Starting with photographic memory, I've worked my way up to become a martial arts immortal.

Inner courtyard.

Through his second senior brother's introduction, Jiang Yuan became acquainted with several disciples and was quite surprised to learn that, apart from Gao Fan, they were all from wealthy families.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. Even with his own panel, he still needs to buy herbs to speed up his cultivation, let alone others.

He had assumed that other disciples from the inner courtyard had not come, but during his conversation with his second senior brother, he learned that today was the day the martial arts hall was distributing Qi-Nourishing Pills, and that this was the day when everyone had come.

"The Qi-Nourishing Pill?"

Jiang Yuan's heart stirred. This pill master gave it to him before he even broke through. Did he think highly of him?

Thinking of this, his gratitude towards his master deepened.

After practicing his skills for a while, the kitchen lady brought over a large bucket and ladled out a small bowl of soup for Jiang Yuan.

"What's wrong? Did you notice that this soup is different from the ones outside?" Gao Fan walked over and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Jiang Yuan nodded, staring at the herbal soup in the bowl, and said, "Yes, the color is darker, and the taste is richer."

"Haha, it smells even worse now, because there's been a lot more stuff added. When you break through to become a Ming Jin martial artist, your body will also improve. The effects of the outer courtyard's stuff will be much weaker if you drink it again," Gao Fan explained with a laugh.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Gao," Jiang Yuan said gratefully.

"It's nothing. We all come from poor backgrounds. If you don't understand anything in the future, just ask me."

After saying that, he gestured to the other side with his chin, "See? Even though we're fellow disciples, they look down on people like us who come from humble backgrounds."

Jiang Yuan followed his gaze and saw three men dressed in brocade robes chatting together, unaware of them.

When he and Zhang Xiaofeng returned some time ago, he tried to strike up a conversation with this person, but received no response.

Looking at this person's demeanor as he speaks to others now, he is nowhere near the taciturn person he once was.

Jiang Yuan withdrew his gaze, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you more often, Senior Brother."

"It's alright." Gao Fan patted Jiang Yuan on the shoulder before turning to leave.

After a day, Jiang Yuan noticed that his master appeared more frequently after entering the inner courtyard, and the lunch was different from before, with special meals prepared for them, a stark contrast to their previous treatment.

As dusk approached, Jiang Yuan was the last to leave. Anyway, his current residence was nearby; it wouldn't be a long walk in the dark.

As soon as I stepped out of the gate, I saw a figure loitering not far away.

"Senior Brother Dong, were you waiting for me?" Jiang Yuan greeted him.

"Yes." Dong Erbao forced a smile. "I haven't congratulated Junior Brother on breaking through to the Ming Jin level yet."

Jiang Yuan glanced at his expression and tentatively asked, "Senior Brother Dong, you're too kind. Has something happened?"

"How should I put it?" Dong Erbao looked conflicted, but still sighed. "I'm straightforward, so I'll just tell you directly. I can make my own decision about sponsoring disciples who haven't broken through to the Ming Jin level, but if it's a Ming Jin martial arts master, then it'll have to be decided by my father."

Jiang Yuan immediately understood that Dong Erbao must not have reached an agreement with his father about his sponsorship, hence his unpleasant expression. After all, Dong Erbao had said that he would increase the sponsorship amount once Jiang Yuan became a Ming Jin martial arts master.

He immediately comforted him, saying, "Brother Dong, if the donation isn't possible, then forget about it. There's no need to worry about it."

Dong Erbao quickly waved his hand, "It's not that I'm unwilling to provide financial assistance, it's just that my father thinks you have poor aptitude and limited potential, so the amount of money he's willing to provide isn't very high, which is causing me distress."

Jiang Yuan couldn't help but chuckle. He hadn't expected that Senior Brother Dong would speak the truth so frankly in front of him. He really was an honest person.

However, he was also touched, not expecting Dong Erbao to care so much about his affairs.

Therefore, he immediately said, "Senior brother, the Dong family's willingness to sponsor me, Jiang Yuan, is already an immense favor. How could I possibly care about the amount of money?"

"Are you really not upset about this?" Dong Erbao looked up in surprise.

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Absolutely not. People often like to add flowers to brocade, but rarely offer charcoal in the snow. I will always remember your kindness, Senior Brother."

Dong Erbao happily grabbed Jiang Yuan's arm, "Okay, let's have a couple of drinks today."

"Senior brother, I'd like to go back another day to solidify my cultivation level." Jiang Yuan waved his hand repeatedly.

"You've been training hard enough; you need to remember to balance work and rest. Your breakthrough to Ming Jin is a joyous occasion for you, for me, and even for the martial arts school. A little celebration wouldn't be too much to ask, would it?"

Dong Erbao pointed to a spot not far away, "If you really don't want to drink, that's fine too. Just treat it as having a meal with your senior brother and let him share in your joy. The newly opened 'Xiangqilou' restaurant up ahead has pretty good food. We won't go far, let's go there."

Jiang Yuan originally wanted to refuse again, but seeing Dong Erbao's eager appearance, he couldn't bring himself to refuse him.

Recently, in order to break through as soon as possible, he has been very tense. Dong Erbao's saying that training should be balanced with rest is right. This time, he should take a break.

He immediately smiled and said, "Okay, but I have one request: I'll treat you tonight."

