Chapter 102: Gains and Guidance (Combined Chapter—Please Subscribe)

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The journey went smoothly.

Before nightfall, the group finally arrived at Qian Family Village.

Prepared in advance, Shopkeeper Xu Zhisheng hastily called out to help light the fire and cook the meal.

An hour later, after they had eaten their fill, Chen Yushu was assigned to stay at a villager’s home. Although the accommodations were somewhat inconvenient, the rural village was simple by nature, leaving little room for complaint.

Fortunately, he had a room to himself, ensuring decent privacy.

“It’s finally over!” Chen Yushu sat cross-legged at the bedside, exhaling a long breath of relief.

Xiaoyin squatted in a corner of the room, fiddling repeatedly with a few small stones—Yingu jade. This substance was formed only by vengeful spirits or malevolent ghosts, an extremely rare occurrence. Even among dozens of such entities, few would condense into these stones.

Besides the one she had from the Ghost Grudge Cave, Xiaoyin held four more, underscoring the number of malevolent ghosts that had perished by Qiao’er’s hand before now.

Certainly, not a small figure.

“Indeed,” Chen Yushu mused inwardly, “whether it’s the Hidden Yin Technique, the Seven Star Step, or the Demon Purging Art, these three ‘arts’ gain the most experience only in real combat against formidable evil spirits and wrathful ghosts.”

He recalled the Hidden Yin Technique. When he first ascended the mountain, it was only at a minor proficiency level—though his experience was not insignificant, he was still nearly halfway from minor to full mastery.

But upon confronting that sinister ghostly woman, a single use of the Hidden Yin Technique elevated him to full mastery.

It was precisely this that allowed him to subdue her decisively.

Not only did his Hidden Yin Technique advance, but the realms of the Seven Star Step and Demon Purging Art also rose directly.

Seven Star Step: Proficient (169/200)

Demon Purging Art: Proficient (152/200)

Both nearing the threshold to the next stage, minor mastery.

“Training and actual use truly differ greatly,” Chen Yushu reflected. “Practice mechanically accumulates experience, but wielding these arts in combat involves myriad considerations. Although the techniques are executed similarly, the experience gained far surpasses mere practice.”

With this thought, he began cycling through the three arts in his room, practicing diligently.

Seven Star Step +1

Demon Purging Art +1

Hidden Yin Technique +1

Though each attempt yielded only limited experience, he welcomed the steady progress. The sensation of growth through cultivation was deeply satisfying, and the slowness was only relative—compared to others, his rate was rapid indeed.

He continued until his incense spiritual cultivation was completely expended, then paused.

From his pocket, he produced a black orb.

A soul bead!

One of the two he had collected in the Ghost Grudge Cave.

“One soul bead can increase my incense spiritual cultivation by over thirty points. With two, after absorption, I should be able to push my cultivation from one incense stick’s completion to the level of two incense sticks,” Chen Yushu said with a spark of excitement.

He knew soul beads were rare.

After all, wrathful ghosts were hard to find and even harder to defeat.

Ordinary people—even those with internal power—would find such beings troublesome, especially since they could not see them, putting them at a disadvantage.

As for the Shadow Walkers, though Chen Yushu struck consecutively, except for two wrathful ghosts, he had relied on external assistance.

The first time, with Master Ma and Shopkeeper Xu, both with spiritual cultivation at three incense sticks, chipping away at the enemy’s strength, he was able to use talismans successfully.

This time, he capitalized on the opponent’s attempt to use “ghostly words” to deceive him. Seeing through it, he struck first, using all his means and talismans, which were significantly depleted, to subdue the ghost.

A face-to-face battle would be unpredictable.

Moreover, not every wrathful ghost leaves behind a soul bead upon defeat.

From the four wrathful ghosts in the cave, he had obtained only two soul beads, confirming this fact.

He then glanced at his attribute panel.

Immortal Technique Proficiency: One incense stick (42/100)

“This cultivation is somewhat weak. The higher the spiritual cultivation, the greater the power when performing the same technique.

