Chapter 0006: Subtle Affections

In the following days, he accompanied Su'er as usual to gather herbs. Due to the relatively lax management of the wounded soldiers' camp, which was situated far from the front lines, the military regulations here were not as strict. Consequently, everyone in the wounded soldiers' camp had to show deference to Su'er, allowing Chen Ling to come and go freely.

When Cheng Su'er parted ways with him, she hesitated to speak, her cheeks slightly flushed. In the end, she reminded him to take good care of his injuries and gracefully returned to the camp

Cheng Su'er wiped her tears and forced a smile, saying: "Brother Chen, thank you, but your injuries have not yet healed, and on the battlefield, life is too fragile. I have seen too many Wei people die in battle, never to return. Although I have some knowledge of medicine, I am powerless to help. Brother Chen, Su'er only hopes that you can live well."

"Beggar's Chicken! Everyone who sees it will share in it. This time, I invite you to enjoy some game meat as a token of gratitude for the young lady's care."

Chen Ling's physique has surpassed the optimal age for martial arts training. He is unable to cultivate advanced internal skills and can only rely on continuous training to repeatedly break through his potential, in order to once again embark on the path to the pinnacle of martial artists

Let us return, otherwise we will not make it to the barracks before sunset. Cheng Su'er felt a bit shy under Chen Ling's gaze, fidgeting with the corner of her garment, displaying a bashful demeanor that was completely different from the earlier casualness when she treated him as a subordinate

Chen Ling stood with his fists clenched, his breath steady, a warm current flowing throughout his body. This was the "qi" generated from martial arts practice. Only by cultivating to a certain level could one freely control and form vital energy, which is known as acquired gangqi.

Chen Ling felt a pang of sympathy in his heart, secretly reflecting on this era where the people's wisdom had yet to awaken. In many regions, the indigenous people and savages had virtually no moral standards, committing acts of murder and robbery, and abusing women and children without restraint. Before the reforms of Shang Yang, the Qin people were even more barbaric and fierce, regarded as savages by the people of the six states.

In the past ten days, Chen Ling has been concocting a special elixir daily to accelerate his recovery. His body has been continuously healing, and at night, he practices his qi and strength, noticeably gaining power. Upon entering the mountains, Chen Ling bound several sandbags to his limbs and engaged in running, jumping, and rolling, gradually strengthening his limbs and core. With the experience from his previous life, his martial arts training has become twice as effective, and he quickly felt that his physical abilities had doubled.

Cheng Su'er gently said: "Compared to your life-saving grace, Su'er’s little care is nothing at all. Brother Chen, I truly must express my gratitude for your rescue; otherwise, at this moment, I would surely be in unbearable pain, and it would be better to die directly."

However, with his two thousand years of cultural thought and the experience of martial arts from his previous life, it is believed that establishing a foothold in this era is not without hope

Chen Ling silently thought to herself: I will definitely live well, I must establish myself in this era, transforming from a small figure into a significant personage, witnessing how the history of this period unfolds. If possible, I would also like to participate in the competition, to engage in the game of history, yet at this moment, I do not possess the capabilities of a strong individual.

While Chen Ling was washing the clothes, he quietly drank the healing herbal medicine he had prepared himself to accelerate his recovery. At that moment, he opened the Beggar's Chicken and sat back down beside the clothes rack. A rich, meaty aroma slowly wafted out, filling the air within a ten-step radius with its fragrance. Having not eaten meat for a month, Chen Ling couldn't help but salivate at the scent.

Call

Cheng Su'er had just returned after cleaning up. At this moment, she caught a whiff of the fragrant chicken, and her fingers itched with desire as her stomach audibly grumbled. Her face flushed, and she curiously asked, "It smells so good, Brother Chen, what are you cooking?"

