Chapter 113: Refined Iron Shirt, A World Transformed

Chapter 113: Refined Iron Shirt, A World Transformed

“Now I understand why my kidneys struggled after taking an extra Mystic Essence Pill the other day!”

Su Chen suddenly realized the connection as memories surfaced.

Initially, he’d planned to consume two Mystic Essence Pills daily, but one trial convinced him otherwise. A single pill was manageable, but the second triggered intense resistance and pain in his kidneys.

Without the prior tempering of his organs through Iron Shirt Vital Force cultivation, two pills might have destroyed his kidneys entirely. This forced him to abandon his plan to accelerate progress by doubling the dose.

He’d previously wondered why Mystic Essence Pills specifically taxed the kidneys. Now, with this new Vital Force, he understood – Xuan Yuan Qu was designed for kidney refinement.

Not exclusively, of course. Like Iron Shirt, both techniques could refine all five internal organs, but with distinct focuses. Iron Shirt primarily strengthened the lungs, while Xuan Yuan Qu concentrated on the kidneys. Other organs received secondary benefits.

“So different Vital Forces target different organs. Some suit lungs, others kidneys. This aligns perfectly with Master Hong Ming’s teachings about Vital Force attributes.”

This revelation excited him. “Iron Shirt is Metal-attribute, refining lungs. Xuan Yuan Qu is Water-attribute, strengthening kidneys. Three organs remain – heart, liver, and spleen. Could I cultivate three more attribute-based techniques to refine each specifically?”

Targeted refinement yielded superior results. If he mastered high-level techniques, his organs might become as unyielding as iron, creating a formidable foundation for martial cultivation.

His Hunyuan Gong cultivation also provided an advantage. Unlike ordinary cultivators fearing Vital Force conflicts, he could harmonize multiple forces using Hunyuan’s unifying energy.

The thought of cultivating five attribute-specific techniques thrilled him. The sheer volume of Vital Force alone would surpass peers, let alone combat capabilities.

Yet reality tempered his enthusiasm. Finding worthy techniques wouldn’t be easy. Iron Shirt and Xuan Yuan Qu were exceptional – the latter being Xuan Shui Sect’s premier cultivation method. Matching such quality would require extraordinary fortune.

“No challenge is insurmountable,” he muttered, resolve hardening. Giving up before trying was beneath him. If progress proved slow, he’d simply take it step by step.

Turning his focus to testing Xuan Yuan Qu, he quickly identified two strengths. First, it accelerated Vital Force circulation, enhancing organ tempering efficiency – an expected advantage.

More impressively, it generated surging waves of force resembling endless water currents. Unlike Iron Shirt’s layered Vital Force, this technique emphasized sustained pressure that scaled with his existing energy reserves.

For Su Chen, this was like giving a tiger wings. His Vital Force volume already surpassed ordinary Internal Alchemy cultivators. With Xuan Yuan Qu, defeating common Internal Alchemy opponents became effortless – a single palm strike could dismantle organs.

Recalling the Black Market assassin, he imagined how Xuan Yuan Qu’s pressure could instantly crush an opponent’s internal organs.

While Su Chen reveled in his newfound strength, He Qiu received a breakthrough.

A civilian discovered Duan Feng’s remains – just a torso, mangled beyond recognition. Only the face’s faint outlines confirmed his identity.

“These wounds…” He Qiu narrowed his eyes at the neck slashes. After careful examination, his lips curled. “Same perpetrator!”

The cuts matched those on Yu Xian’s corpse. The killer used two distinct blades – a steel saber and custom knife.

Though Su Chen remained a suspect, He Qiu doubted his capability. Yu Xian was a seasoned cultivator, not an easy target.

Still, motive existed. Yu Xian had ordered Su Chen’s cultivation destroyed, creating ample reason for retaliation. The timing – Yu Xian’s Black Market trip – provided opportunity.

Connecting Duan Feng’s death proved trickier. Without further evidence, He Qiu dispatched investigators to White Stone City for deeper inquiries.

