Chapter 41: Wang Tieshan's Shock

Immersed in the gentle embrace of Chen Min for three days.

The Panmian remained the same as always.

No special increase, nor any special decrease.

It did not care whether it was the first time.

It did not care about status.

It did not care about feelings.

It was merely counting mechanically.

This allowed Cheng Feng to verify the results as well.

Indeed, this was Cheng Feng's good fortune, without any other messy requirements.

The hard work during these three days,

made Cheng Feng's kidneys ache faintly.

But fortunately, he finally completed his goal.

At this moment, there were eleven days left until the New Year.

Cheng Feng finally completed his goal ahead of time.

And looking at the soundly sleeping Chen Min,

this rare companion,

Cheng Feng was truly extremely satisfied with the unexpected surprise Chen Min had provided.

Cheng Feng even asked with a hint of jealousy: "Where did you learn this?"

Chen Min had long been prepared for this: "I learned it specifically to hook my ex-husband; now it is only to hook you. The former self has passed away; as long as you do not abandon me and Xiaozhu, I can do whatever you want."

Facing this somewhat humble woman, Cheng Feng promised: "I won't, I am still hoping for you to give me a son."

"Cai'er should have told you all that as long as you give birth to a child for me, Cheng Feng, regardless of whether it is a boy or a girl, you will all be promoted to Concubine. I dare not say you will be wealthy, but I will definitely ensure you have no worries about food and clothing."

Chen Min was somewhat moved, regardless of whether these words were true or false.

Since Cheng Feng had said as much, she could only repay him.

After eating breakfast in Room One, he practiced calligraphy for a while.

This could also be considered Cheng Feng cultivating his character.

These past few days, not only was Chen Min tired, but Cheng Feng, the actual contributor, was also tired.

There were four pills left from the second purchase at Yonghe Hall.

Cheng Feng prepared to rest for a while and would no longer go to the old doctor to restock.

He currently had one tael of silver left in his hands.

Cai'er still had three taels of silver and a few large coins.

Plus the forty taels of emergency savings.

It was enough for the time being.

With this one tael, he would bring some things home!

Cheng Feng knew very well what he needed and what his goal was.

He let Xiao Qing cook more when she was preparing meals.

Although Xiaohua and Cuier could also cook,

Cheng Feng was generally very careful about safety regarding pregnant women; if they could avoid working, they should!

Xiao Qing had no objections either.

Currently, there were basically only two people doing chores: Chen Min and Xiao Qing.

Chen Min was already Cheng Feng's woman and had been serving Cheng Feng all along.

Xiao Qing was not yet Cheng Feng's woman, so what was there to say about doing some miscellaneous chores?

Even in a small space, the concept of class would manifest.

Fortunately, Xiao Qing did not have such thoughts; after fleeing from the ravages of war, Xiao Qing had suffered quite a bit.

Now, there was only eating.

Just like Xiaohua in the beginning.

Cai'er saw all of this in her eyes.

She did not say much.

After all, as the First Wife,

it was not good to talk too much about trivial matters.

For the current Room One, the most important thing was to protect oneself well until the child was born safely.

These were Cheng Feng's original words.

Cheng Feng did not want any idiotic incidents to occur where someone had a miscarriage from doing chores.

Otherwise, who were the reading, writing, Needlework, and cloth prepared for?

Could it be for Cheng Feng himself?

Lunch was served, and Cheng Feng added points to the Blade Posture in his room.

After adding the points,

it reached exactly the Proficient level.

Feeling the Blade Posture that he had practiced many times in his mind,

the insights accumulated bit by bit lingered in Cheng Feng's heart.

Finally, during one practice session, Cheng Feng felt that the blade, his body, his breathing, his thoughts, and his direction were all in unison.

Cheng Feng could control this breath-borne Qi as if it were his own arm, guiding it to circulate throughout his entire body, not letting a single spot go.

After circling his whole body, his skin began to slowly seep out blood, the blood mixed with strands of gray substance.

The hunger Cheng Feng had been waiting for followed.

This time, Cheng Feng had asked Xiao Qing to prepare mostly meat.

This would allow for better replenishment of energy.

It was more cost-effective than rice or steamed buns.

Of course, there would be no shortage of staple foods either.

Separated by the room, the beautiful women outside watched the interior, their eyes flickering with worry.

Inside the room, Cheng Feng was covered in seeping blood, which was also mixed with a sour, foul odor.

But even so, Cheng Feng at most wiped his palms on his clothes.

He continued to swallow the food.

The hunger was too intense.

Cheng Feng had Xiao Qing add food and drink a full three times.

Only then did he feel relieved.

He asked Xiao Qing to prepare bathwater.

Cheng Feng quietly savored the realm after the breakthrough.

His skin was more elastic and resilient than before; even if he struck with force, his fist would not break the skin.

Moreover, looking at the skin flakes on his hands, it seemed he had molted???

Cheng Feng did not know much about how others achieved breakthroughs.

He had started by practicing the Blade Posture and went straight to Skin Refining via the Panmian.

He hadn't been to the Martial Arts Hall since the Panmian displayed it, but he was still paying the fees.

Wasn't it all for the sake of becoming a Registered Disciple?

After becoming a Registered Disciple, one would no longer need to pay tuition.

If one had problems with martial arts practice, one could also go directly to ask the master.

Until Blood Refining, and entering the Inner Sect.

The future is promising!

While bathing, he first washed away the skin flakes from his body, then soaked well in a tub of water.

Cheng Feng also planned his explanation.

Since entering the Martial Arts Hall in autumn, Cheng Feng had not expected to reach the Strength Refining and Skin Refining realms in only about three months.

He had just worked a bit harder, plus a little help from the Panmian.

And he had achieved such an accomplishment.

It was a pity that he feared the Martial Arts Hall Master would make an issue of his aptitude.

His bones had already been felt by the Martial Arts Hall Master.

It was equivalent to his background being known by the Martial Arts Hall Master.

So, what should he do?

Play dumb?

Or say he accidentally ate an unknown medicinal herb?

The corners of Cheng Feng's mouth curled up slightly.

Regardless, his Skin Refining Initial Stage was a fact; according to the rules, becoming a Registered Disciple should be a certainty!

After resting for an afternoon, Chen Min could also get some rest.

Cheng Feng was a youth with vigorous energy.

In the long run, anyone would likely be unable to handle it.

He should rest whenever he could.

Early the next morning.

Cheng Feng put on his Martial Arts Hall disciple uniform and headed straight to the Martial Arts Hall.

Niu Laoshi and the others were not there, and newcomers had arrived in the corner.

He found Qian Ming and said in a panic, "Senior Brother Qian, I have been practicing martial arts at home, and yesterday I suddenly bled all over and even tore off a layer of skin flakes with my hands. What is this situation?"

Qian Ming exclaimed, "What? Peeling skin?"

Cheng Feng nodded like a pestle pounding garlic: "Yes, yes, I didn't get sick from practicing, did I? I was bleeding all over."

Qian Ming dared not jump to conclusions; he pulled up Cheng Feng's arm and slashed out with his blade.

Cheng Feng was startled: "What are you doing, Senior Brother Qian? Are you trying to hack me?"

Qian Ming said helplessly, "Why would I hack you? I am testing your skin. If it is elastic and resilient and doesn't break when slashed by a blade, then you have broken through to Skin Refining."

Cheng Feng put on a show, extending his arm, rolling up his sleeve, and boasting, "Then come on!"

Qian Ming chuckled at Cheng Feng's look of resignation to death, but the serious matter was urgent; if he had truly reached Skin Refining, Cheng Feng had only been at the Martial Arts Hall for a little over three months.

Might he be taken directly into the Inner Sect by the master?

Qian Ming held an iron blade, Cheng Feng extended his arm, and this lively scene attracted the surrounding disciples.

They were noisy and clamorous.

Some were skeptical,

Some were disdainful,

Some watched with focused attention.

Someone was inquiring about information on Cheng Feng.

All sorts of reactions emerged.

The iron blade slashed across, but there were no sparks.

Yet, there was not a single mark on the skin.

Qian Ming knew the importance of the matter.

He pulled Cheng Feng and headed straight for the Inner Sect.

There are nine Inner Sect Disciples; although a few have fallen or gone missing, their rankings are still preserved.

They record the past glories of the Martial Arts Hall's disciples.

Wang Tieshan was practicing his blade in the inner courtyard.

Upon hearing Qian Ming's report, he was also greatly astonished.

