Funding (Two-in-One)

"Xiaoyu, you couldn't have taken a fancy to that boy, could you?"

Seeing Zhou Yuqing's reaction, Zhou Rongfeng immediately grew wary.

That wouldn't do.

His family had only one martial arts prodigy, and she possessed an exceedingly rare Mid-Tier Peak Bone Aptitude. She absolutely couldn't take a fancy to someone with Ordinary Bone Aptitude.

"Dad, what are you thinking? I just feel that Junior Brother Jiang is such a pity."

Zhou Yuqing was helpless.

Her father's train of thought really was quite a leap.

"What's there to pity about someone with Ordinary Bone Aptitude?"

"Speaking of which, you should focus on cultivating. You don't have your older sister Yun Xi's good fortune. If you can't pass the selection, you won't be able to enter the True Sun Sect either."

Zhou Rongfeng spoke.

He had made up his mind. From now on, he wouldn't let Zhou Yuqing interfere in the martial arts school's affairs anymore.

He didn't want his family's cabbage to be trampled by a pig—especially not a useless pig.

"Dad, don't worry. As long as I don't run into a monster like Junior Brother Tang, there will definitely be one True Sun Sect slot for me next year."

Zhou Yuqing smiled, her confidence bright and unrestrained.

Before Tang Mu appeared, she had never cared about anyone, whether among the younger generation of the Zhou Clan or among the martial arts school's disciples.

Even Meng Wentao, who also possessed Mid-Tier Peak Bone Aptitude, wasn't enough to make her take him seriously.

This wasn't arrogance. It was the confidence brought by her own bone aptitude.

"A prodigy like Mu'er couldn't possibly appear twice in the Prefecture City."

Looking at Tang Mu, who was patiently studying after receiving his guidance, Zhou Rongfeng was extremely satisfied.

Not only did he possess Superior Bone Aptitude, but he also understood things with the slightest prompting. He never slacked off in his cultivation, come rain or shine.

It could be said that Tang Mu possessed every factor necessary to become a powerhouse.

If they weren't still unfamiliar with each other, he would have wanted to marry Zhou Yuqing to Tang Mu.

If this marriage couldn't be arranged in the Prefecture City, then once Tang Mu entered the True Sun Sect, Zhou Yuqing would lose her advantage.

The next day, near the end of Chen Hour.

"Junior Brother Jiang."

Jiang Chen, who was meditating in cultivation, heard Sun Wu's voice.

"Senior Brother Sun."

When he opened the door, Sun Wu was indeed standing outside.

"Aperture Breaking Pills."

Sun Wu took out three porcelain bottles.

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Jiang Chen's eyes lit up.

With this batch of high-quality Aperture Breaking Pills, he would be able to smoothly open all Seven Apertures.

Once all Seven Apertures were opened, he would be able to set his sights on the True Martial Realm.

Even after reaching perfection in the Three Qi and Blood Gates, one only possessed a thousand jin of strength.

But in the True Martial Realm, even someone who had just broken through possessed two thousand jin of strength.

This thousand-jin difference wasn't merely a difference in strength. It also extended to speed, reaction, defense, and everything else. The disparity was comprehensive.

That was why martial artists who entered the True Martial Realm could toy with those in the Blood Qi Realm at will.

Unless there were special circumstances, someone in the Blood Qi Realm had no chance of killing someone in the True Martial Realm.

"Junior Brother Jiang..."

After handing the Aperture Breaking Pills to Jiang Chen, Sun Wu didn't leave. Instead, he seemed hesitant to speak.

"Senior Brother Sun, did the price of the pills go up?"

Seeing this, Jiang Chen assumed he hadn't paid enough.

"It's not about the pills. Yesterday, Junior Sister Zhou came to find me..."

Sun Wu thought it over and decided he ought to tell Jiang Chen, lest Jiang Chen learn about it later and develop a grudge.

"The True Sun Sect doesn't accept people with Ordinary Bone Aptitude?"

After hearing Sun Wu out, Jiang Chen couldn't help but freeze.

People with Ordinary Bone Aptitude were eliminated from the outset?

Wasn't this discrimination against bone aptitude a little too severe?

Did they not consider overall talent at all?

What if there happened to be an exception?

"It's said that in the history of the True Sun Sect, they've never recruited anyone with Ordinary Bone Aptitude."

Sun Wu nodded.

After these two months of contact, he understood Jiang Chen's ambitions very well.

