When Chen Jianghe left Han Shuitian's residence, the sapphire jar in his hand was still warm.
He walked down the mountain along the small bluestone path he came from. After walking a hundred steps, he walked around a medicinal field. At the end of the path, there were more than ten people gathered.
They were all Soaring Wood Court disciples, both male and female. They were chatting and laughing in small groups at the moment, looking towards the mountain road from time to time.
Seeing the figure of Chen Jianghe appearing at the end of the path, the crowd was silent for a moment, and then burst into cheers.
"Coming, coming! Senior Brother Chen is coming out!"
"Quick! Everyone stand still!"
The leader quickly stepped forward to greet him.
He was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe with a mutton-fat jade pendant hanging from his waist. He had a handsome face and an aura of dignity between his brows.
It was Changxi Prefecture Shen Family, the third young master Shen Qingyun, who was admitted to the hospital half a year ago.
He stood five steps in front of Chen Jianghe, clasped his fists and bowed, with a respectful but noble attitude. "Shen Qingyun leads Soaring Wood Court's junior brothers and sisters, congratulations to Senior Brother Chen for stepping into Gangjin! Senior brother, I, Soaring Wood Court, am the fifth disciple of Gangjin, and you are truly a role model for our generation!"
His voice was clear and his peach blossom eyes were full of sincere smiles.
The dozen or so disciples behind him all clasped their fists, and although their voices were not uniform, they were full of enthusiasm from the bottom of their hearts. "Congratulations to Senior Brother Chen!"
At the edge of the crowd, a thin figure stood quietly.
Fei Wenli did not push to the front, but stood at the outermost side of the crowd, clasping fists and saluting along with everyone else. He also had a smile on his face, a shy but sincere smile.
Chen Jianghe glanced over these faces.
Somewhat familiar; he is a fellow student who had met several times before Skill Transmission Pavilion;
There are some strangers, probably new disciples who were admitted to the hospital late.
But at this moment, the eyes they looked at him were the same.
Respect.
Even with a bit of admiration.
Chen Jianghe was silent for a moment, then clasped his fists and returned the greeting. "Junior brothers and sisters, you are interested. Chen is just a diligent practitioner who got a breakthrough by luck. He cannot be called a "model"."
"Well deserved!" A round-faced disciple said with a smile, "Senior Brother Chen entered Soaring Wood Court only a year and a half ago, and then stepped into Gangjin from Minor Completion of Transforming Force. This kind of entry is rare even in the fifth academy! We Soaring Wood Court can be proud and proud this time!"
"That's right!" another person said, "Golden Pivot Court people brag about how much strength they have in their hospital every day, and now we have the fifth one! And Senior Brother Chen picked Golden Pivot Court from Martial Sharpening Platform's top five, which will give us Soaring Wood Court a face!"
Shen Qingyun also laughed and said, "Senior Brother Chen is so modest! From Minor Completion of Transforming Force to Initiation of Gang Force in one and a half years, even a genius of all shapes and sizes can only do this! Junior brother, I was Six Forms bones when I was admitted to the hospital. I originally thought that my talent was good, but I can compare with my senior brother--"
He sighed exaggeratedly and turned to look at the people behind him, with a look of helplessness on his face. "You said that comparing people to each other will lead to death, and comparing goods to goods will have to be thrown away. Where can I put my face?"
Everyone burst into laughter.
"Senior Brother Shen, please don't be miserable! You Six Forms are still miserable with your bare bones. Are we, the five-shaped Four Forms, still alive?"
"That's right! Senior Brother Shen, you're here to make a fool of yourself!"
Shen Qingyun also laughed. After laughing, he turned to Chen Jianghe and said sternly, "Senior Brother, these days of seclusion, we Soaring Wood Court are all talking about it. They all say that Senior Brother will have great achievements when he comes out of seclusion."
Everyone was talking a lot and the atmosphere was lively.
Shen Qingyun waited for a moment's lull in everyone's voices, stepped forward, and said softly, "Senior Brother Chen, Junior Brother, I will take the lead and discuss with everyone, I want to hold a banquet to celebrate Senior Brother. If Senior Brother doesn't mind, can you please give me some honor?"
Chen Jianghe looked at them.
He knew that these people were not necessarily trying to cling to something, but more of them were sincerely happy for him.
Soaring Wood Court ranks last among the five academies, and the disciples often receive looks from the other four academies.
Now that he is such an anomaly, it is natural and honorable.
He was silent for a moment and slowly clasped his fists. "Chen appreciates the kindness of all the junior brothers and sisters."
