Skills: Bow Technique (Full Level), Flying Locust Stone (Full Level), 3D Painting (Full Level), Calligraphy (Full Level), Culinary Skill (Full Level), Iron Mountain Skill (Full Level), Instant Kill Skill (Full Level), Black Tiger Fist (Full Level), Willow Catkins (Full Level), Wind-breaking Saber Technique (Full Level), Medical Skill (Full Level), Pharmaceutical Technology (Full Level), Iron Sand Palm (Full Level), Rolling Stone Fist (Full Level)
Zhong Lin glanced at the System Panel, noticing an additional set of fist and hand skills, both learned during his time at the Government Office.
Anyway, it’s no big deal, the more skills the better!
Zhong Lin had rarely gone out these past two weeks, spending his days practicing at home, hoping to break through.
The Seventh Grade is called Bone Forging Realm, where one tempers the bones. Although bones appear hard, they are actually fragile and require repeated internal tempering.
Of course, Zhong Lin’s strength hadn’t reached the Muscle Strengthening Realm’s limit yet. Though he hadn’t forged bones, his power continued to grow. He estimated his strength to be about seven hundred pounds now, thanks to the Iron Mountain Skill which enhances strength.
"It’s the beginning of the month again; I wonder if that masked man will come? I need to buy a batch of Bone Strengthening Pill from him."
"Relying solely on one’s own slow bone tempering isn’t enough; external assistance is necessary. Even with the full-level Iron Mountain Skill, it would still take six months, and there’s no time for that."
An urgency filled Zhong Lin’s heart; he must attain greater power as soon as possible to protect himself and his brother in these chaotic times.
Outside Xu’s Medical Hall.
Huang Sheng, dressed in black short attire, stood with two followers, holding a plain knife.
"Master Huang, a rare guest, please come in quickly."
Although Xu Le disapproved of Huang Sheng’s character, he had to maintain appearances for the sake of livelihood under his rule.
Leading Huang Sheng and his two followers inside, he instructed the medical hall’s apprentices to bring chairs.
"Master Huang, here’s this month’s regular money for you."
Since collaborating with Zhong Lin, Xu Le had made a fortune, and the fifteen large coins no longer meant much. He handed them over without hesitation.
Huang Sheng weighed the fifteen large coins in his hand with satisfaction, saying, "You, Old Xu, are always straightforward, unlike those spineless people who think my knife isn’t sharp enough."
"As you say, Master Huang, but you can’t really blame them; the current situation isn’t easy for anyone."
"It’s not easy for them, and you think it’s easy for me?" Huang Sheng snorted coldly. "To tell you the truth, I’ve hit a rough patch myself. The gang suddenly handed us a task recently to find supplies; it’s just unreasonable."
Although puzzled as to why Huang Sheng shared this with him, Xu Le nodded in agreement, saying, "It is a bit unreasonable."
"Right! It’s tough for everyone, but the regular money still needs to be paid. However, Doctor Xu, I believe you can help me with this issue."
Xu Le tightened internally; being addressed as ’Doctor Xu’ now seemed like a wolf’s kindness to a chicken during the New Year.
Huang Sheng smiled, "Doctor Xu, I heard you stockpiled some medicinal herbs recently, perfect for my needs. I’ll buy them at the original price, so you won’t lose out. How about it?"
Xu Le was instantly infuriated, thinking, damn it, waiting for me here!
Buy at the original price?
Everyone knows prices of various supplies in Black Mountain County are sky-high, especially grains and medicinal herbs. They’re hot commodities, changing prices daily, sometimes unavailable even when willing to pay high prices.
If I were to sell my herbs now, they’d fetch three to five times more easily. If made into "Eight Treasures Blood Building Soup," the price would multiply even more.
Now you want them at the original price for free? What a joke.
"Master Huang, I’m not planning to sell these herbs," Xu Le shook his head and said.
Huang Sheng’s smile turned icy, with a smirk, "Old Xu, you won’t help? After all, I’ve taken care of you. If, in these troubled times, thieves broke into your home, what would you do? You’re an old man not afraid of death, but I remember you have a grandson. What if something happened to him... tsk tsk."
The anger in Xu Le’s heart was doused by a bucket of cold water.
His grandson was his greatest weakness. Ever since his son and daughter-in-law passed, his grandson became his life. Partnering with Zhong Lin was also aimed at securing a future for the boy.
Huang Sheng’s threatening words struck his soft spot immediately.
Huang Sheng slowly stood, looking down at Xu Le, his eyes gleaming coldly.
"Old Xu, you’d better think carefully. The water here runs deep; I fear you can’t handle it."
Xu Le took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Master Huang, may I have some time to consider?"
Xu Le didn’t want to give up the herbs yet, hoping to discuss with Zhong Lin.
"I’m giving you face!"
Huang Sheng showed impatience. He was already displeased with Old Xu’s repeated refusals.
Respectfully calling him Doctor Xu was one thing; without respect, he’s just Old Xu.
An old man at death’s door daring to defy him, was his authority so weak? Even an old man dared to challenge him?
Huang Sheng’s face darkened, his right hand slowly reaching for the plain knife beside him.
The air turned oppressive, filled with a murderous intent.
Footsteps approached, and a tall figure stepped in.
Xu Le seemed to see a savior.
Zhong Lin strode in, taking the posture of an owner, sitting in a chair aside, feigning curiosity, "Old Xu, won’t you introduce me?"
"This is Master Huang from the Black Water Gang, wanting to buy our herbs. I said to consider it."
While speaking, Xu Le stressed "our," either reminding Zhong Lin or pressuring Huang Sheng.
"The Black Water Gang, huh!"
Zhong Lin glanced at Huang Sheng with a hint of a smile, saying, "Master Huang, right? If you’re interested in that batch of herbs, it’s possible, and I won’t trick you. We’ll go by market price, how about it?"
Huang Sheng squinted, not expecting such a turn of events, and said coolly: "Meeting Master Zhong the Painter, what an honor. I didn’t expect Master Zhong to delve into medicinal herbs?"
"It’s all about Silver," Zhong Lin replied with a grin. "I got some tips from friends in the Government Office and stockpiled herbs in advance. Master Huang, you’re my first customer these days, truly discerning."