Chapter 4: Predator

“Huh? Why does it feel a bit sticky?” Zhang Shen noticed that his body was somewhat damp and gluey, accompanied by a faint fishy odor.

“Could these be impurities being expelled from my body?”

He wasn’t taken aback, as this was a common occurrence for those breaking through the mortal realm. A room adjacent to the training room had already been prepared with bathwater for him. Shedding his clothes, Zhang Shen settled into the bathtub, looking forward to a soothing soak. Just as he began to unwind, he caught sight of a tiny flickering dot at the edge of his vision.

Zhang Shen’s thoughts stirred. Usually, the status panel remained hidden, only manifesting as a blinking white dot at the periphery of his vision when changes took place. Pulling up the panel, he discovered that its content had altered.

Strongest Physical Body System

Host: Zhang Shen

Physical Level: Acquired Stage 1st Layer

Progress: 1%

Cultivation: Acquired Stage 1st Layer

Progress: 1%

Evaluation: Your physical body has transcended human limits. At this stage, you are akin to an infant among those in the Acquired stage First Layer, entirely vulnerable.

The transformations in the panel took Zhang Shen by surprise. Particularly the percentage symbolizing cultivation progress, which continually displayed a series of +1s experience points being added to his physical level.

“Could it be… cultivation progress can also generate experience points?” Zhang Shen exclaimed in amazement and delight.

The martial path in the mortal realm predominantly revolved around physical training. However, upon reaching the Acquired Stage, the focus shifted to the cultivation of qi. And it was ill-advised to frequently change one’s primary cultivation technique unless they shared close connections.

“I was worried that after reaching the mastery of my primary cultivation technique, the speed of gaining experience points would decrease. Unexpectedly, increasing my cultivation also generates experience points. This is truly fortuitous.”

Experiencing the potent surge of power that accompanied his physical body reaching the Acquired Stage 1st Layer, Zhang Shen closed the panel. Elated, he indulged in two large tubs of bathwater. Feeling invigorated from head to toe, he ventured out to share the good news of his breakthrough with his parents.

The next day, Zhang Shen held several confidential martial manuals in his hands.

“Is this the dilemma faced by family scions?” Zhang Shen chuckled.

The manuals in his possession encompassed various aspects such as movement techniques, hand-to-hand combat, swordplay, and detailed explanations for Acquired Stage cultivation.

Together with the ‘Bright Moon Technique’ he already had, this effectively constituted a complete set of inherited teachings. Although limited to the Acquired Stage, it was sufficient for Zhang Shen to utilize it for an extended period.

“However, I must embark on a laborious learning journey once more.”

The education and knowledge Zhang Shen had gained in the past few years had been adequate for him to train to the Human Limit. To comprehend and grasp the Acquired Stage manuals in his hands, he required additional study.

A specialized academy was situated in Hongyuan City. Established collaboratively by the three families and designed to educate their younger generations but it also admitted a small number of external students.

These students were diverse, some were descendants of subordinates under the three families’ command, while others were outsiders who had contributed enough wealth and resources to secure admission.

“Knowledge of the human realm can be imparted by ordinary instructors. However, Acquired Stage wisdom necessitates specialized teachers. Many martial artists within the Zhang family are qualified, but they are preoccupied with their own affairs and can only offer sporadic guidance. Nonetheless, occasional instruction is far from sufficient. To establish a robust foundation, a minimum of three to four years of continuous teaching and learning is a must.”

Zhang Shen harbored no objections to the idea, in fact, he was somewhat exhilarated.

The academy’s students were all martial artists who had entered the Acquired Stage, and only they could comprehend the knowledge conveyed by the instructors. Although they only imparted basic Acquired Stage knowledge and fundamental martial skill techniques, it was more than enough.

Each family would only divulge this basic information, as it was implausible for them to teach their own exclusive techniques.

In the days that followed, Zhang Shen awoke at the break of dawn, and after freshening up and eating, he accompanied his fellow clansmen to the academy.

He returned home at midday to have lunch and rest for a while, then practiced martial techniques in the training room, occasionally visiting another training ground for martial artists to spar and compete with others.

He frequently returned bruised and battered, but Zhang Shen didn’t mind, as such real sparring could expedite his growth. During the peaceful hours of the night, he cultivated the Bright Moon Technique, augmenting his capabilities.

Zhang Shen’s days were quite regimented, and his progress was apparent to all. However, while he found joy in his achievements, someone in secret was less than pleased.

Cultivation for martial artists not only demands secret manuals but also adequate resources.

If one were to consume only ordinary vegetables, fruits, and grains, regardless of the amount, it would be insufficient to support the qi a practitioner who was constantly training used. Meat was a necessity, supplemented by various nutrient-rich foods, and even the sporadic consumption of substantial medicinal herbs.

Enjoying these items once or twice might not break the bank, but maintaining this standard at every meal would accumulate into a significant expense.

Within the Zhang family, only a select few individuals with outstanding talent were privy to such indulgence, and the standards for the others were considerably lower. However, these superior resources were finite, and even with Zhang Tianlong’s increased investment, the Zhang family could only procure a smidgen more than before.

This marginal increase would not suffice to cover Zhang Shen’s consumption. As a consequence, he would naturally encroach upon others’ shares, necessitating them to allocate some of their resources to him.

Although the family escalated their cultivation investment, the treatment of others did not improve but rather dwindled with the inclusion of a top-tier predator like Zhang Shen.

Naturally, some individuals were discontented.

In particular, Zhang Shen had secured a spot among the family’s elite cultivators, causing those who initially harbored hopes of joining this rank to instantly lose hope.

These individuals held the most resentment toward Zhang Shen. This had nothing to do with morality. It simply was the harsh reality of success often being built on the sacrifices of others.

A victorious general inevitably stood atop the countless fallen.

A triumphant martial artist must have shattered the hopes of numerous others on their martial journey.

The so-called resentment was an emotion borne from one’s own prospects being pilfered by others. These resentments and discontentments were suppressed by Zhang Tianlong, preventing them from affecting Zhang Shen.

However, this was only a temporary solution.

As Zhang Shen’s cultivation advanced daily, he would require more resources, and his share would gradually increase. Consequently, an increasing number of family members found their resources dwindling.

One day, their discontent would breach Zhang Tianlong’s suppression and retaliate against Zhang Shen. That day came five years later.

In the midst of a heated debate within the conference hall, tempers flared.

“Zhang Tianlong, how much longer will you coddle him?” Zhang Yanzhu raged. “Your grandson, Zhang Shen, he has not achieved anything over these years, while his peers have already begun contributing to the family. Yet, he continues to take refuge within the family. With such timidity, you not only persist in supplying him with resources but actually aim to boost his resource allocation. Are there worms in your head? Zhang Tianlong, if you are unfit to lead the family, step down as soon as possible. The family has no need for a patriarch who only knows how to spoil his grandson.”

Zhang Yanzhu’s fury escalated, his imposing aura intensifying, causing everyone in the room to quiver in apprehension. Yet, Zhang Tianlong remained unflustered, not exhibiting a trace of indignation.

“Alright, cousin, let’s temper your wrath.” Zhang Tianlong gestured dismissively, and his serene internal energy dispersed Zhang Yanzhu’s aggressive aura.

This action caused Zhang Yanzhu’s brow to furrow deeply. ‘This old man’s proficiency has advanced once again.’

Zhang Tianlong’s ability to retain his position as the patriarch was not due to any other factor, but because he wielded the most formidable power within the Zhang family. His cultivation was the bedrock of his confidence, enabling him to disregard his cousin’s provocation.