21: Counting the Harvest

"It's finally mine!"

Looking at the complete set of Cultivation Technique before him, Gu Chang felt a surge of excitement. All his continuous probing and effort over such a long time had not been in vain. With this set of Cultivation Technique, he could grow to the Marrow Refining Realm!

In addition to this Cultivation Technique, Gu Chang had also exchanged for more medicinal materials, gold, silver, and weapons during his continuous Reincarnation over the past few days.

He did this not only for his own use but, more importantly, to prepare for his departure from the military camp.

He didn't want to find himself unable to acquire these things after leaving the military camp, as he would have nowhere to cry. So, he decided to exchange for everything he could before leaving the military camp.

"Now I have a complete Cultivation Technique, a large amount of medicinal materials, considerable gold and silver reserves, and weapons and equipment. Next, I just need to lead as many soldiers as possible to leave the military camp."

"The Reincarnation World is still in an era of chaos. It's a time when heroes rise and the Dynasty is in its twilight years. The chaos will likely continue for many years until a winner is decided and a new Dynasty order is formed."

"It's best if I don't get involved in such matters. After all, with my current strength, I would only be a slightly more powerful cannon fodder in any faction. It would be impossible for me to truly control my own destiny."

In fact, Gu Chang had already made up his mind a few days ago. Experiencing the brutal fighting in the army, being used as cannon fodder, was enough for one lifetime.

Even if he didn't establish his own faction, he should choose a secluded mountain forest to focus on cultivating and continuously improving his strength.

As long as his strength was great enough, what did it matter if the outside world was in chaos or a new Dynasty was established?

True powerhouses always make the rules adapt to their existence, rather than actively adapting to the rules and changing themselves!

With his direction clear, Gu Chang began to concentrate on memorizing the contents of the Xuanbing Blood Fiend Skill by the light of an oil lamp.

It was not long until dawn. During the day, he also wanted to go to the market town to buy some daily necessities, as the firewood, rice, oil, and salt he bought last time were almost used up.

Time passed imperceptibly. By the time Gu Chang came back to his senses, the sky outside was already bright.

"Phew~ The contents of this Cultivation Technique are indeed profound. Besides the Seven Kill Saber Technique, there are four other combat techniques: Blood Fiend Body, Soul Shocking Roar, Vajra Fist, and Wind Thunder Leg. Each of these five combat techniques is an extremely fierce battlefield killing move, taking lives with every strike, without the slightest mercy."

"Excluding these five Cultivation Techniques, I also have the You Long Spear Technique used by Zhou Yun. That makes a total of six combat techniques, which is completely sufficient for my combat needs."

"Besides that, it's important to note that the secret medicine of the Xuanbing Blood Fiend Skill can only be used up to the Flesh Refining stage. After Refining Bone, one can only assist cultivation by drinking tiger bone wine and ox horn. Reaching the Marrow Refining Realm is even more difficult."

Gu Chang naturally couldn't memorize all the content within a mere hour; he only roughly read through it. However, even so, Gu Chang benefited greatly.

At the same time, it made him understand that if he hadn't obtained the complete content of this Cultivation Technique, then relying on army training or self-cultivation, he probably would never be able to reach the Marrow Refining Realm in his lifetime.

The entire army claimed to have clear rewards and punishments, but in reality, ordinary soldiers could only become Platoon Leaders at most.

He, who had fought continuously on the battlefield, experienced countless life-and-death situations, and made great contributions, only then became a Xuanjia Army Platoon Leader. Unless he made even greater contributions and his strength reached the Refining Bone Realm, it would be impossible for him to become an elite military officer.

However, one could imagine how difficult such a thing was, as true high positions were actually reserved for those general's children with strong family backgrounds and powerful connections, or for some true powerhouses!

"Fortunately, I didn't just run away. With these things in hand, I've also obtained the Legacy of a major power."

After sighing in his heart, Gu Chang immediately began to pack his things. He did not plan to put the items he exchanged from the Reincarnation World on the boat, to avoid anyone noticing anything unusual.

He chose to hide these things on the Island. Then, after eating breakfast, cleaning his catch, and making all preparations, Gu Chang then headed towards Linhu Town.

Compared to his last visit, Linhu Town clearly had fewer people now.

As the weather grew colder, fewer people and vendors were willing to come out.

