I became a martial arts saint while playing games.

The next day, Gu Yan got up very early.

He got up, dressed, and went out to wash up, only to find that even so early, his mother, Liu Mei, was up even earlier than him. He had just left his bedroom when he heard the soft clatter of knives and anvils coming from the kitchen, indicating that Liu Mei was already preparing breakfast.

Gu Yan finished washing up, and breakfast was ready.

The three of them sat down at the table. Gu Mingshan picked up his chopsticks and asked, "How's your decision?"

Gu Yan didn't have much to consider, so he said, "Dad, I want to give it a try. At least that way, if I ever become bedridden, I won't suddenly regret it and think, 'I could have become a martial artist.'"

Gu Mingshan was not surprised by his decision: "I think you would say the same thing."

After all, his son had dreamed of pursuing martial arts since childhood. Whether or not he was influenced by his son, this wish was genuine. Now that he had the opportunity, how could Gu Yan let it go so easily?

Gu Mingshan took out a small bottle. The bottle was as clear as jade, and the liquid inside was a pale, moon-white color.

"This is a calming and energy-nourishing medicine, which is a benefit provided by our company," Gu Mingshan said. "When martial artists meditate and cultivate, this medicine can slightly accelerate the absorption of vital energy, calm the mind and spirit, nourish the soul, and repair mental depletion."

High-level martial artists possess incredibly powerful bodies and souls. They can rest their physical and mental bodies while meditating and circulating their cultivation techniques, without needing to fall into a deep sleep. Quiet meditation and breath regulation can replace a whole night's rest.

However, martial artists at lower levels cannot reach that level. But martial arts training is extremely mentally taxing; often, half a day of training is enough to leave one exhausted. One needs to consume a lot of nutrients and rely on sleep to restore energy.

To this end, the leading martial arts and medicine group in Dongxia, "Tianhe Wanyao Wuke Group", specially developed "Anshen Ningyuan Preparation".

Simply put, this drug allows martial artists at lower levels to gain abilities similar to those of higher-level martial artists within a short period of time, and they can replace sleep by meditating, circulating their inner energy, and breathing in their vital energy.

In this way, lower-level martial artists can balance rest and cultivation, thus increasing their efficiency.

The only downside is that it's expensive.

The calming and nourishing medicine that Gu Mingshan possessed was the standard packaging, and one dose could maintain its effects for about six hours. And such a small dose was priced at 3888 yuan per dose.

Gu Yan was a liberal arts student, so it didn't matter to him. But it's said that if you study martial arts, taking medicine every night is almost a regular occurrence.

Because if someone doesn't use medication, they'll need to replenish their energy through traditional sleep. But the rest of the students all use medication, which doubles their cultivation efficiency and allows them to recover their energy much faster. Over time, they'll inevitably fall behind those around them.

Gu Yan's heart stirred.

He has a game cheat; although he doesn't need to cultivate himself, he can log into the game with his eyes closed while meditating and circulating his energy. He can multitask, his body meditating and circulating energy while his consciousness can still move freely in the game—this he has already tested.

However, he cannot stay awake and engaged in games while sleeping.

So if he takes the calming and nourishing medicine, wouldn't that perfectly satisfy his wish to play games while sleeping?

In this light, this medicine is perfectly suited for him at this stage.

However, this calming and energy-nourishing medicine costs 3888 per bottle. If you use it every night, the monthly expense will exceed 100,000.

Gu Mingshan works within the system and only earns a little over five thousand yuan a month. How could he afford such expensive drugs?

Gu Mingshan was aware of this, of course. But he still said, "I've come this far in my life, and there's no room for advancement. I've long since abandoned cultivation, so this medicine is useless to me. You can try it."

If it works, tell Dad. Don't worry about the price, I'll figure something out.

Gu Yan hesitated for a moment, then put it away and said, "Thank you, Dad."

This medicine was a company benefit anyway, and as Gu Mingshan said, he doesn't really need it anymore.

But Gu Yan was determined not to burden his family too much. If the medicine really worked, he would find another way later.

I've heard that all students who enter the martial arts department have access to a wealth of cultivation resources. If you transfer to the martial arts department, you might be able to get your hands on a calming and energy-nourishing agent.

His father had worked his way up from a small village to this point, and had already endured enough hardship in his life. Gu Yan didn't intend to force the old man to spend more money on gold coins.

Mother Liu Mei added, "A colleague of mine recently recommended the Feiyan Martial Arts School in town, saying it has a good reputation. She knows the instructors there, and they happen to have intensive training courses for those who want to take martial arts exams. If someone introduces you, you can get a 20% discount. Son, what do you think..."

Liu Mei works as a nurse at the county hospital and has several colleagues with whom she has a good relationship.

