Chapter 28: A Choice!

"The Zhou Kingdom has finally reached this point."

Jiang Ye sighed inwardly.

Although there had been refugees and bandits causing trouble before, it had at most been limited to the countryside.

Now that the unrest had spread to the county seat, it meant the situation had deteriorated to a certain degree.

Jiang Ye remained silent for a moment, his sharp gaze gradually receding, and his voice returned to its previous flatness:

"Since it is forced by the times, I cannot blame you. This Blood-Replenishing Pill... give me twenty bottles first."

He did not haggle over the price but stated the quantity directly.

With great chaos imminent, resources to improve one's strength were more important than gold and silver.

"Twenty bottles?!" Cui Yang's eyes lit up suddenly, and the smile on his face became even more sincere and enthusiastic. "Old man, you are indeed straightforward! Please sit for a moment; I will get you the best stock right away!"

He immediately turned around and personally instructed a nimble young clerk behind him to fetch the medicine.

Before long, the clerk returned quickly, holding a heavy sandalwood medicine box.

The lid was opened, revealing a deep red velvet lining, with twenty thumb-sized jade-white porcelain bottles arranged neatly. The bottles were warm and moist, faintly emitting a light medicinal fragrance.

Cui Yang personally took out a bottle and presented it to Jiang Ye with both hands. "Old man, please take a look. This batch of pills uses blood ginseng that is over three years old. The medicinal power is two parts stronger than standard goods, and if stored properly, it can maintain its efficacy for a year."

Jiang Ye took the porcelain bottle, pulled out the stopper, and brought it close to his nose.

A rich, mellow, and slightly bitter medicinal fragrance wafted out. Just by inhaling a trace of it, he felt the Qi and blood in his chest and abdomen become slightly active.

He nodded slightly, then stoppered the bottle again and placed it back in the box.

Without any unnecessary chatter, he took out a neatly folded banknote from his bosom and spread it slowly on the counter.

One thousand taels!

Cui Yang's pupils shrank slightly. He took the banknote with both hands, carefully verified the serial number and seal, and confirmed it was correct. His attitude became even more respectful.

"Alright, old man, here is your medicine, and the receipt has been sealed as well. There are quite a few particulars to taking the Blood-Replenishing Pill; it is best to..."

He nimbly packed the medicine box and issued the receipt, then handed it to Jiang Ye attentively, casually explaining a few key points for taking it.

Jiang Ye took the medicine box, tucked it into the wide lapel of his clothes, and turned to leave, his pace neither hurried nor slow.

"Take care on your way, and if you have any needs in the future, feel free to come to the Precious Bao Yao Tang again."

Cui Yang called out to the back that had already stepped over the threshold.

Once the grey-brown figure had completely merged into the night outside, the smile on his face gradually faded, and a trace of deep thought flashed in his eyes.

"This old man is at least a master of Hidden Force. When did such a person emerge in Anxi County?"

As long as they were martial artists, they had a need for pills. As the manager of the Precious Bao Yao Tang, he inevitably had to deal with such people.

However, he had absolutely no impression of this white-haired old man, despite him being a Hidden Force master, which was truly surprising.

The night was like a curtain.

Jiang Ye sat cross-legged by the side of the hard wooden bed, sitting quietly for a long time, his breathing as steady as an ancient well without ripples.

A moment later, he slowly reached into his bosom, took out the warm jade-white porcelain bottle, poured out a Blood-Replenishing Pill, and swallowed it in one gulp.

The pill melted upon hitting his throat. At first, it was cool, but in an instant, a scorching yet not violent heat flow dissolved within his body.

"Not bad."

Jiang Ye let out a muffled grunt, a flash of brightness crossing his aged eyes.

The medicinal power of this batch of Blood-Replenishing Pills was even stronger than the pills he had snatched from Xu Tao earlier.

He had no intention of wasting the medicinal power.

Taking advantage of the moment the heat flow had just dissolved and was surging within his body, Jiang Ye moved, rising from the bedside. In the center of the narrow gatehouse, he slowly set up the starting stance of the Five Animal Fist.

Ever since he learned that Lushan County had been sealed due to civil unrest, a sense of urgency had taken root in Jiang Ye's heart.

This fire would eventually burn its way to Anxi County.

He had lived peacefully for decades under the protection of Liu Liu Qingshi, but this unrest affecting the county seat was definitely no small matter.

Even Liu Liu Qingshi, a Transformation of Force martial artist, would likely find it difficult to stay out of it.

Therefore, he had to improve his strength as much as possible before the unrest arrived.

"If I can break through to the Transformation of Force realm before the unrest arrives..."

A trace of solemnity flashed in Jiang Ye's eyes.

Then, no matter how great the unrest, he would have the confidence to face it.

Three days passed quickly.

Early morning, the horizon just began to glow with a faint light.

On the open ground in front of the Wu Yuan gate, Jiang Ye slowly finished the last move of the Five Animal Fist, "Bird Soaring."

He stood still, his aura transitioning from movement to stillness, like a rushing stream merging into a deep pool, instantly becoming calm and undisturbed.

Only the slightly fluttering sleeves remained, carrying the lingering rhythm of his force in motion.

