Loan Cultivation to Martial Saint

Chapter 170: Chapter 97: General Han’s Eyesight Is Failing. Don’t Tell Me He Used the Money to Treat His Eyes?

True Qi surged and fused within his meridians.

Zheng Jun’s Cultivation improved at this moment.

When the last wisp of Heaven and Earth True Qi was absorbed, Zheng Jun slowly opened his eyes, and a line of small, ink-wash text appeared in his vision.

[Swallowed True Essence Pill, refined the medicinal efficacy, cleared the meridians! Broken Jade Skill repayment progress +348, current repayment progress: 2708/5000.]

”The effect is quite good. It’s actually more useful than the Condensing Gang Powder.” Looking at the small ink-wash text before him, Zheng Jun couldn’t help but feel a little surprised.

The True Essence Pill was a Pill suited for the Cultivation needs of Qi Storage Martial Artists, whereas the Condensing Gang Powder was typically required for Outer Gang Martial Artists. However, because the Condensing Gang Powder’s medicinal efficacy wasn’t overly fierce, it was often used by Qi Storage Martial Artists to break through to the Outer Gang realm. But to his surprise, the True Essence Pill’s effect was actually greater than that of the Condensing Gang Powder.

”It seems I can’t blindly pursue Pills of a higher Realm. Sometimes, these high-Realm Pills might not be suitable for my current stage,” Zheng Jun thought, glancing out the window. The sky was already flushed with crimson clouds as the sun dipped below the western mountains. He stood up and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Wearing an ink-black robe bound by a white jade belt and adorned with his Squad Commander waist tag, his tall and upright figure emanated a palpable aura of killing intent.

After slowly stepping out of the room, he saw Qingdai waiting outside.

”Young Master, I’ve gathered the information.” Qingdai offered Zheng Jun a graceful smile and then began to explain in detail. ”Han Hu hails from the Han Clan, a merchant family. His original surname...”

”Skip the background story and tell me about his Martial Arts.” Zheng Jun had no interest in listening to the history of how Han Hu made his fortune. He was more concerned with the Martial Arts and Cultivation Techniques Han Hu used.

”Han Hu’s Inner Power exclusively cultivates the ’Spring Thunder Scripture’. When his Inner Power is unleashed, its momentum is gentle and steady, but it can suddenly erupt like a clap of thunder to catch the enemy off guard.” Qingdai continued, ”According to the purchase records in Jishi Hall, Han Hu has absorbed ’Profound Mysterious Evil Qi’ twice. There’s a certain probability that this adds a special effect to his Gang Qi. However, since absorbing it, he has never displayed such an effect, so the likelihood is almost zero. Still, we cannot rule out the possibility that he is intentionally hiding his strength.

”In terms of Martial Arts, Han Hu is skilled with a staff. During his Qi Storage Realm, he used the ’Heavenly Gang Nine Staves’ to face his enemies. After reaching the Outer Gang, he used the Manzhu Saber, Profound Fire Seal, and Celestial Zen Strike. He is quite proficient with all of them, but his only Great Success Martial Arts is the Heavenly Gang Nine Staves,” Qingdai said.

Hearing this, Zheng Jun nodded slightly. During the merit-based selection, he hadn’t seen the Manzhu Saber listed among the Upper Grade Saber Technique Martial Arts. He had, however, seen the Celestial Zen Strike, which was an Upper Grade Fist Technique. As for the Heavenly Gang Nine Staves, Zheng Jun had never encountered it before and needed to investigate further.

From the side, Cai Liu also spoke up to provide some insight. ”This old servant knows a bit about the ’Heavenly Gang Nine Staves’. Cai Er of the Cai Family learned this skill. By watching from the sidelines, I can tell you the ins and outs of it.” He then immediately elaborated, giving Zheng Jun a rundown of the technique.

However, since the unseen Cai Er only had Minor Achievement in the Heavenly Gang Nine Staves, and with Cai Liu merely relaying the information secondhand, Zheng Jun only gained a vague understanding of it. Even so, that was enough. Since he hadn’t actually practiced it himself, it was only natural that he wasn’t as familiar with it as he was with the Wave-Treading Blade Technique. He would just go and see for himself what kind of skills this General Han Hu possessed!

”I understand.” Zheng Jun nodded, then added, ”Make dinner a little later. I’m heading out for a bit and will be right back.” With that, he walked out the door.

Watching Zheng Jun’s retreating back as he left, Qingdai seemed like she wanted to say something. After a moment of hesitation, she held her tongue and instead softly called out, ”May you be victorious, Young Master!”

Zheng Jun gave a slight nod. Stepping out of Nixiang Pavilion, he hadn’t gone more than a few paces when he spotted Wang’s Staff.

