24 Inner Power (1/2)
At night, it was quiet in the secluded valley.
The Zhou Family was now extremely obedient to Fang Yuan. Even when Fang Yuan chased them out of the valley, they took it lightly and went on to build grass huts outside of the valley.
Little did they know that Fang Yuan had planned all these to get himself out of trouble.
Wouldn't it be trouble if they found out that Fang Yuan ate Vermillion Jade Rice, and drank Questioning Heart Tea for every meal?
After having his fill, Fang Yuan sat on a bamboo chair and examined his wound.
”Good... You are beginning to heal...”
He had an amazing physical quality to begin with. After a full meal of Vermillion Jade Rice, the healing accelerated.
There was increased blood flow to his wound and it felt less painful.
”A speedy recovery would be best, otherwise others might find out!”
With his current level of [Medicine] together with his herbs, it would have already been a quick recovery, but it was another happy surprise realising the Vermillion Jade Rice's hidden ability.
Thinking about his accomplishments, Fang Yuan smiled to himself.
Although he did not have time to loot the entire mansion, the rewards from Song Yujie and Song Zhigao were enough.
Other than money, Fang Yuan looted a Spirit Returning Heart Manual from Song Yujie!
This was obviously a high-level Spirit Returning Sect manual, which Fang Yuan took as his own. He memorised the entire manual, before destroying it completely.
”Spirit Returning Sect has no morals!”
He recited the Spirit Returning Heart Manual in his mind, his face looking stern.
This was because in the manual, there were lapses in the crucial parts. Obviously, these lapses were meant to be covered and explained by the master in order for the disciple to be able to understand. It was a form of insurance for these higher-level martial arts.
If Song Yujie had any doubts about the Heart Manual, he could look for Song Zhong.
But for himself? Even if he managed to save Old Zhou, could he expect him to betray Spirit Returning Sect and share this big secret with him?
'Hu... It seems that if I don't join them, even if I try hard enough, I won't be able to learn the full thing...'
Fang Yuan shook his head and took a look at his stats:
”Name: Fang Yuan
Essence: 1.8
Spirit: 1.6
Magic:1.5
Age: 18
Cultivation: [Martial Artist (3rd Gate)]
Techniques: [Black Sand Palm (Grade 3)]
Skills: [Medicine (Level 1)], [Botany (Level 3)]”
At this point in time, behind [Medicine], the (Level 1) began jumping, and a short while later became (Level 2), with its description changing,
”[Medicine (Level 2)] - You are already a skilled doctor and can treat the majority of illnesses. You could achieve a greater effect with the help of normal mountain herbs.”
”Normal mountain herbs, this means that spiritual medicine would not have any effect on my progress...”
Fang Yuan shook his head and felt that he was a little too greedy.
Of course, it was a pleasant surprise for him to attain a higher level in [Medicine].
His real joy was being able to fill his experience bar in Black Sand Palm after killing Song Yujie, as though he was able to break through the next gate anytime.
'In the 12 Golden Gates, the first 8 are Initial, Rest, Life, Restriction, View, Pain, Shock and Death... it would be an accomplishment itself being able to break through from the 3 Prosperous Gates to the next 2 Peaceful Gates, and an eye-opener for those who practice the most basic martial arts.'
Fang Yuan looked as this palm, enlightened.
Martial artists who broke through the 3rd Gate were already uncommon, but those who broke through the 4th and 5th Gates were the elites, especially to younger martial artists.
Even Song Yujie himself, who was like Song Zhong in his younger days, could only break through the 4th Gate.
”From the 4th Gate onwards, even if the experience bar is full, something more has to be done to break through the next gate?”
Fang Yuan looked at this fully-filled experience bar, and without hesitation, ”Advance my Black Sand Palm to the next grade!”
”Ding!”
A loud sound followed, as he noticed the '3' behind [Black Sand Palm (Grade 3)] jump, and transformed to '4'!
[Black Sand Palm (Grade 4)]!
”Mmm!”
Fang Yuan clenched his teeth and noticed his palm turned pitch-black. Veins were distinct like worms, as though they were crawling up his arm.
A gush of hot air originated from his palms and travelled up his arm, breaking through many barriers before settling down at his chest.
This heat energy was different from anything he felt before, as his abdomen felt stronger and stronger.
”Is this... inner power!?”
Fang Yuan became really excited.
”[Black Sand Palm (Grade 4)], the skill initially strengthened the external parts of my body, but it's now starting to have an effect inside the body?!”
Inner power was the essence of power for martial artists and was a foundation for high-level martial arts techniques. The sword essence that came from Song Yujie was an example of the use of inner power.
Fang Yuan's strength diminished when it encountered the sword essence. If not for the poisonous effect brought about by the Black Sand Palm, Fang Yuan would have died under Song Yujie's hands.
”Sadly, the inner power when cultivated through the Black Sand Palm is rudimentary and cannot compare with the Spirit Returning Sect's Heart Manual... The highest I can go will be the 5th Gate....”