"So, practicing it is out of the option for now. Then I'll have to start with this Body Cultivation Technique," Han Xiao declared resolutely. With a determined gesture, he reached out for the book and touched the Devouring Curse Body Techniques, his fingertips tingling with anticipation as he prepared to delve into the mysteries of this ancient art.

As Han Xiao delved into the depths of the Devouring Curse Body Techniques, a torrent of information flooded his mind, overwhelming his senses with its sheer magnitude. He found himself in a trance-like state, his consciousness drifting as he unwittingly chanted a sutra in an archaic language that resonated with an ominous, otherworldly power.

Before him, the lifeless bodies of the three youths and the beast began to levitate in the air, suspended by unseen forces. With each passing moment, their corpses degraded rapidly, transforming into a noxious black mist that filled the air with a foul stench. The mist coalesced into three streams, entering Han Xiao's mouth and nostrils, infusing him with a dark energy that coursed through his veins like liquid fire.

For the next fifty breaths of time, he remained in this state, his body absorbing the essence of death and decay, his senses overwhelmed by the raw power of the ancient techniques he had unleashed.

As he gradually regained consciousness, Han Xiao felt a surge of newfound strength coursing through his veins, his body pulsating with an energy that felt both exhilarating and unnerving. With a sense of awe and trepidation, he realized that he had unlocked the first step on his path to mastering the forbidden arts, his destiny forever altered by the dark powers he had invoked.

With a sudden chiming sound, Han Xiao received another notification from the interface:

[Strength Training; 25% completed! Gain Strength Of 250 catty*!]

[1 Acupuncture point is open in Governing Vessel*]

[1 Acupuncture point is open in Conception Vessel*]"

These messages brought both excitement and realization to Han Xiao. His strength had increased significantly, and he had successfully opened two acupuncture points along the Governing and Conception Vessels, marking the beginning of his journey towards mastering the Devouring Curse Body Techniques. With a renewed sense of determination, he prepared to continue his cultivation, knowing that each step forward brought him closer to unlocking his true potential.

With a swift dash, Han Xiao closed the distance to a nearby willow tree and unleashed a powerful punch. "Peng~!" echoed the impact as a hole appeared at the bottom of the tree. "Hmm! Good!" he remarked with satisfaction.

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"Hahaha, also I have already completed the first quarter of the Strength Training," Han Xiao chuckled to himself, a sense of pride swelling within him as he reflected on his accomplishments. He recalled the information he had gleaned from both his own memories and the cultivation book. The first realm of body cultivation consisted of six steps: Strength Training, Flesh Training, Viscera Training, Altering Muscle, Bone Forging, and Pulse Condensation.

"And two acupuncture points are also opened. Alright, let’s see how much I have grown. Time to hunt," he declared with determination, ready to put his newfound strength and knowledge to the test in the pursuit of further cultivation and mastery. With a sense of purpose driving him forward, Han Xiao set out further into the wilderness, eager to confront the challenges that awaited him on his path to greatness.

In this world, Beasts were categorized based on their strength, with their intelligence often lagging behind their physical prowess. Despite their lack of cognitive abilities, they possessed formidable bodies and often boasted unique bloodlines. At the bottom of the hierarchy were the Ordinary Beasts, creatures with zero intelligence and no inherent bloodline abilities. While they possessed impressive physical strength, they lacked the intelligence and special powers of their more advanced counterparts.

Supposedly, when these Ordinary Beasts stumbled upon and consumed either legendary herbs or the carcasses of ancient beasts, they underwent a profound transformation, advancing to the next stage of evolution. From the Ordinary Rank, they ascended to the Soldier Rank, followed by the General Rank, the King Rank, and finally, the Emperor Rank. Each rank within the hierarchy represented a significant increase in power and prowess, with each realm comprising six stars of advancement.

For two days straight, Han Xiao encountered numerous Ordinary Beasts that charged at him with reckless abandon. However, their aggression proved futile as Han Xiao dispatched them effortlessly with a single punch, their feeble defenses no match for his newfound strength.

Using the sutra he had absorbed, Han Xiao harvested the cadavers of these beasts, channeling their essence to further enhance his own body. With each encounter, he felt his strength and resilience grow, the energy of the fallen beasts fueling his own ascension along the path of cultivation.

Observing that devouring the Ordinary Beasts yielded diminishing returns in his cultivation, Han Xiao pondered his next move. "Hmm, Ordinary Beasts aren't aiding my cultivation anymore. I should venture deeper into the forest and hunt some early-stage Soldier Rank beasts!" he concluded decisively.

With determination driving him forward, Han Xiao resolved to seek out more formidable prey, knowing that facing higher-ranked beasts would provide him with greater challenges and opportunities for growth on his journey of cultivation.

As Han Xiao ventured deeper into the forest, a sense of foreboding washed over him. The once-familiar sounds of chirping birds and buzzing insects fell silent, replaced by an eerie stillness that set his nerves on edge. Every instinct screamed at him to flee, warning of unseen dangers lurking in the shadows.

But Han Xiao refused to yield to fear. With clenched fists and gritted teeth, he stood his ground, his resolve unwavering despite the overwhelming sense of dread that engulfed him.

+1 Watched!

Curse Points: 27!

In the face of uncertainty and danger, Han Xiao remained steadfast, ready to confront whatever malevolent forces lurked in the depths of the forest.

"Hmm, something is watching me," Han Xiao muttered, his senses on high alert as he scanned his surroundings for any signs of danger. Despite his keen observation, he failed to detect anything lurking in the shadows, leaving him to confront the unsettling feeling of being watched by unseen eyes.