When Wang’s Staff saw Zheng Jun heading out with his saber equipped, he was momentarily stunned. But disregarding his surprise, he immediately walked over and said to Zheng Jun, ”General Zheng, what a coincidence! I have already mentioned this matter to the Lord Governor today. Please rest assured, General, the Prefect will definitely punish General Han and the Duyou severely! As for the silver taels, they will surely be gathered tomorrow and delivered to your residence, General Zheng.”

”It’s no matter,” Zheng Jun replied amiably. He then added, ”Since Wang’s Staff is already here, why don’t you take me to the troop garrison for a look around? I am also a man of the military and would like to meet my brothers among the Commandery Soldiers.”

”Uh...” Hearing Zheng Jun say this, Wang’s Staff couldn’t help but feel a little vigilant, but thinking it over carefully, there was no reason to stop him. Besides, seeing Zheng Jun so pleasant and amiable, perhaps he was someone who understood the bigger picture? Thus, Wang’s Staff immediately said, ”General Zheng, please follow me. This will also be a good opportunity for General Han to apologize to you in person.”

Having said that, he led the way. Zheng Jun maintained a friendly expression, chatting and laughing cheerfully with Wang’s Staff.

Just like that, the two walked all the way to the troop garrison of Pingzhang Commandery. The garrison was located in the northern part of the city. A large area there was designated as a restricted military zone, making the North Gate the most heavily guarded gate of all. As for the soldiers passing by, Zheng Jun didn’t find them to be particularly elite. After looking around, he felt they were no different from his own Black Mountain Guard.

Wang’s Staff only needed to give a brief notice to pass through the layers of security, arriving at the main military tent alongside Zheng Jun.

In front of the military camp, Zheng Jun spotted a burly and broad-shouldered Outer Gang General standing there, gazing at Zheng Jun and Wang’s Staff with a genial smile. The general had a resolute face with a sharply chiseled nose bridge and tightly pressed lips. At first glance, he exuded an aura of inviolable majesty. However, his eyes were pitch-black and profound. With just a single glance, Zheng Jun could catch the sharp gleam that occasionally glided through his gaze. Like a panther lurking in the shadows waiting to strike, it revealed a hint of treachery and ruthlessness.

This was Han Hu.

Seeing Wang’s Staff approach, Han Hu let out a light chuckle and said, ”Mr. Wang has come a long way. Has the Lord Governor issued any new orders?” Without waiting for Wang’s Staff to speak, Han Hu shot a glance at Zheng Jun and drawled, ”This must be the rising star of the military who has been making a name for himself recently, Zheng San of Black Mountain County, right? Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation. What a young hero! If that son of mine had even half of Sanlang’s capabilities, I wouldn’t have such a headache! Hahaha.”

Hearing this, Zheng Jun simply looked up at Han Hu and said with utmost composure, ”General Han has grown old.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Han Hu couldn’t help but freeze. The attendant Captains and Crew Leaders surrounding him also broke into an uproar.

”General Han is so old and dim-sighted that he can’t even distinguish silver properly, taking my silver along with everything else... Did General Han take this extra silver so he could invite a divine doctor over to treat his eyes?” Zheng Jun spoke incredibly calmly, though his eyes were as sharp as a falcon’s. ”Spit out the silver. If this matter gets blown out of proportion, it won’t reflect well on General Han as the Main General of the unit.”

With that, the Beirong Saber shot out of its sheath. A cold light flashed, and True Gang erupted vigorously like a surging volcano.

Upon hearing Zheng Jun’s words, the smile on Han Hu’s face gradually vanished.

Seeing this, Wang’s Staff’s heart gave a sudden THUMP. Just as he was about to speak, Zheng Jun beat him to it, raising his voice to declare, ”General Han is a veteran of the Battle Array and a renowned, fierce warrior in our Pingzhang Camp! I am untalented, but I would like to seek guidance from General Han’s brilliant moves. I wonder if General Han would be so generous as to enlighten me?!

”Of course, after the exchange, I hope General Han will return my reward silver. I have other uses for it, so I can’t let General Han use it to cure his eyes. Please don’t take offense, General Han.”

Zheng Jun’s voice was sonorous and forceful, brimming with a chilling intent. Han Hu’s face, meanwhile, turned as cold as frost. The surrounding Captains all glared with hostile intent.

Right at that moment, one of the Captains stepped forward and shouted sternly, ”You, surnamed Zheng! You’re just a Qi Storage Martial Artist. Are you looking to die?! Let me, Lu Feng, fight you! I’ll see just what a wet-behind-the-ears brat like you is truly made of!”