Funding (Two-in-One)

"Little Yu, you haven't taken a liking to that kid, have you?"

Seeing Zhou Yuqing's reaction, Zhou Rongfeng immediately became vigilant.

This would never do.

He only had one martial arts prodigy in his family, and she possessed an exceptionally outstanding top-tier medium root bone; she absolutely could not set her sights on someone with an ordinary root bone.

"Father, where is your mind wandering? I just think it's a pity for Junior Brother Jiang."

Zhou Yuqing sighed helplessly.

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

"An ordinary root bone—what is there to pity about that?"

"You, on the other hand, need to focus on your cultivation. You don't have the good fortune of your Sister Yun Xi. If you can't pass the selection, you won't be able to enter the True Sun Sect either."

Zhou Rongfeng said.

He decided that from now on, he would no longer let Zhou Yuqing interfere with the affairs of the Martial Arts Hall.

He certainly didn't want his family's cabbage to be rooted up by a pig, especially a useless one.

"Father, rest assured. As long as I don't run into a monster like Junior Brother Tang, that True Sun Sect spot next year will definitely be mine."

Zhou Yuqing smiled, her confidence bold and unreserved.

Before Tang Mu appeared, she hadn't cared about anyone among her peers in the Zhou Clan or the disciples of the Martial Arts Hall.

Not even Meng Wentao, who also possessed a top-tier medium root bone, was enough to make her take notice.

This wasn't arrogance, but the self-assurance that came from her own root bone.

"A genius like Mu'er is impossible to find a second of in the Prefecture City."

Watching Tang Mu, who was patiently studying under his guidance, Zhou Rongfeng was extremely satisfied.

Not only did he have a superior root bone, but his comprehension was also instantaneous, and he never slacked off in his training, regardless of the weather.

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

If they weren't so unfamiliar yet, he would have already wanted to marry Zhou Yuqing off to Tang Mu.

If this match couldn't be made in the Prefecture City, once Tang Mu went to the True Sun Sect, Zhou Yuqing would lose her advantage.

The next day, at the end of the Chen Hour.

"Junior Brother Jiang."

Jiang Chen, who was meditating, heard the voice of Sun Wu.

"Senior Brother Sun."

Opening the door, it was indeed Sun Wu who had arrived.

"Aperture Breaking Pill."

Sun Wu took out three porcelain bottles.

"Many thanks, Senior Brother."

Jiang Chen's eyes lit up.

With this batch of high-quality Aperture Breaking Pill, he would be able to successfully open his Seven Apertures.

Once all Seven Apertures were opened, he could set his sights on the True Martial Realm.

Even if one perfected the Three Qi and Blood Gates, they would only possess a thousand units of force.

But in the True Martial Realm, even a fresh breakthrough provided two thousand units of force.

This gap of a thousand jin was not just in force, but also in speed, reaction, defense, and more—a comprehensive disparity.

This was why a martial artist who had stepped into the True Martial Realm could easily handle those in the Blood Qi Realm.

Unless there were special circumstances, there was no possibility for someone in the Blood Qi Realm to kill a True Martial Realm practitioner in reverse.

"Junior Brother Jiang..."

After handing the Aperture Breaking Pill to Jiang Chen, Sun Wu did not leave, instead appearing hesitant.

"Senior Brother Sun, has the price of the medicinal pills increased?"

Seeing this, Jiang Chen assumed he didn't have enough money.

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

Sun Wu thought for a moment and decided he should tell Jiang Chen about this, lest Jiang Chen harbor resentment if he found out later.

"The True Sun Sect doesn't accept ordinary root bones?"

After hearing Sun Wu's words, Jiang Chen couldn't help but be stunned.

Ordinary root bones are disqualified immediately?

Isn't this bone-quality discrimination a bit too extreme?

Do they not look at comprehensive talent at all?

What if there's an exception?

"It is said that in the history of the True Sun Sect, they have never recruited anyone with ordinary bone-quality."

Sun Wu nodded.

After two months of contact, he was very clear about the ambition of Jiang Chen.

Participating in the Martial Exam, joining the City Guard, and competing for a spot in the True Sun Sect.

