Chapter 24

"Young Chen, is this enough? If not, I have more at my place."

Uncle Zhang asked.

"Hmm," Chen Ping'an examined the pile of sand and gravel in the corner of the yard.

The second stage of Iron Shirt training required him to remove his clothes and roll continuously in the sand and gravel. This would allow his shoulders, back, chest, abdomen, and arms to constantly come into contact with the rough surface, adapting and toughening over time.

Additionally, he needed to throw himself forward or backward into the sand and gravel, gradually strengthening his bones and muscles.

For this, he would need a considerable amount of sand and gravel.

"I'll need a bit more. Probably another four or five baskets like these."

Chen Ping'an glanced at Uncle Zhang and added, "Uncle Zhang, how much do I owe you for the sand and gravel?"

"Neighbors shouldn't talk about money. It's just some sand and gravel. I have plenty!"

Uncle Zhang said generously. While Chen Ping'an's status as a temporary constable might not impress Little Tiger and his gang, it still carried some weight among the neighbors.

For small favors like this, Uncle Zhang was happy to do Chen Ping'an a favor.

"I can't let you take a loss, Uncle Zhang."

Chen Ping'an said, not wanting to argue.

"Uncle Zhang, do you have any extra baskets? If so, I can go with you to save you the trouble of making multiple trips."

"I have a few more at home. That works."

Uncle Zhang smiled.

"Erya, I'm going with Uncle Zhang for a bit." Chen Ping'an left these words and followed Uncle Zhang.

Behind Uncle Zhang's house was a sizable open area where a lot of sand and gravel were piled up. Though seemingly insignificant, sand and gravel had many uses, so Uncle Zhang had stockpiled quite a bit.

"Young Chen, the baskets at home are a bit large. Use these ones. They'll save you some effort."

Uncle Zhang brought out two noticeably larger baskets, lined with coarse cloth to prevent the sand and gravel from spilling.

"It's fine. Uncle Zhang, don't let my slim build fool you. I have some strength."

Chen Ping'an patted his chest.

At the peak of the first level of Qi and Blood, carrying two baskets like these was no challenge for him. Even four would be a piece of cake.

Uncle Zhang clearly didn't believe him. The baskets he usually used were already larger than normal, and the two he had just brought out were extra-large, reinforced with ropes for added strength. Even a grown man would struggle to carry them when full, let alone a slender young man like Chen Ping'an.

Having worked with sand and gravel for years, Uncle Zhang himself found these baskets quite taxing. After a full day's work, using these extra-large baskets would be even more exhausting, which was why he hadn't used them earlier.

However, Uncle Zhang didn't argue, assuming the young man was just trying to save face, and handed the baskets to Chen Ping'an.

Chen Ping'an took a shovel and filled both baskets to the brim.

"Young Chen, sand and gravel may look light, but they're actually quite heavy," Uncle Zhang reminded him.

"It's fine."

Chen Ping'an replied.

Once Uncle Zhang's basket was full, the two of them hoisted the baskets onto their shoulders and set off.

"He's really carrying it," Uncle Zhang glanced at Chen Ping'an.

He had expected Chen Ping'an to struggle, but the young man didn't even break a sweat, carrying the load effortlessly all the way to his house.

"This..."

Uncle Zhang was stunned, finally realizing how capable Chen Ping'an was.

"No wonder he works for the Town Guard Office. He's truly extraordinary."

With the sand and gravel taken care of, Chen Ping'an couldn't wait to try out the new Iron Shirt training method.

He spread the sand and gravel evenly on the ground, stripped off his clothes, and lay down on it. For an ordinary person, this would have been extremely uncomfortable. Sand and gravel, unlike fine sand, contained sharp, jagged edges that could easily cut the skin.

But for Chen Ping'an, who had achieved minor mastery in Iron Shirt, it felt almost soothing.

The saying "skin toughened like thin cowhide" was no joke.

Chen Ping'an lay naked in the sand and gravel, beginning to roll. To effectively train Iron Shirt, every part of his body—shoulders, back, chest, abdomen, and arms—needed to come into full contact with the rough surface.

Each roll thoroughly exercised every part of his body. Compared to manually rubbing his skin, this method was far more efficient.

Iron Shirt primarily trained the upper body. While it also had some effect on the lower body, the results were less significant.

As Chen Ping'an rolled in the sand and gravel, using it to grind and toughen his skin, Chen Erya watched in amazement.

This was sand and gravel!

How could her brother roll in it without tearing his skin to shreds?

The little girl couldn't help but worry.

However, after watching for a while, she realized her fears were unfounded. Chen Ping'an's skin, though smooth, displayed an incredible toughness.

How long had her brother been training? First, he gained the strength to lift a water vat, and now his skin had become so resilient. Her brother...

He truly was a martial arts prodigy!

The new training method for Iron Shirt proved to be highly effective. In just under half an hour, a +1 experience symbol flashed before Chen Ping'an's eyes.

Feeling that he still had some energy left, Chen Ping'an decided to continue.

Another half-hour passed, and another +1 experience symbol appeared.

"Again!"

Though his skin was starting to ache, it was still within bearable limits. Gritting his teeth, Chen Ping'an pushed on.

After another half-hour, another +1 experience symbol appeared. When Chen Ping'an stood up from the sand and gravel, his skin was bright red and covered in faint blood streaks, looking quite terrifying.

"Brother~"

Chen Erya rushed over, heartbroken. But seeing her brother's red, blood-streaked skin, she stopped halfway.

"Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

The little girl was devastated.

"I'm fine."

Chen Ping'an smiled, revealing his pearly white teeth.

Though he looked a mess, his gains were incredibly satisfying.

Name: Chen Ping'an

Realm: Peak of the first level of Qi and Blood

Martial Arts: Iron Shirt, Minor Achievement (8/40)

"Three experience points in one go!"

Chen Ping'an was thrilled.

This meant the new training method had significantly increased the efficiency of his martial arts training.

"However..."

Chen Ping'an looked at his red, blood-streaked skin.

"I can only train like this at night. In the morning, two sessions will be enough!"

He had to report for duty in the morning, and showing up in this state would be too alarming. While he could cover his body with clothes, his arms would still be exposed.