Transmigration To Magus World-Chapter 32: Skin Training Like an Ox

The Spring Awakening Grass resembled a ginseng root or perhaps a shriveled, desiccated insect corpse. This rare herb could only occasionally be found in the mountains and marshlands of the northeastern region where the Devil Clan was located. It was the best auxiliary item for Body tempering, Sorcery artists to temper their muscles, bones, and skin.

By grinding this grass into powder and dissolving it in a solution made from the Body Tempering Pill, one could repeatedly apply it to the skin until a sensation of itchiness and heat occurred. This sped up the process of hardening the skin, helping Sorcery artists shed their old skin more quickly and reach the Bone Refinement Stage in the Body tempering Level.

Of course, even for those at the Bone Refinement Stage, this herb still had some effect. By boiling it into a medicinal soup and drinking it, the herb could nourish the bones and meridians, accelerating bone refinement. However, compared to its effectiveness for skin training, its impact on bone refinement was not as impressive.

Leo, once appointed by the Left Clan to oversee the affairs of Demon Mountain City, would turn over 99% of the resources he collected each month to the Clan. However, if he secretly kept one or two items for himself, it was enough to aid in his own cultivation. The Spring Awakening Grass was no exception; Leo would save some for his own use each month, and now, Aizen had the opportunity to take advantage of it.

In his residence in Demon Mountain City, Aizen stripped off his clothes and dissolved the powdered herb in a medicinal solution. He then began applying it all over his body. A burning, intense pain spread from every part of his skin that came into contact with the solution. Aizen remained calm and continued applying the mixture until his entire body was covered, leaving no area untouched.

By this point, his body was trembling slightly from the pain, a reaction caused by the stimulation of his nerves. The sensation was like rubbing chili oil or menthol on a wound, especially the unbearable, burning pain in his most sensitive area. The feeling was excruciating.

Naked, Aizen began to practice his fundamental Sorcery arts in the small, cramped secret chamber. Starting with basic stance work, he moved on to simple punching and kicking techniques, repeating each motion with firm strength, drawing his muscles, bones, and skin to wriggle and condense under the strain.

The burning pain gradually subsided as his body absorbed the medicine. His skin began to itch unbearably, and with each punch, patches of old skin peeled off and clung to his body. Aizen paid it no mind, continuing to practice like a man possessed.

After half a day, when he no longer felt any itching on his skin, Aizen knew he had successfully passed the skin-hardening stage. His skin now had a glossy, elastic, and tough appearance, glistening with a sheen like oiled leather. The new skin was slightly reddish but not pink, indicating it had become as tough as oxhide.

Aizen walked around naked, scattering flakes of old skin onto the ground. He picked up a refined steel sword and carefully made a small cut on his arm. A wound that would have cut deep before now only left a white mark, without breaking the surface.

Clenching his fist, Aizen felt the hardened skin tighten, producing greater strength than before. His power had increased by about a third, a sign that he had completely broken through the Body tempering Level.

However, even oxhide-like skin was still Sorcery flesh. People like Valentino, Leo, and even Lilith had been in the Mid-Body tempering for a while, and their physical strength and resilience were greater than his. Yet, if struck by a sword, they could still be pierced through. Even a strong ox could be butchered, and a person with an ox-like physique couldn’t truly be impervious to blades.

Aizen considered learning a body-hardening technique, not necessarily the best or most powerful, but one that would further strengthen his physique. A strong body was the foundation of true strength.

He remembered a top-tier body refinement art within the Devil Clan called the Demon Body, but even inner Clan disciples weren’t qualified to learn it. For now, he had to put this thought aside.

Leaving the secret chamber, Aizen scooped a few ladles of cold water from a large water tank and rinsed himself off. When he put his clothes back on, his previously loose disciple robe now fit him snugly. His physique had not only grown stronger but had become more muscular.

Outside, Lilith sat at a square stone table in the courtyard, sipping wine. She was keeping watch over him. When Aizen emerged, she didn’t look up but poured another cup of clear wine for him.

Aizen picked up the cup and drank it in one gulp. The wine in this world wasn’t strong, only around twenty-something percent, not enough to get one drunk but pleasant enough for the taste.

"Just as you expected, the high-ranking officials of the Left Clan found out that Valentino killed Leo. Instead of punishing him severely, they ordered him to redeem himself and take over Leo’s territory in Demon Mountain City," Lilith said, taking another sip, her eyes growing brighter as she drank.

Aizen smiled, rubbing the wine cup in his hand. "His uncle must have played a big role in helping him rise to power. If I’m not mistaken, his uncle probably doesn’t want Valentino to become an outer Clan disciple this year. With this opportunity, Valentino can stay in Demon Mountain City for another year, and his uncle can continue to share in the benefits."

Lilith blinked. "But you won’t let Valentino live for another year."

Aizen nodded slightly and said, "And you? The ِClan must have ordered you to take over Valentino’s territory too, right? You’re one of his people, after all. His uncle wouldn’t allow anyone else to take over."

Lilith sighed, pouting as she drank more wine. "Even if I take over his territory, I’ll just be held back. His uncle won’t let Valentino become an outer Clan disciple this year, and he won’t let me advance either."

Aizen understood Aizen’s frustration. She was ambitious. If she had taken over Valentino’s territory earlier, she’d have been happy. But sacrificing a year’s progress to remain among the Black-Clothed Disciples instead of advancing to the outer Clanwould hinder her development.

Becoming an outer Clan disciple was crucial for learning ranked Sorcery arts from the Devil Clan, something anyone striving for strength couldn’t refuse. Outer Clan disciples could also leave the mountain for training, exploring the vast world beyond. The grey-clothed servants and black-clothed disciples trapped within the Devil Clan couldn’t comprehend this freedom, and because they couldn’t, they yearned for it.

"Stay here. I’ll teach you my swordsmanship. Cultivating in the Black-Clothed Disciples’ area will be safer and more peaceful than competing in the outer Clan... and you won’t have to wait a whole year. I’ll find a way to get you into the outer Clan faster," Aizen said with a smile, pouring another cup of wine.

He had decided to support Lilith. A trustworthy right-hand ally could help him achieve many things.