I’m the Master of My Own Destiny

A run-down and shabby little hut was Chen Feng's current dwelling. It was plain and damaged, enveloped by an air of decay and dilapidation.

Ever since his meridians were damaged, Chen Feng's status had plummeted. He was sent back from the Inner Courtyard to the Outer Courtyard, and everything he once had was completely stripped away, making him a laughingstock for everyone.

"In the Vast Land, strength reigns supreme. Only the strong can roam freely in this world,” Chen Feng said with a determined look while sitting in meditation.

“Now I should be able to cultivate that technique. A year of consolidation has made my physical body much stronger, just enough to withstand the impact. Although this technique defies the natural rules, it’s also my only chance. Let’s see how powerful you really are.” Chen Feng contemplated.

His mind fell silent, and in his consciousness, some brilliant golden divine flames appeared. Amid the flames, countless golden characters were interwoven, radiating a majestic and profound aura, as if they had went through ages to be here.

The Primordial Destiny-Reversing Technique!

This was something Chen Feng had acquired by chance during the trials at one of the eight great martial institutes. It descended from the heavens and bore endless power. However, although it was profound, he hadn’t had the time to practice it. It was even nearly stolen when he was attacked by a mysterious assailant, and if not for the Outer Courtyard’s senior elder’s desperate protection, Chen Feng might not have escaped that encounter.

“Nie Xiuluo!”

Chen Feng clenched his fists tightly, a cold and murderous intent swirling around him. No one but him knew what had truly transpired during the eight great martial institutes’ trial. It was a deep-seated hatred that burned within him.

“Do you think you’re now the rising star of the eight great martial institutes? Just you wait. One day, I will return, and I will cast you into the dust and avenge our Grand Elder!” Chen Feng’s words were resolute. He absentmindedly touched the precious jade pendant hanging from his chest before he unhesitatingly ignited the golden divine flames.

A blaze of golden fire Immediately enveloped Chen Feng's body, so intense that even with his robust physique he felt a bit overwhelmed.

"I shall seize the essence of heaven and earth, condense the destiny of ten thousand ancient realms, forge an invincible battle physique, and challenge the immortality of all the emperors across the eons."

A resonant, almost ethereal voice thundered in Chen Feng's mind, shaking his very soul.

"Reversing the ancient fates, the first stage: Shattering the Meridians!" Chen Feng gritted his teeth, using the power of the golden divine flames to launch a fierce assault on his meridians. Since they were damaged beyond repair, his only option was to shatter them completely. This was the overpowering aspect of the Primordial Destiny-Reversing Technique!

In the Vast Land, where martial prowess reigned supreme, the hierarchy of martial arts was clearly composed of Meridian Cultivation, Blood Shifting, and Fate Palace, whereas the Primordial Destiny-Reversing Technique was different. The included phrases, Meridians Shattering and Blood Forging, deviated from the conventional understanding of martial theories.

Chen Feng had spent the previous year fervently refining his physique for this very moment.

Suddenly, a series of loud explosions echoed, leaving Chen Feng pale, and his body weakened to the extreme as all nine of his meridians shattered.

"Condense!" Following the Primordial Destiny-Reversing Technique, Chen Feng tamed the golden divine flames. From within his muscular frame, crimson energy filled his body, a long-lost strength returning to him.

"This is not Qi!" Chen Feng immediately recognized the change happening in his body. Qi was born from the merging of spiritual energy and meridians, the foundation of a martial artist's strength. However, Chen Feng's energy was entirely derived from his flesh and directly influenced by the world's spiritual energy, condensing into this crimson form.

"Call it Vital Essence for now. At this point, I should be at the Initial Stage of Meridians Shattering. I wonder how much power it holds." Chen Feng inhaled deeply and, with a mighty slap, created a deafening crack as the forceful gusts shattered a massive boulder nearby.

"Crushing rocks with a single blow, exerting thirty thousand jin of force. This strength is already equivalent to what a mid-level Meridian Cultivation practitioner is capable of!" Chen Feng marveled. The Primordial Destiny-Reversing Technique was truly formidable. It not only strengthened his physical body through the golden divine flames but also provided an unprecedented starting point for martial cultivation.

"Nie Xiuluo, failing to kill me will be your greatest mistake in this lifetime. I will become your eternal nightmare!" Chen Feng exuded confidence. With the Primordial Destiny-Reversing Technique, he was determined to swiftly advance and catch up to Nie Xiuluo.

After a brief moment, Chen Feng fully acclimated to this extraordinary Vital Essence. Astonishingly, it surpassed Qi in its enigmatic nature. It emanated solely from himself, hidden so completely that it would be detectable only by a much higher-level practitioner. Controlling and releasing it according to one's will was smoother than manipulating Qi.

"Let me try the martial technique."

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Feng stood upright and began to practice his martial techniques.

Martial techniques were of paramount importance in the Vast Land, where a martial artist's strength was determined not only by their cultivation level but also by the quality of their techniques. The ranks of martial techniques corresponded to the known five realms of martial arts, spanning from the first to the fifth rank, with the first rank being the lowest. Also, each rank was further divided into elementary, intermediate, advanced, and peak stages.

"Rampant Lion's Roar!"

Stepping forward, Chen Feng unleashed a furious gust of wind, roaring like an enraged lion. The surging energy propelled a crimson lion-shaped figure, charging forward with such tangible might that it left destruction in its wake.

A deafening boom echoed as the raging lion dashed through the old wooden house, leaving a gaping hole in its path, showcasing its terrifying power.

"Excellent!" Chen Feng's eyes shone with satisfaction. "I didn't expect the Vital Essence to enhance the Rampant Lion’s Roar. If I unleash it to the fullest, I should have a striking force of at least forty thousand jin!"

The martial technique he practiced, known as the Rampant Lion’s Roar, was an elementary second-rank technique. It was acquired during the eight great martial institutes' trial, making it exceedingly rare. In the entire Tianhuang City, the most powerful martial technique, the Eight-Direction Mist-Action Art, was only at the intermediate second-rank level.

"Still not enough."

Chen Feng was far from complacent. He furrowed his brow. "I'm only at the Initial Stage of Meridians Shattering; my cultivation is still weak. Not to mention the eight great martial institutes, I'm not even competitive in the Outer Courtyard' minor competition. To rapidly improve, I need resources! I must obtain more resources!"

Deep in thought, he decided to visit the Outer Courtyard' Alchemy Hall and collect the accumulated elixirs from the past year.

In martial cultivation, elixirs were indispensable. As the former Outer Courtyard' Young Master, Chen Feng had received a monthly offering of twenty Spirit Element Elixirs. However, engrossed in body refinement, he hadn't withdrawn them until now. Over the past year, this accumulation should be quite substantial.

"A year's worth of Spirit Element Elixirs, at least two hundred of them. This should be enough for me to break through to the Mid-Stage of Meridians Shattering!"

As he stepped out of his residence, Chen Feng contemplated his next move.