Chapter 275: Chapter 274: Surpassing Chu Feng on Two Lists
The early morning sun shone through the ornate window lattice, casting rays into the Quiet Chamber and illuminating the motes of dust floating in the air.
Fang Han slowly withdrew from his cultivation. A deep azure glint of spiritual light swirled in his eyes before vanishing.
The vast Inner Qi churning around him gradually subsided, returning to the acupoints throughout his body.
After a night of Cultivation, he could clearly feel that the Inner Qi within his Shaohai Acupoint had become much more abundant.
At this rate, in one or two days at most, he would be able to touch the bottleneck of the Late Stage of Fifth Grade.
KNOCK KNOCK.
A soft knock sounded, followed by the respectful voice of the maid, Qiu Lan, from outside the door.
"Senior Brother, Steward Zhou Heng from the True Inheritance Courtyard has come to distribute this month’s resources."
"Please have Steward Zhou wait in the living room."
Fang Han replied in a low voice, straightened his robes, and strode toward the living room.
In the living room, Steward Zhou Heng was already seated, accompanied by two servant disciples holding trays.
Seeing Fang Han again, the smile on Zhou Heng’s face was even more genuine and warm.
"True Inheritor Fang, congratulations! You’ve advanced further on the overall ranking, now placing ninth!"
Zhou Heng stood and clasped his hands in a salute, his tone filled with undisguised admiration.
Fang Han returned the salute, and they both sat down.
"True Inheritor Fang, please give me your Identity Token."
After a few pleasantries, Zhou Heng took out the quaint Inheritance Jade Inkstone.
Fang Han handed over his Token, and Zhou Heng operated it skillfully. A moment later, he handed the Token back.
"For ranking ninth on the overall list, this month’s Contribution Points reward is seventeen thousand, which have been transferred to your Token."
Fang Han took the Token and, with a slight infusion of Inner Qi, saw that the number on it had changed from the previous 18,900 points to—35,900 points.
’My Contribution Points have skyrocketed again, making me even wealthier. It feels like I have so many points I could never spend them all.’
Of course, that was just an illusion.
When exchanging for a Cultivation Technique for his family, the Contribution Point cost would be a hundred times the original amount. This meant that even exchanging for a single Middle Grade Cultivation Technique would require over ten thousand Contribution Points.
Exchanging for just a few Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques would cost tens of thousands of Contribution Points. The future expense of acquiring techniques for his family would not be small.
Besides, he had to prepare for a Grandmaster Level Technique.
Although Elder Mo hadn’t said how many Contribution Points were needed for a Grandmaster Level Technique, he imagined the cost would be astronomical. He had to start preparing early.
That way, he could exchange for it immediately once he performed a Great Merit for the Sect and earned the right to do so.
"The Contribution Points are correct. Thank you for your trouble, Steward Zhou."
Fang Han nodded and put the Token away.
Zhou Heng smiled, took three quaint Jade Bottles from the tray of the servant disciple behind him, and handed them to Fang Han.
Two of the Jade Bottles were a lustrous white, with the words "Vajra Pill" inscribed on them in ancient seal script.
The other Jade Bottle was slightly different. It was pale green and warm to the touch, with the words "Jade Dew Pill" inscribed on its body.
"These are this month’s rare resource allotment for True Disciples: two bottles of Vajra Pills and one bottle of Jade Dew Pills. Please accept them, True Inheritor."
Fang Han reached out and took them, his gaze lingering for a moment on the pale green "Jade Dew Pill" bottle.
He was naturally familiar with the Vajra Pill. After consuming two bottles previously, his physique had strengthened significantly, and the effects were extraordinary.
But this was the first time he had received the "Jade Dew Pill."
"Steward Zhou, what are the medicinal effects of this Jade Dew Pill?"
Fang Han looked up at Zhou Heng and asked.
Hearing this, Steward Zhou’s expression turned solemn as he slowly explained:
"True Inheritor Fang, this Jade Dew Pill is refined from rare medicinal ingredients like ’Jade Marrow’ and ’Snow Lotus Heart.’ Its effects are extraordinary, but it is not used to enhance Cultivation or strengthen the body. Rather, it is a special elixir for detoxification and healing."
He paused, his tone carrying a trace of reverence.