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

This was also the reason why he valued Jiang Chen more and more.

But who would have thought that the True Sun Sect would outright refuse to accept ordinary bone-quality.

For Jiang Chen, this was definitely a huge blow.

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

This news was indeed beyond the expectations of Jiang Chen.

However, it didn't count as a blow.

Firstly, whether one can enter the True Sun Sect or not can only be known after trying it personally.

Secondly, even if he couldn't go to the True Sun Sect, his path of martial arts would not be severed.

If this place doesn't keep me, there will naturally be a place that does.

How could a living person be stifled by a bit of urine!

"The plan remains unchanged: first make the list in the year-end Martial Exam, then join the City Guard."

Thoughts surged in the mind of Jiang Chen, and he had already mapped out his subsequent plans.

For him, as long as there are cultivation techniques and resources, he could continue to cultivate all the way even if he stayed in the Prefecture City.

Once his cultivation becomes stronger in the future, he would then leave the Prefecture City to seek a higher path of martial arts.

"Junior Brother Jiang, have you ever thought about accepting sponsorship from other forces?"

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

"Sponsorship?"

Jiang Chen returned to his senses and looked at Sun Wu.

During his time since being promoted to the Inner Courtyard, he had also understood why there were various small groups within the Inner Courtyard.

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

And the force with the greatest influence among them was the Zhou Clan behind the Martial Arts Hall.

The top batch of seedlings almost all had intricate connections with the Zhou Clan.

Such as Tang Mu.

And such as Meng Wentao.

Meanwhile, Sun Wu, Zhou Yu, and others were not of the Zhou Clan lineage.

Now that Sun Wu mentioned this, it was clear that the force behind him wanted to recruit him.

"Junior Brother Jiang, my original thought was for you to gain the attention of the Martial Arts Hall; after all, the Martial Arts Hall is backed by the Zhou Clan, and its foundation is quite profound."

"But judging from the current situation, the Martial Arts Hall and the Zhou Clan likely won't sponsor you, and your clan side will likely focus on cultivating Jiang Xuan."

"Therefore, I think you need someone to sponsor you so that you can possibly step into the True Martial Second Layer before the year-end Martial Exam."

Sun Wu frankly analyzed the situation of Jiang Chen without any concealment.

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

"Senior Brother Sun, I only have ordinary bone-quality; are you sure you want to sponsor me?"

Jiang Chen was naturally tempted.

He was only at the Three Qi and Blood Gates now, and he already had to spend over six thousand taels of resources every month.

Once he stepped into the True Martial Realm, the resources would likely triple or quintuple; relying solely on his family's foundation, he simply couldn't sustain such a terrifying consumption.

As for the clan's resources, to be honest, it was a bit unreliable.

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

Therefore, he really did need to find a major force so that his cultivation would not be affected.

"You don't need to worry about the bone-quality issue; I will find a way to persuade them. Just tell me, are you willing to accept the sponsorship?"

Sun Wu smiled.

If it were the old him, he would naturally judge a hero by their bone-quality.

But after witnessing the terrifying speed of Jiang Chen, his perception had been shattered.

Given the potential Jiang Chen has displayed, even if he cannot enter the True Sun Sect, he will undoubtedly become a formidable expert capable of holding his own in the Prefecture City in the future.

"Then I will leave it to you, Senior Brother Sun!"

Jiang Chen cupped his fists and expressed his sincere gratitude.

Throughout his journey, Sun Wu had been of immense help to him.

He kept this debt of gratitude in his heart, determined to repay it a hundredfold in the future.

"You go ahead and cultivate. Once I have made the proper arrangements, we will discuss the terms in detail."

Sun Wu patted Jiang Chen on the shoulder with a smile and strode out of the Martial Arts Hall.

He traveled through the East District and arrived at the most central and prosperous Main City District.

The street before him opened up, wide enough for three carriages to drive side by side.

The buildings on both sides were imposing and grand, every brick and tile exuding the depth of history.

This Main City District was the original heart of the Prefecture City.