The smiles on everyone's faces became even brighter.
Chen Jianghe shook his head, with a sincere look in his eyes. "Practice is like sailing against the current. If you don't advance, you will retreat. Chen has just entered Gangjin, and his foundation is still shallow. It is the time when he needs to consolidate his realm and lay a solid foundation. I ask for your forgiveness for hosting a banquet. I will have a drink with you someday when Chen's realm is stable.
Everyone looked at each other.
Shen Qingyun was startled, then showed a look of surprise, and nodded repeatedly. "Senior brother is right! It's just that junior brother didn't think carefully. Senior brother has just made a breakthrough, and it's time to stabilize his realm, how can he be distracted from socializing?"
Although everyone was a little disappointed, they all nodded in agreement.
"Senior Brother Chen is right, practice is important!"
"It's not too late to get together again when senior brother's realm is stable!"
At the edge of the crowd, Fei Wenli was still standing quietly.
He did not join in the booing, but there was a hint of sincere admiration in his always lowered eyes.
Chen Jianghe glanced at him.
Their eyes touched lightly in mid-air.
Fei Wenli was slightly startled, then lowered his eyes, still looking shy and reserved.
Chen Jianghe withdrew his gaze and was about to leave when a cheerful female voice came from the back of the crowd. "Let's all disperse. I'm here to delay your Senior Brother Chen practice."
Everyone followed the sound and quickly moved out of the way.
Liu Shuling strode forward, crossed his arms across his chest, glanced at the group of disciples, and smiled, "Shen Qingyun, are you making money here again?"
Shen Qingyun quickly bowed and saluted, and said with a smile, "Senior Sister Liu is joking. Junior brother, aren't you happy for us Soaring Wood Court! If Senior Brother Chen breaks through Gangjin, our whole hospital will be honored!"
Liu Shuling snorted lightly, but didn't bother to argue with him. He waved his hand and said, "Okay, as long as you feel like it. Just go ahead and do what you have to do. Don't hang around here."
Shen Qingyun nodded knowingly, turned around and waved to everyone. "Let's go, don't delay Senior Brother Chen. Let's meet again later!"
Everyone bowed and left, and soon dispersed into the paths among the medicinal fields.
Liu Shuling watched the group of figures disappear, then turned back to look at Chen Jianghe, with a half-smile but not a smile, "These little guys are very well informed. You just left Court Master's place, and they were stuck here. That Shen Qingyun, who has only been here for half a year, has become the leader of these new disciples."
Chen Jianghe cupped his fists. "Thank you, senior sister, for the rescue."
Liu Shuling waved his hand. "Come on. Come on, I'll take you somewhere."
She turned around and walked towards the other side of the mountain road, her steps still fast and steady.
Chen Jianghe steps up to keep up.
Hundred Herb Peak East side, deep in the bamboo forest.
Chen Jianghe followed Liu Shuling through a dense Purple Bamboo Forest, and suddenly the vision opened up.
This is a very large courtyard, with green tiles and white walls, surrounded by bamboo fences. There is a hot spring pool about a foot square in the courtyard. The surface of the pool is filled with mist, and the bottom of the pool is vaguely covered with smooth pebbles. Around the courtyard, purple bamboos are swaying, making it extremely quiet.
Liu Shuling pushed open the fence and took Chen Jianghe for a walk around the courtyard.
There are three main rooms, two wing rooms on the left and right, a quiet room, an alchemy room, a study room, and a warehouse.
There is also a medicine garden three-thirds in size in the backyard. The soil is dark in color, obviously it is also black fertile soil transported from Hundred Herb Peak.
"How?" Liu Shuling asked.
Chen Jianghe nodded. "Excellent."
Liu Shuling walked to the hot spring pool, squatted down, stretched out his hand and tested the water temperature.
"This pool is powered by underground hot springs, which have a constant temperature all year round. If you soak in it and practice <Withered Wood Meets Spring Art>, you will get twice the result with half the effort."
Chen Jianghe nodded and wrote these down one by one.
The two walked out of the courtyard and were about to walk back when Liu Shuling suddenly stopped.
"Huh?"
She looked down the mountain road and raised her eyebrows slightly.
Chen Jianghe followed her gaze.
At the corner of the mountain road, a figure was walking up in a hurry.
The man walked very fast, almost trotting. When he got closer, he saw clearly that it was Zhou Xian.
Zhou Xian was dressed in Thick Earth Court's smart clothes, and there was sweat on his forehead. It was obvious that he had been traveling all the way.
He saw Chen Jianghe and Liu Shuling standing side by side, their steps slightly paused.
When his eyes fell on Chen Jianghe, complex emotions surged in those eyes: unwillingness, jealousy, humiliation, and a trace of unconcealable shock.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something.
Chen Jianghe just glanced at him lightly, nodded slightly, then turned around and left with Liu Shuling.
Not even a word was said.
Zhou Xian stood there, watching the two silhouettes disappear into the depths of the bamboo forest. The anger in his chest that had been suppressed for a long time could no longer be suppressed.
"Chen Jianghe!"
He growled lowly and punched the purple bamboo next to him.
He thought of the Soaring Wood Court disciples he had just met under Disciple Peak. They were talking happily about "Senior Brother Chen stepping into Gangjin" and "Soaring Wood Court the fifth disciple of Gangjin".
Zhou Xian closed his eyes and his chest heaved violently.
His Zhou Xian, Thick Earth Court disciples, Cloud Dream Forest narrowly escaped death, and swallowing Vermilion Fruit was only half a step forward.
He thought that he could finally feel proud and proud, and could look down at the Soaring Wood Court disciple who had rejected him.
But today Chen Jianghe actually became Gang Jin.
He Zhou Xian worked hard and almost lost his life, in exchange for half a step of strength;
Where is Chen Jianghe? He hid in the door, practiced shooting, had a few fights, and then passed easily.
Why?
Why!
Zhou Xian opened his eyes, which were bloodshot.
He turned around and strode down the mountain road.
Thick Earth Court, the residence of Gang Jin disciples.
Zhou Xian stood in front of the door of a small courtyard, raising his hand and knocking on the door.
"Tuk-tuk-tuk."
A deep male voice came from inside the door. "Who?"
"Zhou Xian, please see Senior Brother Li."
The door opened.
A sturdy man in his early thirties stood at the door, wearing Thick Earth Court's best clothing and a rough face. He was Thick Earth Court Minor Mastery of Gang Force's disciple Pang Zhenshan.
When he saw it was Zhou Xian, he frowned slightly. "Junior brother Zhou? What's the matter?"
Zhou Xian clasped his fists in a respectful posture. "Senior Brother Pang, I have something to discuss with you."
Pang Zhenshan turned him sideways and admitted him to the hospital.
The two sat down on the stone bench in the courtyard. Zhou Xian got straight to the point. "Senior Brother Pang, I would like to visit Cloud Dream Forest again."
Pang Zhenshan frowned even more tightly. "Explore again? Cloud Dream Forest We gained a lot from that trip. You swallowed Vermilion Fruit and you have stepped half a step into Gangjin. What else are you exploring?"
Zhou Xian took a deep breath and lowered his voice. "The last time we explored the periphery of Cloud Dream Forest, we found Vermilion Fruit,
Dragon Blood Ganoderma and other treasures. If you can go a hundred miles deep, you will have a greater chance! By then, if Zhou can take the opportunity to break into the Gangjin, senior brother can also reach a higher level!"
"That's enough." Pang Zhenshan interrupted him, his eyes falling on Zhou Xian's face with a bit of scrutiny, "Junior Brother Zhou, tell me honestly, why are you so eager to break through Gang Jin?"
Zhou Xian is stuck.
Pang Zhenshan looked at him and said slowly, "Is it for that Soaring Wood Court's Chen Jianghe?"
Zhou Xian's face changed slightly.
Pang Zhenshan sighed, with a hint of helplessness in his tone. "Junior brother Zhou, let's go to Cloud Dream Forest together and experience life and death together. I treat you as my own brother, so I'm speaking to you with all my heartfelt words."
He looked directly at Zhou Xian: "Chen Jianghe, you can't compare."
Zhou Xian's face turned red. "Senior Brother Pang! I--
-"
"Listen to me." Pang Zhenshan waved his hand to interrupt him, "Then Chen Jianghe, from Minor Completion of Transforming Force to Initiation of Gang Force in one and a half years. Not to mention you, even the geniuses of Seven Forms Root Bone like us at Thick Earth Court may not be able to achieve this level of advancement."
He paused and spoke earnestly, "You Zhou Xian, you are not bad at heart and your character is not bad, but you are just too impatient. Cloud Dream Forest, you swallowed Vermilion Fruit, you are lucky to have stepped into Gangjin half a step. But your foundation is weak, Gang Qi is unstable. If you don't settle down for a year and a half, and forcefully attack Gangjin, there will only be a dead end."