For instance, the Hidden Yin Technique’s power differs greatly when executed at low cultivation versus mid-level one incense stick.

Therefore, improving my strength as much as possible can never be a mistake.”

Without hesitation, Chen Yushu entered deep meditation.

With a thought, he connected his mental power to the soul beads, drawing in their spiritual particles.

Countless particles were pulled out swiftly and absorbed, transforming within him.

His deep meditation state—at the great calm level—allowed him to absorb and convert more spiritual particles faster.

Incense Spiritual Cultivation +1

Incense Spiritual Cultivation +1

…

He continued until his mind grew slightly restless, making it difficult to maintain meditation.

He stopped, aware that absorbing too many spiritual particles in a short time could disrupt his mental state.

Excessive absorption might allow the resentment, malevolent energy, and attachments contained within those particles to influence him, possibly altering his temperament.

This balance was crucial.

Fortunately, Chen Yushu’s meditation was indeed at a high level—Great Calm!

Ordinary wrathful ghosts’ attachments could not affect him.

When absorbing spiritual particles from soul beads, he never felt any other emotions.

They were assimilated instantly without stirring a ripple in his calm heart.

After resting, Chen Yushu resumed meditation, commencing formal practice of the White Tiger Visualization Technique.

White Tiger Visualization Technique +5

Incense Spiritual Cultivation +1

…

While Chen Yushu and his companions rested in Qian Family Village, within the Ghost Grudge Cave, in an extremely yin area, a sudden “bang” sounded from a small hillock.

A pale hand extended from the mound, followed moments later by a second hand.

These hands were ghastly white, save for long blackened fingernails.

The two hands probed the soil, seemingly sensing something.

After a long pause, with a loud rumble, a towering figure clad in a groom’s outfit leapt out from the mound.

It stood still, searching, turning about, then swiftly darted into the forest.

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Suddenly, it stopped abruptly beside a dilapidated bridal sedan chair, emitting a piercing howl.

The howl startled all creatures within tens of miles; the entire forest fell silent.

Even birds fleeing the scene dared not utter a sound.

…

The next morning.

Chen Yushu awoke from his meditation and checked his attributes.

Immortal Technique Proficiency: One incense stick (53/100)

Absorbing the soul beads had granted him nine points—in other words, his overnight cultivation increased two points.

Quite a respectable efficiency.

He rose to leave, but the woman next door was already up, boiling water and cooking rice.

Seeing him, she warmly invited, “Young brother, you’re up! I’ve made porridge and steamed rice—please eat something later.”

“No need for such hospitality. Shopkeeper Xu should have prepared breakfast; I’ll eat there later,” Chen Yushu waved off politely.

“There’s no need for formalities. Our whole Qian Family Village basically relies on your Liu Family Apothecary. The mountain herbs and medicines all go there. Preparing some food for you is nothing.”

The woman’s tone was hearty.

At that moment, the eldest son of the household emerged, smiling, “Brother, just eat a bit, it’s nothing fancy, just a token of goodwill.”

Chen Yushu glanced at the basin filled with prepared chicken and duck, along with cured meats laid on the chopping board, served in a bowl in generous portions.

This was “just a bit to eat”?

Such a meal would be considered a feast for ordinary villagers, usually reserved for honored guests.

The early morning preparation and warm invitation stirred his quiet contemplation.

After a pause, he said, “Uncle, auntie, if you have any business, just say it. There’s no gain without effort. Even if you prepare all this, I dare not accept it without reason.”

The two exchanged glances.

Then the man addressed a child a few years younger than Chen Yushu inside the house.

“It’s like this: my son has wanted to learn martial arts since he was young.

We thought of sending him to your apothecary as an apprentice.”

Chen Yushu nodded silently.

“But your apothecary requires a precious medicine as a condition to take apprentices.

Precious herbs are hard to find.

Even on Tianyuan Mountain, not everyone can gather them.

