Chapter 215: 198. Near the End

Martial arts had no effect on the two previously unconscious and broken spiritual veins.

Zhang Rongfang was actually quite confused in his heart.

Sitting cross-legged on the mat, he remained silent for a while before finally putting these troubles behind him.

’Never mind, let’s improve my martial arts skills first. The last talismanic skill, after breaking the limit, will allow me to learn the Extreme State of the Great Dao Teaching.

Anyway, it will be a long time before I reach the later stage of Refining God. During this time, I will secretly improve my martial arts while gathering all kinds of information on Spiritualization.’

’I don’t believe there can be something completely without flaws in this world….’

He immediately concentrated, closed his eyes, and began to immerse himself in the cultivation of literature.

As soon as he started cultivating, he noticed that some subtle changes seemed to occur within him.

This was reflected directly in the attribute panel.

’Zhang Rongfang – Life 48-48.’

“Previously, my life’s upper and lower limits were both 47, weren’t they? Now it has inexplicably increased by one point?”

“It seems that this must be due to the transformation of the cultivation technique,” he guessed in his mind.

The legendary skill truly lives up to its reputation.

Just by transforming, without yet advancing in level, it increased my life attribute by a point.

Having confirmed the effect of the cultivation technique, Zhang Rongfang completely immersed himself in the cultivation of literature, forgetting both himself and his surroundings.

Time flowed slowly.

Day after day.

Under the arrangement of Yue Dewen, his residence was also moved into that small building with black and white portraits.

The first floor of the building was filled with black and white portraits.

The second and third floors had colored paintings.

Chongxuan seemed to not frequently stay there, and instead, Zhang Rongfang was there most of the time.

Soon, after five days, another attribute point emerged.

Zhang Rongfang increasingly felt the speed of attribute point increase was too slow, so he planned to find a way through alchemy skills to see if he could find a pill that could speed up absorption and strengthen the spleen and stomach’s absorption capacity.

As for this new attribute point.

He hesitated a bit but ultimately decided to invest it into his alchemy skills.

Even though Daoist Chongxuan’s status was special, it seemed he did not interfere with his position in the Pill Hall.

He still allowed him to study the Alchemy Dao under Daoist Qingyou.

In reality, although Qingyou was not the most accomplished alchemist in the Pill Hall, his reputation for nurturing newcomers was top-notch, leaving no need for any change.

Furthermore, Chongxuan also did not entirely disclose Zhang Rongfang’s new status and only circulated the identity of Zhang Ying at the palace master and hall master levels.

While living in the building, Zhang Rongfang occasionally encountered Zhang Qingzhi.

The latter lived in a small courtyard behind the building.

The two would occasionally practice martial arts together and exchange experiences, which was quite pleasant.

Zhang Rongfang also had a good impression of Zhang Qingzhi. It was Zhang Qingzhi who facilitated his entry into the Pill Hall.

He handled that affair very well.

Two days later, in the Fire Gathering Basin, at the 134th cave estate.

“Let’s end today’s lecture here.” Daoist Qingyou said calmly, holding a duster as he stood up to leave.

“Please wait, Alchemist.” Zhang Rongfang quickly got up and stopped him.

“I have some questions I’d like to ask the Alchemist.” He said seriously and respectfully.

Originally, he intended to ask Daoist Chongxuan whether he could obtain a formula to enhance the absorption capacity of the spleen and stomach.

But upon reconsideration, Chongxuan, after all, revered the high path of Spiritualization and divine worship.

This person was crafty and deep-minded; it was best not to disturb him if possible.

Zhang Rongfang worried that even the slightest trace could be noticed by his shrewd master Chongxuan.

In just ten minutes, he could see through all the secrets of his body, even the missing Spirit Gathering Talisman.

His strength and medical skills were terrifyingly formidable.

Therefore, he planned to first self-study alchemy, as with the attribute points now, the speed could be rapid.

There was also the protection of the Great Dao Teaching to ensure safety without worry.

His sister, being a noble Spirit People, would also not encounter any issues.

Now he had plenty of time for slow development.

“What do you wish to inquire about?” Qingyou asked solemnly.

