Starting from the pharmacy, he grew into a martial saint among men.

Xiong Zhen patiently explained the intricacies to him:

"Ordinary low-level stance training, although it also tempers the body's qi and blood, is relatively superficial."

"The stance training practiced by the aristocratic families and sects of Qinglong Prefecture is a unique system, deeply refined and profound, with a solid and enduring foundation, making its combat strength far superior to that of inferior stance training."

"Furthermore, lower-level stance training can only reach the level of neutralizing energy. Once you break through to neutralizing energy, you need to change your foundational training method. During this process, not only will you lose your qi and blood, but you will also spend a lot of time and energy."

"Those superior techniques are extraordinary, forming their own system. Once you reach the Transformation Realm, you can directly switch to higher-level techniques within the same system without any loss."

"In short, martial artists with inferior stance training will always be at a disadvantage when they go to the Azure Dragon Mansion. If you are interested, it would be best to switch to other training methods before you reach the Transformation Realm."

Chu Hong suddenly understood and immediately cupped his hands in greeting:

"In that case, I would like to request a superior cultivation technique to change my foundation as soon as possible. I hope Lord Xiong will grant my request."

His idea was simple.

Xiong Zhen would never lie to him about this matter.

Since he was going to the Azure Dragon Mansion, the sooner he switched to cultivation, the better.

But Xiong Zhen could only shake his head helplessly upon hearing this.

"Although I possess such techniques, there are restrictions, and I cannot pass them on casually, otherwise it will bring great disaster upon you."

"If you really want a superior system of cultivation techniques, you can go to Gu Jin, and she will satisfy your request."

He told Chu Hong that this kind of skill was extremely precious and exceptionally rare.

Within the Azure Dragon Prefecture, only top-tier aristocratic families, sects, and other leading forces possess such superior cultivation techniques.

Most martial artists and families only possess unsystematic cultivation techniques.

Although it is possible to cultivate to the level of Condensation or even beyond, the energy expenditure during the transition is simply too great.

Some martial artists, due to insufficient accumulation of experience, lacked the strength to continue practicing new techniques and eventually stopped at the level of "Transformation of Strength," with no further ability to advance.

If Chu Hong wants to switch cultivation as soon as possible and improve his foundation and strength, finding Gu Jin is the simplest way.

Chu Hong was slightly taken aback, as the name Gu Jin was completely unfamiliar to him.

Seeing his confusion, Xiong Zhen immediately pointed and said:

"Gu Jin is the head of the Hundred Herbs Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Chu Hong suddenly understood.

Although he had visited the Hundred Herbs Pavilion many times, he still did not know the name of the pavilion master.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have been puzzled by it earlier.

Thinking of this, he immediately bowed and expressed his gratitude:

"Thank you for your guidance, sir."

Xiong Zhen waved his hand again and said in a deep voice, "Although I have no excellent martial arts techniques to teach you, I do have another killing martial art that is perfect for your weaknesses and can also enhance your combat power."

"May I ask, Lord Xiong, what kind of martial art is this?" Chu Hong was immediately surprised, his eyes shining.

"Seven Forms of Overlapping Waves in Sword Technique!"

"Seven Styles of Overlapping Waves?" Chu Hong was taken aback, a hint of surprise rising in his heart.

He had thought that Xiong Zhen would recommend top-notch fist and palm techniques, but unexpectedly it was a sword technique.

Seeing the doubt in Chu Hong's eyes, Xiong Zhen calmly explained:

"Although you, the top-ranked Chu, are skilled in fist and foot techniques, you are not adept at swordsmanship. This is your second deficiency. Therefore, I will give you swordsmanship to make up for this deficiency."

"My swordsmanship is not a top-tier skill, but it is still above average, which is just right for you."

He told Chu Hong that the prefectural city was different from Yunxi County. Although the martial arts there were also very strong, most of the fighters were skilled in swords and other weapons.

As the saying goes, "an inch longer, an inch stronger," no matter how strong one's fists and feet are, they are no match for a long-range attack with weapons, and one may suffer a loss if one is not careful.

He wasn't belittling martial arts, but rather, relatively speaking, having weapons for protection allows one to go further in the long run.

If Chu Hong is proficient in both martial arts and weaponry, he will surely thrive in the Azure Dragon Mansion.

"Of course, there's a personal reason why I'm teaching you swordsmanship. I intend to invite you to join the Sky Patrol Bureau and serve the imperial government, so swordsmanship is essential."

