Immortal Martial: Pushing Through Two Realms From Reality - Section 29

From the inner city to the outer city.

From sprawling courtyards with their upturned eaves and corners, to the low, humble dwellings of piled earth in Coiling Snake Alley.

Luo Yongcheng wanting to protect the secret recipe was not wrong.

Most people would have made the same choice. After all, the secret recipe was the result of his grandfather's arduous efforts collecting herbs in the mountains, enduring countless life-and-death struggles, not to mention the significant amount of money spent, not even considering the time and effort.

After all, this Blood Nourishing Medicinal Cuisine had a remarkable effect on commoners preparing to practice martial arts. Once sold in Pingling County, it was equivalent to owning a hen that laid golden eggs. As long as the secret recipe was kept safe, silver would flow in endlessly.

It was a family fortune that could truly enrich generations.

Was it wrong to want to protect such a family fortune?

It truly wasn't wrong.

It was just that his strength was too weak.

"A man is innocent until he is found guilty, but possession attracts trouble."

In Pingling County, to truly establish oneself, one needed two things: stability and ruthlessness.

Stability meant possessing a sufficient martial arts realm or finding a reliable backer.

Ruthlessness meant eliminating all trouble before danger even arrived.

Luo Yongcheng's current situation was something he would inevitably face himself in the future.

He had to prepare early.

Crossing between realms, he practiced standing meditation, breathing, and punching.

Practicing diligently day and night, a month slipped by unnoticed.

Pingling County.

The sky was heavy, overcast and gloomy, as if a sudden downpour was imminent.

Hungry Tiger Martial Arts School.

It was time for the monthly sparring session again.

Little fatty Zhou Yang saw Jiang Shu step inside and quickly trotted over, his face creasing into a fawning smile. "Brother Jiang is here. Have you eaten? I brought some of Tongfu Tower's finest Blood Strengthening Wine today. Would Brother Jiang do us the honor?"

"This Blood Strengthening Wine isn't like ordinary wine; I heard it contains several potent medicinal ingredients," Zhou Yang said, his voice dropping lower, as if he wanted to whisper directly into Jiang Shu's ear. "This wine has remarkable effects. The young masters from wealthy families always have a cup before going to Yunque Workshop! They can last all night."

"Of course, if Brother Jiang isn't inclined that way yet, just practicing Qi and Blood Transportation with it will strengthen your full body vital energy circulation, allowing you to endure about half an hour of strenuous practice!"

Pointing to a beautifully crafted wooden box already placed aside as if seeking praise, Zhou Yang said proudly. He had personally witnessed Jiang Shu join the Hungry Tiger Martial Arts School, from being unknown to receiving praise from Elder Qiu multiple times.

Among the forty to fifty apprentices at the Hungry Tiger Martial Arts School, who had the best chance of becoming a formal disciple?

Without a doubt, it had to be Jiang Shu!

Formal disciples of the martial arts school were not ordinary practitioners with full body vital energy circulation.

Formal disciples were already considered to have one foot in the Skin Grinding Realm.

With enough of the Hungry Tiger's secret medicinal pills, they could reach the Skin Grinding Realm in as little as six months to a year, naturally.

If he didn't build a good relationship now, and waited until Elder Qiu took him in as a disciple, it would be too late!

Besides, he had a minor conflict with Jiang Shu back then. Although he didn't know if Jiang Shu held a grudge, being more accommodating was better than anything else.

"Hmph."

Before Jiang Shu could reply, footsteps sounded from nearby. Luo Yongcheng strode in from the entrance, glancing at Jiang Shu and Zhou Yang with a cold snort.

"So inexplicable."

While Zhou Yang fawned over Jiang Shu, he wasn't about to tolerate others.

If Luo Yongcheng's family's pharmacy were still around, he might have indulged him a little out of consideration. Not out of fear, but purely to avoid trouble.

But now?

In just over a month, the influential figure from the Yao family would be celebrating his fiftieth birthday.

After so much effort, the secret recipe for Luo family's pharmacy's Blood Nourishing Medicinal Cuisine would surely be on the list of birthday gifts.

Did Luo Yongcheng really think he could keep it?

He was dreaming.

"Say less. I remember you're also close to achieving Qi and Blood Transportation, aren't you? Why act like this? If you didn't have this talent, based on what you did to Han Dali, you would have already been expelled from the martial arts school."

"Heh heh..." Hearing Jiang Shu's blunt words, Zhou Yang let out a silly laugh. He wasn't someone who didn't appreciate kindness. During this time, he had gotten a good sense of Jiang Shu's personality.

The fact that Jiang Shu was willing to say a few words indicated that their relationship could still be cultivated.

It seemed that his efforts these past few days hadn't been in vain.

As Zhou Yang continued his fawning, the sparring session began.

Last month, two more apprentices were recruited by influential families, becoming high-level guards.

Therefore, not many of the apprentices on stage today had achieved the Full Body Vital Energy Circulation.

Before long, it was time for the Qi and Blood Transportation apprentices to spar.

"First round, Jiang Shu, Luo Yongcheng."

The maid's voice was clear and loud.

"Junior Disciple Jiang, it's an honor."

Luo Yongcheng quickly stepped onto the stage.

A dose of the Hungry Tiger Secret Medicine only lasts for three to five days.

He had been waiting for this sparring day for a long time.

Looking at Jiang Shu, who followed him onto the stage, Luo Yongcheng narrowed his eyes and said, word by word.

This time, he was still very lucky.

His opponent wasn't one of those apprentices who had already mastered Qi and Blood Transportation.

Jiang Shu had not even been practicing Qi and Blood Transportation for two months; he was definitely no match for him.

Jiang Shu's victory last month was purely due to luck, having drawn an opponent with a weaker foundation.

This month, he would be the one to end Jiang Shu's good fortune.

Thinking of Elder Qiu's occasional guidance to Jiang Shu, Luo Yongcheng couldn't help but glance at Elder Qiu, his palms clenched tightly.

If Jiang Shu were defeated by him on stage later and couldn't obtain the Hungry Tiger Secret Medicine, what expression would Elder Qiu have? And what expression would Jiang Shu have?

Just imagining it sent a strange sense of pleasure surging from the depths of his heart!

Without any hesitation, Luo Yongcheng made the first move.

For martial artists like them, who hadn't yet reached the Skin Grinding Realm, there were no fancy techniques that could split rocks or break trees.

When they fought, it was all about whose fist was bigger, whose fist was harder, and whose fist was faster!

Jiang Shu, you think it's useless even if I become a martial artist.

But I have never slacked off on my martial path.

The Hungry Tiger Secret Medicine is something I must obtain!

Luo Yongcheng charged forward, swinging his right palm towards Jiang Shu's chest.

The Tiger Form Three Styles had also reached the Minor Accomplishment stage!

Jiang Shu calmly shifted his stance, sidestepping and leaning his body slightly, narrowly dodging the most powerful strike. He let the palm wind whistle past his ear and retreated.

Compared to the bare-fisted exchanges last month, this month, he had learned to use skill.

In his opinion, when two people fought, eyesight was the most crucial.

If one could foresee the opponent's moves, they could devise several countermeasures.

Retreat when they are at their strongest.

Attack when they are at their weakest.

Inflict the greatest damage with the least cost.

As he retreated, Luo Yongcheng, unwilling to let up, pressed his advantage and lunged forward again, delivering another palm strike.

Jiang Shu retreated again.

However, as he retreated, one hand swiftly shot out from the side, landing heavily on Luo Yongcheng's shoulder. Luo Yongcheng, having overextended himself, was already off-balance.

"Bang!"

With a single strike, Luo Yongcheng grunted, his entire offensive momentum abruptly halted.

Jiang Shu turned and pressed forward.

Fists and palms exchanged blows continuously.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"