A Fearsome Reputation (4k Words, Seeking Monthly Votes! Seven Thousand Average, Bonus Chapter!)

Twelfth Madam rose. "Snake Muscle Peak is still Snake Muscle, but a snake swallowing a python is worth writing home about. Sister Buddha didn't overrule everyone for nothing when she promoted you to Cloth Shoe! But I remember you passed the Second Gate barely a month ago. To reach Snake Muscle this quickly, you must have swallowed plenty of Fish Balls. A Wen, take it from someone who's been there: eat fewer Fish Balls."

Li Xiuwen smiled. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

Twelfth Madam thought for a moment. "Heavenly-Liang Old Man said that if you earn the top merit in next month's operation, he'll reward you with an elixir."

Li Xiuwen's face lit up. "Thank you!"

"What about me? What about me?" Little Loudspeaker pointed at herself.

Twelfth Madam said, "As if I'd dare give you medicine. Your father would beat me to death if he found out... With your Martial Constitution, you'd best not take a single pill before passing the Third Gate. Once you've passed it and your Martial Will is strong enough, taking Secret Medicine in moderation won't be a problem. When you're stronger, you can use Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to cleanse your marrow."

Twelfth Madam sighed. Martial Artists like A Wen, neither at the top nor the bottom, had it the hardest.

If his Comprehension were poor and his Martial Constitution rotten, there would be no point taking medicine. He could simply train for as many days as he could.

But A Wen's Comprehension was good, and his Martial Constitution was decent too.

People like him tended to set their sights higher.

To reach those goals, they had no choice but to swallow Fish Balls.

Twelfth Madam left with Little Loudspeaker, leaving Li Xiuwen a Palm Thunder and a box containing twenty