Chapter 7: Return to the Martial Arts Academy

Zhang He shook his head and said, "After some time, when I have money, I will buy a new residence; I cannot live here." Zhang He had no particular demands regarding the quality of life, for he understood that if he wished to progress further in his cultivation, he should not concern himself with matters of enjoyment

Feeling warm all over

He wants to buy a new house because he cannot bear to let his mother and younger sister suffer

"Let me do it, you rest first." Zhang He quickly took the black chicken from Zhang's mother, urging her to rest nearby while he took care of it himself

Now everyone should be getting up, I will head back to the dormitory first. Early in the morning, there are not many people on campus, and Zhang He went straight to the dormitory.

Ah? Mother Zhang was taken aback, "So that's how it is. No wonder you have never revealed a hint of information all this time. I was just worried that you might go down the wrong path. Since this is the case, I feel much more at ease. This is also your opportunity; it seems that heaven is still watching over you."

"So much money?" Zhang's mother opened the pouch and was immediately taken aback. The number of gold coins inside the pouch astonished her. After all these years, it was the first time she had seen so much money.

Zhang He closed the door and took out the Ten Complete Dominance. Tonight, he will continue his training

Wang Pengyu suddenly recalled something, his expression slightly puzzled

"Hezi, I see that you have mostly recovered. You can return to Wutong Academy tomorrow. I am at home, and with this money, I no longer need to make pickled vegetables, so you need not worry. Staying at home will only delay your studies."

Sigh. You have returned at the most inopportune time!" Tang Ri Song said to Zhang He, "How dare you come back? Don't you know that we are going to the training ground again today!"

The Five Poison Pearls have detoxifying and beautifying effects, and you may also consume them. The small spots on your face are also a result of toxin accumulation, and they can help you eliminate them said Zhang He.

However ... ...

I will see you off, benefactor!" Wang Pengyu immediately stood up to escort him.

All of this is for the Body Quenching Liquid. The Body Quenching Liquid is a special supply that is difficult to obtain even with money; it is a potion specifically designed to refine the body and generate a sense of energy. Before the martial arts examination for the young warriors, the True Martial Hall of the Western Chu Kingdom allocates Body Quenching Liquid for each young warrior to use in their final training push.

After finishing the meal, Zhang's mother called Zhang He to her side

"Much better, but I still feel weak." Zhang M. Hetushu.com said. Mother Dao looked at Zhang He, unable to suppress her doubts, and couldn't help but ask, "The price of black-bone chicken is not cheap; where did you get the money to buy it?"

The dormitory of Wutong Academy consists of two separate living quarters for males and females, divided by a small garden. In each living quarter, every individual has their own private room. However, these dormitories are also categorized by rank; those without wealth, such as Zhang He, can only reside in the most basic rooms, which are also of poor quality.

Zhang He looked at Wang Pengyu's fervent gaze and smiled calmly

Zhang He knew that in front of his mother, the Wang family was a taboo topic. His vague memories allowed him to retain some recollection of the events from that time. His father's betrayal of his mother, his lack of righteousness, and his remarriage to a concubine caused Zhang's mother to despise him to the utmost. She even went so far as to leave with nothing, changing her children's surnames, in order to sever all ties with the Wang family. If it had not been for the severance of ties with the Wang family back then, Zhang He would now be the eldest son and heir of the Wang family.

This sales strategy fully captures the psychology of different individuals. If the Wang family operates effectively, their pharmacy's name will undoubtedly spread across all social strata in the entire Mengyin City immediately! However, under the previous approach, the Wang family's pharmacy could only be remembered by wealthy individuals.

However, I have heard a little about some matters concerning the Martial Youth Academy. Is it not said that within the Martial Youth Academy, only a few scions of prominent families manage to cultivate true energy before the age of eighteen

This rate of growth is too slow. Zhang He is very dissatisfied, stating, "At this pace, it will be impossible to possess powerful true energy before the martial arts assessment. Tomorrow, I will return to the Martial Arts Academy. If there is nothing pressing, I will go up the mountain to collect highly toxic substances, using the toxins to aid in refining my body and increasing my true energy."

"Good. Good." Zhang's mother smiled, which woman does not love beauty? Moreover, this was crafted by her own son

Sigh, Hezi, you must understand that, in fact..." Mother Zhang said to Zhang He, unable to help but let out a sigh. She changed the subject, saying, "You play with your sister for a while; I will go take care of this chicken.

