Chapter 36: Perfecting the Tortoise Shell Art, Injury Recovery

Chapter 36: Perfecting the Tortoise Shell Art, Injury Recovery

The overwhelming nature of Vital Force far exceeded Su Chen’s expectations.

It clung to him like a cancerous growth—relentless, persistent, refusing to die even when weakened, corrupting his body from within.

It surged unpredictably, irritating his nerves, ravaging his organs, tormenting both flesh and soul.

Yet Su Chen noticed something peculiar: this residual Vital Force rarely spread to his arms.

Initially, he assumed it couldn’t reach his limbs, but later realized it flowed freely elsewhere. A suspicion formed—the force wasn’t avoiding his arms out of choice, but out of fear.

Why fear?

His arms had been tempered by four martial arts: Iron Shirt, Ape’s Might, Iron Sand Palm, and Iron Thread Fist. Even if the Vital Force reached them, it couldn’t inflict damage.

This realization drove Su Chen to rush to a goldsmith’s shop to exchange for gold. He aimed to upgrade the Tortoise Shell Art to its peak before the Vital Force could retreat, hoping to purge it entirely.

But when he activated Gold-Fueled Enhancement and Easy Mode, he realized his oversight:

[Easy Mode Activated: One hour of Solar Infusion will perfect the Tortoise Shell Art.]

He slapped his forehead, muttering, “At this late hour, where would I find sunlight? Guess I’ll have to wait until tomorrow morning.”

With the Vital Force still wreaking havoc, Su Chen had no energy to study the Ancient Medical Manual or Disguise Arts that night. He collapsed onto his bed, struggling to sleep.

By dawn, his face had paled, dark circles swelling beneath his eyes.

He leapt up, flung open the door, and exhaled in relief—the sky was clear.

Morning sunlight bathed the earth in warmth and hope, caressing his face as he dragged an armchair outside without bothering to wash. Reclining, he flipped open a medical tome, letting the sun’s rays flood his body.

[Martial Arts: …Turtle Shell Art (Perfect)]
[Easy Mode: …Turtle Shell Art 0/1 (Complete)]

As the Progress Panel refreshed, warmth surged through him. A faint tremor rippled from his abdomen, then stilled completely.

“The Vital Force is gone!”

He pressed a hand to his stomach, inhaled deeply—no pain. Letting out a long sigh, he murmured, “Just as I suspected. The Tortoise Shell Art strengthened my body and eradicated the residual force. Lucky it was weak—if not, this technique alone wouldn’t have sufficed.”

Lighter in heart, he rose, washed, changed, and indulged in a hearty breakfast at a street stall before returning home.

“I’d planned to upgrade Ape’s Might, but with only sixty taels left, it’s not enough.” He eyed the silver coins on the table.

Though disappointed, he didn’t regret the shift in priorities. The Tortoise Shell Art had proven invaluable.

“Then I’ll perfect the Bone Shrinking Technique instead.”

After deliberation, he activated Easy Mode, swinging his arms five hundred times over an hour.

The Progress Panel updated:

[Martial Arts: …Bone Shrinking Technique (99%)]
[Easy Mode: …Bone Shrinking Technique 0/1 (10 gold taels/attempt)]

With fifty taels remaining, no martial art left to upgrade, his focus shifted to his Broken Blade.

Muttering to himself, he reflected:

“This encounter with the Vital Force cultivator was a wake-up call. I’ve tasted their power firsthand.”

“If their Vital Force had been stronger, I’d be dead by now. Next time, I must tread carefully.”

“But at the end of the day, it’s about strength. My current power leaves no rivals among Body Tempering cultivators. It’s time to seek a path to Momentum Attunement.”

“Senior Li Mo knows little of Momentum Attunement. I’ll have to ask Hong Master—need to find time for that.”

“And my Severed Arm Slash faltered this time. Usually, no one reacts before my blade strikes.”

“This bandit not only dodged but countered—barely. My technique has flaws.”

“If I face stronger cultivators, this flashy move might fail. I need better ambush tactics.”

“Perhaps hide a blade in my sleeve—Sleeve Hidden Blade? I have two swords. One for deception, another reforged to conceal in my sleeve. Feasible.”

“Also, coat the blade in Poison Formulas. Even if I miss a killing blow, the poison could cripple them. Strong enough toxins could drain an enemy’s life.”

“Though I’ve yet to study the Medical Secret Manual, my basic knowledge should suffice for crafting combat poisons. Not aiming to be a healer—just enough to tip the scales in battle.”

His plan solidified:

First, enhance his ambush tactics—visit a blacksmith to modify weapons under the ‘Yang Guo’ alias, creating a visible and hidden blade.

Second, study the Medical Secret Manual to develop potent poisons.

Third, use remaining silver to buy high-grade Blood Regeneration Elixirs to fill his progress bar.

Fourth, and most crucially, seek Hong Ming’s guidance on Momentum Attunement.

Resolute, he left home for a reputable blacksmith’s shop.

“Master, I’d like a custom weapon.”

The Great Qian Dynasty imposed few restrictions on blades, so he spoke freely.

The elderly smith’s eyes lit up, wrinkles softening. “What kind, sir?”

Silent, Su Chen handed him a blueprint—a modified Crane Feather Saber, adjusted for length and width.

After studying it, the smith asked clarifying questions, then sighed, “Your design demands a high price.”

“What if I provide the materials?” Su Chen countered, producing his Broken Blade.

The smith considered, then nodded. “That reduces costs, but still thirty taels.”

“That much?” Su Chen frowned. He’d expected twenty.

“Copper and iron prices have soared,” the smith explained. “Even farming tools cost more. This is the lowest I can offer. Doubt it? Try elsewhere.”

“No need. Proceed. When can I collect it?” He’d already compared prices—this was fair.

“Five days at earliest, ten at latest.”

“Five days then.”

Su Chen paid the deposit, ignoring the smith’s hesitant glance, and strode out.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end