17: Po Jun Mansion

Chen Linsheng continuously practiced the Pile Posture Technique over a dozen times. The feeling of the warm current within his body grew clearer, but he keenly noticed that his muscles had begun to tremble slightly and his spirit showed a hint of fatigue—a sign that he was approaching his current limit.

Knowing the principle of too much is as bad as not enough, he slowly ceased his practice, preparing to rest for a while.

He looked around and saw that most of the apprentices, who, like him, came from poor backgrounds, had also stopped, drenched in sweat. They sat on the ground in small groups, panting and drinking water, their faces showing unconcealable exhaustion.

In contrast, in the area where the children of wealthy families were located, although some were resting, many were still persisting in their practice.

Moreover, their mental state was noticeably better, showing little sign of fatigue. Some even poured Medicinal Pills out of exquisite small bottles they carried and consumed them.

Just then, a pale, sallow-faced youth next to Chen Linsheng swallowed hard while looking in the direction of the wealthy youths, whispering with a sour tone, “See that? They’re eating Blood-Activating Pellets!”

“Blood-Activating Pellet? What is that?” A nearby poor Disciple asked curiously.

“It’s a Medicinal Pill that aids in Cultivation, of course,”

The sallow-faced youth clearly knew some inside information, speaking with envy and a hint of resentment.

“I heard that after taking it, it speeds up the recovery of Qi and blood, shortening the interval between two Cultivation sessions. We have to rest for half a day after practicing two or three times, but they can take the medicine and practice five or six times continuously, or even more!”

He paused, his voice dropping even lower, carrying a deeper sense of powerlessness:

“That’s not all. When they truly begin Skin Quenching, their families will prepare Skin Quenching Pills for them. Those are treasures that strengthen the skin membrane directly, Cultivating both internally and externally! With the aid of Medicinal Pills, their Cultivation speed is several times faster than ours!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding poor apprentices fell silent.

The slight hope that had just sprung up on their faces from entering the Martial Arts Hall was once again suppressed by the gap in reality, leaving only deep envy and bitterness.

“‘Poverty for the scholar, wealth for the warrior.’ The ancients truly did not deceive me.” Chen Linsheng sighed inwardly, gaining a deeper understanding of these four words.

The resource gap brought about by wealth was infinitely magnified right at the starting stage of the martial Dao.

Just then, someone nearby quietly started discussing the background of Museum Master Zhao Zheng and this Hunyuan Pile Posture Technique.

“I heard that Museum Master Zhao Zheng, that venerable old man, was once an Outer Sect Disciple of the Army Breaker Manor, a major power that controls the Hebei Circuit!”

“Army Breaker Manor? That’s an incredible behemoth!”

“No wonder this Hunyuan Pile Posture Technique sounds so profound. It’s said to be one of the top-tier Foundation Establishment Cultivation Techniques circulated from the Army Breaker Manor. Its effect is far stronger than the Cultivation Techniques of ordinary Martial Arts Halls, which is why so many people are scrambling to get in even though the tuition is expensive.”

Someone asked doubtfully, “The movements of this Pile Posture Technique don’t look too difficult. If someone were to secretly learn it...”

Before he could finish, a wealthy youth in brocade clothes passing by happened to overhear him, letting out a scoff and casting a disdainful look:

“Secretly learn it? Heh, who would dare? Without the permission of the Army Breaker Manor, privately teaching or Cultivating their Cultivation Technique is equivalent to stealing a Sect’s secret transmission. Once discovered, the lightest punishment is the crippling of martial arts, and the heaviest is the destruction of the family! Why do you think the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall can safely teach this Cultivation Technique here? It’s because they have tacit approval! Who dares to cross that line?”

After the wealthy youth finished speaking, he departed arrogantly.

The poor apprentices left behind looked at each other, a trace of fear appearing on their faces.

When Chen Linsheng heard this, his heart was also solemn.

He once again witnessed the majesty and terror of a major power—an absolute force capable of setting rules and maintaining them.

In the face of this power, individual petty thoughts seemed so insignificant.

At noon, the Martial Arts Hall provided lunch. Although it was only ordinary coarse rice and vegetables, it was filling.

More importantly, everyone received a bowl of steaming meat broth.

The broth was thick and rich, the aroma assaulting the nostrils, and several dark pieces of meat could vaguely be seen floating within.

Chen Linsheng picked up the bowl and took a sip. A scorching current of Qi instantly slid down his throat into his abdomen, then violently dispersed, flowing toward his limbs and bones!

His whole body felt warm, and the fatigue from his previous Cultivation was largely dispelled. Even his Qi and blood seemed much more vigorous.

“Exotic Beast Meat Broth truly lives up to its reputation!”

Chen Linsheng’s spirit was greatly invigorated. He ate the broth and meal completely, fully absorbing the nutrients and essence of Qi and blood within.

When Cultivating again in the afternoon, Chen Linsheng felt completely different.

The warm current in his abdomen continuously emitted heat, supporting the circulation of his Qi and blood.

With the boosts from [Five Senses Clarity] and [Agile Mind], his comprehension of the Hunyuan Pile Posture Technique deepened, and his movements became more fluid and natural.

Finally, during another focused and calm practice session, he felt the previously scattered and weak warm current within his body suddenly condense. As if it had found a specific pattern, it began to slowly circulate and permeate along a specific route beneath his skin, bringing a strange sensation mixed with numbness, itching, and fullness!

At the same time, the spirit book in his mind shone brightly, and new characters appeared:

[Martial Skill: Hunyuan Pile Posture Technique (Initiate)]

[Progress: (1/100)]

[Divine Effect: Qi and Blood Perception, Rooted Stance. Initially perceive the existence of Qi and blood within the body, and stabilize the lower body during pile standing, making it difficult to be shaken by ordinary pushes. It is the key to entering the Skin Tempering Realm.]

Success! He finally reached Initiate level!

Chen Linsheng was overjoyed. With the boost from the two Divine Effects, he felt his Cultivation speed suddenly accelerate, and his control over his Qi and blood also became stronger.

Just then, he heard a small commotion coming from the adjacent area of the wealthy youths.

It seemed someone there had also successfully reached the Initiate level, drawing the envy and compliments of their companions.

Many poor Disciples craned their necks to look, their eyes complex.

Chen Linsheng merely smiled faintly and continued to immerse himself in his own Cultivation.

With the spirit book in hand, as long as he had enough resources and time, he wouldn't necessarily be slower than anyone else.

In the evening, after finishing a day of Cultivation, Chen Linsheng left the Martial Arts Hall and returned to Xiaohe Village.

After being apart for a day, he felt a certain longing in his heart.

Pushing open the door, he saw Su Wan sitting under the lamp, mending clothes. The dim yellow light outlined her gentle profile.

Hearing the movement, she looked up. Seeing Chen Linsheng, a gentle smile immediately bloomed on her face. She put down her work and came over to greet him.

“You’re back? Are you tired?”

She asked softly, naturally brushing away dust that wasn't there from his shoulder.

Looking at Su Wan’s beautiful face and concerned eyes under the lamplight, Chen Linsheng’s heart softened. The slight repression he had felt during the day from witnessing the gap between rich and poor and the majesty of major powers vanished into thin air.

He reached out and gently pulled her into his embrace.

“I’m not tired,” he whispered in her ear, feeling the softness of the delicate body in his arms. “With you at home, everything is fine.”

Su Wan’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn’t struggle. Instead, she leaned obediently against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, feeling an immense sense of security.

As the night deepened, warmth and affection filled the humble room, driving away the wind, rain, and cold outside.