Chapter 36: Slipping Away Unnoticed

The booklet enumerated the items available at Linyuan Store No.3.

But naturally, it was far from comprehensive. After all, Zhang Shen was merely posing as an individual at the Innate Stage. He hadn’t even attained the True Core Stage, so items of that caliber were understandably absent.

Some rare items were also conspicuously missing.

This was an obvious omission to any discerning reader.

Despite these gaps, Zhang Shen’s eyes were alight with desire. Had it not been for his adept façade, Xu Lu might have recognized Zhang Shen’s novice tendencies. If that were the case, Zhang Shen suspected that Xu Lu would have subtly exploited him.

‘How I wish I could sweep everything away,’ Zhang Shen sighed internally. 

Regardless of whether they belonged to the Acquired or Innate grade, every item seemed invaluable.

Yet, a quick pat on his wallet reminded him of his constraints. Even if he traded all his spirit stones, he’d scarcely afford a fraction of these treasures.

His financial plight weighed on him.

After much deliberation, Zhang Shen opted for the heavenly treasures most compatible with his current needs.

Bone-Enriched Soil and the Thousand-Blood Stone.

The former was a top-grade Acquired treasure, while the latter belonged to the Mid-grade Innate tier. Both materials were indispensable for cultivating the Mountain of a Thousand Layers technique.

Concerning Acquired elixirs? He had no use for them.

His martial prowess already stood at the threshold of the Acquired Ninth Layer, occupying 75% of that stage. Until he perfected the Acquired aspects of the Mountain of a Thousand Layers, his prowess would remain static, barring an unexpected breakthrough.

The presence or absence of elixirs wouldn’t change that fact.

His yearning for the Bone-Enriched Soil mirrored his desire for the Floral Rotting Soil. 

His objective was clear, to ensure that his physical form resonated perfectly with every layer of the Mountain of a Thousand Layers technique.

Heavenly treasures were diverse in nature. Some could hasten the process of perfecting a cultivation technique, similar to swiftly enlarging a water pipe to the thickness of an elephant’s leg. Others accelerated the actual act of cultivation, representing the process of collecting water. This was akin to pouring water directly into a pool with a bucket, in addition to water flowing through a pipe.

Within the framework of the Strongest Physical Body System, perfecting a cultivation technique was depicted by the rate the water pipe expanded. Conversely, one’s advancement in cultivation level signified the volume of water stored. Based on these indicators, Zhang Shen deduced the amount he required.

He would need three substantial crates of Bone-Enriched Soil. As for the Thousand-Blood Stone, he believed the more he had, the better.

The exact amount needed to hone the Innate segment of the Mountain of a Thousand Layers technique was unclear to him. Yet, he was certain that an abundance was always beneficial.

The next step was awaiting Elder Sen’s completion of the appraisal to determine the spirit stone value of the two storage bags.

Time flew by. Zhang Shen engaged in light conversation with Xu Lu, exchanging cultivation insights. They talked for about two hours.

“Deacon Xu, the combined value of these items amounts to approximately 16,750 low-grade spirit stones,” Elder Sen said regretfully. 

Some of the innate artifacts had sustained damage and would necessitate repairs.

This estimate aligned with Xu Lu’s anticipation.

Zhang Shen had previously made a rough estimate and felt the price was just.

Naturally, once Linyuan Store No.3 resold these items, their pricing would be raised. They needed to ensure a profit.

“I’d like these spirit stones exchanged for three crates of Bone-Enriched Soil and the rest in Thousand-Blood Stones,” Zhang Shen requested.

Xu Lu, pondering internally, wondered if he was cultivating an earth-attribute technique. Without further delay, he signaled his staff to retrieve the requested items.

After inspecting the goods and noting their impressive quality, Zhang Shen nodded approvingly.

“Friend, should you have any requirements in the future, Linyuan Store No.3 welcomes your business,” Xu Lu cordially offered.

