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

Chu Hong did not encounter any difficulties at the Song family's home.

From Song Qingshan down to his servants, everyone treated him kindly.

In particular, Song Qingshan specifically told Chu Hong not to feel pressured.

Five years have passed, and he has come to terms with it.

Returning to a normal life is fine too.

Moreover, it's not necessarily a bad thing that the Song family lost a large amount of their assets.

As long as there are still members of the Song family, they may still be able to reach the Transformation Realm.

Moreover, the Song family has been operating in Yunxi County for many years and has had many powerful experts who have established good relations with them.

Before the major families devour the Song family, they have to think twice.

Chu Hong successfully collected all the rewards.

A solid, blood-red token serves as proof of cultivation in the Blood Pool. It is cold to the touch and its material is unknown.

The surrounding area is engraved with auspicious clouds, while the two majestic characters "Yunxi" are displayed in the center, making it quite extraordinary.

"Junior Brother Chu, just let me know when you need to go to the Blood Pool, and I'll take you there," Song Yue said softly.

Chu Hong nodded slightly and solemnly put the token away.

With the Blood Pool buff, skill improvement will be much faster.

What remained were the land deed, banknotes, and a finely crafted dagger.

He did not specifically learn swordsmanship, but having a sword gave him an extra means of dealing with enemies.

Finally, there was the promise to fully support Chu Hong in his attempt to master the hidden strength.

The Song family was very generous and directly gave Chu Hong three Qi and Blood Pills.

This is the same type of pill as the Qi and Blood Pill, but its effects are stronger.

Even the Song family can only buy five pills per month.

In addition, a considerable number of Qi and Blood Pills also ended up in Chu Hong's pocket.

When I returned to the martial arts school, it was already night.

As soon as I got back to the dormitory, I found Tang Sinian packing his luggage.

"Junior Brother Tang, what's wrong with you...?"

The answer suddenly flashed through Chu Hong's mind, and he did not ask any further questions.

Tang Sinian paused, sighed, and said with a wry smile:

"Senior Brother Chu, I have failed to pass the test."

"So what if you failed the test? The tuition you paid is enough to last for six months. How long has it been?"

Chu Hong couldn't understand why Tang Sinian would leave after failing to gain entry.

He could have stayed at the martial arts school a little longer, and maybe even accumulated enough energy to break through another barrier.

"Sigh..." Tang Sinian continued packing his luggage, and soon slung the bag over his shoulder.

He approached Chu Hong and solemnly cupped his hands in greeting:

"Senior Brother Chu, I also want to stay at the martial arts school, but my family... can't afford it anymore."

"I have to take care of my family as well."

After saying this, he bowed deeply to Chu Hong, his face filled with apology:

"Senior Brother Chu, I was wrong back then. I was young, ignorant, and too arrogant. I apologize to you here."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and stepped out of the dormitory.

"Hello!"

A thought suddenly flashed through Chu Hong's mind.

"Anyway, there are still a few months left. Why don't you stay here, Junior Brother Tang? I'll cover the cost for you."

Chu Hong calculated that Tang Sinian should be able to stay at the martial arts school for another two months.

If I were to sponsor him, it wouldn't need to be much, just ten taels of silver.

Perhaps that could change his life.

Upon hearing this, Tang Sinian froze on the spot, looking at Chu Hong in disbelief, his face showing obvious interest.

But in the end, he gritted his teeth and firmly shook his head:

"Senior Brother Chu, I appreciate your kindness. If I have the opportunity, I will continue to refine my Qi and Blood."

"Maybe next time we meet, I'll be quite the expert!"

He waved his hand dismissively, then turned and stepped into the night.

Tang Sinian's departure left Chu Hong with a slightly bitter feeling.

He realized that if it weren't for the control panel, he might have returned to an ordinary life, just like Tang Sinian.

Finally, he learned medicine from his father and then inherited his father's pharmacy.

But soon, Chu Hong suddenly woke up and looked at the bright moon in the sky.

"A martial artist should not be hindered by distractions; they should forge ahead without hesitation!"

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

The following day, Chu Hong went to Dawei Escort Agency to attend Shi Yi's funeral.

The funeral was very simple.

The Shi family wept bitterly, heartbroken.

Shi Potian sat to one side, drinking tea with a bitter expression, looking utterly exhausted.

Paper money flew everywhere, falling onto the coffin with each shovelful of yellow earth.

