sovbooks Chapter 4: Imprinting, Martial Arts Training, Survival!
Chapter 4: Imprinting, Martial Arts Training, Survival!
Seeing that Zhang Ping was cooperative, and seeing that he was wearing the uniform of a martial arts school apprentice, the soldier smiled and let him pass: "Turn left after entering the herbal medicine purchasing area. Don't blame me if you go the wrong way and get arrested as a spy."
"Thank you, sir!"
Zhang Ping cupped his hands in greeting again, secretly feeling a bit intimidated by the Demon Extermination Bureau's imposing presence. Even his status as an apprentice at the Sitong Martial Arts School wasn't of much use; if it weren't for the money, he feared he would be subjected to some difficulties.
Of course, this could also be because the other party saw that he had no trace of martial arts training and could be easily manipulated.
Zhang Ping had a clear goal. He entered the room, turned left, and came to the lobby. The lobby was spacious, and there was a counter against the wall. An old man was dozing off on the counter. He went up and knocked on the counter. The old man paused, then looked up.
"Looking for medicinal herbs?"
"Yes, sir, do you have any blood ring grass?"
"No, you can go now." The old man waved his hand and lay back down.
Such an attitude caused Zhang Ping to pause, a sense of disappointment creeping into his heart. No wonder the information he'd gathered was so discouraging about buying medicinal herbs from the Demon Extermination Bureau. It seemed he'd have to try again at the herb shop in a few days. Or perhaps he could find a substitute for the Bull-Strength Beast Mark, or if all else failed, simply imprint a mark to enhance specific limbs—arms, or legs?
If he sees the woman from yesterday again, he can ask her for help. However, he doesn't know what her relationship is with Sitong Martial Arts School. Zhang Ping doesn't know her identity, so he can only wait for the woman to come to him.
As Zhang Ping pondered, he walked out with his head down, so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't notice the footsteps approaching. When he finally came to his senses, a sharp pain shot through his chest; a sheathed longsword was already pressed against his chest! Startled, Zhang Ping stumbled backward, only to see the sheathed blade pressed against his neck.
Feeling the coldness on his neck, his face turned pale, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
"You're not from the Demon Extermination Bureau?" A cold voice rang out, and a woman as cold as ice, dressed entirely in black, appeared. A blindingly cold light, like a sharp blade, grazed Zhang Ping's cheek, causing a sharp pain!
This is by no means an exaggeration or metaphor, but rather the effect caused by the other party cultivating a special technique. If the power were a few degrees stronger, it might have drawn blood on Zhang Ping's face!
"Have mercy! Your Excellency, have mercy!" The old man, who was still dozing off, scrambled over and hurriedly stopped him, saying, "Your Excellency, this man is here to buy medicinal herbs, not a spy! Not a spy!"
Fearing he wouldn't be able to explain himself clearly, the newly arrived director simply beheaded the man.
Upon hearing this, Chu Hanwei's imposing aura dissipated, and she sheathed her long sword. Her refined eyes swept Zhang Ping up and down.
"The Demon Exorcism Bureau also sells medicinal herbs?"
She had only been in office as the head of the Demon Extermination Bureau of Lingchuan County for half a month, and immediately went out to slay demons after taking office, so she was not familiar with the operation of the Demon Extermination Bureau here. She also did not recognize the clothes of the apprentices of Sitong Martial Arts School. When she met Zhang Ping just now, she saw that he was not a member of the Demon Extermination Bureau, and subconsciously drew her knife to question him.
"Yes, this was decided by the previous director." The old man wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, fearing that this madman would also chop him up.
Since this mysterious director took office, many astonishing rumors have circulated within the Demon Extermination Division, such as the demon-slaying maniac who is so righteous that he has become evil, and others dare not approach him for fear of being killed by someone they don't like.
As for Zhang Ping, when he came to his senses, his back was soaked with sweat. He carefully examined the woman.
She was very beautiful, definitely one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen; she was also very flat-chested, definitely the flattest person he had ever seen.
Chu Hanwei frowned. The Demon Extermination Bureau was actually engaged in business transactions. No wonder demons kept appearing in Lingchuan County for so long without any improvement.
