Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

Chapter 339: Chapter 167: New Medicine (Part 2)

Du’s Trading Company.

Chen Cheng bought some fruit and pastries on the street and paid a personal visit.

After the doorman went in to announce him, the Master, Du Wenshun, practically flew out to greet him.

It was unclear if he had been soaking his feet or doing something else, but he had even forgotten to put on his shoes, leaving a trail of damp footprints on the ground.

‘Welcoming a guest without his shoes on? It can’t be that serious…’

Chen Cheng was a bit surprised, but he soon understood the reason.

“Young Master Chen! Du has been waiting for you to come for a long time!”

Du Wenshun came forward, clasped his fists, and bowed deeply to Chen Cheng. He then lowered his voice and said:

“Old Wang told me everything. It was Young Master Chen who saved our lives back on Seven Miles Slope! For such a great kindness, Du has long wanted to repay you handsomely!”

“There’s no need to be so formal, Boss Du.”

Chen Cheng replied casually as he reached out to help Du Wenshun up, then handed over the fruit and pastries.

“This is my first visit, so I brought a small gift. I hope you won’t mind, Boss Du.”

“Of course not, of course not!”

Du Wenshun took the gift with both hands and immediately led Chen Cheng inside.

After they took their seats in the main hall.

Du Wenshun personally poured tea for Chen Cheng and got straight to the point.

“Old Wang told me you’re heading north to the Mountain and Sea Sect, Young Master Chen. As it happens, my caravan will be setting out in a few days. You can travel with us. It will save you a lot of trouble on the road.”

Chen Cheng nodded, not refusing the offer.

The road north was far from peaceful.

A caravan capable of navigating this route would not only be intimately familiar with the conditions along the way but also skilled at managing relationships with local powers, dealing with the Green Forest bandits, and handling emergencies.

Traveling north with the caravan was definitely the safest choice.

“Also, the Prefecture City Martial Selection has ended.”

Du Wenshun said,

“Besides you, there will be a few other geniuses from the Prefecture City also going to the Mountain and Sea Sect. When the time comes, you should get to know them. It’s always good to have people to look out for each other once you’re in the Sect.”

“Why would geniuses from the Prefecture City want to join the Mountain and Sea Sect?”

Chen Cheng frowned slightly, finding it a bit hard to understand.

“It’s like this…”

Du Wenshun explained,

“There are three major Sects around the Prefecture City, but their requirements for accepting disciples are extremely strict. These few geniuses have all tried and were turned away… so they have no choice but to head north to find an opportunity…”

At this point, Du Wenshun suddenly realized he had misspoken and quickly tried to correct himself.

“Young Master Chen, Du has absolutely no intention of looking down on the Northern Sects… In fact, the Northern Territory has revered martial prowess since ancient times. The Northern Sects are actually stronger than these Southern Sects.”

“It’s just that due to the chaos of war, the Northern Sects have slightly lowered their recruitment standards, which makes them sound a bit inferior to the Southern Sects…”

Du Wenshun paused, then said with great earnestness,

“Du can’t speak for other matters, but one thing is certain: as long as you can establish yourself in a Northern Sect, Young Master Chen, your future achievements will be no less than if you had joined a Southern Sect!”

“I understand.”

Chen Cheng nodded, his anticipation for the Mountain and Sea Sect deepening.

‘If what Du Wenshun says is true, and the Mountain and Sea Sect is stronger than the Nine Altars Sect…’

‘Then I’ve truly made the right choice in heading north.’

‘A stronger Sect means more profound Martial Arts and High Level Resources. Just as Du Wenshun said, as long as I can establish myself, I will definitely become stronger than if I had joined the Nine Altars Sect.’

‘Of course, the dangers and uncertainties of the Northern Lands will undoubtedly make it harder to gain a foothold.’

‘From now on, I must be even more cautious and never let my guard down.’

“By the way, Boss Du.”

Chen Cheng asked,

“How have Cao Zhao and Wang Chuang been recently?”

“They’re both doing well.”

Du Wenshun said,

“Chuang has been in seclusion every day, honing his Wang Family’s Martial Arts. He occasionally goes out to spar and exchange pointers with the young Martial Artists here in the Prefecture City. He’s progressing very quickly.”

“Young Master Cao used his family connections to find an excellent sinecure in the Inner City. The benefits are outstanding—he even receives a monthly share of High Level Resources. The key is the opportunity to build connections in the Inner City. His future is promising.”

“Good. As long as they’re both doing well, I can rest easy.”

Chen Cheng nodded, a sincere smile gracing his lips.

Du Wenshun stood up, went into a back room, and quickly returned. He handed a small red porcelain bottle to Chen Cheng and said,

“Young Master Chen, these are seven Nine Altars Blood-Nourishing Pills. I had to pull a lot of strings to buy them from a disciple of the Nine Altars Sect. They are a unique supplementary medicine of the Nine Altars Sect.”

As he spoke, Du Wenshun once again clasped his fists in a solemn gesture and bowed deeply.

“I have no way to repay you for saving my life. Please, Young Master Chen, you must not refuse!”

“…Alright.”

Chen Cheng nodded.

“Since you’ve put it that way, Boss Du, it would be rude of me to refuse.”

Afterward, the two chatted for a while longer before Chen Cheng took his leave.

He returned to his own small courtyard.

Although Chen Cheng would not be staying for long, the Li Family had still diligently tidied up a side room for him.

Upon hearing Chen Cheng would be staying a few more days, the Li Family became visibly happy.

Chen Cheng entered the side room.

After closing the door and windows, he took out one of the Nine Altars Blood-Nourishing Pills and swallowed it.

Perfect timing. He had already used up the last of his Red Jade Blood-Nourishing Pills during the seven days on the road.

The resources Du Wenshun gave him today were a seamless continuation.

‘This is a unique supplementary resource from the Nine Altars Sect.’

‘Its effects should far surpass the Red Jade Blood-Nourishing Pill and the Three Treasures Nourishing Essence Pill.’

Just as he expected.

The moment the pill entered his stomach, Chen Cheng clearly felt a cool, refreshing sensation he had never experienced before. It transformed into trickling streams that quickly permeated every corner of his body.

Moreover, these streams were continuous, and the soothing sensation was gentle and long-lasting.

If all went as expected, the medicinal effects should last for three days, perhaps even longer.