A little over three months, less than four months.

Breaking through Strength Refining to reach Skin Refining.

If this is true, he could be considered a top-tier genius in the Prefecture City.

He finished his practice and stood up.

He headed straight for the main hall, not even having time to put on his outer robe.

Cheng Feng looked at the muscular old man who was wearing only his under-trousers and no outer robe.

He walked over with heat radiating from his entire body.

As his beard fluttered, he looked like an angry lion.

Standing before Cheng Feng, he asked, "You are Cheng Feng?"

The insignificant person whose bones he had felt a few months ago had long been cast to the back of Wang Tieshan's mind.

Now, it was merely a matter of getting to know him all over again.

Cheng Feng nodded; Wang Tieshan grabbed Cheng Feng's arm and squeezed it, then used his Qi and Blood to perceive him once more.

He nodded in confirmation and said, "Using the Horse Posture as a base, the Blade Posture to open the path, your Qi and Blood are pure, you didn't use Great Medicine to break through, your foundation is solid; it is indeed true that you only broke through yesterday."

Seeing Wang Tieshan give Cheng Feng his verdict once again.

Cheng Feng began to admire the old man before him.

Except for the Panmian, everything else was correct.

Is this life experience or Martial Dao strength?

Or perhaps it is both.

On the path of Martial Dao, those who achieve are first.

The Martial Arts Hall Master before him was the most powerful person Cheng Feng could come into contact with.

Looking at Cheng Feng, Wang Tieshan pondered, "You will only come of age after the New Year, right?"

Cheng Feng nodded to confirm.

Wang Tieshan felt a surge of joy in his heart; to be near adulthood and already have achieved success in cultivation upon first touching the Martial Dao—he was undoubtedly a genius.

"According to the rules of the Martial Arts Hall, there are two paths after Skin Refining; which one do you choose?"

Cheng Feng spoke directly: "This disciple chooses the second path, to explore the scenery of the Martial Dao."

Wang Tieshan asked about Cheng Feng's recent situation again, and upon hearing that Cheng Feng had been practicing martial arts at home the whole time, Wang Tieshan was even more satisfied: "This might be the seedling I found myself."

As for the situation when he felt his bones back then, what did that count for?

Bone-feeling actually depends on the experience of the master performing it.

Through long-term association, one can discern the bones.

But there are always strange bone structures or even pulse patterns that ordinary people do not know about.

For Wang Tieshan, being able to find a young, steady-natured, single-minded, and exceptionally gifted successor.

Was something Wang Tieshan had hoped for before he died.

The anticipation of twenty years might truly be realized by Cheng Feng.

Heaven has opened its eyes!

Looking at Cheng Feng, Wang Tieshan's expression remained unchanged: "Then you shall enter my sect and become my Tenth Disciple!"

Huh?

Huh?

Two surprised exclamations made Wang Tieshan's expression turn displeased: "What, are you unwilling?"

Cheng Feng hurriedly explained: "No, Master, didn't you say my aptitude was poor when you felt my bones before? I thought that, well, I would be content just being a Registered Disciple."

Having said that, he gave a sheepish laugh.

Wang Tieshan bypassed Cheng Feng and looked at Qian Ming: "Do you have a problem?"

Qian Ming hurriedly cupped his hands and bowed his head: "This disciple dares not, I was merely surprised and let out a sound."

"Then what are you waiting for? Why don't you go set up the tea and incense? Today I will take Cheng Feng into my sect, and next year I will announce it to everyone," Wang Tieshan said angrily.

Seeing the somewhat impatient Martial Arts Hall Master, Qian Ming hurriedly accepted the order and left.

Wang Tieshan explained to Cheng Feng: "It is almost New Year, and I expect you will also want to go home for the holidays; we will go through a simple process first, and next year I will hold a grand ceremony for you."

Cheng Feng replied with a smile: "I will listen to everything Master says."

Wang Tieshan and Cheng Feng chatted about Cheng Feng's family background.

Cheng Feng naturally told the truth.

As for the silver, he would never mention it even if he were beaten to death.

He only said that the house in the county town was rented.

The location is also stated as Room Two; if one were to check whether this information is true,

one could also verify the deposit receipt and the like.

Hearing Cheng Feng say that he had a major illness in the middle of the year, brushing against life and death, it seems as if he had an epiphany after waking up.