Gu Chang, as usual, moored his fishing boat by the dock. After paying the government tax, he went directly to the market next to the dock to sell fish.

"Fish for sale! Fish for sale!"

"Fresh Taihu Lake fish!"

"Big fish, five coins a catty! Small fish, three coins a catty!"

"Buy a big fish and get a small fish free!"

"..."

In the market, Gu Chang's shouts were still much the same as before. Some regular customers or those who liked to find bargains immediately gathered around to buy fish.

Logically speaking, with his current ability, he didn't need to sell fish anymore. However, Gu Chang still maintained a cautious attitude.

At least at this stage, his strength was not enough to protect himself in front of the Martial Forest experts of this world. So, unless absolutely necessary, he would rather pretend to be an ordinary small fisherman. Anyway, the supplies needed for cultivation could also be obtained from the Reincarnation World.

Twenty to thirty catties of fish were quickly sold out. Just as Gu Chang was about to pack up and leave, he suddenly noticed that Sixth Master of the Great Green Gang had come to him.

"Hey, your business is quite good, kid!"

The other party's slightly plump face was smiling, and he was constantly twirling two iron balls in one hand, looking like a benevolent businessman.

"Sixth Master is joking. My small tricks can only provide enough for food and clothing."

Gu Chang deliberately feigned a nervous expression, then cautiously replied to the other party, while handing over his daily share of money.

"Alright! I'm not going to eat you!"

Sixth Master didn't move when he saw Gu Chang's demeanor. Instead, his thug next to him actively took Gu Chang's share of money.

"Work hard! Maybe you can even join our Great Green Gang in the future. Then I guarantee you'll live a good life, marry two wives, and enjoy endless blessings."

Then, the other party, for some unknown reason, specifically said this to Gu Chang.

"Thank you for your appreciation, Sixth Master! I will definitely work hard!"

Gu Chang quickly thanked the other party, who nodded slightly and then left directly.

After packing his things, Gu Chang looked at the disappearing back of the other party, his heart sinking. He understood that the other party must have discovered something unusual about him.

"Phew!"

A moment later, Gu Chang immediately began to buy daily necessities. Most things could be bought at the market, so there was no need to go elsewhere.

Then, without delay, he went directly to the dock and drove his fishing boat away. This time, he didn't even have the interest to go to the tavern for a drink.

"Logically speaking, the other party shouldn't have noticed an unknown nobody like me, and today I didn't even bring anything special."

"Is it because I'm practicing martial arts? But now I'm at the Copper Skin Realm, with yellowish skin, looking not much different from an old farmer who has been exposed to wind and sun for a long time."

"Or is it some other reason?"

No wonder Gu Chang was so suspicious. The truth was, in the past, the other party had never bothered to give him a second glance in the crowd, but today he specifically said such a thing to him. It would be strange if there wasn't a problem with that.

But judging from the fact that the other party didn't directly attack him, nor did he arrange for people to intercept or follow him, perhaps those words were just a test?

"Whatever the reason, I won't be able to come to Linhu Town for a short time!"

"Next, I must improve my strength as quickly as possible!"

Because of this unexpected turn of events, Gu Chang felt a greater sense of urgency. After all, reality was not like the Reincarnation World; if he died, he would truly be dead!

Soon, Gu Chang drove his fishing boat back to the edge of the Island in Taihu Lake.

Without any delay, he immediately started brewing medicine and practicing martial arts. It wasn't until after dark that Gu Chang returned to the Reincarnation World again.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

Inside the military camp, it was still three days before the enemy's night raid. At this time, Gu Chang was practicing Cultivation Technique, while Li Ergou and others were swinging copper rods to strike his body.

"Exhale! Inhale!"

"Bang!"

"Alright, that's enough for today!"

"Yes, Big Brother!"

After Gu Chang regained consciousness, he took a few deep breaths, then stopped practicing and said this to Li Ergou and others.

Soon, only Gu Chang was left in his tent. After simply tidying himself up, Gu Chang began to make preparations.

"Over these past few days, I have continuously entered the Reincarnation World and become extremely familiar with the entire military camp's situation. I can definitely lead others to successfully leave."

"The trustworthy subordinates are those few people. Taking them with me will also provide more support."

"However, the necessary preparations must be made before leaving!"