"Whether for internal or external injuries, or even some strange poisons, this pill has miraculous effects. It can quickly stabilize injuries and expel toxins. It can be called a life-saving item."
"The difficulty of refining it and the rarity of its ingredients are in no way inferior to the Vajra Pill or the Soul Condensing Pill. In some situations, its value is even greater."
After listening, Fang Han understood. ’So it’s an elixir mainly for saving lives and healing injuries.’
The path of the Martial Dao was perilous and unpredictable. Who could guarantee they would never be injured or poisoned?
Having a bottle of such a Spirit Pill was akin to having several extra lives. Its value was truly immeasurable.
"I see. Thank you for clearing my doubts, Steward Zhou."
Fang Han nodded and carefully put away the three bottles of Elixirs.
"You’re too kind, True Inheritor Fang. The resources have been delivered, so I will not disturb you any longer."
Steward Zhou saluted with clasped hands and left with the servant disciples.
After seeing off Steward Zhou, Fang Han returned to his Quiet Chamber.
He first took out the bottle of Jade Dew Pills and uncorked it.
There were only three pills inside, unlike the Vajra Pills and Soul Condensing Pills, which came ten to a bottle.
A cool, refreshing medicinal aroma with a faint scent of lotus blossom wafted out. Just a single whiff made him feel revitalized, clearing his mind and chest.
’Truly miraculous!’
A glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Fang Han’s eyes. He carefully stored the Jade Dew Pills away. This elixir could save his life in a critical moment and was not to be used lightly.
’Two bottles of Vajra Pills...’
Then, Fang Han’s gaze fell upon the other two bottles of Vajra Pills, a trace of anticipation in his eyes.
The previous two bottles of Vajra Pills had produced remarkable results, making his physical strength a full fifty percent stronger than other Martial Artists of the same rank. Now that he had two more bottles, he could continue to strengthen his body.
’Since I have time now, I’ll take one first.’
Fang Han tipped out a Vajra Pill. It was the size of a longan fruit, pure gold in color, and emitted a faint metallic luster and a scorching medicinal aura. He put it in his mouth.
As the Elixir entered his stomach, it instantly transformed into a searing torrent, flooding his limbs and bones like molten lava.
The Medicinal Power was domineering and fierce. Wherever it passed, his muscle fibers, meridians, bones, and even his internal organs throbbed with a sore, tingling pain, as if they were being torn apart and reformed.
A faint golden luster appeared on the surface of his skin, as if he were cast from bronze and iron. The Qi and Blood Power within him surged like a mighty river, emitting a low rumble.
The temperature in the Quiet Chamber seemed to rise by several degrees.
This continued for about an hour before the faint golden glow on his skin slowly receded and disappeared.
’My physique has grown stronger again!’
Fang Han slowly opened his eyes, exhaling a turbid breath tinged with scorching heat as he carefully savored the changes in his body.
Feeling the Qi and Blood Power within him become even more immense, and the strength contained in his muscles and bones grow more astonishing, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
’At this rate, after I finish both bottles of Vajra Pills, my physical strength should be about double that of a Martial Artist of the same rank!’
Fang Han speculated.
A physique twice as strong as a Martial Artist of the same rank!
What did this mean?
It meant greater strength, faster speed, and more astonishing durability and recovery!
In actual combat, this would provide an enormous advantage.
At that point, the only ones who could surpass him would be Martial Artists of the same rank who specialized in Body Hardening Skills.
’Resources... are truly the most important thing for a Martial Artist.’
Fang Han mused inwardly.
Without the generous resource allotment of a True Disciple, he had no idea how much time it would have taken to raise his physique to such a level through his own arduous cultivation alone.
Composing himself, Fang Han did not take a second Vajra Pill.
All medicines have their side effects, especially a domineering elixir like the Vajra Pill. He needed to wait at least a day for his body to fully absorb the Medicinal Power before taking another one.
He put the Elixir away, stood up, and stretched his limbs. His joints emitted a series of sharp CRACKLES. His Qi and Blood were abundant, and his spirits were high.
...
「The next morning.」
Fang Han had just finished his morning practice and was leisurely eating breakfast in the courtyard.
The maid, Qiu Lan, walked in with light steps, holding a new booklet that gave off a faint scent of ink.
"Senior Brother, the Sect has just delivered this month’s Celestial Pride List and Martial Artist Ranking booklets."
