Physical enlightenment begins with Xingyi Quan

Chapter 95 Congratulations (Please subscribe!)

When Chen Jianghe left Han Shuitian's residence, the jade jar in his hand still retained some warmth.

He followed the bluestone path he had come by down the mountain. After walking a hundred paces, he passed a field of medicinal herbs and at the end of the path, he found a group of more than ten people gathered.

They were all disciples of Lingmu Academy, both men and women, and were chatting and laughing in small groups, occasionally glancing towards the mountain path.

When Chen Jianghe appeared at the end of the path, the crowd fell silent for a moment, then burst into cheers.

"Here he comes! Senior Brother Chen is out!"

"Quick! Everyone stand in line!"

The leader quickly stepped forward.

He was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, with a jade pendant hanging from his waist. He had a handsome face and an air of nobility between his brows.

It was Shen Qingyun, the third young master of the Shen family of Changxi Mansion, who had been admitted to the hospital half a year ago.

He stopped five steps in front of Chen Jianghe, clasped his hands in a respectful bow, his posture both humble and dignified: "Shen Qingyun, along with all the junior brothers and sisters of Lingmu Academy, congratulates Senior Brother Chen on reaching the Gangjin realm! Senior Brother is the fifth Gangjin disciple of our Lingmu Academy, truly a role model for all of us!"

His voice was clear and bright, and his peach blossom eyes were full of sincere smiles.

The dozen or so disciples behind him clasped their hands in unison, their voices, though not perfectly synchronized, conveying a heartfelt enthusiasm: "Congratulations, Senior Brother Chen!"

At the edge of the crowd, a slender figure stood quietly.

Fei Wenli didn't push his way to the front; he simply stood on the outermost edge of the crowd, joining everyone in bowing with clasped hands. He also had a smile on his face, a smile that was both shy and sincere.

Chen Jianghe's gaze swept over these faces.

Some of them looked familiar; they were fellow disciples whom I had met several times in front of the Transmission Hall.

He seemed somewhat unfamiliar; he must be a relatively new disciple who joined the academy later.

But at this moment, the way they looked at him was the same.

Respect.

It even carried a hint of admiration.

Chen Jianghe remained silent for a moment, then clasped his hands in return, saying, "My fellow disciples are very kind. I merely practiced diligently and was fortunate enough to break through; I am unworthy of the title 'role model.'"

"Cheers, cheers!" a round-faced disciple exclaimed. "Senior Brother Chen has only been in Lingmu Academy for a year and a half, yet he has already progressed from the Lesser Completion of Transformation to the Greater Strength. Such progress is rare even among the Five Academies! Our Lingmu Academy has finally made a name for itself!"

"Exactly!" another chimed in. "Those people from the Golden Pivot Academy always brag about how many Qi Refiners they have, and now we have our fifth one! Besides, Senior Brother Chen took on five peak Qi Transformation cultivators from the Golden Pivot Academy at the Martial Arts Training Platform that time, which really gave our Dean Lingmu a lot of face!"

Shen Qingyun also laughed and said, "Senior Brother Chen is too modest! To progress from the Lesser Completion of Transformation Force to the Beginner Level of Gang Force in just one and a half years, even geniuses of the Seven Forms and Eight Forms are no more than this! When I entered the academy, I had the Six Forms aptitude and thought I had good talent, but compared to Senior Brother—"

He sighed dramatically, turned to look at the crowd behind him, and said helplessly, "You all say comparisons are odious, and comparing goods is just asking for trouble. Where do I put my face?"

The crowd burst into laughter.

"Senior Brother Shen, stop playing the victim! You, with your six-elemental constitution, are complaining? What about us five-elemental and four-elemental constitution cultivators? Are we even supposed to survive?"

"Exactly! Senior Brother Shen, are you trying to play the victim?"

Shen Qingyun laughed along, then turned to Chen Jianghe and said seriously, "During Senior Brother's seclusion these past few days, everyone in Lingmu Academy has been talking about it, saying that Senior Brother will surely achieve great things when he comes out of seclusion this time."

Everyone chimed in with their own opinions, creating a lively atmosphere.

After the noise subsided, Shen Qingyun stepped forward and said softly, "Senior Brother Chen, I've been discussing with everyone about hosting a banquet to celebrate your birthday. If you don't mind, would you do me the honor of joining us?"

Chen Jianghe looked at them.

He knew that these people weren't necessarily all trying to curry favor with him; most were genuinely happy for him.

Lingmu Academy ranks last among the five academies, and its disciples often suffer from the disdain of the other four academies.

Now that such an anomaly has emerged, I am naturally honored.

