Chapter Seventeen: Gu Can

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That was why his path to the Dao was difficult to establish; he had been stuck at the third stage of Qi refinement for many years without breaking through.

Yet even so, his overall strength still ranked among the top in the younger generation of the small town. When facing a warrior at the third stage of Spirit Refinement, he still had confidence in victory.

This was precisely why Master Ruan Qiong felt assured letting him descend the mountain to gain experience. After all, Ruan Qiong, a cunning old fox, would never make a losing bet.

“Brother Su?”

Just as Su Ling finished tidying his room, the noise had clearly caught the attention of Chen Ping’an next door.

Chen Ping’an’s weather-beaten, rough face immediately broke into a pure, genuine smile upon seeing the scene.

“You’re back.”

“Mm.”

“Just in time, Brother Su. I’ve already cooked the meal here; hope you don’t mind.”

“Let’s go eat.”

“All right!”

The invisible barrier between them, worn thin by long separation, naturally dissolved amid their warm and ordinary conversation.

What remained was the unrestrained joy of reunion, causing Chen Ping’an to smile broadly from the moment he saw Su Ling, his lips curling high like a playful village dog.

On the wooden table lay simple food and coarse tea, but with company, the meal was all the more joyful.

“Brother Su, what stage is your martial cultivation at now?”

The excitement faded, and Chen Ping’an asked the question he cared about most.

After all, three years ago, Su Ling had revealed an unprecedented, peerless supreme talent for cultivation.

After three years of cultivation, Chen Ping’an was prepared, hoping to hear something astonishing from Su Ling, and to gaze upon him with admiring eyes like a little fanboy.

On this point, Chen Ping’an was extremely curious.

But what came next shocked him deeply, albeit from an unexpected angle.

“The third stage of Qi refinement, Martial Courage stage.”

“What?”

Chen Ping’an thought he must have misheard, utterly unwilling to believe that Su Ling’s martial cultivation had remained stagnant since three years ago.

Su Ling took a deep breath and, with the tone of a professor, began to explain to Chen Ping’an’s doubts.

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“There are three stages in Body Refinement: Mud Embryo, Wooden Fetus, and Mercury.”

“Mud Embryo tempers the physique, Wooden Fetus sculpts the physique, Mercury unites the body inside and out into a perfect whole.”

“The three stages of Qi Refinement are Spirit Hero, Heroic Soul, and Martial Courage.”

“The Spirit Hero stage cultivates the spirit, condensing the initial form of the soul. The Heroic Soul stage tempers the spirit, allowing it to grow robustly.”

“As for the final stage of Qi Refinement, which is where I currently stand, the Martial Courage stage condenses a Martial Courage core within the body, similar to the golden core of a cultivator.”

“As for how to step into the three stages of Spirit Refinement, I have some clues but have yet to grasp their true essence.”

Hearing this, Chen Ping’an’s expression lit up as if he had found a treasure. Such straightforward and easy-to-understand martial knowledge was incredibly precious.

To be blunt, even the direct descendants of the four great families in the town could never have such an opportunity to learn from a Martial Courage stage warrior with such vast knowledge.

Though Chen Ping’an did not fully understand the value of this advanced knowledge, he knew it must never be revealed or spoken of outside.

“Brother Su…”

Though simple and honest, Chen Ping’an understood the meaning of gratitude. This single midday lesson in martial knowledge from Su Ling was enough to benefit him for life.

This priceless opportunity was something Chen Ping’an had scarcely experienced since his childhood, when his life porcelain was shattered by his father sacrificing himself.

He had realized then that he could not hold onto great opportunities, but this unseen chance had somehow avoided his fate, allowing Chen Ping’an to accept it safely.

Thus, his feelings were complicated. Though unaware of its true value, he resolved to repay Brother Su’s kindness someday.

Since losing both parents young, Chen Ping’an had survived like a stray dog; few showed him kindness, mostly only disdain and rejection.

“By the way, after all this talk, do you know that in a few days, outsiders will enter the town seeking opportunities?”

“I know.”

Chen Ping’an hummed in acknowledgment, but the next words surprised him slightly.

“Mm, you’ll need to be careful around those outsiders in a few days. Don’t easily fall into their traps.”

“I understand, Brother Su.” Chen Ping’an felt a warm current rise within him, scratching his head with a simple smile.

Seeing this, Su Ling suddenly smiled, prompting Chen Ping’an’s cautious suspicion.

Having seen this expression many times, Chen Ping’an knew all too well that Brother Su was scheming again.

“But don’t be afraid. If some careless fool causes you trouble, just come find me. I’ll back you up.”

“…Got it.”

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“All right, I’m heading back now.” Su Ling glanced at the honest, smiling Chen Ping’an, then rose and headed toward the door.

“Brother Su, take care.”

Chen Ping’an saw him off to the door, watching as Su Ling entered his own home before finally letting go.

“Brother Su has been so good to me. If I ever make it big, I’ll definitely build him a new house…”

Thinking this, Chen Ping’an suddenly realized that Su Ling, already a powerful Martial Courage stage warrior, surely had the means to improve his own life.

Feeling somewhat frustrated, Chen Ping’an slapped his forehead and shook his head gloomily.

“I’m so foolish. This won’t do. Brother Su can handle things himself. I should think of something else…”

——

Only a few days after Chen Ping’an’s arrival, it was time again for outsiders to come to the town seeking opportunities.

The next morning.

Orphan Chen Ping’an of Clay Bottle Alley, needing to make a living, took on a courier task in the town and rose early to head to the east gate.

Meanwhile, Su Ling, who usually didn’t wake until late morning, had already finished washing and, carrying a bag of copper coins, leisurely strode toward the town market.

The early bird catches the worm. Though the town was full of common folk, it was a microcosm of life.

At dawn, the streets were already bustling with villagers heading to market. Shops along the roadside had opened, and a lively stream of people passed by.

Stopping to buy two meat buns from a roadside shop and washing them down with a homemade drink, Su Ling settled his breakfast.

Just as he strolled at ease, a surprised and youthful voice suddenly called out from behind.

“Oh, what a surprise!”

Su Ling stopped and looked sideways at the child who had called him.

The boy had long hair, a handsome face, a runny nose, and wore simple gray clothes.

Now he stared at Su Ling with bright, familiar eyes, stepping forward with curiosity and marveling as he looked him up and down.

“Brother of Chen Ping’an, the comrade in hardship, actually came down from the blacksmith’s shop? What’s this, a fine robe for a night stroll?”

“…”