Skin Stage, Steps

"The Skin Stage is divided into three levels. In the first level, the Epidermis is transformed through the absorption of Flow using breathing techniques. This enhances the body's natural defense, allowing cultivators to develop resistance against cuts and ruptures. Those who cultivate the first level of the Skin Stage become practically invincible in direct combat against non-cultivators."

"In the Second Level, the Dermis undergoes transformation due to Flow absorption. At this stage, it's possible to manipulate Flow slightly and expel it from the skin in small, rapid layers. This can strengthen the impact of strikes, making them powerful enough to knock out a bull with a single punch. The recovery factor for EXTERNAL wounds also increases approximately threefold compared to an ordinary person. However, don't be mistaken—the enhanced regenerative factor still depends on the same circumstances as an ordinary person: nutrition, care, rest, and, if necessary, medication." The professor emphasized this reality. "Don't think you'll have regenerative powers during battle."

The students' eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Professor, what happens when someone cultivates the third level?" one of the students asked.

"The third level," the professor replied, "a person who has cultivated the third level, reinforcing their hypodermis, becomes capable of generating a subtle layer of constant energy around their limbs. Limbs coated with this Flow layer can deliver explosive power with their strikes, and it feels as if the cultivator is enveloped in a barrier as resilient as metal." The professor paused briefly, seemingly reviewing his knowledge while suppressing an apparent discomfort related to this topic.

"In reality, even if the cultivator isn't actively circulating Flow to coat their limbs, the skin's resistance and regenerative capabilities equate to a power factor equivalent to that of five combined people.

Of course, this is within the same limitations mentioned earlier: it's not active and controlled regeneration, but rather a function inherent to every human body. It applies only to external wounds, enhancing natural defenses against cuts and ruptures."

"When the cultivator actively circulates Flow and coats their limbs with this layer, we can say that their power factor is elevated to that of six combined adults or even up to eight people, depending on the degree of refinement, training, techniques used, and resources invested in this third level of skin cultivation."

"Some records reveal that exceptional cultivators have achieved power factors equivalent to up to ten combined adults. An incredible milestone, to say the least," the professor emphasized to the students. "Unfortunately, our school doesn't possess techniques as advanced as the example I mentioned, which could provide a significant advantage. However, if you excel and earn prizes and merits through missions, internal and external tournaments, who knows—you might gain access to better techniques and resources that allow you to cultivate a power factor equivalent to seven people! Perhaps the most diligent among you could refine their third-level cultivation to achieve a power factor equivalent to eight combined adults."

*Murmurs* *murmurs*

With each new revelation, the students' hearts trembled with excitement. Being able to knock out a bull with a single punch? Having natural body defenses comparable to metal? How strong is a power factor? Can we block weapon strikes with our arms and legs? Is it possible to break a rock with our bare hands?

Various questions and theories began to emerge among the students. The professor, for his part, decided not to interrupt the conversation unfolding in the classroom. Imagination often carries more weight in terms of motivation than instructions presented methodically. Even though one of the statements hinted at "breaking rocks with bare hands," which is impossible without refined and reinforced Blood, Bones, and Muscles, for now, it's best to let the students imagine achieving such feats easily.

Before the professor could signal for the students to quiet down again, one of the class members blurted out, "Professor, you must be a very powerful cultivator of the Five Stages, right?"

Without allowing the professor to respond to that question, another student raised an inquiry, "Of course, the professor is powerful. He must be at an advanced cultivation stage!" The professor chuckled, preparing to interrupt the two students, but before he could, a third student declared, "Certainly, our professor can kill a wild beast using only his fists!" A fourth student, not giving the professor a chance to speak, retorted, "Fists? Surely, just a glance from the professor would cause the beast to drop dead."

The professor watched the unfolding conversation in astonishment. 'Kill a wild beast with my own fists? I'd be lucky to escape alive from an encounter with one!' he thought, feeling somewhat alarmed at the prospect of facing such a life-threatening situation.

The professor tried to correct things before they escalated further. "Students, you're exaggerating…" Before the professor could finish, he was interrupted by another student. "Certainly, our professor could defeat any other professor in the academy with just one blow!"

cough, cough. The professor choked upon hearing that statement, and a feeling of nervousness washed over him.

"Haha! Wild beasts? Other professors? Our professor is an advanced cultivator of the Five Stages, didn't you heard correctly? He can definitely split a Demon Tiger in half with just one arm!"

'By the gods, a Demon Tiger!' The exasperated professor exclaimed to himself. 'Only someone at the level of Venerable Director Ling could confront such a creature.' The professor's hair stood on end in horror at the thought.

"Enough, children!" The professor interrupted abruptly before the nonsense could reach a new level of absurdity and tarnish his reputation if anyone overheard it. "Open your booklets, and let's study the breathing method for Flow absorption and refinement of the first level of the Skin Stage. This introductory method is practiced by most students in our school, and we continue passing it down to the next generations so that everyone has a chance to try following the path of Flow Cultivation." The professor explained, recapturing the class's attention, which had been in an uproar.

"Now, let's get started. Each of you adjust your cultivation mat and sit cross-legged. Read the introductory part on how to control your breath and perceive the Flow present in this environment around us. Today, we'll put into practice the introductory part of cultivation."