Meanwhile, Big Feng City buzzed with news of Xuan Shui Sect’s alliance raiding Pure Land Sect strongholds. Over a hundred arrests and executions shook the city. Even reclusive cultivators like Su Chen heard the commotion.

At the Cai Estate, an unsettling silence hung heavy.

Footsteps echoed urgently as Cai Xiaoyue and Zhu Yan navigated courtyards toward their destination.

“Father!” Cai Xiaoyue gasped at the sight of Cai Liutian – once vibrant, now a frail figure in white robes.

Zhu Yan examined his pulse, brow furrowing. “You’re gravely poisoned. Without your strength, you’d be beyond saving.”

“How long?” Cai Liutian rasped.

“Half a month to a month.”

Cai Xiaoyue trembled. “What toxin could even challenge Senior Zhu’s skills?”

Zhu Yan hesitated before confessing, “I once possessed a family medical manual containing relevant records… but I gave it away.”

“To who?” Cai Xiaoyue demanded.

“Benefactor – Ding Peng.”

The revelation startled them. Cai Liutian interjected, “Zhu Yan, contact him. Whatever he demands, I’ll accommodate.”

Reluctantly, Zhu Yan agreed.

Later, Su Chen greeted them at his door. “Benefactor,” Zhu Yan grinned awkwardly.

Cai Xiaoyue entered eagerly, eyes locking onto the medical text on Su Chen’s table. “Studying medical arts?”

Su Chen nodded, gesturing to seats as his guests settled in for an important discussion.

Su Chen noticed something amiss and asked, "Spit it out. What do you need from me?"

Caught off guard, Zhu Yan hesitated before sighing bitterly, "It's like this, Benefactor. I need your help."

"With what?"

"I'd like to borrow the Medical Secret Manual from you."

"Huh?"

"Benefactor, please don't misunderstand. I just need to borrow it temporarily. I'll return it later."

Su Chen had wondered what urgent matter Zhu Yan might have brought him, but seeing the man's flustered expression, he chuckled and said, "This was originally yours. What's there to borrow? Wait here, I'll fetch it for you."

With that, Su Chen rose and retrieved the Medical Secret Manual from his room, placing it before Zhu Yan.

Seeing the pristine condition of the manual, Zhu Yan's expression softened as he said gratefully, "Thank you, Benefactor."

"No problem. May I ask why you need it?" Su Chen inquired curiously.

Zhu Yan opened his mouth to reply but hesitated, recalling Cai Liuhé's warning. He fell into an awkward silence.

Su Chen noticed his discomfort and chuckled, "It's fine. I was just asking casually."

At this moment, Cai Xiaoyue spoke up, "Benefactor, please don't take offense. There's no harm in telling you—the Senior Zhu needs this book to treat a prominent figure within the Hex Union."

Hearing this, Su Chen nodded understandingly without further concern.

Later, Zhu Yan offered to pay Su Chen, but the latter refused, requesting more Medical Tomes instead.

Zhu Yan patted his chest confidently, "Once you finish these tomes, just come find me at the Cai estate. While I can't promise much else, you'll never run short of Medical Tomes!"

After they departed, Su Chen returned to his courtyard to continue studying his Medical Tomes.

Three days later, after consuming a Vital Energy Pill, the progress bar for Hunyuan Gong filled completely.

[Easy Mode Activated: 500 breaths required to advance Hunyuan Gong to the Fourth Layer.]

Su Chen didn't even need to focus—twenty minutes later, the task completed automatically. A strand of Hunyuan energy naturally formed within him.

Delighted, Su Chen guided this energy to construct a bridge between Spirit Head Technique's Vital Force and Iron Shirt's Vital Force. The larger and smaller streams of energy fused in an unconventional way, creating an even more robust Vital Force.

From this point on, the five strands of Vital Force cultivated through Iron Shirt consolidated into a single current.

There wasn't an obvious transformation—aside from enhanced Vital Force, the only noticeable change was accelerated purification of his lungs. Impurities were rapidly expelled from his body, though he hadn't reached perfection yet. With continued progress, he would eventually eliminate all toxins.