He planned to participate in the Martial Exam, enter the City Guard, and compete for a slot in the True Sun Sect.

With the talent Jiang Chen had displayed, this was entirely possible.

That was also why Sun Wu valued Jiang Chen more and more.

But who would have thought that the True Sun Sect would simply refuse to accept anyone with Ordinary Bone Aptitude?

For Jiang Chen, this was undoubtedly a tremendous blow.

"As expected of an Upper Sect. Its threshold is truly high."

This news had indeed exceeded Jiang Chen's expectations.

However, it couldn't be considered much of a blow.

First, whether he could enter the True Sun Sect was something he had to try personally before he would know.

Second, even if he couldn't enter the True Sun Sect, his martial path wouldn't be cut off.

If this place won't keep me, there's always somewhere that will.

A living person can't be suffocated by their own piss!

"The plan remains unchanged. I'll first make the rankings in the year-end Martial Exam, then enter the City Guard."

Thoughts surged through Jiang Chen's mind as he worked out his future plans.

To him, as long as he had cultivation techniques and resources, he could continue cultivating even if he remained in the Prefecture City.

Once his cultivation grew stronger, he could leave the Prefecture City and seek a higher martial path.

"Junior Brother Jiang, have you ever considered accepting sponsorship from another faction?"

Seeing Jiang Chen fall silent, Sun Wu took the opportunity to speak.

"Sponsorship?"

Jiang Chen came back to himself and looked at Sun Wu.

During the time since he had been promoted to the Inner Courtyard, he had also understood why there were so many small groups there.

Behind those small groups were the shadows of the various factions in the Prefecture City.

And the faction with the greatest influence among them was the Zhou Clan behind the martial arts school.

Nearly all of the most outstanding young talents had intricate ties to the Zhou Clan.

For example, Tang Mu.

And Meng Wentao.

As for Sun Wu, Zhou Yu, and the others, they weren't of the Zhou Clan's line.

Now that Sun Wu had brought this up, it was obvious that the faction behind him wanted to recruit Jiang Chen.

"Junior Brother Jiang, my original thought was to have you earn the martial arts school's attention. After all, the martial arts school is backed by the Zhou Clan, whose foundations are exceptionally deep."

"But judging from the current situation, the martial arts school and the Zhou Clan probably won't sponsor you. As for your clan, they should focus on nurturing Jiang Xuan."

"So I think you need someone to sponsor you. That way, you may be able to enter the True Martial Second Layer before the year-end Martial Exam."

Sun Wu frankly analyzed Jiang Chen's circumstances without hiding anything.

From the moment he began helping Jiang Chen, he had wanted to befriend him.

"Senior Brother Sun, I only have Ordinary Bone Aptitude. Are you sure you want to sponsor me?"

Jiang Chen was naturally tempted as well.

He was currently only at the Three Qi and Blood Gates, yet he already spent more than six thousand taels on resources every month.

Once he entered the True Martial Realm, his resource consumption would probably increase three- to fivefold. Relying solely on his family's foundation, he simply couldn't withstand such terrifying expenses.

As for the clan's resources, to be honest, they weren't entirely reliable.

Even if he caught up to Jiang Xuan, the clan might still change its mind.

Therefore, he really did need to find a major faction. Only then could his cultivation remain unaffected.

"You don't need to worry about your bone aptitude. I'll find a way to persuade them. Just tell me—are you willing to accept sponsorship?"

Sun Wu smiled.

If it had been his former self, he would naturally have judged heroes by their bone aptitude as well.

But after witnessing Jiang Chen's terrifying speed, his understanding had been shattered.

With the potential Jiang Chen had displayed, even if he couldn't enter the True Sun Sect, he would definitely become an expert capable of standing alone in the Prefecture City in the future.

"Then I'll trouble you, Senior Brother Sun!"

Jiang Chen clasped his fists and offered his solemn thanks.

Throughout his journey, Sun Wu had helped him tremendously.

He had engraved this favor in his heart and would surely repay it a hundredfold in the future.

"Cultivate for now. Once I've made the arrangements, we'll discuss the terms in detail."

Sun Wu smiled, patted Jiang Chen on the shoulder, and quickly left the martial arts school.

He crossed the East District and arrived at the very core and most prosperous Main City District.

The streets before him suddenly opened up, broad enough for three or four carriages to travel abreast.

The buildings on either side were dignified and imposing, every brick and tile carrying the weight of the years.

