Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

Half a month ago, when Chen Cheng killed Xing Xiong, the latter was unaffected by the Poisonous Thorn. This must have been the result of long-term use of this method.

Chen Cheng calmed his Heart Spirit and carefully went over the names, quantities, and order of the dozen or so herbs, as well as the formula for the medicinal bath, in his mind.

His Health-Preserving Traits had been nourishing his Divine Marrow for a long time, and his memory had also quietly improved without him noticing.

Although he still couldn’t achieve a photographic memory, it wasn’t difficult for him to memorize it by rote with some time and Heart Power.

After he had committed the entire contents to heart, he lifted his foot and stomped on the small booklet.

Dark Force Internal Burst.

Except for the intact cover, all the pages inside were shredded to confetti. A gust of wind scattered them in all directions, mixing them with the fallen leaves and dust until they could no longer be found.

Finally, Chen Cheng carefully checked again to confirm he had left no traces at the scene. He then turned back, picked up the jar of Golden Ring Treasure Snake Medicinal Wine, and quickly departed.

Not long after he left, several dark figures, following the scent of blood, emerged from the depths of the mountain forest.

They originally walked upright like humans, but in the end, they crawled like beasts to the side of the corpse.

There was no communication, only the sounds of flesh being torn, chewed, and swallowed, mixed with a strange, decaying stench that continuously spread outwards.

...

By the time he returned to the Dragon Mountain Middle Courtyard Inner Hall, the sun was already setting in the west.

The twilight descended silently like a gray veil. The withered leaves of several old trees in the courtyard rustled down in the cold wind.

Chen Cheng first went to the small kitchen to eat dinner, then returned to his own room.

He shook the last bit of Frost Bone White powder from the small porcelain vial into his mouth. Immediately, he grabbed his wine gourd and threw his head back, downing the last of the Drunken Immortal Brew. The brew washed down the incredibly bitter powder, rushing into his stomach with a fiery, scalding heat.

Next, he picked up the jar of Golden Ring Treasure Snake Medicinal Wine. He unwrapped the red cloth and removed the black-glazed lid from the seal, and a rich aroma of wine mixed with medicine assaulted his senses.

He took some clean water and rinsed the wine gourd inside and out twice. After drying it with a fine cloth, he finally lifted the jar of Medicinal Wine and began to pour.

The dark red liquid poured into the gourd, making a low GURGLE GURGLE sound.

This wine, like the Treasure Medicine Frost Bone White, had the effect of improving one’s Root Bone. It was a seamless transition, in a way.

Moreover, this wine had the additional benefits of aiding cultivation and strengthening Blood Qi. It was truly a rare treasure.

A full five pounds—it should be more than enough to last for a month.

After capping both the jar and the gourd, he placed them in a cabinet in a dark, cool corner.

He then locked the door and windows and began his training as usual.

However, the order was different tonight. He started with Foundation Establishment Tai Chi.

He had only practiced it once during the day, and the feeling was still indistinct.

Now, with no one to disturb him, he went through it ten times in a row, gradually gaining a deeper understanding.

This Foundation Establishment Tai Chi still couldn’t generate Blood Qi. The key point was that the strain and exhaustion it placed on his physique after training were far greater than that of Hidden Dragon Fist.

After ten repetitions, a noticeable ache and soreness bloomed deep within his bones and sinews. His muscles and fascia felt as if they were tearing. Sweat poured down like rain. His body was so weak and exhausted that he could barely stand.

In this situation, he would need to correspondingly increase the number of times he practiced Health Tai Chi to alleviate fatigue and recover his stamina.

More importantly, he had to increase his daily intake of meat supplements or consume restorative Herbal Decoctions to ensure his body wasn’t broken down by the training.

This would undoubtedly be another significant expense.

But the corresponding benefit was that his natural Root Bone would be subtly improved. In the long run, the investment would definitely be more than worth it.

Afterward, Chen Cheng alternated between practicing Endless Moon Breath and Health Tai Chi.

Finally, he took out the Celestial God Hidden Dragon Painting and attempted to channel his Dark Force into it.

In the painting, the Thunder Patterns corresponded to Bright Force, and the cloud patterns corresponded to Dark Force.

Although there was a difference, his Perception Power and Heart Power were far superior to that of an ordinary person. Coupled with his experience with Bright Force Du Xiang, channeling his Dark Force now was a natural and smooth process.

In just a moment, he managed to make the cloud patterns diffuse, creating an effect that covered the sky and blanketed the earth.

However, channeling Dark Force consumed even more stamina and Heart Power. He was still limited to three times a day at most. Any more than that, and he risked overexerting his Heart Power, which would affect his daily life and cultivation.

Fortunately, three times a day was enough.

By slowly honing and improving, his Dark Force would become something he could control freely. It would grow more refined by the day, and it was inevitable that he would eventually surpass others of the Same Tier.

...

「The next day.」

Just after finishing breakfast, Chen Cheng went to help Fatty Fang pack his belongings.

Cao Zhao was a man of his word. He had already gotten Cao Miao’s approval to allow Fatty Fang to advance to the Upper Courtyard, and he was moving today.

”Junior Brother Chen, this is for you...”

Before leaving, Fatty Fang pulled a palm-sized wooden box from his robes and, without taking no for an answer, stuffed it into Chen Cheng’s hands. The box was still warm from his body and felt heavy.

”This is a small box of Treasure Snake Dried Meat. I had to pull a lot of strings to buy it. It’s for you, to help supplement your physique.”

”...Senior Brother.”

Chen Cheng’s heart stirred.

’This was exactly the kind of supplement I need right now. But I haven’t done anything to deserve this. How can I accept it?’

”Don’t overthink it! Just take it and use it up as soon as you can!”

Fatty Fang said with a serious expression.

”If it weren’t for you, little brother, how would I have had the chance to advance to the Upper Courtyard? How would I have the chance to participate in next year’s Martial Selection? If you don’t accept this small token of my appreciation, how can I train with a clear conscience?”

With that said, Fatty Fang didn’t wait for Chen Cheng to speak again. He turned and strode away.

Chen Cheng subconsciously took two steps to follow.

But Fatty Fang just waved his hand without looking back.

”Don’t see me out!”

The courtyard gate slammed shut behind him with a BANG.

Finally, his voice came from outside the gate again.

”Little brother, I’ll be waiting for you in the Upper Courtyard! I won’t leave until you get there!”

”I won’t leave until you get there.”

Chen Cheng smiled, and his grip on the small wooden box tightened slightly.

Not long after Fatty Fang left, Cao Zhao’s voice could be heard from a distance.

Judging by his voice, yesterday’s Poisonous Powder hadn’t caused him any serious harm.

But when he walked over, the extremely ugly look on his face made Chen Cheng’s heart sink.