I was just about to tell my mother. Recently, the city of Mengyin has been plagued by poisonous creatures, and even the local apothecaries are at a loss. The medicine I gave you yesterday can counteract this poison; I sold it and made some money! Zhang He knew that this matter could not be kept secret and that his mother would definitely find out. He set Zhang Yu down, took out the money pouch from his body, and handed it to his mother

This chubby individual is one of the few friends Zhang He has at the Wutong Academy. His name is Tang Risong, and his family is in the tailoring business

Venom is also a unique form of power. For instance, the venom of the king cobra can cause death within minutes. This is because venom can inflict significant damage to the body. However, the Rejuvenation True Solution cultivated by Zhang He can absorb the venom into the body, merging it with true energy. By then reversing the flow of the cultivation technique, one can transform the properties of the venom.

Seeing Zhang He holding a black chicken, a look of doubt flashed across her face; however, in front of Zhang Yu, she did not say much. Zhang's mother stood up, wiped her hands, and took the black chicken from Zhang He. Zhang Yu ran over, wanting her brother to hold her. Zhang He smiled and picked up Zhang Yu, giving her a hearty kiss on the cheek, which made Zhang Yu burst into laughter, and then he set her down.

I think it would be better for us to just give all the tempering liquid to Zhao Feng directly" Tang Risong suddenly said weakly, the dead fat man actually backed down directly

What kind of person do you think Zhang He is, Acan?

Zhang He, is your health better now

"Alright, from now on I will call you Brother Zhang! You are my lifesaver, Wang Pengyu, which makes you my brother!" Wang Pengyu said solemnly

Zhang He carried a black chicken bought from the market, feeling delighted as he returned home. Upon reaching the door, he heard the sound of his younger sister's laughter, which was as melodious as silver bells.

Zhang He was beaten, naturally due to the effect of the tempering fluid

This is only a part. In the future, we will continue to have a steady stream of income. I have already collaborated with Wang's Pharmacy

Ah? Does this not imply that, as long as there are no unforeseen circumstances, he can cultivate to the True Martial Realm in the future? Wang Pengyu was momentarily taken aback

This is the power of the Poison King

"Hehe, from now on, do not call me benefactor; just address me by my name," Zhang He said

In the evening, in the room, I watched a dark-colored mouse brazenly scurry out in front of me.

What is considered highly toxic in the eyes of others becomes an unparalleled remedy in the hands of Zhang He

Only by reaching the fourth level of the Strength Martial Realm can one gain the respect of others. The Strength Martial Realm consists of three levels: the first three levels are for ordinary people, the middle three levels are slightly above ordinary people, and only the last three levels can be considered as superior individuals

I did not expect, Brother Zhang and He, to be so deeply concealed!

Zhang He had made up his mind. To achieve the goal of refining his body and rapidly increasing his true energy in a short period, utilizing potent toxins was the best solution

Zhang He finally understood why the two of them looked so distressed. Going to the training ground meant engaging in combat drills, which was a nightmare for all commoners! He clearly remembered that it was at the training ground where he had been beaten by those wealthy young masters!

"Wang Family Pharmacy?" A hint of coldness appeared on Zhang's mother's face, "Which Wang Family Pharmacy?"

Zhang He pushed the door open and left, seeing in the courtyard that Zhang's mother was there with his younger sister, selecting vegetables while playfully teasing Zhang Yu, which made her giggle uncontrollably

Zhang He stood up to take his leave

"Mother, how are you feeling?" Zhang He observed that his mother's complexion had improved significantly

"Ahe has returned." Upon hearing the commotion, Mother Zhang turned her head to look.

"I never expected that the medicine would be so miraculous; your birthmark is gone as well," Mother Zhang exclaimed as she looked at Zhang He’s forehead. Suddenly, she changed her tone and asked, "Hezi, don’t deceive me. Where exactly did this medicine come from? The Wu Tong Academy has never taught the art of alchemy!"

Sigh. Zhang He had long since devised a countermeasure in his heart. He feigned a sigh, struggled a bit, and said, "Mother, I must tell you, but you must not tell anyone else. In fact, on one occasion, I helped a down-and-out pharmacist. To express his gratitude, he imparted to me some prescriptions, saying that with these prescriptions, I could ensure my livelihood in the future. However, he cautioned me not to mention this matter to anyone else, lest it bring unnecessary trouble." He imparted to me some prescriptions, saying that with these prescriptions, I could ensure my livelihood in the future. However, he cautioned me not to mention this matter to anyone else, lest it bring unnecessary trouble.

Zhang He felt a stir in his heart, realizing that he had actually forgotten about the Martial Youth Academy. With the Martial Youth assessment approaching, it was indeed the busiest time at the academy.