It was only as the city grew increasingly prosperous that the other four districts were gradually developed.

Passing through two markets, Sun Wu arrived at his destination.

Myriad Treasure Pavilion!

It was a three-story ancient building located on the bustling main street.

With upturned eaves, bronze bells hanging from the corners, a striking gilded plaque on the vermilion doors, and corridors carved with patterns of precious treasures, the blue stone steps leading to the entrance gave it an air of both antiquity and luxury.

"Senior Luo, I have something to report to the Pavilion Master."

Sun Wu, familiar with the routine, arrived at the second floor and spoke to an unassuming old man.

His attitude was extremely respectful, showing not a hint of arrogance despite his status as a disciple of the Martial Arts Hall.

This was because he had once witnessed this old man in action, and his strength was unfathomable.

"Wait a moment."

The old man stood up and ascended to the third floor with a light gait.

"Come up."

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

Sun Wu hurried upstairs.

Compared to the first and second floors, which were filled with merchandise, the third floor was quite spacious and elegantly furnished, with the faint scent of tea lingering in the air.

"Pavilion Master!"

In the center of the third floor stood a silk screen, behind which a graceful silhouette could be faintly seen, quietly painting.

"Serve tea."

A light voice drifted from behind the screen, and the old man handed over a cup of fragrant tea.

"Pavilion Master, I have come today regarding the Junior Brother Jiang I mentioned previously."

After taking a seat and sipping the tea, Sun Wu went straight to the point.

He had mentioned Jiang Chen to the Myriad Treasure Pavilion back when he first noticed the young man's extraordinary comprehension.

However, as Jiang Chen's talent became increasingly prominent, he had assumed the Martial Arts Hall would prioritize him, so he had let the matter drop.

For Jiang Chen, receiving support from the Martial Arts Hall was naturally better than from the Myriad Treasure Pavilion.

Who would have thought that the True Sun Sect had a rule against accepting those with ordinary bone structure, and even more surprisingly, the Martial Arts Hall had simply abandoned Jiang Chen.

Since the Martial Arts Hall and the Zhou Clan did not value him, he could now confidently recommend him to the Myriad Treasure Pavilion.

"An ordinary bone structure—even with great comprehension, is there really any value in cultivating such a person?"

The graceful silhouette painting quietly struck at the heart of the matter.

Her Myriad Treasure Pavilion recruited talent widely, but they did not fund just anyone.

An ordinary bone structure did not meet her standards for investment.

"Pavilion Master, Junior Brother Jiang is not just an ordinary bone structure."

"I have seen with my own eyes that in just two months, Junior Brother Jiang went from the First Qi and Blood Gate to the Three Qi and Blood Gates."

"And after breaking through to the Three Qi and Blood Gates, it took him only another month to open four of his Seven Apertures in succession; his cultivation speed is even faster than those with medium bone structure."

Sun Wu laid out the detailed intelligence on Jiang Chen, emphasizing his investment value.

"Oh? According to what you say, he will have all Seven Apertures opened within this month?"

The graceful silhouette became interested.

"That is correct."

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

"Once his Three Qi and Blood Gates are perfected, send him a Lingxi Pill."

The graceful figure spoke.

"Lingxi Pill?!"

Sun Wu was startled.

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

A single pill was worth a thousand gold, and it was priceless and unavailable on the market!

The Pavilion Master hadn't even met Jiang Chen, yet she was sending such a heavy gift?

But immediately, he realized.

This was a test.

If Jiang Chen could successfully break through using a single Lingxi Pill, it would mean that Jiang Chen's talent could not be judged by his bone structure alone.

In that case, the Myriad Treasure Pavilion would naturally provide funding and cultivation resources.

But if he failed to break through, then everything was off the table.

"Pavilion Master, then I shall take my leave."

With the matter settled, Sun Wu stood up to bid farewell.

"Uncle Luo, do you think someone with ordinary bone structure could cultivate this quickly?"

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

Her face was peerlessly beautiful, her figure graceful and alluring, and her entire being was surrounded by the gentle charm unique to a mature woman.