But before she could finish speaking, Gu Yan smiled and declined, saying, "No need, Mom. I'll definitely ask if you need anything."

Martial arts classes outside aren't cheap either. Gu Yan had looked into it a bit before and knew that while these training programs could be useful, their help was limited; ultimately, it depended on the individual.

Gu Yan knew his parents were simply concerned for him; they were willing to do anything to support him on his path of martial arts, regardless of the cost. However, with his current advantages, Gu Yan didn't really need such assistance, so why should his family waste their money?

Gu Mingshan said, "Alright, you have to walk your own path in the end. Just let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you, Mom and Dad."

After finishing breakfast, Gu Yan got up and went back to his bedroom.

He had just woken up and was full of energy, so he wasn't in a hurry to use the calming and energy-nourishing medicine.

Gu Yan placed the potion on the bedside table and sat back down cross-legged. He closed his eyes, activated his inner energy cultivation technique, and simultaneously focused his mind, causing the game interface to reappear before his eyes.

Start the game.

Returning to the location where they last logged off, Gu Yan and Shen Qinghan walked side by side into Qingxi County.

It was already morning in reality, but the game time was still set to night.

Qingxi County is a remote border town, unlike the bustling big cities. As night falls, the entire county is immersed in a somber stillness. The long street is deserted, and most of the houses on both sides have closed early, with doors and windows tightly shut.

Upon reaching the center of the county town, there were slightly more pedestrians than at the town gate, but everyone walked quickly with their heads down. A cool evening breeze swept through the streets.

Shen Qinghan glanced casually at the side of the street and happened to see several people wearing black constable uniforms, with leather belts around their waists and daggers hanging from their waists. They were the constables on duty.

They were already on their way to the county government office, and it just so happened that they bumped into a group of constables who could lead the way.

The street-side pancake stall was emitting wisps of smoke, and the stall owner, a middle-aged old man, was tidying up the pancakes with his head down.

The constable among the group, his mouth greasy from eating, casually tossed aside the remaining cakes. Not only did he refuse to pay a single coin, but he also reached out and forcefully opened the money box, grabbing a handful of loose copper coins.

The other constables, though they saw their colleague's behavior, did not take it to heart and continued to chat and laugh.

The old man looked troubled and said, "Sir, I have children at home, and we depend on this stall to make a living..."

To everyone's surprise, the head constable threw his head back and burst into laughter: "What? Doesn't your child like this fragrant sesame seed cake?"

He ignored them, grabbed the copper coin, and turned to leave.

The old man shook his head repeatedly, but dared not say anything more, and continued to tidy up with his head down.

Shen Qinghan saw this and a surge of anger rose in his heart.

She realized that witnessing this scene upon her arrival meant that similar incidents were commonplace in Qingxi County. She wondered how the county government usually acted so tyrannically, oppressing the people.

Gu Yan, as if reading her mind, smiled and said, "My lady, I'm a novice at the Thirteen Swords of Demon Subduing. Why don't I use these few wicked constables to practice my skills? Perhaps you could give me some pointers?"

Shen Qinghan thought about it and felt it was indeed an opportunity. So he nodded and said, "Okay, then go ahead."

She wanted to tell him to be careful, but then she thought that with Gu Yan's help, she had recovered 50-60% of her skills and could now run rampant in this remote town.

Even the most skilled constables in the county government are only at the Solid Foundation Realm, and most ordinary constables haven't even entered the realm. Even if something were to happen to Gu Yan, I would have ample time to take care of him, so there's no need to worry.

Gu Yan remained in no hurry to step forward, saying, "My lord, once we start fighting, swords and spears have no eyes..."

Shen Qinghan said, "It's alright, just focus on practicing your swordsmanship. With me watching over you, they can't hurt you."

"No, you misunderstand, sir," Gu Yan said. "I meant that although these men are wicked, they are, after all, government officials. Swords have no eyes, and as a novice, I may not be able to control my strength well..."

Shen Qinghan then realized.

Gu Yan meant that he wasn't worried about himself, but about the other side.

He was a beginner in swordsmanship and hadn't even had a chance to practice it once. On his first fight, against multiple opponents, he was already thinking about killing them. Such confidence was quite rare.

Shen Qinghan smiled slightly and said, "It's alright. Our Demon Suppression Division patrols all directions and has the right to investigate official corruption and punish evildoers. These henchmen oppress the people and have already violated the law and discipline."

If they realize their mistake and back down, then so be it. But if they remain stubborn and dare to resist under the guise of official authority, and even attack my Demon Suppression Division, then they shall be killed on the spot, which is in accordance with the rules. You need not have any reservations.”

Gu Yan said, "Yes, Lord Shen."

He turned around, walked up to the constables, borrowed Shen Qinghan's sword, and smiled slightly.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear.