"I'm finally back."
Lu Changsheng returned to his courtyard in Miaoshou Garden.
This trip to Yancheng had yielded great harvests.
Just the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure alone had enhanced his strength by a substantial margin.
Lu Changsheng rested at home for a day, and the next morning, as usual, he got up early and headed toward Miaoren Hall.
Along the way, he noticed that many of the apprentices and apothecaries in Miaoshou Garden seemed to be in very good spirits.
"Morning, Doctor Lu."
"Heading to Miaoren Hall, Doctor Lu?"
"Good morning, Physician Lu."
When Lu Changsheng stepped onto the street, many people actually greeted him as well.
This gave Lu Changsheng a profound sense of the change in his status.
It had only been two years since he arrived at Miaoshou Garden.
Yet in those two years, he had gone from an obscure apprentice to a physician of some renown.
These people knew him because he had now gained a modest reputation; his medical skills were superb, and he had inherited the true teachings of Wu Jing.
After all, whoever one might offend, one should never offend a physician.
"Even if I didn't practice martial arts, these medical skills would be enough to support myself," Lu Changsheng mused inwardly. "However, these are troubled times. Martial strength is still what matters most."
Soon, Lu Changsheng arrived at Miaoren Hall.
Zhang Huan's eyes lit up. Seeing Lu Changsheng, he promptly brewed a pot of tea.
"Doctor Lu, you're finally back! Aunt Zhang next door has been asking after you for days," Zhang Huan said with a grin.
"Aunt Zhang? Is she feeling unwell again?"
"No matter. Have her come over quickly; I'll examine her."
Lu Changsheng indeed knew Aunt Zhang.
In fact, because he truly had a knack for women's ailments, he had gained many repeat clients and regular patients.
Aunt Zhang was one of them.
Before long, Aunt Zhang arrived.
"Oh, Doctor Lu, you're finally back! With my recurring ailment, I didn't even know whom to turn to."
Aunt Zhang wore a broad smile.
Lu Changsheng took her pulse and asked a few questions. Finding nothing serious, he wrote out a prescription.
Yet holding the prescription, Aunt Zhang hesitated.
"Is there something else, Aunt Zhang?" Lu Changsheng asked.
Aunt Zhang chuckled and said in a low voice, "Doctor Lu, I hear you aren't from around here?"
Lu Changsheng's background was actually common knowledge to many.
So Lu Changsheng nodded. "I wandered about as a child and don't remember where I came from. Later, I entered Miaoshou Garden as an apprentice and gradually became a physician. Aunt Zhang, if you have something to say, please speak frankly."
Hearing this, Aunt Zhang smiled. "All right, then I'll be direct. I have a distant relative who recently moved to Nanyang City to do some business. Their daughter is educated, well-mannered, virtuous, and capable, and she has blossomed into quite a beauty. Having just arrived, they're strangers in a strange land, so they asked me to help find a good match for her.
"I figured you'd be a perfect fit, Doctor Lu. Though you don't come from a prominent family, you are honest, capable, and clever. Now you're a doctor in Miaoshou Garden, and Doctor Wu Jing even took you on as his mantle disciple. I'm certain my distant relatives would be more than willing.
"So, I thought I'd ask how you feel about it. As long as you nod, Doctor Lu, I guarantee I can arrange this marriage for you!"
Lu Changsheng was somewhat taken aback.
Aunt Zhang had come to play matchmaker for him?
Thinking about it, marrying at his age was quite normal in this world.
Although Lu Changsheng was an orphan, he had become a well-known physician far and wide, effectively making him a young, prosperous man with an established career. In Nanyang City, such qualifications were quite appealing.
Had it not been for having no parents or family, matchmakers probably would have knocked on his door long ago.
"Thank you, Aunt Zhang, but I'm still young and in no rush," Lu Changsheng replied, shaking his head.
He had not considered such matters at all.
In truth, even if he were to marry, he would not look for an ordinary woman.
After all, while he was a physician on the surface, he was actually a martial artist of the Divine Strength Realm.
