Chapter 500: Compound Medicine
Chapter 500: Compound Medicine
Xue Laoshi contacted Chen Chuan shortly after, and Chen Chuan updated him on his situation. Xue Laoshi replied, "Chen, your progress is impressive. Let's meet tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the usual spot."
"Yes, teacher, I'll be there on time," Chen Chuan assured him.
"Good, see you tomorrow then," Xue Laoshi said.
After ending the call, Chen Chuan pondered for a moment. Fortunately, he had considered this beforehand and scheduled his meeting with Advisor Pei for the evening. Even if Xue Laoshi was late, it wouldn't delay things until the night.
The next day was a rest day, so he didn't have to attend the training class, and the timing worked out perfectly.
He turned and went to change the water and food for Morning Crow, noticing that it had grown a bit larger and its feathers were now lush and vibrant.
Chen Chuan walked to the window, opened it, and a gust of wind rushed in. Morning Crow let out a chirp and flew out. He allowed Morning Crow to fly around daily, but not too far from the Palace Tower and not too high, to avoid any accidents.
His mind was occupied with a thought—the creatures in the Fusion Territory all possessed Alienated Organizations. This was likely the reason for their long-term presence in the Fusion Territory. But could Morning Crow also possess this ability?
If Morning Crow did, it would be immensely helpful. The ability to fly was a significant advantage, perhaps less useful within the city but invaluable in the wilderness.
The last time they returned from Central City, it was Morning Crow who had detected the enemy's movements, giving them time to prepare.
Moreover, if Morning Crow had an Alienated Organization, it would be equivalent to having offensive capabilities. Even without attacking the target, its overall abilities would undoubtedly improve.
Regarding this, perhaps he could consult the Esoteric Snake Sect in the future.
At that moment, on the rooftop garden of the Palace Tower, Assistant Ling stood at the window with his hands in his pockets, gazing at the towering buildings ahead. He spoke into the Interdimensional Link, "Time is approaching. Get ready as soon as possible."
As he spoke, he caught sight of a flying figure and raised an eyebrow, a playful smile crossing his face. He continued, "It's hard to say for sure, but it's coming soon."
Meanwhile, Chen Chuan practiced meditation for a while. After Morning Crow returned from its flight, he took the elevator downstairs and drove to Lu Fang's training hall.
Recently, Xiao Jin had been coming here daily to train, and each time, Fang Zhixin would send someone to pick him up. Although Fang Zhixin had discovered that Lu Fang lacked a citizen's identity, he understood that the absence of an identity didn't mean a lack of skill, especially when recommended by Chen Chuan.
Upon arriving, Chen Chuan parked his car and entered the martial arts club, just in time to see Xiao Jin being pulled up from the ground by Chu Wu. The two exchanged punches and then commenced a new bout.
Lu Fang approached and handed Chen Chuan a cup of water, asking, "Passing by?"
"I was planning to come tomorrow, but I have an appointment tomorrow, so I thought I'd drop by today. How's Xiao Jin doing?" Chen Chuan took the water with a word of thanks.
"He's very diligent and improving rapidly," Lu Fang replied. "But I think he lacks a bit of combat intuition."
This referred to a certain stiffness and rigidity in combat. Combat intuition was an inexplicable quality; some people, despite appearing weak, could create opportunities and exploit weaknesses, turning the tables and defeating stronger opponents.
In Chen Chuan's opinion, he had the most remarkable natural talent in this regard.
Xiao Jin, on the other hand, lacked in this aspect. His current training partner, Chu Wu, had stumbled through his journey, and it was only with Chen Chuan's assistance that he began training, starting from a much weaker foundation than Xiao Jin.
Yet, when they fought, Xiao Jin consistently found himself at a disadvantage. Initially, it was due to his lack of experience, but even as he adapted, he still felt something was missing.
"Combat skills can be developed through extensive training and suitable opponents," Chen Chuan said. "As long as you don't give up in your heart, there will always be opportunities."
Lu Fang nodded in agreement. "That's true."
Xiao Jin had been knocked down countless times, rarely winning. An ordinary person might have become discouraged and doubted themselves, but Xiao Jin never showed such signs. He always maintained his initial determination to win, and sometimes even Chen Chuan wondered where this tenacity came from. This was Xiao Jin's strength, a rare and valuable quality.
Furthermore, as long as Xiao Jin didn't give up halfway, he was bound to go far.
"When do you plan to teach him power techniques?" Chen Chuan asked.
Lu Fang thought for a moment. "I plan to refine his combat skills further. With his current level, gaining power techniques too early might not be beneficial. He might rely solely on power to defeat opponents, neglecting combat techniques. This way, he might overpower those without power techniques, but against opponents of similar caliber, he might struggle."
Chen Chuan nodded. "That's the right approach."
"What about Chu Wu?" Lu Fang asked. "What's your take on him?"
"He started training a bit later, but he's quick-witted and highly motivated," Chen Chuan replied.
