A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 68: Whetstone, Dragon Palm

After finishing the bath, it was already noon.

Bai Qi found a nearby inn and had a boxed meal with Xiaotou, feeling utterly relaxed.

The name sounds refined; but it’s actually braised elbows, pig stomach, and pig liver from the cooked meat shop, wrapped in large flatbreads. The more exquisite ones have smoked duck and chicken sliced thinly, paired with shredded scallions to cut the grease.

Because it’s packed in boxes and delivered to one’s door, it’s called a "boxed meal."

"The wealthy live comfortably, snuggling indoors by the stove eating takeout in the cold weather."

Bai Qi wiped his mouth; the food box design of this shop was quite clever, named "warm plate."

It was two-layered, made of porcelain, with a hollow middle. Hot water is poured into the space during use, keeping the food warm, still hot when eaten.

Every detail was spot on, making the business excellent; many wealthy patrons in the Inner City ordered meals here, with numerous servants waiting in line at the entrance.

Upon hearing their names being called, they would grab the food boxes and sprint away, being careful not to spill or mess too much, lest they be scolded or punished by their masters.

After leisurely chatting with Xiaotou for a while, Bai Qi braced against the cold wind and headed to Tongwen Hall, today’s unprecedented bounty signaling rapid progress in his fishing skills.

"That twenty-two-pound golden rainbow trout was quite a challenge. A few more like that, and I’ll soon reach the mastery level."

Having just arrived in this world, he faced hardship with everything needing exploration and learning.

Once he learned to cast nets, bait hooks, and steer the boat, he finally grasped fishing and entered the basic level.

Thereafter, things became easier as he gained insights and found direction. He systematically went to the river, waited for the harvest.

Lately, the weather turned colder; fine snow grains like salt sprinkled on the eaves tiles, making crisp bouncing sounds.

"Cold weather settling in, winter is approaching."

Bai Qi tightened his collar to shield his neck, recalling two months earlier, he fretted about surviving year-end, avoiding draining his savings.

Now his fish stall opened, earning over a thousand taels of silver daily, with various young masters and ladies patronizing, calling him brother.

"Once the obstacles are cleared away, the road will be broader, smoother."

Feeling confident, Bai Qi soon entered through Tongwen Hall’s grand doors.

Not knowing the rules, this grand mansion remained open year-round, morning and night, rarely closing.

Lao Dao was the sole caretaker, no cooks, no helpers—how he managed was a mystery.

"Uncle Dao, I passed by the snack shop en route and couldn’t resist buying a few pounds; share some with me."

The fish stall’s opening was a joyful event, naturally he brought snacks to the gatekeeper wearing a mink fur hat.

Many bonds are built through continuous accumulation, settling gradually over time.

"If Old Liang had half your cleverness back then, he wouldn’t have been toyed around by Yang Meng, falling so hard."

Lao Dao chuckled, accepting the snacks without decline. He had a faint aroma of alcohol, clearly having had a few sips.

"I thought Young Master Qi would be busy with the fish stall today, wouldn’t come by, but he spent all that silver to brave the wind and snow."

Bai Qi laughed heartily:

"Earning money is for better cultivation, one must discern priorities."

Lao Dao showed a hint of approval in his eyes; many children from poverty couldn’t see through this layer.

A pocket full of silver brings a thrill unmatched by mere physical exertion.

"Master is at Dezhen Tower reading; Young Master Qi better head over. Once winter sets in, he might not be seen."

"Is Master Ning going into the mountains again?"

Bai Qi inquired.

The Instructor’s whereabouts were always uncertain. If not for taking on new disciples and needing to patiently instruct them, he would have left Black River County long ago.

"The master dislikes crowds; as the year-end approaches, he prefers tranquility away from the hustle and bustle."

Lao Dao smiled, taking a handful of sunflower seeds:

"Young Master Qi has a gifted martial talent, muscular build, solid bones.

Among the Five Captures, most suitable for learning the Dragon Palm, likely taught today."

Bai Qi felt a slight excitement, crossing the front court quickly heading for Dezhen Tower.

Uncle Dao had mentioned multiple times Tongwen Hall’s renowned Five Grand Captures.

It’s said to combine the best of many schools, far surpassing any martial art in Black River County.

Dezhen Tower had two floors, concealed amid pavilion scenery, lush gardens with flowers and plants.

Bai Qi walked through the stone arch, looking up to see Ninghai Zen’s figure.

He still wore the azure cloud-pattern robe, all doors and windows opened, the cold air swirling in, stirring a slew of snow grains.

"The Instructor reads like this, doesn’t feel cold..."

Bai Qi’s mouth twitched, slightly confused.

Staying even for a while, he thought he’d need to activate Qi Blood to fend off the chill.

"Come up."

Ninghai Zen’s voice cut straight to the ear.

"Yes."

Bai Qi responded, quick-footed, entering the tower.

The second floor was relatively narrow, a line of partially filled bookshelves against the wall.

There were various landscape scrolls and calligraphy collections.

Ninghai Zen reclined on a bamboo mat, incense burner wafting aromatic smoke.

It presented a laid-back recluse style, akin to a hot summer day’s post-nap relaxation.

Sadly, now was late autumn, foliage withered, icy winds blew, making the whole room feel like an ice cellar.

"Your Health Cultivation Skill; I already found the full version for you; take a look, see if you can learn it."

Ninghai Zen gestured, referring to the brush, ink, paper, and a stack of pages on the low table.

"Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon, Phoenix Spreading Wings, Lifting Mountains and Cauldrons... the latter three moves of the Golden Core Great Strength Skill?"

Bai Qi quickly glanced at the illustrated text; clear enough, yet why was the ink still wet?

"Your Health Cultivation Skill combines medicine and martial arts, nurturing Qi Blood considerably, seven to eight parts nourishing tissue and muscles, hence slow and steady progression. Your rapid advancement surprises me.

It’s stable and harmonious, avoiding mishaps; but it wastes time, dissipating energy.

The master expects your breakthrough to Bone Training Great Success by age twenty, not squandering years."

Ninghai Zen arose, adopting a meditation posture:

"So, I modified and summarized a new set of three moves for you."

Bai Qi’s eye twitched, Is the master so casual?

Misguided martial learning risks partial paralysis, severe may lead to madness!

"Hey, you don’t trust the master’s ability? Haha, even the patriarch who created this martial skill couldn’t defeat me; he’d accept my mastery.

Reading the full text reveals it’s merely about internal fortitude, external strength. The rest is trivial."

Ninghai Zen frowned, seemingly never considering his martial insight doubtable by his own disciple.

"What the master writes is indeed priceless, high-level. I merely marvel how fortunate this Health Cultivation Skill is to be refined and elevated by the master."

Bai Qi swiftly compliments, calm expression holding the conversation.

"Precisely, Tongwen Hall disciples should respect predecessors, but hold ambitions beyond them.

At twelve, I began martial studies; by fifteen, I realized those acclaimed practitioners were mostly hollow claims, lacking substance.

Most Hall techniques were compiled from elsewhere, those on the shelves are the few worthy ones."

Ninghai Zen’s tone wasn’t boastful, yet his every word brimming with immense pride.

"The modified three moves take careful contemplation; it’ll aid you in reaching all four endpoints, perfect Golden Flesh and Jade Veins.

Additionally, learn Dragon Palm from Five Captures; after New Year if you grasp it to minor success, breaking through the first grindstone, you’ll be my personal disciple."

Bai Qi bowed in compliance, inwardly thinking:

"A fifteen-year-old martial prodigy defeating elders—how many foes made—no wonder the master hid in Black River County."