This Main City District was the original Prefecture City.

Only after the Prefecture City gradually flourished had the other four major districts been developed one after another.

After crossing two market districts, Sun Wu reached his destination.

The Myriad Treasure Pavilion!

A three-story ancient building stood beside the bustling main street.

Its layered eaves curved upward, copper bells hung from the corners, and a vermilion door with a gilded plaque caught the eye. Precious-treasure patterns were carved into the railings of the covered corridors, while blue stone steps led straight to the pavilion's entrance, ancient yet luxurious.

"Senior Luo, I have something to report to the pavilion master."

Sun Wu arrived on the second floor with practiced familiarity and spoke to an unimpressive-looking old man.

His attitude was extremely respectful, without the slightest trace of arrogance as a martial arts school disciple.

That was because he had personally witnessed this old man make a move before. His strength was unfathomable.

"Wait."

The old man rose and lightly ascended the stairs to the third floor.

"Come up."

Before long, the old man's voice drifted down.

Sun Wu quickly went upstairs.

Compared to the first and second floors, which were packed with goods, the third floor was quite spacious. Its furnishings were also elegant, and wisps of tea fragrance filled the air.

"Pavilion Master!"

A screen made of genuine silk stood in the center of the third floor. Behind it, the vague silhouette of a graceful woman could be seen quietly painting.

"Serve the tea."

A light voice came from behind the screen, and the old man brought over fragrant tea.

"Pavilion Master, I came this time because of Junior Brother Jiang, whom I mentioned previously."

After taking his seat, Sun Wu took a sip of tea before getting straight to the point.

When he first noticed Jiang Chen's extraordinary comprehension, he had mentioned him to the Myriad Treasure Pavilion.

However, Jiang Chen's displayed talent had grown increasingly outstanding afterward. Sun Wu had thought the martial arts school would value him, so he had let the matter drop.

For Jiang Chen, receiving sponsorship from the martial arts school was naturally better than receiving it from the Myriad Treasure Pavilion.

Who would have thought that the True Sun Sect had a rule against accepting people with Ordinary Bone Aptitude? Even more surprising was that the martial arts school had abandoned Jiang Chen outright.

Since the martial arts school and the Zhou Clan didn't value him, Sun Wu could recommend him to the Myriad Treasure Pavilion without worry.

"Even with excellent comprehension, what value is there in nurturing someone with Ordinary Bone Aptitude?"

The graceful figure quietly painting struck straight at the crux of the matter with a single sentence.

The Myriad Treasure Pavilion welcomed talents from all over, but it didn't sponsor just anyone.

The aptitude of someone with Ordinary Bone Aptitude didn't meet her standards for cultivation.

"Pavilion Master, Junior Brother Jiang's Ordinary Bone Aptitude is far from ordinary."

"I witnessed it personally. In the short span of two months, Junior Brother Jiang advanced from the First Qi and Blood Gate to the Three Qi and Blood Gates."

"And after reaching the Three Qi and Blood Gates, he used only one more month to break through four apertures in succession. His cultivation speed is even faster than that of someone with Medium Bone Aptitude."

Sun Wu revealed Jiang Chen's detailed information, increasing the value of investing in him.

"Oh? According to what you're saying, he'll have opened all Seven Apertures within this month?"

The graceful figure became interested.

"That's right."

Recalling Jiang Chen's steady rate of improvement, Sun Wu nodded.

"Once he reaches perfection in the Three Qi and Blood Gates, send him a Lingxi Pill."

The shapely figure spoke.

"A Lingxi Pill?!"

Sun Wu was startled.

A Lingxi Pill was a Treasure Pill specifically meant to help those in the Blood Qi Realm break through to the True Martial Realm.

A single pill was worth a thousand gold pieces, yet even money could not buy one!

The pavilion master had not even met Jiang Chen, yet she was giving him such a lavish gift?

But a moment later, he understood.

This was a test.

If Jiang Chen could break through with just one Lingxi Pill, that would prove his talent could not be judged solely by his bone aptitude.

When the time came, Myriad Treasure Pavilion would naturally fund his cultivation.

But if he failed to break through, there would be nothing more to discuss.

"Pavilion Master, I'll take my leave, then."

With the matter settled, Sun Wu rose to say goodbye.

"Uncle Luo, do you think someone with ordinary bone aptitude can cultivate this quickly?"