With discerning eyes, Xu Lu recognized the questionable origins of the artifacts. Yet, he was unperturbed. In such a tumultuous region, treachery and violent confrontations were sadly routine.

“Understood,” Zhang Shen acknowledged. Gathering his items, he bid farewell.

Following Zhang Shen’s exit, Xu Lu reflected momentarily, and then documented the transaction’s details. While these pieces of information may appear trivial, they could prove priceless when the need arises.

Thinking of the three boxes of Bone-Enriched Soil and seven boxes of Thousand-Blood Stone inside his storage bag, delight filled Zhang Shen’s heart. This meant that in the upcoming days, his progress in the Mountain of a Thousand Layers technique would skyrocket.

The experience points he would accrue would undoubtedly be significant.

In such high spirits, he decided to take another stroll around the marketplace.

After prolonged sessions of intensive cultivation, it was vital to take a brief break, ensuring he didn’t succumb to the monotony of his routine.

He strolled around, bypassing the major stores as they held little interest for him. Instead, he preferred perusing the makeshift stalls lining the streets. Regrettably, his exploration didn’t uncover any treasures. Even if there were hidden gems, they eluded his eye.

“I wanted to test my luck, perhaps find a hidden jewel. But it seems treasure hunting isn’t my strong suit,” he mused.

Having satiated his curiosity, Zhang Shen decided to head back to his residence. On his way, he happened upon Baiwei Tower and coincidentally spotted Bai Haisang stepping out.

“Baiwei Tower? Is this their trade group’s establishment?”

Caught by surprise, Zhang Shen hadn’t expected to run into Bai Haisang in this market. But on reflection, it made sense. The caravan’s ambush had occurred while en route to this exact marketplace.

Suddenly, a discreet conversation drifted into his ears.

“Has anyone recently asked about the Spiritual Floral Rotting Soil or any earth-attributed spiritual items similar to it?”

“To report to the young master, no such individual has approached.”

“Is that so…”

Zhang Shen discreetly touched his ear. With his enhanced senses, which had grown sharper as his physical prowess increased, he could tune into distant conversations.

This skill, subtler than spiritual sensing, typically went undetected.

“Spiritual Floral Rotting Soil? Are they searching for me?” 

A wave of relief washed over Zhang Shen. He was fortunate to have secured a secluded dwelling and dedicated his time to cultivation upon arriving.

Had he been more exposed, they might have easily tracked him down.

Though uncertain of their motives for seeking him, Zhang Shen intuited that getting involved with Bai Haisang would likely complicate matters.

Being a handsome man dedicated to quiet cultivation, Zhang Shen loathed complications. He passed through silently, without stirring even the faintest cloud.

Upon returning to his residence, he meticulously inspected the security measures he had arranged prior to leaving. Everything was untouched.

Feeling assured, and with plenty of daylight left, he immediately resumed his intensive cultivation journey. 

Before he realized it, three months had flown by.

With anticipation bubbling within him, Zhang Shen opened his status panel.

The Strongest Physical Body System

Host: Zhang Shen

Physical Body Level: Innate Stage, 9th Layer

Progress: 1.3%

Martial Cultivation: Acquired Stage, 9th Layer

Progress: 79%

Cultivation Technique: Mountain of a Thousand Layers, Acquired 9th Layer: 100%

Martial Arts: Innate Mid-grade Breath Concealment Technique: 89%, Acquired Mid-grade Piercing Bone Finger: 56% (Details available)

Mastered Techniques and Martial Arts: (Expandable)

Evaluation: Your muscles are as formidable as boulders. Those daring enough to approach you will be subjected to your raw and overpowering might.

Zhang Shen habitually disregarded such evaluations. His attention was solely on the fluctuations of the numbers.

“After consuming three boxes of Bone-Enriched Soil, I’ve managed to fully cultivate the Acquired stage of the Mountain of a Thousand Layers technique. Even my cultivation, which previously stood firm as a rock, has seen a slight increase. Quite impressive. Without the system’s aid, reaching the pinnacle of a cultivation stage is indeed challenging,” Zhang Shen mused.

