Fists, knees, elbowsâŚmost parts of the body have become weapons.
But after only two or three hits, Gu Yuebo retreats a few steps, an expression of pain on his face. He looks at his hands, feeling like his bones are about to split apart.
âIâve lostâŚâ
He sighs, staring at a young man with a round face across from him.
Clap, clap!
Around the training ground, Cheng Feng steps forward, clapping: âMaster Wangâs Iron Body Skill is simply divine⌠I give in for tomorrowâs competition.â
As the boss of his fighting club, Cheng Feng did not wish for his establishment to lose face in front of the media, so he arranged a âfriendly matchâ tonight.
As it turns out, even his strongest fighter, Gu Yuebo, is no match for Wang Chaoqun.
If thatâs the case, thereâs no point in having the match tomorrow and embarrassing themselves.
âThis Wang Chaoqun, heâs really skilled, he might even make a run for the world-class fighting championshipâŚâ
Cheng Feng, who is passionate about fighting, has worked hard in this area. Although his skills are subpar, his judgment is not. He quickly becomes very attentive: âThe appearance fee for the friendly match, as well as the prize money, has been transferred to Master Wang.â
âGreat.â
Wang Chaoqun replies indifferently, not even breaking a sweat, clearly still having lots of energy left.
After sending the nurse to take Gu Yuebo away, Cheng Feng, with eyes gleaming, looks at Wang Chaoqun. He suddenly bows: âMaster Wang, I am obsessed with ancient martial arts. Can you tell me⌠is there really such a thing as⌠Inner Strength?â
âInner Strength?â
Wang Chaoqun smiles: âThat depends on your definition.â
He takes a seat on a wooden chair by the arena, placing his left hand seemingly casually on a desk.
When he lifts it away, a clear palm imprint emerges.
âThis is⌠Inner Strength!â
Cheng Fengâs eyes widen in surprise and excitement typical of a regular person encountering a Transcendent.
He had arranged the furnishings here himself, naturally knowing that nothing was rigged. At this moment, heâs focused on the imprint on the desk, eyes lighting up as if he just saw a rare beauty.
âMaster Wang, I wonder if I could have the honor, to study under you?â
Cheng Feng looks up, eyes gleaming: âIâll pay a mentorâs fee of 1 million!â
âCough, coughâŚâ
Wang Chaoqun, who was drinking tea, chokes at the proposition.
His âappearance feeâ was merely a few tens of thousands. After going around in East City, heâd nearly become a millionaire.
But now he realizes, heâs still quite far from being a real rich person.
âAs the saying goes, Scholars are poor but warriors are rich. If you want to practice martial arts, besides being willing to endure hardship, you indeed need moneyâŚâ
The words were barely out of Wang Chaoqunâs mouth when Cheng Feng raised his offer: â2 million!â
He thinks for a moment, then shakes his head: âMy lineage is a secret one. Without my masterâs permission, I canât accept you as a disciple. However, I have a recipe for a medicinal diet here that might help with cultivating Inner QiâŚâ
â2 million, deal.â
Cheng Feng grit his teeth: âTransfer it right away!â
âDeal!â
A somewhat dizzy Wang Chaoqun says cheerfully.
After confirming the receipt of the transfer, he keeps his word, picks up his writing brush and paper, and pens down the recipe for a medicinal diet.
âCentury-old Ginseng, He Shou WuâŚâ
Upon seeing the starting ingredients, Cheng Feng feels somewhat reassured. However, his face quickly contorts in confusion: âObsidian powder? And applying chicken blood all over the body? Is this⌠real or fake?â
âOnly one way to know if itâs true or false.â
Wang Chaoqun assumes a wise manâs demeanor while laughing inside: âJackpot! Jackpot! Iâve hit the jackpot!â
âThis rich second generation kid has no idea that these recipes are already circulating in small online circles. Theyâre free and will eventually leak out, and he would definitely come into contact with them⌠However, those whoâve never dreamt of it wonât believe itâŚâ
âSince itâs going to be revealed one day, might as well cash in now.â
As for his own exposure issue?
Wang Chaoqun isnât worried about it.
Just by looking at the number of emerging Transcendent appearing online, itâs clear there are many of them; they canât all be taken down at once, right?
He wants to be famous. The bigger his reputation, the stronger his protection.
Even if the rumored government department comes knocking, heâs prepared to cooperate actively. They might even cultivate him as a front man. After all, his future could be anything.
Now that such a plump pig was right in front of him, he was going for the slaughter without hesitation.
However, considering he was from a family with background, Wang Chaoqun gave him the real recipe to keep a clear conscience.
âUnderstood!â
Seeing his confident look, Cheng Feng laughs at himself, thinking he was making a big fuss over nothing.
Perhaps, the reason why martial arts masters have been failing is because they donât have this âmedicinal dietâ and âmedicine bathâ!
After chatting with Wang Chaoqun for a while longer and informing him of his intention to forfeit the match the next day, Cheng Feng sent his guest away. He hastily ordered his secretary to buy the necessary materials and secludes himself in his villa.
âLetâs give it a try. It surely wonât kill me!â
Cheng Feng looks at the ceramic pot simmering ahead and the cackling rooster tied next to it. He dials a number on his phone with some apprehension: âHey⌠Xiao Li, call the clubâs doctor to see me in half an hour. The password for the room isâŚâ
Since he likes to play around alone, he wouldnât have anyone to disturb him.
âBut⌠I still find it weird. Why is it set up like some mysterious ritualâŚâ
Cheng Feng kills the chicken to collect its blood, takes off his clothes and continues to find it very strange: âBut⌠since Master Wang said so, letâs give it a tryâŚâ
He grits his teeth, dips the brush in chicken blood, and paints a few mysterious runes on his body.
He then grabs the now-cooked medicinal soup, lets it cool slightly before gulping it down.
âHot! Itâs so hot!â
This medicinal diet is different from the previous ones.
He feels as if there is a ball of fire in his stomach.
Meanwhile, the blood-colored runes on his body seem to come alive, crawling on his skin like ants, creating an itching sensation everywhere.
An uncomfortable feeling drives Cheng Feng to start pacing around the room.
His pace gets faster, his head swimming. Finally, feeling drained, he slumps onto the floor, on the brink of losing consciousness.
Knock, knock!
Knock, knock!
Just before he loses consciousness, he thinks he hears someone knocking. He sees the door to the villa being opened and a doctor in a white coat rushes in, looking very alarmed.
âMy reputation is ruined!â
That was Cheng Fengâs last thought.
Then, everything before him descends into darkness.
âŚ
The blackness doesnât seem terrifying.
Cheng Feng finds himself amidst a thick black fog.
He keeps moving forward, breaking through the mist until the sight of a giant figure appears before him.
On it, various runes flicker and morph continuously, indescribable yet seemingly containing all the âtruthsâ of this world!
Just by glancing at the figure, a piece of information forms in his heart:
âInduction Information for [Ancient Martial Artist]: âŚâ