[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method":3,"chapter-heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-chapter-355":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Heretic Trainer: The Gym Is My Cultivation Method",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1633533,2099,"Chapter 355: Steel Demons Miscalculated Badly","heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-chapter-355",355,"\u003Cp>The Steel Demons stopped a short distance away and stared at Garion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their metallic bodies reflected the dim light, muscles thick and heavy, joints creaking slightly as they moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them stepped forward, shoulders squared, eyes cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You arrogant demon,\" he growled. \"How dare you steal the property of Count Morveth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Property?\" he repeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I dare,\" he said calmly. \"Because I killed Morveth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, everything went silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Steel Demons froze\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What did you say?\" one of them asked slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion shrugged. \"You heard me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How dare you say that!\" another roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re basically threatening a Demon Count and don’t even address him properly?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their metal skin vibrated as demonic power surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are hereby sentenced to execution,\" the leader said coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion cracked his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Try me then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Steel Demons moved at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their leader slammed his foot into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Steel Body Reinforcement]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their metallic skin thickened further, veins glowing faintly as internal pressure increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another demon raised his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Iron Momentum]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body leaned forward, weight shifting unnaturally as he charged, each step gaining speed and force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third demon clenched his fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Crushing Alloy Fists]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His knuckles hardened, edges sharpening slightly, built purely to shatter bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon watched from behind, eyes shaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steel Demons... they’re serious...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion didn’t activate anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first Steel Demon swung a massive fist straight at Garion’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion moved inside the swing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grabbed the demon’s wrist, twisted sharply, and stepped past its shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a smooth motion, he pulled and turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Steel Demon lost balance instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion slammed him into the ground shoulder-first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact cracked the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon gasped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second Steel Demon rushed in from behind, arms wrapping around Garion’s waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Iron Lock]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon tightened his grip, metal muscles compressing with crushing force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dropped his weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then shifted his hips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hooked his leg behind the demon’s knee and leaned forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grip broke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion flipped the Steel Demon over his shoulder and slammed him head-first into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Metal dented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third Steel Demon roared and charged, fists swinging wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Steel Barrage]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Punch after punch came down like hammers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion raised his arms, not to block, but to catch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grabbed one punch, pulled the demon forward, and stepped sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he wrapped his arm around the demon’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too stiff,\" Garion muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He twisted his hips and dropped backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Steel Demon’s body was lifted off the ground and slammed flat on its back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clean wrestling takedown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader snarled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re just using brute force?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yeah?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader roared and activated his full power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Tempered Steel Frame]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His entire body hardened further, surface darkening as density increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He charged straight at Garion, arms wide, planning to crush him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion didn’t retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They collided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground shook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a split second, it looked like Garion was being pushed back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he shifted his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion wrapped both arms around the Steel Demon’s torso and lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...He lifted him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion tightened his grip and twisted sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Steel Demon was spun sideways and slammed into the ground again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Garion didn’t let go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He mounted the demon’s chest, locked his arm around the neck, and squeezed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Steel Demon struggled, arms flailing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His movements slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion stood up and looked around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining Steel Demons were on the ground, groaning, dented, twisted, or unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion turned back toward the Vessel Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon was still standing where Garion had left it, body trembling, eyes wide and unfocused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its breathing was shallow, like it still couldn’t believe what it had just seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"H-how...\" the demon stammered, voice shaking. \"How the hell can you beat them so easily?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion shrugged and smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because I’m strong,\" he said simply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rolled his shoulders once, as if the fight had been nothing more than a stretch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And,\" he added, pointing a thumb at his chest, \"because I know how to use my body.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon swallowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Strong,\" it repeated quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion looked straight at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I can make you strong too,\" he said. \"Just like me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"M-me?\" it asked, disbelief filling its voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked down at its own thin arms and narrow chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can’t,\" it said quickly. \"I’m just a Vessel Demon. That’s all I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its shoulders slumped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My only worth is becoming a second body for other demons,\" it continued softly. \"A backup. A spare.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion’s smile slowly faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached up and loosened the veil around his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he removed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon gasped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stared at Garion’s face, eyes widening as confusion took over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You’re not a demon,\" it said. \"I don’t recognize your race.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its voice grew cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of demon are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion scratched his cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not,\" he said. \"I’m human.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon’s mind froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Human?\" it repeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took a step back without realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s impossible,\" it blurted out. \"Humans are weak. They’re food. Demons eat them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the words left its mouth, the Vessel Demon stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its eyes darted nervously to Garion’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I-I didn’t mean...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha,\" he said, shaking his head. \"That’s what everyone thinks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked a few steps closer, stopping right in front of the Vessel Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me ask you something,\" Garion said. \"Do you really think a human could easily beat Steel Demons if humans were weak?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...No,\" it admitted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly,\" he said. \"Strength isn’t about race. It’s about how you train your body.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed toward the unconscious Steel Demons behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They have strong bodies,\" Garion said. \"But they don’t know how to use them properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon’s eyes flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...And me?\" it asked quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re even better,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Better...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re empty,\" Garion explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tapped the demon’s chest lightly with two fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That means you can be shaped from zero.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon’s breath hitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" he said. \"You can do what I just did.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vessel Demon’s eyes began to shine faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Really?\" it asked again, this time with something new in its voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hope.\u003C\u002Fp>",1070,"2026-06-06T11:12:18.543Z",1,"novelbin.me","8ba5f95c3f25292d94ae1f45cf9bf465c89585f4428f75076e8f3082f96a7577","heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-chapter-356","heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-chapter-354",613,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fheretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-cover.jpg"]