Host: Jiang Ye

Lifespan: 85

Strength: Hidden Force (Mid-Realm)

Fate: Ladder to Divinity 【Effect 1: Superb Comprehension】

Martial Arts Mastered: Five Animal Fist 【Great Success, 501/1000】

Intent Mastered: Tiger Walk Like Sickness, Spirit Ape Thousand Changes

He glanced at the system panel, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

After three days of practice, his control over his force had improved by another level; he was now at the Mid-Hidden Force realm.

He raised his eyes slightly, looking toward a certain spot.

Liu Liu Yiyi, that girl, had practiced diligently for several years with a solid foundation; she should also be at the Mid-Hidden Force realm now.

Of course, this was only her surface strength. He had comprehended two fist technique intents; if they were to truly fight, Liu Liu Yiyi would definitely not be his match.

"Time to rest a bit."

Jiang Ye slowly exhaled a long, turbid breath, and the surging Qi and blood within his body calmed down accordingly, like receding seawater returning to silence.

Although he was not lacking in medicinal supplements now, this aged body was not made of iron after all.

Too much is as bad as too little; he understood this principle better than anyone.

Once his breathing was completely steady and the thin layer of sweat on his forehead had been dried by the morning breeze, Jiang Ye opened the Wu Yuan gate unhurriedly, continuing to be his gatekeeping old man.

"Sigh, have you heard? It seems like Lushan County next door has been sealed due to civil unrest."

"Sealed? I thought it was just a rumor before! So something really happened."

"Will... will it spread to our Anxi County? My home is on the edge of the West City, not far from the refugee camp..."

"Hard to say. My mom said that the price of rice and flour in the city has started to rise."

"In these turbulent times, life is getting harder and harder."

Sitting at the entrance, Jiang Ye heard the disciples' worried discussions, a look of solemnity flashing in his eyes.

Even these young disciples, who were oblivious to the world and focused solely on martial arts, were starting to talk about the changes in Lushan County, which meant the news had long since spread among the people. The degree of deterioration in the situation was likely three parts more severe than what he had heard from Cui Yang three days ago.

A sense of panic was spreading among the Wu Yuan disciples.

However, in the afternoon, another shocking piece of news came from within the Wu Yuan.

Hu Tian had successfully broken through to the Bright Force realm!

"Tsk tsk, Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian is truly incredible."

"He has only been practicing martial arts for half a month and has already successfully broken through to the Bright Force realm!"

"At this rate, Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian might even break through to the Hidden Force realm in a year!"

"This superior bone talent is truly enviable."

The inner courtyard disciples looked at Hu Tian with envy, jealousy, and hatred, exclamations of amazement constant.

And Hu Tian, who was at the center of the discussion, also had a look of wild joy, though it was not as flamboyant and proud as when he had first mastered the fist technique.

For the past few days, he had been worried about offending Liu Liu Yiyi and Su Yan and had no heart to think about anything else, so he could only spend all his time practicing his punches.

Unexpectedly, he had used this opportunity to successfully break through to the Bright Force realm.

"Hu Tian."

A low, thick voice came from behind the crowd, and the noise stopped abruptly.

Liu Liu Qingshi had walked out of the study at some point, standing under the corridor with his hands behind his back. His gaze fell on Hu Tian, and he nodded slightly.

On that usually stern face, a rare trace of approval appeared.

"I originally thought you would need a month to break through. Not bad, faster than I imagined."

He walked over slowly, took out the small celadon bottle that everyone was already familiar with from his sleeve, and handed it to Hu Tian.

The bottle was warm and moist, with a faint medicinal fragrance; it was a brand-new bottle of Blood-Replenishing Pills.

"I hope you will continue to maintain this diligence and not let down this bone talent."

"Thank you, Master, for the reward! I will definitely practice even more diligently!"

Hu Tian took the Blood-Replenishing Pills from Liu Liu Qingshi with an excited expression.

After encouraging Hu Tian a few more times, Liu Liu Qingshi glanced at Shi Lei, who was practicing his punches diligently not far away, a trace of imperceptible gratification flashing in his eyes, before turning and returning to the study.

After the Hall Master left, the atmosphere in the inner courtyard became even more lively.

Several disciples who were close to Hu Tian immediately surrounded him, their words filled with undisguised flattery.

"Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian—no, I should call you Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian! Having broken through to the Bright Force realm, we are now on equal footing!"

"Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian, if you have time another day, you must do us the honor of letting us host you to celebrate your breakthrough!"

"Hey, come to think of it, Hu Hu Shidi Shi Lei and Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian started practicing the fist technique on the same day, right? I wonder where he is now..."

"Need you ask? Hu Hu Shidi Shi Lei only has mediocre bone talent. By the time he breaks through to the Bright Force realm, Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian will probably be preparing to charge toward the Hidden Force realm!"

Someone lowered their voice, carrying a bit of deliberate teasing, their peripheral vision glancing toward the lonely figure in the distance.

Hearing the surrounding disciples' discussions, which were slightly flattering to him, Hu Tian couldn't help but raise the corner of his mouth in a proud arc.

