Chapter 9: Xu Chan, Ah Jin, and the Five Animals Fist

Chapter 9: Xu Chan, Ah Jin, and the Five Animals Fist

"Manager Wang, take care on your way!"

After paying the rent and seeing off Manager Wang, Chen Ji was still feeling the pinch from the 20 spirit stones he had just spent. As he turned around, he happened to run into his neighbor, who was also heading out.

The neighbor, named Xu Chan, was a female cultivator. Her relationship with the original owner of Chen Ji's body had been lukewarm—they were merely acquaintances who recognized each other.

"Fellow Daoist Chen... you've changed quite a bit recently. Does drawing talismans also help with body refinement?"

Xu Chan furrowed her brows, looking at Chen Ji with surprise.

Recently, Chen Ji's daily meals had shifted from "Fasting Powder" to "Spirit Rice," increasing his nutritional intake by who knows how many times.

Coupled with his daily practice of the "Five Animals Health Preservation Fist," his physique had undergone a significant transformation. From the thin and frail youth he had been when he first transmigrated, he now had visible muscle definition—lean when clothed, but muscular when undressed.

"Please don't laugh at me. I just tried out the effects of a newly drawn 'Vajra Talisman.' The effects haven't worn off yet."

The "Vajra Talisman," one of the basic talismans, primarily enhanced physical strength. For most cultivators, it was a mediocre defensive tool.

"No wonder your 'Vajra Talisman' is considered the best in the market. The effects do seem impressive."

Xu Chan's tone was half-convinced, half-skeptical as she made small talk.

"By the way, have you heard about the demonic cultivators recently?"

The demonic cultivators Xu Chan mentioned were something Chen Ji had also heard about.

A while ago, the Song Family had conducted a door-to-door search in the outer city, which was related to this matter.

No wonder the Song Family had gone against market norms to search every household. The presence of a demonic cultivator was a monumental issue. If not handled properly, the Qinghe Song Family might no longer be the Qinghe Song Family.

Chen Ji had even received 30 spirit stones in compensation from the Song Family for the inconvenience.

Chen Ji had learned about this a few days ago while setting up his stall, from none other than Old Lin.

Old Lin was like a walking encyclopedia of market gossip. There wasn't a single piece of news or rumor he didn't know about.

Despite Chen Ji's reclusive lifestyle, spending his days in his cave dwelling practicing "007" cultivation, he still managed to gather a wealth of information and gossip from Old Lin every time he set up his stall.

"I've heard a little, but I don't know much. Do you have any news, Fellow Daoist?"

"Not exactly news, but as rogue cultivators living here, this area is the most chaotic in the entire market. The demonic cultivator incident reminds us that we should support each other as neighbors. If something really happens, we should help one another."

"What do you mean, Fellow Daoist?"

"This is a 'Message Talisman.' Keep it safe. If something happens, you can notify me, and I'll come to assist. Although I'm just a woman, I won't back down."

Xu Chan grew more enthusiastic as she spoke, completely ignoring Chen Ji's surprised expression:

"I also have the contact information of other neighbors. Even if a demonic cultivator really shows up, if we work together, we might not be afraid of them."

This method was too advanced!

Chen Ji was utterly shocked.

Every word Xu Chan said sounded selfless, but in reality, it was full of ulterior motives.

The structure of this "neighborhood watch" was such that Xu Chan was the central hub—she could contact everyone, but everyone else could only contact her.

Moreover, the demonic cultivator issue hadn't just appeared overnight. Why had she only approached Chen Ji now, after already contacting other neighbors? They had crossed paths many times before.

Of course, it was because Chen Ji's "Gathering Qi Talisman" had recently gained fame in the market.

If Chen Ji were still the same person who could only draw "Vajra Talismans" to barely scrape by, she wouldn't have invited him.

Chen Ji had met many people like this in his previous life. They weren't necessarily bad, but their constant scheming made them hard to like.

However, thoughts were just thoughts. Chen Ji wasn't a fool and wouldn't show his true feelings so openly.

Accepting the "Message Talisman," Chen Ji clasped his hands in gratitude:

"Fellow Daoist, you are absolutely right. The path of cultivation is long, and we rogue cultivators must support each other."

"You truly understand, Fellow Daoist. In a few days, I plan to organize a gathering where we can exchange resources. Wait for my message, and we can all get to know each other."

...

After bidding farewell to Xu Chan, Chen Ji returned to his cave dwelling. He took out the "Message Talisman" he had just received and examined it carefully, his mind racing.

