If his guess was correct, the series of changes in his body had something to do with the Marrow Cleansing Pearl.
Yang Heng surmised that the pork strips he had just eaten were too nutritious for his body to absorb all at once. His weak body could not handle such rich nourishment, so the Marrow Cleansing Pearl had taken effect, lending him a hand and allowing his internal organs to perfectly absorb the remaining nutrients, bit by bit strengthening his physique.
The food he had eaten in the past had been severely lacking in nutrients. After supplying a portion to the Marrow Cleansing Pearl, his body could completely absorb what remained. Even if the pearl had secretly helped him, he would not have noticed it. It had never been as obvious as it was today.
By sheer accident, he had discovered a hidden function of the Marrow Cleansing Pearl.
Besides releasing mysterious energy once its reserves were full to cleanse marrow and scour bones, alter his constitution, and improve his talent,
it could also assist in digesting the food he ate every day, ensuring that not a single scrap went to waste. It allowed his body to absorb everything perfectly, silently strengthening his physique.
The effects might not be visible in a day or even a month, but over time, his body would grow stronger and stronger. He would become a little more robust every day, without easily drawing attention.
Upon realizing that the Marrow Cleansing Pearl could aid digestion, constantly temper his body, and strengthen his physique, Yang Heng was beside himself with joy. His mouth split into a wide grin, and he even forgot the pain and itch caused by the transformation.
Very soon, the changes in his body ended.
After carefully sensing himself, Yang Heng's face was wreathed in smiles.
Whether it was merely psychological or the Marrow Cleansing Pearl's first tempering of his body had been especially effective, he could genuinely feel that he had changed tremendously.
His formerly rough skin had become smooth and taut. His shriveled arms had gradually filled out and become powerful, no longer mere skin stretched over bones.
His body felt far more clear and light, as though he had cast off several pounds of burden. His steps were brisk and vigorous, with wind beneath his feet.
The world appeared somewhat clearer than before, like looking upon it again after wiping the dust from a lens.
The many extraordinary changes displayed by his body truly left Yang Heng dumbfounded.
Was this the power of the Marrow Cleansing Pearl?
Was this the power of the legendary cheat?
With just a little exertion, his body had practically undergone earth-shaking changes. If its energy reserves were ever filled, then... the changes it would bring would be simply unimaginable.
Yang Heng eagerly awaited that day.
He took a deep breath and slowly calmed his restless emotions.
He had been out for quite some time. Normally, he would already be lying in bed asleep by now. If he did not return soon, he might arouse suspicion.
The moment Yang Heng appeared at the entrance to the residence, the room fell instantly silent. Everyone cast him a glance filled with awe, then immediately looked elsewhere, afraid of catching his attention.
An apprentice near the door noticed the changes in Yang Heng under the moonlight. His mouth fell open in shock, and he stood frozen in place.
After being gone for only a short while, Yang Heng seemed like an entirely different person, as though he had swallowed some miraculous elixir.
His eyes shone brightly, his skin was smooth and taut like satin, and his arms were solid and strong.
These changes in Yang Heng further confirmed that a martial artist stood behind him.
Other than a martial artist with miraculous abilities, no one else could have brought about such enormous changes.
Gradually, the other apprentices noticed that apprentice's strange reaction, and then they noticed the transformation Yang Heng had undergone. They were stunned, staring agape in utter disbelief.
They thought the same as that apprentice. They were certain that a martial artist supported Yang Heng, and when they looked at him again, the awe in their eyes deepened by several degrees.
Yang Heng also noticed the astonishment on their faces. They stared straight at him, looking him over from head to toe as though flowers had bloomed on his face.
In an instant, he understood why everyone was staring at him like that.
They must have noticed the transformation in his body.
His heart was filled with regret, but his expression remained calm. He swept his gaze around the room, then walked straight past them to his own bed.
This could not really be blamed on him.
In his previous life, he had only been an ordinary person, not some secret agent. How could he have known any special methods of disguise? He had been so caught up in his excitement that he had never considered that the changes in his body would attract everyone's attention.
Even if he had thought of it, it would not have been easy to conceal.
He did not know the Disguise Technique.
If he handled it carelessly, he might make a mess of things and draw even more attention instead.
The die was cast. Now he had to think of a way to clean up the aftermath.
After thinking for a while, he had not come up with a solution, though he had scratched several hairs loose.
He racked his brains for a long time, yet still could not think of a good plan.
Yang Heng let out a sigh. He could only cross the bridge when he came to it.
If the apprentices questioned him, he naturally had ways to fob them off.
But if the medicine shop masters questioned him, it would be difficult for him to muddle through.
After all, the medicine shop masters had seen far more and possessed knowledge and experience beyond what apprentices could compare to. Fooling them would be truly difficult.
Suddenly, a murmur of hushed voices caught his attention.
After being tempered by the Marrow Cleansing Pearl, his hearing had become much sharper as well. He could clearly hear conversations within five meters; even when voices were very low, he could still make out the general meaning.
"Why does that Second Fool Yang Heng have such good fortune? He actually has a martial artist helping him."
"After disappearing for only a little while, his complexion is rosy and he's brimming with energy. The martial artist behind him must have given him something good to eat."
"You still dare call him Second Fool? Aren't you afraid he'll hear you and come looking for trouble? Don't drag me down with you."
An apprentice lowered his voice as he spoke.
"We're talking so quietly. How could he possibly hear us?" That apprentice was utterly unconcerned.
"Ah, people's fates really are different. With a martial artist protecting him, Yang Heng is destined to soar into the heavens in the future. Yet we can only watch helplessly, unable to share in his good fortune."
"I regret it! I regret not building a good relationship with Yang Heng before. Otherwise, once he makes it big, he might have pulled me up with him."
"You regret it?" An apprentice snorted mockingly. "When you bullied Yang Heng before, you didn't hold back. You did plenty of punching and kicking. Why didn't you regret it then?"
"Damn it, don't stand on the moral high ground and condemn me. You took part in bullying Yang Heng too."
"Yeah, I did take part too." At that thought, the apprentice realized it belatedly, and his voice grew lower and lower.
At that moment, another apprentice joined their whispered conversation.
"Whether Yang Heng will soar into the heavens in the future has little to do with us. I only hope he won't come looking for trouble with us later."
"Yeah, yeah."
"We failed to seize the chance to offer charcoal in the snow. While he has yet to truly grow strong, we can find a way to mend our relationship with him."
"Oh? What good idea do you have?" an apprentice asked.
"Money! Give him money."
"The other day, when Li Kui mentioned selling one's life for money, Yang Heng's eyes immediately lit up and his expression softened considerably. That shows he likes money, and he lacks money."
After hearing his analysis, the other two apprentices nodded, strongly agreeing.
"Money? But I don't have any money. I gave it all away as an apology that day."
"Yeah," another apprentice echoed.
"If we have no money, we can give him medicinal herbs.
Not long ago, the medicine shop organized us to go into the mountains to gather herbs. I saw with my own eyes that you secretly kept an Old Ginseng and hid it somewhere concealed. I went looking for it afterward but couldn't find it, so you must have gone back and taken it.
You probably haven't sold it yet. Anyone in Qingyang Town who wants to buy medicinal herbs comes to our medicine shop. They won't buy herbs of unknown origin."
"That never happened." The apprentice hurriedly refuted him, though his eyes revealed a trace of unease.
The other apprentice, meanwhile, put on a thoughtful expression.
That was where the whispered conversation ended.
And Yang Heng had also thought of a way to deal with questioning from the medicine shop.
Before you continue