Currently, he was just clearing residual lung impurities. Once his Vital Force advanced further, not only would all toxins be eradicated, but his breathing itself would produce no waste. At that stage, his internal organs would become as unyielding as iron, impervious to ordinary Vital Force attacks.

For the next few days, Su Chen rarely left his home, burying himself in study. After three days of relentless reading, he finished all the borrowed Medical Tomes and finally took a break.

Through systematic study, Su Chen finally felt he had crossed the threshold into genuine medical expertise. His understanding of materia medica and medical texts had deepened significantly.

However, after days of consumption, his supply of Vital Energy Pills had run dry. Of the forty-one he initially possessed, thirty had been used to advance Hunyuan Gong, and the remaining eleven barely lasted three days.

"I'll return these Medical Tomes to Zhu Yan first, then borrow some different ones. After that, I'll figure out how to find more Vital Energy Pills!"

Inside the Cai estate's inner courtyard, Cai Xiaoyue entered with a bowl of silver ear and lotus seed soup, saying softly, "Senior Zhu, I've brought you some lotus seed soup. Drink it while it's warm."

"Hmm." Zhu Yan merely grunted, not looking up from his Medical Tome.

Seeing the piles of tomes covering Zhu Yan's desk, Cai Xiaoyue's face softened with concern. She sighed softly but said nothing.

"A servant reports: Zhu Yan's friend has arrived—Su Chen."

A maid approached. Seeing her, Cai Xiaoyue quickly stepped out, motioning for quiet. The maid lowered her voice accordingly.

"Wait here." Cai Xiaoyue glanced at Zhu Yan before instructing the maid.

"Understood!"

Arriving at the front courtyard, Cai Xiaoyue found Su Chen and greeted him, "Benefactor."

"Why are you here alone? Where's Zhu Yan?" Su Chen asked, puzzled.

Cai Xiaoyue chuckled bitterly, "Senior Zhu is immersed in studying Medical Tomes. He doesn't know you've arrived yet."

"That's fine. Just let him know I'm here—I'll grab some Medical Tomes and leave", Su Chen said casually.

"Of course, Benefactor, please follow me."

Smiling, Cai Xiaoyue led Su Chen toward Zhu Yan's clinic.

However, as they entered the clinic, they nearly collided with a rushing Zhu Yan.

"Benefactor, when did you arrive?" Zhu Yan exclaimed in surprise.

Su Chen smiled at the flustered man, "Just now."

"Xiaoyue, why didn't you tell me Benefactor came?" Zhu Yan sighed, already guessing the answer.

He then pulled Su Chen inside, bustling about to serve him.

"Careful, Senior Zhu!"

As Zhu Yan picked up the teapot, he swayed unsteadily. Cai Xiaoyue quickly steadied him.

Su Chen also stood to help, supporting Zhu Yan as he sat down. After a brief moment, Zhu Yan recovered and said, "I'm fine. Just a bit tired."

"Make sure to rest more", Su Chen replied, removing his diagnostic fingers. He hadn't detected anything abnormal—Zhu Yan's condition stemmed purely from exhaustion.

"Benefactor, you can diagnose now?" Zhu Yan noticed Su Chen's action and asked, astonished.

Su Chen nodded, "A little."

"This... Benefactor, you're not telling me you learned this from the Medical Tomes I gave you?" Zhu Yan's eyes widened.

Beside them, Cai Xiaoyue's gaze snapped toward Su Chen.

Su Chen chuckled and shook his head, "Not that simple!"

Zhu Yan relaxed slightly—until Su Chen continued, "I also borrowed other Medical Tomes."

"Uh..."

Zhu Yan blinked, stunned, "Benefactor, you're self-taught?"

Su Chen didn't hide it, "Not very advanced yet. I'm still far from your level."

"This..." Zhu Yan sweated. He'd studied medicine since childhood. If Su Chen reached his level, wouldn't that mean all his years of training were wasted?

Still, he felt shocked—Su Chen had only received the Medical Secret Manual less than a year ago. Mastering pulse diagnosis in a year was extraordinary talent.

"By the way, I noticed your furrowed brows—are you facing a difficult problem?" Su Chen asked suddenly.