A woman will only feel shy when she places you in a position of respect and acknowledges you as a man in her heart; otherwise, she will not pay you much attention and will not fear you at all

Chen Ling brought Su Er to the mountain stream. Due to the earlier struggle with the Qin soldiers, her clothing was somewhat torn and stained with blood. As girls are fond of beauty, she was eager to mend her skirt and wash away the bloodstains

Strength training involves various physical exercises, such as running, weightlifting, jumping, kicking, tumbling, and hitting sandbags, among countless other methods. It aims to develop the muscles of the limbs and abdomen, enhancing strength and flexibility significantly, surpassing the average person. This training cultivates streamlined muscles that are full of explosive power. This is the foundation; only by shaping the body into a raw gem can it be meticulously carved.

The intention and techniques of the punches are quite precise; however, they lack power. Moreover, the skin, flesh, membranes, tendons, and bones of the body have not undergone tempering and consolidation, resulting in a loose and weak state. Striking lacks any lethal force. The next step in training must focus on building strength; otherwise, any technique, devoid of power, is merely an empty framework.

After half an hour of breathing exercises, Chen Ling cleared the stagnant energy within his body, resulting in a moment of clarity in his spiritual platform. He was now in a state suitable for focusing on the practice of martial arts. Due to his relatively weak constitution, he needed to gradually refine his skills, starting from light exercises and progressively intensifying the training.

Su'er, I will protect you well!" Chen Ling could not help but speak.

Cheng Su'er had also donned her skirt and outer garment, her willow-like brows arched gracefully, delicate and beautiful. Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, and her bright red lips resembled freshly bloomed cherries, vibrant and enticing. Born at the intersection of Qin and Wei, in the land of Hedong, she possessed a slender figure, a trim waist, and moved with an elegant grace. Although she was only fifteen or sixteen years old, she had already developed a striking beauty.

At Chen Ling's suggestion, he set up a wooden frame, laid wooden poles across both ends, and first hung his clothes on it to block the view. Only then did Su Er remove her outer robe and skirt, beginning to wash her skirt by the stream. She wore only thin shorts and undergarments underneath, her figure delicate and her skin fair. It is a pity that Chen Ling could not see her; otherwise, he would surely be deeply captivated.

He stood up, first assuming a horse stance to practice his leg techniques. After a while, he executed the "Fuhu Qixing Quan" (Tiger Subduing Seven Stars Fist), stepping into the Seven Stars stance. Each punch generated a gust of wind, and his movements were agile, flowing like clouds and water. With outstretched arms, he punched, concentrated his energy, and varied his techniques, all in one seamless motion. Through his boxing techniques, he stretched his muscles and skin, displaying a strong posture, yet lacking in lethality; what he was missing was merely strength and internal energy.

Chen Ling shook his head with a smile, packed his belongings, placed all the excess medicinal herbs inside, slung the bamboo basket over his shoulder, and walked side by side with Su Er back to the military camp

After a while, the two began to eat the Beggar's Chicken. Although it lacked some seasonings, it was still very fragrant and rich, and they both enjoyed it immensely. Cheng Su'er kept praising, "I didn't expect that Brother Chen, you could make wild chicken so well."

Chen Ling tidied up his emotions, returned to the tent, and took a short nap. After nightfall, he stealthily left the camp and arrived at the dense forest on the back mountain. He sat in meditation, practicing breathing techniques to harmonize his meridians and bones using the principles of the Qi Sect. The optimal period for martial arts training is during youth; after the age of thirteen, the bones are essentially set, making it impossible to cultivate superior martial skills.

In order to dry the clothes as quickly as possible, Chen Ling gathered some firewood and placed it beside the clothes rack. He ignited the firewood with a fire starter, and soon a roaring flame emerged, evaporating the moisture while also providing warmth and dispelling the cold

Pfft! You are the one who is a wild chicken, your whole family is a bunch of wild chickens! Chen Ling rolled his eyes, finished eating, and began to put on his clothes. At this time, as the sun was setting, the sky was a clear blue, and a layer of clouds hung in the west. The setting sun shone through the clouds, casting a brilliant red glow over the ground.