Two specimens a year is considered good; sometimes only one.

Yet, how many gatherers does the village have?

At least several dozen.

Though we want to send our son, the lack of precious herbs has kept us from making it happen.”

“But there’s nothing I can do. That’s Liu Family Apothecary’s rule. I cannot change it.”

Chen Yushu shook his head.

“We heard you’re Master Su’s disciple in the town, so maybe you can speak up for us?”

The woman cautiously asked.

Chen Yushu frowned, shaking his head again.

“I already said, that’s a rule from above. Even if my master came, it might not be changed.

If you want help, look for the third young lady at the apothecary. She’s the official Liu family member from the county.”

Without hesitation, Chen Yushu shamelessly passed the buck to Liu Qingyan.

“That third young lady is a high-ranking person. We can’t reach her.

How about this: we heard you ventured into the back of Tianyuan Mountain—the Ghost Grudge Cave.

Our village never dares enter there, but we assume precious herbs abound.

Did you find anything?

We have silver and can buy from you.

We won’t shortchange you; whatever the price is, we’ll pay.

We only want an apprenticeship spot.”

The man quickly spoke again.

“I’ll introduce someone for you to negotiate with. I won’t interfere.

If he agrees, it’s done; if not, I’m powerless.”

Chen Yushu hesitated briefly; having stayed in their home one night, he couldn’t outright refuse.

He recalled that Qian Qian was from Qian Family Village, and they had indeed dug up precious herbs on the mountain—more than one specimen.

These precious herbs belonged exclusively to them.

Neither Liu Family Apothecary nor Liu Qingyan could claim them.

This was a tacit agreement before their ascent, a personal bonus.

Chen Yushu did not know the precise value of the precious herbs but thought it best to entrust the matter to Qian Qian, an experienced local with influence.

Soon, he summoned Qian Qian.

Within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, they agreed on a mutually satisfactory price.

“Thirty-eight taels of silver for the precious ginseng root.

Our apothecary buys it for thirty-five, so the extra three is a small bonus for our help.

Nineteen taels each.

Besides this ginseng, there are other medicinal materials worth sixty-six taels, as I just appraised with Shopkeeper Xu.

That leaves two precious herbs: Black Leaf Grass and Soaring Dragon Grass.

Black Leaf Grass is worth forty-five taels; Soaring Dragon Grass’s buy price is thirty-five taels.

However, some nobles urgently need these.

If we manage the sale well, selling at double the price—sixty or seventy taels—is possible.”

Qian Qian began calculating with Chen Yushu.

They had collected many medicinal materials, herbs, and precious herbs in the Ghost Grudge Cave.

Had they not been burdened with so much, even the low-value herbs could have netted another ten or twenty taels.

After Qian Qian’s tally, Chen Yushu was surprised to see they each might receive over a hundred taels.

“Leave it all to you for handling,” Chen Yushu said promptly.

“Don’t worry about that.

We’ll split this silver first: thirty-eight plus sixty-six equals one hundred and four, fifty-two taels each.

For the remaining two precious herbs, I’ll find a good buyer in town and aim for a high price, then share the proceeds later.”

Qian Qian’s face lit up with excitement.

This windfall was indeed a pleasant surprise.

Imagining the silver soon in hand, he felt this trip had been worthwhile.

Chen Yushu was satisfied as well.

Though he had gained a fair amount from selling talismans, who would ever say no to more silver?

Moreover, aside from these herbs, he had other gains: eight taels of silver, five taels of gold, and a red cloud ganoderma mushroom with three leaves.

That particular specimen was his alone, valued at over a hundred taels.

Of course, he had plans for this precious herb and did not intend to sell it.

In martial cultivation, the foundation lies in vitality.

Good nourishment thickens one’s life energy, making breakthroughs easier.

Talent benefits only the prodigies.

Resources often compensate for the gap between ordinary and mediocre talents.