He paused for a moment, then slowly clasped his hands in a fist salute: "I appreciate the kindness of my fellow disciples."

The smiles on everyone's faces grew even wider.

Chen Jianghe shook his head, his gaze sincere: "Cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind. I have just entered the Gang Jin realm, and my foundation is still shallow. This is precisely the time when I need to consolidate my realm and solidify my foundation. Please forgive me for hosting this banquet. I will wait until my realm is stable before we can drink and have fun together again."

Everyone looked at each other.

Shen Qingyun was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly realized what he meant and nodded repeatedly, "Senior Brother is right! I was overthinking it. Senior Brother has just broken through and should be consolidating his realm. How could he be distracted by social engagements?"

Although everyone was somewhat disappointed, they all nodded in agreement.

"Senior Brother Chen is right, cultivation is the most important thing!"

"It's not too late to gather again once Senior Brother's cultivation level has stabilized!"

At the edge of the crowd, Fei Wenli remained standing quietly.

He didn't join in the commotion, but a hint of genuine admiration flashed in his always-downcast eyes.

Chen Jianghe glanced at him.

Their eyes met briefly in mid-air.

Fei Wenli was slightly taken aback, then lowered his eyes, still looking shy and reserved.

Chen Jianghe withdrew his gaze and was about to take his leave when a cheerful female voice came from behind the crowd: "Everyone, disperse. Standing here is delaying your Senior Brother Chen's cultivation."

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and quickly made way for them.

Liu Shuling strode over, arms crossed, her gaze sweeping over the group of disciples, a smile playing on her lips: "Shen Qingyun, are you showing off again?"

Shen Qingyun quickly bowed and said with a smile, "Senior Sister Liu is too kind. I'm just happy for our Lingmu Academy! Senior Brother Chen's breakthrough to the Gang Jin realm brings honor to the entire academy!"

Liu Shuling snorted lightly, but was too lazy to argue with him. She waved her hand and said, "Alright, the thought is enough. Go do what you're supposed to do, don't just stand here."

Shen Qingyun nodded tactfully, then turned and waved to the crowd, "Let's go, let's not keep Senior Brother Chen waiting. We'll meet again later!"

Everyone bowed and took their leave, quickly dispersing into the paths among the medicinal herbs.

Liu Shuling watched the group of figures disappear before turning back to Chen Jianghe, a half-smile on her face: "These little rascals, they're really well-informed. You've only just left the headmaster's place, and they're already blocking this way. That Shen Qingyun, he's only been a disciple for half a year, and he's already become the leader of this group of new disciples."

Chen Jianghe clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for helping me out, Senior Sister."

Liu Shuling waved her hand: "Come on, let's go somewhere."

She turned and walked towards the other side of the mountain path, her steps still brisk.

Chen Jianghe followed.

On the east side of Baicao Peak, deep in the bamboo forest.

Chen Jianghe followed Liu Shuling through a dense forest of purple bamboo, and suddenly the view opened up before them.

This is a very spacious courtyard, with blue tiles and white walls, surrounded by a bamboo fence. In the center of the courtyard is a hot spring pool about ten feet square, with mist rising from its surface, and the smooth pebbles on the bottom can be vaguely seen. Purple bamboo sways all around the courtyard, creating an extremely tranquil atmosphere.

Liu Shuling pushed open the fence gate and led Chen Jianghe for a walk around the courtyard.

The main building has three rooms, two rooms on each side, and a quiet room, alchemy room, study, and storeroom are all available.

In the backyard, there was a small medicinal herb garden, about three-tenths of an acre in size, with dark soil, which was obviously transported from Baicaofeng.

"How is it?" Liu Shuling asked.

Chen Jianghe nodded: "Excellent."

Liu Shuling walked to the hot spring pool, squatted down, and reached out to test the water temperature.

"This pool draws from an underground hot spring, maintaining a constant temperature year-round. Soaking in it while practicing the 'Withered Tree Rejuvenates Technique' will make your efforts twice as effective."

Chen Jianghe nodded and wrote these down one by one.

The two walked out of the courtyard and were about to head back when Liu Shuling suddenly stopped.

"Um?"

Her gaze fell down the mountain path, her eyebrows slightly raised.

Chen Jianghe followed her gaze.

At the bend in the mountain path, a figure was hurrying uphill.

The man walked extremely fast, almost jogging, and it wasn't until he got close that it became clear that it was Zhou Xian.

Zhou Xian was dressed in a thick earthen courtyard outfit, with sweat beading on his forehead, clearly having traveled at a rapid pace.

He saw Chen Jianghe and Liu Shuling standing side by side, and his steps faltered slightly.