Zhou Xian moved his lips, wanting to say something, but couldn't.
Pang Zhenshan stood up and patted his shoulder. "Go back and have a good retreat. Don't compare with others, compare with yourself.
If you win, it's your own fault; if you lose, it's you who will feel the pain."
He turned and walked towards the house, and a voice came from inside the door. "Don't mention the matter of Cloud Dream Forest again. I won't go, and neither will the other two senior brothers. You can take care of yourself."
Zhou Xian returned to his courtyard.
He sat in the quiet room for a long time, motionless.
What comes to mind repeatedly is the figure in green walking through the bamboo forest.
Chen Jianghe.
Why?
Why can a Five Forms Root Bone break the Gangjin within a year and a half?
Why do you have to work so hard and narrowly escape death in Cloud Dream Forest for half a year, but still stop at half a step?
Zhou Xian opened his eyes suddenly.
He stood up and took out a wooden box from the corner.
Open.
Inside is a yellowed map marked with dense symbols.
This is an in-depth road map he bought with a large amount of money from a casual cultivator Cloud Dream Forest".
The casual cultivator vowed that this route leads to an ancient cave in the depths of Cloud Dream Forest, and that there is a strange fruit hidden in the cave that can help people break through the Gangjin.
Zhou Xian was dubious at the time and did not go there rashly.
But now...
He put the map in his arms, picked up his long stick, and strode towards the courtyard gate.
Since no one wants to go with him, he will go alone.
Changxi Prefecture, Qian Family Chamber of Commerce West Street Branch.
When Chen Jianghe entered the main hall, Qian Shouyi was crouching behind a long desk reviewing the account books.
Hearing the footsteps, he raised his head and saw it was Chen Jianghe. He quickly stood up to greet him, "Jianghe! Why are you here?"
Before he finished speaking, he glanced at Chen Jianghe and suddenly froze.
An incredible light flashed in those shrewd old eyes.
"You...
Qian Shouyi's voice trembled slightly. He took a few steps forward and walked around Chen Jianghe, looking up and down as if he were looking at a rare treasure.
Chen Jianghe looked calm and let him look at her.
After a long time, Qian Shouyi stopped, took a deep breath, and said with irrepressible shock in his voice, "Gang Jin?
Chen Jianghe nodded. "It was broken not long ago."
Qian Shouyi was stunned.
He stood there, staring blankly at Chen Jianghe, for one and a half years, from Minor Completion of Transforming Force to Initiation of Gang Force.
A year and a half!
For a long time, Qian Shouyi took a deep breath and showed a complicated smile on his face.
In that smile, there was shock, joy, and a hint of... fear.
He remembered that when he was at Yilin County, he gave Chen Jianghe gold and Bone Tempering Pill as gifts in times of need.
He remembered that in the twilight that day, he used crutches to board the Green Rock Mountain in person, and hired Chen Jianghe as a guest worshiper for three families with an annual salary of one thousand taels of gold.
He remembered what he said to Chen Jianghe, "If you really encounter a difficult obstacle in the future, as long as I am still alive and as long as the three families are still breathing, I will not let you fight alone."
He said these words sincerely.
But he never thought at that time, could this young man Five Forms Root Bone really grow up enough to protect the three families?
Now that I think about it...
Qian Shouyi felt an indescribable joy in his heart.
I'm glad I made my original choice.
I'm glad I made the right bet.
He did not bully others like Zhao Family and Zhou Family, and had a grudge against Li Chengyue's master and disciple.
He is not like those short-sighted businessmen who only see immediate benefits and cannot see long-term investments.
He chose to treat each other sincerely and to provide help in times of need.
And this young man gave him the best return in one and a half years.
"Master Qian Family?" Chen Jianghe's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
He looked at Chen Jianghe, his eyes full of emotion. "When I bet on you, to be honest, I bet on you in five or ten years. I thought that with your character and talent, you will become a powerful force within ten years. By then, the three families will have real backers.
Chen Jianghe looked at him and spoke slowly, "Qian Family gave us help in times of need, and Jianghe will remember it in his heart.
Qian Shouyi waved his hand. "Don't say such polite words."
He turned around and shouted toward the door, "Deren! Qingyu! Come here!"
After a while, Qian Deren and Qian Qingyu came in hand in hand.
As soon as Qian Qingyu entered the door, his eyes fell on Chen Jianghe.
She looked up and down for a moment, then suddenly said, "Chen Jianghe, you... did you break through again?"
