Chapter 118: Deep Blue, Give Me a Boost!

Chapter 118: Deep Blue, Give Me a Boost!

At this moment, inside the carriage...

Zhao Zheng was filled with astonishment as he gazed upon a woman dressed in traditional Hanfu. She wore an emerald green gown adorned with intricate cloud embroidery, and over it, a half-sleeved tunic of sapphire blue, complemented by an exquisite hairpin. Her overall appearance exuded grace and nobility.

But what truly surprised Zhao Zheng the most was the woman's stunning looks.

Her lips were vermilion, her skin like creamy jade, and her eyes resembled a clear lake. Her entire countenance was akin to that of a fairy descending from the heavens.

In terms of beauty, this young lady was no less impressive than Song Haitang herself.

A piece of information suddenly flashed through Zhao Zheng's mind, and without thinking, he blurted out a name:

"Song Yunxuan?"

Upon entering this body, she had gained access to the original owner's memories.

In the memories of 'Zhao Shanhe,' there were several renowned beauties in the city, including one from the Song family.

When Zhao Zheng first boarded the carriage, he noticed the character 'Song' engraved in various places, indicating that it belonged to the Song family.

Therefore, guessing the identity of this woman wasn't difficult.

With such stunning looks, she must be the famous beauty from the Song family.

Now, she was Song Haitang.

"It seems that this body I'm in has quite a reputation." Song Haitang spoke softly, "Even you know about it."

"This body is just a helper in a rice mill, the precious daughter of the Song family's wealthy merchant."

The Song family was a well-known local grain merchant, incredibly wealthy!

The shopkeeper of the rice mill Zhao Shanhe previously worked at often sourced goods from the Song family, so he was undoubtedly familiar with the family's key figures.

As he spoke, he nonchalantly sat beside Song Haitang, showing no signs of discomfort.

If the guards and maids had witnessed this scene, they would likely be terrified.

After sitting down, Zhao Zheng lowered his voice and said, "Haitang, since the person you've possessed is so wealthy, we don't need to make our plan too complicated. When you return, try to get your hands on some internal martial arts techniques."

Hearing this, Song Haitang replied, "The chances aren't high. Internal martial arts aren't something money can buy."

This was indeed true.

Internal martial arts were precious, usually held by true masters, who considered them important legacies. They were rarely passed down casually, and no master would exchange internal martial arts for money.

Zhao Zheng understood this and said, "Then, let's get more external martial arts techniques."

Song Haitang nodded but added, "I have a problem here."

"What problem?" Zhao Zheng asked immediately.

"The head of the Song family, my father in this body, wants to curry favor with the newly appointed governor. He plans to offer his daughter, me, as a concubine to the governor... There are only five days left until the wedding agreement."

At this, Zhao Zheng's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Political alliances like this were common in any era, nothing unusual.

However, the current situation was that the daughter of the Song family head, whose inner consciousness had become Song Haitang, couldn't allow the wedding agreement to proceed as planned...

...

Outside the carriage.

The maid, seeing the bald man taking his time, grew increasingly anxious.

Her young mistress had been with that man for quite some time...

If this news got out, it would undoubtedly tarnish her mistress's reputation.

Her mistress was betrothed, and the betrothal object was an extremely powerful and influential figure.

Once it was known that her mistress had been with an outsider, the consequences could be dire!

Thinking of this, the maid couldn't stay idle.

Just as she was about to check on the carriage, the carriage door suddenly opened from the inside.

Then, the bald man jumped out of the carriage.

The maid's sharp eyes noticed that he was holding a beautifully embroidered purse.

That was her mistress's pouch!

Had her mistress given it to this bald man?

Who was this bald man, and what was his relationship with her mistress?

"Little sister, please make way."

Zhao Zheng's voice snapped the maid back to her senses, and she instinctively stepped aside.

Zhao Zheng then jumped out of the carriage and strode away.

As soon as Zhao Zheng disappeared into the alley, the maid quickly climbed into the carriage.

Seeing that her mistress's clothes were intact, she heaved a slight sigh of relief.

Then, the maid asked, "Miss, who is he? How could you let him into your carriage? If this gets out, it'll be terrible!"

Hearing this, Song Haitang glanced at the maid and said calmly, "Don't ask about things that don't concern you."

Upon hearing these words, the maid opened her mouth but couldn't utter a single word.

She felt like today's mistress seemed like a different person.

"Let's go back!"

Song Haitang spoke again.

Hearing this, the coachman steered the carriage towards the Song family's direction.

Several guards followed closely.

Song Yunxuan was the Song family's eldest daughter and betrothed to the governor, so the family naturally took extra precautions, sending guards to accompany her.

Along the way, Song Haitang suddenly asked, "Cuihong, I recall that Master Li from the guard courtyard is quite skilled. Has he trained in martial arts?"

Hearing this, Maid Cuihong immediately replied, "Yes, Miss. Master Li is a bright essence master hired by the master at a high price. His martial arts skills are exceptional.

"What martial arts does Master Li know?" Song Haitang asked again.

