Chapter 46: My Disciple Has the Potential of a Genius?

"What, do you intend to sell this ginseng?" the old physician asked.

"It's not that I must sell it, I just want to know its value so I have an idea of what it's worth," Lu Qing answered honestly.

The old physician pondered for a moment before saying, "Generally speaking, ginseng of this age is always extremely sought after; it is often in high demand but short supply."

"Ginseng can replenish Qi and blood, consolidate the foundation, and in critical moments, it can even be used to sustain life."

"The nobles and martial artists in the cities are always flocking to such precious medicines."

"Although the roots of this old mountain ginseng are slightly damaged, it is of no great consequence and does not affect its medicinal efficacy."

"In fact, I just tested it. Perhaps because of its unique growing environment, the medicinal potency of this ginseng is even stronger than that of an ordinary hundred-year-old ginseng."

Hearing this, Lu Qing thought of that streak of red supernatural light upon the ginseng.

The "specialness" his master spoke of might be because of this.

"An ordinary hundred-year-old mountain ginseng would sell for at least a thousand taels of silver in a large city."

"Yours might be worth even more, but I cannot say for certain exactly how much silver it is worth."

A thousand taels! Ten times the value of the Red Moon Carp!

Despite being mentally prepared, Lu Qing's heart couldn't help but thud violently at the figure.

"Are you tempted?"

The old physician smiled, seeing the look of astonishment on his disciple's face.

"A little," Lu Qing nodded.

Who could hear the words "a thousand taels" and remain unmoved?

Especially not a country boy like him.

"However, although this ginseng is highly valuable, I still suggest you do not exchange it for silver," the old physician's tone suddenly shifted.

"Master, why is that?" Lu Qing asked, stunned.

"Don't you want to practice martial arts? This ginseng happens to be one of the best auxiliary medicines for a martial artist in the Qi and Blood Realm."

"Didn't I say before that I wanted to prepare a few doses of Qi and Blood Nourishing Soup for you? But if used properly, the efficacy of this hundred-year-old ginseng is even better than that soup."

"With its assistance, it will be much easier for you to step into the Qi and Blood Realm."

"I will refine it into Blood-Replenishing Qi-Nourishing Pills for you. Once you have mastered the Body-Nurturing Fist, you can take one pill every day. It won't be long before you officially enter the Qi and Blood Realm."

Such a good thing?

This was truly an unexpected windfall.

Lu Qing was filled with joy.

He had been worrying about how to enter the Qi and Blood Realm quickly, and he hadn't expected a solution to arrive so soon.

"Well? Do you still want to sell this ginseng, or keep it to consume yourself?" the old physician asked.

Lu Qing did not hesitate. "Please, Master, help me refine it into pills!"

"Oh, you've thought it through?" the old physician said, looking at him.

"Yes. No matter how good silver is, it is ultimately an external possession. It is not as important as one's own skills," Lu Qing said.

"It is good that you have this realization," the old physician nodded, stroking his beard. "In this world, nothing is more important than your own skills. Without skills, no matter how much silver you possess, it will be difficult to keep it."

"Since you have decided, I happen to have some free time over the next two days. I will refine this ginseng into Blood-Replenishing Qi-Nourishing Pills for you."

"Thank you, Master!" Lu Qing said happily.

"Don't be happy too early," the old physician dampened his spirits. "Even if I refine the pills, you won't be able to consume them until you have reached the introductory stage of the Body-Nurturing Fist."

"Otherwise, even if you take the pills, it would be a waste of their medicinal power."

Mastering the fist technique?

Lu Qing's heart stirred, and he suddenly said, "Master, after I returned yesterday, I spent time pondering the fist technique you taught me. I seem to have grasped a hint of its essence, though I am not sure if I have understood it incorrectly. I would ask for your guidance."

"Oh? You have gained some insight so quickly?"

The old physician looked interested, but he didn't take Lu Qing's words seriously.

He merely thought the boy had practiced the moves until they were familiar and wanted to show off.

"Then demonstrate it once. Let me see what exactly you have realized."

"Yes, Master."

Lu Qing immediately took a martial stance and began to perform the first through ninth forms of the Body-Nurturing Fist.

When Lu Qing first began the first form, the old physician watched with a smile.

But by the time he finished the first form and moved to the second, the old physician's smile vanished, replaced by a look of shock.

He realized that not only were Lu Qing's movements in the first form extremely standard and fluid, but they also carried a unique rhythm.

As the creator of the Body-Nurturing Fist, the old physician naturally knew what that rhythm signified.

It meant that Lu Qing had not only practiced the form to a high degree of proficiency but had even infused it with his own understanding.

In other words, he had truly mastered the form and begun to internalize the power.

But how was this possible?

It had only been one night since he had taught Lu Qing the technique!

How could he have practiced the Body-Nurturing Fist to such a level?

The old physician was shaken to his core.

However, something even more shocking was yet to come.

Lu Qing continued to perform the forms one after another. Between every single move, the transitions were seamless and the flow was effortless.

After completing the ninth form, he immediately began again from the first.

Over and over, Lu Qing practiced the nine forms of the Body-Nurturing Fist in a state of self-forgetfulness.

He practiced nine full cycles before slowly withdrawing his stance and exhaling a breath of turbid air. He stood there with a flushed face and a bright, spirited countenance.

As for the old physician, he had long since been standing there, speechless and wide-eyed with shock.

"Master, how was it? Did I do anything wrong?" Lu Qing asked, full of energy.

"Nine cycles of returning to the source, vibrant Qi and blood, a refreshed spirit... This means the Body-Nurturing Fist has been completely mastered," the old physician murmured to himself, seemingly not hearing Lu Qing's question.

"Master, what's wrong?"

Seeing the old physician in such a state, Lu Qing couldn't help but ask.

At the same time, he felt a bit worried. Had he scared his master by showing off just a little?

"A-Qing, tell me the truth!" The old physician's expression suddenly became very grave, startling Lu Qing. "When you went back to practice your fist yesterday, what happened?"

"What happened?" Lu Qing thought for a moment and replied, "After I returned yesterday, I was practicing in the courtyard. As I practiced, I suddenly felt a surge of insights flooding my mind. Involuntarily, my body began to follow the key points you taught me."

"By the time I came to my senses, I felt refreshed and energetic. I suddenly understood many of the nuances of the first through ninth forms of the Body-Nurturing Fist; they were no longer as obscure and difficult as before."

What Lu Qing was actually describing was the state he entered after using his supernatural ability, though he had hidden the existence of the ability itself.

However, these words, when heard by the old physician, were like a clap of thunder.

"Epiphany... It was actually an epiphany," the old physician murmured.

The way he looked at Lu Qing was as if he were looking at some rare and precious treasure.

"The disciple I took on a whim... is actually a martial arts prodigy capable of entering an epiphany upon his very first practice?"