When her gaze fell on Chen Jianghe, her eyes were filled with complex emotions: resentment, jealousy, humiliation, and a hint of undisguised astonishment.

He opened his mouth, as if to say something.

Chen Jianghe merely glanced at him indifferently, nodded slightly, and then turned to leave with Liu Shuling.

He didn't say a word more.

Zhou Xian stood there, watching the two figures disappear into the depths of the bamboo forest. The anger that had been simmering in his chest for so long could finally be contained.

"Chen Jianghe!"

He let out a low growl and slammed his fist into the purple bamboo beside him.

He recalled the Lingmu Academy disciples he had met at the foot of the disciple's peak earlier. They were excitedly discussing things like "Senior Brother Chen has entered the Gang Jin realm" and "Lingmu Academy's fifth Gang Jin disciple."

Zhou Xian closed his eyes, his chest heaving violently.

Zhou Xian, a disciple of Hou Tu Academy, survived countless near-death experiences in Yunmeng Forest and even after consuming the Vermilion Fruit, he was still only at the half-step Gang Jin level.

He thought he could finally hold his head high and look down on the Lingmu Academy disciple who had once rejected him.

But today, Chen Jianghe has actually become a Gang Jin (罡劲).

Zhou Xian fought desperately, nearly losing his life, in exchange for gaining half a step of Gang Jin (罡劲).

And Chen Jianghe? He hid behind the door, practiced his shooting, fought a few battles, and then easily passed by.

On what grounds?

Why should I?!

Zhou Xian opened his eyes, which were bloodshot.

He turned around and strode down the mountain path.

Hou Tu Yuan, the residence of Gang Jin disciples.

Zhou Xian stood in front of a small courtyard gate and raised his hand to knock on the door.

"Knock knock knock".

A deep male voice came from inside the door: "Who is it?"

"Zhou Xian requests an audience with Senior Brother Li."

The door opened.

A robust man in his early thirties stood inside the door, dressed in the Hou Tu Academy's martial arts attire, with a rugged face. He was none other than Pang Zhenshan, a junior disciple of the Hou Tu Academy's Gang Jin (罡劲) cultivation.

Upon seeing that it was Zhou Xian, he frowned slightly: "Junior Brother Zhou? What is it?"

Zhou Xian clasped his hands in a respectful gesture: "Senior Brother Pang, I have something to discuss with you."

Pang Zhenshan stepped aside to let him into the hospital.

The two sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard, and Zhou Xian got straight to the point: "Senior Brother Pang, I would like to explore Yunmeng Forest again."

Pang Zhenshan frowned even more deeply: "Explore again? We gained quite a bit from the trip to Yunmeng Forest. You swallowed the Vermilion Fruit and stepped into the half-step Gang Jin realm. What's there to explore further?"

Zhou Xian took a deep breath and lowered his voice: "Last time we explored the outer perimeter of Yunmeng Forest and found the Vermilion Fruit..."

Dragon Blood Mushroom and other treasures. If we can venture a hundred miles further, even greater opportunities await! If I, Zhou, can seize the opportunity to break through to the Gang Jin realm, my senior brother will also be able to advance to a higher level!

"Enough." Pang Zhenshan interrupted him, his gaze falling on Zhou Xian's face with a hint of scrutiny. "Junior Brother Zhou, tell me honestly, why are you in such a hurry to break through to the Gang Jin realm?"

Zhou Xianyi paused.

Pang Zhenshan looked at him and slowly said, "Is it because of Chen Jianghe from Lingmu Academy?"

Zhou Xian's expression changed slightly.

Pang Zhenshan sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness: "Junior Brother Zhou, we've been going to Yunmeng Forest together, facing life and death together. I consider you my own brother, which is why I'm speaking from the bottom of my heart to you."

He looked directly at Zhou Xian: "You can't compare to Chen Jianghe."

Zhou Xian's face flushed red: "Senior Brother Pang! I—"

—

"Let me finish," Pang Zhenshan waved his hand to interrupt him. "That Chen Jianghe went from the Lesser Completion of Transformation Force to the Beginner Level of Gang Force in a year and a half. This kind of progress, let alone you, even those geniuses with the Seven Forms Root Bone in our Hou Tu Academy might not be able to achieve."

He paused, then said earnestly, "You, Zhou Xian, have good aptitude and a good temperament, but you're just too impatient. In the Yunmeng Forest, you swallowed the Vermilion Fruit and luckily stepped into the half-step Gang Jin realm. But your foundation is weak and your Gang Qi is unstable. If you don't properly cultivate for a year or two before forcibly attempting to break through to Gang Jin, you'll only face certain death."

