Chapter Ch176 - The Trial Grounds
After a full eight hours, the numerous Immortal Realm martial artists finally let out long sighs.
The medicinal effects of these Jinyuan Pills were exactly as Hai Tian said. There weren’t any discrepancies whatsoever. Those things really couldn’t have been any better, and could also be considered something that would pivotally change the course of events in the days to come!
Xiao Tianqi laughed in a clear voice: “Hahaha! With this thing, my Hundred Rivers League disciples don’t have to worry! Hai Tian, you’ve made a big contribution this time!”
At this moment, Hai Tian was in the middle of carefully learning through this experience.
Just then, that medicinal power had linked many of the acupoints within his body, and each of the corresponding Heavenly Spirit Acupoints formed a roiling ball shape — This wasn’t a genuine bone pearl, just something briefly formed to replace it. However, its use was actually the same; the upgraded realm was also because of this. After the medicinal power dissipated, he seemed to still be able to sense that previous feeling of mystery. When he attacked his acupoints again in the future, he’ll be considered to have some experience, and perhaps he’d be able to enter the next realm even faster. This should’ve also been another of the Jinyuan Pill’s hidden uses.
Just as he was thinking this, Xiao Tianqi’s laughter entered his ears.
Hai Tian snapped out of it, and hastily said: “I don’t deserve your praise. So long as we can use this to keep the Hundred Rivers League standing tall and the league disciples safe, this Hai will be satisfied.”
Meanwhile, the other Immortal Realm martial artists also gave Hai Tian their praises.
Then, a person sighed: “We’ve wasted four pills just now. What a pity.”
However, these words were only said in passing. If they hadn’t tested it, how could they be sure that the owner of Medicine of Life could be trusted? Even though this time’s pills were real, they could still obtain new medicines from that place in the future. Before it was officially distributed to the disciples, they similarly needed testing… Even if some were wasted, there was no better option.
Everyone already acknowledged the Jinyuan Pill’s miraculous uses. Following this, Hai Tian needed to distribute these medicinal pills.
The Hundred Rivers League had tens of thousands of Xiantian disciples, and the amount of five hundred Jinyuan Pills wasn’t very large. Thus, for the time being, the pills could only be given to those high-potential geniuses whose powerful combat abilities could even let them bypass ranks.
From these disciples, Hai Tian decided to select the disciples at Xiantian stage seven, eight, and nine. Xiantian stage nines would get low grade Jinyuan Pills, Xiantian stage eights would get mid grade Jinyuan Pills, and Xiantian stage sevens would get high grade Jinyuan Pills. That way, when they took the medicinal pills, their realms would immediately break through, and in a short period of time, they would become pseudo-Immortal Realm martial artists! They would become a valiant combat force.
As for the mediocre ones, they would be scattered. Each of the five hundred pseudo-Immortal Realm martial artists would lead a surplus of ten people to ensure their safety. When the next month came, they’d have more medicinal pills. Naturally, those pills would be issued to Xiantian martial artists whose realms were somewhat high and who had strong combat power. This would let them share the pressure of the previous five hundred people.
Hai Tian proposed this suggestion. Xiao Tianqi and the others felt that it was rather thorough, and they didn’t think there was anything unsuitable about it.
After that, the good news was secretly disseminated among those trusted disciples within the league, letting them make their preparations. At the same time, the somewhat oppressed atmosphere that permeated the Hundred Rivers League rapidly rose again in a short period. This practically caused the league disciples’ spirits and appearances to look brand new.
And it was only natural that this kind of spectacle would fall into the sights of others.
— No matter how much the matter of having the Jinyuan Pills was covered up, no matter how loyal those five hundred people who got the medicinal pills in the beginning were, they could only conceal it temporarily. The transformation of the Hundred Rivers League was impossible to conceal.
Consequently, the people on the other side also began to stir.
Time passed extremely quickly.
Medicine of Life’s reputation spread to many places within a brief period of time, even to some large medicinal pill stores. Although their businesses weren’t affected too much, they also felt pressure from this upstart and started paying attention to it closely. Fortunately, the floor space of Medicine of Life really was too small. No matter how hot its sales were, it was impossible to truly threaten the large medicine stores. Merely, several of the new medicines being launched within still caught the people’s interest.
