I'll do it myself (Please consider following and recommending!)

Many martial artists, when they first begin to practice techniques that require conscious manipulation of Bright Force, often encounter such situations. They have never before attempted deliberate, subtle control of Bright Force, and it’s quite likely that their initial efforts lead to the force slipping out of control.

The manifestations of Bright Force going awry are numerous, varying from person to person. He could not see what was happening inside Jiang Feng’s body, so he judged only by common sense. Little did he know, Jiang Feng hadn’t even started practicing the finger-pointing technique; instead, the mysterious Celestial Cube within the Heartseed had activated, automatically optimizing and improving a technique for the Bright Mind!

Gradually, Jiang Feng regained his composure. He still felt empty inside, but it was much better than before. The midday cultivation session was over, but the Heartseed could slowly absorb Bright Force from the surroundings as a daily process. Though it seemed insignificant before, now it became the best supplement.

Jiang Feng could clearly feel himself recovering bit by bit. He exhaled deeply; his face was still very pale, but his spirits had clearly improved.

Chong Fan, too, let out a breath, and comforted him, “It’s always like this the first time. Don’t rush—take it slow.”

To be comforted by a child who looked barely eleven or twelve, speaking with such mature gravity, made Jiang Feng laugh.

With Chong Fan present, Jiang Feng couldn’t check his own condition. He stood up and said, “I’m fine. You’re right—cultivation is a lifelong journey, it can’t be rushed. Slow and steady wins the race.”

Chong Fan nodded earnestly. He dragged over the bamboo basket and handed Jiang Feng a pouch, saying, “This is the income from selling goods. These are some items I think you might need. And these—I don’t recommend selling them here. You’ll need to go to Xu Chuan City for the county examination; you can get a better price there.”

Jiang Feng took the pouch and was startled by its weight.

He made no attempt to hide it, pouring the coins onto the ground and counting them in front of Chong Fan. When he finished, he looked up in disbelief: “Five hundred seventy-two silvers... That much?!”

He remembered clearly—when Chong Fan first sold half the contents of the bamboo basket, the income was about one hundred and twenty silver coins.

That time, he had sold the complete hide of a Redhorn Ox and other large items.

His latest spoils were all low-grade Bright Beasts, level four and below, which shouldn’t have fetched much. One hundred and twenty silver coins had already exceeded Jiang Feng’s expectations.

He thought the remaining items couldn’t be worth much more, but Chong Fan had just handed him a small fortune!

Five hundred seventy-two silvers, plus new equipment and leftover materials... How had he managed it?

“It’s simple,” Chong Fan replied, relaxed and confident. “Just buying low and selling high, making a profit on the margin. Unfortunately, the time was short and the market small, so I could only earn this much.”

He sighed, and Jiang Feng realized time had passed even faster than he’d imagined—it was already late afternoon, nearing the closing of the Half-Month Market.

Jiang Feng could tell there was no hint of boasting in Chong Fan’s words. He merely stated the facts, yet the very simplicity left Jiang Feng speechless.

In a single day, with mere low-grade Bright Beast materials, to earn over five hundred silvers at the modest Half-Month Market of Lu Ming Town...

What kind of environment and education could produce a child of this age with such ability?

In truth, those who knew Chong Fan well would be even more astonished by this story. Chong Fan’s talents applied to petty trading in a small town’s market—calling it “using a butcher’s blade to kill a chicken” would be an understatement; it was an outrageous waste.

But now, Jiang Feng simply patted Chong Fan’s shoulder and smiled, “Thanks!”

He slung an arm around Chong Fan’s shoulder, saying, “Come on, let’s go—big brother’s treating you to a feast!”

Chong Fan felt the weight on his shoulder, and his heart grew heavy too, as if something was swelling inside him. He smiled, “Alright!”

As dusk settled, Lu Ming Town lit up with flickering lanterns, as if waiting for travelers to return home.

The town was small—by day, it might seem a bit shabby, but at night, it took on a unique warmth.

Shops closed early; a tailor’s sign had just been put away, wooden doors closing, when a figure rushed forward and held them open.

Jiang Feng caught the edge of the door, smiling, “Uncle Dong, could you stay open a little longer? I want to buy two sets of clothes for my brother.”

Lu Ming Town was not large, and most townsfolk knew each other.

Long ago, Jiang Feng’s neighbor aunt in South Jiang often brought knotted cords or embroidered handkerchiefs to the town to exchange for money. Jiang Feng had learned to run errands as a child, earning a pittance to get by, and thus became familiar with the tailor’s shop.

Later, when he followed the young lady to learn martial arts, his visits to Lu Ming Town became less frequent, but the townsfolk knew he had caught the young lady’s favor and were happy for him.

The elderly shopkeeper blinked in surprise, then pulled Jiang Feng inside, “Haven’t seen you in so long. The Jiang family says you committed a grave offense and ran away—what happened?”

He’d watched Jiang Feng grow up, knowing the boy was stubborn by nature, but if you treated him well, he’d repay you tenfold.

The Jiang family hadn’t treated him particularly well, but there remained a thread of kinship. Given Jiang Feng’s disposition, even for that tiny bit of affection, he wouldn’t have done anything drastic.

Jiang Feng replied lightly, “Oh, I burned the young lady’s house. I’m living on Taiwu Mountain now.”

“You burned the young lady’s house?!” Uncle Dong’s eyes went wide with disbelief! He instinctively began to ask, “You...” but stopped himself, realizing something, and patted Jiang Feng’s shoulder, speaking softly, “You’re a good kid. You must have your reasons. I won’t ask.”

