Chapter 4 - Chasing The Qi Realms
“You claim to have mastered Qi cultivation?”
He Yitong lounged on a recliner.
His gaze fell in disbelief on Chen Fan.
In his thirties, cultivating genuine Qi in just over a month — had he possessed at least an above-average martial aptitude if this had happened ten or more years earlier?
A sense of regret swept through him.
“In the time that has passed, you should now understand that the path of a warrior is divided into four realms: Qi Nurturing, Qi Manipulation, Qi Condensation, and the True Qi realm.”
“Now, you can be considered a Qi Nurturing martial artist.”
“The Qi cultivated by a Qi Nurturing martial artist cannot be actively used, but it can subtly enhance your physical qualities.”
“Starting today, in addition to practicing the Purple Peak True Cloud Technique, you can also train in the Purple Peak Sword Technique with Xiao Yun.”
“Thank you, Master.”
Chen Fan nodded.
Among the four realms of martial practitioners, one must start from the Qi Manipulation realm to manipulate inner energy and empower oneself.
A Qi Nurturing martial artist is merely ordinary.
However, an Qi Manipulation martial artist is already considered formidable.
In the Purple Peak Martial Hall, He Yitong is a Qi Condensation martial artist.
Below He Yitong, only five individuals are Qi Manipulation martial artists.
“The Purple Peak Sword Technique consists of a total of 108 moves.”
“For now, focus on mastering the sword techniques. Once you’ve practiced the routine to perfection, I’ll teach you the moves for practical combat.”
In the sparring ground, He Yun moved gracefully.
She enthusiastically imparted the Purple Peak Sword Technique to Chen Fan.
She advanced to the Qi Manipulation realm two months ago.
Afterwards, He Yitong handed over the affairs of the martial hall to her.
Around them, disciples of the Purple Peak Martial Hall, looking at Chen Fan, were all filled with disbelief.
No one had expected that Chen Fan, in his thirties, would have cultivated True Energy in just over a month.
“Swoosh! Swoosh…“
Chen Fan held a wooden sword.
He practiced each move according to He Yun’s guidance.
This world is not safe.
He studies martial arts for two main reasons: first, for future cultivation as an immortal, and second, for self-defense.
Under He Yun’s guidance, he takes his training very seriously.
“This is a Ten Complete Replenishment Pack.”
An hour later, He Yun handed a herbal soup package to Chen Fan.
“In the Qi Nurturing cultivation, the focus is on strengthening your Internal Qi. However, enhancing Internal Qi consumes a lot, so you must take replenishing substances daily.”
“You’ve just reached the Qi Nurturing realm, and this Ten Complete Replenishment Pack is given to you for free by the martial hall. If you want more in the future, you’ll have to buy them with money.”
He Yun looked at Chen Fan with sparkling eyes.
She had high hopes for him.
Among the disciples of the Purple Peak Martial Hall, only a few can afford to use the Spirit Replenishing Incense every day.
As for buying the Ten Complete Replenishment Packs from the martial hall, even fewer do so.
These packs contain various precious herbs.
One pack costs two silver coins.
In this world, one silver coin can be exchanged for two hundred copper coins.
An ordinary person spends only one or two silver coins a month.
“Is one pack per day enough for this stuff?” Chen Fan asked as he received the Ten Complete Replenishment Pack.
“…”
He Yun’s heart skipped a beat, paused, and then said, “Considering your cultivation speed, it should be enough in normal circumstances.”
She felt a bit regretful.
If Chen Fan had better aptitude and a faster cultivation speed, she might have sold him two packs a day.
Chen Fan walked away carrying the Ten Complete Replenishment Pack.
“I wish for a permanent improvement in my martial aptitude.”
“I wish for this stone to turn into a large chunk of gold by tomorrow.”
Days passed.
Chen Fan had completely integrated into White Stone City.
During this time, he got to know many people.
Each disciple of the martial hall became familiar with him.