He consumed the Ten Complete Dominance, removed his clothes, sat cross-legged, and formed hand seals, breathing in a special rhythm. His body resonated with a crimson hue. The effects of the Ten Complete Dominance soon became apparent, as the energy within him surged.

Ding ding ding. The sound of the class bell rang from outside. The expressions on the faces of Wang Dachui and Tang Risong both changed.

... ...

Zhang He, you are back!" Wang Dachui was somewhat surprised to see Zhang He

Indeed. He is also knowledgeable in alchemy and well-versed in matters of commerce..." A Can's expression was somewhat complex as he watched Zhang He’s figure disappear into the distance, feeling puzzled and confused about his true identity

"Hmm. Do you have any plans for today? Why does your complexion seem off?" Zhang Heqi asked curiously

... ...

Alright, the matter has been mostly resolved, so I will take my leave. In a few days, I will send over the other five Poison Pearls

In Mengyin City, there are quite a number of martial arts children, averaging three bottles per person each month. Zhao Feng and his companions require a large quantity of body refining liquid, so they turned their attention to these ordinary civilians with average cultivation levels. In the Martial Arts Academy, civilian martial arts children account for a full two-thirds! They cannot seize it openly; instead, they can only use coercive methods to force the civilian disciples to hand over the body refining liquid.

... ...

"It should have nothing to do with my father. This is a huge chain pharmacy, and here in Mengyin City, it is merely a branch," Zhang He pondered. It seems that my mother still harbors feelings about my father.

... ...

I, Wang Pengyu, am fortunate to have met such a person? Wang Pengyu was both astonished and delighted; even within his family, such a genius was a rare occurrence!

Long-term labor, exposure to wind and sun, has left some dark yellow spots on Zhang's mother's face, which are signs of aging

The true energy circulates continuously within the body, with a substantial sensation of qi being incessantly absorbed by the true energy. Then, the true energy continues to circulate within the body, moving from the fine meridians to various parts of the body, constantly refining the physique

Alright, I will return tomorrow

It turns out that Zhang's mother never believed this; it was something Zhang He learned from the martial arts academy.

Wang Pengyu wanted to send Zhang He back in a horse-drawn carriage, but Zhang He refused, leaving him with no choice but to give up. Watching Zhang He depart, the fervor on Wang Pengyu's face still did not fade; he suddenly asked the red-faced man beside him.

"Go to the Wutong Academy and do not argue with others anymore," Zhang's mother hesitated before continuing, "Focus on your work; if you achieve a good ranking in the Wutong assessment, you will gain recognition from others and secure a good position and opportunities in the library affairs"

Previously, Zhang He had attained the third level of the Strength Martial Realm, with physical attributes comparable to those of a robust man in his prime. However, such cultivation was not enough to attract anyone's attention.

After operating for a full three weeks, Zhang He felt a bit of swelling and pain in his body, so he decided to stop. At this moment, the true energy within him had increased by nearly one-third compared to last night. Such a speed of cultivation is truly astonishing

"Your timing for returning is quite unfortunate." Tang Risong pulled Zhang He inside, glanced outside, and then walked to the side, knocking on the door of another room. A dark-skinned youth emerged, his face filled with sorrow. His name was Wang Dachui, a name given by his blacksmith father. This was another friend of Zhang He.

... ...

His future achievements will undoubtedly be extraordinary! I noticed the emblem of the Martial Arts Academy on his clothing, which indicates that he is still a student there... However, he has already cultivated true energy.

Zhang He’s solution is quite simple; to put it plainly, it is merely about selling different medicines to different people. Zhang He understands that wealthy individuals will certainly not take inexpensive medicine, as they do not trust cheap remedies. On the other hand, ordinary people cannot afford expensive medicine, so they have no choice but to take the cheaper options. In this way, the same medicine can be sold at completely different prices simply by making slight modifications to the packaging and appearance of the product

Zhang's mother naturally would not remain idle; she went over and insisted on helping.

The highly toxic substance has had its properties reversed, instantly transforming it into a powerful tonic! What was originally capable of corroding meridians, after being reversed, can now strengthen them! The lethal poison is domineering, but when utilized in reverse, it remains equally formidable

Mother Zhang sighed softly as she spoke... If only her Silver Eagle Chamber of Commerce were still around... Alas, now she cannot be of any help, and everything must rely on her son to strive on his own

Wutong Academy is a place for youths under the age of eighteen. Generally, young individuals come here to study and train; as long as they achieve good results during the martial arts assessment, they can secure a promising future

Zhang He returned to his dormitory. In the adjacent room, the window was just open. A chubby man inside, looking distressed, saw Zhang He and immediately his expression changed drastically as he quickly opened the door

Zhang He smiled and said nothing more, then walked outside