On the other side, Shi Lei was completely unaffected, as if he were isolated in a different world from the surrounding disciples.

The Wu Yuan's Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi, Zhao Gang, had originally wanted to walk over to comfort him a bit, but seeing this scene, he couldn't help but feel a flash of admiration.

"I didn't expect Hu Hu Shidi Shi Lei's temperament to be so resilient..."

He glanced at Hu Tian, who was full of pride not far away, and thought to himself: "Given time, Hu Hu Shidi Shi Lei might not necessarily be unable to catch up to Hu Tian."

At the same time.

When Hu Tian's gaze swept over Shi Lei, who was practicing his punches alone like an ascetic monk, a flash of undisguised disdain crossed his eyes, and he snorted coldly in his heart:

"Mediocre bone talent, no matter how much you practice, you will never see my heels."

The pride on his face grew stronger and stronger, and he couldn't help but want to laugh out loud.

Suddenly.

His peripheral vision inadvertently swept over two figures under the corridor in the distance.

Liu Liu Yiyi and Su Yan were standing there side by side, one as cold as snow, the other as gentle as the moon.

Even though they were not looking this way...

Hu Tian felt an inexplicable tremor in his heart.

It was as if a basin of ice water had been poured over his head without warning.

The pride that had just ignited, the joy that had swelled until it almost overflowed his chest, was cut down by more than half by an inexplicable chill in that tremor.

The pride still hung on the corners of his mouth, but it had already stiffened into an unnatural arc.

The wild joy of breaking through to the Bright Force realm, at this moment, inexplicably faded by three parts.

Finally, it was near closing time.

Hu Tian was again the first to leave the Wu Yuan.

He couldn't wait to go home and share the joy of his breakthrough to the Bright Force realm with his sister.

Just as he passed a quiet street corner, a black figure seemed to grow out of the wall's shadow, blocking his path squarely.

"Big Hu Hu Shidi Zhang Wang?!"

Hu Tian stopped abruptly, almost stumbling.

The person in front of him was none other than Zhang Xu's confidant, Zhang Wang.

Zhang Wang looked Hu Tian over, then patted his shoulder quite familiarly and said:

"Incredible, truly incredible! The Young Master really didn't misjudge you. How many days has it been? You've broken through to the Bright Force realm! Looking at the entire younger generation of Anxi County, your talent is the best!"

As he spoke, he put his arm around Hu Tian's shoulder. "Let's go, Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian, the Young Master wants to see you."

Hearing this, Hu Tian's expression changed, and a trace of hesitation appeared in his eyes.

Although he didn't know what had happened between Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Zhang Xu and the two Zhang Zhang Shixiong Sisters that night, leading to him being expelled from the Wu Yuan.

However, it was clear that the two sides had completely fallen out.

And he had also offended the two Zhang Zhang Shixiong Sisters because of the bridge-building matter.

If he went to see Zhang Xu now, it would be even harder for him to gain a foothold in the Wu Yuan in the future.

"Big Hu Hu Shidi Zhang Wang, do you know what Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Zhang Xu did that night..."

Hu Tian was just about to ask.

"Sigh..."

Zhang Wang let out a long sigh and interrupted directly: "Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian, I don't know the inside story of this matter either."

"However, you can ask the Young Master in person."

Seeing that Hu Tian still had a trace of hesitation, Zhang Wang said again: "Hu Hu Shidi Hu Tian, have you forgotten the care the Young Master showed you when you first entered the Wu Yuan?"

As he spoke, Zhang Wang's eyes swept over Hu Tian's clothes.

These clothes were the ones Zhang Xu had taken Hu Tian to buy back then.

"Alright, I'll go with you to see Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Zhang Xu."

Hu Tian hesitated for a moment, but eventually followed Zhang Wang.

Anxi County, East City.

The Zhang family mansion.

"Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Zhang Xu... how did you... get injured like this?!"

Hu Tian, who had entered the room with Zhang Wang, felt his pupils shrink sharply, and he was completely stunned.

He saw Zhang Xu lying on the bed, his face pale, bandages wrapped around his chest, still seeping with traces of blood.

It was a miserable sight, as if he had just returned from the gates of hell.

At the same time, he became even more curious about what Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Zhang Xu had done that night to end up in this state.

Hearing Hu Tian's voice, Zhang Xu, who was half-awake and half-asleep, slowly opened his eyes, his lips trembling as he spoke:

"Hu... Hu Tian, you've finally come..."

His voice, besides being weak and hoarse, had an extra trace of a tooth-aching, feminine quality.

Hu Tian suddenly came to his senses and almost stumbled to the bedside.

Looking at Zhang Xu's sunken, bloodless face, he said with a trembling voice: "Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi... this... what exactly is..."

Zhang Xu remained silent for a moment, not answering his question, but instead said: "Hu Tian, what do you think of me?"

Hu Tian was stunned, and after a long while, he nodded slightly and said: "Zhang Zhang Shixiong Hu Hu Shidi Zhang has been quite good to me."

Zhang Xu looked straight at Hu Tian, his voice even hoarser:

"Then are you willing to leave the Liu Qingshi Wu Yuan?" ===== CHAPTER 29 =====