Before heading to bed, Long Huang decided to take a bath, washing his robes and leaving them to dry overnight, then he headed inside.
Once inside, he changed into his sleeping attire.
If anyone saw the clothes he was wearing, they might consider him odd, since only someone from Earth or a few people in Blossom City would recognize them.
There were some briefs and loose-fitting T-shirts meant for sleeping.
The following morning, Long Huang woke up to a scene quite different from most mornings. Fog and a cool atmosphere enveloped the mountain, replacing the usual sunlight and warmth.
Noticing this, Long Huang felt annoyed, as it likely meant his robes were still damp. He checked, and as he suspected, they were.
"Fuck! Well, can't leave now."
"Before heading out, I should prepare."
"Hmmm."
"I'll train the Ocean Wave Fist, and then I'll go to the city to buy some gear for camping out in the forest on the mountain range."
He thought to himself as he headed to his training ground. He then walked over to the secret box where he kept the combat arts and began studying and practicing the Ocean Wave Fist manual.
As he practiced copying the forms illustrated in the manual and envisioned the intent of the combat art, he felt his rush of combat power growing with each set he performed.
The Ocean Wave Fist was a combat art that, when fully mastered, could triple a person's physical combat power. It imposed a form restriction, meaning the practitioner had to execute the previous moves seamlessly before advancing to the next one.
For instance, imagine a sequence of waves in which each wave builds on the strength of the last; if one wave is weak or poorly performed, the next cannot reach its full potential. Furthermore, the power increase lasted only 5 seconds, putting pressure on the practitioner to make every second count.
But still, throughout the Body Tempering Realm, it was a nigh invincible art, but it lost its value afterward.
Unlike most Mortal-grade combat arts, it only increased the physical combat power and did not affect their Qi.
One must know that when fully mastered, Common-grade combat arts help users overcome minor differences in strength while exerting 85% of their body strength.
While most mortal-grade combat arts allow users to use 100% of their physical strength, and even push beyond that to 125%.
Additionally, they taught cultivators how to manipulate their Qi in later stages, enabling them to project it from a weapon or up to 4 feet from their bodies for attacks.
Yellow and black-grade combat arts enhanced a person's Qi, or battle energy, offering a substantial boost to attack abilities and combat power. As for Spirit grade and above, he paid them no mind at the moment.
He understood that training in a high-grade combat art required reaching a high level, with stricter conditions correlating to the art's strength.
Common, Mortal, and Yellow grade combat arts were best suited for cultivators in the Body Tempering Realm to master.
While Black and Spirit level grades were usually used in the Qi Converging Realm, the minimum requirement to master most Earth-grade combat arts was reaching the Qi Condensing Realm, but they were exceptions.
While anyone at any cultivation level could use any combat art, it is unwise for lower Realm cultivators to attempt training in high-grade combat arts.
Even if they somehow succeed, they will not be able to use the art effectively because their realm and power are inadequate; it could even cause qi blockage, in turn crippling a cultivator.
Therefore, cultivators should practice combat arts that align with their cultivation realm. This is why, despite receiving a legacy of unparalleled value, Long Huang could not access its combat arts.
The higher the grade of the combat art, the more valuable it is. High-level cultivators would be at a severe disadvantage without high-grade combat arts, sometimes resulting in their deaths in battle.
Consequently, noble families and sects typically controlled combat arts, making these organizations appealing to cultivators seeking suitable high-grade combat arts, since most cultivators would be willing to sacrifice almost anything to acquire them.
This highlights why combat arts were often considered more valuable than alchemists' pills; they are a prized treasure for cultivators.
"Let's stick to the fundamentals," thought Long Huang after letting his mind wander off for a bit.
Long Huang continued practicing the Ocean Wave Fist for an entire day but was stuck just before minor completion, dripping with sweat as his shirt clung to his body.
"Almost at minor completion! Wow, what a workout!" he exclaimed.
"I believe my control over my body is at its peak."
"Previously, with a normal punch, I could unleash about 80% of my full strength. "
"But with the Ocean Wave Fist Art, First Move: Crashing Tide, almost complete, I can release not only my full base strength but an additional 30%!"
"That's insane!"
This also meant he was at least 5 times as strong as a normal Skin Tempering Realm cultivator using a common-grade cultivation technique.