Zhu Yan hesitated briefly before deciding, "No harm telling you. I've been researching a deadly poison..."

He explained the poison's characteristics and his struggles to find a cure.

Following the principle of using poison to counter poison, there are eight herbs that match Qi Xing Cao's potency—Qing Hu Cao, Qi Xue Hua, Long Gu Ye, Chuan Xin Lian...

Zhu Yan gaped, astonished—how did the Benefactor memorize the Medical Secret Manual's poison formulas so thoroughly?

"As for the sensory degradation issue, there aren't herbs with such properties yet. But it's not impossible—have him try a cultivation technique that strengthens the senses." Su Chen added.

Vital Force could do more than attack—it could also heal and detoxify. If poison targeted the senses, advanced sensory cultivation might resist it.

Zhu Yan turned toward Cai Xiaoyue.

"The Hex Union does have sensory cultivation techniques", Cai Xiaoyue confirmed, "but they're dangerous to learn hastily—they risk madness. And they require reaching an advanced cultivation stage to be effective."

"Did Benefactor meet someone who mastered this technique?" Zhu Yan asked after pondering.

Su Chen hesitated, then admitted, "I have a friend..."

Inside the Cai estate's side hall, Cai Liuhé learned of the situation from Cai Xiaoyue and Zhu Yan. He said, "If this Ding Peng's claim is true, we can try his friend. But Zhu Yan, as few people as possible should know about my injury. Can we trust this person?"

Poisoning the Hex Union leader and weakening his power would create chaos even in Big Feng City, let alone within the Hex Union itself. For this treatment, he summoned only Zhu Yan—partly due to Zhu Yan's clean background, but mostly because of Zhu Yan's mastery of the Ancient Medical Manual and his life-debt to Cai Xiaoyue.

Without hesitation, Zhu Yan replied, "My Lord, I'll stake my life on it. Benefactor's friend will never betray you."

Cai Liuhé and Cai Xiaoyue exchanged glances. After a pause, Cai Liuhé waved his hand, "Since you trust him so thoroughly, I'll grant this chance."

"Thank you, my Lord!" Zhu Yan bowed, smiling.

Soon, Zhu Yan conveyed Cai Liuhé's decision to Su Chen. With urgency, they needed Su Chen to contact his friend immediately.

Su Chen readily agreed, promising his friend would arrive tomorrow.

The next day, true to his word, a muscular middle-aged man with short wavy hair, a weathered yet dignified appearance, and a gentle aura arrived specifically for Zhu Yan.

Seeing the visitor, Zhu Yan asked in pleasant surprise, "Are you the Tong Bo from Benefactor Ding Peng's introduction?"

Yesterday, Su Chen had only briefly described Tong Bo's appearance—most notably his curly hair. Now Zhu Yan recognized him instantly.

The disguised Su Chen smiled warmly, "You must be the friend of that young Ding Peng. I'm the Tong Bo he mentioned."

"Master Tong, please come in", Zhu Yan confirmed, inviting him inside.

Su Chen followed Zhu Yan and Cai Xiaoyue into the mansion with an expression of calm detachment, unfazed by their repeated glances.

Zhu Yan couldn’t help but notice Su Chen’s composure. Yesterday Xiaoyue speculated that Benefactor’s “friend” might actually be Benefactor himself in disguise, he mused. But that’s clearly impossible now. While someone might mimic appearance or build, no one could fake such a drastic difference in height. Su Chen stood at an imposing eight feet tall—nearly a foot taller than the diminutive Tong Bo. Zhu Yan also observed no signs of disguise.

What he didn’t realize was how thoroughly Su Chen had prepared to maintain this deception. After all, this was the man who had identified Su Chen merely by watching him examine a corpse.

The pair led Su Chen directly to a side courtyard where Cai Hex had already been waiting for some time.

“Master Tong,” Zhu Yan said without introducing Cai Hex’s identity, “this is the patient you’ll be treating today.”

Cai Hex scrutinized Su Chen, noting his calm demeanor before offering a bow. “Then I’ll leave myself in your capable hands, Master Tong.”

