Chapter 13: Starforce Reagent

"Lips sealed, tongue against palate, breathe solely through the nostrils. When exerting force, a tiger's roar emerges, forming a complete Qi sphere." A beautiful virtual female figure began to explain.

The Tiger Roar Breathing Technique was a cultivation method of the ancient martial arts lineage of Great Xia. Its founder was Dong Wanchuan, a semi-saint figure from three hundred years ago. Dong Wanchuan was said to be a descendant of the Great Xia's Xingyi Clan.

He was extraordinarily talented, and stood out in history. After the invasion of star beasts, he rose rapidly and was said to have saved millions of people from their fangs and claws. However, even the great eventually fell on the battlefield.

In a massive battle in the year 2245, he perished alongside a Grade Six star beast, the Thunder Axe Beast, to protect tens of millions of people in Lanfu Base City. Dong Wanchuan had left behind many martial arts inheritance methods, but most of them were lost due to the war. Only a few were passed down through generations.

However, since they were incompatible with the rapidly developing Starforce Martial Arts System, they were gradually eliminated. This Tiger Roar Breathing Technique, which was considered a marginal skill in Dong Wanchuan's inheritance, was only passed down because it was suitable for beginner cultivation.

However, even so, in an era where aristocratic families controlled core martial arts techniques, Third Grade techniques like the Tiger Roar Breathing Technique were rare in small city slums like Liuhe Base City. It was likely that Zhang Yuanshan had to pay a price to obtain such a complete breathing technique. After all, one had to reach the second stage to cultivate a Third Grade technique.

Li Xiaofei had broken through to the second stage in his battle, which met the conditions perfectly. After watching the Tiger Roar Breathing Technique video, Li Xiaofei also browsed through the videos of the Gale Sword Technique and Gale Steps.

The former was Zhang Yuanshan's signature sword technique, a Fourth Grade sword technique. The latter was a footwork secret technique, a Fourth Grade body technique. Zhang Yuanshan had established his reputation as the second master in the slums with these two great combat skills.

After watching the three videos, Li Xiaofei began to think aloud. "I only have three days. Counting the thirty days in the Secret Time Pavilion, it's only thirty-three days. I should focus on the Tiger Roar Breathing Technique. As long as I raise my Starforce Level, I can control the Mighty Vajra Fist. The combat power provided by the Gale Sword Technique and Gale Steps is far inferior compared to the Mighty Vajra Fist."

Zhang Yuanshan appeared on the screen and smiled kindly. "Child, if you’re watching this video, it means that I’m dead. I have always regarded you as my own child. Although you lack insight and are often laughed at for being silly, I know very well that you have excellent physical talent, with a superb physique for martial arts practice.”

He continued, “So I have been patiently building your foundation over the years and not taught you higher grade combat skills and mental techniques. Now, your foundation is almost complete. You should have also obtained the Tiger Roar Breathing Technique, the sword technique and footwork I left behind now. But in addition, I have prepared a gift for you; it's in the No. 2 safe. Make good use of what I have prepared for you, improve your strength, protect the Cloudy Sky Gang, and take care of Xiao Ling. And protect yourself too. Remember, no matter what happens, always maintain the true nature of a martial artist from the Great Xia Republic. Be a good person."

The video ended as Zhang Yuanshan waved at him with a smile.

"Master!" Li Xiaofei felt touched. He went to the No. 2 safe and opened it.

"This is... Starforce Reagent?" Li Xiaofei was greatly surprised.

He took out four test tube-like glass bottles from the safe. Each had a light blue liquid inside. These were pure third-generation Starforce Reagents. Swallowing Starforce Reagents and refining the energy within it could quickly increase one's Starforce cultivation. This was a rare treasure for cultivation in the slums. Each bottle was worth a fortune. Li Xiaofei never imagined that Zhang Yuanshan had prepared such an unbelievable gift for him.

A parent’s love for their children created far-sighted plans indeed. Zhang Yuanshan treated Li Xiaofei as if he were his own son. It was truly thoughtful and considerate.

"Master, I’ll remember your last wishes. Don't worry, I will definitely fulfill them." Li Xiaofei silently vowed in his heart.

There was no time to waste. Li Xiaofei began his cultivation immediately. The Tiger Roar Breathing Technique simulated the breathing method of a fierce tiger. One had to store inner Qi in his dantian between breaths. Breathing with the sound of inner Qi in his dantian allowed him to impact his vocal cords and trigger resonance in the abdomen, chest, and mouth. It was the resonance of the three cavities!

This relaxed the abdomen to the maximum extent, producing a round, loud, and profound roar. The explanation in the video was very detailed, as if an old professor were presenting a scientific paper. This modern approach was much easier to understand than ancient manuals like the Mighty Vajra Fist. Li Xiaofei quickly mastered this breathing method and threads of Starforcer Qi started to circulate within his body.

The Starforce Qi gathered in his dantian under Li Xiaofei's meticulous control, driving the vocal cords to resonate in the three cavities. As he cultivated, the sound of a tiger's roar echoed out between breaths. The resonance of the three cavities also strengthened his organs, muscles, blood, and bones.

As time passed, Li Xiaofei grew increasingly immersed in cultivation. The sound of tiger roars continued to echo in the office. It was as if a magnificent tiger were imprisoned within.

***

In the top-secret training room at the headquarters of the Blackblood Gang,.

Dugu Que, who stood at a height of one hundred and ninety centimeters, slashed down continuously.

Sizzle.

Visible blue electric currents flowed over his bare, muscular arms. When he swung his blade, the electric currents formed a blade aura that extended four to five meters. The blade flashed and four half-meter steel columns silently split apart. The cut surfaces were as smooth as mirrors.

"My starforce circulation is smooth... It seems I’ve finally reached the pinnacle of the sixth stage." Dugu Que's face revealed a satisfied smile. "Now, I can finally challenge the number one on the slums' Combat Rankings, Wu Potian."

He gulped down a bottle of expensive Starforce Reagent and his entire body received a tremendous energy boost. Dugu Que looked down at his body. He had implanted inscription bones of a speed-type Grade One star beast, the Lightning Mantis, in his arms and legs. It had allowed him to master the powerful new martial technique, Electric Light Blade.

This was the new martial way. One surgery could quickly elevate someone to new levels of strength. The traditional Great Xia martial lineage, which required long and arduous cultivation as well as vast resources, had truly become outdated and obsolete. However, there were still many stubborn traditionalists in the country who clung to their old ways.

"The dusty old things that have been eliminated by the times, no matter how brilliant they once were, should be discarded." A hint of disdain appeared on Dugu Que's face. "It all starts from the slums."

Bang.

He stepped out of the secret chamber.

"Welcome back, Young Master."

"Welcome back, Young President."

Hundreds of black-uniformed warriors immediately bowed their heads in an awe-inspiring welcome.

"Hahaha, my son, you've come out of seclusion early. Have you already had a breakthrough?" A middle-aged man who was two meters tall and sturdy as a tower walked over with a laugh.

He was the President of the Blackblood Gang, Dugu Yilong. He was ranked third on the Combat Rankings of the slums in Liuhe Base City.