Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

Dragon Mountain Hall and Cloud Platform Hall had a long-standing feud. Their rankings among the Zhao City Martial Arts Halls were neck and neck, leading to a relationship of constant competition, both overt and covert.

In that one battle, Chen Cheng had honorably defeated Cloud Platform Hall in a public tournament.

It was only natural, then, for the old Hall Master of Dragon Mountain Hall to offer a few words of praise.

However, it was only a Middle Courtyard tournament. He was still a long way from winning the old Hall Master's true esteem based on that single victory.

"Follow me."

Cao Miao turned and led Chen Cheng into an adjacent room. He pointed at the items on a table and spoke.

"These are the items for your promotion to the Upper Courtyard. Cao Zhao is an eager one, so he's already collected them for you."

"One Red Jade Blood-Nourishing Pill, ten catties of Dried Tiger Meat, and thirty catties of Dried Venison. These resources are distributed every two months. Additionally, there's a set of everyday clothes for each of the four seasons, four pairs of high-speed boots..."

"Finally, Cao Zhao mentioned you prefer peace and quiet, so he picked out Courtyard Three for you. The key is there as well. Keep it safe."

"Thank you, Master Cao! And please, thank Senior Brother Cao for me!"

Chen Cheng glanced at the large pile of items on the table and cupped his fist in a salute once more.

Cao Miao waved his hand dismissively, his expression turning serious.

"You've only just condensed the Fifth Pillar of Blood Qi, which means you've been promoted to the Upper Courtyard by exception. You have one year. If you cannot condense the Sixth Pillar of Blood Qi within that year, you will have to return to the Middle Courtyard. That is the rule, and not even I can help you with it."

"Understood."

Chen Cheng nodded.

He was well aware that the minimum requirement to enter the Upper Courtyard was condensing the Sixth Pillar of Blood Qi.

This might be a difficult condition for an ordinary person.

For him, however, it would be a simple matter to accomplish it within twenty days, barring any surprises.

'The real question is, how will I explain such ridiculously fast progress in twenty days?'

"Good, as long as you understand. Work hard and improve over the next year. I believe you can achieve a breakthrough."

Cao Miao paused for a moment before adding,

"During this time, if you find your cultivation resources are insufficient, you can seek out Master Zhang. He manages Dragon Mountain Hall's various enterprises and regularly assigns missions to Upper Courtyard disciples. Completing them will earn you more resources."

"Master Cao..."

Chen Cheng asked,

"What kind of missions are they, usually?"

"There's no set type."

Cao Miao said.

"Usually, they involve patrolling mines, escorting ore caravans, and occasionally hunting down renegade disciples who have fled their Death Oath Contracts or assisting an official family with their affairs..."

"...I see."

Chen Cheng nodded silently.

He disliked the sound of those missions and mostly dismissed the idea.

Of course, he wouldn't rule it out entirely if the rewards were generous enough.

For a while after that, Cao Zhao explained more about the Upper Courtyard. He patiently answered all of Chen Cheng's questions.

...

The sun was setting in the west by the time Chen Cheng returned home.

He had no sooner stepped inside and set his things down than a knock came from the door.

Mrs. Li was busy in the kitchen. Hearing the noise, she wiped her hands and went to open the door. A moment later, her voice called out from the entrance.

"Cheng! Miss Zhuang is here! Come out, quick!"

Chen Cheng came out a moment later.

He had wanted to find Zhuang Zhen while he was at the Upper Courtyard but couldn't locate her. On his way back, he'd been worrying about what to do for dinner.

He hadn't expected Zhuang Zhen to come looking for him.

"Senior Sister, why don't you come in?"

"I can't. I have to hurry off to a mission today."

Zhuang Zhen was still dressed in the red clothes and Red Armor of the Evil Extermination Bureau.

The setting sun cast a warm, red glow on her face, but her complexion was clearly haggard.

Several days of patrolling the Outer City at night had taken their toll, even on her.

"My uncle came looking for you this afternoon, didn't he?"

Zhuang Zhen asked. When Chen Cheng nodded, she continued,

"I only just found out they had misunderstood when I went to see my aunt..."

At this, a faint blush rose on Zhuang Zhen's cheeks.

She pressed her lips together, collected herself, and carefully controlled her tone before continuing.

"I've already explained everything to my aunt. As for dinner, she'd still like to invite you over..."

She lifted her eyes to Chen Cheng's face, her voice softening slightly.

"But the decision is yours. Don't feel pressured."

"I'll go."

Chen Cheng didn't hesitate. Misunderstanding aside, maintaining a good relationship with Yu Feng would be beneficial, both now and in the long run.

"Lord Yu helped me a great deal. I was also able to get my Travel Permit and household registration thanks to his help. Since he took the initiative to invite me today, it wouldn't be right to refuse and cause him to lose face."

Hearing this, an almost imperceptible warmth flickered in the depths of Zhuang Zhen's eyes. As she met Chen Cheng's gaze, she instinctively looked away.

"By the way, Senior Sister, since it's my first time visiting, what would be a good gift to bring?" Chen Cheng asked.

"You don't have to trouble yourself..."

Zhuang Zhen started to refuse, but seeing his serious expression, she thought for a moment and said,

"My uncle enjoys drinking. As for my aunt... she... she doesn't have any particular favorites. You could just pick up some pastries on your way."

Chen Cheng nodded. He already had an idea.

...

「Some time later.」

Following the address Zhuang Zhen had given him, Chen Cheng arrived at the gate of the Yu Mansion.

The sky had already begun to darken. Two lanterns hung from the lintel above the door, their light casting two warm, yellow pools on the snow below.

He stepped forward and knocked. A short while later, the door was pulled open from within.

The person who opened it was Yu Feng himself.

He was dressed in casual clothes at home, but he still had an air of natural authority and a stern, unsmiling demeanor.

After a brief greeting, he led Chen Cheng toward the dining hall.

The dining hall was brightly lit, and the table was already laden with a full spread of dishes.

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