Most of the trainees at this martial arts club would end up as street fighters, and many would become gang enforcers, earning money from the start.
Chen Chuan could see that Chu Wu was capable of such actions, but instead of doing so, he chose to follow Lu Fang, a decision that showcased his exceptional judgment. As he arrived, Chu Wu glancing at him with a serious expression, perhaps recognizing him.
This was possible, as many had witnessed the video of him defeating Wei Wusheng.
Lu Fang's ambition to climb the ranks was commendable, and it was crucial for a fighter to possess unwavering determination to achieve greatness.
Lu Fang shared his plan, "I intend to teach Xiao Jin both power and combat skills. By doing so, I can gauge his potential, and having a sparring partner at the first limit will benefit both of them."
Chen Chuan praised, "Senior, you've thought this through."
After waiting for about ten minutes, the two fighters finished another two rounds and took a break. Chen Chuan exchanged a few words with Xiao Jin and sat with Lu Fang for a while before leaving.
Chen Bitong's situation was delicate. With the higher-ups keeping a close eye on him, and the attitude of his superior, even if he managed to pass now, there was no guarantee for the future.
The least he could do was to take care of his son, who had taught him so much.
As he left the martial arts club, he realized it was almost noon. He contacted Ni Qianxi, inviting her for a meal, but she was busy and had to postpone.
On his way back to Wuyi, he received a call from the Interdimensional Link. It was Uncle Ding, and he answered promptly, "Uncle Ding, what's the matter?"
"Captain Chen, the young master has something to give you. He asked me to inform you, and you can come by whenever you're free."
"I'll be right there," Chen Chuan replied.
An hour later, Garder's car stopped in front of Senior Cao's estate, where Uncle Ding was waiting at the entrance. He greeted Chen Chuan and led him to the back of the estate, explaining, "The young master is appreciating the flowers on the hillside. Please follow me."
It was mid-to-late March, and the estate was adorned with blooming peach blossoms, creating a picturesque scene akin to a cloud of rosy mist.
In the distance, Cao Guixi sat under a peach tree, strumming a zither, his dark blue robe flowing gracefully.
Chen Chuan paused, listening to the ethereal melody that seemed to carry him to another realm. It was like climbing a mountain, embracing the mist, and gazing at the clouds, only to turn back with a hint of nostalgic longing.
As the zither music came to an end, Chen Chuan approached.
Cao Guixi, with his fingers on the strings, sighed, "This piece, 'Long Journey Song,' should be played by youthful scholars on their spring outings, filled with vigor and vitality. But my heart is burdened, making it hard to match the emotions, and instead, it carries a hint of dusk, which is truly regrettable."
Chen Chuan stepped forward and smiled, "The morning sun rises, and the evening sun sets; the tide ebbs and flows. Today, you played 'Evening of Spring,' and who knows, tomorrow you might play 'Birth of Autumn'?"
Cao Guixi smiled, "You're right, my dear junior. The regrets of yesterday become the worries of today, and the hopes of tomorrow may alleviate the worries of today. Please, take a seat."
As Chen Chuan sat, Cao Guixi spoke, "I called you here today because I've obtained a compound medicine that can combine with your High Sky Jade Core."
He took a box and a scroll from Uncle Ding and placed them on the sandalwood table.
"This scroll contains the instructions for creating the compound medicine. It's not complicated, but you'll need to prepare some tools in advance and perform a ritual. I recall you have some knowledge of esoteric rituals?"
"I do," Chen Chuan replied. "If it's a simple ritual, I can handle it."
"Take a look first."
Chen Chuan opened the scroll and, finding it straightforward, nodded, "No problem."
Cao Guixi said, "Then take it with you. It might come in handy in the future. Keeping it here only takes up space."
"Thank you, Senior," Chen Chuan said earnestly.
Cao Guixi merely smiled.
At that moment, Uncle Ding arrived with tea. After placing it down, a gust of wind blew, scattering peach petals, a few of which landed on the sandalwood table. He glanced at them and said, "It's almost April. Be cautious in the coming days, junior."
Chen Chuan, sensing a hidden meaning, nodded slightly, "Thank you for the reminder, senior. I will."
Senior Cao spoke, "The reason I called you here today is that in a few days, I'll be sealing off the estate to outsiders. This may continue until May or even longer. If you need anything, you can contact Uncle Ding." He glanced at Uncle Ding, who nodded and activated the Interdimensional Link.
Chen Chuan immediately received a message on the link. Uncle Ding said, "Captain Chen, use this channel for communication. If I'm not available, you can come to Ink Stick Mountain."
Chen Chuan nodded in understanding. From then on, they refrained from discussing these matters and instead enjoyed the flowers and tea. It was late afternoon by the time he left the estate.
As he departed, he gazed into the distance, where strong winds stirred the forest on Ink Stick Mountain. He wondered if Senior Cao's words were related to what Advisor Pei would tell him tomorrow.
Chen Chuan opened the car door, got in, and started the engine, heading back to the central city.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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