Setting aside the potential troubles from jianghu feuds, his physical body alone was entirely different from that of an ordinary person.
If he were to consummate a union with an ordinary woman, he would have to be exceedingly cautious at every moment.
If he applied too much force by accident, someone could lose their life.
If Lu Changsheng truly wanted to marry, he would need to find a martial artist—preferably one at or above the Divine Strength Realm.
"How about you give it some more thought, Doctor Lu? My relatives aren't in a hurry either. If you come around, feel free to find me anytime."
With that, Aunt Zhang collected her medicinal herbs and departed.
Lu Changsheng settled back into a peaceful routine in Nanyang City.
In the blink of an eye, a month passed.
On this day, Lu Changsheng was using ancient rock grease to practice the Divine Dragon Transformation.
Buzz.
The next moment, a flash of insight struck Lu Changsheng, and he unleashed the Divine Dragon Transformation.
His body shuddered instantly, but this time the vibrations were immense.
His qi and blood surged by an entire fold!
Whoosh.
Lu Changsheng opened his eyes.
He promptly halted the changes within his body, choosing not to push any further.
"The Second Transformation of the Divine Dragon—it's finally done!"
Lu Changsheng had finally mastered the Second Transformation of the Divine Dragon.
This Second Transformation could enhance his physical body by double!
It was an all-around boost—strength, defense, and everything else increased comprehensively.
Taking strength alone: Lu Changsheng currently possessed forty tripods of strength. If he unleashed the Second Transformation of the Divine Dragon, it would skyrocket directly to eighty tripods!
Lu Changsheng immediately called up his attribute panel to inspect his physical state.
Host: Lu Changsheng
Comprehension: 645 (Hidden Dragon in the Depths)
Qiantian Treasure Transformation Secret Method: First Layer
Triple Waves: Second Wave
Blood Crystal Secret Method: Mastery
Ninefold Carp Leaping Dragon Gate Art: First Layer
Divine Dragon Transformation: Second Transformation
Nine-Word Thunder Sound Secret Method: Perfection (Incomplete)
Lu Changsheng's comprehension continued to climb steadily. Wherever he went, he never slacked off; he made sure to practice his martial techniques every day.
Although the gains in comprehension were not massive, they steadily increased over time.
Moreover, after this period of bitter cultivation, the Blood Crystal Secret Method had reached Mastery, not far from Perfection.
The most conspicuous change was the Divine Dragon Transformation, which had advanced from the First Transformation to the Second Transformation.
For this Divine Strength secret method, every breakthrough brought earth-shattering changes.
"The ancient rock grease is almost gone. I need to make a trip to the Blood Fiend Sect."
Lu Changsheng glanced at the remaining ancient rock grease. At most, it would only last him a few more days of cultivation.
Furthermore, cultivating the Divine Dragon Transformation to the Third Transformation required an enormous quantity of ancient rock grease.
However, it was currently daytime. Last time, Lu Changsheng had obtained the ancient rock grease under the identity of Zhuang Thirteen, and he intended to do the same now.
And Zhuang Thirteen should not be seen in broad daylight.
Otherwise, it would be difficult for Lu Changsheng to erase all traces connecting him to the ancient rock grease.
It would be troublesome if someone traced it back to his true identity.
Thus, Lu Changsheng waited until nightfall.
He then disguised himself, transforming into Zhuang Thirteen, and quietly slipped out of Miaoshou Garden.
Lu Changsheng was already thoroughly familiar with the way to the Blood Fiend Sect and quickly arrived outside their grounds.
This time, he did not head straight for the back mountain. Instead, he approached the main gates of the Blood Fiend Sect.
In his current guise, he was a renowned hero after all; he could not very well take things without asking.
As long as the Blood Fiend Sect was willing to sell, Lu Changsheng would pay in silver.
Besides, he was not short on silver now.
"Zhuang... Hero Zhuang?!"
When Lu Changsheng reached the gates of the Blood Fiend Sect, the guards were startled and immediately turned to flee inside.
