Chapter 22: The Astonishing Xisui Pill and the Restless Martial Venerable

  Lin Chen provided a brief overview of the Xisui (Bone-Cleansing) Pill and the Qi and Blood Pill. Upon hearing this, Wang Lishan's expression turned to one of astonishment. He examined the two pills in his hand, surprised that such small items could possess such miraculous effects.

  "May I have someone test the effects of these pills?" Wang Lishan inquired.

  "Of course," Lin Chen nodded.

  Soon after, Wang Lishan brought in two new recruits from the military district, both at the advanced martial artist level. At his signal, each recruit consumed one of the pills and began practicing their breathing techniques.

  While they meditated, Lin Chen introduced the Qingfeng Talisman, expining its ability to double a Qi Refining cultivator's speed for a short duration. Although impressive, Wang Lishan noted that simir effects could be achieved on Blue Star through certain gene serums or specialized battle armor, which could enhance a warrior's speed tenfold. Thus, he found the talisman interesting but not particurly groundbreaking.

  Around noon, one of the recruits completed his practice. Upon checking his wrist device, Wang Lishan observed that his Qi and blood value had increased from 22 to 23—a month's worth of progress achieved in a single session.

  "Can the Qi and Blood Pill be mass-produced?" Wang Lishan asked, his voice trembling.

  Lin Chen responded, "The Qi and Blood Pill is a first-grade, low-tier pill. Once I become an alchemist, I can attempt to produce it. However, due to potential pill toxicity, a martial artist should consume no more than one per month."

  Wang Lishan nodded, understanding the implications. Even with a monthly limit, the pill could significantly accelerate a martial artist's progression, potentially halving the time required to advance from intermediate to advanced levels.

  After another two hours, the second recruit completed his practice. Previously at 44 Qi and blood points—just shy of the 45-point threshold for a martial warrior—he now registered at 46 points, successfully breaking through the bottleneck.

  "This pill helps martial artists overcome bottlenecks?" Wang Lishan excimed.

  Lin Chen crified, "The Xisui Pill likely enhances a martial artist's aptitude rather than forcibly breaking through bottlenecks. This recruit had been stagnant at the advanced level for some time; the pill improved his aptitude, facilitating his breakthrough."

  Wang Lishan, absorbing this information, asked, "What is the value of the Xisui Pill in the cultivation world, and can it be mass-produced?"

  Lin Chen replied, "It's slightly more valuable than the Qi and Blood Pill but still considered a low-tier pill. With sufficient spirit stones, acquiring it shouldn't be difficult." In the cultivation world, the Xisui Pill primarily benefits Qi Refining cultivators, enhancing their physical strength during early stages.

  Contempting the potential, Wang Lishan requested, "Lin Chen, could you provide a few more of these pills? I'd like the Martial Arts Research Institute to study them and explore the possibility of local production."

  Lin Chen agreed, supplying two additional Xisui Pills and Qi and Blood Pills. He also transcribed the Qi Refining sections of the "Xuanhuang Qi Induction Technique" and the "Evergreen Art," expining their benefits to martial artists.

  Overwhelmed by the continuous stream of revetions, Wang Lishan waved his hand, signaling the need for a moment to process the information.

  “Just call me Uncle Wang… This cultivation technique of yours, does it require spiritual energy to practice?”

  Lin Chen nodded slightly—ordinary people need to rely on ambient spiritual energy for their first attempt at cultivation.

  Only after they’ve gained a foundational level of cultivation can they rely on spirit stones to continue their practice.

  Everything Lin Chen brought back from the cultivation world would have a tremendous impact on martial arts on Blue Star.

  But unfortunately, this wasn’t something that could be accomplished overnight...

  Aside from requiring the nation to invest massive funds into research, the most crucial part was—

  To fully support Lin Chen’s exploration of the cultivation world!

  Wang Lishan was already aware of the significance of both Lin Chen and the cultivation world, but just how many resources he could secure would take some negotiating.

  He understood his mission now: convince the entire Daxia leadership to invest more energy into this matter.

  So, Wang Lishan handed the Coldiron Ore and cultivation techniques to schors at the Martial Research Institute.

  “One week. I want results. Is that doable?” he asked in a firm tone.

  “Commander, we guarantee completion!”

  Over a dozen schors, already flushed with excitement, couldn’t wait to begin their research.

  For these fanatical researchers, what could be more thrilling than encountering such unprecedented wonders?

  If they succeeded, their names would go down in the history books of Blue Star.

  After handing off the resources for research, Wang Lishan turned to Lin Chen and said:

  “Xiao Chen, the things you brought back from the cultivation world… they’re absolutely astounding!”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll convene another meeting and discuss this again with the old chiefs… I’ll fight to get you more support!”

  “It’ll take a bit of time though—can you understand that, for the sake of the nation?”

  Lin Chen wasn’t worried, and he nodded:

  “Of course, Uncle Wang. There’s no rush on my end. I’m currently safe in the cultivation world.”

  Wang Lishan was deeply relieved by Lin Chen’s understanding. He patted Lin Chen on the shoulder, offered some words of encouragement, then hurried off to begin preparations for the high-level meeting.

  Very soon, aside from the group of excited schors in the institute, only Lin Chen, Wang Xinyu, and Li Nian remained.

  Wang Xinyu, though very curious about the research, was more eager to hear interesting stories about the cultivation world.

  “Lin Chen, do you think I could cultivate too?” Wang Xinyu asked hopefully.

  Lin Chen gave it some serious thought, then shook his head:

  “I’m not sure either…”

  Most people in the cultivation world have the aptitude for Qi Refining—but who knew if Blue Star humans had the same constitution?

  “Looks like I’ll need to get a spirit-testing stone next time… to see if we can detect spiritual roots.”

  Lin Chen made a mental note of it.

  Wang Xinyu was slightly disappointed, but she still asked:

  “It’s still early—do you want us to escort you home?”

  Rather than going home, Lin Chen had another destination in mind.

  He shook his head slightly and said:

  “I want to go to the martial arts room and test my strength and speed again…”

  Wang Xinyu was a little confused—hadn’t he just tested them a couple of days ago?

  (End of Chapter)