To put this into perspective, Long Huang could effortlessly lift a boulder that would require several ordinary cultivators at the Peak of the Skin Tempering stage with one move, showcasing his exceptional strength and mastery over his combat techniques.
Long Huang's eyes filled with excitement, then he reflected.
"Hmmm, but if it were someone with a bloodline or even a high-grade bloodline, the gap would be less, and with the same combat art and a powerful cultivation art, they could even beat me if their realm is higher by a good degree."
A strange sense of pleasure filled Long Huang as he thought about the prospect of fighting someone who could challenge him, for it promised an exhilarating test of his abilities.
Excitedly, he picked up the Wind Deer Steps to start practicing. However, after reading and attempting to imitate the movement forms, he failed to complete even one sequence.
Just as he was about to try again, he noticed the sun's rays growing stronger. Realizing that it was around midday, he left the training ground, took a bath, changed into his robes, and headed to the city.
Halfway down the mountain, a thought struck him.
"Oh no! I almost forgot my storage pouch. How embarrassing!"
Long Huang hurried back to his house, grabbed his storage pouch, and set off for the city once again.
Upon arriving in the city, he couldn't help but admire its beauty. Spirit cherry blossom trees scattered throughout the streets added a touch of ethereal elegance, their petals dancing in the gentle breeze.
The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, mingling with the aroma of the bustling marketplace.
Merchants called out to passersby, their stalls brimming with vibrant colors and the enticing aromas of street food cooked over open fires.
The lively chatter of residents and the occasional clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages added to the rich tapestry of sounds enveloping the city.
"No matter how many times I come here, it never ceases to amaze me," he said, taking in the view.
"First, I'll need camping gear, and then some extra robes for everyday use in the forest, as they're bound to get dirty or damaged."
With that thought in mind, he made his way to the store he knew that sold the best camping gear to hunters, which he frequently passed on his way to the tailor shop in the past.
He arrived at Evergreen Camping, a rustic, manly store. As he entered, Long Huang was greeted by the store's sole employee.
"Hello there, customer! What can I help you with today?" asked a middle-aged man with a thick, long brown beard and a stocky build. His name was Mu Chen, and he was also the owner.
"I'm looking for your best camping kit," Long Huang replied.
"That will be one gold note, valued customer," Mu Chen informed him, resolutely, for he had encountered many customers who asked for the best but couldn't handle the price.
"Here you go, sir," said Long Huang as he grabbed a gold note out of his storage pouch. Accepting the note, Mu Chen smiled before heading back to retrieve the kit.
"Here's your kit," Mu Chen said, returning with a bundle in his arms.
"This kit includes 5 flame sticks, a makeshift large tent with a small portable bed, some cooking utensils, various herbs and spices, salt, and some beast-repelling powder."
"Thank you! Have a blessed day," Long Huang said as he turned to leave after storing his items.
After leaving the store, Mu Chen remarked to himself,
"What a polite sect disciple! They are usually so arrogant when shopping."
Long Huang then headed to a nearby tailor shop. Although it wasn't the only one in the city, Long Huang had a relationship with the owner, Ding.
As he entered the shop, a bell rang, and an employee greeted him with a smile.
"Hi there, de...dear customer! Welcome to Bo's Clothing Shop. How may I assist you today?" she said as she stuttered while staring at Long Huang, who was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
"Tell the owner Long Huang has arrived," Long Huang replied with a playful smile.
"Okay!" said the employee. She went to the back and called for the owner, telling him that Long Huang wanted to see him.
Bo Chow walked out from the back, exclaiming, "Look what the damn cat dra...!" Before finishing his sentence, he looked at Long Huang and asked,
"Dear customer, have you happened to see a kid about your height, but with black hair and brown eyes?" said Bo Chow, giving his employee a puzzled look.
Seeing all of this, Long Huang couldn't help but laugh. Sensing that Bo Chow might think she was crazy. The employee chimed in,
"He's Long Huang, or at least that's what he claims," said the employee.
"Don't you know what Long Huang from the Azure Lotus Sect looks like? How can this boy possibly be him?" Bo Chow asked, clearly perplexed.
"Maybe they just share the same name," the employee replied with a pout, both continuing to speak while ignoring Long Huang's presence.
"But uhmm, he seems to be wearing the official disciple robes of the Azure Lotus Sect."
"Huh?" Bo Chow then looked at Long Huang's robes, and his eyes widened in realization as he shouted,
"LONG HUANG!!"