Chapter 22: Hua Shan Art (1)

"A special Star Art? One so powerful that I can cultivate it without even reaching the Meridian Opening stage? I didn't think such a Star Art existed."

Hunter Liu had never heard of a Star Art like this, as the ranking of Star Arts was strictly defined from Grade One to Grade Nine. Even a Grade One Star Art required at least a first-tier Meridian Opening cultivation to practice. Higher-grade Star Arts, although less rigid in their cultivation requirements, were still inaccessible to anyone below the Meridian Opening stage.

Liu Zun chuckled proudly. "Hunter Liu, you haven't witnessed the world from ten thousand years ago. Back then, Star Arts had unique qualities you couldn't begin to imagine. I won't go into too much detail now, but in time, when you learn about the profession of Star Forger, you'll understand. For now, let me impart to you a Half-Grade Star Art."

As Liu Zun finished speaking, a set of ancient characters appeared in Hunter Liu's mind. These words carried a profound and mysterious aura, as though they were from a distant, ancient world.

"Hua Shan Art? A Half-Grade Star Art? This is incredible."

Though the characters of the Star Art were ancient and exuded an awe-inspiring energy, Hunter Liu quickly memorized and grasped their meaning. He was astonished to find that Hua Shan Art was no ordinary technique. Although it was only a Half-Grade Star Art, it was perfectly suited for cultivators below the Meridian Opening stage.

The Hua Shan Art consisted of four levels: the first level was the Stone Shattering Art, the second was the Mountain Breaking Art, the third was the Star Fusion Art, and the fourth was the true Mountain Transformation Art. Mastering the fourth level would directly propel one into the Meridian Opening stage.

However, cultivating the Hua Shan Art was arduous, requiring intense physical tempering, particularly for the first two levels. One's physique had to be enhanced for successful cultivation, but completing these two levels brought considerable benefits. Mastering the first level would directly elevate one's strength to the ninth tier of Body Tempering, while the second level would push one to the tenth tier.

The third level, the Star Fusion Art, and the fourth level, the Mountain Transformation Art, required the assistance of Star Crystals. Successfully cultivating the third level would raise one's strength to the peak of the tenth tier in Body Tempering. Completing the fourth level would allow a direct breakthrough to the Meridian Opening stage.

Moreover, there was an essential aspect to the Hua Shan Art: any cultivator who mastered it would have strength at least five times greater than others at the same level, depending on the quality of their physique refinement.

It could be said that anyone who cultivated the Hua Shan Art and broke through to the Meridian Opening stage would possess potential at least ten times that of an ordinary Meridian Opening cultivator, with a much higher chance of advancing to the Star Absorption stage.

"Hunter Liu, now that you have the Hua Shan Art, I can tell you this: if you're willing to endure pain and withstand every hardship, I can guarantee that within three months, I will help you break through to the Meridian Opening stage." As Hunter Liu rejoiced at acquiring the Hua Shan Art, Liu Zun's voice continued in his mind.

Hunter Liu raised an eyebrow. "Three months? Liu Zun, when should we start training?"

"That's up to you, but clearly, this place isn't suitable. Hold on—let me collect the Stellar Coffin. You'll need it on your path to cultivation." Liu Zun chuckled. "Back then, nearly every master on the continent fought for the Stellar Coffin without regard for the consequences. Though our Liu family was besieged, they underestimated the coffin's power. Using it, our ancestor Liu Zongyuan led a group of clansmen to escape. However, he was gravely injured and couldn't recover. After settling the clan in a safe place, he left to distract the pursuing experts, ultimately perishing in a forbidden technique that took them down with him in a realm of emptiness. Although I am the coffin's soul, I, too, suffered severe injuries and fell into a deep sleep. Had you, with the Liu family bloodline, not appeared and awakened me with your blood, forging a contract, I would likely still be slumbering."