Chapter 29: Senior Brother, How Did You Know I Had a Cultivation Breakthrough?

Chapter 29: Senior Brother, How Did You Know I Had a Cultivation Breakthrough?

"If only I could identify the ingredients in these medicinal powders, maybe I could create my own Vital Energy Powder."

Over these five days, Su Chen had been studying herbal medicine while taking his pills and practicing martial arts. He wanted to avoid repeating this situation in the future. Even if he couldn't find the exact herbs required by the Progress Panel, perhaps he could synthesize alternatives to satisfy its demands. Secretly, he harbored a sliver of hope that he might successfully create Vital Energy Powder himself. However, he had underestimated its complexity. With his current knowledge, it was impossible to judge. Even after another ten or fifteen days of study, the result would likely remain unchanged.

"Forget it. I'll just test my progress at the Martial Arts Institute this afternoon."

After lunch, Su Chen headed to the Martial Arts Institute.

...

Hong Martial Arts Hall, Inner Courtyard.

The dog days of summer brought scorching sunlight and sweltering air. Yet Hong Ming's mood was unusually cheerful. Just now, Qin Hao had told him that the Iron Line on his arm had turned completely red. This meant Qin Hao had achieved Minor Mastery of Iron Thread Fist.

How much time had passed? Qin Hao had accomplished in mere days what many disciples of the Martial Arts Institute couldn't achieve in years. How could he not be delighted? His joy was mixed with deep satisfaction. It seemed his rigorous training of Qin Hao had been justified. When a talented individual applied themselves diligently, the results could be astonishing. Even Hong Ming himself had been moved by Qin Hao's cultivation speed. After all, it had taken him nearly three months to reach Minor Mastery of Iron Thread Fist. Qin Hao's pace was faster. Who knew how far he might advance in the future—perhaps even surpassing Hong Ming's own cultivation realm?

Seeing Hong Ming's uncontrollable grin, Qin Hao felt equally pleased. He had pushed himself hard these past days, hoping to achieve a breakthrough before Su Chen. Now that he had, he finally felt relieved. Thinking that Su Chen hadn't broken through yet, his heart swelled with excitement.

"Xiao Hao, well done. Take today off to rest. Come back tomorrow."

Hong Ming smiled. Given Qin Hao's current mindset, further cultivation would yield little benefit. Better to let him rest.

Qin Hao's face lit up. "Thank you, Master!" He turned and left the Martial Arts Institute, his steps unusually light.

"Senior Brother Qin Hao!"

As Qin Hao exited the institute and stretched, he suddenly heard someone calling him. Turning, he saw Su Chen approaching.

He blinked in surprise. "Junior Brother Su!"

A faint smile returned to his face.

Su Chen greeted him and moved to enter the institute, but Qin Hao asked, "Are you here to see Master?"

"Yes."

Hearing this, Qin Hao's smile deepened. "Junior Brother, perhaps you shouldn't disturb Master right now."

"Why not?"

A slightly trembling voice replied, "I just had a cultivation breakthrough. Master is probably celebrating and might not have time for you."

"You broke through?"

Su Chen sounded genuinely surprised.

Seeing Su Chen's astonishment, Qin Hao pressed his lips together and softly hummed in confirmation.

"Congratulations, Senior Brother!" Su Chen clasped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"Junior Brother is too kind. I was fortunate to have Master's guidance and my own modest talent", Qin Hao said with barely concealed pride.

This made Su Chen's lips twitch imperceptibly, though he said nothing.

"By the way, Junior Brother, I remember your cultivation was progressing quickly before. How are you doing now? If you have questions, feel free to ask. Though I just broke through, I should still be able to offer some guidance."

Qin Hao asked with feigned concern.

Su Chen noticed the barely restrained grin on Qin Hao's face—it seemed ready to spill over.

"Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother, but I think I'll manage on my own", Su Chen declined with a shake of his head.

It wasn't that he looked down on Qin Hao, but at this point, Qin Hao probably couldn't withstand even a single slap from him. What guidance could he offer?

"Junior Brother, why be so formal? Go ahead and ask!" Qin Hao insisted, adopting a senior brother's tone.

Seeing Su Chen's hesitation, Hong Ming's eyebrows furrowed slightly before a meaningful smile spread across his face.

"In that case, I won't be shy", Su Chen said.

He rolled up his sleeve, revealing his arm.

"Senior Brother, this morning I noticed my Iron Line turned red. I was quite startled. Could you help me understand what's happening?"

Su Chen finished with a look of feigned confusion, staring at Qin Hao.

Qin Hao's smile froze as he listened. Disbelief flashed across his face. He quickly grabbed Su Chen's arm for a closer look.

"It's really red! How could you have broken through so quickly?!"

Qin Hao muttered to himself, clearly shaken.

"Senior Brother... Senior Brother..."

After a long silence, Qin Hao finally snapped back to reality at Su Chen's voice.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Senior Brother, how did you know I had a cultivation breakthrough?" Su Chen asked, scratching his head with exaggerated curiosity.

"What?"

"Didn't you just say I broke through? Never mind, I'll ask Master instead."

With that, Su Chen turned and left, leaving a stunned Qin Hao behind.

"What? You also broke through?!"

Compared to Qin Hao's reaction, Hong Ming's was even more exaggerated. Upon hearing of Su Chen's breakthrough, he nearly yanked out his beard in shock.

Moving faster than any ordinary elderly man should, he rushed to Su Chen's side, grabbed his arm, and stared intently.

Seeing the Iron Line's color, Hong Ming fell silent. "So you really did break through!"

Su Chen pulled his arm back with a sheepish grin. "Thanks to Master's Vital Energy Powder, I advanced much faster."

Hong Ming coughed lightly, his expression turning peculiar as he looked at Su Chen.

"Master, is something wrong?" Su Chen asked, sensing an oddness in Hong Ming's gaze.

Hong Ming shook his head. "Nothing. Just... your talent exceeds even my expectations."

He knew Vital Energy Powder could enhance cultivation, but not to the extent Su Chen claimed. The real reason was Su Chen's innate talent. While Qin Hao's breakthrough had pleased him, Su Chen's left him astonished.

Then he burst into laughter, realizing both were his disciples. His joy knew no bounds.

"Cough, Junior Brother Chen, while the Vital Energy Powder helped your breakthrough, don't become overly reliant on medicinal aids. You might exhaust your potential prematurely", Hong Ming advised with a paternal tone.

Su Chen nodded, hesitating as if wanting to say more.

Hong Ming glanced at him. "Did you come here for something else?"

Su Chen looked slightly embarrassed. "Master, I'd like to ask for a few more bottles of Vital Energy Powder."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end