82: herb gathering

Chen Linsheng held that thin copy of the Jade Marrow Guiding Technique (Fragment), and under the faint light of the riverbed Immortal Cave, he once again immersed his mind, studying and pondering it word by word.

As his understanding deepened, his brows furrowed slightly.

"So that's how it is... This Jade Marrow Guiding Technique aims to draw in external Spiritual Qi, mix it with one's own blood Qi, and penetrate deep into the marrow for tempering; it is a profound method of 'Refining Essence into Qi'. Its demand for Spiritual Qi is extremely demanding, and in ordinary places where Spiritual Qi is thin, Cultivating it yields half the result for twice the effort. No wonder it was discarded like worn-out shoes."

He looked up and around this Immortal Cave left by the Curled Beard Guest. The glowing strange stones on the four walls were no ordinary items; the light they emitted contained water-attribute spiritual qi far denser and purer than outside, making this an excellent place to Cultivate this technique.

It was precisely by relying on this geographical advantage that he could Initiate within just five days, feeling hints of itching and coolness from deep within his marrow, and his blood Qi also seemed to have become a bit purer.

"However, relying only on the Spiritual Qi here, wanting to advance this technique quickly is still slow." Chen Linsheng's eyes flickered, landing on a blurry record at the end of the fragment. "If supplemented by a specific medicinal bath, using medicinal power to stimulate blood Qi and draw in Spiritual Qi, the tempering efficiency can be doubled..."

A medicinal bath?

Chen Linsheng's heart stirred as he felt the Muscle Tempering medicinal power within his body, which had been exhausted by five consecutive days of high-intensity Cultivation of the Jade Marrow Guiding Technique and the consolidation of his Golden Bell Shield and Iron Clothes Art Major Achievement Realms.

Perfectly, he could use this opportunity to replenish his consumption on one hand, and on the other, seek suitable medicinal Materials to try and prepare the medicinal bath formula obtained from the cave last time.

"It's time to come out of seclusion."

He hesitated no longer, and after tidying up the Immortal Cave a bit, he quietly dove out of the water and returned to the courtyard in the west of the city.

It was noon, and the sunlight was perfect.

Su Wan greeted Chen Linsheng joyfully upon seeing him come out of seclusion, while Aunt Zhang busied herself in the kitchen preparing a meal.

The family sat around the table, eating a meal that, though not luxurious, was full of homey warmth, and listening to Chen Linsheng briefly mention his successful seclusion, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

After the meal, Chen Linsheng first tested Big Ox Zhang's Iron Clothes Art progress.

Big Ox Zhang was honest and straightforward and willing to work hard. Plus, with that previous hint of Essence Spirit flesh paste as a primer, he was already full of vigor as he practiced now.

Although his Moves were still slightly clumsy, his blood Qi circulation had already reached the Initiate level. His skin faintly took on a layer of iron-gray, clearly having officially stepped over the threshold of the Skin Tempering Realm, and his Foundation was laid quite solidly.

"Very good, Da Niu." Chen Linsheng nodded with satisfaction, personally correcting several of his power-delivery postures and teaching him the key points for the next stage of Cultivation. "The Iron Clothes Art emphasizes 'toughness' and 'solidity'; do not blindly pursue fierceness, but feel the sense of blood Qi covering the body like iron clothes, continuous and unending."

Da Niu scratched his head honestly, keeping every word of Chen Linsheng's firmly in mind as he nodded vigorously: "A Sheng, I understand! I will definitely practice hard!"

Next, Chen Linsheng turned his gaze to Su Wan.

Su Wan smiled sweetly and, without needing to say more, performed the defensive stance of the Soft Cloud Nine Strikes in the courtyard.

One could see her figure dancing gracefully and her palm shadows fluttering like clouds and mist, practicing the Moves 'Cloud Hand', 'Brushing Willow', and 'Embracing the Moon' smoothly and naturally.

What was even more rare was that her breathing was steady and her eyes focused. Her control over blood Qi had clearly reached a high level, and the progress of her Plain Heart Art was even faster than Chen Linsheng had expected; she had already stabilized the Early Stage of the Skin Quenching Realm and was steadily advancing toward the Middle Stage.

"Wan'er, the speed of your progress really surprises me."

Chen Linsheng's eyes were full of admiration; Su Wan's Comprehension Ability in the martial path was indeed extraordinary.

He stepped forward and gave detailed guidance on the subtleties of palm technique transitions and footwork coordination. Su Wan listened carefully, nodding from time to time, her beautiful eyes flashing with the light of realization.

