Martial Dao: I Can Enhance My Talents

Chapter 280: Chapter 279: Borrowing Money

’Finding Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to improve my Stepping Talent? That won’t be easy.’

Fang Han’s brow furrowed.

Just as there were Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to change one’s Root Bone or Swordsmanship Talent, there were naturally some that could improve one’s Stepping Talent.

As far as he knew, the antlers of a Demon Beast known for its incredible speed, the Howling Moon Spirit Deer, were a type of Heavenly Material that could improve one’s Body Technique Talent.

Unfortunately, according to secret records in the Sect that only True Disciples could access, this Spirit Deer was incredibly elusive and hadn’t been seen in Qingyang County for over a century.

With no traces whatsoever, the hope of finding one was slim to none.

’Comparatively, unlocking the Level 7 Amplification for my Stepping Talent is actually more feasible.’

Fang Han’s brow furrowed once more.

Unlocking the Level 7 Amplification for his Stepping Talent required ten million taels of silver, an amount that would not be easy to gather.

He had managed it twice before, once by raiding the factions under Chu Feng and once by finding a thousand-year-old ginseng, but both methods were nearly impossible to repeat.

’Ten million taels... ’

Fang Han’s fingertips unconsciously tapped the hilt of his Flowing Wind Sword.

This world’s reserves of gold and silver far surpassed those of the ancient era in his past life. Combined with the existence of countless priceless treasures, ten million taels of silver wasn’t a significant sum for top-level factions or individuals.

But for him, who was currently only a Celestial Pride True Disciple and did not yet control the Sect’s resource channels, it was still an incredibly difficult amount to obtain.

As his thoughts churned, the sound of light footsteps approached.

His maid, Qiu Lan, holding a simple, palm-sized wooden box, walked over with light steps and bowed respectfully.

"You’ve finished your Cultivation, Senior Brother."

"Mm."

Fang Han nodded slightly, his gaze falling on the wooden box in her hands.

"Senior Brother, this is the cut from the various factions that became affiliated with you last month. They sent someone to deliver it. The total is 320,000 taels."

Qiu Lan presented the wooden box with both hands.

"320,000 taels?"

A flash of surprise crossed Fang Han’s eyes. Although he knew he would earn a decent amount each month from these affiliations, he hadn’t expected to receive a full 320,000 taels from just one month’s share.

It was enough to buy an entire street of shops in a small city.

The status of a Celestial Pride True Inheritor was truly lucrative.

He took the wooden box; it felt heavy in his hands.

Opening the lid revealed a neat stack of brand-new silver notes.

The smallest denomination was a thousand taels, with larger notes of five thousand and even ten thousand taels. The thick stack gave off the faint scent of fresh ink.

"Most of these factions only formally became affiliated in the middle of last month. Why is there a share this month?"

Fang Han asked, looking at Qiu Lan.

He currently had twenty-seven factions affiliated with him, but most had only formalized the relationship in the middle of last month, meaning the affiliation had lasted less than a month.

According to standard practice, he shouldn’t have seen any profits from their shares until next month.

Hearing this, Qiu Lan smiled and pursed her lips before explaining:

"That would normally be the case, but you, Senior Brother, are now a Celestial Pride True Inheritor. Your fame is at its peak and your potential is limitless. These factions are all hoping to get on your good side, so naturally, they want to be more proactive."

"Sending the share in advance is their way of showing sincerity, and they also hope you will remember this ’gesture’ of theirs."

Her meaning was clear: these factions valued Fang Han’s current status and potential, and they were proactively currying favor by investing in his future.

A flash of understanding appeared in Fang Han’s eyes upon hearing this.

His gaze swept over the thick stack of silver notes in the box again, and an idea stirred within him.

An idea he had considered before but abandoned due to his insufficient status struck him like a bolt of lightning—

Borrow money!

With his current status as a Celestial Pride True Inheritor, he could absolutely borrow money from these affiliated factions who were so eager to curry favor with him. He could use it to unlock the Level 7 Amplification for his Stepping Talent.

There were twenty-seven factions. If he borrowed an average of 300,000 to 400,000 taels of silver from each, the total would be just over ten million taels!

Three to four hundred thousand taels was by no means a small sum for these factions, who were all established within the commandery.