Wang Tieshan seemed to have found the answer to why Cheng Feng's aptitude was mediocre yet his Martial Dao realm progressed so quickly.

There are those profound in martial arts who, upon encountering a bottleneck and coming to a standstill, seek the gap between life and death to hone themselves in order to seek a breakthrough.

For an Ordinary person like Cheng Feng to naturally experience the cycle of life and death,

if such an encounter were truly real,

then it is a classic example of "surviving a great disaster brings future fortune."

Chatting with Wang Tieshan about his own experiences, he did not expect his experiences to have such benefits.

It truly is a case of "one may plant flowers with intent, but they do not bloom; one may plant a willow by chance, and it grows into shade."

The Martial Arts Hall Master's self-justification also opened Cheng Feng's eyes.

So there is such a way of putting it.

Hmm, I will package myself like this in the future.

It sounds very high-class.

Qian Ming arranged the tea and incense.

Wang Tieshan sat upright in the main seat of the hall.

Cheng Feng kowtowed three times, then offered tea to Wang Tieshan.

He said, "Master, please drink tea."

Wang Tieshan was satisfied in his heart, but his expression remained calm, giving a faint "Hmm."

It fully displayed the demeanor of an expert.

It seemed that Cheng Feng's talent was only worthy of this "Hmm."

Cheng Feng did not have much experience, nor did he understand.

But he knew his own situation clearly.

Low profile, low profile, and keep a low profile.

He just took everything as the best arrangement.

Then he offered three sticks of incense to the founder.

The Master led the way in kneeling and kowtowing.

Wang Tieshan said, "The Martial Dao is long; cultivate yourself and your virtue; diligence and persistence are the supreme path."

Cheng Feng agreed.

Only then did the simple process end.

Qian Ming led Cheng Feng to Lao Li to have his measurements taken.

The Inner Sect Disciple uniform is custom-made.

It will take at least half a month.

Today is considered finished.

Starting tomorrow, Cheng Feng will be an Inner Sect Disciple, and he will be taught by Inner Sect senior brothers and sisters.

But Cheng Feng is very panicked.

If he really had genius aptitude, that would be fine.

But he doesn't.

The current Fortune Points have already been used up.

If new skills are taught, just the entry-level requirement for the skills would expose Cheng Feng's true colors.

But Cheng Feng cannot resist.

Breaking through to Skin Refining in less than four months, breaking through to Skin Refining before adulthood.

Both conditions were met by Cheng Feng.

If he is not a genius, what are the others?

Cheng Feng feels that the situation is somewhat out of control.

But fortunately, the Master said that the grand ceremony will only be held next year, and he will invite other fellow practitioners to witness it.

To have an exchange for the younger generation of the Martial Dao.

It just so happens that the older generation can also take this opportunity to gather.

Wang Tieshan said a lot, and his reasons were very sufficient.

Yet he did not see Cheng Feng's somewhat pale complexion.

If under Wang Tieshan's martial arts training schedule,

his own progress is very poor,

will he die?

Die from being mocked by the younger generation?

Be beaten to death by a fellow practitioner with high strength?

Die of social embarrassment in front of the Master?

Cheng Feng's own shortcoming lies in the entry phase; martial arts practice requires the Panmian to record it before he can add points.

Cheng Feng is afraid that his mediocre aptitude will really drag him down.

Cheng Feng is panicked inside, but on the surface, he still has to promise Wang Tieshan to perform well,

and show those fellow practitioners what he is made of.

All the seemingly reasonable demands, such as upholding the prestige of the Martial Arts Hall.

It was not until Wang Tieshan released him from the Inner Sect that Cheng Feng finally realized.

This status of his as an Inner Sect Disciple.

Could it be returned???

If it cannot be returned.

He can only rely on the support of the women at home.

Cheng Feng's kidneys were aching faintly.

His little treasury was aching faintly.

Cheng Feng wailed in his heart.

For the sake of this Inner Sect Disciple identity.

What else must he pay?

Wasn't he working so hard back then just to save money?

How is it that after becoming an Inner Sect Disciple.

He is spending even more money instead?

Cheng Feng does not understand.

Cheng Feng feels very miserable.

But Cheng Feng still has to go and handle it.

And he must handle it successfully.

It is hard for Cheng Feng!