Xiong Zhen didn't beat around the bush with Chu Hong; he spoke very directly and was extremely sincere.

In fact, during these three days, Magistrate Huang had also come to see Chu Hong.

He was invited to join the Sky Patrol Bureau to serve the government.

However, Chu Hong was very busy at the time and did not make a decision immediately, so he declined the invitation for the time being.

Now that the topic has been brought up again, Chu Hong immediately wanted to speak.

But Xiong Zhen had already reached out and silenced him:

"Chu Bangtou, don't be in such a hurry to refuse. You can think about it carefully later."

He took out a standard iron plate and handed it to Chu Hong:

"If you are determined to join the company, this token will allow you to bypass all the verification processes and be directly recruited with preferential treatment and rank."

"If you really can't make up your mind, you can ask Gu Jin. I believe she can give you a clear answer."

Xiong Zhen did not aggressively promote the benefits of the Sky Patrol Division, but only asked Chu Hong to consider it carefully. Whatever choice Chu Hong made, he would respect Chu Hong's decision.

It's the Pavilion Master again?

He couldn't help but feel a little doubtful. Judging from Xiong Zhen's expression, he seemed to know about his deal with the Pavilion Master.

But Xiong Zhen didn't seem to care about this; on the contrary, he was quite supportive.

Chu Hong was puzzled, but he didn't ask.

After bowing in gratitude once more, he silently put away the sword technique manual and the token.

Xiong Zhen patted Chu Hong on the shoulder and said with great satisfaction:

"Alright, Master Chu, now that this matter is settled, I should return to report."

"I hope to wait for you to join the Sky Patrol Division."

-----------------

After bidding farewell to Xiong Town, Chu Hong did not rush home to cultivate. Instead, he turned around and walked slowly towards the Hundred Medicines Pavilion.

He had many doubts in his mind, which he needed the Pavilion Master to answer.

There were already servants waiting outside the Hundred Medicines Pavilion, as if they knew Chu Hong was coming.

Upon seeing Chu Hong, he immediately stepped forward to lead the way, taking him deep into the backyard.

After passing through numerous corridors, Chu Hong arrived at the courtyard behind the Hundred Herbs Pavilion and stopped at a waterside courtyard.

In the stone pavilion by the water, Gu Jin, dressed in green, sat alone, still wearing the mask on her face, staring blankly at the sprouting green branches.

Chu Hong stopped there and did not go forward to disturb them.

Before half an incense stick's time had passed, a clear, cold voice slowly drifted over:

"Now that Young Master Chu has arrived, why do you linger?"

Chu Hong cupped his hands in greeting and slowly walked into the pavilion:

"I saw that the Pavilion Master was deep in thought just now, so I did not approach him to avoid disturbing his mind."

Gu Jin shook her head helplessly, gestured for Chu Hong to sit down, and asked:

"Young Master Chu has just achieved the top spot on the list, yet instead of celebrating at home, you've come to find me. What brings you here?"

She did have this doubt in her mind.

At this moment, Chu Hong is either celebrating and socializing or diligently practicing martial arts.

There's no way they would come looking for me.

Chu Hong didn't mince words and stated frankly:

"There is indeed something I would like to ask the Pavilion Master for guidance on. I have never seen the choice between joining a sect or joining the Sky Patrol Division, so I find it difficult to decide."

Gu Jin lowered his gaze slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke:

"The sect has a profound foundation, but its hierarchy is also extremely strict..."

She told Chu Hong that unless he gained the sect's attention from the very beginning, he would also need to find a good master.

Otherwise, each step from outer disciple to inner disciple and then to core disciple requires a long period of rigorous training.

Furthermore, the sect only provides basic martial arts resources, which are far from sufficient. If one truly wants to grow rapidly, one must spend time and effort acquiring resources independently.

However, the situation is different at the Sky Patrol Division.

The Sky Patrol Division, backed by the Great Yan Dynasty, is the most powerful force in the world, controlling all the martial arts resources in the land.

Moreover, the rules of the Sky Patrol Bureau are transparent, unlike those of sects which only consider innate talent and aptitude.

Instead, they judge merit based on strength and achievements.

In other words, as long as you have impressive achievements, you can use them to obtain training resources and get promoted.

It is far superior to any sect.

"Of course, Young Master Chu should know that even the best places have their unavoidable dark sides."

"Even the Sky Patrol Division is the same, but as long as you are strong enough and have a powerful background, no one will dare to bully you."