Chapter 126: Mystical Training
The next day, Li Chen awoke with a determination to shift his focus. Accompanied by Tang Ziyi and Zhang Mei, he decided to spend the day at the office, temporarily distancing himself from the complexities that loomed over his life. With a desire to invest in a piece of land, he delved into research, discovering that the auction for the desired property would take place on Wednesday.
Realizing the urgency, Li Chen called Zhang Mei into his office, a folder in her hand. As she entered, he explained, "I need your help with checking my proposal for the land I want to buy."
Zhang Mei, intrigued, responded, "You want to buy a piece of land?"
Li Chen corrected her with a grin, "Not just a piece."
Understanding the significance, Zhang Mei agreed to assist. Li Chen proposed, "I will write it overnight and you can check it, and we can discuss it over the weekend."
"Sure," Zhang Mei replied. Then, hesitating, she added, "I was wondering."
Li Chen encouraged her to continue, and she nervously asked, "If you’re okay with it, can we have coffee together after work?"
Li Chen, appreciating the gesture, smiled, "I would love that, but I have to go somewhere in a few minutes. We can make it dinner instead."
Zhang Mei blushed but agreed, "Dinner is also fine. I just want to get some fresh air, you know, try not to keep thinking about Mom."
Li Chen reassured her, "You don’t have to explain. We are friends."
Zhang Mei, concealing her disappointment, affirmed, "Yes, that’s correct. Okay, then, we’ll see you when you get back."
Li Chen suggested, "We can drive together from home. I might need to freshen up when I get back, unless you don’t mind if I stink of sweat."
Zhang Mei laughed, "Let’s freshen up first then." The prospect of dinner and fresh air seemed to offer a temporary respite from the complexities that surrounded them.
After Zhang Mei left his office, Li Chen continued his research for a while. Feeling the need for a break, he stood up, donned his coat, and headed straight to the Chinese herb shop he had visited before.
Upon entering, Li Chen was greeted by Wu Feng behind the counter. Wu Feng smiled, remarking, "Hey, young man, I thought you would never come back here again."
Li Chen replied, "I have been busy."
Wu Feng chuckled, "No need to explain. You young people have so many things to do. So, what can I help you with today?"
Li Chen pulled out a long list of herbs from his pocket. Wu Feng observed, "Such a long list."
Li Chen asked, "Do you have all these in your shop?"
Wu Feng took the list, scanned it, and replied, "There are three herbs that I don’t have in my shop right now, but I can order them from Beijing. They should be delivered in about a week."
Li Chen, in a bit of a hurry, inquired, "Can’t it be faster?"
Wu Feng explained, "I can try, but I’m not making any promises."
Li Chen accepted that, saying, "That’s enough."
Wu Feng offered, "I can get you the ones I have in the meantime."
Li Chen appreciated the gesture, saying, "I would appreciate that, thank you."
Wu Feng warned, "You might have to wait for long. The list is quite extensive."
Li Chen pondered for a moment and suggested, "How about I just get it tomorrow morning then?"
Wu Feng agreed, "That is okay too."
Li Chen finalized, "I will be here at 10 am."
"No problem," Wu Feng assured.
Li Chen exited the shop, feeling the cold wind make him shiver. He walked towards his car, contemplating the upcoming herbal quest that intertwined with the complexities of his life.
As Li Chen walked towards his car, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed once again. Turning around with a smirk, he scanned his surroundings. The elusive presence remained, but he dismissed it, shaking his head. Driving away, he headed towards Chen Yunlong’s villa.
Upon arrival, Shi Mingrui greeted him, "Good afternoon. You’re here to see Master Chen?"
Li Chen reciprocated the greeting, "Good afternoon. Yes, I am here to see him."
"Please come in. I will inform him of your presence," Shi Mingrui said, gesturing for Li Chen to follow.
"Thank you," Li Chen replied, taking a seat and waiting patiently. Shortly after, Shi Mingrui returned, conveying, "Master Chen says you can come to the training room."
Li Chen stood up, following Shi Mingrui through the villa. Chen Yunlong, upon seeing Li Chen, remarked, "I thought I would see you later tonight."
Li Chen explained, "I have to be somewhere tonight."
