Chapter 8 What's Going On Here?

Frederick said, "Innate spirit crystals can only form under specific conditions. Once they leave that environment, they quickly lose their spiritual energy and turn to dust. However, several secret realms within the Nightwind Kingdom house innate spirit crystals! But, these secret realms are only accessible at certain times, and powerful forces control each one. The Thorne Family has no privilege to enter any of them." While the Thorne Family was considered a large family in Borderwatch, it ranked no higher than the fifth tier in the entire Nightwind Kingdom. The gap was immense. "Well, which secret realm is opening soon?" Marcus asked. "The Purple Weave Secret Realm of the Ethereal Unity Guild. It opens on the first day of next month," Frederick answered. Colin added, "The Ethereal Unity Guild is a top-tier guild in the Nightwind Kingdom, with three Profound Realm experts stationed there. I've heard they occupy the Purple Weave Secret Realm but don't keep it all to themselves. They release a few spots yearly, but unfortunately, the Thorne Family doesn't qualify to claim any." He paused for a moment and then continued, "Of course, that was the situation for the Thorne Family in the past." The Thorne Family now had a powerhouse like Marcus. If he purely considers peak battle strength, they had already reached the threshold of a second-tier family. Marcus nodded and said, "Alright, I understand. I'll retrieve these three items myself, but as for the other resources, I'll leave that to Dad and the elders!" Colin chuckled and said, "What are you saying? It's our family's honor to have a genius like you! Even if we must give it our all, we will ensure you break through successfully!" Marcus was the hope for their family's rise. Marcus smiled and suddenly turned to see Raphael beside him. At that moment, Raphael was gazing at Marcus with admiration. "Raphael, if I remember correctly, your dream is to become a physical cultivator, right?" Marcus asked, looking at him. "Yes!" Raphael responded. Marcus nodded and said, "Alright, I'll teach you three techniques of the Body Strengthening!" Raphael shuddered. He knew that whatever Marcus would share regarding the Body Strengthening Technique couldn't be an ordinary cultivation technique. Marcus just mentioned that the reason behind his incredible strength lies in his cultivation technique. Could it be that…? Before he could think it through, Marcus had already stood up. "Uh, We shall step aside," Colin suggested. Passing on martial arts knowledge was intensely personal, especially with such a rare and powerful cultivation technique. Naturally, Colin understood the need for discretion. However… "That won't be necessary. The elders can observe as well," Marcus said. Under normal circumstances, Marcus would never reveal such confidential techniques to others. But after what happened, he trusted the elders entirely and saw no need for secrecy. Phew! Suddenly, everyone quickly returned to their seats and focused on Marcus, determined not to miss anything. Seriously? Marcus passing on his skills? That's an incredible opportunity! Huff, huff, huff! Marcus swiftly demonstrated three intricate Body Refining techniques. "Did you catch that?" Marcus turned to Raphael with a questioning look. "Yes, I got it!" Raphael nodded enthusiastically. "Give it a try," Marcus instructed. After taking a deep breath, Raphael drew on his memory and began practicing the moves Marcus had just shown him. However, he barely got halfway through the first pose when he felt an unbearable pulling sensation throughout his body, as though he were being torn apart limb by limb. Bang! With a muffled thud, the force sent him flying backward, a streak of blood tracing the corner of his lips. "This..." Everyone was stunned. "What a domineering Body Strengthening Technique!" Colin's beard trembled slightly. Though he hadn't practiced it himself, his knowledge was undeniable. A single glance was enough to reveal just how terrifying this technique truly was. "Marcus, I failed…" Raphael struggled to his feet, his expression filled with guilt as he looked at Marcus. "Uh…" Marcus was momentarily at a loss for words. What's going on here? When I practiced this Body Strengthening Technique, it was an effortless and enjoyable experience. So why did Raphael end up coughing up blood just by striking a pose? With his talent, shouldn't he be even stronger than me? Or did I misremember? "Ha, let me give this Body Strengthening Technique a try too!" Mik volunteered eagerly. Mik was one of the few physical cultivation experts within the Thorne Family. After following the steps Marcus had just demonstrated, he assumed the first stance of the Heavenly Body Strengthening Technique. However, his movements were unusually sluggish, and his face turned bright red from the strain.