Chapter 11: A Grudge Must Be Settled Quickly

"Let me tell you about it then."

The middle-aged man began, "The F-level Wind Wolf Zone was originally an excellent hunting ground, perfect for us Body Temperers. But then, a rare herb was discovered there, and the Axe-Breaking Hunting Group took over.

"The Axe-Breaking Hunting Group has a notorious reputation for their ruthless and vicious ways. They don't allow anyone but their members to hunt or gather herbs there. If someone dared to venture in, they'd kill them.

"Many people were outraged and complained to the Martial Union, but for some reason, the issue was suppressed. I heard the Axe-Breaking Hunting Group has a powerful backer, but I don't know which faction."

"What about the Axe-Breaking Hunting Group's base?" Su Lang asked thoughtfully. "Is there a warrior guarding it?"

"No, not really," the middle-aged man lowered his voice. "After all, it's just an F-level area. The guards are at the quasi-warrior level. But because the Axe-Breaking Hunting Group has a strong backer, even official warriors don't dare to provoke them lightly. If an official warrior were to visit their territory, they'd treat them well instead of making enemies."

"Hey, boss, how much for this knife?"

A voice interrupted, and the middle-aged man quickly attended to the new customer.

"Quasi-warrior, huh?" Su Lang murmured as he left the stall. "System, how long will it take me to advance to an official warrior?"

From Intermediate Body Tempering to an official warrior, Su Lang needed to surpass Advanced Body Tempering, Peak Body Tempering, and Quasi-warrior—three minor realms, requiring four breakthroughs. For most people, achieving these four breakthroughs and becoming an official warrior might take a lifetime.

"Host, you will need 51 hours to advance to warrior."

"That's too slow!" Su Lang pursed his lips, looking dissatisfied. Having enjoyed the rapid upgrades, he found the idea of waiting for dozens of hours unacceptable. If others knew this, they might cough up blood from envy.

"And to reach quasi-warrior? How long will it take?"

Su Lang asked. To wipe out the Axe-Breaking Hunting Group's base, he needed to crush them at the warrior level, but to come and go freely and kill a couple of people, being a quasi-warrior was enough.

"Host, you will need 25 hours to advance to quasi-warrior."

"Still too long," Su Lang frowned. He didn't want to let a grudge fester overnight. But how could he quickly boost his strength?

"Of course!" Su Lang's eyes lit up. "I can take elixirs!"

Previously, he had swiftly reached Intermediate Body Tempering thanks to the medicinal power pushing him forward. Taking elixirs would significantly speed up his cultivation.

With the resurgence of spiritual energy, Earth had produced a vast number of natural treasures, among them medicinal herbs. Through the mystical art of alchemy, these herbs could be transformed into various potions and elixirs. Healing potions were one example. Potions were precious, often costing several silver coins each, while even the lowest-grade elixirs started at 1 gold coin—equivalent to a Body Temperer's monthly salary.

"Let's check out the City Tower Hall."

With this thought, Su Lang headed into the hall.

Items sold in the City Tower Hall were more expensive than those sold privately but were clearly priced and of guaranteed quality.

"Hello, I'd like to buy some elixirs."

Su Lang approached an elixir counter directly.

"Here's the price list. Choose what you need."

The staff handed Su Lang a booklet.

"To enhance Body Tempering speed, the best options are Body Tempering Pills, Strengthening Pills, and Bone Refining Pills. The best one is the Body Tempering Pill."

"Taking one Body Tempering Pill can boost Body Tempering efficiency for about 2 hours."

"The effectiveness of the Body Tempering Pill varies depending on its quality and the user's physical condition."

Reading this, Su Lang shook his head inwardly, "The effect only lasts 2 hours per pill? Most people measure their Body Tempering time in years, so 2 hours is too short. It would be a waste of money, even if I bought them. Fortunately, my breakthrough time is already short."

Despite his thoughts, Su Lang knew he needed the elixirs. He began browsing the prices.