He was very satisfied with Zhang Ying, the new diligent and inquisitive Daoist disciple. Even without recent reminders from the Pill Hall’s head, he intended to nurture him well.

Especially in recent days, Zhang Ying’s understanding and handling of alchemy improved remarkably fast.

So much so that he often felt that his assistant was not a newcomer but an old Daoist disciple with years of learning.

Zhang Ying’s foundation in fire control techniques was exceedingly solid, and he had a comprehensive understanding of various simple alchemical formulas and could grasp their principles instantly.

In comparison, the previously handy Chui Xi appeared rather clumsy now.

Qingyou sighed silently, not glancing at the wide-eyed and somewhat disappointed Chui Xi, waiting for Zhang Ying to ask his question.

“Here’s the thing,” Zhang Rongfang swiftly said, “a friend of mine is born with weak spleen and stomach, lacking the ability to efficiently absorb the essence of food. Is there any formula to enhance this capacity?”

“Weak absorption of the spleen and stomach? It depends on whether it’s due to insufficient motility of the stomach, weak absorption after grinding food in the intestines, or spleen deficiency leading to Yin-Yang imbalance, with different prescriptions for Yin and Yang deficiency.

The human body’s five organs all possess Yin and Yang. Only by maintaining balance can it be strong. Medication should not be used arbitrarily.” Qingyou replied earnestly.

“My friend has seen many renowned doctors, and the diagnosis is always the same.

They all say it’s an innate absorption deficiency.” Zhang Rongfang said earnestly.

With the improvement of his alchemy skills, he now had a better understanding of his own condition.

He had already vaguely sensed that his attribute points mainly relied on the intestine’s absorption of food.

The mouth and stomach were primarily responsible for processing food so that the intestines could digest and absorb it, thereby allowing absorption.

So, the true absorption of nutrients should occur in the intestines.

The role of the other digestive organs was to secrete digestive juices, mechanically grind food, and so on.

Only the intestines are the real site of absorption.

With his martial artist physique, strong muscular dynamics throughout his body, and powerful motility of internal organs for secretion of digestive juices, they were not lacking.

On further reflection, the only critical area should be the intestines.

This conclusion coincided with the modern medical theories he heard of in his previous life.

“Absorption ability?” Qingyou pondered for a moment. “There are a few formulas you can try. I’ll tell you, and you write it down.”

“Yes.” Zhang Rongfang quickly took out paper and pen.

“Guanyang Pill can enhance absorption ability, but taking it too frequently can cause dry fire and lead to an imbalance between the spleen and stomach in terms of yin and yang.

Yi Guan Powder can strengthen absorption ability, but it contains hidden medicinal toxins and is not suitable for long-term use.”

Qingyou mentioned two formulas and then paused.

“Actually, if you absolutely can’t, and the innate structure is weak, you can make food into more easily absorbable liquid form and eat smaller, more frequent meals.

This can reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach, and at the same time, the small portions increase the frequency and benefit absorption.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Rongfang’s eyes lit up immediately.

Indeed!

He had been caught in a misconception before.

He thought he had to find blood-replenishing formulas to quickly accumulate attribute points.

But the blood-replenishing formulas themselves are a heavy burden for the intestines and stomach.

However, if the medicines in the blood-replenishing formulas are taken separately in more meals and with increased portion size…

Advised by Qingyou’s words, Zhang Rongfang’s thoughts suddenly opened up.

Many methods flashed quickly through his mind.

“Thank you, Alchemist!” He wasted no time and quickly slipped a scroll into Qingyou’s sleeve while Chui Xi was busy sorting other items.

“Hmm. Go try it with your friend. If it’s useless, come back and ask me. Actually, it’s best for the person themselves to come directly.”

Qingyou glanced at the scroll’s value and showed a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

“Thank you for the guidance, Alchemist, certainly.” Zhang Rongfang said respectfully.

Qingyou finally nodded with satisfaction, ready to leave the cave with his hands behind his back.

Suddenly, as if he remembered something, he stopped and turned around.

“By the way, I remember seeing before that there are martial arts specifically practiced for eating skills.