"Oh? So soon?"
Fang Han was a little surprised as he took the booklet.
According to custom, Tingyu Hall would only begin selling the booklets recording the updated rankings on the morning of the second day of each month.
It was still early, and Tingyu Hall shouldn’t have started selling them yet. He didn’t expect a copy to be delivered to him already.
Qiu Lan smiled, pursing her lips, and explained softly:
"As a True Disciple, Senior Brother, Tingyu Hall naturally wouldn’t make you wait with the ordinary disciples."
Fang Han had a flash of understanding and nodded slightly.
’This must be one of the hidden perks of being a True Disciple in the Sect—always getting information one step ahead of everyone else.’
He put down his chopsticks, took the exquisitely made booklet—its cover stamped with the words "Celestial Pride List" and "Martial Artist Ranking" in gold foil—and casually set it aside to continue his meal.
Although he was curious, he was in no hurry.
After the meal, the maid cleared the dishes and served some refreshing tea.
Only then did Fang Han leisurely pick up the booklet and slowly open it.
He quickly scanned the Martial Artist Ranking and, seeing no changes, turned his attention to the fiercely contested Celestial Pride List.
His eyes swept slowly from the bottom of the list upwards.
At one hundredth place...
He didn’t see his name.
His expression was calm, without a trace of panic.
Given the strength he had displayed in his battle with Su Yu last month, there was no way he could have dropped off the Celestial Pride List.
He continued looking up the list.
Ninety-eighth place: Su Yu (Tingyu Building)!
’Su Yu... she really made the list, and she’s ranked ninety-eighth on her first appearance.’
A flash of understanding crossed Fang Han’s eyes.
Looking back, Su Yu clearly had the strength to be on the list but had hidden it, only making her debut after their battle and immediately soaring to ninety-eighth place.
’She was probably aiming to make a stunning debut by achieving a high rank right from the start. Of course, there was also the consideration of playing it safe—avoiding barely scraping onto the list only to be knocked off again.’
His gaze continued to move up.
Ninety-seventh place: Chu Feng (Qingxuan Sect)!
’Chu Feng’s rank... dropped?’
Fang Han’s brow twitched as a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
Chu Feng was originally ranked ninety-sixth, but now he had dropped one spot to ninety-seventh.
Connecting this to the fact that he still hadn’t seen his own name, a thought flashed through his mind like lightning, and a strange expression appeared on his face.
’Could it be that Chu Feng’s rank dropped... because of me?’
He continued to look higher up the list.
Ninety-sixth place, ninety-fifth... still not him.
Until his gaze landed on the ninety-fourth position—
Ninety-fourth place: Fang Han (Qingxuan Sect)!
’Ninety-fourth place?’
Even with Fang Han’s disposition, his breath hitched for a moment, and his eyes lit up with an irrepressible, joyous glow.
A jump of six places at once!
From one hundredth place, he had soared to ninety-fourth!
This degree of improvement had truly exceeded his expectations!
He had originally estimated that moving up two or three spots would have been good enough. After all, the higher one went on the Celestial Pride List, the fiercer the competition, making every single step forward extremely difficult.
But he never imagined he would jump six places directly!
’It seems my battle with Su Yu and my subsequent performance in the Cloud Mist Mountain Range have both been acknowledged by the Celestial Pride List...’
Fang Han’s thoughts raced, and he quickly understood the reason.
Su Yu herself had the strength to be on the list, so his victory over her was worth its weight in gold.
In addition, his feat of turning the tables and killing the three Fifth Grade Martial Artists who ambushed him outside the Cloud Mist Mountain Range was probably also detected by the Celestial Pride List through some channel.
The combination of these factors led to this astonishing improvement.
But what stirred an even stranger emotion in him was—
just as he had suspected, it was precisely because his rank had jumped so high, taking up a spot ahead of him,
that Chu Feng, originally ninety-sixth, had been pushed down one place to ninety-seventh.
’Chu Feng... if he’s looking at the list right now, I wonder what kind of expression he’s making?’
The corners of Fang Han’s mouth curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. His gaze seemed to pierce through the booklet, seeing a scene in a certain courtyard within the True Inheritance Courtyard.
One thing was for sure: if Chu Feng was looking at the list right now, his expression would certainly be a sight to behold.
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