Chong Fan had quietly stood behind Jiang Feng all along. Uncle Dong looked him over, “A new face, eh? You’re the one needing clothes? Come, let me measure you...”

Jiang Feng lowered his head and laughed. Uncle Dong’s intent to change the subject was clear. He trusted Jiang Feng, didn’t pry further, and that moved Jiang Feng deeply.

Chong Fan, though unaware of the details, seemed to sense something, his gaze flickering as he obediently followed Uncle Dong to the counter.

Uncle Dong measured Chong Fan, grumbling as he worked, “Xiao Feng, you probably don’t know. I hear the Jiang family is about to make a big move.”

Jiang Feng pulled out a chair and sat to one side, asking, “What kind of move?”

“Just a few days ago, the Jiang family brought in a teacher from outside, now staying in North Jiang. This teacher seems to be quite the big shot. Word is, he’s here to coach the young ones for the big exam!”

He shook his head, “Last year, only two Jiang family members passed the county exam, and nothing came of the provincial exam. Looks like they’re planning something big this time!”

Jiang Feng’s eyes dropped, his heart boiling.

A year with the young lady had deepened his understanding of the Jiang family.

Their strength was dwindling every year; with their connections, how could they possibly attract a ‘big shot’ as a teacher?

There must be a connection to Lord Hidden Current!

The Jiang family’s grand move was paid for by selling the young lady!

He raised his head, a cold glint in his eyes. Did the Jiang family hope to trade the young lady for the revival of their clan?

Hmph!

Uncle Dong worked quickly, soon finishing Chong Fan’s measurements and bringing him two sets of clothes to try.

Perhaps noting his distinctive bearing, Uncle Dong had chosen two scholar’s robes of good material.

Jiang Feng glanced at them and shook his head, “Uncle Dong, could you swap them for something else? These robes are too restrictive for mountain living.”

Uncle Dong was startled, “Your friend lives in the mountains too? He doesn’t look the type...”

He scratched his head, saying, “There’s no ready-made short outfits in his size, I’ll need to alter some. Xiao Feng, wait a bit, it’ll be done soon!”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Chong Fan’s stomach grumbled audibly. Jiang Feng laughed, stood up, and patted his shoulder, “Let’s eat first, we’ll be back soon. Uncle Dong, sorry for the trouble!”

Jiang Feng took Chong Fan to the largest restaurant in Lu Ming Town and handed him the menu to pick dishes.

Chong Fan glanced over it casually and chose a few dishes. Jiang Feng listened, then snatched the menu away, shaking his head, “You’re not a rabbit—why only vegetarian dishes? Even my rabbits eat meat!”

Chong Fan pursed his lips and said nothing.

Jiang Feng kept his selections, but added three meat dishes.

When the food arrived, Jiang Feng rested his chin on his hand, gazing out the window. Chong Fan sat upright across from him and suddenly asked, “You’re not very happy, are you?”

Jiang Feng was taken aback, then feigned lightness, “No, I’m fine. Today’s Half-Month Market was a great success—thanks to you, it’s my first time eating here. When I came to Lu Ming Town as a child, I used to dream that one day, when I’d earned lots of money, I’d treat myself here...”

Under Chong Fan’s gaze, his voice gradually faded, and he finally sighed, ruffling his hair, admitting, “I have a grudge against the Jiang family. Hearing they’re doing well upsets me.”

Chong Fan raised an eyebrow, replying coolly, “You don’t seem like someone who swallows his anger.”

Jiang Feng laughed aloud, “That’s right, I certainly am not.”

A waiter approached, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of fish soup.

Jiang Feng picked up a bowl, served Chong Fan first, then poured himself one. His movements were slow but steady—not a drop spilled. If one looked closely, the portions were exactly equal.

Jiang Feng muttered, “What does the Jiang family want most? They’ve been declining for so many years—if things keep going, they might not even remain the town’s leader. They’re desperate to use this exam to regain some status.”

“A capable teacher? Maybe more than that. The Jiang family may try their luck—skipping the county exam, sending their candidates straight to the provincial or prefectural exams.”

The words spoken by Thornwood to the young lady that day echoed in his mind.

The young lady had asked Thornwood for a Celestial Order; what had Thornwood said? Only Lord Hidden Current could directly grant Provincial or Prefectural Orders.

Jiang Feng knew exactly what the Jiang family wanted.

This time, by making such a show of hiring a teacher and preparing for the exam, they were likely asking Lord Hidden Current for a higher-level Celestial Order. They wanted to seize this opportunity to restore their family!

Chong Fan nodded, “Though normally, the provincial and prefectural exams are much harder than the county exam, the examiners’ preferences and requirements differ. Someone who can’t pass the county exam may still excel at higher levels—it’s not impossible.”

He left something unsaid, but Jiang Feng understood.

The higher the exam level, the greater the influence of figures like Lord Hidden Current.

How the Jiang family obtained their Celestial Order—perhaps even the examiners would take it into account.

Chong Fan picked up the fish soup, took a small sip, wrinkling his nose at the faint fishiness. He put down the bowl and asked calmly, “Do you need my help?”

Jiang Feng knew Chong Fan must be of extraordinary origin, though his true identity remained unclear. Still, this youth was always careful and self-assured—if he offered help, he was sure to be capable.

Jiang Feng studied Chong Fan for a moment, then smiled and downed his bowl of soup, “No need. This... I want to handle myself!”

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