The sun had just begun to peek over the towering silhouettes of the ancient trees, casting golden rays across the valley that still echoed with the residual tension from the previous day's grueling training session. The air was thick, almost electric, as Tang San and Tang Yan sat cross-legged on the dew-kissed grass, their muscles aching and bodies bruised from the merciless lessons administered by their father, Tang Hao.
However, amidst the fatigue and soreness, Tang Yan wore an infectious grin, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes. "Now that the warm-up's done, it's time for the real work," he declared, his enthusiasm unfazed.
The system's voice chimed in, its mechanical tone dull but precise. "Host enthusiasm: irrational. Risk of overworking: 110%."
"Ah, look who's back on his cultivation nonsense," snickered the Tianmeng Bug, feigning distress at Tang Yan's relentless pursuit of self-improvement.
Once Tang Hao retreated into his secluded training, Tang Yan wasted no time retreating into his own meditation. Almost instinctively, the system interface flickered to life before him, revealing an array of options.
"Level 2 Inheritances available: Alchemist and Formation Master. Activating…"
He contemplated the possibilities, weighing the merits of the Medical Exercises against the martial aspects of the Martial Gym.
Navigating through the intricate layers of the Alchemist inheritance, Tang Yan anticipated delving deeper into the realms of herbology—perhaps unlocking potent elixirs or discovering the art of spiritual fusion. To his surprise, he stumbled upon a section intriguingly labeled: "Advanced Medical Rejuvenation: Physical Reinforcement Techniques."
His brow furrowed in curiosity; it was as if he had unearthed a comprehensive manual for a spiritual gym. The text outlined an array of techniques: precise breathing sequences, dynamic flex routines, pressure-point-controlled stances, and soul power-enhanced muscle training.
"System, did I just unlock the 'Alchemist' path, or have you mistakenly gifted me the Douluo Dalu Personal Trainer DLC?" he queried, bemused by the unexpected nature of his discovery.
The system's voice remained monotonous, "Medical muscle reinforcement is a valid medicinal practice. Alchemist."
Tianmeng chimed in dryly, "Congratulations! You're now enrolled in Soul Master Pilates."
Rolling his eyes at the banter, Tang Yan set to work. As he engaged in the exercises, an epiphany struck him like a lightning bolt. These methods were not solely for recovery; they were building blocks for fortification. By leveraging his existing knowledge of body refinement and spiritual feedback, he began to innovate a more aggressive muscle-enhancement technique.
"What if we reframed this from mere recovery to proactive reinforcement?" he pondered aloud, the gears of his mind turning vigorously.
The system reacted in astonishment. "...Host is using his brain? Alert the planes!"
"Should you cry one more time, I might just switch systems," he retorted with a smirk, fueled by the intrigue of his newfound direction.
### Brotherhood Forged in Fire
A week later, Tang Yan approached his twin brother, Tang San, a significant air of anticipation surrounding him. He produced the fully completed Level 1 Blacksmith Inheritance and offered it to Tang San with a solemn expression.
"You've been my support through this journey for months. Here—your forge pass," he stated, pride swelling in his chest.
Tang San accepted the inheritance with his characteristic calm nod, his eyes alight with eager anticipation. Over the ensuing weeks, the twins worked harmoniously, an intricate ballet of strength and precision as they crafted the next generation of training gear: version 2.0.
Hidden-weight bracelets and anklets that would challenge their strength without hindering mobility, chest armor fortified with a soul-conductive alloy, and elemental threads woven seamlessly into the fabric—Life and Wood for Tang San, embodying nature's essence, and Gold and Killing for Tang Yan, reflecting his fierce spirit. Together, they meticulously refined their tools to challenge their bodies while preserving agility, ensuring every thread worked in concert with their developing abilities.
The system monitored their progress closely. "Blacksmith Inheritance progress: 68%—twin synergy bonus enabled."
Tianmeng, ever the critic, remarked dryly, "Your teamwork is disgustingly effective."
### Seven Months of Relentless Growth
As the months unfolded, Tang Yan's development was nothing short of meteoric. His progress charted remarkable advancements:
- Alchemy Inheritance: 90%
- Formation Master Inheritance: Completed 50%
- Blacksmith Inheritance: Stagnated at 68%
- Xu Void & Spiritual Technique Integration: 90% complete
Each day succumbed to a repetitive yet exhilarating cycle of forging, trialing formation arrays, bodily conditioning, and boldly pushing their individual limits. Tang Yan's muscle-building technique blossomed into a comprehensive full-body strengthening art, a harmonious dance with the currents of soul power cycling through his body.
However, in his fervor for advancement, Tang Yan eventually reached a perilous threshold.
### When Healing Fails
One fateful morning, under the crushing weight of new burdens and the strain of his own rigorous training, both brothers collapsed mid-routine, bodies overcome by exhaustion and fatigue. Tang San, grit and determination painted across his features, summoned the power of his healing soul bone ability—but to his dismay, nothing transpired.
"Brother… I think my vines are broken," he groaned, an unusual hint of worry creeping into his voice.
Face down on the ground, Tang Yan managed to mutter, "...I think my spine filed for retirement."
### Bi Ji Arrives – And Gets Declared
Suddenly, a flash of luminescent green wings appeared above them, descending gracefully from the treetops. Bi Ji swept in like a breath of fresh air, her eyes wide in shock at the disarray of the twins.
"You're both insane! Tang Yan, you've utterly overdrawn your physical channels!" she cried, her voice a mixture of concern and exasperation.
A radiant healing pulse enveloped them, working its magic as it knit together torn muscles and restored their fried nerves. Yet, just as she was about to launch into a lecture on moderation and the dangers of over-exertion—
"Bi Ji," Tang Yan began, a faint, cheeky smile gracing his lips, "you're my maid now, right? Lifetime assignment."
Her eyes widened, cheeks flushing crimson as she stammered, "Wh-what did you just say?!"
With a mischievous glint, he continued, "Gu Yuena approved. This means you're under my care. And if you are under my care, then I'll rely on you—fully."
Bi Ji stood there, momentarily speechless, her fan trembling in her hands as she processed his bold declaration. After a flustered huff, she turned away and ascended into the sky, retreating from the chaos below.
The system responded with a note of triumph: "Achievement unlocked: Flustered Maid, Blushing Tier."
Tianmeng chimed in, "The host might just be a flirt. Confirmed."
### Adults React from Afar
Unbeknownst to the trio, the adult figures watched from a concealed distance, their amused expressions betraying their amusement.
Gu Yuena stifled her laughter behind her fan, commenting with a teasing tone, "Well, I did approve. He's just boldly cashing in early."
Ah Yin, a smile playing at the corners of her lips, added, "He's got no shame, but there's a pure heart beneath it all."
Di Tian, maintaining his stoic facade, observed with a stone-cold seriousness, "Bi Ji's doomed."
### Final Breakthrough – Ascension Sutra
That night, as the stars gleamed like diamonds against the expansive canvas of the night sky, Tang Yan found solace and solitude within the depths of his meditation. Delving deep into the void space, he focused intently as the final thread of his spiritual power connected, creating a flawless web of energy.
With powerful concentration, the Xu Void and Spiritual Technique merged seamlessly within him, transforming his spiritual sea into an awe-inspiring bastion of strength.
In that moment of clarity, the System chimed in, resonating with an announcement full of promise: "Integration complete. Generating refined form: [X...]."
End of Chapter 67