In the past, his physical body’s progression had soared with the influx of experience points, facing no obstacles. Now, cultivating on his own, his pace resembled that of a snail.

“It’s clear why after reaching the Acquired ninth layer, one makes an attempt to enter the Innate stage. Achieving perfection in one’s cultivation is truly a feat not meant for the average individual.”

He, however, aimed for such perfection. He was unfazed by the slow progress. On the flip side, the rapid advancement of his physical body’s level was unparalleled.

“So, this is the power of the Innate ninth layer?” 

Zhang Shen clenched his fist, an overpowering sense of strength pulsating within, unlike anything he’d felt before.

With his current physical state, he was confident in confronting any cultivator at the Innate stage directly. Even against those at the True Core stage, unless they pursued the path of body cultivation, he believed his physical prowess surpassed theirs.

Zhang Shen drew a superior-grade treasure sword of the Acquired stage, this was one of the magical weapons he reserved for Hongyuan City.

He aimed the blade at his arm and slashed down.

There was just a soft whispering sound, yet his skin was untouched, without even a faint mark.

Though he hadn’t exerted much force, such a light cut, using a sword of an Acquired superior-grade’s sharpness, would ordinarily slice through metal. Yet, it couldn’t penetrate even the surface of his skin.

“This level of defense is so fearsome that even I find it astonishing.”

Wanting to test further, Zhang Shen applied more strength behind his next strike. The sword finally managed to scratch the surface, drawing a hint of blood.

He hesitated to use more force, sensing that with a bit more strength, while his hand might be relatively fine, the sword might get damaged.

The slight bleeding stopped almost immediately as the wound began to heal at an astonishing speed. In moments, it was as if he’d never been injured.

“Good, my recovery capabilities have gotten stronger,” Zhang Shen said with satisfaction. 

He proceeded to test various aspects of his body, all of which showed significant improvement. His increasingly dominant physique offered Zhang Shen an unparalleled sense of security.

“Since I’ve perfected the Acquired section of the Thousand Layers Mountain technique, it’s best to continue this momentum and perfect the entire Acquired stage.”

Take a stroll outside? How could he think of leisure when his mind was entirely focused on advancing to the Innate stage of martial cultivation?

It was important to note that his physical state had been at the Innate stage for quite some time. After experiencing its overwhelming power, depending solely on the strength from the Acquired stage of martial skills felt unsatisfying. 

“It’s a good thing I’ve left Hongyuan City, freeing me from many restrictions.”

Had Zhang Shen still been in Hongyuan City, even if he attained the Innate stage in martial arts, he would’ve had to keep it concealed.

Brewing a cup of pure lotus leaf tea, he cleared his mind of stray thoughts, immersing himself once again in the intensive world of cultivation.

On this occasion, he dedicated a full four months, moving at a snail’s pace to reach the pinnacle of the Acquired ninth layer.

“It’s been a tough journey, but every bit of it is worth the effort.”

Over these four months, he devoted most of his time to bringing his cultivation to perfection. As a result, his other martial skills saw limited progress, and the experience he gained was modest.

His progress in the Innate ninth layer advanced from merely 1.3% to 11%.

This stagnation was to be expected. Previously, his techniques had soared akin to a rocket, accruing a vast amount of experience, which facilitated rapid progression.

However, in these recent four months, having perfected his techniques and without any more to refine, he primarily focused on elevating his cultivation base. Given he was already at 79% completion in the Acquired ninth layer, the experience he accumulated was naturally limited.

After all, bridging this final gap was challenging. Yet, the experience points he earned were no more generous than before.

“With unwavering spirit, let’s break through to the Innate stage.” 

Zhang Shen’s eyes shone brilliantly. He intuitively felt that the moment for a breakthrough was imminent.