Whether or not he would attend Xu Chan's gathering was up for debate, but the "Message Talisman" was indeed a useful item. Unfortunately, his talisman manual didn't include the corresponding heritage for making one.

Putting away the "Message Talisman," Chen Ji headed to the courtyard.

"Squeak~ squeak~"

"Alright, alright. If you keep nagging, I'll deduct your dinner."

Ah Jin, who had been waiting in the courtyard, immediately assumed a fighting stance, moving with the grace of a dragon and the power of a tiger.

Chen Ji followed suit, mimicking the movements with precision.

Recently, Chen Ji had become obsessed with practicing the fist techniques, spending most of his day on them.

After all, drawing talismans required "spiritual energy" and "divine sense," the "Entangling Vine Technique" required spiritual energy, and Qi Refining cultivators couldn't meditate excessively.

Thus, Chen Ji spent his remaining time practicing the fist techniques.

This particular fist technique, the "Five Animals Health Preservation Fist," was based on imitating the movements of five animals: the tiger, deer, bear, monkey, and bird.

It was a well-rounded martial art, covering physical conditioning, hand-eye coordination, breathing techniques, striking methods, and footwork.

It was versatile, but also somewhat bland, lacking any standout features.

"Phew—"

After a few rounds, Chen Ji's stamina was nearly depleted, and he stopped to catch his breath.

Taking a sip of water, he took the opportunity to check the panel on the "Wordless Book."

[Five Animals Health Preservation Fist: Intermediate (347/400)]

"In three to five days, the fist technique will break through. I hope there will be some pleasant surprises then."

In just two months, the "Five Animals Health Preservation Fist" had reached the "Intermediate" level and was approaching "Proficient."

Although his cultivation progress was slow, his martial arts skills were improving significantly.

At this thought, Chen Ji couldn't help but glance at Ah Jin, who was still practicing the fist techniques. He wondered what level the short, chubby golden monkey had reached.

Ah Jin didn't have a "Wordless Book," so its proficiency couldn't be quantified.

However, based on Chen Ji's estimation, Ah Jin's mastery of the "Five Animals Health Preservation Fist" was at least at the "Advanced" level.

The way it moved, with its fluid transitions and powerful strikes, was simply too impressive!

"Tsk, Monkey Goldtreasure."

But why hasn't this damn monkey lost any weight?

Looking at Ah Jin's short, chubby, and fluffy appearance, Chen Ji rested his chin on his hand, growing more and more puzzled.

Over the past few months, Chen Ji had completely transformed, with visible muscle definition, increased strength, and a much-improved demeanor.

Yet, despite practicing more diligently and skillfully than Chen Ji, Ah Jin showed no outward changes.

It was still the same short, chubby, fluffy monkey.

Chen Ji had initially hoped to raise a "Great Sage Equal to Heaven," but at best, he had ended up with a "Pig Bajin."

Speaking of which, both Ah Jin and the "Longevity Spring Art"** were full of peculiarities.

A monkey learning martial arts was one thing, but why was it better at it than Chen Ji? And why hadn't it lost any weight despite all the training?

It was truly baffling.

Shaking his head, Chen Ji decided not to dwell on it. Since his stamina was exhausted, it was time to move on to the next phase—cultivation!

With the "Gathering Qi Talisman" as the foundation, Chen Ji would deplete his divine sense by practicing the "Entangling Vine Technique," exhaust his spiritual energy by practicing the "Five Animals Health Preservation Fist," and then begin cultivating the "Longevity Spring Art" once his physical strength was spent.

This was his standard "007" lifestyle.

Returning to his room, Chen Ji sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion and spread out the silk scroll containing the "Longevity Spring Art."

[Longevity Spring Art: Beginner (1996/2000)]

"The 'Longevity Spring Art' is about to advance!"

Perhaps because it was a cultivation technique, the proficiency requirements for the "Longevity Spring Art" were ten times higher than those for other skills.

Despite being the skill he practiced the most, its progress had always been the slowest.

"But now, it's finally about to break through. All those nights of cultivation, without a single day of rest since I transmigrated, have not been in vain."

"Exhale—"

"Inhale—"

Roughly every half an hour, the technique completed a full cycle, and the proficiency increased by 1.

[Longevity Spring Art: Beginner (1996/2000)]

...

[Longevity Spring Art: Beginner (1998/2000)]

...

[Longevity Spring Art: Beginner (2000/2000)]

...

Boom~

A sudden, thunderous roar erupted within Chen Ji's body—

The "Longevity Spring Art" had reached the Intermediate level!