Medicinal nourishment

In the room.

Zhao Feng was still waving his arms in excitement.

Zhao Yuman and Qing He both stared wide-eyed.

In just a few short days, the Bright Strength martial artist she remembered as having only low-grade root bone had crossed a threshold that countless people could never surmount in their entire lives?

Zhao Yuman felt a buzzing explode in her head, as though countless needles were stabbing her temples at once. Zhao Feng's excited words blurred in her ears, leaving only "Hidden Strength" echoing over and over.

She instinctively reached out to grip the edge of the table, her knuckles whitening with the pressure. Only then did she barely keep herself from sliding out of her chair.

Zhao Feng was still speaking eagerly. "Our escort agency currently has only one Hidden Strength chief escort holding the fort. If we could invite him to become a chief escort, our journeys would be at least thirty percent safer. And since Liu Maolin asked what you thought of him, he must be pleased with you. If we arrange a marriage as well, our agency will have a Hidden Strength expert as a son-in-law. He'd be family, far more dependable than a guest retainer..."

But at the sight of his sister's deathly pale face and vacant expression, his voice gradually faded. He asked with concern, "Manman, what's wrong?"

Only then did Zhao Yuman seem to jolt awake from a nightmare. She drew a deep breath, but it did nothing to calm the towering waves churning in her chest. Looking at the spreading blot of ink on the table, she forced a bitter smile.

"Brother, don't get your hopes up." Her voice still trembled, though it was steadier than before. "Liu Maolin did mention him to me before, but I... I turned him down outright."

"Turned him down?" Zhao Feng froze. The joy vanished from his face in an instant, and his brows knotted together. "Why would you turn him down for no reason?"

Zhao Yuman lowered her eyes, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the edge of the account book as her voice grew quieter. "At the time... I saw that he only had low-grade root bone and thought his potential was limited. Even if he became a martial artist, he wouldn't amount to much or offer much help to our agency's business..."

How could she have imagined that someone with low-grade root bone, whose potential she had judged to be "exhausted," could break through to Hidden Strength in so little time?

After hearing her out, Zhao Feng heaved a heavy sigh, laden with regret and helplessness.

He clasped his hands behind his back and paced a couple of steps, his brows tightly furrowed. "You..."

The words reached his lips, only to be swallowed back down.

Hidden Strength experts were proud, especially someone like Yang Jing, who had broken through at such a young age.

After being looked down on and rejected before, how could he readily agree if the Zhao Family approached him now?

"Forget it." Zhao Feng stopped pacing, his tone carrying a hint of dejection. "It looks like this will be difficult. Geniuses tend to have proud bones. Since you already rejected him, I'm afraid we'll never manage to invite him now."

Candlelight illuminated the siblings' silent figures, and the atmosphere in the room abruptly grew heavy.

Looking at the glaring ink stain on the account book, Zhao Yuman felt as though something had lodged in her chest, leaving her stifled and restless.

She had never imagined that she would misjudge someone, let alone be so terribly wrong.

Bitterness, regret, and a trace of indescribable melancholy tangled together in her heart, refusing to fade.

Zhao Yuman clutched the corner of the account book, her knuckles pale. Forcing down her regret, she looked up at Zhao Feng, her tone much steadier now. "Brother, don't feel too sorry about it. I recently met a Hidden Strength expert, Shen Lie, a core disciple of the Pashan Martial Arts School. In terms of potential, his root bone is above average, and he reached Hidden Strength while still young. In terms of ability, he's honed his Stone Splitting Palm to blazing perfection. He's stronger than Yang Jing by who knows how much."

Zhao Feng paused at her words, then his brows relaxed a little. "Shen Lie of the Pashan Martial Arts School? I've heard the name. They say he reached Hidden Strength at nineteen. He's only in his twenties now, and he's already the school's most promising disciple." He studied his sister. "How did you meet him?"

"We met at a banquet a friend organized a few days ago." Zhao Yuman avoided her brother's gaze and lifted her teacup for a sip, concealing her unease. "He... seems a little interested in me. He struck up a conversation."

In truth, he had merely asked a casual question about her escort agency's business, but she deliberately exaggerated that "interest."

Zhao Feng nodded, clearly holding Shen Lie's reputation in considerable esteem. "Since he's such a talented young man, I ought to meet him. When can you invite him out for a simple meal?"

"He's busy preparing for the parade ground trial lately. He said he wants to earn official status, so he has no time for social engagements." Zhao Yuman spun her story along, though her heart was beating like a drum. "But he said he's all but certain to pass. Once he's finished, I'll invite him out and formally introduce him to you."

She had calculated that there was still more than half a month before the parade ground trial, enough time for her to find a way to grow closer to Shen Lie.

Even if they were not well acquainted yet, as long as Shen Lie held the slightest affection for her, she was confident she could make him agree.

Once she stood before her brother with a Hidden Strength expert who held official status, who would still remember the Yang Jing she had let slip away?