Chen Jianghe nodded.
Qian Qingyu's pupils suddenly shrank.
She opened her mouth to say something, but no word came out.
Qian Deren also looked shocked and said after a while, "Brother Chen, you... what state are you in now?"
"Initiation of Gang Force." Chen Jianghe said calmly.
There was a brief dead silence in the quiet room.
Qian Qingyu stood there blankly, his mind going blank.
She remembered that when she first met Chen Jianghe two years ago, he was just Minor Completion of Transforming Force.
At that time, she secretly whispered in her heart: Five Forms Root Bone, Minor Completion of Transforming Force, what use can they be used for?
Later, Chen Jianghe singled out Caoshui Gang with one shot. While she was shocked, she was also secretly grateful for her father's original vision.
But she never expected that in just one and a half years, Chen Jianghe would actually step into Gang Jin.
Gang Jin.
She Qian Qingyu has practiced martial arts since she was a child, but she is still no more than Minor Completion of Transforming Force.
And Chen Jianghe, who is similar in age to her, is already powerful.
The gap was so big that she couldn't even feel jealous.
Qian Shouyi looked at the dull expressions of his son and daughter and coughed lightly.
The two of them came back to their senses and hurriedly came forward to greet him.
Qian Shouyi took out a stack of gold tickets from his sleeve and offered it with both hands. "Jianghe, this is this year's salary. I took it upon myself to raise it for you."
Chen Jianghe took it and took a look.
Two thousand five hundred taels.
gold.
More than doubled compared to last year.
He raised his eyes and looked at Qian Shouyi.
Qian Shouyi stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Don't think I'm tacky. After you picked Caoshui Gang with one shot, the trade routes of the three companies in Changxi Prefecture became more than twice as smooth. Those young men who covet us now have their legs trembling after hearing your name. You can take this money with peace of mind."
Chen Jianghe was silent for a moment and put away the golden ticket.
Then, he took out the sapphire jar from his arms and placed it gently on the table.
Qian Shouyi's eyes fell on the can, and he frowned slightly. "This is...
Chen Jianghe looked at him with sincere eyes. "This is the elixir prepared by Soaring Wood Court master Han Shuitian himself. Use it for seven days to help the master wake up."
Qian Shouyi pupils shrink.
Chen Jianghe continued, "My master has been in coma for a long time. The disciple needs to stabilize his state here and cannot return Yilin County in person.
I sincerely ask Master Qian Family to help this disciple return this item and personally supervise the use of medicine to ensure that our master wakes up safely."
Qian Shouyi stared at the sapphire jar and was silent for a long time.
Then, he raised his head and looked at Chen Jianghe.
Those shrewd old eyes were full of solemnity at this moment.
"Jianghe," he spoke slowly, word by word, "Don't worry. I will handle this matter myself."
He stood up, walked to Chen Jianghe, raised his hand and put it on his shoulder.
"Master Li was seriously injured and fell into coma for the three families. I will remember this kindness. You worked for the three families through life and death. I will also remember this friendship."
He paused and his voice was hoarse. "I personally returned to Yilin County, personally watched Master Li take the medicine, and personally watched over him until he woke up. If anything happens, I will pay you with my life!"
Chen Jianghe felt hot in his heart. "Qian Family Lord's great kindness, I will remember it in my heart."
Qian Shouyi quickly smiled and said, "Okay, don't do this. I'll leave now, you can practice in peace."
He turned to Qian Qingyu and Qian Deren: "When I am away, you two will take care of the business. If Jianghe is needed, we will give you our full help without any mistakes!"
Qian Qingyu, Qian Deren should be in unison.
Xingyi Sect, Mission Hall.
Chen Jianghe When we entered the main hall, people were coming and going, and it was still lively.
He walked straight to the counter.
There was still the same Deacon Zhao behind the counter. When I saw him approaching, I raised my eyes and suddenly became stunned.
"You..." Deacon Zhao stared at the brand new identity tag around his waist. The word "Lingmu Court" was engraved on the face of the card, but there was a silver moire around the edge.
That is the mark of a disciple of Gang Jin.
Deacon Zhao stood up suddenly.
His voice was trembling, and his eyes were full of disbelief. "Gang... Gang Jin?!"
A year and a half ago, when this new disciple of Soaring Wood Court came to the Mission Hall for the first time, he was still very successful.
Now, it's Gang Jin!
Chen Jianghe's expression remained unchanged as he handed over his identity card. "Disciple accepts the mission."
Peaceful life