Another Bone Reading? (Seeking Follow-up Reads!)

In the Dining Hall, at a deserted table in the corner, the two sat down.

"Are you looking to sponsor me, Senior Brother?" Chen Yuan asked.

He was aware that some great families would send their disciples to various Martial Halls to sponsor those with potential while they were still obscure, all to win over their loyalty.

Song Qiao was a prime example of this.

Fang Minghai smiled slightly. "Junior Brother Chen, becoming an entry-level martial artist in just over two months truly makes me feel ashamed of my own progress. I think very highly of you."

He had two reasons for choosing Chen Yuan. The first, naturally, was Chen Yuan's potential; such speed already rivaled that of a Grade C-Upper Bone Structure.

The second was that he had been observing everyone in the hall, and Chen Yuan's ability to practice martial arts diligently from start to finish was truly commendable.

He then proceeded to elaborate on the details of the sponsorship:

"Junior Brother Chen, although my Fang Family is also in the Inner City, we cannot compare to great families like the Song Family. Within my means, I can provide you with three taels of silver, thirty catties of beef, and three Blood Qi Pills every month. Are you willing?"

Chen Yuan's eyes flickered.

Thirty catties of beef and three Blood Qi Pills were worth nearly two taels, meaning the total value was around five taels—directly matching the level of sponsorship he had received from the Gu Family last month.

He didn't dare agree immediately, asking cautiously, "I am grateful for your regard, Senior Brother, but may I ask what you would need me to do?"

Fang Minghai smiled.

"Don't worry, consider this an investment in you. An entry-level martial artist cannot help me with much yet.

What you need to do now is become stronger as quickly as possible. Once you break through the second or third realm, or comprehend Dark Force, I will come to you for help. I hope you will be generous with your assistance then."

Damn, such a good deal?

Chen Yuan was overjoyed. This was essentially him not having to pay anything upfront—a loan for his cultivation, though the debt was one of favor.

He could also keep his current position, enjoying the benefits of two salaries to fuel his training.

He nodded heavily. "Please rest assured, Senior Brother. I will never forget this kindness."

Fang Minghai smiled with satisfaction, reached into his robes, and pulled out a money pouch, handing it to Chen Yuan.

"This is your three taels of silver for this month. I will speak to the people in the Dining Hall about the beef and Blood Qi Pills later; you can just register and collect them whenever you need. Any portion you don't use this month can be carried over to the next."

Chen Yuan took it, feeling the heavy weight, and let out a slight sigh of relief, a profound sense of security rising in his heart.

In both his past and present lives, money always gave him this feeling.

"Thank you, Senior Brother." He was truly grateful; this was like providing charcoal in the snow, solving his most pressing needs.

His situation could now be described as luxurious. With the lingering support from the Gu Family for the rest of the month, combined with Senior Brother Fang's sponsorship, he would have more beef than he could even eat!

One thought of hell, one thought of heaven.

Fang Minghai seemed to see through his thoughts and laughed.

"Cultivate well. Do not slack off, but do not become complacent either.

For those family disciples, it is normal to spend dozens of taels of silver a month on medicinal baths, precious herbs, rare fish, and beast meat.

Only through diligence and hardship can you slightly bridge that gap."

Chen Yuan's stirred heart calmed down slightly, and he rubbed his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed.

It seemed his perspective had been too narrow; he simply couldn't fathom how the wealthy practiced martial arts.

He cupped his hands. "Senior Brother Fang, I will go practice my boxing now."

With that, he turned and left.

Fang Minghai watched his straight back, a faint premonition rising that this Junior Brother with the D-Grade Bone Structure would achieve great things.

In the afternoon.

After another two hours passed, under the instruction of Master Huo, Chen Yuan finally learned the basic strikes of the Twelve Forms Boxing. What followed was endless repetition.

Practice a punch a hundred times, and its essence will reveal itself.

He also used their sparring sessions to hone his ability to adapt and accumulate experience.

Huo Lin said indifferently, "Alright, go practice on your own. If there is anything you don't understand, come ask me again."

He felt a bit weary from teaching.

He was also certain that it was impossible for Chen Yuan to practice the Six Harmonies Mind Boxing to perfection and comprehend Dark Force at a speed that defied his aptitude.

It would take at least several years of effort.

After all, Dark Force had even higher requirements for comprehension, which could not be made up for by mere diligence.

Chen Yuan naturally noticed this as well. He glanced at his panel:

[Six Harmonies Mind Boxing (Minor Achievement): 3/1000]

After a hard day of practice, the progress bar had only moved by two points. If he didn't improve his comprehension soon, he had no idea how long it would take to break through to Dark Force through sheer hard work.

