Chapter 59: How About Learning Them Together?
His voice boomed so loudly that both groups of people nearby turned to look.
Chen Fan jumped in surprise.
"Ahem, nothing's wrong. Carry on."
Zhang Ren waved awkwardly before fixing his gaze on Chen Fan. "You can truly activate qi-blood energy? Wait—how did you learn about this?"
His memories contained no mention of this knowledge being shared yet.
"It's because of this."
Chen Fan produced a thin manual without hesitation.
"Meteor Arrow Technique?"
Zhang Ren accepted the booklet with a puzzled frown.
As expected, Zhang Ren's brow furrowed deeply upon opening the cover. His eyes darted across pages at inhuman speed, reaching the final leaf within seconds.
"This is incomplete?"
He snapped his head toward Chen Fan.
"Yes."
Chen Fan nodded and recounted the incident from their return journey.
Zhang Ren's eyes widened. He never imagined such danger had occurred during their routine trip. "You did well keeping your composure," he finally said.
"Uncle Zhang, let's keep this from the others for now." Chen Fan lowered his voice.
"Agreed."
Zhang Ren stared at the manual, muttering, "This appears authentic, but too much is missing. Not surprising—who'd trade complete martial secrets for ten pounds of rice?"
Chen Fan nodded vigorously.
"Tell me," Zhang Ren turned sharply, "you learned about qi-blood activation from this?"
"Yes."
Chen Fan hesitated, debating whether to share his physical sensations.
"Qi-blood activation belongs to the Muscle Refining stage," Zhang Ren declared, glancing at Chen Guodong's group practicing stances nearby. "Body Tempering cultivators lack sufficient blood essence density. Only at Muscle Refining does concentration become adequate."
"What effects does it have?"
"Enhanced strength and speed." Zhang Ren counted off on his fingers. "Bare-handed strikes gain velocity and destructive power. With weapons—" he paused meaningfully, "spears cut swifter, blades strike heavier. For archers..."
He locked eyes with Chen Fan. "...heavier bows drawn easily. Faster release speed."
Chen Fan's eyes lit up with understanding. So that explained his effortless draw earlier! This energy activation resembled Gu Ze's awakened abilities—martial arts showed real promise.
"Of course," Zhang Ren added, "exceptional talents might activate it during late Body Tempering. But premature overuse damages underdeveloped systems."
His eyes flicked toward Chen Fan, then relaxed when seeing no reaction. Clearly he'd worried needlessly—no first-stage Body Temperer could manifest this power, even passively.
"Then Muscle Refiners can use it safely?"
"Not entirely." Zhang Ren shook his head. "Even they risk post-activation weakness periods. During such intervals, third-stage Body Temperers could kill them. Chronic overuse degrades foundations—career suicide."
Chen Fan sucked in breath. Moderation proved crucial. Unlike awakeners' endlessly spammable powers, this demanded restraint.
"Uncle Zhang..." Chen Fan's eyes narrowed. "Does this mean the 'Jin' force after entering the Jin stage comes from transformed qi-blood energy?"
Surprise flashed across Zhang Ren's face before he nodded. "Precisely. At sufficient cultivation, the body naturally generates Jin force—enhanced version without drawbacks. Hidden Force masters can project it internally to devastate opponents. As for Transforming Force masters..."
His voice trailed off as he gazed starward, face filled with yearning.
Chen Fan nodded, mind racing. If concentrated qi-blood became Jin force, then perhaps extreme Jin refinement birthed... true qi? The progression seemed logical.
"The martial path knows no limits. Keep striving." Zhang Ren's eyes refocused on Chen Fan with unconcealed anticipation. This youth might actually achieve the legendary qi manifestation within years... or decades.
Curiosity prickled Chen Fan. What stage had Zhang Ren reached? At minimum Jin stage. His bearing suggested Hidden Force mastery.
"Another matter."
"Please speak."
"You depart for Songjiabao soon?"
Chen Fan nodded.
"That den of snakes breeds close-quarters chaos. Your archery will suffer in cramped spaces."
"You suggest..."
"Learn a melee weapon. Spear or blade—each has merits."
Zhang Ren extended a calloused finger. "Spears dominate open combat with reach advantage. Skilled users become unstoppable. But cumbersome to carry, poor in tight spaces."
His other finger rose. "Blades—compact, portable. Improvise with sticks if disarmed. Ferocious in combat, but short reach increases injury risk against beasts."
His brows knitted. Ideally Chen Fan would learn spear—Zhang Ren's own specialty. Yet an archer's true weakness lay in close quarters, better addressed by blades. Why risk melee with beasts when arrows sufficed?
"Uncle Zhang..." Chen Fan broke the silence. "What if I learn both?"
[Author's Note]
To readers craving better novels: my apologies. To those who voted silently: thank you, and sorry for lacking individual acknowledgments.
Truthfully, I'm socially anxious—avoiding communication, never soliciting votes. Enjoyment-based support is welcome, but obsession with stats harms creativity. Frankly, I'd prefer no donations; your readership is gift enough. Hope this makes sense.
(Chapter End)