Zhao Feng failed to notice his sister's thoughts. He merely felt that the matter had taken a favorable turn, and a smile appeared on his face. "Very well. We'll wait until he places in the parade ground trial and earns official status. But although he's a Hidden Strength expert, you must remind him not to be careless. Quite a few Hidden Strength experts have shattered their halberds at the parade ground trial in past years."

"Mm." Zhao Yuman nodded hastily. "All right, brother. I'll tell him."

Zhao Feng gave a quiet hum, then said softly, "You should hurry, too. Don't let it turn out like last time..." He swallowed the rest of his sentence, but it was already enough to make Zhao Yuman's face burn.

"Don't worry, brother. I know what I'm doing this time," Zhao Yuman said quietly, lowering her eyes.

Wazi Township, the Ning Family estate.

The August sun was merciless, and even the air in the study carried a parching heat.

Ning Xuezhi bent over his desk, checking this year's land-rent accounts. Fine beads of sweat seeped from his temples; no sooner had he wiped them away with a handkerchief than they appeared again.

Knock, knock, knock. Someone knocked on the study door.

"Come in." Ning Xuezhi did not lift his head, his brush moving across the account book.

The steward, Li Zhong, pushed open the door and entered, followed by a young servant wearing a coarse cloth jacket. He was the personal attendant of the second young master, Ning Wenbo.

The young servant looked rather flustered and stood at the doorway, rubbing his hands awkwardly.

"Master," Li Zhong said with a bow, "I have an important matter to report."

Ning Xuezhi set down his brush and looked at the young servant. "What is it? Why are you so flustered?"

The servant swallowed, his voice trembling slightly. "Master, it's... it's news from town. That Yang Jing... Yang Jing has broken through to Hidden Strength! Every martial arts school in town is talking about it. They say he's the Sun Clan Martial Arts School's newest Hidden Strength expert!"

"What did you say?" Ning Xuezhi abruptly straightened in his chair.

"Yang Jing from Yang Family Village has broken through to Hidden Strength!" The servant took a deep breath and raised his voice. "Master, it's absolutely true. Plenty of people at the Weiyuan Martial Arts School are discussing it!"

Ning Xuezhi's hand froze in midair, still holding his teacup, and his pupils contracted slightly.

Though he was no martial artist, he had managed his affairs in Wazi Township for many years and seen plenty of the world. Naturally, he understood the gulf between Bright Strength and Hidden Strength.

A Bright Strength martial artist could still be dealt with by relying on superior numbers, but a Hidden Strength expert could break metal and split stone with a single punch or kick. Ordinary guards were nowhere near a match, and even the county's great lineages had to show such experts deference.

When Yang Jing had broken through to Bright Strength, Ning Xuezhi had felt wary, but he had merely thought it would be enough not to provoke him.

But now... Hidden Strength! Someone like that was already an influential figure in Yuhe County. How could Ning Xuezhi afford to underestimate him in the slightest?

"Is it really true?" Ning Xuezhi asked again, still finding it hard to believe. In his mind, Hidden Strength experts were exceedingly rare. Could a mere Yang Family Village produce someone like that?

"It is!" The servant thumped his chest. "The young master saw him in town with his own eyes. When Yang Jing walks down the street now, even members of many gangs have to give him a wide berth!"

Ning Xuezhi fell silent for a moment, then abruptly set his teacup on the table. Some tea splashed out, but he did not notice. He made his decision at once. "Li Zhong!"

"Yes!" Li Zhong answered hurriedly.

"Prepare generous gifts immediately!" Ning Xuezhi's voice was grave. "Choose top-quality silk and nourishing medicinal herbs, and prepare thirty taels of silver. No, fifty! Send them to Yang Jing's home in Yang Family Village at once!"

He rose, paced a couple of steps in the study, then added, "Tell the Yang Family that I, Ning Xuezhi, admire Brother Yang Jing's accomplishments at such a young age. These humble gifts are hardly enough to express my respect. If they ever need the Ning Family's help, they need only ask!"

Li Zhong was startled. Fifty taels of silver, along with silk and medicinal herbs, was an astonishingly generous gift from his habitually stingy master. But seeing his master's grave expression, he dared not ask any questions and hurriedly answered, "Yes, I'll see to it right away!"

Once Li Zhong and the young servant left, Ning Xuezhi was alone in the study.

He gazed at the merciless sun outside the window, yet a layer of cold sweat seeped across his back.

Fortunately, he had always reacted promptly. After Feng Lei's death, he had not pursued the matter further, and after Yang Jing broke through to Bright Strength, he had even sent a plow ox to ease relations between them.

If their old grievances made this Hidden Strength expert bear a grudge against the Ning Family, never mind keeping their foothold in Wazi Township-the entire family might be dragged into ruin.

At that moment, Ning Xuezhi could not help feeling fortunate.