She glanced at Zhang Ping, who seemed startled, and after a moment of silence, asked, "What kind of medicinal herbs are you here to buy?"
Zhang Ping was taken aback, and subconsciously replied, "Blood Ring Grass."
"Go to the storeroom and fetch him a Blood Ring Grass, and tell him it's my order."
"Uh...yes!" The warehouse is different from private sales; it's for the public use of the Demon Extermination Bureau. Unless the Director gives the order, no one dares to touch the warehouse.
Back at the martial arts school, Zhang Ping was still shaken. He pulled open his shirt to look at his chest and saw a red mark that was still throbbing with pain.
"I'm lucky this time, I got a Blood Ring Grass for free, but if I'm unlucky and run into a bad-tempered director, I'm afraid I'll suffer."
Zhang Ping's expression was grim. The strength of the Demon Extermination Division Chief was definitely among the highest in Lingchuan County. He knew the level of the other party—skin tempering, flesh refining, and filth refining—but it was definitely not low! And so young, undoubtedly a genius.
Exhaling, Zhang Ping shook his head. Thinking about it now was pointless. He'd rather just imprint the bull-like beast pattern as soon as possible.
I glanced at the sky; it was evening.
He closed the door, took out all the ingredients and put them together. The beef, after an afternoon, emitted a strong, fishy smell, which, mixed with the aroma of the other medicinal herbs, became even more pungent. Zhang Ping seemed oblivious to the smell, extending his right hand to cover it, silently chanting, "Branding, Ox-Power Beast Pattern!"
The Sitong Martial Arts Academy remained bustling into the evening, with shouts of "Hey!" echoing from the training ground as disciples sparred. Even the lingering, stifling heat of the ground couldn't dampen their determination to become martial artists.
In this world, people prey on each other; the only way to avoid being eaten is to seize power!
In the dimly lit room, flesh and blood mixed with medicinal herbs glowed red, and in an instant, they were crushed into a heap and smashed into Zhang Ping's chest. The pain came so suddenly that Zhang Ping was completely unprepared and rolled on the floor in agony!
"Damn it! The last time I was branded with the donkey whip and beast pattern, it felt really good..." He gritted his teeth, trying not to scream.
Last time, when I had the donkey whip pattern branded, I only felt a tingling sensation from below, which was very comfortable and a special feeling. This time it was completely different.
Fortunately, the pain came on and went away quickly.
"Whoosh—whoosh—"
Breathing heavily, Zhang Ping stood up again, his eyes shining. His once thin, bony chest was now encased in muscle, his eight-pack abs clearly defined, his pectoral muscles bulging upwards, forming an inverted triangle shape. It was nothing like his previous greyhound physique; it was completely unrelated!
Three inches above the navel, a bull's head pattern appears, with blood-red lines, exquisite and eerie.
Zhang Ping
Age: 20
[Realm: None]
Branding: Donkey whip marks (69%), Oxen pull marks (0%)
[Donkey whip marks: Significantly increase the volume and strength of the lower limbs.]
[Strength lines: Increase physical strength and improve physical fitness.]
"It's different now!" Zhang Ping grinned, revealing his gums, feeling a surge of energy throughout his body!
His slightly loose trousers were taut by his well-defined thigh muscles. He stretched, making a rustling sound as his coarse cloth clothes were pulled, so he simply took off all his clothes and started moving around the room.
Speed, reaction time, and strength all improved!
The most significant improvement is in strength. The stone block in the yard weighs 200 pounds. Previously, it took a lot of effort to lift it to the height of a fist, but now I can lift it with one hand!
"The strength of an ox! I wonder how it compares to a martial artist at the Skin Refining Realm. Perhaps I should find an opportunity to investigate."
Silently smiling, I've been in this world for three months. For the first month, I suffered bullying and cold stares, and went hungry. For the next two months, I indulged in sensual pleasures and pleasures, but I was still not free, being spied on and in danger of losing my life. Only now, with a change of protection, have I truly gained some power to protect myself. Although I can't say I'm completely carefree, I can close my eyes and sleep peacefully in this small space.
"Next, learn the runes, practice martial arts, and survive!"