31: Black Mountain Gang

The two of them left the Patrol Office directly.

Watching Li Xunya and his group walk away, especially the Young Master in Brocade Robes, Chen Linsheng frowned slightly.

The feeling that person gave him was different from Rich Disciples like Liu Mingyu; beneath the smile seemed to be a subtle, chilling coldness.

Third Martial Sister Liu Ruyan followed his gaze, curled her lip, and whispered, "Did you see that guy holding the fan? His name is Zhang Yuchen. He is the only son of Zhang Zhifeng, the Gang Leader of the Black Mountain Gang, known as the 'Black-Hearted Tiger.' The Medicine Gang, simply put, is just a dog the Black Mountain Gang uses openly to gather wealth."

Chen Linsheng's heart suddenly tightened.

Black Mountain Gang!

Of course, he knew this was a behemoth entrenched in the dark underbelly of Qinghe County City.

It was rumored to control Casinos, Brothels, and even certain illicit trades. The Gang Leader Zhang Zhifeng was said to be a rumored Expert, whom even the Government had to concede three points to.

So the true Masters behind the Medicine Gang were them.

'Master Liu was the Medicine Gang's Steward. By killing Master Liu, I severely slapped the Black Mountain Gang's face. This Zhang Yuchen...'

Chen Linsheng's eyes turned slightly cold. He felt little fear, instead, a stronger sense of urgency arose in his heart.

'One more reason I must become stronger quickly!'

At this moment, Senior Brother Shi Poyue walked out of the County Office, a hint of relaxation on his face, and casually tossed a heavy cloth bag to Chen Linsheng.

"Here, five hundred taels. The County Office's bounty, not a single coin is missing."

Chen Linsheng took the bag. It felt heavy in his hand, and the silver ingots clinked together, making a pleasant sound.

Five hundred taels!

This was undoubtedly a huge sum for him, enough for him and Su Wan to live comfortably in the city for a long time, and also to purchase many Cultivation resources.

Genuine joy couldn't help but appear on his face: "Thank you, Senior Brother!"

"We are fellow disciples, no need to be polite." Shi Poyue waved his hand and then asked, "How do you plan to handle this Vicious Beast Tiger Carcass? The tiger meat, bones, and whip are all treasures, especially since this tiger has become a Vicious Beast, its effects are even stronger."

Chen Linsheng pondered briefly and said, "Senior Brother, this tiger meat must be highly nourishing and edible. As for the tiger bones and other parts, I'm not knowledgeable about them. Could we ask Master to decide? He is highly experienced and might have a better way to process them."

Shi Poyue smiled contentedly upon hearing this: "You are indeed thoughtful. When Master traveled in his early years, he learned a unique Liquor Brewing Skill. He can use Vicious Beast bones as the main ingredient, supplemented by various medicinal herbs, to brew 'Beast Bone Blood Strengthening Wine.' This has a miraculous effect on Body Tempering Realm Martial Artists, helping them solidify their Foundation and strengthen their Vitality and Qi. These Vicious Beast Tiger bones are perfect for this purpose!"

"That's wonderful!" Chen Linsheng said happily.

The three returned to the Martial Museum and headed straight to the Back Courtyard to pay their respects to Museum Master Zhao Zheng.

After detailing their encounter in the mountains, especially Chen Linsheng fighting the injured Vicious Beast alone, the Hunter Gang attempting to seize the spoils, and Shi Poyue establishing his might with a single palm strike, Zhao Zheng stroked his beard and nodded, his gaze toward Chen Linsheng growing increasingly satisfied.

"You remained calm in danger, judged accurately, knew how to borrow strength, and most importantly, controlled your greed and prioritized the bigger picture. Linsheng, you did very well." Zhao Zheng first praised him, then continued, "Hand the tiger carcass over to me to process. You will share the tiger meat, and the tiger bones will be used to brew wine. You will each receive a portion when it's ready."

Next, he turned his gaze to Chen Linsheng: "That Ice-Whisker Grass is a Medium Grade Spirit Medicine. Taking it directly would be wasteful. I have an old acquaintance who is a Resident Physician at the Hundred Herbs Hall. I can ask him to refine it into an 'ice muscle pill.' Its medicinal effect will be maximized, greatly benefiting your Skin Quenching, and it might even grant your skin a trace of Cold Attribute Resistance."

Chen Linsheng did not hesitate. He immediately took out the cold jade box and respectfully handed it to Zhao Zheng: "It is all up to Master to decide."

He held gratitude and trust for this Master who genuinely nurtured him.

"Good." Zhao Zheng put away the jade box. "Alchemy requires some time. I will call for you once it is done. You two may leave now. Poyue, go and butcher the tiger meat."

"Yes, Master."

Leaving the Back Courtyard, Chen Linsheng did not stop, heading straight for the Training Grounds reserved for Personal Disciples.

After a series of incidents and intense battles, he needed to settle down.

