Once a person immerses themselves in something, they easily lose track of time.
By the time he snapped back to reality, a new year had arrived.
As the year's end approached, Nanyang Prefecture became noticeably livelier. The number of people in the north and south markets surged, and the streets were decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with the festive atmosphere of the holidays.
Chen Mu joined in on the fun for two days, trying a plethora of snacks, and then went back home to continue his habitual hermit-like existence.
Every morning, upon waking up, Chen Mu would immediately check his proficiency.
Just like in his previous life when he would reach for his phone as soon as he opened his eyes.
Unlike the phone, which would immediately grab his attention, causing him to waste a lot of time watching videos and reading novels,
the proficiency would urge him to get up quickly and start grinding experience.
If it weren't for the outside world being too dangerous, Chen Mu felt he could live a shut-in life with food and drink until the end of time.
...
Under the eaves on the west side of the house, Chen Mu settled into a rocking chair.
Beside him, on a low table, there were milk tea, clear water, and mung bean paste.
Chen Mu occasionally helped himself to a piece of mung bean cake, contentedly enjoying the leisurely afternoon.
In his left hand, black smoke coiled, and a goose-egg-sized porcelain bottle materialized.
"What's so special about the Dragon Transformation Pill?" Chen Mu pondered as he poured out a scarlet elixir, examining it closely in front of him.
"Why can it quickly enhance Soul Strength?"
After more than two years of martial arts practice, he clearly understood how difficult it was to cultivate Soul Strength.
He had consumed a large amount of meat and medicinal supplements, but saw no significant increase in Soul Strength. Yet, the Dragon Transformation Pill could rapidly accumulate it.
"Need to keep pondering this," Chen Mu habitually brought the pill up to his nose to smell it.
He dared not taste it; he could only rely on his sense of smell to slowly identify the ingredients.
He had been working on this task consistently, but progress was painfully slow.
As the spicy scent hit his nostrils, several herbs came to mind.
"Hmm... detected another one," Chen Mu said, satisfied as he put away the Dragon Transformation Pill.
So far, he had identified thirteen of the ingredients.
"Almost there," Chen Mu thought with a hint of anticipation.
However, he didn't plan to consume it himself.
With unavoidable risks and the main ingredient, red palm, controlled by noble families, he couldn't replicate it without raw materials.
Chen Mu just wanted to understand the principle behind how this thing catalyzed Soul Strength.
...
He put away the Dragon Transformation Pill and took a sip of water to rinse his mouth.
After wiping his hands with a damp cloth from the low table, Chen Mu stood up and went to the east side of the house.
There was a long table with a white paper as long as the table on top of it.
After closing his eyes and pondering for a moment, he dipped his brush in ink, and a pattern made of dots and lines took shape.
"Still just two proficiency points," Chen Mu grimaced.
"If only drawing skills could conjure Spiritual Light Spells," he thought greedily.
Regrettably, painting only increased painting proficiency.
Overjoyed, Chen Mu stewed a pig's elbow for himself early in the morning.
"Who would have thought, who would have thought."
"You little spicy chicken, you've actually evolved into a big turkey!"
The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique had taken so much effort, only to reward him with two soybeans.
The White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique went smoothly despite being constantly criticized, and it ended up rewarding him with two quail eggs?!
"As for the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique..." Chen Mu couldn't help but look forward to it.
He did not even bother to feel the changes in his Soul Strength; he completed the Black Tiger Tendon Transformation that very afternoon.
...
In the South Market, on Chunfeng Tower, Fan Tower.
The lights in the main hall were dim.
On the central stage, the music was lively, and a beautiful Singer danced enchantingly.
Below the stage, in a private booth, seven or eight robust Jianghu men were drinking and playing drinking games non-stop.
An old man in his fifties with half-white hair and a lean figure sat in the middle, flanked by companions on both sides, thoroughly enjoying himself.
They had all recently joined the Startling Swan Gang as individuals.
The lean old man was the most powerful and the oldest among them, also serving as their immediate superior.
"Old Ge, why did you choose to practice Shape Cultivation?" a short, stocky, muscular man asked, scratching his head in confusion.
"With your years of Shape Cultivation, perhaps a few Dragon Transformation Pills down, and you'd achieve Marrow Transformation," he added.
"Try a bit harder, get a few more Dragon Transformation Pills, and maybe you'll be able to cultivate Soul Strength," the man continued.
Old Ge happily sipped his sweet, fragrant fruit wine, "I'm getting old, and I don't have the same ambitions as you youngsters."
"Three Dragon Transformation Pills might allow me to achieve a major breakthrough in Marrow Transformation. But after all, we are outsiders. Even if we achieve Shape Cultivation mastery, at most we'd be made a Helmsman, and that's as high as we could go. Moreover, it'd be the Helmsman who charges into battle and risks his life," Old Ge explained.
"The Startling Swan Gang's massive recruitment probably means they're planning something dangerous. What would happen to my whole family if I were to die?" he pondered aloud.
"Rather than that, it's better to choose a higher-level Shape Cultivation Technique that can bless and benefit several generations," Old Ge said with contentment.
The short stocky man immediately gave Old Ge a thumbs-up, praising him for his foresight.
Yet, beneath his eyes flashed a hint of disdain. Why not use Dragon Transformation Pills to boost his strength and then make notable achievements? Then he could choose anything he wanted, couldn't he?
This old man had simply lost his drive to excel.
Old Ge, experienced and shrewd, discerned the other's thoughts but didn't care.
He had been young once too; who doesn't have a competitive spirit?
But the merits of the Startling Swan Gang weren't so easy to earn, and one could lose their life if not careful.
"This blockheaded youngster, I must find a way to throw him out."
"Old Ge, could you give us an insight into the unique aspect of the Shape Cultivation Technique you've chosen?" the short stocky man asked with curiosity.
This question immediately scratched Old Ge's itch: "Heh heh, the Shape Cultivation Technique I've chosen is called White Jade Toad. This Breathing Method is complex and profound yet extremely easy to master," he boasted.
"If the descendants follow this method for cultivation, at least they'll find entry into it two parts easier," he said. Your adventure continues at m v|l-e'-novelhall.net
"Everyone knows that the Breathing Method is the key to Shape Cultivation; the more detailed and varied it is, the stronger the effect," he explained.
"Do you know how many variations the Marrow Transformation Breath Method of White Jade Toad has?"
"One hundred and eight!"
"Sss..." Everyone gasped in admiration: "Truly a superior technique."
In a corner, Chen Mu, who had been eyeing Yu Tao's perfect figure, couldn't help but murmur, "Wonderful, indescribably wonderful..."