So, Fang Ze didn't hesitate, standing up straight away. He recalled Qing Ya's movements in his mind, and then precisely began to execute the Body Tempering technique.
Before doing so, Fang Ze had not really understood the purpose of this Body Tempering technique.
After all, it seemed unlikely that any method of cultivation could actually temper the bones.
However, this particular set of movements was very strange. During the exercise, it was possible to induce slight movements of the bones through the muscles, tendons, and Skin Membrane, causing the metal elements he had just absorbed into his bones to disperse throughout his body.
As he performed the Body Tempering technique, Fang Ze felt the metallic elements in his hands begin to spread unknowingly into the bones throughout his body.
Meanwhile, Qing Ya wiped the sweat from her face and said to Fang Ze, "Continue to lie down."
Having seen the efficiency and convenience of Qing Ya's method, Fang Ze no longer hesitated.
So, disregarding the sweat covering his body, he lay down straight away on the inflatable bed.
It seemed that although Qing Ya might not be able to see with her eyes, her ears could hear everything.
Upon hearing Fang Ze lie down, she stood up and returned to the small box, taking out another iron ingot.
Then, just like before, she melted the iron ingot and approached Fang Ze.
This time, however, she did not sprinkle it on Fang Ze's hands but softly said to him, "You've seen the entire process of Bone Tempering just now."
"Simply put, it's about first absorbing the fused metallic elements into the body, followed by using the Body Tempering technique to Transfer these elements throughout the body."
"The advantage of this is that it doesn't cause too much damage to any single part of the body."
"So, when repeating the steps, be careful. Also, don't concentrate on a single bone or body part. Make sure to regularly change it up."
"Moreover, each time metallic elements pass through the body, they actually affect the Skin Membrane, muscles, and tendons."
"If it's an occasional passage, it will strengthen the Skin Membrane, muscles, and tendons, but if it's always focused in Division One, it will damage those already tempered parts."
Fang Ze nodded in understanding.
It was really about moderation in training, not going to extremes!
Seeing that Fang Ze had taken the lesson to heart, Qing Ya did not continue to explain.
She brought her palms together again, and when she opened them, there was once more a red-hot ball of molten iron in her hands.
This time, she directly smeared the molten iron onto Fang Ze's chest.
The soft touch on Fang Ze's chest should have been a comfortable thing, but it felt unbearably hot and painful!
However, with the experience from before, Fang Ze knew this was a necessary part of the process. So, he clenched his teeth, clenched his fists, and endured fiercely. He then, using the experience from last time, began to absorb the metallic elements again.
He didn't know how much time had passed.
"Body Tempering!" When Qing Ya's voice rang in Fang Ze's ear, he leaped up and began Body Tempering again!
And so, the cycle continued, repeated countless times.
Finally, when Fang Ze felt that the bones throughout his body seemed to be covered with a faint metallic sheen, Qing Ya, her face now slightly pale, finally stopped.
She wiped the fine sweat from her forehead, removed the silk scarf from her eyes, and looked at Fang Ze, who seemed more upright. Her face wore a tired smile, "Congratulations. You've finally made an entrance into the practice of Bone Tempering."
Hearing Qing Ya's words, Fang Ze also belatedly snapped out of it.
Then he clenched his fists and only felt that his bones seemed to have become harder, and his physique stronger,
Although he previously had fearsome muscles, thick tendons, and tough Skin Membrane, he always felt like something was missing. He seemed unable to fully exercise his body's strength.
But now, after his bones had been initially tempered, he finally felt his body was incredibly solid!
With this introduction to Bone Tempering as a base, he felt that, once back home, he could also try to use "Usury" to continue his enhancement!
The only problem was... he didn't have Qing Ya by his side anymore. How would he convert molten iron himself?
Thinking this, Fang Ze couldn't help but curiously ask, "Instructor, does every Martial Artist who reaches Bone Tempering need someone to assist by providing molten iron by their side?"
"Isn't this process inefficient?"
Hearing Fang Ze's words, Qing Ya gently said while sitting on the steps to rest, "More or less."
"After all, most of the Awakeners who can cultivate to the Bone Tempering stage have already advanced to the Fusion stage. Such powerful Awakeners also usually have affiliations with organizations or mentorships."
"So, there will be someone to assist them."
"However, there are also rougher methods."
"Those are significantly more dangerous."
"For example, go directly to a Steel Smelting Ground and have someone help melt a pot of molten iron."
"Then try dipping one's hands in it, or touching it, to absorb the elements."
"Such individuals, if they're talented and cautious, might not have a problem."
"But if they're of average talent or have high pain endurance and are too eager to succeed, they might end up with burns, scalds, or even bodily injury."
After listening quietly, Fang Ze nodded.
If that's the case...
He wondered if his "Usury" ability could still facilitate a direct improvement.