Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

One could guess what was in the gourd—the supplementary Medicinal Wine she had asked Ye Yang to help her procure.

Elsewhere.

Lin Fengxiao, for his part, did not stop his movements, continuing to hone the unfinished set of Hidden Dragon Fist.

After a few pleasantries, Ye Yang led Chen Cheng into his private study.

"Come in, sit wherever you like."

"Master Ye, I'll put your coat here."

Before sitting down, Chen Cheng placed Ye Yang's coat on the table. He had folded it neatly before leaving, and it remained pristine even after he had killed a man on his way over.

Ye Yang nodded, turned to a cabinet in the corner, and took out a small, palm-sized wooden box.

The box looked quite old.

It was made of dark, aged sandalwood, its corners worn smooth and shiny. A thick, gray, cracked wax seal ran around the lid, and a small, rust-spotted lock hung from the front.

"Inside this box is a Treasure Medicine called Red Heart Ganoderma."

Ye Yang placed the wooden box in front of Chen Cheng and continued.

"This kind of Treasure Medicine can prolong life. The heart of this particular stalk is almost crystalline. If an ordinary person were to consume it, it would extend their life by one year."

Ye Yang tapped the lid lightly, as if lost in memory.

"About sixteen years ago, I came across it by a stroke of luck and have kept it safe ever since. I originally planned to save it for my old age, or to sell it in an emergency if I ran into trouble."

"But as I've actually lived to my current age, I've grown less attached to that one extra year of life. What difference does it make, one year more or less? You can't stop those who are meant to leave, and you can't avoid what's destined to come…"

Ye Yang paused, then looked at Chen Cheng and said with a serious expression.

"I'm giving it to you now for one reason only… In your hands, it can realize its greatest value! It can create the most possibilities!"

Hearing this, a complex look entered Chen Cheng's eyes.

This gift was too precious.

Life-extending Treasure Medicines are the rarest and most expensive of all Treasure Medicines.

To the powerful figures on death's door, they would pay any price for an extra month or even a single day, let alone a whole year.

How could Chen Cheng dare accept such an invaluable treasure?

Besides, he was only sixteen. Extending his life by a year was meaningless, at least for now.

He had no need to accept it.

Ye Yang saw his hesitation and explained in a solemn voice.

"The day before yesterday, Elder Pang made a three-month agreement with you. When the time is up, if your progress isn't ideal, he will naturally abandon any expectations for you and offer no further help."

"But if your progress meets the standard for a Sect recommendation, and you want Elder Pang to truly put in the effort to support you, this Red Heart Ganoderma is your way in."

"..."

Chen Cheng's heart stirred. He instantly understood Ye Yang's meaning.

In this world, there was no such thing as a free lunch.

The recommendation spot Pang Shixun held was a life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Even the descendants of the Pang Family had to fight tooth and nail for it, and the old friends and connections he'd built over a lifetime would come begging at his door.

When all was said and done, there was no way he would give such an opportunity to an outsider for free.

But this Red Heart Ganoderma could extend a life by one year.

It meant little to Chen Cheng, but to the white-haired and ancient Pang Shixun, it was an entirely different matter.

Only with a tangible exchange of benefits could Pang Shixun's vague admiration transform into genuine support.

"I understand. Thank you, Master Ye!"

Chen Cheng stood and offered a solemn, cupped-fist salute.

He didn't offer any flowery words, but in his heart, he accepted the weight of this favor.

'I will repay this kindness in full one day!'

"Alright, no need for formalities."

Ye Yang waved his hand and continued seriously.

"In the end, this Red Heart Ganoderma is just to get your foot in the door. Whether or not you succeed three months from now will depend entirely on your own hard work."

After he finished speaking, Ye Yang smiled, his tone softening.

"Of course, I've always seen your Heart Nature. Many times, I've wanted to tell you not to push yourself so hard. It's necessary to get proper rest and relaxation…"

"I understand."

The two chatted for a while longer, and then Chen Cheng rose to take his leave.

Before he left, he tidied up the side room where he had been staying one more time and took all of his personal belongings.

Unsurprisingly, Qiao Qiao "occupied" the room that very same day.

Since the martial competition two days ago, Ye Yang had been doting on the little girl even more, granting her every request.

...

「After lunch the next day.」

Dressed neatly, Chen Cheng pushed open the gate and left his courtyard.

The bright sun reflecting off the snow was dazzling.

Chen Cheng walked north along the street, his pace unhurried.

He hadn't gone far when he noticed a figure behind a thick old willow tree by the distant riverbank. They were tailing him from afar.

Chen Cheng gave no sign of alarm, simply continuing on his way as if nothing was wrong.

This was still the South Third District. The sun was high, people were sweeping snow from the streets, and Patrol Office Constables were on patrol.

Chen Cheng wasn't worried that the person tailing him would make a sudden move.

Still, being followed constantly was like a thorn in his side, and it was deeply unsettling.

'Setting up an ambush like I did yesterday ultimately does more harm than good.'

'The next tracker will only be stronger, more professional, and more dangerous.'

'I can't kill them all, and trying to will only bring more trouble upon myself.'

'In the end, Yu An is the root of this problem.'

'He wants to avenge Yu Shi.'

'It's just that for various reasons, it's inconvenient for him to act personally at the moment.'

'Or maybe he's just naturally cautious and wants to send people to scout out my movements, habits, and true strength... Once he has a complete picture, he'll find the right moment for a single, decisive strike.'

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