But it wasn’t an amount they couldn’t produce if they gritted their teeth.

And for them, lending 300,000 to 400,000 taels in exchange for a favor and a closer relationship with a Celestial Pride True Inheritor? That deal might just be worth it.

As for how to repay the money?

Simple. He would just deduct it from their future monthly shares until the debt was paid!

For the factions, the repayment was guaranteed; it wouldn’t be a total loss.

For him, it meant getting the massive sum he needed for the Talent Amplification far ahead of schedule, greatly accelerating his progress!

’An early investment? ...Since they’re so willing to invest in me, I’ll give them an opportunity for an even bigger ’investment’.’

A sharp glint flashed in Fang Han’s eyes as he instantly made his decision.

He looked at Qiu Lan, his tone calm yet carrying an air of authority that brooked no argument.

"Qiu Lan."

"Your orders, Senior Brother?"

Seeing Fang Han’s solemn expression, Qiu Lan quickly composed her smile and replied respectfully.

"I need you to do something for me,"

Fang Han said slowly.

"In my name, borrow three to four hundred thousand taels of silver from each of the twenty-seven factions currently affiliated with me."

"Make it clear that the amount borrowed will be deducted from their future monthly shares until the debt is paid in full."

Qiu Lan’s body trembled slightly.

Three to four hundred thousand taels from each of the twenty-seven factions... that was around ten million taels.

It was an astronomical sum of money!

She subconsciously wanted to ask what on earth her Senior Brother needed such a vast sum of money for.

To purchase a Divine Weapon? To buy a Peerless Elixir? Or was it for something else entirely?

But the words died on her lips, and she forced the question back down.

As a maid, the most important thing was to know her place.

Since her Senior Brother had given the order, he must have his reasons. She just needed to carry it out properly.

"Yes, Senior Brother! I understand!"

Suppressing the turmoil in her heart, she agreed solemnly.

"I will go draft the letters at once and have them sent to each faction."

"Good. Go. Make the wording sincere, but do not coerce them. For those who are willing, I, Fang Han, will remember this favor."

"Yes!"

Qiu Lan bowed once more, then turned and hurried away.

...

In the afternoon, there was a light knock on the gate of Villa 35 in the True Inheritance Courtyard.

A servant disciple with a steady presence stood respectfully outside, holding a huge package tightly wrapped in thick oilcloth that still emanated a faint chill.

"Senior Brother Fang, on the order of the Dining Hall Steward, I’ve brought you some Demon Beast Meat."

The servant disciple’s voice was filled with awe.

Hearing the voice, Fang Han walked out from the courtyard. His gaze fell upon the enormous package, and he nodded slightly.

At the beginning of each month, a True Disciple could claim a large amount of Contribution Points and rare resources.

However, on ordinary days, the True Inheritance Courtyard would also occasionally distribute some excellent ingredients or auxiliary Cultivation items to the True Inheritors, depending on what was in stock.

While not nearly as bountiful as the monthly allotment, it was another sign of the preferential treatment afforded to True Disciples.

"Thank you."

Fang Han signaled for a nearby attendant to take the package.

The servant disciple bowed and took his leave.

The attendant carefully placed the package on the stone table in the courtyard. He unwrapped the outer oilcloth, revealing a massive cut of meat kept chilled with blocks of ice.

The meat was a vibrant red, its texture as fine as marble, with fat distributed evenly like snowflakes.

Even covered in ice, one could feel a pure, gentle Qi and Blood Power faintly emanating from it, carrying the unique, fresh fragrance of grass and wood.

Compared to this Demon Beast Meat, the marbled beef and bluefin tuna of his past life couldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath.

Of course, as an ordinary person in his past life, he had never had the chance to eat such top-tier ingredients.

"Senior Brother, I believe this is hind leg meat from a Cyan Wood Demon Ox!"

the attendant reported to Fang Han, after a moment of inspection, though with some uncertainty.

"It is indeed hind leg meat from a Cyan Wood Demon Ox!"

Fang Han confirmed with a single glance and a firm nod.

The Cyan Wood Demon Ox wasn’t particularly strong—only comparable to a Mid-Ninth Grade Martial Artist—but its meat was delicious and contained pure Qi and Blood, making it highly sought after by Martial Artists. That was why a major Sect like the Qingxuan Sect raised them domestically.