Su Chen studied Cai Hex in turn, comparing his features to Cai Xiaoyue’s. The resemblance was unmistakable. Putting this together with Cai Xiaoyue’s identity, Su Chen quickly deduced who this patient must be—but he said nothing, merely nodding in acknowledgment.

“If that’s settled, let’s not waste time,” Su Chen said bluntly.

Cai Hex gave him a sharp look before nodding. “Very well.”

Soon, only Cai Hex and Su Chen remained in the room. Zhu Yan and Cai Xiaoyue stood guard at the door.

Treating injuries with Vital Force required absolute focus. Any lapse in concentration could worsen the patient’s condition or injure the healer themselves.

Both understood the gravity of the procedure, which was why they had dismissed all servants and attendants to avoid interruptions.

The treatment itself wasn’t complicated. Though it was Su Chen’s first time using Vital Force in this way, he showed no sign of hesitation.

“Relax.”

Cai Hex’s sudden reaction surprised Su Chen. As the Iron Shirt Vital Force entered his body, his pulse became erratic. Su Chen’s timely reminder helped steady him, though his heart still raced.

The source of his panic wasn’t the procedure itself but Su Chen’s Vital Force.

The moment Su Chen’s energy surged into him, Cai Hex felt an immense, multifaceted force—vast, pure, and simultaneously gentle yet unyielding. It was as though this energy had synthesized countless cultivation techniques into one.

If not for sensing only a single current, Cai Hex thought, I’d suspect he’s mastered multiple Vital Force systems. That’s the only way this energy could carry so many distinct properties.

Stunned, he also gauged Su Chen’s cultivation realm. Based solely on Vital Force, this “Tong Bo” appeared to have just reached the Bone Tempering stage. His true strength, however, would require a direct confrontation to determine.

Creak.

An hour later, the door opened and Su Chen stepped out, instantly spotting Cai Xiaoyue and Zhu Yan waiting at the entrance.

They rushed forward. Cai Xiaoyue asked anxiously, “Master Tong, how is my father?”

Zhu Yan watched intently, but before Su Chen could respond, Cai Hex’s hearty laughter echoed from behind.

“Ha! I’m perfectly fine!”

As joy spread across their faces, Cai Hex approached and bowed deeply. “Master Tong, I owe you my life.”

Su Chen waved him off. “Zhu Yan, check his pulse and see how he is.”

“Understood!”

After a moment’s examination, Zhu Yan exclaimed, “The poison has mostly left his system! A few medicinal doses to restore his vitality, and he’ll be fully recovered.”

Cai Hex’s face broke into a rare smile. The treatment’s effectiveness had exceeded his expectations—Su Chen’s Vital Force had purged the poison far more efficiently than anticipated, sparing him considerable hardship.

“Master Tong,” Cai Hex said as they reentered the room, “let me reveal my identity—I am the leader of the Hex Union.”

Su Chen smiled. “So you’re the Hex Union’s leader. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier.”

“No formalities are needed,” Cai Hex replied. “You’ve saved my life. If there’s anything I can do for you, name it.”

After a pause, Su Chen said, “I’d like to request some Mystic Essence Pills.”

He could acquire Vital Energy Pills through his connection with Ding Peng and Zhu Yan, but obtaining Mystic Essence Pills through official channels proved far more difficult.

Zhu Yan and Cai Xiaoyue exchanged knowing glances. So this is the friend Benefactor mentioned earlier!

“Exactly how many would you need?” Cai Hex asked.

“As many as possible.”

“Is this urgent?”

“Not particularly.”

Cai Hex’s expression eased. “Then leave this to me. However, the monthly yield of Mystic Essence Pills varies—sometimes ten, sometimes as few as two or three.”

“No problem,” Su Chen replied. “Once you obtain them, you can have Zhu Yan deliver them to my friend Ding Peng.”

Cai Hex nodded in agreement.

“May I ask how you sustained your injuries?” Su Chen suddenly inquired.

During the treatment, he had noticed Cai Hex’s wounds weren’t caused by conventional toxins but bore traces of Vital Force manipulation.

Cai Xiaoyue and Zhu Yan leaned in with renewed curiosity.

