#116 - Dark blue, give me some more!
Chapter 118: Deep Blue, Give Me a Hefty Boost!
At this moment.
Inside the carriage.
Zhao Zheng wore an expression of surprise.
Before him stood a woman dressed in traditional Hanfu, a翠 green long dress embroidered with delicate cloud patterns, over which she wore a sapphire blue half-sleeved top. Her hair was adorned with an exquisite hairpin, her overall attire exuding both elegance and nobility.
However, what truly astonished Zhao Zheng was the woman's appearance.
Her lips were like vermillion, her skin like congealed fat, and her eyes resembled a clear, bottomless lake. Her entire face was like that of a celestial being descended to earth.
In terms of beauty, this girl was in no way inferior to Song Haitang herself.
A piece of information immediately surfaced in Zhao Zheng's mind, and he subconsciously spoke a name:
“Song Yunxuan?”
After his consciousness descended into this body, he was able to read the original owner's memories.
In "Zhao Shanhe's" memories, there were several famous beauties in the city, one of whom was named Song.
And when Zhao Zheng had just boarded the carriage, he noticed that the character "Song" was engraved in many places, indicating that this was the Song family's carriage.
Therefore, the identity of this woman was not difficult to guess.
Being this beautiful, she must be the beauty surnamed Song.
Now she is Song Haitang.
“It seems that this body of mine has quite a reputation,” Song Haitang said softly, “Even you know about it.”
“This body of mine works as a helper in a rice shop. Of course I know about the apple of the eye of the Song family, the big grain merchant.”
The Song family was a well-known local grain merchant, very wealthy!
The shopkeeper of Zhao Shanhe's previous rice shop often went to the Song family to purchase goods, so he certainly knew about the key figures of the Song family.
As he spoke, he brazenly sat down next to Song Haitang, showing no restraint whatsoever.
Song Haitang said, “The head of the Song family, who is also the father of this body, wants to curry favor with the newly appointed Governor-General, so he plans to marry his daughter to the Governor-General as a concubine… There are still five days until the marriage.”
Zhao Zheng frowned slightly upon hearing this.
This kind of political marriage was very common in any era and nothing to be surprised about.
However, now that the inner consciousness of the Song family's daughter had become Song Haitang, Zhao Zheng certainly couldn't let the marriage proceed as scheduled…
…
Outside the carriage.
Seeing that the bald man had not come out for a long time, the maid's face became increasingly anxious.
The time that her young lady had been alone with that man was already a bit too long…
If the news were to spread, it would definitely have a bad impact on her young lady's reputation.
Her young lady was already engaged, and the object of her engagement was a very powerful figure.
Once it was rumored that her young lady was having an affair with an outsider, the consequences would probably be very serious!
Thinking of this.
The maid could hardly stand it anymore.
Just as she was about to get on the carriage to take a look, suddenly, the carriage door opened from the inside.
Then, the bald man jumped out of the carriage.
The maid had sharp eyes and noticed that the man was holding an embroidered money bag in his hand.
That was her young lady's purse!
The young lady had actually given it to the person in front of her?
Who exactly was this bald man? And what was his relationship with her young lady?
“Little sister, please let me pass.”
Zhao Zheng's voice brought the maid back to her senses, and she subconsciously stepped aside.
Zhao Zheng then jumped off the carriage and swaggered away.
After Zhao Zheng's figure disappeared into the alley, the maid immediately got into the carriage.
Seeing that her young lady's clothes were in order, she breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Afterwards, the maid asked, “Young lady, who is he? How could you let him onto your carriage? If this were to spread, it would be terrible!”
Hearing this, Song Haitang glanced at the maid and said indifferently, “Don't ask about things that are not your concern.”
Hearing these words, the maid opened her mouth, but could not say a word.
She felt that today's young lady seemed to have become a different person.
“Let's go back to the manor!”
Song Haitang then ordered.
The coachman, hearing the voice, controlled the carriage and headed in the direction of the Song family.
Several guards followed closely.
Song Yunxuan was the嫡 daughter of the Song family, and she had a marriage engagement with the Governor-General, so the Song family naturally valued her and sent people to protect her when she traveled.
On the way.
Song Haitang suddenly asked, “Cuihong, I remember that Master Li in the guard courtyard has very good skills, has he practiced martial arts?”
Hearing this, the maid Cuihong immediately said, “Yes, young lady, Master Li is a Mingjin expert hired by the master at a great price, and his martial arts are very powerful.”
“What kind of skills does Master Li know?” Song Haitang asked again.
The maid thought for a while and said, “I don't know about that, but I heard that Master Li's palm techniques are very powerful.”
…
On the other side.
After Zhao Zheng separated from Song Haitang, he went to “Fumanlou.”
This was a well-known restaurant in the city.
He used the money given by Song Haitang to book a room in the restaurant, deciding to settle down in the restaurant temporarily.
The reason he did not follow Song Haitang to the Song residence was because it was not appropriate now.
