Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

’If I can get Elder Pang’s recommendation to join the Nine Altars Sect in two months, maybe I can ask Yun Shuanglin to recommend Zhuang Zhen to the Mountain and Sea Sect.’

’Of course, that’s just an idea. Who knows what will actually happen when the time comes.’

That was why Chen Cheng wouldn’t mention it to Zhuang Zhen right now, lest his plans fall through and leave her disappointed and heartbroken.

With that thought, Chen Cheng secretly resolved to spend the next two months doing everything in his power to improve his strength and Root Bone.

’As long as I can get into the Nine Altars Sect, everything else will fall into place.’

’If I can’t, then it’s all for nothing.’

”Oh, right. My uncle wanted me to thank you properly...”

Zhuang Zhen pursed her lips, seeming embarrassed to speak as a faint blush rose to her cheeks:

”My uncle said... he used to always dote on my aunt, obeying her every whim... but ever since he used your gift, my aunt has turned around and started doting on *him*...”

”...Ahem. As long as Lord Yu is happy.”

Chen Cheng chuckled:

”Tell him there’s no need to be so formal. Once he’s finished it, my friends at the Hunting Manor have plenty more. It’s more than enough.”

”You can’t give him any more...”

Zhuang Zhen shot Chen Cheng a mildly reproachful look, but she quickly reined in her emotions and resumed her gentle tone:

”My aunt also wanted me to thank you. She... she’s pregnant.”

”...Pregnant?”

Chen Cheng froze for a second, feeling as though he’d just sniffed out a massive business opportunity.

”That’s right, she’s pregnant.”

Zhuang Zhen’s cheeks grew even redder:

”My aunt and uncle have been married for over ten years. They’ve always been deeply in love, but they never had children. It had become a constant source of heartache for them...”

”They thought they were destined to be childless, and then you came along like some kind of miracle worker. Of course they’re grateful to you!”

”...There’s no need to thank me.”

Chen Cheng smiled serenely:

”It was a pure coincidence on my part that day. It was Lord Yu and Lady Zhuang whose sincerity moved the heavens. All the coincidences aligned because their time had come. I just happened to be there for it.”

”...You certainly have a way with words.”

Zhuang Zhen shot Chen Cheng another faint, scolding look, but this time, a distinctly different warmth shone from the depths of her beautiful eyes.

She thought for a moment, then said:

”My aunt keeps saying she wants to treat you to another meal. Would tomorrow work? You and Aunt Li could come together.”

”Some other day.”

Chen Cheng said:

”I have to help the Wu Family escort a fleet of ships tomorrow. This mission is a bit special, and I’ve already given them my word. It wouldn’t be right to back out at the last minute.”

Zhuang Zhen nodded. Naturally, she wouldn’t press him.

The two chatted idly for a while longer before Zhuang Zhen took her leave.

She spent a lot of time each day on her duties at the Evil Extermination Bureau and on her training. Since she had talked with Chen Cheng for so long today, she would have to sleep a little less tonight to catch up on her training.

Just like Chen Cheng, she didn’t dare to slack off in the slightest.

The moment Zhuang Zhen left, Chen Cheng took out the Celestial God Hidden Dragon Painting and began to refine his Power.

By now, he could complete seven full repetitions of the Power Transfer Thought each day.

The increased number of repetitions was due to significant improvements in his physical stamina and Heart Power over the past month, as well as the effects of his enhanced Root Bone.

In one month, he had consumed a large jar of Golden Ring Treasure Snake Medicinal Wine, ten Three Treasures Bone-Building Pills, and most crucially, had never stopped his Foundation Establishment Tai Chi Refining.

Chen Cheng could clearly feel the many benefits brought by the improvement to his Root Bone.

The most obvious of these was the increase in his training efficiency.

The more his Root Bone improved, the more attuned he became to a wider range of Martial Arts. The greater the attunement, the higher his efficiency and the lower the stamina cost.

Improving little by little every day, the tangible changes over a month weren’t huge, but they left Chen Cheng feeling incredibly satisfied.

Every effort yielded a reward, and that reward was permanent and undiminishing.

To Chen Cheng, there was nothing more gratifying in the world.

It was just a matter of taking the time to build his foundation. A day would surely come when all his hard work would pay off, allowing him to stun the world with a single brilliant stroke.

’The problem now is that I’ve used up all the Three Treasures Bone-Building Pills, and there are almost no alternatives available on the market...’

As he regulated his breathing during the break after one repetition of the Celestial God Hidden Dragon Painting’s Power Transfer Thought, he silently plotted:

’Killing Blood Robes is one way to get Three Treasures Bone-Building Pills from the Evil Extermination Bureau... but it’s not like you can find a Blood Robe every day.’

’Going to Seven Miles Slope to kill Cloth-Wrapped Demons is also unreliable—I might not even find one. And besides, I can only handle the Six Blood ones. If I ran into a Seven Blood, I might not make it back alive...’

’However, when I go to the Fishing Village tomorrow, I can keep an eye out. Maybe I can buy some Treasure Fish that improve Root Bone... The effect might be weaker than the Three Treasures Bone-Building Pills, but it’s better than nothing.’

With that thought, Chen Cheng composed his Heart Spirit and began the next repetition of the Power Transfer Thought.

On the Celestial God Hidden Dragon Painting, Bright Force Mastery was represented by exploding Thunder Patterns, while Dark Force Mastery was represented by surging cloud patterns.

As for Transforming Force Mastery, one had to infuse the dragon pattern completely with one’s Power.

According to Ye Yang, the dragon pattern would undergo a unique transformation at that time, and it would be different for everyone.

Chen Cheng’s gaze fell upon the painting.

He had lost count of how many times he’d gazed upon the True Dragon, pinned beneath the bent wrist and curled fingers of the Celestial God.

Its form was so vivid—pressed down, it strained its neck to fight for its life, scales flared and eyes bulging. It looked as if it would burst from the painting in the next instant and soar straight to the Thirty-Three Heavens.

’When I manifest Transforming Force... what kind of phenomenon will I see?’

Chen Cheng stared, lost in a trance.

Deep within his Heart Spirit, it felt as if something was slowly beginning to sprout.

「Afternoon.」

Aunt Li didn’t go looking for Lady Sun.

Because Lady Sun had invited that group of officials’ wives to her home again.

This time, Lady Sun had informed Aunt Li in advance to prevent her from showing up and having another unpleasant encounter.

So, Aunt Li simply made a trip to the Outer City, chatted for a while with Third Aunt Bai, and then recounted it all to Chen Cheng after she returned.