Cai Hex didn’t hesitate. “We were hunting down traitors from the Pure Land Sect. One of them had cultivated a toxic martial technique that left residual damage.”

This revelation sparked an idea in Su Chen’s mind. Toxic techniques could provide new avenues for improving his Dreamweaver Powder formulation—though experimentation would be necessary.

After some casual conversation, Su Chen broached another request. “Leader Cai, I have another favor to ask—might I peruse your sect’s library?”

Cai Hex hesitated briefly before smiling. “Though you’re not a Hex Union disciple, I’ll make an exception.” He handed Su Chen a jade token. “This will grant you access.”

“Thank you,” Su Chen said, accepting the token with genuine gratitude.

Cai Hex waved him off before suddenly asking, “With your talents, would you consider joining the Hex Union?”

Su Chen politely declined. He hadn’t come to settle into any organization yet.

Cai Hex merely sighed and let the matter drop.

After a brief exchange, Su Chen excused himself to visit the library. Since Cai Hex had urgent matters to attend to, Cai Xiaoyue volunteered to accompany him.

At the library, Su Chen presented the token to the caretaker.

“While you have the leader’s token,” the caretaker warned, “you’re not a Hex Union disciple. You may only access the first floor.”

Su Chen nodded before turning to his companions. “You two can go ahead. I’ll likely stay here awhile.”

They bid their farewells, though Cai Xiaoyue left behind a servant girl to assist Su Chen as needed.

The library’s interior space was modest but crammed with densely packed shelves. Medical texts and martial cultivation manuals filled the racks, though most martial texts dealt with foundational knowledge and recent developments in Big Feng City rather than secret techniques.

Su Chen immersed himself in his studies, absorbing knowledge about cultivation realms. By evening, he had confirmed his progress: he had reached the final stages of Visceral Reformation, where his internal organs were gradually purging impurities through Vital Force. Upon completing this stage, his organs would become as resilient as iron, his energy unyielding and untainted.

He also gained insights into the Great Qian Dynasty’s structure—five prefectures comprising twenty-four states. Qingzhou lay in the northeastern reaches of the Donglin Prefecture, roughly a hundred li from the prefectural capital.

Beyond politics, he learned about Big Feng City’s power dynamics. While Visceral Reformation cultivators weren’t top-tier experts, they formed the backbone of many factions.

As he emerged from the library, Zhu Yan and Cai Xiaoyue greeted him at the entrance. Having observed he hadn’t left all day, they had come to invite him for dinner.

Su Chen accepted readily. After nourishing his mind, he needed to feed his body.

Cai Xiaoyue had the kitchen prepare an elaborate meal. The trio feasted late into the night.

Before departing, Cai Xiaoyue handed Su Chen a porcelain vial containing five Mystic Essence Pills. “You may collect more at the start of each month,” she said firmly refusing payment. After a brief protest, Su Chen accepted the gift.

Later that night, a shadow slipped from the Cai estate, weaving through narrow alleys until reaching a secluded mansion.

“You’re saying Cai Hex has recovered?” a young voice demanded, laced with confusion and urgency. After learning the details, the youth rushed to the Courtyard of Shadows.

“Father, we have a problem!” he burst in.

The middle-aged man barely looked up. “What’s this commotion about?”

“Cai Hex—he’s healed!”

“When?”

“Today!”

After hearing the details, the man’s expression darkened. “Do we know who healed him?”

“Zhu Yan’s damned friend!” the youth spat. “Father, this person keeps interfering. Let me have him killed!”

Though angered, the man retained his composure. “We can’t touch Zhu Yan directly. Since Cai Xiaoyue’s incident, Cai Hex has doubled her protection. And with Zhu Yan living inside the Cai estate, any attempt would alert them.”

“Father!” the youth protested. “We waited so long for Cai Hex to be vulnerable, and Zhu Yan ruined everything!”

“You’d accomplish more if you spent less time in pleasure houses,” the man snapped. “Zhu Yan is untouchable for now—but his friend… is not.”

The youth’s eyes gleamed. “You mean—”

“Don’t be a fool,” the man interrupted. “Leave this to me.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end