Of course, if one is a natural genius with ample resources, one can quickly surpass those of average aptitude and soar upward.

Such individuals are called prodigies.

Chen Yushu did not consider himself a genius.

His being noticed by Master Su was partly due to his attribute panel, which allowed rapid mastery of the Medicine King Pile Technique to proficiency or minor mastery.

Secondly, it was his scholarly realm.

At the fourth realm, the Enlightened Mind, his ability to memorize instantly and deeply understand martial arts made him a genius.

But his genius was developmental, growing with his scholarly realm—unlike innate prodigies.

For breakfast, Chen Yushu did not eat at that family’s house but joined others at the apothecary.

Soon after, the group departed without delay toward Jianghuan Town.

They arrived in the afternoon.

After lunch, Chen Yushu went to the apothecary’s second floor to see his master, Su Ming.

“Did everything go smoothly?” Su Ming asked.

Previously, he had greeted mainly the third young lady Liu Qingyan and the old physician Liu Hexuan at the entrance, paying little attention to his disciple.

In this private meeting, he began his inquiries.

“Smoothly. I gained much experience,” Chen Yushu nodded, briefly recounting their journey.

Su Ming nodded knowingly; he had heard of Chen Yushu’s role.

Though mainly employing Shadow Walker techniques rather than martial arts, he was praised, which pleased the master.

“Though your Shadow Walker skills are progressing, don’t neglect martial arts.

I don’t want people to speak of my disciple only for ghost elimination abilities,” Su Ming warned affectionately.

“I understand. I won’t abandon martial arts,” Chen Yushu promised eagerly.

“Good.

By the way, be cautious when going out.

Many wanderers, both martial artists and Shadow Walkers, have appeared recently.

It’s a mix of fish and dragons; don’t be tricked.”

Su Ming cautioned.

“I noticed more people on the road.

Who are these folks?”

Chen Yushu asked.

“It’s no secret.

You experienced it last time: the water bandits in Waterfall Gorge triggered a mechanism, releasing many restless spirits.

We suspect a grand tomb lies beneath—of a great martial artist.

Rumors spread that it’s the tomb of the former Water Bandit King of the century past.

It allegedly holds treasures amassed over years, plus possibly martial arts legacies and secret manuals.

As a result, Jianghuan Town has become bustling, and brawls are common.

Just yesterday, a man named Zhao Kunpeng challenged the Changfeng Martial Hall, and…”

Su Ming shook his head.

“What happened?”

Chen Yushu asked curiously.

“He was carried out on a stretcher.

Still being treated in the hall downstairs.”

Su Ming replied.

“Ah?” Chen Yushu was surprised.

He had thought challengers would be strong but was taken aback that Zhao Kunpeng got beaten so badly.

“Do you think challenging a martial hall is easy?

Without one or two internal power masters present, no one dares open a martial hall.

His strength was good—internal energy perfected—probably trying to break through under pressure.

But internal power masters’ strikes aren’t easy to withstand.

If not for the old kind-hearted Chang, who held back at a crucial moment, Zhao wouldn’t have survived the Heart-Pressing Palm.

After all, he initiated the challenge; even if Chang killed him, no one would complain.”

Su Ming waved dismissively.

Chen Yushu nodded.

Internal power masters often injure invisibly; outwardly, one seems fine, but once internal energy strikes, severe injuries or death follow.

Chen Yushu did not linger on the second floor but went downstairs.

He noticed a middle-aged martial artist writhing in pain, screaming.

From his observation, the man had multiple broken bones, strains, and at least four or five internal injuries—severe wounds.

This was obviously Zhao Kunpeng.

Chen Yushu glanced briefly but paid no further attention, striding out of the apothecary.

With time still early, he planned to resume his reading habit and head to the Tranquil Academy.

Before that, he returned home to secure his gold, silver, and the precious red cloud ganoderma.

After carefully inspecting his room and surroundings to ensure no intruders had visited, he proceeded from the backyard toward the Tranquil Academy.

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