"Halt!" Lu Changsheng barked.
The two guards froze, not daring to run any further. They asked timidly, "Hero Zhuang, what are your instructions?"
Although rumors in the outside world praised Zhuang Thirteen as a righteous hero driven by honor and a hatred of evil, to the people of the Blood Fiend Sect, Zhuang Thirteen was practically a harbinger of doom.
Last time, he had nearly wiped out the Blood Fiend Sect single-handedly.
Seeing Zhuang Thirteen genuinely terrified them.
After all, their past deeds had been thoroughly wicked, making them prime targets for Zhuang Thirteen. How could they not be afraid?
"I've come to buy ancient rock grease. What are you running for?"
"Buy ancient rock grease?"
The two guards exchanged glances and breathed a sigh of relief. "Hero Zhuang, if you wish to buy ancient rock grease, please come inside."
"Didn't you say last time that you don't sell ancient rock grease?" Lu Changsheng asked, somewhat surprised.
"Uh... after what happened last time, our Blood Fiend Sect entered into a partnership with various factions across Nanyang Prefecture. The higher-ups specifically instructed that if you want ancient rock grease, we are to sell it."
Lu Changsheng understood.
It turned out the Blood Fiend Sect had been beaten into submission and simply did not dare refuse him.
"Fine, lead the way."
Lu Changsheng considered that buying it directly was naturally the best outcome; he would not need to labor over harvesting it in the mountain forests.
Excavating large quantities of ancient rock grease was time-consuming and exhausting, hardly worth the effort.
Stepping into the Blood Fiend Sect, Lu Changsheng noticed large piles of ancient rock grease stacked inside.
Even at night, people were continuously manufacturing Ancient Rock Exotic Incense.
Lu Changsheng was escorted to a reception hall. Soon, a middle-aged man dressed in merchant attire entered.
"Greetings, Hero Zhuang. I am Lu Qi, Vice President of the Ancient Rock Incense Merchant Guild."
The middle-aged man introduced himself. He was actually the vice president of a merchant guild.
This piqued Lu Changsheng's curiosity.
"This is the Blood Fiend Sect. Why is a merchant guild vice president like you here? Are you a member of the Blood Fiend Sect as well?" Lu Changsheng inquired.
"Hero Zhuang, while this is indeed the Blood Fiend Sect, I am not one of their members. The Ancient Rock Incense Merchant Guild was jointly established by the Blood Fiend Sect and several factions across Nanyang, primarily focusing on producing and selling Ancient Rock Incense. Anything concerning Ancient Rock Incense is handled by the guild," Lu Qi explained.
"Where is the new sect master of the Blood Fiend Sect?" Lu Changsheng asked further.
"Well... Hero Zhuang, the new sect master had some business to attend to and asked me to receive you in his stead." Lu Qi looked slightly awkward.
"Is that so?"
With a moment's thought, Lu Changsheng roughly understood.
The new sect master was probably terrified of meeting him, fearing that Zhuang Thirteen might beat him to death.
After all, everyone in the Blood Fiend Sect was terrified of Zhuang Thirteen.
Strictly speaking, there was a blood feud between the Blood Fiend Sect and Zhuang Thirteen.
However, the current Blood Fiend Sect had little in common with the sect of before.
"Hero Zhuang, please do not take offense. Your formidable reputation is simply too great; the sect master truly did not dare present himself before you. But as long as it concerns ancient rock grease or Ancient Rock Incense, I hold full authority to make decisions!" Lu Qi stated with firm confidence.
"Good. Then deal with me."
"I want to purchase a hundred jin of ancient rock grease. How much silver?" Lu Changsheng asked straightforwardly.
"Hero Zhuang, ancient rock grease is ten taels of silver per jin."
Lu Changsheng thought back to the price of Ancient Rock Incense. Upon reflection, ten taels per jin was quite reasonable.
"Very well. Here is a thousand-tael banknote. Pack up the ancient rock grease for me at once." Lu Changsheng slapped down a thousand-tael banknote.
