Clothes are truly the greatest invention of mankind

Gathering Demon Island, at Spirit Medicine Peak.

“Oh! It’s Xiao Yan! Are you here to buy something?”

Hearing this, Bai Yan nodded. She looked at a few medicinal herbs on the display stand in the distance and pointed back and forth with her slender, jade-like hand.

The broad-chested female cultivator behind the counter turned around and grabbed a few packets of herbs.

At the same time, she chatted idly, “Was the sleeping sachet you bought for your insomnia before effective? If not, you can try this soul-bewitching incense. I guarantee you’ll sleep until dawn, and no noise will wake you…”

Hearing this, Bai Yan’s dim eyes lit up. She nodded, her intentions unknown.

“Alright, I’ll wrap it up for you right away.”

The female cultivator smiled slightly, but when she was arranging a certain item, her hand paused. “This medicine, Xiao Yan, what are you buying it for?”

“…” Bai Yan remained silent. The female cultivator looked at those desolate eyes and knew that asking was pointless.

She shook her head and only reminded her:

“Then remember to be careful. This is a new product developed by the Medicine Cauldron Hall. Using too much of it is not good for your body.”

Bai Yan nodded. Looking at the item in her hand, a strange emotion rippled faintly in the depths of her dark, quiet eyes.

Under the dazzling sunlight.

Divine Machine Peak presented another strange scene.

Xiao Yu had originally thought that the so-called training would involve men on top of men, with purple qi coming from the east.

After all, there was really no sense of security when surrounded by a group of naked men.

But in reality, he only went through a few fist stances and performed a set of blood-pumping punches.

With a series of crackling sounds.

Xiao Yu successfully broke through his shackles, his aura soaring, and reached the first realm of a martial artist, the Clay Embryo Realm.

Speaking of which, the realms of cultivators were divided into three major stages.

The Lower Nine Realms, the Middle Six Realms, and the Upper Three Realms.

Among them, the Lower Nine Realms were the absolute foundation of cultivation, without specific names, collectively called the Nine Levels of Spiritual Charm.

The first three levels were Body Tempering (anyone can do it, even without spiritual roots; successful cultivation makes one a so-called martial artist among mortals).

The middle three levels were Qi Nurturing (this has certain requirements, needing spiritual roots to absorb spiritual energy; anyone with spiritual roots can do it).

The final three levels were Qi Refining (anyone with spiritual roots can do it).

Only by stepping into the Qi Refining stage could one truly be considered a cultivator.

However, that was only the beginning.

Nowadays, as long as one had spiritual roots, they could cultivate to the Qi Refining stage.

This wasn’t about talent; it was just the basics.

The next stage after Qi Refining.

Was the first realm of the Middle Six Realms, the Foundation Establishment Realm.

This realm had extremely high requirements for a cultivator’s talent and resources.

And thus, it filtered out the vast majority of mortals who sought immortality.

After Foundation Establishment came Baopu, Core Formation, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and Spirit Transformation.

The final three realms were Spirit Refining, Immortal, and Ascension.

It was said that after ascension, one would become a true immortal. Currently, no one could reach that realm. It seemed there was some kind of barrier between ascension and becoming an immortal.

Martial artists, on the other hand, had a completely different cultivation system.

The first three realms were: Clay Embryo Realm, Wood Fetus Realm, and Mercury Realm.

The middle three realms were: Hero Realm, Valiant Soul Realm, and Martial Gall Realm.

The final three realms were: Golden Body Realm, Far Roaming Realm, and Mountain Peak Realm.

After that was the Zenith Realm (divided into three layers). It was said that there was another realm above the Zenith Realm, a lost realm.

Martial artists were not simply body refiners among cultivators. They needed to refine their body, qi, and spirit. They were a small world unto themselves, not needing external spiritual energy.

However, Xiao Yu really wanted to say, why was there no Bronze Refining Realm? As cultivators of our generation, we should… ahem.

In short, Xiao Yu had now barely entered the threshold of a martial artist.

He clenched his fist, feeling his body, which was much stronger than before, and sighed inwardly:

‘So this is what it feels like to be a martial artist?’

‘This is really… sekkou ni high-tech da ze! It’s quite easy.’

“How about it! Isn’t this much stronger than you all!”

He raised his arms high, his bronze-colored body glistening under the sunlight.

Soon, a chorus of enthusiastic approval came from the surroundings:

“Not bad! Xiao Yu, you’ve entered the martial artist path so quickly.”