Zhao Yuheng, Fu Manduo, and the others who’d known early on about Medicine of Life’s foundations had come over to offer their congratulations. Fu Manduo had jokingly complained to Gongyi Tianheng, saying that Tianheng shipped him too few goods. However, in terms of business, although the prices sold to Fu Manduo weren’t low, it was still inferior to Medicine of Life, which had gradually made a name for itself. After Tianheng and him shared probing smiles, they kept their previous manner of cooperation.
Shipping goods to Fu Manduo was also considered a stable and long-term source of funds.
As for Zhao Yuheng, he was classified as someone who came over in support of Tianheng.
Reaching this stage, it was only necessary for enforcement disciples to wander around in the vicinity of Medicine of Life, which indicated a trend. People would promptly catch the hint that Medicine of Life’s business was naturally very smooth and steady.
— Gongyi Tianheng’s temperament, methods, appearance, bearing, aptitude, and potential were all extraordinary. For a person such as this, even if Zhao Yuheng hadn’t obtained more influence because of him, Zhao Yuheng still would’ve been willing to befriend him.
As before, Gu Zuo was very busy refining pills.
Because his current psychic power was already very strong, he basically didn’t need to sleep. As he worked against the clock for Medicine of Life and golden banknotes, Gu Zuo practically worked day and night. Moreover, because the amounts of refined medicine were staggeringly high, his qi energy continuously increased and his strength grew at flying speeds.
Immediately following this, Gu Zuo unexpectedly had a breakthrough before Tianheng made it to Xiantian stage four!
Since their arrival to Qingyun Sect, not even a full year had passed. Whether it was Gu Zuo or Gongyi Tianheng, the two’s improvement speeds were fearsome. If it wasn’t for some covert methods, they would’ve caught the attention of many people already! It would’ve been okay if there was nothing else, but if they were regarded by an Elder who wanted to take them as apprentices…
Gu Zuo suddenly remembered this matter, and while eating lunch, he opened his mouth and asked: “Big brother, are there any Elders in Qingyun Sect who you’d want as a Master?”
Tianheng heard what was said and stared blankly. After that he somewhat muttered to himself and said: “Ah Zuo, I definitely don’t want to become an apprentice to a Master.”
Okay. After hearing this reply, Gu Zuo seemed to feel&#k2026; Actually, this also didn’t make him feel surprised.
But he still asked: “Why?”
Tianheng said: “I’ll always bring Ah Zuo along wherever I go. If I became a formal apprentice, Ah Zuo will naturally go with me. However, Ah Zuo has many secrets and my constitution is also rather special. Becoming an apprentice would therefore be dangerous. Moreover, if you and I become apprentices, I’m afraid that Elder won’t really be able to teach me anything.”
Gu Zuo understood in his heart. This was indeed the truth.
Of course, formally becoming an apprentice wasn’t something that could be done casually. If one didn’t have such intentions, they wouldn’t go in search of a suitable Master. And ordinary Elders also wouldn’t meticulously search for an apprentice among the countless disciples in the Inner Sect.
After the two discussed these matters, Tianheng finished eating his meal. Shortly after, he said: “It’s been some time since we’ve reached the Inner Sect. I haven’t yet compared notes with others nor battled with wild beasts, so I’m going to leave for the Trial Grounds.”
Gu Zuo paid no attention to outside matters. If Tianheng hadn’t mentioned it, he also wouldn’t have known. Now that it was mentioned, he asked: “What’s the Trial Grounds? Will big brother be going out of the Sect?”
Tianheng shook his head and smiled: “No, the Trial Grounds are within the Inner Sect. As a place where Inner Sect disciples test what they’ve learned and accumulate combat experience, it wouldn’t be located outside of the Sect.”
Gu Zuo blanked: “There’s also such a place within the Sect?”
Tianheng said: “If Ah Zuo has time, you can come with me.”
Gu Zuo hesitated a little: “But the pill refining…”
Tianheng’s gaze softened: “Ah Zuo has been diligently refining for many days inside of the medicine refining room. Now that you happen to be with me, it’ll be good to relieve your boredom.”