Dong Erbao shook his head vigorously, his brows furrowed. "I invited you, how can I let you pay? That would be a slap in my face. Next time, next time we get together, I won't let you pay even if you don't."

Jiang Yuan could only nod with a wry smile, tell Dong Erbao that he needed to go back and inform his mother, and then went to the appointment.

······

Fragrant Pavilion.

The restaurant was brightly lit and bustling with noise. The first-floor hall was already full, and many diners, caught up in the drinking, were playing drinking games, banging on the table, and boasting, creating a lively atmosphere.

Guided by the waiter, Jiang Yuan arrived at a private room on the east side of the second floor. Pushing open the door, he found the table already laden with dishes.

"Come, come, junior brother, please sit down," Dong Erbao said, standing up.

"Could it be that Senior Brother has also hosted a banquet for others? There are too many dishes for the two of us to finish," Jiang Yuan quickly said.

"I didn't know what Junior Brother Jiang's tastes were like, so I ordered all of his signature dishes. Among them, I highly recommend this braised Ninghu brocade. Please try it," Dong Erbao said enthusiastically.

Jiang Yuan couldn't refuse, so he picked up his chopsticks and took a piece of fish. The fish, soaked in broth, was juicy, firm, and chewy, and his mouth was filled with the fresh taste of fish.

"Not bad, right?" Dong Erbao said proudly. "This three-pound Ninghai goldfish is very rare. You have to make an appointment in advance to have it delivered to you."

"It really is delicious. It turns out that Senior Brother had planned this all along and ordered it in advance." Jiang Yuan raised his eyebrows and joked.

"Haha, actually I've been craving this too. If you really don't come, I'll come and eat it myself. Such delicious food shouldn't be wasted." After making a polite remark, Dong Erbao also picked up his chopsticks, took a piece, and put it in his mouth.

Soon, the two of them devoured the fish. Although Dong Erbao said he was craving it, he only ate a few bites, and most of the rest ended up in Jiang Yuan's stomach.

Before long, Jiang Yuan felt a warm sensation in his abdomen, as if a warm current was spreading to his limbs and bones.

"How is it? Does it feel a little different?" Dong Erbao picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and said with a smile.

"Indeed, it feels like soaking in a hot spring inside my body, very comfortable." Jiang Yuan nodded and picked up a wine jar to fill Dong Erbao's cup.

He could sense that the fish contained some kind of energy, nourishing his body, which was completely different from the meat he usually ate.

Dong Erbao picked up a peanut and put it in his mouth. "A Ninghai goldfish of this weight has lived in the water for a long time, and its flesh has absorbed some spiritual energy. Although it cannot compare to the precious spirit fish, it is still a rare tonic for you when you have just broken through to Ming Jin and are stabilizing your realm."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Dong." Jiang Yuan immediately understood. It was clear that Dong Erbao had put a lot of effort into getting the fish, since he probably only learned about his breakthrough this morning and then managed to get such a precious item that very evening.

"No need to be polite," Dong Erbao said casually, but a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.

As the dishes on the table gradually decreased, the two became increasingly friendly in their conversation. Jiang Yuan noticed that his appetite had increased considerably; he would never have been able to eat so much before.

After a while, Dong Erbao touched his stomach and said apologetically, "I'm going downstairs to pee, I'll be right back."

After saying that, he pushed open the door and went out.

Jiang Yuan glanced at the dishes on the table, which were mostly eaten, stood up and stretched his limbs. He felt that today's trip had not been in vain. Not only had he enjoyed delicious food, but he had also nourished his body. He figured that this meal must have cost Dong Erbao a lot of money.

He went to the window, gently pushed it open, and a cool breeze immediately blew in, invigorating him.

Suddenly, Jiang Yuan's pupils contracted as he saw a familiar figure emerge from a nearby alley.

He immediately ducked behind the window and peered out.

The figure glanced furtively left and right, then lowered its head and walked away.

After a moment's thought, seeing that Dong Erbao hadn't come up yet, Jiang Yuan braced himself against the windowsill and climbed out!

He landed lightly on the ground along the wall and followed the figure in front of him.

The figure was clearly very cautious, walking and stopping frequently for about the time it takes to burn two incense sticks before stopping in front of a small house. After glancing back to make sure no one was following him, he took out his key, unlocked the door, and went inside.

Jiang Yuan emerged from the shadows and approached the house, pressing his ear against the door. He found it quiet inside, without any sound.

He hesitated for a moment, then kicked the door open and slipped inside.

The next instant, a cold glint of light slashed toward his head!

Instead of retreating, Jiang Yuan advanced, taking a step forward and crashing into the other person's arms.

"Splash!"

The long sword fell to the ground, and the figure flew out, crashing heavily onto the wooden table in the center of the room, overturning the table.

The figure grimaced as it got up, and upon seeing Jiang Yuan's face, its mouth gaped open as if it had seen a ghost. "It's you?"

Jiang Yuan calmly closed the door, turned around and looked over, "Hou An, why aren't you at the Black Tiger Gang's stronghold? What are you doing here so late at night?"

"What kind of stronghold is left? If I don't run away soon, I'll lose my head," Hou An said bitterly.

"Oh?"

He's been focused on practicing his martial arts lately. The last time he inquired about the Black Tiger Gang was a week ago, and everything was fine then. How could things have changed so quickly?

Jiang Yuan snorted coldly, "Speak, what happened to your Black Tiger Gang?"