Chu Hong remained silent, remembering Shi Yi's contributions.

"Senior Shi, I need to prepare for the Dark Force cultivation stage, so I may have to stop escorting goods for the time being."

Afterwards, Chu Hong told Shi Potian about his decision.

After receiving permission, Chu Hong spoke again:

"Senior Shi, I will always remember Brother Shi's kindness. If there is anything I can do to help you, please send someone to find me at any time."

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

Back at the martial arts school, Chu Hong entered a deep state of martial arts training.

During this time, he swallowed all three Qi and Blood Pills, which made his Qi and Blood abundant and greatly increased his strength.

The Song family frequently sent medicinal meals and highly nutritious meats, doing their utmost to provide for them.

Chu Hong has also entered the Blood Pool, and just as rumored, one day there is equivalent to a month outside.

Chu Hong's blood and energy became increasingly vigorous, and his strength reached its peak.

A month and a half later.

Chu Hong walked briskly to the training ground.

"Today, I will be able to break through the barrier of internal strength!"

Chu Hong looked at the data on the panel, unable to hide his excitement.

【Hun Yuan Zhuang (Minor Completion) 1975/2000】

He stood still, assuming a stance.

Before long, a surge of heat rose from the soles of my feet, sweeping through my limbs and bones.

As the heat flowed, Chu Hong's body became increasingly hot, as if he had fallen into magma, with white mist rising from his body.

The excruciating pain struck again, but he gritted his teeth and remained motionless.

[Hun Yuan Stance Proficiency +1]

[Hun Yuan Stance Proficiency +1]

【...】

[The Hunyuan Stance has been upgraded to 'Great Completion']

At that moment, a surge of heat rushed into his dantian.

The moment it entered, the originally fierce and explosive power suddenly became soft and gentle, like a calm stream.

Then it flows out from the dantian, circulates throughout the body, merges into the flesh and blood, and completely transforms into a gentle, hidden force.

The snowflakes falling from the sky were so clear in his eyes.

You can even hear the soft rustling sound of snowflakes falling.

What delighted him most was the gentle yet vast power within his body.

This is called hidden strength.

He pointed a finger at the training stake, subtly releasing his strength, and the stake was instantly pierced through, leaving a hole.

He then lightly patted the wooden stake with his palm, but the stake's appearance remained unchanged.

But with just a gentle pry, you can see that the inside has been smashed into powder by a hidden force.

Chu Hong felt the gentle yet penetrating power of the hidden force, and his heart was filled with excitement and joy.

His gaze quietly fell towards the inner courtyard.

His gaze was deep, as if it could pierce through the solid walls and strike Pang Hai.

I've caught up.

Are you ready?

Chu Hong knew that Pang Hai had been honing his qi and blood and diligently practicing boxing for the sake of martial arts.

He wanted to master the fundamentals before the martial arts training began.

However, Chu Hong was not afraid.

His future path will only accelerate.

Who knows who will master the "transformation of strength" technique first?

Moreover, it is still unknown whether Pang Hai will survive to reach the Transformation Realm.

At this moment, Song Yue came out of the inner courtyard as usual, carrying meat prepared especially for Chu Hong.

With just one glance, she could clearly see the changes in Hong's blood and qi.

She was quite familiar with that immense aura.

Unable to contain her excitement, she exclaimed:

"Junior Brother Chu, you've reached the Hidden Strength stage!?"

Song Yue's voice wasn't loud, but it was extremely penetrating.

In an instant, the apprentices and disciples who were close to the training ground, canteen, dormitory and inner courtyard all heard this astonishing news.

In an instant, all eyes were focused on it.

Chu Hong smiled faintly and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Senior Sister Song, I have successfully completed the challenge and fulfilled my mission!"

Many apprentices were deeply moved.

Senior Brother Chu, you've really mastered the hidden power!

From this day forward, he will be Zhuang Chengfeng's disciple.

Although he is not as good as Pang Hai's personal disciples or closed-door disciples.

But the treatment they received was extraordinary.

Putting everything else aside, just the fact that he's associated with Zhuang Chengfeng means that most forces wouldn't dare to mess with him.

At this moment, the senior brothers and sisters of the inner courtyard also came out upon hearing the sound.

Seeing Chu Hong's upright figure in the training ground, everyone congratulated him in unison:

"Junior Brother Chu, congratulations!"

"Junior Brother Chu, are you free tonight? Let's go to the Little Red House and have some fun."

"..."