Gu Zuo indeed thought that it was better to strike a balance between work and rest. In addition, he really was somewhat curious about the Trial Grounds. He answered positively: “Then, I’ll also go to take a look.”
Tianheng smiled: “I’ve also never gone there before, so this can be considered a learning experience.”
Gu Zuo followed with a smile.
The Trial Grounds were located within several encircling mountains, and was occupied by an extremely large building. In front was a plaza and behind was a stone rampart. There were also quite a few lofty martial arts monuments, which towered around the edges of the Trial Grounds.
There were many people here. Of the countless Inner Sect disciples, everyone who knew about the Trial Grounds all inevitably wanted to come to take a look. After seeing it, they would inevitably want to try it. As a result, it was somewhat crowded.
Gu Zuo watched this vast crowd, and couldn’t help sucking in a cold breath: “Big brother, there’s so many people. How are you going to test yourself? It’s not going to be a knockout competition like the initial stage of the Hundred Countries Tournament, right?”
Tianheng faintly smiled and said: “Ah Zuo doesn’t need to worry. Each and every tester who comes needs to spend some contribution points. And there are quite a lot of ways to earn contribution points here. The grounds are vast, and the designs are elaborate. Even though there are many people, all of them want to go in. There’ll be enough space.”
Gu Zuo thought about it: “Then, are there ones here where pharmacists can participate?”
Tianheng said: “I’m actually not sure about this.”
Gu Zuo was somewhat disappointed.
Tianheng said soothingly: “There might be. It’s just that pharmacists are mysterious. They can’t always refine medicine in front of everybody as to avoid divulging their pill prescriptions. Later on, Ah Zuo can do a thorough search or ask around to scout things out.”
Gu Zuo heaved a sigh: “It can only be like this.” Following which, he cheered himself up, “First, I’ll watch big brother hone himself! As for myself, there’s probably nothing for honing. It’s a pity, since that’s the way I might be able to earn contribution points.”
Tianheng couldn’t help laughing, and ruffled his hair.
His little pharmacist, who now had complete confidence in himself, was becoming increasingly cute.
Soon after, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo’s arm, and led him into the crowd.
Let alone that there were very many methods within the Trial Grounds, one would see at a glance that there were gravity rooms, testing rooms, puppet gates… There were so many that it would leave a person dazzled.
Gu Zuo simply set aside the matter of medicine refining, and accompanied Tianheng. In high spirits, they first arrived in front of the gravity rooms.
Tianheng walked to the registration desk in front of him, and warmly spoke to the somewhat idle disciple there: “Senior Sect Brother, how many contribution points are needed to enter a gravity room?”
That disciple was used to handling matters here and normally met with very many disciples. At this time, he replied in a rote manner: “The gravity rooms are divided into many grades. What’s the grade of the room that this Junior Sect Brother wants to enter? Right now, except for the fifty-times gravity rooms, the other rooms are all vacant.”
Tianheng thought it over: “Would Senior Sect Brother clear up the confusion over how things are done inside?”
As he was speaking, Gu Zuo handed over a golden banknote. Its denomination was two hundred gold.
After that disciple took the golden banknote, his facial expression loosened: “The range of the gravity rooms are from one-times to fifty-times. From one-times to ten-times, each room is one contribution point per two hours. The eleven-times to twenty-times rooms are two contribution points per two hours…and so on up until the fifty-times gravity rooms, which are five contribution points per two hours.
He continued: “Under normal circumstances, which gravity room to enter depends on the strength of the disciple’s physical body. Naturally, the stronger the physical body, the higher the multiplier of the gravity room one can enter to cultivate. As for how a person knows the strength of their physical body… There’s a place for checking to the side with several small paths that are fifty steps long. Anyone who walks along them will have the gravity increase by one fold for every step they take. This Junior Sect Brother can try it out. When you can’t continue and have to come back, you’ll naturally know.”
Looking at the “face” of the money, the disciple’s explanation was very thorough and detailed, which saved Gongyi Tianheng a lot of trouble.
Hence, Tianheng smiled and said: “In that case, I’ll go take a walk along those small paths.”