“Impressive! To reach the first realm of a martial artist in just one morning. Xiao Yu, it seems your potential as a martial artist is not weak! Why don’t you switch to cultivating as a martial artist? With the guidance of us few, I guarantee you’ll break through to the Zenith Realm before you’re thirty!”

“Of course! Who am I? Never mind thirty years, I’ll break through for you on the spot.”

Xiao Yu laughed heartily, clearly getting a little carried away by the praise.

“That’s a bit of an exaggeration, isn’t it?”

“Kid Yu can’t even explode his clothes. Don’t talk such big words.”

“A mere clothes explosion is simple. Watch me demonstrate.”

Saying that, Xiao Yu circulated his true qi.

Peng!

Scraps of clothing scattered on the ground. But unlike Fan Hai and the others, Xiao Yu had left himself a pair of underpants.

“Not bad!”

“You kid have finally grasped the essence of a martial artist.”

“So-so, about a seven out of ten,” Fan Hai said, nodding with his arms crossed, with an expression of a teachable student.

“Hahaha, how about that? If I wasn’t concerned about my face, I’d really like to show you all my big cannon!”

“You’re a bit overconfident, aren’t you, kid? A mere bean sprout.”

“The more a person lacks something, the more they will emphasize it.”

He was somewhat infected by the atmosphere. It had been a long time since he had relaxed like this.

During those years as the protagonist’s stand-in, he had always followed the novel’s plot. In the end, it wasn’t him. It was like wearing a mask.

And besides, exploding his clothes was indeed satisfying.

Due to the martial arts practice, his qi and blood surged, making him feel very hot. When his clothes exploded, the cool breeze on his skin felt like letting himself go.

“What… what are you doing? Sob… you people are… mmm… perverts!”

Suddenly, a cry of surprise came from behind. Xiao Yu’s body stiffened. He slowly turned his head and saw several graceful women. From their attire, it seemed they were here to enjoy the scenery nearby.

The leading woman, after scolding with a blush on her face, covered her eyes with one hand. At the same time, her other hand didn’t forget to cover the eyes of a yellow-robed young girl behind her.

However, the wide-open eyes peeking through the gaps in her fingers made it seem as if she hadn’t covered them at all.

‘This man’s figure… is surprisingly good.’

The leading woman’s small mouth gaped as she thought shyly.

“Ah… Senior Sister, don’t cover my eyes! I want to see too.”

“Pah! What’s there to see? At such a young age, aren’t you afraid of getting a sty?”

Hearing this, the woman turned around and knocked hard on the yellow-robed girl’s forehead.

“Hey! Ouch, ouch, ouch…”

Among the other accompanying women, some shyly covered their eyes, while others covered their mouths, their eyes shining as they whispered to their companions:

“Wow! Is this the group silver party mentioned in the books? Man on man, eh…”

‘What silver party? Don’t jump to conclusions and make baseless claims!’

The corners of Xiao Yu’s mouth twitched a few times.

The slightly older ones, however, made no effort to hide their gazes, staring straight at the half-naked Xiao Yu, their crystalline eyes shining with a fervent light as their pink tongues licked the corners of their mouths.

One even threw Xiao Yu a flirtatious glance.

Xiao Yu was not bad-looking, with bright eyes and white teeth, black hair and a white robe that fluttered. He looked very much like the heroic figure girls yearned for in storybooks. It was just that his current appearance, wearing only a pair of underpants, looked very much like a pervert.

“Er… this… can you believe me when I say it was an accident?”

Instinctively covering himself, Xiao Yu tried to explain to the girls, especially the leader, though his voice lacked confidence.

He vaguely recognized them—they were disciples from Hundred Flowers Sect. Once, when they sailed into the Sea of Forbidden Tides searching for treasures, a massive wave capsized their ship. Luckily, they washed up on Demon Gathering Island and survived.

Since they couldn’t leave, they settled down and established Hundred Flowers Peak here.

Xiao Yu wanted to explain. But facts spoke louder than words—and none were given the chance.

In ancient times, standing half-naked in front of women was practically equivalent to indecent exposure.

“Oh… looks like we came at a bad time. You two keep at it… we’ll just go now! A Yin, stop looking. All of you, hurry up and leave.”

The scene was too embarrassing. The girl’s ears flushed red as she dragged away her curious juniors.

Clearly, in their minds, Xiao Yu was already labeled a pervert.

“No! It was just an accident! I’m not some exhibitionist freak! Dammit!”

Xiao Yu mimicked the classic ‘wronged lover’ pose, but could only watch helplessly as the girls left.

If he chased after them half-naked, he’d become a suspicious peeping tom—and if word reached the Discipline Hall, he’d be facing jail time.