This kind of martial arts seems to be able to temper and strengthen a person’s digestive and absorption abilities. If you are interested, you might want to look for it.

Regarding the pill formulas, you can go to the Dan Hall library, mention my name to enter, and look for shared alchemical scriptures. There should be records.”

Zhang Rongfang earnestly noted it down again, clasped his hands, and bowed. “Thank you, Alchemist!”

Qingyou finally nodded and turned away.

Nowadays, with Zhang Ying being cared for by the Dan Hall Master, he did not mind lending some more support.

Watching the other person leave, Zhang Rongfang greeted Chui Xi and planned to visit the Dan Hall library.

He was eager to try out the pill formulas Qingyou had just mentioned.

“If you’re looking for martial arts, you can go to the Wuyun Pavilion,” Chui Xi reminded, “It contains a variety of martial arts, you can have a look.”

“Thank you,” Zhang Rongfang thanked her with a nod.

“You’re welcome. I’ve only been there once; there are too many martial arts, making it hard to choose,” Chui Xi said.

“Alright.”

Zhang Rongfang was about to leave the cave but noticed Chui Xi beside him, showing a hesitant expression as if she wanted to say something.

“What’s the matter? Is there something?”

“It’s nothing. You go ahead,” Chui Xi hesitated for a moment but chose not to speak.

After all, she hadn’t known Zhang Ying for long, and many things were challenging to discuss.

Moreover, the offer was too good, just asking her to provide Zhang Ying’s whereabouts.

It was practically risk-free profit.

So, she decided not to reveal anything.

Besides, even if she didn’t say anything, that person could learn about Zhang Ying’s whereabouts from others, so it was better for her to earn that money herself.

As long as he doesn’t leave the Celestial Treasure Palace, there’s no real danger.

Various thoughts flashed through Chui Xi’s mind.

“Alright. I’m off then.” Zhang Rongfang quickly packed up and left the fire pit, heading towards another building of the Dan Hall.

He needed to find the pill formulas quickly; if effective, it would also greatly benefit him by rapidly increasing the accumulation speed of attribute points.

The Dan Hall library, called a library, was actually just a small stone hall with four bookshelves.

Standing alone outside all other buildings, square and resembling a small block.

Next to the library, there was a communal latrine, and it seemed more Daoists and attendants visited the latrine than read the books.

Few people read the books.

Feeling bemused, Zhang Rongfang mentioned Daoist Qingyou’s name at the door and was allowed entry. He soon found two volumes of pill formula books on the shelves.

Opening them, he immediately understood why few people came to browse.

The volumes were full of mold stains, poorly maintained.

Most books were rare and less-known pill formulas with limited use. Only some unique ones were copied and stored here.

After quickly copying the two pill formulas, he went straight to the pharmacy for the ingredients, planning to concoct a batch himself today.

On the way back to the fire pit, Zhang Rongfang suddenly saw a group of martial artists, all wearing different outfits and carrying weapons, hastily carrying several blood-soaked individuals into the main hall of the Dan Hall.

“Save them! Quickly, save them! We have money here!! Hurry! Move faster!!”

“Her head is still bleeding, save her first!!”

“Tianhe!! Tianhe, hang in there!!”

The group was battered and their weapons were largely stained with blood as they rushed into the Dan Hall entrance.

Zhang Rongfang noticed that their clothing mostly had a cloud character embroidered on the left chest.

“Who are those people?” several onlookers whispered among themselves next to him.

“Seems like they’re from the nearby Yunwu Manor. I heard they were attacked by a mysterious person this morning, suffering heavy casualties. Eight-sword master Manor Master Wei’s whereabouts are unknown…” another one whispered back.

“You were summoned by the authorities this morning for this?”

“Yes, a few of us are stationed at the office to handle corpse inspections. Sigh, too many have died. They even used carts to transport the bodies…”

The group spoke in hushed tones, but Zhang Rongfang’s keen senses allowed him to hear all the details clearly.

’Yunwu Manor???’

He suddenly froze.

A few days ago, that Golden Wing Pavilion vice-master called Chongming had told him that if anything happened, he could seek help from Yunwu Manor’s eight-sword master Wei Feng…..

And now…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep