Chapter 26: New Function (Second Update)

Robin's mouth twitched upward slightly, a trace of smugness flashing in his eyes.

He lowered his head to glance at the bubbling Leopard Bone Soup, its rich aroma mingling with the fresh scent of herbs and filling the air, making one feel refreshed.

This was his painstaking work brewed all night, not only delicious but also imbued with special effects.

"This is the soup I brewed according to the herbal formula in that book," Robin said proudly, his tone tinged with self‑satisfaction.

"Leopard Bone itself contains abundant energy, and together with these herbs that boost blood‑qi and strengthen bones, it can slightly enhance a Knight Apprentice's blood‑qi and energy. Though it doesn't match the effect of the Breathing Method Secret Medicine, it raises energy and blood‑qi far more than ordinary food."

Lily and Eric heard that and instantly lit up with joy.

Lily asked eagerly, "So from now on we can train faster, right? That would greatly speed up our power growth!"

Robin nodded, then shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his expression.

Eric frowned slightly and pressed, "Is there a problem? Does the soup have any restrictions?"

Robin sighed and explained, "Leopard Bone itself holds a great amount of energy, and these herbs also require careful gathering or purchase, which isn't cheap."

Bones from ordinary animals like Jumping Goat can't produce this effect at all. Both are indispensable, so the soup can't be drunk often. Moreover, the herb ratios must be precise; a slight mistake will greatly reduce the effect."

Lily heard that, the joy on her face faded a bit, replaced by a hint of excitement: "I see, looks like we'll have to hunt more from now on."

Eric remained relatively calm, nodded and said, "Lily is right; I'll go hunting more and collect herbs, and Robin, you should teach me how to identify those herbs."

Robin smiled, patted Eric's shoulder, "Of course there's no problem; when the chance comes, I'll teach you identification, and if you spot them in the city, you can buy them first."

Eric's talk of teaching was really just to get a look at that book; clearly he had his own agenda.

As for Robin's "when the chance arises," he meant when Tomson wasn't around.

Tomson had just finished his bowl of soup, patting his belly contentedly, and laughed, "Anyway, this soup is really delicious! Robin, you should brew it more often; even if we can't drink it daily, an occasional batch is fine!"

Robin chuckled and shook his head, "You guy only think about eating. But if we ever get a chance to hunt a leopard or other powerful beasts, I'll brew it again. After all, it can aid our cultivation."

Lily and Eric exchanged smiles and nodded in agreement.

Though the soup can't become their staple for cultivation, it at least gave them a new idea. Perhaps with more effort they can discover similar methods to aid their cultivation.

By the campfire, the four sat together, the atmosphere relaxed and cheerful.

They drank the whole pot of Leopard Bone Soup, leaving not a drop, even scraping the pot clean. Satisfied, they leaned back in their chairs, looking up at the few remaining leopard bones hanging from the beam, feeling a lingering desire.

Eric tentatively asked, "Cook another pot tomorrow?"

Robin glared at him irritably, "The herbs are all used up; are you ready to pay for more medicine? My wages went to the Armory Department for that powerful bow, and I still owe two Gold Coins; next month's salary will be docked too."

Lily laughed, patted Robin's shoulder, "No problem! Later Eric and I will sell the Leopard Skin, split the money and buy herbs. Leopard Skin fetches a good price, enough for several batches of herbs."

Tomson nodded eagerly, "Yeah, yeah, once the Leopard Skin is sold, we can have a few more bowls!"

Robin shrugged, laughing helplessly, "Fine, you handle it. But I suggest, while the medicine still works, we hurry back to train properly. Don't waste the soup's effect."

Eric and Lily nodded, quickly helped clean the cookware. Then the four returned to their quarters, ready to seize the time to cultivate and maximize absorption of the soup's effects.

Robin went back to his room, closed the door, inhaled deeply, sat cross‑legged on the bed. He closed his eyes, calmed his mind, then gently summoned the System Panel.

A semi‑transparent light screen unfolded before him, displaying his various attributes:

【Name】：Robin

【Profession】：Knight Apprentice

【Level】：Junior Knight Apprentice (Mid-stage)

【Skills】：

First-level Swordsmanship: sword attacks gain 10% power, EXP: 31/2000

First Rank Hand-to-Hand: melee attacks gain 10% power, EXP: 17/2000

Basic Archery: no effect, EXP: 21/200

Soil Dragon Breathing Method: accelerates life recovery, Apprentice Level EXP: 452/1000

【Equipment】：Fine Longsword, Leather Armor

【Status】：Leopard Bone Soup effect absorbing (Breathing Method cultivation effect increased by 10% for one hour)

【Global Experience】：16

Robin looked at the panel data, a slight smile lifting his mouth.

Hunting also adds experience; not much, but still decent.

The Leopard Bone Soup's effect is indeed good; he decides to train the Breathing Method while the medicine lasts, further boosting his strength.

He adjusted his breathing, following the Breathing Method's principles, slowly inhaling, feeling his internal energy flow through the meridians.

With the breathing rhythm, he sensed his blood‑qi and energy rising slowly and steadily.

Time passed second by second, and Robin was fully immersed in cultivation.

His body gradually warmed, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, yet he showed no sign of stopping.

After an unknown amount of time, Robin slowly opened his eyes and let out a long sigh.

He reopened the System Panel, finding his blood‑qi and energy had risen slightly:

Soil Dragon Breathing Method EXP increased: 467/1000

"Not bad," Robin murmured, a faint satisfied smile on his face.

Though the increase is modest, small gains add up; as long as he persists, he believes his strength will keep growing.

He stood, stretched his somewhat stiff body, then walked to the window, gazed at the distant night sky, and, by the campfire's light, began leafing through the Herbal Record.

Because he had read the Herbal Record, Robin discovered another System Function: recording. As long as he reads a book attentively, his mind quickly copies its contents into the system, like computer storage, so he won't forget later.

(End of Chapter)