Zhou Xian's lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he couldn't utter a word.

Pang Zhenshan stood up and patted him on the shoulder: "Go back and cultivate in seclusion. Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to yourself."

If you win, it's yours; if you lose, you're the one who suffers.

He turned and walked into the house, his voice coming from inside: "Don't mention Yunmeng Forest again. I won't go, and neither will my two senior brothers. You'd better take care of yourself."

Zhou Xian returned to his own courtyard.

He sat in the quiet room for a long time, without moving.

What kept replaying in my mind was the figure in green robes walking out of the bamboo forest.

Chen Jianghe.

On what grounds?

How can someone with only a five-elemental constitution break through the Gang Jin realm in just one and a half years?

Why is it that after risking my life and surviving countless near-death experiences in Yunmeng Forest for the past six months, I'm still stuck at the halfway point?

Zhou Xian suddenly opened his eyes.

He got up and took a wooden box from the corner of the wall.

turn on.

Inside was a yellowed map, covered with densely packed symbols.

This is a detailed route map that he purchased for a high price from a rogue cultivator in Yunmeng Forest.

The rogue cultivator confidently asserted that this route led to an ancient cultivation cave deep within the Cloud Dream Forest, where a rare fruit capable of helping one break through the Qi barrier was hidden.

Zhou Xian was skeptical at the time and did not go rashly.

But now...

He tucked the map into his pocket, picked up his long stick, and strode toward the courtyard gate.

Since no one is willing to go with him, he will go by himself.

Changxi Prefecture, West Street Branch of the Qian Family Chamber of Commerce.

When Chen Jianghe stepped into the main hall, Qian Shouyi was bent over behind a long desk reviewing account books.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Chen Jianghe. He quickly stood up to greet him: "Jianghe! What brings you here?"

'

Before he finished speaking, his gaze swept over Chen Jianghe and suddenly froze.

A glint of disbelief flashed in those shrewd old eyes.

"you....

'

Qian Shouyi's voice trembled slightly as he stepped forward, circled Chen Jianghe, and looked him up and down as if he were examining a rare treasure.

Chen Jianghe remained calm, letting him scrutinize him.

After a long while, Qian Shouyi stopped, took a deep breath, and his voice was filled with suppressed shock: "罡劲?"

'

Chen Jianghe nodded: "It was only recently broken."

Qian Shouyi was stunned.

He stood there, staring blankly at Chen Jianghe, who had progressed from the initial stage of Hua Jin to the entry level of Gang Jin in just one and a half years.

A year and a half!

After a long while, Qian Shouyi took a deep breath and a complex smile appeared on his face.

That smile contained shock, relief, and a hint of... lingering fear.

He recalled how he had given Chen Jianghe gold and bone-tempering pills back in Yilin County, a timely act of kindness.

He recalled that twilight day when he, leaning on his cane, personally climbed Qingyan Mountain and hired Chen Jianghe as a guest master of the three families with an annual salary of a thousand taels of gold.

He recalled what he had said to Chen Jianghe: "If you ever encounter an insurmountable obstacle, as long as I am alive and as long as the three families still have a breath left, I will not let you fight alone."

He spoke these words sincerely.

But at the time, he couldn't help but wonder if this young man with the five elements of destiny could really grow to the point where he could protect the three families.

Looking back now...

A feeling of indescribable relief welled up in Qian Shouyi's heart.

I'm glad I made that choice.

I'm glad I made the right bet.

Unlike the Zhao and Zhou families, he did not abuse his power to bully others and incur the wrath of Li Chengyue and his disciples.

Unlike those short-sighted businessmen who only see immediate profits and not long-term investments, he did not.

He chose to treat others with sincerity and offered help in their time of need.

And this young man gave him the best reward in a year and a half.

"Master Qian?" Chen Jianghe's voice pulled him back from his thoughts.

He looked at Chen Jianghe, his eyes filled with emotion: "When I placed my bet on you, to be honest, I was betting on five or ten years from now. I thought that with your temperament and talent, you would definitely reach the Gang Jin level within ten years. At that time, the three families would have a true backer."

Chen Jianghe looked at him and slowly said, "Master Qian helped me in my time of need back then, and I will always remember that."

Qian Shouyi waved his hand: "Don't say such polite things."

He turned and called out towards the door, "De Ren! Qing Yu! Come here!"

A moment later, Qian Deren and Qian Qingyu entered together.

As soon as Qian Qingyu entered the room, her gaze fell on Chen Jianghe.

She looked Chen Jianghe up and down for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Chen Jianghe, you...you've broken through again, haven't you?"

Chen Jianghe nodded.

