Wild joy spread across Zhu Neng's face as he thumped his chest. "Boss, forget ten Marrow-Washing Pills. Give me just six, and I'm certain I can complete marrow-washing.
"How could those silver-spoon brats in the Stronghold compare to my cultivation talent? I have complete confidence in my talent!"
Pi Hou shook his head. "Old Zhu, you're losing your composure. Saying things like that, you're clearly letting success go to your head. Careful your joy doesn't turn to sorrow."
Du Gang added, "This isn't losing his composure. This is his true nature showing. What we saw before was his disguise and mask."
Zhu Neng clutched the porcelain bottle tightly, unable to suppress the upward curl of his lips. "Don't rush to sour my mood with your jealousy. Wait until I've completed marrow-washing and bone-tempering, then talk.
"Before this, you kept boasting in front of me about completing marrow-washing at the drop of a hat.
"Just wait a little longer. Once I've completed marrow-washing, let's see what you still have to brag about."
Chen Shi'an said quietly, "No more waiting. Right now. I'll stand guard for you. Start taking the pills now!"
Zhu Neng gave a firm grunt of assent, found a corner in the large tent, and quickly sat cross-legged.
After teaching him the method for refining the Marrow-Washing Pills, Chen Shi'an took Pi Hou and Du Gang aside. "Tell me where your cultivation stands."
Du Gang answered first. "I've already reached the peak of the ninth acquired stage. I was thinking of honing my cultivation for another month or two, then taking the Origin-Strength Pills you gave me to attempt entry-rank."
Chen Shi'an turned his gaze to Pi Hou.
Pi Hou answered quickly, "Boss, I'm already at the ninth acquired stage. In three months at most, I'll be ready to