Kneeling on the ground, he pounded it with his fists and cried out:

“How did it come to this?!”

Well, at least he wasn’t the only one exposed.

Trying to comfort himself with that thought, Xiao Yu turned toward Fan Hai for support—but what he saw nearly blinded him.

Golden light.

Blinding golden light.

Almost searing his eyes.

Fan Hai and the others had somehow activated the金刚不坏童子身 (Adamantine Unyielding Youth Body), radiating brilliant gold, making their bodies indistinguishable.

Against such holy-like radiance, Xiao Yu’s lone underwear-clad form stood out even more—like the spotlight-stealing main character in a stage play.

Xiao Yu’s face froze again.

“Aiyo! Morals are declining!”

“Indeed! Xiao Yu, even if you’re hot, you shouldn’t strip like that! And you were seen by the Hundred Flowers Peak girls—the neighbors. If they report it to the Discipline Hall, you might get expelled.”

“Next time, be more careful!”

“Never thought you’d enjoy running around naked so much.”

Fan Hai and the others shook their heads, as if saying what can you do? Just be more cautious next time.

“Are you kidding me?! Aren’t you guys even worse? You were completely naked!”

“It’s different,” Fan Hai replied seriously, shaking his head. “That’s exactly why we cultivated the Adamantine Unyielding Youth Body.”

“Isn’t it also for shirt-busting?”

“Well, partly. But mainly because the golden glow hides our bodies—we’re not running around naked. Like just now, as soon as the Hundred Flowers Sect girls arrived, we activated the technique. They couldn’t see anything.”

“So you still did it for shirt-busting! Annoying!”

Xiao Yu slumped to the ground. I’m totally socially ruined. I should’ve learned the Adamantine Unyielding Youth Body before bursting out of my clothes.

Suddenly, he remembered Liu Shicheng.

And him too!

Right—he surely doesn’t know the Adamantine Unyielding Youth Body!

Unfortunately, just then, a hand slapped onto Xiao Yu’s shoulder as Liu Shicheng approached with a sigh:

“Didn’t expect Xiao Yu to integrate so quickly with them… so unrestrained. Truly, I admire you, Liu Shicheng…”

“Can you fake a little less enthusiasm when you speak?”

“Sorry, it’s just my first time seeing someone proudly showing off his lack of modesty in front of ladies… hahaha!”

“What are you laughing at? You didn’t even…”

Before he could finish, Xiao Yu turned to look—only to find Liu Shicheng fully clothed.

“What? Me? I’m not like someone . Besides, even if I wanted to strip, I wouldn’t have the ability.”

Liu Shicheng waved his hands dismissively, even adjusting his robe smugly.

Unbeknownst to him, towering figures had already gathered behind him.

“Hey hey! Little Liu, look—Xiao Yu, who came later than you, already learned it. Guess your training intensity still isn’t enough!”

A thick arm locked around Liu Shicheng’s neck. His face stiffened, trying to protest—

But Fan Hai cut him off mercilessly and dragged him backward:

“Nope. Extra drills! No meals until you learn it.”

“Ah! I’m just a sword cultivator! Have mercy!”

“Exactly why you need extra practice. Look at your skinny arms and legs—you’d be smashed by a single punch from a martial artist. And Xiao Yu’s a sword cultivator too—he still managed to breakthrough!”

“Wait! Xiao Yu! Save me! Save me!”

Facing Liu Shicheng’s desperate plea, Xiao Yu hesitated for a moment. Then, under Liu’s hopeful gaze, he finally spoke:

“Hey, Big Brother Fan, don’t you think Liu Shicheng hasn’t broken through because he’s still dressed? Look, we all stripped, right?”

“That makes sense!” Fan Hai nodded approvingly.

“XIAO YU, YOU BASTARD!!” Liu Shicheng’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull.

Immediately afterward—

“Come on! Wang Da, Wang Er, hold him down! Don’t let him struggle. We’re all men—what’s there to be shy about? Let me take his clothes off!”

“Yes, sir!” ×2.

Because we’re men is exactly why this is terrifying!!

As Liu Shicheng watched in horror, two muscular brutes stepped forward.

Enemy embarrassed—let’s strip their clothes!

“NOOOOOOOO!!!”

His anguished scream echoed across the entire Golden Stone Peak.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yu quietly slipped into the clothes Liu Shicheng had just been stripped of.

Ah!

Indeed, clothing was humanity’s greatest invention. So much comfort!

Xiao Yu ran his hands over his newly worn clothes, filled with gratitude.