Chapter 46: Hong Ming's Injury, Hong Martial Arts Hall

Chapter 46: Hong Ming’s Injury, Hong Martial Arts Hall

Soaking in a hot spring while cultivating strength—life couldn’t get better.

Twenty minutes later, Su Chen glanced at his Progress Panel and furrowed his brows slightly:

Martial Arts: ……Iron Wire Fist · Residual Form (Phase 2, 1%)

Easy Mode: ……Iron Wire Fist · Residual Form 0/10 (Ape’s Might Cultivation + 10 Vital Energy Powders per session)

The Iron Shirt technique had advanced to Phase 2, but progressing further now required an additional condition. Besides ten Vital Energy Powders, he also needed to refine Ape’s Might to its limit.

Su Chen confirmed the requirements once before dismissing further thoughts. “I was debating what to enhance next with Gold-Fueled Enhancement, but now the path is clear. First, perfect Ape’s Might, gather the Vital Energy Powders, then upgrade Iron Shirt. Two birds with one stone.”

After his bath, he leapt up, eager to test his upgraded Iron Shirt. He faintly sensed his Vital Force thickening in his palms, surging swiftly at his command.

Dressing quickly, he strode to the Courtyard of Shadows. With a single strike, his palm split a stone with a crisp crack. Unstopping, he repeated the test five times before exhausting his Vital Force.

This meant he could now unleash five attacks using Vital Force—four times more than before.

“If I’d had this strength during that fight, I wouldn’t have hesitated—I’d have knocked them out with two slaps!”

Thanks to Iron Thread Fist and Iron Sand Palm, his Vital Force was already stronger than most novice Martial Cultivators. A single ambush strike had felled an opponent before; now, with amplified Vital Force, two blows would suffice.

“Come to think of it, I wonder how I rank in White Stone City now.”

The thought flickered and vanished. Shaking his head, he returned to his room and slept.

Over the next two days, Su Chen stayed indoors, studying the Ancient Medical Manual.

He still remembered Chu Ming’s mockery of his Poison Formulas, so he resolved to research new formulas during this period.

While experimenting with poisons, he also refined his techniques. The failure to subdue Chu Ming had stemmed not just from weak formulas but also his clumsy methods. Others poisoned discreetly, while he’d relied on outdated tactics—no wonder he’d been caught.

“Both the Ancient Medical Manual and poison techniques must evolve. Stagnation means obsolescence.”

After two days, though his Poison Formulas saw little progress, his application improved drastically. No longer a novice, he could now poison with a mere sleeve flick.

On the third day, Su Chen spent the morning studying and planned to visit the Martial Arts Institute in the afternoon.

Seven days had passed since his last visit—today marked the eighth, the day to collect his Vital Energy Powder.

After lunch, he bought gifts for Hong Ming. Arriving at the Institute, he immediately sensed an unusual tension. Disciples clustered in hushed murmurs.

Those who recognized him straightened, greeting respectfully: “Senior Brother Su.”

Su Chen nodded. “What’s happened?”

The group hesitated, but one finally explained: “You wouldn’t know, Senior Brother Su. Master’s been injured.”

“Stop gossiping and cultivate!”

Li Mo’s sharp rebuke cut through the chatter. The disciples scattered like startled rabbits.

“Senior Brother Li,” Su Chen greeted, noticing Li Mo’s glance at his gifts. “What happened? How was Master injured?”

“You don’t know?” Li Mo blinked, surprised.

Su Chen shook his head, explaining his absence.

“I thought you’d heard,” Li Mo scratched his head. “Master was attacked.”

“Attacked?” Su Chen’s brows knitted.

Li Mo nodded. “During a martial contest… Let me explain.”

Recent unrest in Huangshi Citadel had sparked rebellions, forcing factions to relocate—including to White Stone City. Three days prior, a group of Martial Cultivators arrived, challenging local Institutes. Their strength overwhelmed many masters, leading them to target the city’s three elite Institutes.

First, they challenged Hong Ming at the Hong Martial Arts Hall, wagering 100 taels of silver. Victory would grant Hong Ming the prize; defeat meant conceding their right to establish a branch in the city.

Hong Ming, though reluctant, accepted. But his opponent had already attained Momentum Attunement, easily overpowering him.

“Don’t worry too much,” Li Mo assured. “Master’s injuries are improving—he’ll recover soon.”

Without another word, Su Chen entered the Inner Courtyard.

Hong Ming sat on a stone bench, leaning on a cane, guiding Qin Hao’s training. His complexion was ruddy, his demeanor stern but unharmed.

“Senior Brother Su!” Qin Hao noticed him first.

Su Chen nodded, placing his gifts down. “Master, are you alright?”

“Does it look like I’m dying?” Hong Ming glared. “What’s this for?”

“A small token of respect,” Su Chen chuckled nervously.

Hong Ming’s expression softened. “You’re here for your medicine, aren’t you?”

Su Chen paused. “…Yes.”

“Wait a moment.” Hong Ming rose, returning shortly with a packet of Vital Energy Powder, coughing as he handed it over.

The weight of the packet felt heavier than usual in Su Chen’s hands.

“Thank you, Master.”

Hong Ming waved him off, suppressing a wince.

Su Chen bowed and left. Qin Hao watched him depart, envy flickering in his eyes.

“Stop gawking and cultivate!”

“Y-yes, Master!”

Outside, Su Chen found Li Mo. “Senior Brother Li, may I ask which faction injured Master?”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end