A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 156 - 129: So-Called Martial Bones, a Blacksmithing Prodigy

"Cooking is a very useful foundational skill. Slowly improve it, and maybe in the future, you'll be able to cook dragon liver and phoenix marrow."

Bai Qi comforted himself with these thoughts but was regretful that all four Spirit Deer Legs had been fully roasted. Otherwise, he would have continued pushing his progress.

Walking in the Jianghu, having one more skill means having one more way forward.

Fishing is limited by rivers, lakes, and seas, but cooking can be done anywhere.

A good chef is well-received wherever they go!

Thinking this way, the disappointment of not being able to master the "iron forging" skill instantly vanished.

Bai Qi then began to ponder why he could realize the "culinary" skill just by roasting a Spirit Deer Leg once, yet gained nothing from a dozen days of hammering and iron forging?

Could it be that it requires better materials?

"When I first started learning to fish, it also took quite some time. Only after becoming familiar with casting nets, swimming, and fishing did the entrance to the practice become reflected in the inking register.

Now, if I want to speed up this stage..."

Bai Qi's thoughts drifted, and he couldn't help but think of the valuable rare materials that Master Li had.

Things like Sinking Water Copper, Ice Spirit Stone, Yangxiao Steel... If he could personally hammer these, maybe it would work!

"Brother Bai..."

He Jingfeng, having eaten and drank his fill, finally remembered the main business, planning to inquire about Bai Qi's progress in cultivation and literacy.

However, Bai Qi cleaned his mouth and smoothly executed a "I'm tired, going back to my room, see you in the morning" trio, then left quickly.

"You ate my two Spirit Deer Legs! At least chat with me for a bit!"

He Jingfeng clenched his fist but, remembering his father's earnest advice in the letter, silently endured and self-consoled:

"Ninghai Zen's apprentice grilled meat for this Young Master! In the thirteen trades in Yihai Prefecture, who else enjoys such treatment?

Building relationships is like tending a stove. Adding too much firewood too quickly without follow-up may not be a good thing!"

Thinking this, He Jingfeng chuckled, planning to boast about this once he returned to the County City and gathered with those wealthy peers. It's a talking point again!

Among them, who hasn't known of uncles and elder relatives beaten by Ning Wudi since childhood, and grew up hearing Ning Wudi's fame.

"The earliest to form a connection with Ninghai Zen's apprentice was this Young Master! If there's a chance to step into the gates of Tongwen Hall and witness that Golden Black Plaque hiding dragons in Yihai, when it comes to boldness, among the thirteen trades, who else but me?"

The more He Jingfeng thought about it, the more wonderful he felt. He couldn't help but smile, which in Uncle Yang's eyes, made him look almost possessed.

"Bai Qilang gives not a shred of face, yet the Seventh Young Master is simply delighted, as if basking in spring breeze, truly... inconceivable. When he mingles with the eldest sons of other families, he is not so affable."

...

...

After a hearty Spirit Deer Leg meal, Bai Qi returned to his room, not lying down immediately to rest, but continuing the practice of the Five Grand Captures.

After the One-Practice Perfect Golden Flesh and Jade Veins, the Qi and Blood Power bursting in his limbs and bones felt like a large water tank, almost overflowing, with the fascia nourished by it, glowing more brilliantly and richly.

"Now, I feel like I could fight two or three Yang Mengs. Without reaching the Third Training, it's ultimately hard to avoid aging body decline, Qi and blood weakening, eventually getting overtaken by later waves on the beach."

Running his technique, Bai Qi's blood surged with a notable "whoosh" sound, evidence of rich accumulation.

If he decided to start blood purification, he could completely close his pores, fully activate his vigorous Qi to refine tendons and bones, further strengthening his physique.

"I'll wait a bit longer. If I can obtain a matured spirit or monster from the five hundred-mile mountain path and refine its true blood, it would greatly benefit my breakthrough."

Bai Qi restrained this impulse, having learned from the Martial Arts Secret Record that crossing the Second Bone Training Barrier and completing the Refined Silver Marrow had the potential to improve aptitude and cultivate extraordinary martial bones.

"Zhu Shou Rang's Hundred Refinements Hand, my simian arm shooting skill, can be considered an innate 'martial bone prototype.' Through nourishing with True Blood of Spirits and Monsters, it gradually condenses and appears marvelous."

With each breath in and out, as he practiced inhalation and exhalation, his closed eyes faintly presented a human body diagram.

The body seemed transparent, revealing exceptionally thick tendons, entwining with bluish-black skin membrane, like a coiled dragon around his chest, abdomen, waist, and back, filled with a sense of powerful force.

"Only by treading water like a dragon can I swim freely and soar to great heights. The fascia has been trained to the utmost, only missing the condensation of Qi and blood, turning into mercury-like thick liquid, to achieve full ten success power in every move."

Bai Qi's heart flowed with insight; crossing the Second Bone Training Barrier allows internal sight, giving a full view of tendons, bones, skin, and flesh, detecting any hidden injuries instantly and treating them accordingly.

"I just need more spiritual blood and flesh to supplement. Hopefully, He Jingfeng will work harder to elevate his status in the He Family."

The sole perk of interacting with Brother Fu is the occasional burst of gold coins.

...

...

The next day.

Once again, early in the morning, Bai Qi dragged the still-drowsy He Jingfeng to the Big Punishment Kiln.

Not that he couldn't go up the mountain alone, but knowing that though he braved the wind and snow to punch in on time, the Seventh Young Master would be lounging in a warm bed made him uneasy.

Everything feels a bit more bearable if someone is enduring hardship with you.

"Brother Bai... I'm really sleepy, let me go back and get some more sleep."

He Jingfeng's eyelids felt as heavy as lead, and each time he nodded off, the cold wind sliced into his neck, instantly waking him.

"Master Li hasn't agreed to forge a magical artifact for your older brother, indicating your sincerity hasn't yet moved him. Young Master He, you must not slack! In ancient times, people stood in the snow at the doorstep to express wholehearted sincerity. If Master Li sees you coming daily to his door, he will definitely agree to help!"