Chen Yunlong, pointing to a room, directed him, "Go to that room and change out of your suit. You’ll find something comfortable to wear there."
Li Chen acknowledged and proceeded to the indicated room.
After a few minutes, Li Chen emerged from the room, now clad in loose pants and a T-shirt. Chen Yunlong appraised his choice and nodded approvingly, saying, "Perfect. Now we can start."
He continued, "Today, I want you to focus your mind on anything related to medicine. Try to gather as much herbal knowledge as you can get. You have to learn to not rely on the God of War. You and him are one now, so you should have access to all his knowledge."
Li Chen nodded in understanding. Taking a meditative position on the floor, he closed his eyes, delving into the realms of knowledge that the connection with the God of War offered. Chen Yunlong observed, guiding Li Chen through the intricate process of unlocking the depths of wisdom within him. The training session unfolded, blending the mystical and the practical, as Li Chen embarked on a journey to harness the vast knowledge that awaited within his newfound connection.
The air became charged with anticipation as Chen Yunlong observed the young man, his features etched with a blend of curiosity and wisdom. The room, adorned with traditional Chinese symbols and artifacts, provided a serene backdrop for the unfolding spiritual exercise.
Li Chen, driven by the instructions to focus on herbal knowledge, endeavored to channel the connection with the God of War. However, the path to unlocking this vast reservoir of information proved to be a tumultuous one. His brow furrowed with concentration, and beads of perspiration formed on his forehead as he delved deeper into the recesses of his own mind.
Yet, despite his earnest attempts, the knowledge eluded him, slipping through his mental grasp like elusive fragments of a dream. Frustration etched lines on Li Chen’s face, revealing the intensity of his struggle. Each effort to synchronize with the God of War brought a wave of conflicting sensations, creating an intricate dance between determination and momentary defeat.
Chen Yunlong, ever patient and observant, offered encouraging words and subtle guidance, his presence providing a steadying force amid the turbulent currents of Li Chen’s meditation.
The room, cloaked in the hushed ambiance of the spiritual pursuit, witnessed the unfolding drama of a young man wrestling with the intricacies of newfound powers. The process was not seamless, but within the struggle lay the potential for profound transformation, and the villa echoed with the echoes of a journey that transcended the boundaries of the physical realm.
After two hours of relentless effort, Li Chen opened his eyes in frustration. He took a deep breath and confessed, "It’s impossible. It’s like something or someone keeps stopping or blocking me."
Chen Yunlong, sitting nearby, offered a suggestion, "Maybe you should talk to the God of War about it."
Li Chen, considering the idea, initiated a conversation with the God of War, asking, "What is happening?"
The God of War responded, "It’s the curse."
Li Chen, realizing the implications, expressed his dismay, "This means I can’t fully grasp this knowledge."
The God of War explained, "You are different. Since this is not your curse, you might be able to finally do it. But I couldn’t. I inherited the skill of knowing people’s treatment by touching them from my mother, but nothing else. As I’m sure you know from the memories you have, I was cursed, so yeah, can’t help."
Li Chen, slightly frustrated, suggested, "Can’t you just warn me first before I do things?"
The God of War retorted, "If you had asked, I would have told you that what you are trying to do is impossible."
Li Chen, somewhat dismissive, ended his conversation with the God of War. Chen Yunlong, curious, inquired, "What did he say?"
Li Chen sighed and replied, "It’s impossible."
Chen Yunlong, frustrated by the setback, insisted, "But we do need to find a way to remove the drug from your system."
Li Chen, determined, asserted, "We will keep trying until it becomes possible." The room held an air of resilience, as Li Chen and Chen Yunlong faced the challenges together, unwavering in their pursuit of a solution to the complex predicament Li Chen found himself in.
Standing up, Li Chen declared, "I will be back again tomorrow."
Chen Yunlong, concerned, advised, "Don’t push yourself too hard."
Li Chen offered a non-committal hum in response. He then made his way to the room to change back into his regular clothes. As he prepared to leave the villa and face the challenges that awaited him beyond its walls, a sense of determination lingered in the air. Tomorrow held the promise of new attempts and a continued resolve to navigate the complexities of his intertwined destiny.
