Although she didn't understand how Chen Hao's request was related to the Stream Mountain construction site, Bai Ru would still make the best arrangements for him.
The trainer was the best in Stone City. Rumor had it that he had trained several famous fighters.
The medicinal meal was specially concocted by Stone City's top chefs. The recipes had been passed down for generations and were renowned for their restorative quality.
Compared to hiring the top chefs, engaging the two of them was much cheaper. However, it appeared that the cost of hiring Chen Hao wouldn't negligible too.
Chen Hao didn't bother to offer a discounted price either.
He was receiving training now in order to strengthen himself so that he could assist Shuanglong Group with the issue at the construction site. They were working hand in hand, and since Shuanglong Group wasn't taking a loss too, he accepted it comfortably.
Following the trainer's arrangements, he went for a body check-up before undergoing a mock training session to build a unique, targeted regime for himself.
The results of his check-up came out as a relief to him.
He wasn't perfectly healthy, but he didn't have any apparent issues either. As long as he persevered and trained, he would be able to recondition his health back in a couple of months.
Adding on the nourishment of the medicinal diets, the time taken would be reduced even more.
Thinking that he would soon be able to master the first three steps of the nine Dipper Steps, Chen Hao was gleeful. With this divine power, not only could he fight well, but he could also run fast. It was an exceptional technique that could save his life, and it would be beneficial for him to pick it up as soon as possible.
Over the next two days, Chen Hao began his strengthening regime.
He trained for two hours each in the morning and afternoon. In between each session, he also received massage services by beautiful women to relax his muscles. He also enjoyed three medicinal meals specially prepared by the top chefs every day.
He couldn't tell what ingredients were used to prepare his meals, but the fragrance of the herbs was extraordinary. With each bite, he felt warmth spreading across his chest. Within an instant, his tired body regained significant strength and energy.
For the next two days, Chen Hao swiftly got over the fatigue of his first training and his body grew stronger. His pace was initially slow, but as he practiced the first three steps of the Dipper Steps, his movements flowed better.
His trainer was surprised to see Chen Hao's movements and thought that they were rather odd yet intricate. He asked if Chen Hao was interested in boxing. Coupled with his odd movements, he might be able to establish a name for himself in the field.
Chen Hao considered his offer and decided to learn more from the trainer.
He didn't do it in order to pick up boxing. After all, being good at fighting was also a good method to deal with spirits and demons. Moreover, he could also practice the Dipper Steps as he learned to box. It would accelerate his progress to becoming proficient at it.
With another item added to his training regime, Chen Hao had even less personal time now. All day long, he had no time to think about any other matters at all.
That night, while Chen Hao strengthened his arms using a machine, a sound rang through his head.
[Ding-dong! The mission of fulfilling the dead's wish has been completed. The partial unlocking of the talismans has been given out as a reward.]
Sh*t! Why was this mission already completed?
Chen Hao was stunned for a moment before he suddenly recalled that Zhou Gang had contacted him while he was training yesterday. He had said that the test paper for the imperial examination was ready.
Back then, he had been solely focused on strengthening his body and mastering the Dipper Steps. Since he didn't have time to bother with Fan Zheng, he let Zhou Gang take it over instead. After all, he could see Zhao Yuan too. With a ghost helping Zhou Gang, he didn't need to personally go over. Chen Hao had thus requested Zhou Gang to help him out.
Little did he expect the mission to be already completed today.
It seemed like Fan Zheng had been conscientiously studious since his death a century ago. He was cultured and well-read. It was a pity that he had taken a wrong step, but it was too late for any regrets.
With the information from the Pleasure Helping Spirit System, Chen Hao knew that Fan Zheng was an evil ghost who had sinned. He would definitely be treated differently from Liu Yue'e and Li Meng, ghosts who had suffered a wrongful death. Even if he were to get over his own problem, he might not be reincarnated as a human being too.
Nevertheless, he just needed to complete the mission. He was now skilled in another technique performed by a Master.
Feeling pleased, Chen Hao called Zhou Gang to relay his gratitude.
"Master Chen, how did you even foresee the future! I was just about to give you a surprise." Zhou Gang was utterly shocked.
Chen Hao chuckled. "It's just a simple trick. Thank you for helping me, Brother Zhou."
Zhou Gang laughed. "No problem. I merely made two trips. Also, I have another piece of good news. I have located Zhao Yuan's family and am going to contact them. I might be able to find some leads within the next two days."
This was truly a surprise.
As compared to the partial unlocking of the talismans, what Chen Hao really needed was Dao Attainment.
Chen Hao replied sincerely, "Brother Zhou, thank you. I will remember our friendship dearly."
On the other end of the phone, Zhou Gang smiled happily.
He had put in all the effort just to hear those words.
Not only did those words dispel his fears, but their close relationship would also only bring greater benefits for himself and his family.
"There's no need to thank me any further. I know you are busy working at the construction site. When you're done, just come over and drink with me. I'll be satisfied if you do so."
"Haha. Brother Zhou, rest assured. I will definitely return to visit you."
After ending the call, Chen Hao felt much more relieved.
He had a mid-life career change and completely had no idea regarding what cultivation entailed. As he carried out his missions, he had fully depended on persuasion and threatening his targets with weapons. Also, his good luck had allowed him to fool a few ghosts and complete his missions.
Although he had experienced some setbacks along the way, he had managed to overcome them one by one. Now, Chen Hao not only knew how to carry out blessings, but he was also skilled in the Dipper Steps. He could also perform partial unlocking of the talismans, and his path to Dao Attainment looked to be within reach. After he completely mastered everything, he would undoubtedly already have become a true Master.
Feeling pleased, he smiled brightly. Even as he watched the black cat which had recently put on weight laze in a corner, he felt that it looked more adorable now.
With his new skill, he had to grow more comfortable executing it. Chen Hao didn't want to train anymore. He quickly washed up before carrying the black cat in his arms and returning home.
After closing the door, Chen Hao began to sort out the message he received about the partial unlocking of the talismans.
As he worked through it, Chen Hao was overjoyed.
What he needed came to him at the right moment. When dealing with ghosts and demons in the future, he no longer had anything to fear.
The talismans were a Daoist incantation and could also be called Daoist amulets.
The variety of amulets was plentiful. They could use formulas to either curse or bless someone. There was a total of 72 small, 24 spirit, and 12 amulets of the immortal.
The small amulets were well-known to most people and they protected the owner. They could
protect the owner's home, keep ghosts away, attract relationships, draw wealth, and for good luck in war.
The spirit amulets could be used to contain ghosts using the powers of the gods, exorcise ghosts, control the five elements, and invite the gods.
The amulets of the immortal could go against the laws of nature. Their powers were alarming and they were a killing weapon with incredible force.
With any of these amulets, anyone could simply have their way and be in control for generations.
Of course, amidst his joy, he knew that there were still certain restrictions.
It was a partial unlocking of the talismans, so it was restricted to the small amulets. Even the information on the spirit amulets came only as secondary details to introduce him to them. There was no further information on how to draw up and use his own amulets. Of course, there were no details regarding the amulets of the immortal too. The third category of amulets was just so amazing that no details could even be revealed to Chen Hao.
Having experienced this twice so far, Chen Hao was no longer surprised.
After all, as he slowly carried out his missions, he would be able to find out more. It was inevitable.
Feeling pleased with himself, he began to slowly figure out the ways to draw up and use the small amulets.
This type of amulet was not extremely powerful, but it was easy to use. It was a necessary weapon in order to show off to his counterparts.