The Song family's eldest daughter had a marriage engagement with the Governor-General. How would others view it if she suddenly brought back a man?
At that time, the Song family head might silence Zhao Zheng in order to stop the rumors, having him killed directly and fed to the dogs…
The current Zhao Zheng did not have the strength, and going to the Song family would purely be asking for trouble.
“Guest, are you satisfied with this room?”
The one speaking was the waiter of the restaurant.
“It's fine, this room will do! Also, prepare some wine and dishes for me and bring them up.”
As Zhao Zheng spoke, he tossed a few pieces of silver to the waiter.
Seeing this, the waiter immediately beamed with joy and ran off to prepare.
Zhao Zheng then walked into the room and looked outside through the window.
The room he had booked was on the second floor, and through the window, he could see the entire street scene, with a very good view.
Afterwards.
Zhao Zheng clenched his fist and frowned slightly.
Having grown accustomed to possessing great power, he felt very uncomfortable now that all of his power had disappeared.
A moment later.
The waiter came to Zhao Zheng's room with some wine and dishes.
“Guest, please enjoy your meal.”
“Don't leave yet, I have something to ask you.”
As Zhao Zheng spoke, he took out a few copper coins and placed them on the table: “If you answer well, these coins will be yours.”
Seeing the money, the waiter, who was about to leave, immediately stopped in his tracks.
Don't underestimate these few coins.
For poor people, a few coins were not a small amount.
According to the current market price, one coin could buy two large meat buns!
The silver that Zhao Zheng had given earlier included the money for Zhao Zheng's meals and accommodation.
And the few coins that Zhao Zheng had taken out now were the waiter's extra income, and the nature was different.
“Sir, please ask, I will definitely tell you what I know.”
For the sake of the money, the waiter's attitude towards Zhao Zheng instantly became more enthusiastic.
Even the way he addressed him had changed.
Zhao Zheng did not care about the waiter's address to him and said, “I want to ask you, who are the powerful martial artists in the city?”
Hearing this question, the waiter immediately smiled and said, “Sir, you have come to the right person. I used to want to learn martial arts, so I have a very detailed understanding of the martial arts experts in the city…”
After boasting for a while, the waiter finally got to the point: "Here, the martial spirit is strong, and there are many martial arts experts in the city. But if you want to talk about the most powerful, it is naturally Master Huang of Baozhi Hall."
"Master Huang is the chief martial arts instructor of the state's militia. Based on this alone, if he claims second place, no one here would dare to claim first!"
"Secondly, there is Master Yan of the Yan Family Martial Arts Hall. Master Yan's Eagle Claw Iron Shirt has been practiced to a great level of mastery, impervious to blades and spears, and incomparably brave. It is said that Master Yan once competed with Master Huang and held his own for a hundred moves."
"There's also Wing Chun Master Chen, the Song family's bodyguard Master Li..."
...
This waiter really knows a lot about the martial arts experts in the city.
He talked to Zhao Zheng for a full half hour before finishing talking about the famous martial artists in the city.
After dismissing the waiter, Zhao Zheng finally revealed a trace of a smile.
The martial artists the waiter mentioned were all his targets!
After lunch.
Zhao Zheng didn't go anywhere and rested in the restaurant.
Around three o'clock in the afternoon, the waiter came to his room again.
"Sir, there is someone sent by the Song family outside who wants to see you."
"Oh?" Zhao Zheng perked up and said, "Let him in."
The waiter immediately turned and left.
Not long after.
He led a middle-aged man into the room.
The middle-aged man saw Zhao Zheng and didn't waste any words. He took off the package he was carrying, placed it on the table, and said, "My master asked me to give you these things."
Zhao Zheng nodded and, imitating the locals, cupped his fist at the middle-aged man and said, "Thank you for your trouble."
"Now that the things have been delivered, I'll be leaving."
The middle-aged man had no interest in chatting with Zhao Zheng. He dropped this sentence and turned to leave.
After the man left, Zhao Zheng closed the door and opened the package.
Inside were all the martial arts manuals that Song Haitang had sent.
《Iron Shirt》, 《Chasing Cloud Steps》, 《Thunder Palm》...
Seeing these martial arts manuals, Zhao Zheng smiled.
"Haitang's speed is quite fast. Sure enough, it's easy to get things done with money!"
Before leaving the carriage, Zhao Zheng had told Song Haitang that he would be staying at Fumanlou.
So Song Haitang would know his location.
Although these martial arts manuals that Song Haitang sent were all external skills, Zhao Zheng was very satisfied with the efficiency.
He glanced over them and picked up the 《Iron Shirt》!
Almost the instant he picked it up, a prompt popped up in his left eye:
[Found martial arts manual 《Iron Shirt》, learn it?]
[Prompt: Learning 《Iron Shirt》 and entering the basics will consume 100 Spirit Energy Points.]
Seeing the prompt.
Zhao Zheng didn't hesitate and directly chose "Learn!"
Instantly!