The proprietors of the few taverns he frequented also recognized him.
Simultaneously, he gained some understanding of the various forces in White Stone City.
Apart from the government, the biggest power in White Stone City is a martial arts sect called the Iron Sword Sect.
Under the Iron Sword Sect, there are three major noble families and two large gangs.
The three major noble families are Zhao, Qian, and Sun.
The two gangs are the Black Tiger Gang and the Scarlet Blood Gang.
Following them are various martial halls, including the Purple Peak Martial Hall.
“Give me ten packs of Tiger Bone Powder.”
After cultivating Internal Qi for a month, Chen Fan found a pharmacy and bought ten packs of Tiger Bone Powder.
The effects of Tiger Bone Powder are similar to the Ten Complete Replenishment Pack.
After two consecutive months of improving his aptitude, his cultivation speed had greatly increased, and one pack of Ten Complete Replenishment Pack per day was no longer sufficient.
However, to prevent scrutiny, he chose not to purchase more Ten Complete Replenishment Packs from the martial hall.
“Black Tiger Gang and Scarlet Blood Gang are fighting again!”
After buying the medicine, Chen Fan saw a dozen people fiercely fighting ahead.
He shook his head, changed direction, and returned home.
The Black Tiger Gang and Scarlet Blood Gang have always been at odds.
They often engage in fights, especially recently.
He was no longer surprised by such scenes.
As for Fu Qingying, there has been no news during this time.
“Starting today, I’ll teach you moves and guide you in practical combat,” He Yun announced.
Several days later, He Yun, carrying a wooden sword, began instructing Chen Fan in practical combat.
Chen Fan quickly grasped the Purple Peak Sword Technique.
In just one month, he mastered the entire sword technique.
The only thing left was practical experience.
“Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh…“
Chen Fan engaged in a fierce battle with He Yun in the courtyard.
“As martial practitioners, due to mental cultivation, our thought processes operate at high speeds. Your task is to quickly react to different attacks,” explained He Yun while continuously striking with her sword.
On the side, the disciples of the martial hall occasionally glanced at Chen Fan.
Everyone felt that Chen Fan was progressing too quickly.
When they initially practiced the Purple Peak Sword Technique, many of them only started practical combat after two or three months.
Yet, Chen Fan managed it in just one month.
They couldn’t understand how a man in his thirties could be so impressive.
“Let’s call it a day. We’ll continue tomorrow.”
An hour later, He Yun sheathed her sword.
She was very dedicated to Chen Fan.
In the past month, every time Chen Fan practiced the Purple Peak Sword Technique, she diligently provided guidance.
Chen Fan was a major financial contributor to the martial hall.
She had to ensure that Chen Fan felt her warmth.
“Sister Xiao Yun, Senior Qi Qiang hasn’t been to the martial hall for a few days. Could he be in seclusion trying to make a breakthrough?” Chen Fan asked as he placed the wooden sword on the rack.
“Probably, but he has attempted several times, and it’s still unclear how this attempt will turn out,” He Yun shook her head.
Qi Qiang was one of the five Qi Manipulation martial artists in the Purple Peak Martial Hall, and he was the strongest among them.
If Qi Qiang could break through to the Condensed Qi realm, including He Yitong, the martial hall would have two Condensed Qi martial artists.
However, advancing from Qi Manipulation to Condensed Qi is a significant hurdle.
Qi Qiang had decent aptitude, qualifying as a somewhat average martial artist.
But breaking through was not as simple as it seemed.
“Alright then. I’ll bring you honey osmanthus cakes tomorrow,” Chen Fan said, not dwelling on the topic.
He waved to bid farewell to He Yun and left the martial hall.
After two consecutive months of enhancing his martial aptitude, he felt that his current martial aptitude was no longer inferior to an average one.
With another one or two months of improvement, he would transform into a superior martial artist.
And for a martial artist with superior aptitude, advancing from the Qi Nurturing realm to the Qi Manipulation realm would only take about a year.