Carrying the Weight

The counter at Xu's Pharmacy mainly stocked common medicines like Qingling Powder, Jin Chuang Yao, Ning Shen Xiang, Jie Fan Tang, and Duan Gu Gao.

These addressed everyday needs such as injuries, colds, fevers, calming the nerves, and pain relief.

However, the "hard currency" that directly boosted qi and blood, essential for martial artist cultivation, was different.

"Qi and Blood Powder" for the Mortal Martial Realm, and "Qi and Blood Pill" for the Clear Force realm, were firmly controlled by the larger pharmacies, Jiren Hall and Xuanhu Hall, which had deeper backgrounds and wider channels.

With the three taels of silver he'd earned from selling herbs tucked in his pocket, Cui Hao, familiar with the way, entered Xuanhu Hall around noon.

The pharmacy was filled with a rich medicinal aroma, and clerks bustled about, making it much livelier than Xu's Pharmacy.

Approaching the familiar counter, Cui Hao gently placed his three taels of silver on the gleaming surface. "Shopkeeper Qi," he said in a steady voice, "two packs of Qi and Blood Powder."

Behind the counter, Shopkeeper Qi Tui, a middle-aged man with a prosperous appearance but heavy eyes, looked up at Cui Hao, then at the silver. A hint of difficulty crossed his face. "Brother Cui, I'm truly sorry... I just received news that Qi and Blood Powder has increased in price starting from noon today."

Cui Hao's brow furrowed slightly. "Increased in price?"

"Yes, the news came so suddenly," Qi Tui sighed. "Two packs now cost four taels of silver. It's not just us; Jiren Hall is charging the same."

Cui Hao instantly fell silent. The city guards had just died, and prices had already changed. How would he get by in the future?

Seeing Cui Hao lost in thought, Qi Tui hardened his resolve, gritted his teeth, glanced around, and lowered his voice.

"Look... Brother Cui, I still have a few packs in stock from before the price increase. I'll pretend... I don't know about the price hike yet and sell you two packs at the old price, three taels of silver! But you have to keep this a secret for me, don't spread the word."

As he spoke, Qi Tui turned and retrieved two packs of Qi and Blood Powder, neatly wrapped in oil paper and marked with the "Xuanhu" insignia, from a locked drawer behind him. He quickly pushed them across the counter to Cui Hao.

Cui Hao didn't stand on ceremony. He took the packs, tucked them securely inside his clothes, and thanked Qi Tui before leaving.

Back at the martial arts school, in the storage room, Cui Hao overheard complaints.

Two disciples, who had just finished their strength training and were resting and wiping away sweat, leaned against the wall, talking in low, resentful tones.

"Qi and Blood Powder has gone up in price! How are poor disciples like us supposed to live? It was already hard to save money..."

"Sigh, life is hard, but we have to live. Who told the city guards to get killed?"

"What does this have to do with poor martial artists like us? It's just a disaster that befalls us for no reason!"

"It's always been like this. What's the point of complaining? The big shots just open their mouths, and we have to tighten our belts. Just try to think positively."

Their tone shifted from indignation to numbness, finally ending in a long, drawn-out sigh.

Cui Hao silently changed into his coarse cloth training uniform, tied his belt, and walked to his usual corner. He picked up the heavy stone staff and slowly began to move, stretching his muscles and bones.

After three rounds of the Broken Fist stance, his entire body drenched in sweat, Cui Hao found his fourth senior brother.

"Senior Brother Sun," Cui Hao greeted with a cupped-hand salute.

Sun Cheng turned, wiping sweat from his brow. Seeing Cui Hao, a gentle smile appeared on his face. "Junior Brother Cui, what is it?"

"Senior Brother," Cui Hao said earnestly, "with my current strength, what are my chances of placing in the upcoming preliminary examination?"

"Junior Brother Cui, for you, this preliminary examination is mainly about experiencing the atmosphere, feeling the pressure of sparring with disciples from other martial arts schools, and accumulating experience to prepare for the next preliminary examination, and even the more distant martial arts examination."

Cui Hao pressed further, "Where am I lacking?"

"It's a matter of time and accumulation," Sun Cheng stated frankly. "Among those competing with you are not only those who have reached Great Accomplishment in Mortal Martial, but also those who have reached Perfection in Mortal Martial."

"They have cultivated for longer, their qi and blood are more abundant, their application of force is more refined, and their practical combat experience may also be richer."

Cui Hao nodded silently. Sun Cheng was telling the truth, but the price increase of resources made him want to try harder.

He wasn't aiming for first or second place.

As long as he could place and get a share of the silver and resources, he would be satisfied.

Considering his opponents might be at Perfection in Mortal Martial, Cui Hao decided to push himself harder and increase his training time, using one pack of Qi and Blood Powder every two days.

"What about Xiao Li?" Cui Hao asked, adding a question. "Can he place?"

"He should be able to..." Sun Cheng analyzed. "He reached Great Accomplishment in Mortal Martial earlier than you, and he's seen battle during the suppression of the gangs..."

While Cui Hao was chatting with Sun Cheng, Xu Dian sat alone in the study in the inner courtyard.

The tea in his cup had long gone cold, but he seemed unaware, staring blankly out at the desolate courtyard.

Xu Liqing entered quietly, carrying a freshly brewed cup of hot tea. "Father, your tea has gone cold. Let me get you a hot one."

Xu Dian snapped back to attention, took the cup, and after a long pause, said, "Starting tomorrow, we will provide a meal for all disciples. Simple food and coarse tea will suffice, but ensure they are full."

Xu Liqing nodded gently, understanding that this was her father's small compensation and attempt to retain the disciples amidst rising resource prices and increased pressure.