"Please wait a moment, Hero Zhuang."
With that, Lu Qi immediately went out to give orders.
Lu Changsheng could not sit still; he got up and strolled around the Blood Fiend Sect compound.
In reality, the sect's former presence had grown very faint, replaced everywhere by people from the Ancient Rock Incense Merchant Guild.
Blood Fiend Sect was now little more than a name.
It was quite remarkable to reflect upon: this place had originally been Gao Family Fort, later became the Blood Fiend Sect, and was now gradually turning into the Ancient Rock Incense Merchant Guild.
Soon, the hundred jin of ancient rock grease was handed over, and Lu Changsheng left the Blood Fiend Sect.
With his sharp senses, the pitch-black night posed no hindrance to his vision.
As Lu Changsheng hurried back toward Nanyang City, he suddenly stopped. His brow furrowed slightly, and he could not help covering his nose and mouth.
"Why is there such a foul stench?"
Lu Changsheng caught a whiff of an odor that was nauseatingly foul.
Looking around, he noticed a ditch beside the woods ahead.
Inside the ditch lay three corpses.
Yet these three corpses were shriveled and dry, looking as though all the blood in their bodies had been completely drained.
Furthermore, the three corpses emitted a heavy, pungent stench—not merely the decay of rotting flesh, but an extraordinarily bizarre foulness that induced visceral disgust.
Lu Changsheng continued along the ditch.
Before long, he spotted more corpses.
However, these corpses appeared slightly fresher—or rather, they had not been dead as long, probably less than a day.
Yet they too were completely withered and desiccated.
Lu Changsheng crouched beside a corpse.
Examining the wounds carefully, he found these people seemed to have been shaken to death by some terrifying force, while others bore gashes that looked as if they had been carved by savage beast claws.
Without exception, every drop of blood in their bodies was gone.
"Hmm? What is this...?"
Lu Changsheng noticed something squirming inside one of the corpses.
Bang!
Suddenly, the corpse exploded, flesh and blood splattering everywhere.
A faint streak of black light shot straight toward Lu Changsheng's face!
As a martial artist of the Divine Strength Realm, how sharp were Lu Changsheng's reflexes?
Almost instantly, he reached out and snatched it from the air.
Sss.
A faint prick of pain registered in his palm.
Looking closely, Lu Changsheng found a tiny slit in his palm.
A bizarre black insect, resembling a tiny ant, had actually burrowed into his hand!
One had to remember that Lu Changsheng had undergone marrow transformation and blood exchange four times; his physical defense was formidable.
How could such a tiny bug pierce his skin and tunnel into his palm?
Even so, Lu Changsheng did not panic.
He sneered, "A mere insect—get out!"
In a Divine Strength martial artist, consciousness was infused into every inch of flesh and blood.
Every grain of flesh responded to his will.
With a single thought, Lu Changsheng mobilized the flesh within his palm, forcibly squeezing the bizarre black insect back out!
Moreover, his flesh clamped tightly around the creature, leaving it no chance of escape.
Lu Changsheng squeezed hard with his fingers, popping the insect in an instant.
"What a tough shell..."
"I've never seen such an insect before. What on earth is it?"
Lu Changsheng frowned.
As a physician, he was familiar with almost every rare or peculiar insect.
Yet this bizarre black bug was something he had never heard of.
With his strength as a Divine Strength martial artist, while he could easily crush it, he could still feel how remarkably hard its carapace was.
If such a bug burrowed into an ordinary person's body, it would be utterly unstoppable.
Even a martial artist of the Refining Organs stage would surely perish.
Lu Changsheng walked further ahead and discovered scattered corpses strewn about.
Inside the bodies, numerous bizarre black bugs were gorging on residual blood.
Lu Changsheng drew a porcelain vial from his robes, captured several dozen of the bizarre black bugs, and sealed them inside.
"Tomorrow, I'll find someone to ask what kind of bugs these are."
Looking at the corpses littering the ground, Lu Changsheng faintly sensed that this matter was far from simple.
Chapter 80