There were five small paths in total, and each one went in a different direction. They were built up with stone piles and appeared very commonplace. They seemed no different from an ordinary dirt road. However, there were at least four or five disciples who were in the middle of their attempts on all of these small paths. Some of them walked on with dignified appearances, and some had simply stopped in place. There were also a few who wanted to continue walking a few more steps, but their features abruptly twisted like something was blocking them. They suddenly retreated several steps and recuperated their strength.
Gu Zuo’s vision fell upon the body of a young martial artist whose steps were extremely sluggish.
The clothes of this martial artist were all torn apart, exposing the sturdy figure within. However, because the gravity on this small path was enormous, the surface of his skin was chapped and cracked. Threads of blood were forced out in rivulets, which dripped down along his body.
Such a scene shocked the eyes and astonished the heart — Sure enough, when martial artists tested the limits of their bodies, they would all seem crazy. It would make a person exclaim in astonishment.
Tianheng came before a small path that had relatively fewer people. He lifted his foot and began walking.
Gu Zuo stared at him somewhat nervously, and saw that his steps were steady and his expression was unhurried, without the least bit of distress.
One step, two steps, three steps…
Tianheng didn’t walk quickly. Only, in the wake of going further down the path, his clothing hung down and the shine in his eyes brightened.
Four steps, five steps…
The further he walked, the more worried Gu Zuo became.
All of a sudden, he recalled that the power of the physical body wasn’t only comprised of muscle, it also included the internal organs and the meridians! He believed that his big brother’s body was very sturdy, but it was restricted by his meridians, which weren’t too durable. Would the gravity rooms be suitable for his big brother? But after having second thoughts, he realized that his big brother wouldn’t give up on the gravity rooms.
— Also, the gravity rooms were for the purpose of squeezing the martial artist’s physical body to its limits, fracturing some meridians, and damaging some muscles. There were naturally medicinal pills to make up for it. In addition, after suffering damage, the body would become even more powerful when it recovered. This would achieve the goal of the hard training here.
Hence, Gu Zuo couldn’t deal with just watching his big brother’s final result. In a flurry, he started to search for some finished medicinal pills in his own storage space!
A top-notch injury medicine for Xiantian martial artists was undoubtedly the Revitalization Pill. It was a must-have… Merely, the Revitalization Pill’s effects weren’t as good on internal injuries as external injuries. In that case, the Meridian Replenishing Pill was also a must-have. It specifically targeted the meridians, so the compatibility with the gravity room was certainly very good… Then, because of the uniqueness of the Tiandu Body, the Five Essence Pill could bring nourishment, increasing the circulation of qi and blood to the organs as well as promoting one’s vitality. This would allow the physical body to quickly recover from the inside out.
As he continued plotting and calculating, a hand suddenly pressed onto the top of his head.
Gu Zuo immediately snapped out of it and looked up. Sure enough, it was his big brother!
— Shoots! How far did his big brother go just now?
Tianheng smiled like Gu Zuo’s way of thinking was crystal clear, and said: “I only walked ten steps. On that tenth step, I couldn’t keep going forward.”
Gu Zuo nodded his head: “In that case, we’ll first go to the ten-times gravity room to adapt?”
Tianheng slightly nodded: “Precisely.”
The two then quickly went to that disciple in front to register.
That disciple recognized at a glance that those two were the generous masters just then, and plainly said: “Has Junior Sect Brother chosen a gravity room?”
Tianheng said: “Ten-times gravity.”
The disciple then asked: “Would the Junior Sect Brother like the multi-person gravity room or the private gravity room?”
Tianheng murmured: “How are the two types of gravity rooms divided?”
The registration disciple answered: “Because some disciples practice their personal martial skills in the gravity rooms or they want to cultivate without any interference, they choose the private gravity rooms. As I just said, every two hours costs one contribution point. However, if it’s purely to temper one’s physical body and one isn’t concerned about being seen by others, one can select the multi-person gravity room. At that time, other people can watch. Every six hours will cost one contribution point.”
This was a supplementary explanation.
Gu Zuo inwardly thought: So it’s like this. No wonder there are so many people here. There are still gravity rooms left over. If most of the visitors choose the multi-person gravity rooms, there really won’t be any need to worry about a lack of space.
