Chapter 27: Iron Shirt Remnant, Seeking Medicine at the Clinic

Chapter 27: Iron Shirt Remnant, Seeking Medicine at the Clinic (Please Follow)

"Could it possibly relate to Vital Energy?"

Su Chen pondered for a moment before making an educated guess.

Martial cultivators placed immense importance on Vital Energy. Generally speaking, the younger one was, the more abundant their Vital Energy, making them more suited for martial arts training. This was precisely why most martial arts academies preferred recruiting younger disciples—their ample Vital Energy made cultivation significantly easier.

When Su Chen first joined the Hong Martial Arts Hall, Hong Ming had remarked that his age was a disadvantage, stating he had already passed the peak period of Vital Energy and likely wouldn't achieve much later. Though Hong Ming accepted him for the tuition fee, he never truly believed in Su Chen's potential.

"Ten servings of Vital Energy Powder? So the Progress Panel wants me to provide ten doses of Vital Energy-enhancing medicine? No, wait—the fact that the Progress Panel specifically described 'Vital Energy Powder' means this world likely has such a medicine."

Su Chen refused to believe the Progress Panel would fabricate something without basis. He began strategizing how to locate this Vital Energy Powder.

"I should ask at a clinic!"

Quickly, a plan formed in his mind. When it came to medicine, professionals at clinics would naturally know more than he did.

"For now, let's test the power of Iron Shirt."

Su Chen walked to the courtyard and picked up a stone roughly the size of his palm.

As he tightened his grip, a crisp cracking sound emerged. The muscles on his arms became sharply defined, exuding raw strength. Moments later, he opened his hand to reveal the stone crushed into a malleable, misshapen lump—like putty.

Placing it on the ground, he slapped it with his palm. A loud bang echoed as the stone shattered into fragments. Without pausing, he grabbed another similarly sized stone and punched it. The brittle crack sounded like a ripe watermelon splitting open.

His hand, aside from some dust, remained unscathed.

"With this strength, even Zhao Kuo's Black Armor wouldn't withstand the blow."

Channeling half his strength, Su Chen struck his own chest while activating Turtle Shell Art. A metallic clang reverberated through the silent courtyard, leaving him breathless.

Coughing lightly, he rubbed the impacted area with a wry smile. "I really shouldn't use myself as a test subject anymore."

Though incomplete, the merged Iron Sand Palm and Iron Thread Fist technique—Iron Shirt—surpassed the power of either original Limit martial art. It could now challenge even perfected Turtle Shell Art.

"Just earned silver, already nearly spent. Not enough left to upgrade Turtle Shell Art."

Back in his room, Su Chen checked his dwindling savings with a sigh. Moments ago, he'd been wealthy with over a hundred silver taels; now, poverty loomed again. His dream of advancing to Gold-Fueled Enhancement Turtle Shell Art would have to wait. Fortunately, the next upgrade required only ten taels—achievable soon.

As dusk fell, he decided to cook at home instead of dining out. Mainly because I'm broke now, he admitted, eyeing his grain reserves. Self-reliance was the way to go.

After dinner, he practiced Iron Shirt. The fusion of Iron Sand Palm and Iron Thread Fist created something neither purely palm nor fist techniques. Following the Progress Panel's guidance, he focused on effectiveness rather than classification.

Post-training, he spent the night studying by lamplight before sleeping.

The next morning, Su Chen arrived at World Aid Hall, the city's largest clinic.

"Vital Energy Powder?" The pharmacist shook his head. "We don't carry that. Perhaps try elsewhere?"

After visiting multiple clinics with the same response, frustration crept in. "Could the Progress Panel have made this up? One last try—if this fails, I'll reconsider."

At the largest clinic, he asked again. "Vital Energy Powder? No, but we have Blood Regeneration Elixir. Interested?" the clerk replied.

"Know where I can find Vital Energy Powder?" Su Chen pressed.

The clerk hesitated. "Let me ask the physician."

Moments later, a white-bearded elder emerged, scrutinizing Su Chen. "Vital Energy Powder? We only have Blood Regeneration Elixir. That powder is a closely guarded secret of martial arts academies. You're asking in the wrong place, young man."

"Martial arts academy secret?" Su Chen's eyes lit up.

The elder nodded. "Precisely."

As the physician retreated, Su Chen's mind raced. Could Hong Martial Arts Hall have it? The thought solidified his suspicions. Given their status, possessing such a formula made sense. He recalled Li Mo mentioning disciples drank special medicine—had he ignored a vital clue?

A short while later, Su Chen reached the Hong Martial Arts Hall.

"Senior Brother Su!" Trainees gawked. What's he doing here today?

Su Chen nodded politely and entered the Inner Courtyard, spotting Hong Ming mid-exercise. He waited quietly until Hong Ming finished.

Hong Ming exhaled deeply. "Little Chen? What brings you here?"

Su Chen voiced his question.

"Vital Energy Powder?" Hong Ming chuckled wryly. "You never attend training, yet now you come seeking our secret medicine?"

Su Chen's heart leapt. "Master—you mean the academy has it?"

"Tch! If you trained regularly, I'd have given it to you already. Better late than never." Hong Ming glared playfully, making Su Chen sheepish.

"But..." Hong Ming's tone shifted. "To earn this medicine, you'll need to impress me with your recent cultivation progress."

Su Chen straightened. "Please guide me, Master!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end