As a cracking sound of bones breaking emanated from Zhang Ergou's body, Chunyang Sanren's expression immediately changed.
He prepared to step forward and check on the situation.
"Chunyang, do not be rash!" Tian Dao Laoren boomed, as he had naturally recognized the extraordinary nature of the Heavenly Phoenix Body Refining technique Zhang Ergou was cultivating.
If he were to be disturbed at this moment, Zhang Ergou would very likely suffer a backlash.
Although Zhang Ergou appeared to be in great pain, everything seemed to be under control, and thus Tian Dao Laoren stopped Chunyang Sanren from intervening.
"Everyone, step back. Let Chunyang remain here to guard. The rest of you, follow me back to the main stage."
Following this, Tian Dao Laoren exchanged a glance with Chi Yu, and they made this decision.
Previously, when Zhang Ergou had taken the Bone Shattering Pill, their keen eyes had perceived its unusual nature.
Anyone present could potentially be the mastermind behind it. At such a critical moment of Zhang Ergou's cultivation and recovery, Tian Dao Laoren did not wish for any further incidents to occur.
This disciple, Zhang Ergou, had brought him too many surprises. In this outer sect grand competition, it would be no exaggeration to call Zhang Ergou the biggest dark horse.
Therefore, Tian Dao Laoren did not want such a prodigious disciple to perish right under his nose.
"Senior Brother's words are wise. We shall all step back."
Chi Yu immediately echoed, not wishing to see the disciple she favored meet such a tragic end.
Everyone present possessed late-stage Golden Core cultivation strength. At such close proximity, a subtle move could be made, and even Tian Dao Laoren would be too late to stop it.
The others, upon hearing this, promptly retreated, vanishing from the battle platform in a flash.
"What, are the three of you not planning to leave?"
Tian Dao Laoren frowned, looking at Xiayang Sanren, Qiuyang Sanren, and Yan Feng, who remained rooted to the spot.
"Senior Brother, we've discovered that the cultivation technique Zhang Ergou is practicing, while somewhat overbearing, is exceptionally effective. How about..." Xiayang Sanren narrowed his eyes, hatching a malicious scheme.
"Shut up!" Chunyang Sanren roared. "The matter of the Bone Shattering Pill has yet to be clarified, and you're now eyeing my disciple's cultivation technique? Do you truly take me, Chunyang, as a decoration?"
"Chunyang," Qiuyang Sanren sneered. "As a disciple of the Misty Sect, doesn't Zhang Ergou have an obligation to contribute to the prosperity of our sect!"
"Don't try to misappropriate me with your baseless accusations," Chunyang Sanren glared at the two who were clearly colluding. "Don't think I don't know the schemes you three are plotting."
"What is it, Chunyang," Yan Feng also scoffed, "Isn't it good to have your disciple contribute his cultivation technique to the sect, allowing more disciples to cultivate and strengthen our sect's power?"
"Or perhaps, in your heart, your disciple Zhang Ergou is more important than the future of the entire sect."
"Hahaha!" Qiao Yanyun, having returned, exclaimed, "I have never seen such a shameless person."
"Zhang Ergou obtaining such a cultivation technique is his fortune. You three old fogies coveting his technique is a pretense!"
"Your true intention is to interrupt Zhang Ergou while he is cultivating and healing, isn't it?"
Qiao Yanyun stood shoulder to shoulder with Chunyang Sanren, preventing the trio from acting desperately.
Xiayang Sanren and the others frowned, not expecting Qiao Yanyun to protect Zhang Ergou so fiercely.
If it were only Chunyang Sanren, they could have easily made a move under his nose.
Now with Qiao Yanyun added, the difficulty had increased by more than one level.
Qiao Yanyun was not only a fifth-grade alchemist but also possessed late-stage Golden Core cultivation, on par with them.
Offending Chunyang Sanren might be understandable, but offending Qiao Yanyun would mean cutting off their future path of progress.
Offending an alchemist was, by no means, a wise choice.
Furthermore, Tian Dao Laoren was silently observing from nearby. He was a genuine Nascent Soul stage mighty figure, capable of crushing them with effortless ease.
After considering this, the three exchanged glances, giving each other a subtle nod.
They then retreated rapidly, returning to their seats on the main stage.
"What's going on? Why have all the elders left?" Xiao Qingyu and the others looked at the situation on the battle platform with confusion.
"Didn't you notice Zhang Ergou's aura has changed? Although his injuries are still severe, his aura has stabilized." Su Dan Xiao Shuo Wang
Wang Teng glanced at Zhang Ergou, who was meditating.
"Indeed. Could it be that Zhang Ergou has controlled the backlash from the Bone Shattering Pill? This is simply incredible!" Yu Lin exclaimed in amazement.
They had naturally heard of the ferocity of the Bone Shattering Pill. That Zhang Ergou could endure it and control the rampant spiritual energy within his body in less than half an hour was an unbelievable feat to them.
On the battle platform, with Chunyang Sanren personally guarding him, a massive protective shield formed around Zhang Ergou's body.
Crack!
Crack!
The sound of bones breaking continued to emanate from within Zhang Ergou's body. Despite the pained expression on his face, he did not utter a sound.
Even Chunyang Sanren, who was personally guarding him, was moved by Zhang Ergou's resilience.
All along, Zhang Ergou had been largely left to his own devices.
In just half a year, Zhang Ergou had grown to this extent, something Chunyang Sanren had not anticipated.
Now, it seemed that Zhang Ergou's achievements were inseparable from his hard work and tenacity.
An ordinary person would have been crying their eyes out from the agony of broken bones.
But judging by Zhang Ergou's state, it was clear this was not his first time practicing the Heavenly Phoenix Body Refining technique.
Chunyang Sanren could only imagine the pain involved.
To break bones and regrow them required immense willpower; without it, no one could endure such torment.
Chunyang Sanren suddenly found himself unable to fully comprehend this disciple he had chanced upon.
What kind of experiences had forged his resilient character?
The sound of breaking bones continued, followed by the rupture and regrowth of meridians within Zhang Ergou's body. His entire form trembled as if being sieved.
Zhang Ergou stoically endured it all, not letting out a cry.
"Cry out if you are in pain!" Chunyang Sanren looked at the young man whose dark eyes were bloodshot, his heart aching even more.
But Zhang Ergou seemed not to have heard Chunyang Sanren's words, remaining silent.
Cold sweat covered Zhang Ergou's entire body. As the cultivation technique circulated, a faint smoke rose from his skin.
Finally, the formidable healing effect of the Heavenly Phoenix Body Refining technique took effect, and the injuries on Zhang Ergou's body began to recover at a visible rate.
The speed at which his wounds healed astonished even Chunyang Sanren standing beside him.
"What a formidable healing ability!"
The sound of breaking bones within Zhang Ergou's body gradually ceased, and his expression slowly relaxed. However, his movements did not stop.
New flesh and blood replaced the previous wounds on Zhang Ergou's body. Tian Dao Laoren, who had been observing the situation on the battle platform, narrowed his eyes.
Even with his vast knowledge, he was shocked by the overbearing nature of the cultivation technique Zhang Ergou was practicing.
To break bones and regrow them was something even Nascent Soul stage experts would not attempt lightly.
Had this Zhang Ergou gone mad? Suddenly, a large amount of heaven and earth spiritual energy began to converge on the battle platform.
"What is this?"