Martial Peak - Rise Of The Human Emperor-Chapter 74-Yang Kai’s Martial Skills:

After a long, arduous series of battles, the final stone statue collapsed with a thunderous crash that echoed across the quiet cavern. Dust and bits of rubble scattered in every direction, but the sound was soon followed by a triumphant cheer.

Nie Yong grinned from ear to ear, clearly exhausted but jubilant. "We did it! There were a hundred statues, and we've managed to destroy them all. That means we've got at least twenty stone babies!"

That statement immediately lit a fire in everyone's eyes.

If twenty stone babies were to be divided among the five of them, it meant each person could receive four Martial Skills—an opportunity that would make any cultivator's heart race.

Each Martial Skill was of Earth Grade at the very least. Back in the sect, acquiring even one would require an unimaginable number of Contribution Points, along with endless favors and approvals. But now, through sheer determination and battle, they had earned them for free.

The group, hearts full of anticipation and greed, nodded to one another and quickly took out Medicine Pills from their storage bags. With the battles over, now was the time to recover their strength and prepare for the refining process.

Everyone, except for Yang Kai.

He sat silently at the edge of the group, not taking out any pills. It wasn't that he didn't want to—he simply didn't have any. But he didn't need them either. Unlike the others, he hadn't been directly involved in the most physically taxing portions of the battle. His role had been tactical—luring statues, baiting them, distracting them. It required speed and stamina, but not brute strength. So while the others meditated to restore their Qi, Yang Kai remained seated with a steady breath and an alert mind.

Nie Yong, meanwhile, had his own ambitions. As they all prepared to meditate, he tried to inch closer to Lan Chudie with a smirk on his face, clearly wanting to sit beside her. "Lan Apprentice Sister, how about—"

But she turned her head sharply, her face suddenly cold and distant. She waved him off with a dismissive hand.

The awkwardness in Nie Yong's expression was almost pitiful.

Yang Kai couldn't help but sneer internally. A man like that, trying to curry favor with a woman like her? He'll never succeed.

Lan Chudie was a woman of ambition. She wasn't the type to be swayed by shallow compliments or puppy-like loyalty. For someone to win her heart, they would have to surpass her in every way—strength, confidence, intelligence, and status. Only when she admired someone would she offer her heart.

She was no romantic idealist. Beneath her graceful and gentle front was a realist—calculating, proud, and entirely aware of her own charm. She wouldn't waste her time with someone like Nie Yong. To her, he was merely a pawn—convenient to have around, but ultimately disposable.

"Let's not waste any more time," Zuo An interjected, cutting through the tension. "Let's distribute the stone babies and start refining. The sooner we strengthen ourselves, the better."

Lan Chudie nodded. "Agreed." She reached into her bag and retrieved all twenty stone babies, placing them in a neat pile before the group..

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All 20 glowed faintly, intricate red veins pulsing through them like blood vessels. The group leaned in, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Each stone baby had a nearly identical pattern of veins—thirty red lines weaving across their surfaces—indicating that they were of the same grade. Likely all Earth Grade Low or Middle. However, there was no way of telling what type of Martial Skill each contained without refining them. It was a game of chance now.

But even if someone ended up with the least impressive Martial Skill among the 20, it would still be Earth Grade—more than worthy of celebration.

"So," Nie Yong asked, trying to sound casual, "who should pick first?"

He clearly wanted to go first but wasn't shameless enough to say it outright.

Lan Chudie gave a dazzling smile. "I think Yang Kai should choose first. He took the most risks during the battle and suffered some injuries. It's only fair."

Her tone was warm and noble, designed to paint her as fair and considerate. But Yang Kai saw through the act. She wasn't doing it out of gratitude—this was a calculated move to win goodwill from the others and solidify her image as a just leader.

Still, he didn't refuse.

"Since Female Apprentice Sister says so, then I'll go first." He stepped forward and picked up 4 of the 20 stone babies without hesitation. Then, he quietly walked back and took his seat.

The rest selected in turn.

Lan Chudie took hers with grace, Zuo An with calm acceptance, Nie Yong with barely restrained excitement, and Du Yishuang with a quiet smile.

Once the distribution was complete, Lan Chudie addressed them, "Now that we've all chosen, let's go and refine them. After one day, we'll gather again at this spot."

Everyone nodded in agreement and began to leave, each finding their own secluded space.

Before Yang Kai could leave, Du Yishuang approached and lightly tapped his shoulder. "Yang Kai, let me help you wrap your wounds."

Yang Kai blinked in surprise, then gave a grateful smile. "Thank you."

Lan Chudie, overhearing their conversation, gave a brief glance backward. Her delicate brows twitched slightly before she turned and left without a word.

Once the others were gone, only Du Yishuang and Yang Kai remained at the meeting spot.

"I'll wait a little longer," Du Yishuang said softly. "If the Martial Skill from your stone baby isn't useful, I don't mind trading mine with you. I'm not too concerned about getting something strong."

Yang Kai chuckled. "There's no need. An Earth Grade Martial Skill is still a treasure no matter what form it takes."

"Well, aren't you confident," she said with a playful huff. Once she finished bandaging his hand, she stood up. "Alright, I'll go cultivate now. See you tomorrow."

Yang Kai watched her leave, then turned and walked deeper into the cave until he found a quiet corner surrounded by tall stone formations.

He sat down and pulled out a stone babies—one he had quietly pocketed during an earlier fight. He hadn't told anyone about it.

This one he had golden veins, more numerous and complex.

Yang Kai's eyes lit up.

What kind of Martial Skill does this contain?

If thirty red veins indicated an Earth Middle Grade Martial Skill, then this golden-veined stone baby might be Earth High Grade—or even Heaven Grade!

The thought made his breath quicken.

That risk was worth it.

But now, a new problem presented itself. He had only a day's time, and refining the higher-grade Martial Skill would take much longer. For now, it was better to learn the lower-grade Martial Skill and boost his strength quickly.

He focused on the red-veined stone baby first. Pouring his Yuan Qi into it, he slowly followed the flow of energy outlined within the skill.

Two hours passed.

By the time he opened his eyes again, the stone baby had turned to dust in his hands. But Yang Kai didn't frown.

He had already memorized the complete Martial Skill.

And from this process, 4 powerful Martial Skills were now engraved in his mind:

Yang Kai's Martial Skills:

Burning Sun's BlastYang Kai gathers all his power into a single point within his body, compressing Yuan Qi to its limit. He then releases it outward in a violent blast, dealing massive area damage. It's powerful but consumes significant energy.

Disguise TechniqueAllows the user to morph their body's shape and facial features. Perfect for infiltration, escape, or misleading enemies. The transformation can last several hours with enough Qi support.

Divine Dragon's WingsTemporarily generates ethereal wings formed of Qi on the back, allowing for short-distance flight. It is perfect for dodging attacks, crossing terrain, or gaining air advantage in combat.

Swift Phantom Steps (Movement Skill)An advanced footwork technique. It enhances speed and allows for rapid directional shifts, evasive movement, and increased agility in combat. Crucial for survival against multiple opponents.

With these 4 Martial Skills, Yang Kai's foundation had reached a new level.

And the golden-veined stone baby was still untouched.

Yang Kai took a deep breath, his gaze steady.

And with that thought, he closed his eyes, letting the power settle into his meridians, preparing for what came next.