Tianheng was just here to temper his physical body, so he similarly chose a multi-person gravity room.
Gu Zuo originally thought that he still couldn’t follow him in, but since one could view the multi-person gravity room, there weren’t any restrictions for a pharmacist like him. Hence, he gladly and diligently went to go watch.
Thus, if his big brother had any accidents, he could lend a hand in time…
Whether the gravity rooms were private or multi-person, they were all located beyond the entrance that the registration disciple guarded. Along with an extremely large stone chamber, there were constructs made of an unknown material inside. The instant that Gu Zuo walked in, he could detect something rushing forth from all directions. It was like a tide of subtle pressure.
This was just a bit more gravity than normal, but Gu Zuo’s body was sensitive and his psychic power was sharp. He was able to realize this immediately.
Tianheng also detected this, and showed an interested smile.
They quickly walked to the largest room among the multi-person gravity rooms.
Sure enough, the number of people inside wasn’t few; there were probably as many as twenty to thirty people. All the martial artists were practically half-naked. Under the pressure of the gravity, their bodies were sweating buckets, and were even rupturing with blood. At first glance, it was truly a plaintive and miserable sight to behold.
The path of martial arts crossed the heavens, but enduring it was especially difficult.
Tianheng was about to go in, but had his sleeve tugged at by Gu Zuo. He came to a halt, lowered his head, and smiled: “Ah Zuo, what’s wrong?”
Gu Zuo pursed his lips. His palms clutched several bottles, which were all stuffed into Tianheng’s hands: “Revitalization Pills, Meridian Replenishing Pills, and Five Essence Pills. Big brother, use them as you see fit.”
Gongyi Tianheng’s gaze warmed: “Ah Zuo’s attentive.”
Gu Zuo lifted up his head, his attitude very persistent: “Big brother mustn’t be careless about his body.”
Tianheng smiled: “Rest assured, Ah Zuo. I understand.”
Such words were spoken, and Tianheng didn’t hesitate any longer. He received the medicine bottles and stored them into his newly obtained inter-spatial tool. Then, he went in with large strides.
Gu Zuo saw very clearly that Tianheng’s foot had paused as it came down the moment he entered the room, but his expression didn’t change. It was as if the ever-present gravity in the gravity room didn’t exist. His entire being was still serene and composed. He was graceful and cool as usual.
Following which, Gu Zuo simply sat cross-legged at the entrance and faced inside to watch.
There were many other martial artists who’d done the same as Gu Zuo. But as for pharmacists, Gu Zuo was actually the only one — The purpose of these martial artists waiting here was because their Senior Sect Brothers or Junior Sect Brothers were training diligently inside the gravity rooms. If the other person fainted, they’d rush in without delay and bring the person out. Otherwise, if the unconscious martial artist was left within the gravity room, there’d be concerns about their life. And after those sect brothers trained to their limits, they could come out and switch places. When the other went in, the martial artist who’d been previously training would then watch over them.
This was also mutually beneficial.
As for Gu Zuo, this pharmacist, doing the same thing as them, although they were somewhat curious, they also didn’t give him that many looks. Presently, their fellow disciples were more important.
Only, this type of inattention disappeared not long after.
As it turned out, after Tianheng entered the gravity room, he promptly found a corner and started stretching his body, neither too swiftly nor too slowly. However, because the intensity of the gravity was based on the predetermined limits of his body, although it was still effortless at the start, the more time that passed, the more fearsome that pressure became and the more pain one would feel.
Tianheng’s expression remained the same, but his clothing was drenched through and tightly stuck to his body. It didn’t take long for some darker colors to appear on that sapphire-blue brocade. This was due to the skin splitting open, and the blood flow was dyeing the clothing!
Because of this, as he slowly raised his hand, there was a tearing sound and his upper robes were torn open by him. Sure enough, there were many trails of blood on that lustrously-white skin, forming a picture of despoiled beauty.
At this time, Tianheng took out several medicinal pills. He used true qi to wrap them up and swallowed them.
In the next moment, the speed that these wounds recovered could be seen with the naked eye!
— What were these miraculous medicinal effects?!
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa!
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