Gou Zai Wudao Shicheng Dao

Listening to her mother and sister-in-law's words, Fang Xia felt a warmth gradually rising in her heart.

The family exhausted all their savings to raise money for his education.

Now that Sanyangtang has waived tuition fees, the family's first thought is still for themselves.

With a slight moisture in her eyes, Fang Xia shook her head and said, "Mother, sister-in-law, let's keep all the family income at home from now on."

Not only did Master Ning waive my tuition fees, but he also granted me three doses of body-tempering ointment every month!

Furthermore, the inner sect's diet includes large portions of meat and tiger bone soup, which can replenish the qi and blood needed for martial arts practice.

Seeing Fang Xia's determined expression, her sister-in-law Ruan Linghe shook her head and said, "Xia, you are now in the golden age of learning martial arts, and the family cannot sit idly by."

Nowadays, investing one unit of resources can yield two or three units of improvement.

"Alright then, from now on, the family will contribute three taels of silver each month, and you can add a dose of body-tempering ointment."

Fang Xia frowned slightly, looking somewhat unwilling.

Han walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder: "Xia, just listen to your sister-in-law, don't be stubborn anymore!"

Linghe and I embroidered silk, and the silk we produced was recognized by the Lin family's "Silk Shop".

From now on, we can sell five taels of silver a month from silk sales...

Upon hearing the news from the Han family, Fang Xia's eyes lit up with joy: "Really? That's wonderful!"

With this income, our family's life will be much more comfortable from now on.

Under the gazes of Han Shi and Ruan Linghe, Fang Xia nodded.

At this moment, Fang Qiuwan's gaze was drawn to the fish basket, and she curiously leaned closer.

She tilted her head and asked, "Second brother, what's in your fish basket?"

It feels heavy, could it be a fish?

Fang Xia smiled and nodded, then reached out and opened the fish basket.

The "Great Azure Dragon," with its dark blue-black body and gleaming scales, was instantly revealed.

A faint fluctuation of vital energy wafted over me.

"This is a treasure fish, called a large blue dragon, weighing a full 21 jin (10.5 kg). I bought it at the market."

"Treasure Fish?!" Han and Ruan Linghe exclaimed at the same time, quickly approaching and looking at the treasure fish with surprise on their faces.

Ruan Linghe reached out and gently touched the scales of the 'Great Azure Dragon', her tone full of emotion: "Second brother, you're so lucky!"

The treasure fish is transformed by absorbing the primordial energy of heaven and earth. Its flesh and blood contain rich primordial energy, making it an excellent tonic.

Ordinary people can't even see it, and you actually managed to buy it!

Madam Han nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with joy: "Yes, yes, such a precious fish is extremely beneficial to cultivation."

You can use this to hone your body's resilience and break through to the Stone Skin Realm as soon as possible.

Fang Xia smiled and briefly recounted how she bought the treasure fish.

Han and Ruan Linghe nodded repeatedly, feeling even more that Fang Xia was incredibly lucky.

Twenty-five taels of silver may be a lot, but to buy a precious fish that can aid in cultivation, this deal is well worth it.

........

"Good, well done, you didn't disgrace the Fang family."

"You've achieved some success in stance training and reached the Pi Guan point. It seems you've indeed put in a lot of hard work at Sanyang Hall."

The eldest brother, Fang Qing, was attracted by the commotion in the courtyard.

Despite losing an arm, he still maintained an upright posture and a calm gaze.

A hint of relief flashed in his eyes, and he patted Fang Xia on the shoulder.

After saying that, his gaze fell on the "Great Azure Dragon" and the meat, and his brows furrowed slightly.

"But Xia, you spend money too extravagantly."

Although the 'Big Blue Dragon' fish was excellent, it cost twenty-five taels of silver.

And this meat also cost a lot of money.

In martial arts training, resources are precious. You should spend your money wisely and save it for breaking through bottlenecks in the future.

The body tempering process involves four major challenges: skin, flesh, tendons, and bones. Each challenge requires painstaking effort.

"When we reach the Bone Gate or even the Inner Refinement Heavenly Ladder, the resources required will only increase; we cannot afford to be so extravagant."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xia gave a wry smile, her tone tinged with helplessness: "Brother, I understand what you mean."

But I am of inferior aptitude, with mediocre talent, and I am already a step behind those geniuses.

If one is unwilling to invest resources and relies solely on arduous cultivation, one probably won't even reach the peak of external cultivation, let alone the inner cultivation ladder.

Fang Qing was startled, and gave Fang Xia a deep look, the seriousness in his eyes gradually fading.

He paused for a moment, then slowly nodded: "That's right, it was my elder brother's oversight."

If you are not as talented as others, you can only make up for it with resources. This money is well spent.

However, in future practice, one should proceed according to one's ability and not push oneself too hard.

"Don't worry, big brother, I know what I'm doing." Fang Xia nodded, feeling a warmth in her heart.

Although his elder brother had lost an arm, he still thought of him all the time.

Fang Xia then set about dealing with the "Great Azure Dragon".

He picked up the cleaver and skillfully cut open the fish's belly.

Remove the scales and internal organs, and clean the treasure fish "Big Blue Dragon".

"This treasure fish weighs a total of twenty-one catties. I will keep eleven catties of fish meat to use as resources for body tempering and skin-strengthening cultivation."

Leave three catties of fish meat for my mother, elder brother, sister-in-law, and Wanqiu to nourish their bodies.

The medicinal properties of the fish are mild, and even ordinary people can benefit from its ability to nourish their blood and qi.

The remaining five pounds of fish bones were used to make a delicious soup.

After dealing with the 'Great Azure Dragon', Fang Xia made a slight mental effort and began distributing the treasure fish.