That bastard Feng Lei's death had been no loss.

"Yang Jing..." Ning Xuezhi murmured, his gaze complicated.

Over the next few days.

Without neglecting his martial training, Yang Jing also made some inquiries about the Surging Wave Leg.

After asking around through various channels, he learned that no great lineage in Yuhe County had the Surging Wave Leg as its hereditary martial art, nor did any martial arts school teach it.

The results of his investigation put Yang Jing considerably at ease.

From the look of things, the Surging Wave Leg was most likely a fortunate opportunity Xu Tai had obtained himself.

With no other hidden troubles involved, Yang Jing could also teach this martial art to his older cousin, Yang An, without concern.

During this period, Yang Jing had no time to return home, so he entrusted Yang Lao San, a peddler from his village, with a message for his family, hoping to persuade his grandfather to bring everyone into town.

As he was now, even a little slipping through his fingers would be enough to support the whole family. He had no fear that they would lack a livelihood in town. Besides, his grandfather, grandmother, mother, and aunt were all hardworking and capable; finding work in town would not be difficult for them.

However, his grandfather sent word back through Yang Lao San that he did not wish to move into town and wanted to remain in Yang Family Village. His grandmother, mother, and aunt all felt the same.

On the one hand, they could not bear to leave their house and fields. After all, they had been farmers for generations. Suddenly moving into town and entering an unfamiliar environment would only leave them anxious and frightened.

On the other hand, his father and eldest uncle had both been away for more than half a year. Everyone at home missed them and worried about them, and wanted to wait at home for their return.

Of course, there were other reasons, too. His grandfather perhaps felt that it was already difficult enough for Yang Jing to establish himself in town, and that bringing the entire household along would only hold him back.

Although his grandfather was a farmer who could barely read a few characters, Yang Jing knew that beneath his rough exterior lay a sensitive, delicate mind.

Since his grandfather and the others wished to stay in their old home, he would let them remain there a while longer.

Whether he would have to bring them into the Yuhe County seat against their wishes would depend on how the situation developed.

If the signs of unrest grew more pronounced, Yang Jing would have to bring them into town, whether they agreed or not.

Compared with the chaos outside, the town was relatively safer.

Tongyi Ward was close to the Inner City, and public order there was better as well.

Besides, with his family close at hand, Yang Jing would be able to look after them.

Since his grandfather and the others were unwilling to move into town for now, however, Yang Jing sent a letter home asking his older cousin, Yang An, to pack his things and follow Yang Lao San into town to find him.

Yang An also loved practicing martial arts, but his circumstances had never allowed it.

Now that Yang Jing had broken through to Hidden Strength, he could be considered an expert capable of holding sway over an area even within Yuhe County as a whole. He was far beyond what he had been at Bright Strength, and could now bring Yang An to his side and guide his martial training.

At the first faint light of dawn, before the rooster in the neighboring courtyard had crowed, Yang Jing was already up.

He took out a small section of the aged ginseng he had treasured, then retrieved several medicinal ingredients brought back from the Liu Family Medical Hall from his medicine chest: angelica, astragalus, placenta, goji berries, and others.

Then he went to the kitchen, set an earthenware pot on a small clay stove, and added clean water. He first sliced the aged ginseng and placed it in the pot to simmer over a low flame. Once the liquid grew richer in color, he added the other ingredients one by one.

The medicinal aroma soon spread, carrying a mellow warmth that felt gentler than the rank, gamey smell of fierce beast meat.

Half an hour later, the medicinal broth had reduced to less than half a bowl, dark brown and thick as honey.

Yang Jing lifted the bowl, tipped back his head, and drained it in one gulp.

The medicine tasted slightly bitter at first, but turned into a warm current as it entered his throat, sliding into his belly and swiftly spreading through his limbs and every part of his body.

Unlike the fierce energy of fierce beast meat, this medicinal nourishment was more sustained. Like spring rain moistening the fields, it slowly seeped into his muscles, bones, and meridians, even making his internal energy a little gentler.

Yang Jing could clearly feel his blood and qi flowing more smoothly than usual. Even the hidden injuries and lingering ailments left by his fist training seemed to have been soothed somewhat by this warm current.

"This kind of medicinal nourishment works much better than nourishment from food." Yang Jing smacked his lips and set the bowl aside.

He understood why, too.

The main reason it surpassed nourishment from food was the quality of the medicinal ingredients. The chief ingredient was a costly root of aged ginseng nearly a hundred years old. Although he had only used slices from a small piece of it, its value was still higher than ordinary fierce beast meat.

Yang Jing recalled the spirit fish he had eaten a few days earlier. Its nourishing effects had been astonishing. After eating it, he had practiced the Mountain Collapse Fist all day without showing the slightest fatigue, and that day's progress had equaled three ordinary days of training.

If he could eat a spirit fish with every meal, the effects would be even better than taking slices of this hundred-year-old ginseng.