After checking the Cultivation status of the two at home, Chen Linsheng felt a bit more at ease. The improvement of his family's strength was also a part of their security.

In the afternoon, he went to the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall to pay his respects to Master Zhao Zheng and roughly reported his recent Cultivation gains.

Zhao Zheng saw his aura becoming more composed, knowing he had made further progress, and was greatly comforted.

Upon parting, Zhao Zheng remembered something and took a thick, large volume from the bookshelf to hand to Chen Linsheng.

"A Sheng, since you are interested in Alchemy and medicinal Materials, I'll give you this nine meanders prefecture hundred herbs illustrated guide. This was compiled under the leadership of the Prefectural Governors Mansion; though not some secret heritage, it records most of the known herbs and Spiritual Plants within the jurisdiction of Jiuqu Prefecture, including aquatic Spiritual Plants. It is illustrated, noting the general growth environment and characteristics, and should be helpful to you."

Chen Linsheng was overjoyed and hurriedly took it with both hands: "Thank you, Master!"

Returning to his study at home, Chen Linsheng couldn't wait to flip through this nine meanders prefecture hundred herbs illustrated guide.

The book was indeed all-encompassing; from ordinary herbs to ranked Spiritual Plants, all were included, with detailed descriptions and thorough notes.

He first looked for the several main medicines mentioned in the previous Muscle Tempering formula.

"earth core fire lotus..." His finger traced across the pages, finding the corresponding entry.

The handbook recorded that this item likes the sun and often grows in areas with active earth fires or extremely yang and hot places, as its root system can absorb earth vein fire power.

Next to it was a line of small characters: "Within Jiuqu Prefecture, it is suspected that discoveries were made in the geothermal active area of the upper reaches of Black Water Ravine."

Chen Linsheng's eyes narrowed.

The upper reaches of Black Water Ravine!

It indeed matched his previous speculations and the area where he encountered the Evil Daoist and Shen Rushuang.

There, there was both the earth core fire lotus and the earth vein cold spring water, which has opposing attributes yet complements it in Yin and Yang; it was indeed a mysterious place of heaven and earth's creation.

Next, he found the "ice crystal orchid" and "green snake vine."

The handbook recorded that the ice crystal orchid likes shade and cold, mostly growing in deep mountain caves that see no sunlight year-round, by the side of cold pools, or near the northern snowline, its whole body like carved ice crystal and emitting cold Qi.

While the green snake vine is a unique vine plant often wrapping around ancient trees or cliffs, with green snake-like patterns on its body. It is exceptionally tough, likes moisture, and is also commonly seen in deep mountain valleys or the depths of ancient forests, often coexisting with poisonous insects.

"Deep mountain caves, by the side of cold pools... deep mountain valleys..." Chen Linsheng closed the handbook, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

The upper reaches of the Black Water Ravine area have steep mountain terrain and are sparsely populated, completely meeting the growth environment requirements of these two Spirit Medicines.

"Perfect. The Jade Marrow Guiding Technique needs medicinal bath assistance, and the crimson blood flesh paste is mostly consumed. This trip into the mountains is firstly to find the three main medicines needed for the Muscle Tempering formula, secondly to gather auxiliary medicines that might be used for the Jade Marrow Guiding Technique medicinal bath, and thirdly to hunt some Vicious Beasts to replenish blood Qi resources and use this to hone Martial Skills and verify what I've learned recently."

His determination set, Chen Linsheng delayed no further.

He carefully prepared his gear.

The powerful bow "fierce wind" and a quiver full of special arrows were slung behind his back, the Solid Iron Long Spear was wrapped in a cloth cover, and in the leather pouch at his waist, besides sharp-edged stones and emergency medicine, he also added many Materials for setting Trapping as well as jade boxes and medicine bottles for holding medicinal Materials. Various Medicinal Pills, such as blood qi pills and Detoxification Pills, were all present.

Everything was ready, and he once again performed the Skill of Disguise Perfection, transforming himself into a middle-aged hunter with an ordinary face and a weathered look.

After confirming no flaws in the bronze mirror, he gave a comforting smile to the worried Su Wan and Aunt Zhang.

"Don't worry, I'm just going into the mountains to gather some herbs. I'll be back in a few days at the shortest, or a month at the longest."

Having said that, he didn't look back; with a movement of his body, he blended into the vast mountains outside the city like a wisp of blue smoke.