The handwritten copy of the manual in his hand disappeared, turning into starlight and merging into his body.
Then.
Zhao Zheng felt a surge of heat in his dantian, quickly spreading throughout his body.
Zhao Zheng wasn't alarmed at all.
Old Chu had said that this was Spirit Energy remodeling the body, allowing the body to automatically master martial arts, while also improving his realm.
Of course.
It consumed Spirit Energy Points.
When the heat disappeared, Zhao Zheng could feel that his body had changed.
He immediately opened the attribute panel.
Name: Zhao Shanhe (Zhao Zheng).
Age: 19 years old.
Martial Arts: Iron Shirt (Beginner).
Current Realm: Muscle Training.
Current Martial Arts Competition Points: 0.
Available Spirit Energy Points: 4967.
...
There were also obvious changes on the attribute panel.
Afterward.
A task prompt popped up in Zhao Zheng's left eye:
[Monitoring that you have already learned martial arts, this Spirit Realm task is activated...]
[Task: Challenge Martial Artists!]
[Task Description: Defeat martial artists in a fair martial arts competition to obtain Martial Arts Points. The higher the Martial Arts Points, the higher the task evaluation.]
[Task Time: 30 days.]
[Note: Please do not use cheating methods to win, such as using benefits to induce martial artists to voluntarily admit defeat, poisoning martial artists in advance, etc. These are all cheating methods. Each use will deduct a portion of Martial Arts Points.]
[Hint: Defeating local martial artists does not require killing them. Defeating them or having them admit defeat will grant you Martial Arts Points. Defeating other Transcendent beings will not grant you Martial Arts Points.]
Seeing the task.
Zhao Zheng's expression was calm.
Old Chu had already told all the students what this task was.
He brought up his attribute panel and prepared to upgrade "Iron Shirt"!
This horizontal training skill could enhance defense, and it was one of the martial arts Zhao Zheng needed.
However, to upgrade martial arts, he had to first improve his martial arts realm.
Zhao Zheng already knew this.
He chose to upgrade both together!
Instantly, prompts flashed continuously in Zhao Zheng's left eye...
[Upgrading Iron Shirt successful, consuming 100 Spirit Energy Points. Current Iron Shirt level: Proficient!]
[Upgrading Iron Shirt successful, consuming 200 Spirit Energy Points. Current Iron Shirt level: Expert!]
[Upgrading Iron Shirt successful, consuming 300 Spirit Energy Points. Current Iron Shirt level: Great Accomplishment!]
[Upgrading Iron Shirt successful, consuming 400 Spirit Energy Points. Current Iron Shirt level: Transcendent!]
...
All the martial arts in the Spirit Realm were divided into five levels: Beginner, Proficient, Expert, Great Accomplishment, and Transcendent.
Zhao Zheng directly upgraded "Iron Shirt" to the maximum level in one go.
It consumed a total of 1000 Spirit Energy Points.
And upgrading his martial arts realm consumed even more Spirit Energy Points. From Muscle Training to Manifested Strength, the four realms alone consumed a full 1500 points.
He had to improve his realm.
Because, to master the "Transcendent" level Iron Shirt, the prerequisite was to have the "Manifested Strength" realm.
Each time his realm improved, a surge of heat would appear in Zhao Zheng's dantian, remodeling his body...
When "Iron Shirt" was upgraded to the maximum level, a new prompt popped up in his left eye.
[Congratulations! Your martial art "Iron Shirt" has undergone a transformation, becoming "Dragon's Roar Iron Shirt", greatly increasing your defense!]
A look of joy finally appeared on Zhao Zheng's face.
Upgrading both together before had cost him a lot of Spirit Energy Points, which made his heart ache...
Afterward.
Zhao Zheng opened his attribute panel again:
Name: Zhao Shanhe (Zhao Zheng).
Age: 19 years old.
Martial Arts: Dragon's Roar Iron Shirt (Transcendent).
Current Realm: Manifested Strength.
Current Martial Arts Competition Points: 0.
Available Spirit Energy Points: 2567.
...
Spirit Energy Points were directly reduced by 2500 points.
Most of this was used to improve his realm.
However.
The result was worth it.
Under the remodeling of Spirit Energy Points, Zhao Zheng's martial arts realm directly skipped the three early realms of "Muscles, Bones, and Skin" and became "Manifested Strength"!
The so-called "Muscles, Bones, and Skin" three realms are actually the stage of tempering the body.
Only by tempering the body into copper skin and iron bones can Manifested Strength arise!
Under normal circumstances, ordinary martial artists need at least ten years to temper their muscles and bones. Those with poor talent may not even succeed in twenty years.
Even those martial arts geniuses would have to spend three to five years to complete the tempering stage!
— — — — — — — — — — — —
(PS: By the way, the task has been modified. It was reputation before, but now it is Martial Arts Points. The change is not big, and bosses don’t need to go back to look at it. The modification is mainly because reputation is too general, and Martial Arts Points are more intuitive.)