The maid thought for a moment and replied, "I'm not sure about that either, but I've heard that Master Li is very skilled in palm techniques."

...

Meanwhile, after parting ways with Song Haitang, Zhao Zheng went straight to the "Full of Blessings Tower."

This was a well-known restaurant in the city.

Using the money given by Song Haitang, he booked a room in the restaurant and decided to temporarily stay there.

The reason he didn't follow Song Haitang to the Song family residence was that it wasn't appropriate at the moment.

Since the eldest Miss Song was engaged to the governor, what would others think if she suddenly brought a man home? To stop rumors, the head of the Song family might even try to silence Zhao Zheng, ordering him to be killed and fed to the dogs...

The current Zhao Zheng lacked the strength to handle such a situation, and going to the Song family would only bring him discomfort.

"Sir, are you satisfied with this room?" asked the waiter.

"It's fine, I'll take this one. Bring me some wine and dishes as well," Zhao Zheng said, tossing a few copper coins to the waiter.

Seeing this, the waiter's face lit up with a smile, and he hurried off to prepare the order.

Zhao Zheng entered the room and looked out the window.

The room he had booked was on the second floor, and from the window, he had a perfect view of the entire street below.

Soon after, Zhao Zheng clenched his fist and frowned slightly.

Having been accustomed to possessing great strength, he now felt uncomfortable without it.

A moment later, the waiter arrived with the wine and dishes and entered Zhao Zheng's room.

"Sir, please enjoy your meal."

"Wait, I have something to ask you," Zhao Zheng said, taking out a few copper coins and placing them on the table. "If you answer well, these coins are yours."

The waiter, who was about to leave, immediately stopped in his tracks at the sight of the money.

Don't underestimate these few coins.

For a poor person, this amount was not insignificant.

At the current market price, one copper coin could buy two large meat buns! The silver coins Zhao Zheng had given earlier included the cost of his meal and accommodation.

The few copper coins Zhao Zheng offered now were considered a tip for the waiter, and their nature was different.

"Sir, please ask, and I'll tell you everything I know," the waiter said, his attitude towards Zhao Zheng instantly becoming more enthusiastic.

Even his way of addressing Zhao Zheng had changed.

Zhao Zheng didn't mind the waiter's familiarity and asked, "I want to ask you, who are the most powerful martial artists in this city?"

Hearing this question, the waiter smiled and replied, "Sir, you've come to the right person. I once wanted to learn martial arts, so I'm very familiar with the powerful martial artists in the city..."

After boasting about his knowledge, the waiter finally got to the point: "In our city, the martial arts culture is thriving, and there are many powerful martial artists. But if we're talking about the strongest, it's undoubtedly Master Huang from the Treasure Herb Hall."

"Master Huang is the chief martial arts instructor of the prefecture, and just based on that title, no one dares to claim the top spot if he says he's second!"

"Next is Master Yan from the Yan Martial Arts Academy. His Eagle Claw Iron Shirt has reached a highly advanced level, making him impervious to blades and guns. It's said that Master Yan once sparred with Master Huang and managed to hold his own for a hundred moves."

"There's also Master Chen of Wing Chun, and the Song family's bodyguard, Master Li..."

This waiter was indeed well-informed about the powerful martial artists in the city.

He spent half an hour listing all the renowned martial artists in the city before Zhao Zheng finally dismissed him with a slight smile.

All the martial artists the waiter mentioned were Zhao Zheng's targets!

After lunch, Zhao Zheng didn't go anywhere and instead rested in the restaurant.

...

Around three in the afternoon, the waiter returned to Zhao Zheng's room.

"Sir, there's someone from the Song family here to see you."

"Oh?" Zhao Zheng became alert. "Let him in."

The waiter immediately turned and left.

Not long after, he returned with a middle-aged man.

The man entered the room, placed a package on the table, and said, "My master asked me to deliver these things to you."

Zhao Zheng nodded and, imitating the locals, respectfully gestured to the man, "Thank you."

"Since I've delivered the items, I'll be on my way."

The middle-aged man didn't engage in small talk and left after saying this.

After the man left, Zhao Zheng closed the door and opened the package.

Inside were various martial arts manuals sent by Song Haitang.

'Iron Shirt,' 'Cloud Chasing Steps,' 'Thunder Palm'...

Seeing these manuals, Zhao Zheng smiled.

"Haitang's efficiency is indeed impressive. Money can solve many problems!"

Before leaving the carriage, Zhao Zheng had informed Song Haitang that he would be staying at the Full of Blessings Tower.

So, Song Haitang knew his location.

Although the manuals sent by Song Haitang were all external martial arts, Zhao Zheng was still satisfied with the efficiency.

He scanned through them and picked up the 'Iron Shirt' manual. In an instant, a prompt appeared in his left eye:

[Discovered martial arts manual 'Iron Shirt'. Do you want to learn it?]



【Prompt: Learning the "Iron Shirt" technique and entering the apprenticeship requires 100 Spirit Energy Points.】

Zhao Zheng saw the prompt and without hesitation, he chose to "Learn."