He calmed his mind and Qi, and began practicing the Hunyuan Palm. The palm wind whistled, and his Vitality and Qi surged accordingly. Integrating the experience gained from fighting in the mountains into the palm technique, he felt his utilization of force had improved slightly.

During a break in practice, his mind stirred, and he checked the spirit book in his mind.

[Skill: Herb Gathering (Perfection)]

[Divine Effect: Scent-Guided Tracking, Plant Affinity, Immunity to All Poisons

Scent-Guided Tracking: Perception of medicinal herb scents reaches its peak, allowing one to track specific medicinal herbs or estimate their approximate age through residual scent.

Plant Affinity: Able to slightly perceive the state and emotions of plants, making it easier to gain the plant's "recognition" when harvesting, thus reducing the loss of medicinal properties.

Immunity to All Poisons: The body develops extremely strong resistance to most toxins in the world. Ordinary poisons are difficult to invade, and even if afflicted by strange poisons, one can rely on their own Vitality and Qi and resistance to greatly weaken the toxicity and accelerate its expulsion.]

When he harvested that Spirit Medicine, Chen Linsheng had already guessed that his Herb Gathering Skill would reach Perfection.

But at that time, his mind was focused entirely on other matters, and he hadn't opened the spirit book to check.

"Herb Gathering is at Perfection! And this Divine Effect of 'Immunity to All Poisons'..." Chen Linsheng was greatly excited.

This effect was far too important for him!

The Jianghu is treacherous; it is easy to dodge an open spear but hard to guard against a hidden arrow. With this guarantee, his survival ability will be greatly enhanced when facing the Black Mountain Gang or other enemies who might use poison in the future!

Near noon, a Martial Museum Servant came forward and respectfully handed a Food Box to Chen Linsheng:

"Senior Brother Chen, this was sent to you by order of the Museum Master. It is the most vital Tenderloin from the Vicious Beast Tiger, which the kitchen has meticulously prepared."

Chen Linsheng took the Food Box, still feeling a trace of warmth and a unique meaty aroma.

The Servant added, "The Museum Master specifically instructed that this meat contains vigorous Vitality and Qi, and must be eaten slowly, step by step. Furthermore... it is best not to distribute large amounts to ordinary people who have not practiced martial arts, lest their bodies be too weak to withstand the nourishment."

"I understand, thank you." Chen Linsheng nodded, making a mental note.

Carrying the Food Box, he did not linger at the Martial Museum and returned straight home.

Meanwhile, the Public Training Ground of the Martial Museum presented a different scene.

When it was time for lunch, the Apprentices lined up to receive their meals as usual.

However, today, besides the usual coarse rice and vegetables, everyone received an extra bowl of exceptionally fragrant meat broth, and there were substantial chunks of meat visible in the soup!

"What day is it today? We got an extra meal?"

"This meat smells so good! It feels different from usual?"

"Yes, smelling this, I feel my Vitality and Qi becoming more active!"

Everyone discussed animatedly, their faces showing surprise and confusion.

The Steward responsible for distributing the soup heard the discussion and explained loudly with a smile:

"Quiet! Everyone quiet down! Today's extra meal of meat broth is not a regular occurrence at the Martial Museum. Today, Senior Brother Chen Linsheng single-handedly battled and killed the fierce Vicious Beast Tiger in the deep mountains—the one that had been causing trouble recently and had a five-hundred-tael bounty! The Museum Master, being benevolent, bestowed a portion of the tiger meat, which was boiled into this broth for everyone, to aid your Cultivation! You must remember Senior Brother Chen's kindness, Cultivate diligently, and do not disappoint!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the Training Grounds fell silent for a moment, followed by an even greater uproar!

"A Vicious Beast Tiger? The one with the five-hundred-tael bounty?"

"My heavens! Senior Brother Chen actually killed it alone?"

"He only joined a little over a month ago, right? This... this is too incredible!"

"No wonder this soup is so effective—it's Vicious Beast meat!"

Exclamations of surprise and praise were endless.

Most of the Disciples from Humble Backgrounds felt honored, believing Chen Linsheng had greatly redeemed their reputation.

The Rich Disciples, however, wore complex expressions—a mixture of envy, jealousy, and admiration. The slight sense of superiority they originally held due to their background seemed so pale in the face of absolute strength.

In a corner of the crowd, Zhang Yang held the steaming bowl of tiger meat broth, looking at the chunks of meat floating in the soup, his eyes filled with incomparable complexity.

He thought of the bet between himself and Liu Mingyu, which had become a joke, and he thought of Chen Linsheng's usual low profile and sudden meteoric rise. His heart was filled with mixed feelings.

Finally, all his emotions condensed into a long sigh, and he murmured to himself, "The gap... has it really become this huge?"

But the next moment, fighting spirit reignited in his eyes. He tilted his head back, drank the meat broth in the bowl in one gulp, and felt the warmth dissolve in his abdomen, nourishing his Vitality and Qi. He tightly clenched his fists.

"I can't give up either! I must work harder! Skin Tempering Realm! I must reach it!"