He's testing our stamina first, I thought as I chased after the Hunting Master, who suddenly surged ahead.0

It was the first thing that needed to be assessed.0

Though I could run for three days and nights using my internal energy, I chose to rely solely on my physical power this time.0

Since my regression, I hadn't prioritized external training. Unlike internal energy, which could be rapidly enhanced in a short span, external skills demanded consistent effort and time.0

That didn't mean I could neglect them forever. To become the world's strongest, I needed mastery of both internal and external disciplines.0

In terms of internal energy, no one can match me, I reflected.0

The incident in the Jewel Mountains and the Spirit Jade I had acquired ensured that for now, and likely for a long time, I wouldn't be surpassed.0

However, my external skills and physical condition were undeniably the weakest here. The body was honest. It grew stronger through hard work and weaker through idleness and indulgence.0

At fifteen, I had been discouraged during the first blessing ceremony and wasted a year. This weakness was my own doing, and I would have to endure the pain of rehabilitation.0

I followed steadily in Tanko's footsteps.0

After running for about half an hour, I was gasping for breath. By the hour mark, my head began to spin.0

The pace exceeded...0