He recognized it because he had once taken a mission to guard the Beast Garden, and the Cyan Wood Demon Ox was among the beasts he had watched over.

Back then, however, he was just an ordinary disciple. Forget eating the meat of a Cyan Wood Demon Ox; he couldn’t even get a single strand of its hair.

Now that he was a True Inheritor, he finally had a chance to taste this rare delicacy. He was keenly aware of how different his status had become.

"This is quite a lot. There’s no way I can eat all of this by myself!"

Fang Han mused, looking at the massive cut of meat that weighed dozens of pounds.

It was the height of summer, and the weather was hot. Even though it was packed in ice, it wouldn’t last long.

He certainly couldn’t finish it all himself, and it would be a shame to waste such fine ingredients.

He thought of a few old friends from the Sub-Branch with whom he was on good terms. An idea came to him, and he instructed the attendant.

"Go to the Sub-Branch and invite Yun Qianyue, Xiao Chen, Li Feng, Huang Ling’er, and Shi Meng. Tell the five of them that I’ve received some excellent Cyan Wood Demon Ox meat and would like them to join me for a gathering this evening."

"Yes, Senior Brother!"

The attendant took his leave and hurried off.

...

As night fell, lamps were lit one by one throughout the Qingxuan Sect.

In Villa 35, a round table was already set with plate after plate of dishes made from the Cyan Wood Demon Ox meat.

A chef had been specially brought in from the True Inheritance Courtyard’s Dining Hall, so the food was naturally superb.

The rich, meaty aroma, blended with a fresh herbal fragrance, filled the air, making one’s mouth water.

Fang Han sat at the head of the table, with Yun Qianyue, Xiao Chen, Li Feng, Huang Ling’er, and Shi Meng seated around him.

Yun Qianyue was dressed in purple and, for once, wasn’t wearing her veil, revealing a face that was, as expected, devastatingly beautiful.

Xiao Chen looked quite at ease; this was not his first visit to Fang Han’s villa.

Li Feng’s demeanor was as sharp as ever, and his aura seemed even more profound than the last time they had met.

Huang Ling’er was still her lively self, her smile as charming as ever.

And Shi Meng was still his honest, sturdy self, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the many dishes.

"Senior Brother Fang, this Cyan Wood Demon Ox meat really lives up to its reputation! You can tell it’s something special just from the smell!"

Shi Meng said with a chuckle, rubbing his hands together.

"Thanks to you, Senior Brother Fang, we’re in for a real treat today."

"This villa of yours is amazing, Senior Brother Fang."

Huang Ling’er chimed in with a grin, her curious gaze sweeping over the elegantly decorated villa, her eyes filled with envy.

Compared to Fang Han’s villa, their own quarters in the Sub-Branch seemed utterly shabby.

"Everyone, no need to be so formal. Please, help yourselves."

Fang Han smiled faintly, picked up his chopsticks, and was the first to place a slice of meat in his mouth.

The meat was succulent and tender, melting the moment it entered his mouth. Rich juices infused with pure Qi and Blood Power burst on his tongue, sending a warm current through his entire body and leaving him feeling completely at ease.

"Absolutely delicious!"

Everyone else began to eat, and after tasting the meat, they all couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew lively.

They chatted as they ate, their conversation drifting from random anecdotes to recent events within Qingyang County.

Xiao Chen spoke of a dispute between merchant guilds, Huang Ling’er mentioned a rumor about the remains of a powerful Demon Beast being discovered, and Shi Meng couldn’t stop praising a new restaurant that had opened in the Commandery City.

Just then, Yun Qianyue, who had been quietly enjoying her food, gently set down her chopsticks. Her bright eyes swept over the others, and her clear voice, now holding a trace of subtle gravity, broke the lighthearted mood.

"I heard that near Gutong Town, a few hundred miles west of the Qingxuan Sect, several Martial Artists have been murdered. The manner of their deaths was quite strange—their bodies were completely drained of blood, leaving them as shriveled as firewood."

She paused, and seeing she had everyone’s attention, she continued.

"I suspect... it’s the work of a Demon Martial Artist."