Qian Qingyu's pupils suddenly contracted.

She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but couldn't utter a single word.

Qian Deren was also shocked, and after a long while, he said, "Brother Chen, what...what realm have you reached now?"

"Introduction to Gang Jin (罡劲)." Chen Jianghe said calmly.

A brief, deathly silence fell over the quiet room.

Qian Qingyu stood there, stunned, her mind blank.

She remembered that when she first met Chen Jianghe two years ago, he was only at the Lesser Mastery of the Transformation Realm.

At that time, she secretly wondered: What use is the Five Elements Root Bone and Minor Completion of Transformation Force?

Later, Chen Jianghe single-handedly defeated the Caoshui Gang with a gun. She was shocked, but also secretly glad that her father had made the right choice back then.

But she never expected that in just a year and a half, Chen Jianghe would have already entered the Gang Jin realm.

Gangjin (罡劲).

Qian Qingyu has practiced martial arts since childhood, but so far she has only achieved the minor level of the Transformation Realm.

Chen Jianghe, who was about the same age as her, was already at the Gangjin level.

The gap was so large that she couldn't even feel jealous.

Qian Shouyi coughed softly as he looked at his son and daughter's dazed expressions.

The two then came to their senses and quickly stepped forward to greet each other.

Qian Shouyi took out a stack of gold notes from his sleeve and presented them with both hands: "Jiang He, this is your salary for this year. I took the liberty of raising it for you."

Chen Jianghe took it and looked at it.

Two thousand five hundred taels.

gold.

It has more than doubled compared to last year.

He looked up at Qian Shouyi.

Qian Shouyi stroked his beard and laughed, "Don't think I'm vulgar. After you single-handedly took down the Canal Gang, the trade routes between the three families in Changxi Prefecture have become more than twice as smooth. Those petty scoundrels who coveted us now tremble at the mere mention of your name. You can take this money with a clear conscience."

Chen Jianghe remained silent for a moment before putting away the gold notes.

Then, he took the jade jar from his bosom and gently placed it on the table.

Qian Shouyi's gaze fell on the jar, his brows furrowing slightly: "This is..."

'

Chen Jianghe looked at him sincerely: "This is a pill personally prepared by Master Han Shuitian of Lingmu Academy. It can help my master awaken after seven consecutive days of use."

Qian Shouyi's pupils constricted slightly.

Chen Jianghe continued, "My master has been in a coma for a long time, and I need to stabilize my cultivation here, so I cannot return to Yilin County in person."

I humbly request that the Qian family head assist me in returning this item, and personally supervise the administration of the medicine to ensure my master's safe recovery.

Qian Shouyi stared at the jade jar, remaining silent for a long time.

Then, he raised his head and looked at Chen Jianghe.

Those shrewd old eyes were now filled with solemnity.

"Jiang He," he said slowly, emphasizing each word, "Rest assured. I will handle this matter personally."

He stood up, walked up to Chen Jianghe, and placed his hand on Chen's shoulder.

"Master Li was seriously injured and fell into a coma while fighting for the three families; I will remember this kindness. You risked your life for the three families; I will also remember this friendship."

He paused, his voice hoarse: "I will personally return to Yilin County, personally watch Master Li take his medicine, and personally stay by his side until he wakes up. If anything happens to me, I will give my life to atone for it!"

Chen Jianghe felt a surge of warmth in his heart: "Master Qian's great kindness will be forever etched in my memory."

Qian Shouyi quickly laughed and said, "Alright, stop with the nonsense. I'll set off now, you can focus on your cultivation."

He turned to Qian Qingyu and Qian Deren: "While I am away, you two will manage the business. If Jiang He needs anything, provide full assistance without fail!"

Qian Qingyu and Qian Deren responded in unison, "Yes."

Xingyi School, Mission Hall.

When Chen Jianghe stepped into the main hall, it was bustling with people, just as lively as ever.

He walked straight to the counter.

Behind the counter was still the same Deacon Zhao. When he saw him approaching, he glanced at him and suddenly froze.

"You..." Deacon Zhao stared at the brand-new identity tag on his waist. The tag was engraved with the words "Ling Mu" and had a silver cloud pattern around the edge.

That's the mark of a Gangjin disciple.

Deacon Zhao suddenly stood up.

His voice trembled, his eyes filled with disbelief: "罡...罡劲?!"

A year and a half ago, when this new disciple of Lingmu Academy first came to the mission hall, he was still at the Great Perfection of the Transformation Realm.

Now, it's actually a powerful force!

Chen Jianghe remained expressionless and handed over his identity token: "Disciple accepts the mission."

>

a peaceful life