"Normally speaking, it is impossible for someone with ordinary bone structure to cultivate this quickly. If Sun Wu did not report false information, then there is only one possibility..."

The old man said, "That person possesses a special fortuitous encounter."

Compared to Sun Wu lying, he was more willing to believe the latter.

"A special fortuitous encounter!"

A brilliant light flickered in Liu Qing'er's charming, bright eyes.

Although she was not a martial artist, she came from the Prefecture Capital and could be considered well-informed.

She was naturally no stranger to rumors of people obtaining fortuitous encounters and soaring into the sky.

"Uncle Luo, go and investigate in secret."

Liu Qing'er ordered immediately.

"Yes!"

The white-haired old man departed.

"I hope he truly possesses a fortuitous encounter..."

Liu Qing'er walked to the window and looked at the bustling crowds of the Prefecture City, unable to hide her loneliness.

If she had no other choice, how could she have come from the Prefecture Capital to this small Prefecture City?

White Ape Martial Hall.

The news that those with ordinary bone structure could not enter the True Sun Sect did not affect Jiang Chen.

He continued to practice diligently and painstakingly, without the slightest relaxation.

Just like that, a few more days passed.

Boom!

On this day, Jiang Chen, who was sitting cross-legged, suddenly shuddered.

[Myriad Dao Chart]

[Dao Master: Jiang Chen]

[Cultivation Method: White Ape Breathing Method · Perfection]

[Cultivation: Blood Qi Realm · Fifth Orifice 0%]

[Martial Arts: White Ape Combat Method · Perfection]

[Secret Technique: Qi Concealment Technique · Great Success 20%]

[Talent: Soul Seal · Tier 2 (2/20)]

[Origin: 0 points]

As the Myriad Dao Chart trembled slightly, the cultivation column changed.

"Very good, I have already opened the fifth orifice!"

Jiang Chen opened his eyes, his gaze bright and full of spirit.

Now, his mouth, nose, and ears had all been opened; only his eyes remained.

This stage was the most dangerous, and he could not afford the slightest carelessness.

"Nine hundred units of force!"

Jiang Chen rose to his feet, stepped into the open space outside, and unleashed the White Ape Combat Method.

The low, rumbling sound of his fists cutting through the air rang out, as if a ferocious ape were dancing.

With a casual punch, he exerted nearly a thousand pounds of force; he was nothing short of a human beast.

"Hoo!"

After a long while, having fully mastered his new realm, Jiang Chen finally retracted his fists and stood upright.

"This is still not enough!"

After heading to the cafeteria for a meal, Jiang Chen did not relax and returned to his training.

While Jiang Chen transformed into a diligent ascetic, a major event occurred within the Jiang Clan.

Tap, tap, tap.

Accompanied by the sound of hurried footsteps, Jiang Junyue came running back.

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

Looking at the clan elders gathered in the Ancestral Hall, Jiang Junyue asked with excitement.

"That is correct, Xuan'er has successfully broken through to the True Martial Realm!"

"Junyue, you have raised a fine son!"

The clan elders were beaming with joy, offering their congratulations one after another.

A fifteen-year-old in the True Martial Realm was a rarity, even when looking across the entire Prefecture City.

The birth of such a genius within the clan naturally filled them with delight.

With Jiang Xuan's talent, making the list for the Martial Exam was practically a certainty.

Once he entered the City Guard, he might even have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the True Sun Sect.

If their Jiang Clan produced a sect disciple, then from that day forward, no one in the Prefecture City would dare to harbor ill intentions toward them.

Even those noble families and powerful clans would have to treat them with three parts respect!

"That is wonderful!"

Having confirmed the good news, Jiang Junyue could not stop grinning from ear to ear.

A few days ago, when Jiang Sihai made the bold claim that Jiang Chen could catch up to Jiang Xuan, he had actually felt a hint of worry.

But now, that worry had completely dissipated.

Breaking through to the True Martial Realm meant one had officially stepped onto the path of martial arts.

This was not some entry-level Blood Qi Realm that one could just try to compare against!

If Jiang Chen wanted to catch up, he might as well go to sleep; after all, one can have anything in their dreams!