Divine Tree Realm—how powerful would I become?
Unfortunately, cultivating the Qingmu Longevity Technique isn't that easy. In addition to Qi gathering, one must also consume Elixirs. I'll have to learn Alchemy. Besides, can the ingredients for an off-world Pill Recipe even be found on Earth?
"Help...!"
Suddenly, a panicked shout echoed from deep within the forest.
The sound of frantic footsteps followed, and then a stunningly beautiful girl limped out of the dense woods.
It was none other than Village Chief Cheng Youtian's daughter, Cheng Fang, whom everyone called Xiao Fang.
Xiao Fang was nineteen this year, a year younger than Zhang Bin. She was tall and slender at 1.7 meters, with a delicate face and fair skin tinged with a rosy blush. She was the village flower of Sanchahe Village and a renowned beauty in the surrounding area.
Behind her, a large wild boar was charging, snorting aggressively.
The moment she saw Zhang Bin, she cried out in relief, "Brother Bin, save me!"
"Don't panic, I'm here."
Zhang Bin shot forward like an arrow, opening his arms and sweeping Xiao Fang into his embrace.
"Ah... What are you doing?"
Xiao Fang was stunned. Is he saving me, or taking advantage of me?
"Of course I'm saving my Xiao Fang!"
Zhang Bin, clearly enjoying himself, lifted Xiao Fang by the waist and charged toward the wild boar.
"You big idiot, why are you running toward the wild boar? Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Xiao Fang pounded on Zhang Bin's sturdy chest in a fury.
"KILL...!"
Zhang Bin had already closed the distance. He leaped into the air, landing a vicious kick on the boar's chin.
BANG!
The wild boar was sent flying backward at least five meters before crashing heavily to the ground. It rolled about, squealing in pain, unable to get back up.
Disbelief filled Xiao Fang's face. How can Zhang Bin be so strong? Is this even possible? Am I dreaming?
Zhang Bin continued to hold Xiao Fang tightly, deeply inhaling the delightful, sweet scent of the young woman. He charged forward again and delivered another fierce kick to the wild boar's head.
BANG!
The wild boar was sent tumbling through the air once more. It crashed headfirst into a large rock and bounced off, blood streaming from its seven orifices. It then lay still, its skull clearly crushed.
"You... you... you killed a wild boar in just two kicks? Are you a martial arts expert?" Xiao Fang's beautiful eyes widened as she asked in shock.
"That's a secret only my girlfriend gets to know. Are you sure you want me to tell you?" Zhang Bin said with a mischievous grin.
"Who cares about your secret?" Xiao Fang scoffed. Her face blushing, she struggled out of his embrace. But the moment her feet touched the ground, she stumbled and fell right back into his arms. "I twisted my ankle," she explained, her face turning even redder.
"Then I'll carry you back."
Zhang Bin's heart swelled with secret joy. He hoisted Xiao Fang onto his back and, with one hand free, grabbed the wild boar's leg. Dragging the boar behind them, he began to walk leisurely toward the village with Xiao Fang on his back.
"You're really strong," Xiao Fang said shyly, whispering in his ear, her breath as fragrant as orchids.
After they had walked for a bit, Zhang Bin's next words were earth-shattering. "Xiao Fang, I've liked you for a long time. Will you be my girlfriend?"
In the past, he could only dream of marrying Xiao Fang, who was as beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal. Given his family's circumstances, however, it was an impossible goal, something he could only fantasize about.
Now, however, things were different. He finally had the confidence to pursue her. With such a perfect opportunity, how could he let it slip by?
Xiao Fang's neck flushed crimson with embarrassment. In a voice quieter than a mosquito's buzz, she said coyly, "You Big Bad Egg, I don't even know you that well yet. You hide so much of yourself."
Looks like there's hope! The woman of my dreams, the one I've yearned for, might actually be within my grasp! Hehehe... Zhang Bin was so happy he nearly fainted, and he couldn't help but giggle foolishly.
"Big Bad Egg, I haven't agreed to anything. What are you so happy about?" Cheng Fang said, feigning annoyance.
"Once you get to know me, you'll naturally agree. I have so, so many good points. So, from now on, you're my girlfriend. How can I not be happy?" Zhang Bin said with supreme confidence.
"Would it kill you to not be so narcissistic?" Cheng Fang retorted playfully. "Anyway, I haven't seen any of your good points, just a big pile of flaws."
"Eh... Am I really that bad?" Zhang Bin asked, looking dejected.
Xiao Fang let out a laugh as delightful as the tinkling of silver bells in the wind. "Well... I really never noticed any of your good points before today."
"So you only just discovered my good points today? Don't worry, in the future, you'll find that your husband has more strengths than you can possibly believe," Zhang Bin said with a wicked smile.
"You Big Bad Egg! Whose husband are you? I'll bite you!" Xiao Fang fumed, opening her mouth to bite his ear.
Zhang Bin deliberately turned his head, and she ended up biting him on the lips.
"Ah!"
Xiao Fang recoiled as if she had bitten a venomous snake, quickly jerking her head away.
"Xiao Fang, you just forcibly kissed me! You stole my first kiss! Now you have to take responsibility for me!" Zhang Bin exclaimed with a look of mock grief and indignation.
"..." Xiao Fang was so angry she was speechless.