Fang Qiuwan leaned over and looked at the tender fish meat, her mouth practically watering: "Second Brother, is the 'Big Blue Dragon' meat delicious? Wanqiu wants to eat some too."

Fang Xia smiled and ruffled her hair: "It's delicious, Wanqiu will be able to eat it today!"

However, you should eat less. The medicinal properties of the fish are strong, and you are young; you won't be able to digest too much.

.........

After preparing the fish, Fang Xia cut off a large piece of fish meat without blanching or seasoning it.

He sliced ​​it thinly and plated it as sashimi.

The flesh of the Baoyu fish is translucent white with a faint bluish tinge. Its texture is delicate, and it exudes a subtle fragrance that makes one's mouth water.

Fang Xia noticed that there seemed to be extremely faint thunder patterns appearing between the textures of the fish flesh.

Recalling what Liang Sanshui said at the fish market, this fish came from the rapids and dangerous shoals of the Baicang River.

A thought stirred within him, and he realized that this fish was indeed extraordinary.

Fang Xia picked up a piece of sashimi and put it in her mouth.

With a gentle bite, the fish melts instantly, revealing its tender and smooth texture.

It had no fishy smell at all, but instead had a faint sweet aftertaste that slid down the throat and into the stomach.

The next moment, a rich and gentle energy burst forth from the fish meat.

This vital energy was purer than expected, as if it contained the power of a surging river.

It flowed slowly along the meridians, spreading to Fang Xia's limbs and bones.

It's warm and cozy, very comfortable.

But there was also a subtle, electric-like stimulation that washed over my skin, muscles, and bones.

"Such pure vital energy!"

It was even more concentrated than I had imagined, and the energy of the treasure fish was gentle, which was perfect for my current skin barrier training.

This vital energy can quickly nourish the skin and flesh, and strengthen the blood and qi; it's more effective than eating ten pounds of beef or mutton.

Fang Xia chewed slowly.

They ate sashimi slice after slice.

The body's Qi and blood gradually become active and surge rapidly.

My whole body felt tingly and numb.

The feeling of being nourished by vital energy made him feel comfortable all over.

Before long, Fang Xia finished the plate of sashimi.

His vital energy was already at its peak.

My whole body felt hot, and even my cheeks flushed.

Just then, Fang Xia keenly noticed that there seemed to be extremely faint footsteps outside the courtyard, which disappeared in a flash.

He felt a chill run down his spine, instantly thinking of Huang Laizi and the Black Tiger Gang's lurking presence.

"Mother, sister-in-law, I'm going back to my room to practice my martial arts and digest the effects of Baoyu's medicine."

Fang Xia stood up, her tone tinged with urgency.

His eyes unconsciously swept towards the direction outside the courtyard.

He could clearly feel that his internal energy had reached a critical point, and practicing at this time would surely lead to a breakthrough.

The sudden realization made him understand that improving his strength was an urgent matter.

"Okay, go ahead, but don't overwork yourself, and be mindful of your limits," Madam Han quickly instructed.

Fang Xia nodded, quickly returned to her room, and closed the door.

He sat cross-legged on the bed, first slowly closing his eyes and adjusting his breathing.

He forcibly suppressed the distracting thoughts that arose from the outside world's prying eyes.

He then stood up, assumed the Sanyang stance, and stood firmly.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms hanging naturally at your sides.

The body's Qi and blood circulated slowly, and the medicinal power of the precious fish seeped into the skin and flesh along with the Qi and blood.

Fang Xia could clearly feel that the blood and qi in her body were becoming more and more abundant.

The initial stage of the bullhide slab is rapidly stabilizing.

The medicinal effects forced him to concentrate fully, to bear and guide the force, and to avoid wasting a single drop.

After standing in the meditation posture for half an hour, Fang Xia slowly opened her eyes.

A glint of light flashed in his eyes, and then he raised his hand and began to strike with the Qingyang Palm.

With feet firmly planted, as solid and grounded as the Sanyang stance.

The body's Qi and blood circulated with the palm techniques, and the undigested medicinal power of the precious fish in the body was gradually absorbed with each rise and fall of the moves.

The "foundation-strengthening" characteristic of the Qingyang Palm is being fully utilized at this moment.

It not only guides the flow of qi and blood to nourish the skin and flesh, but also cleverly integrates the faint thunderous power contained in the treasure fish into the body.

........

Fang Xia moved lightly, her body steady, blocking with her left palm and pushing straight with her right.

Every move was skillful and fluid, with a sharp and powerful palm strike.

During a break from practicing his fist techniques, Fang Xia noticed that as the Qingyang Palm was activated...

The medicinal power of the precious fish within his body spread throughout his entire body via his meridians.

Moreover, the area between the eyebrows, indicating a "late bloomer" destiny, faintly glows with golden light.

Looking inward, one senses a slight tremor in one's destiny, as if responding to this nourishing power.

[Destiny: Late bloomer!]

[Sanyang Zhuang Minor Success (11/100)]

[Qingyang Palm Basics (6/100)]

[Body Tempering Realm: Skin Barrier - Initial Stage of Bullhide (5/100)]

After slowly finishing his practice, Fang Xia let out a long breath, overjoyed.

"As expected of the Treasure Fish! Its potency... is both domineering and pure!"

The initial stage of the cowhide armor has been completely stabilized, and a major step forward has been taken.

Both the Sanyang stance and the Qingyang palm technique have shown improvement.

The body's Qi and blood are nearly 40% more abundant than before, carrying a subtle vitality.

The slight discomfort I had felt earlier in my body has completely disappeared.

"Just one meal of sashimi... saved me at least seven days of grueling training! It was worth it!"

Fang Xia clenched his fist, feeling the power in his eyes, his gaze becoming even brighter.