Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Wandering (3rd Update, Transitional Chapter)
Upon entering the first stage of Refining Essence to Qi, Wang Sheng’s lifespan increased significantly, so he decided to treat himself to a day off, which had been a long time coming.
However, all he really did was walk around the village.
His primary destination was Li Wenguang’s home. More than two months had passed, and he wanted to see how the chrysanthemum seeds he had given were doing.
Li Wenguang happened to be at home and appeared somewhat surprised to see Wang Sheng.
“Yun Sheng, what a rare visit!”
Usually, Wang Sheng was cultivating at his own home and only made brief appearances when the village chief summoned him, which is why Li Wenguang found his visit extraordinary.
…
“Uncle Li, have I really left that impression on you?”
“What else? If we didn’t all know you were cultivating, we’d think you were a sheltered young lady who never leaves her house.” Li Wenguang laughed and then changed the subject. “Did you come to see me about something?”
“I wanted to check on the chrysanthemums.”
“Oh, I see. Come with me!”
As he spoke, Li Wenguang led Wang Sheng to a plot of land where tiny green spots were appearing on the soil.
“These are the chrysanthemum seeds you gave me. If we hope to see a harvest, it will likely be at least until the end of the year, or even longer.”
Although Li Wenguang did not know what kind of amazing seeds they were, he could estimate the maturity time based on their growth rate.
“Thank you for the trouble, Uncle Li!”
“It’s no trouble. I’ve never seen such good seeds; they virtually grow on their own without interference from any weeds, although they do grow slowly.”
Wang Sheng nodded.
He had previously guessed that when he planted these particular medicinal herbs, the progress bar would use an invisible special energy, just like the Spiritual Medicines of this world, independent of the soil’s fertility.
But it seemed that others still had a certain dependency when planting, and yet—
He squatted down and touched the seedlings.
After entering the stage of Refining Essence to Qi, his “divine sense” had grown stronger and more acute during its fusion with Qi-Blood Power, making him responsive to these special herbal medicines.
He could discern the difference between ordinary herbs and “Spiritual Medicines.”
Although these special chrysanthemum seedlings were still small, there was no doubt they were indeed special chrysanthemums.
Their slow growth was not just because of the lack of a progress bar but probably also due to the scarcity of special energy.
But even so, it was enough; this indicated that ordinary people could cultivate “Spiritual Medicine.”
“Uncle Li, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you for a while longer; this matter is very important.”
“You can rely on Uncle Li to take good care of it.”
“That’s good to hear. I won’t intrude any longer, Uncle Li. This is for you. Just slice a thin piece from it and brew it in water daily; combined with a Cultivation Method for strengthening the body, it can enhance physical health. Remember, just a thin slice each time.”
What Wang Sheng had left was a ginseng that had reached the level of “Spiritual Medicine,”
Even low-level Martial Artists could benefit from it, and for ordinary people, while it wouldn’t rejuvenate their youth, it could certainly fortify their bodies and enhance bodily functions to a certain extent, even saving lives in critical moments.
This medicine was milder than the Ten-Complete Great Replenishing Pill but was quite suitable for Li Wenguang. The piece he had given was enough for a very long time.
“Yun Sheng, this…”
Li Wenguang knew that whatever Wang Sheng brought out was never simple.
“Take it, Uncle Li. Who knows, after using it, you might even become a Martial Artist!”
Generally, to become a Martial Artist, one accumulated essence from a young age and started to practice a Cultivation Method between the ages of 12 and 30; too young could damage the body, and so could being too old.
However, exceptions always exist; if the physique is strong enough to withstand the rigors of Qi-Blood Power, even those past the age of 30 have a chance to become a Martial Artist.
Of course, given Li Wenguang’s age, Wang Sheng’s words were more reassurance than certainty; whether it was achievable remained to be seen.
Seeing Li Wenguang still hesitant, Wang Sheng spoke again, “If all else fails, consider it a compensation for helping take care of the chrysanthemums!”
After finishing, he promptly left.
Li Wenguang looked at the ginseng forced into his hand, smiled, and then put it away properly. Since he had accepted it, he might as well give it a try.
After Wang Sheng left Li Wenguang’s home, he went to take a look at the village school.
He noticed that the school now seemed to be not only studying the literature of this world but also practicing martial arts.
When he arrived, it appeared that a class by Scholar Jiang had just concluded.
And then Zhang Ze took over.
Zhang Ze trained the children in martial arts, but looking at their distressed expressions, it probably wasn’t a pleasant experience.
“Wang brother, did you come specifically to watch the martial arts training?”
It was Scholar Jiang’s “off work” time, and he had planned to head home, but seeing Wang Sheng, he couldn’t help but come over for a chat.
Now everyone in the village was aware that Wang Sheng actually held the highest status.
However, Scholar Jiang didn’t appear submissive, maintaining his own dignity.
“Yes, I haven’t paid attention to the matters of the village for a long time, so I specifically came to have a look.”
In fact, he was just bored in the village and walked here on a whim.
“These are all fine children, although each has a bit of a wild streak, but when it comes to studying, they are all very diligent.”
Wang Sheng was watching a group of children practicing their drills, and suddenly became interested, asking, “Is there anyone particularly smart among them?”
“The smartest might not be the right term, some are just late bloomers, but if I had to say, that boy named Liu Jian’an should be the sharpest.
He escaped with us to the village, his parents died on the way here, and it was the village chief who kindly took him in and let him attend school. Perhaps wanting to repay the village chief, he studies the most diligently and now performs the best.”
Wang Sheng looked towards the group of martial arts practicing children. Although Scholar Jiang did not say, Wang Sheng could still tell who Liu Jian’an was.
Although all the children were training seriously, or maybe because they had no choice under Zhang Ze’s supervision, from their demeanor, only one person showed no resistance.
“Is it that one?”
Wang Sheng pointed.
Scholar Jiang was somewhat surprised, but still nodded and said, “Yes!”
“Not bad, just don’t know what his talent for martial arts is like!”
With that, Wang Sheng planned to leave.
“I’ll come to check again later!”
Scholar Jiang looked at Liu Jian’an and then at the departing Wang Sheng, thinking that perhaps this was Liu Jian’an’s chance.
Even though he was literarily inclined, he knew that in the current situation, practicing martial arts was the best choice.
If Liu Jian’an could catch Wang Sheng’s eye, it could be considered a great opportunity.
Wang Sheng was quite indifferent.
If there was value in cultivating him, he wasn’t against doing so, but it was still too early; time would tell.
After leaving the school, Wang Sheng continued strolling, and his mood lightened a lot.
Later, he also saw the village chief, and the village chief seemed to be in good spirits too — after all, the stockade was getting better.
Wang Sheng walked and talked with the village chief for a while.
Time passed quickly, and the day went by just like that.
Wang Sheng returned home with a pleasant mood and then picked up a book he hadn’t yet examined.
The book of miscellaneous notes and the Mechanical Technique: Azure Dragon Chapter — it was time to study it…