46: Late stage of martial arts master

The next morning, Qin Feng was preparing to head out to purchase some basic medicinal herbs with his remaining 100 gold coins, but he was stopped in the front hall by a lively figure.

“Big Brother Qin! Look!” Xiao Chun twirled around like a joyful butterfly, her aura erupting—she had actually reached the Martial Artist Realm! Although she had only just entered it and her aura was still somewhat unstable, the joy and vitality after her Breakthrough infected everyone around her.

“Hehe... Big Brother Qin, I've finally... finally caught up to you guys!” Xiao Chun looked up at Qin Feng, her large eyes sparkling with a hint of pride. In her simple understanding, Qin Feng was still that “Early Stage Martial Artist” Senior Brother, and she had finally reached the same starting line as him.

Qin Feng looked at the lively and spirited girl before him, feeling amused and happy for her. To Breakthrough to Martial Artist at the age of fifteen was a decent talent in Star South City; his Master must be secretly pleased as well. He gave a gentle smile and praised her sincerely: “Hehe, congratulations, Junior Sister Xiao Chun.”

At that moment, Doctor Chu also walked out from the inner room, a rare, gentle smile on his face. He held three small jade bottles, handing them to Qin Feng, Xiao Chun, and Liu Da respectively.

“The three of you have been diligent lately, and your cultivation has improved. I am very pleased.” Doctor Chu's gaze swept over the three, pausing slightly on Qin Feng for a moment before returning to normal. “This is the ‘peiyuan pill.’ It solidifies the Foundation and nurtures the Origin, which will be of great benefit in stabilizing your Realm and strengthening your Foundation at this stage. One pill each. Remember, the medicinal power of this Medicinal Pill is extraordinary; it must be taken when you are in Peak condition, and you must never reveal it to outsiders to avoid attracting unnecessary trouble.”

“Thank you, Master (Father)!” the three of them thanked him in unison as they took the jade bottles.

Qin Feng felt the jade bottle was warm to the touch. Upon uncorking it, a pure and gentle fragrance, far exceeding that of a qi condensing pill, wafted out, instantly refreshing his spirit.

“peiyuan pill... this seems to be a Low Grade Profound Rank Medicinal Pill!” Qin Feng was inwardly shocked. Such a Medicinal Pill was definitely a priceless treasure in Star South City, likely only possessed by the City Lord's Mansion or the top few families. It seemed that seeing his daughter Breakthrough put Master in a great mood, finally willing to bring out some of his hidden treasures. The Foundation of this Medicine King Valley was indeed unfathomable.

Xiao Chun and Liu Da were even more excited; they had never seen such high-quality Medicinal Pills before, and they clutched the jade bottles as if they were priceless treasures.

The clinic remained busy as usual throughout the day. Dispensing medicine, consultations, treating external injuries... Qin Feng played the role of a dutiful apprentice, but the surging sense of power within him made him more proficient in handling various tasks, adding an indescribable steadiness and precision to his movements.

At night, back in his room, Qin Feng adjusted his state and swallowed the precious peiyuan pill.

The pill melted in his mouth. It didn't bring a violent energy impact like the blood lingzhi, nor did it have the sudden medicinal explosion of a qi condensing pill. Instead, it transformed into a warm, mellow, and pure energy, like the mother qi of the earth, slowly permeating his limbs, bones, internal organs, and even the smallest ends of his Meridians.

This energy was not used to directly increase Internal Energy, but rather to continuously nourish, repair, and consolidate his cultivation Foundation. Any minor hidden injuries or flaws left behind by his rapid Breakthroughs and successive battles were quietly smoothed over by this gentle yet powerful medicinal force. The Primordial Unity Qi Art operated automatically, greedily absorbing this energy and converting it into the most original Primordial internal breath, making his Internal Energy more pure and condensed, and his Foundation was polished to be incredibly solid.

Amidst this natural nourishment, the barrier of the Late Martial Master Realm, which had troubled him for several days and seemed thin as a cicada's wing yet exceptionally tough, silently melted away like spring snow under the sun.

There was no earth-shattering commotion, only a natural sense of Perfection.

Late Martial Master, achieved!

Qin Feng opened his eyes, a divine light contained within them, his aura perfectly harmonious. Compared to the Middle Stage, he was more than twice as strong! He felt the boundless power racing through his body like a river, yet as easy to control as his own limbs, and his heart was filled with peace.

“Hehe, Medicine King Valley... it seems its past power was truly extraordinary.” He whispered to himself, becoming even more curious about his Master's past and more wary of the enemies he faced. “Unfortunately, now he can only live under an assumed name, being hunted everywhere.”

The increase in strength gave him a bit more confidence when facing potential crises.

At the zi hour, he refreshed the intelligence as usual.

【(White) Shadow Scorpion today investigated five families who were once bullied by the Fierce Tiger Gang based on the list, but found no valid clues related to ‘Ghost’.】

【(White) After Liu Da and Xiao Chun took the peiyuan pill, relying on its massive medicinal power, Liu Da successfully broke through to Late Martial Artist, while Xiao Chun stabilized her Realm and made slight progress, reaching Middle Stage Martial Artist.】

【(White) Because his daughter broke through and his disciples made progress, Chu Yunhe was in a good mood. Tonight, after disguising himself, he went to the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion to drink tea and discuss the Dao with the current Top Courtesan, talking about life until late at night before returning.】

Looking at these three pieces of intelligence, Qin Feng was momentarily speechless. Especially the last one, which made his temple twitch slightly. “Uh... Master, he really has... quite the refined interests.”

He shook his head, casting these stray thoughts aside, and called up his character panel:

【Name: Qin Feng】

【Age: 17 years old】

【Rank: Late Martial Master (Disguise: Middle Stage Martial Artist)】

【Talent: Sword Heart (Elementary), Sword Bone (Elementary)】

【Cultivation Technique: Primordial Unity Qi Art (Second Layer Perfection)...】

【Status: Peak (Solid Foundation, Boundless Internal Energy)】

Looking at the real cultivation of “Late Martial Master” and the disguise of “Middle Stage Martial Artist” on the panel, the corners of Qin Feng's mouth curled into an arc.

“It seems it's time to ‘show’ the strength of a Middle Stage Martial Artist.”

A dragon hidden in the depths occasionally needs to show its claws to avoid suspicion. But the true sharp edge must be hidden even deeper, waiting for the moment of a thunderous strike.