Behind the screen, Liu Qing'er set down her paintbrush and stepped out.

Her face was peerlessly beautiful, her figure graceful and alluring, and she exuded the gentle charm unique to a mature woman.

"Normally, someone with ordinary bone aptitude couldn't possibly cultivate so quickly. If Sun Wu wasn't exaggerating, there's only one possibility..."

"That young man has encountered some extraordinary opportunity," the old man said.

And compared to Sun Wu lying, he was more inclined to believe the latter.

"An extraordinary opportunity!"

A keen gleam flickered in Liu Qing'er's bright, enchanting eyes.

Though she was not a martial artist, she hailed from the Prefecture Capital and had seen and heard a great deal.

Naturally, she was no stranger to tales of people encountering a fortuitous opportunity and soaring into the heavens in a single leap.

"Uncle Luo, investigate him in secret."

Liu Qing'er gave the order at once.

"Yes!"

The white-haired old man left.

"I hope he really has encountered some extraordinary opportunity..."

Liu Qing'er walked to the window and gazed at the people coming and going through the Prefecture City, unable to hide her loneliness.

Had she not been left with no other choice, why would she have left the Prefecture Capital for this little Prefecture City?

White Ape Martial Hall.

The news that ordinary bone aptitude barred him from the True Sun Sect did not affect Jiang Chen.

He continued his diligent, grueling cultivation without easing up in the slightest.

Just like that, several more days passed.

Boom!

That day, Jiang Chen suddenly shuddered as he sat cross-legged.

[Myriad Dao Chart]

[Dao Master: Jiang Chen]

[Cultivation method: White Ape Breathing Method · perfection]

[Cultivation: Three Qi and Blood Gates · fifth aperture 0%]

[Martial arts: White Ape Combat Method · perfection]

[Secret technique: Qi Concealment Technique · major mastery 20%]

[Talent: Soul Seal · second tier (2/20)]

[Origin Source: 0 points]

The Myriad Dao Chart trembled lightly, and the cultivation entry changed.

"Excellent. I've opened the fifth aperture!"

Jiang Chen opened his eyes, his gaze bright and brimming with vitality.

Now, he had opened the apertures of his mouth, nose, and ears. Only his eyes remained.

This stage was the most dangerous. He could not afford the slightest carelessness.

"Nine hundred jin of force!"

Jiang Chen rose, went to the open space outside, and began practicing the White Ape Combat Method.

The low whistle of his punches rang out, as though a savage ape were dancing.

Even a casual punch carried nearly a thousand jin of force. He was practically a ferocious beast in human form.

"Phew!"

Only after quite some time, once he had fully adjusted to his new cultivation level, did Jiang Chen draw back his fists and straighten up.

"This still isn't enough!"

After eating at the dining hall, Jiang Chen did not slack off. He returned to continue cultivating.

While Jiang Chen threw himself into training like an ascetic monk, a major event took place in the Jiang Clan.

Tap, tap, tap.

Amid a flurry of hurried footsteps, Jiang Junyue came running back.

"Second Uncle, has Xuan'er really broken through?!"

Jiang Junyue questioned the clan elders gathered in the Ancestral Hall, his voice brimming with excitement.

"That's right. Xuan'er has successfully broken through to the True Martial Realm!"

"Junyue, you've raised a fine son!"

The clan elders were all beaming with joy as they offered their congratulations.

A fifteen-year-old in the True Martial Realm—even across the entire Prefecture City, such people could be counted on one hand.

Naturally, they were delighted that such a genius had emerged from their clan.

With Jiang Xuan's talent, securing a place on the Martial Exam rankings was practically nailed to the board.

Once he joined the City Guard, he might even have a chance to compete for a place in the True Sun Sect.

If their Jiang Clan produced a sect disciple, no one in the Prefecture City would ever dare set their sights on them again.

Even those wealthy, powerful families would have to treat them with deference!

"Wonderful!"

With the good news confirmed, Jiang Junyue was so excited that he could not stop grinning.

A few days earlier, when Jiang Sihai had boldly declared that Jiang Chen could catch up to Jiang Xuan, he had indeed felt a little worried.

But now, that worry vanished completely.

Breaking through to the True Martial Realm meant formally setting foot on the path of martial cultivation.

The entry-level Blood Qi Realm could not even pretend to stand in the same league!

Jiang Chen wanted to catch up? He might as well wash up and go to bed. After all, dreams had everything!