Returning to the Outer Court, he stopped obsessing over the Six Harmonies Mind Boxing and instead practiced his stance training.

Since his comprehension was lacking, he would play to the strengths of his bone structure and focus on building up his blood and qi, striving to break through the Bone Realm as soon as possible.

Once his comprehension was up to par, he would return to the Six Harmonies Mind Boxing, ensuring his time was spent where it mattered most.

The plan was clear and reasonable, yet Chen Yuan frowned slightly.

It seemed his training was still lacking; his head hadn't even grown a point yet.

Mist-shrouded wine flags slanted in the wind, and the lamps were already lit in the twilight.

After practicing his stance work several times, the bell of the Dining Hall rang out.

Once Chen Yuan had filled his stomach, he collected a pound of beef, intending to take it home to improve the meals for his aunt and the others.

However, he first headed toward the Gu Family estate, intending to inform Senior Brother Huang of the news that he had become an entry-level martial artist.

With both Senior Brother Huang and Senior Brother Tao looking for a position for him, there would surely be something suitable.

After having someone announce his arrival, Chen Yuan met Huang Yan in the side chamber.

After a few polite exchanges, Huang Yan asked, "Junior Brother Chen, what brings you to see me today?"

Was he here to borrow money? Or had he finally broken through the Skin Realm?

Chen Yuan did not dawdle and got straight to the point:

"Senior Brother Huang, I broke through the Skin Realm today and grasped Clear Force yesterday. I am now an entry-level martial artist, and I would like to ask you to keep an eye out for any available positions for me."

Huang Yan's hand, which was holding his teacup, froze. He said in a deep voice, "You grasped Clear Force yesterday? Come, throw a punch and let me see."

Chen Yuan did as he was told, throwing a punch that made his muscles and bones resonate with a crackling sound.

Huang Yan's expression instantly became subtle.

In that case, Chen Yuan had grasped Clear Force only a day or two slower than Yu Yan. Although he was more than half a month behind in the Skin Realm, there was a clear gap between their bone structures.

One was Grade B-Lower, while the other was merely D-Grade Bone Structure.

Huang Yan's eyes narrowed slightly: "Junior Brother Chen, would you allow me to check your bones again?"

He wondered if he had misjudged them before.

Chen Yuan gave a mocking laugh: "Senior Brother, let's not. You already checked them twice before; it's just D-Grade Bone Structure."

He dared not let Huang Yan check; if D-Grade turned into Grade C-Upper, that was not something he could explain away in a few words.

Huang Yan took a long look at Chen Yuan and stopped pressing the matter.

He said slowly, "I will visit those friends of mine tomorrow. I will send someone to notify you once there is news."

"Many thanks, Senior Brother." Chen Yuan cupped his hands in a salute.

"Mm, go on then." Huang Yan waved his hand.

Chen Yuan turned and left. Huang Yan watched his retreating figure, his thoughts churning.

He wondered what the family head would think if he knew that Chen Yuan had become an entry-level martial artist the very day after being abandoned by the Gu Family.

Perhaps he would feel some regret?

But some decisions, once made, could not be undone.

Just as Chen Yuan reached the courtyard gate carrying the beef, he saw his cousin Cheng Xiaoyu looking travel-worn, as if she had just finished her shift.

"Brother Yuan! Why are you here?" Cheng Xiaoyu asked in surprise. This was the first time she had run into Chen Yuan at the Gu Family estate. "Could it be that the Gu Family has had a change of heart?"

Chen Yuan smiled: "No, I came to see Senior Brother Huang."

"Looking for Master Huang?" Cheng Xiaoyu's face fell. It was clear she desperately hoped her cousin would regain the Gu Family's support.

Chen Yuan chuckled and comforted her:

"Don't worry, I've already found a sponsor. My visit to Senior Brother Huang is also regarding that matter."

He paused, then added: "By the way, if you encounter any trouble in the estate that you can't solve in the future, and you don't have time to find me, you can go to Senior Brother Huang for help."

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled and agreed: "Alright, Brother Yuan, Xiaoyu will remember that."

However, she didn't think she would run into any trouble; the young miss took very good care of her.

She then asked with great curiosity: "Brother Yuan, who is willing to sponsor you? How much silver do they give each month? Is it enough?"

Clearly, she was more interested in that aspect.

Chen Yuan ruffled her hair and laughed: "The pay is good. Let's talk as we walk."