Instantly, the handwritten copy of the martial arts manual in his hand vanished, transforming into specks of starlight that merged into his body.

Then, Zhao Zheng felt a surge of heat in his Dantian, quickly spreading throughout his entire body.

He remained calm, as Old Chu had told him that this was the Spirit Energy transforming his body, allowing it to automatically master the martial art while also improving his realm.

Of course, this process consumed Spirit Energy Points.

As the heat dissipated, Zhao Zheng could sense changes in his body.

He immediately opened his attribute panel.

Name: Zhao Shanhe (Zhao Zheng).

Age: 19.

Martial Art: Iron Shirt (Apprenticeship).

Current Realm: Bone Marrow Training.

Current Martial Arts Points: 0.

Available Spirit Energy Points: 4967.

...

The attribute panel displayed noticeable changes.

Soon after, a new quest prompt appeared in Zhao Zheng's left eye:

【You have learned a new martial art, activating the Spirit Realm quest...】

【Quest: Challenge a Martial Artist!】

【Quest Description: Defeat a Martial Artist in a fair and honorable duel to earn Martial Arts Points. The higher your Martial Arts Points, the better your quest evaluation.】

【Quest Time Limit: 30 days.】

【Note: Do not use cheating methods to win, such as bribing Martial Artists to concede or poisoning them beforehand. These are considered cheating and will result in a deduction of Martial Arts Points each time.】

【Tip: When defeating local Martial Artists, there is no need to kill them. A victory or their concession is sufficient to earn Martial Arts Points. Defeating Extraordinary Beings will not grant any points.】

Zhao Zheng's expression remained calm as he read the quest.

Old Chu had already informed all the students about the nature of this quest.

He accessed his attribute panel and prepared to upgrade his "Iron Shirt" technique! This hardening exercise could enhance his defense, which was one of the skills Zhao Zheng needed.

However, to upgrade a martial art, he must first improve his Martial Arts realm.

Zhao Zheng was already aware of this.

He decided to upgrade two things at once! Instantly, the prompt flashed repeatedly in his left eye...

【Successfully upgraded Iron Shirt, consuming 100 Spirit Energy Points. Current Iron Shirt level: Proficient!】

【Successfully upgraded Iron Shirt, consuming 200 Spirit Energy Points. Current Iron Shirt level: Mastery!】

【Successfully upgraded Iron Shirt, consuming 300 Spirit Energy Points. Current Iron Shirt level: Great Accomplishment!】

【Successfully upgraded Iron Shirt, consuming 400 Spirit Energy Points. Current Iron Shirt level: Supreme Mastery!】

...

All martial arts in the Spirit Realm were categorized into five levels: Apprenticeship, Proficiency, Mastery, Great Accomplishment, and Supreme Mastery.

Zhao Zheng upgraded his "Iron Shirt" all the way to the maximum level in one go.

This consumed a total of 1000 Spirit Energy Points.

Upgrading his Martial Arts realm required even more Spirit Energy Points; advancing through the four realms from Bone Marrow Training to Clear Energy cost him 1500 points.

Improving his realm was essential.

To master the Supreme Mastery level of "Iron Shirt," he needed to first reach the Clear Energy realm.

With each realm upgrade, Zhao Zheng experienced a surge of heat in his Dantian, transforming his body...

After reaching the Supreme Mastery level of "Iron Shirt," a new prompt appeared in his left eye.

【Congratulations! Your martial art "Iron Shirt" has evolved into "Dragon Roar Iron Shirt," greatly enhancing your defense!】

A delighted expression finally appeared on Zhao Zheng's face.

Upgrading the two skills simultaneously had cost him a significant amount of Spirit Energy Points, which pained him...

Zhao Zheng reopened his attribute panel:

Name: Zhao Shanhe (Zhao Zheng).

Age: 19.

Martial Art: Dragon Roar Iron Shirt (Supreme Mastery).

Current Realm: Clear Energy.

Current Martial Arts Points: 0.

Available Spirit Energy Points: 2567.

...

His Spirit Energy Points had decreased by 2500.

Most of these points were used to improve his realm.

However, the results were worth it.

With the transformation of his Spirit Energy Points, Zhao Zheng's martial arts realm skipped the initial three stages of "Sinew, Bone, Skin," advancing directly to the "Clear Energy" realm!

The "Sinew, Bone, Skin" stages were essentially a period of rigorous physical training.

One had to endure this training to forge a body with "Copper Skin and Iron Bones" before Clear Energy could naturally emerge.

For ordinary Martial Artists, this process typically required over a decade, and even those with exceptional talent might need twenty years or more.

Even Martial Arts prodigies would spend three to five years completing this forging stage.

————————————

(PS: By the way, the quest has been slightly modified. It previously mentioned "reputation," but now it's "Martial Arts Points." The change is minor, so there's no need for readers to go back and check. The modification was made because "reputation" was too vague, and "Martial Arts Points" provides a more direct and intuitive measurement.)



(End of Chapter)

Chapter end