Chapter 5: Abandoning Scholarship for Martial Arts

A smile appeared on Fang Xian’s face, for he heard the constant chime of notifications—each one signifying the gain of a Celebrity Point. Clearly, more and more people in the stronghold were learning that he had detoxified the old chief.

Suddenly, Ye Qingyun shot up into the sky, soaring out of the enormous iron cauldron and halting eight meters above the ground. In an instant, the wet clothes on his body were dried by the force of his inner energy.

Everyone around, Fang Xian included, gazed up at Ye Qingyun with admiration. He was a grandmaster of the Transforming Realm, capable of treading the air—a feat that inspired boundless longing in all who witnessed it.

“Yesterday, my daughter had you drink poisoned wine. That was a grave error. On her behalf, I offer my sincerest apologies.” As Fang Xian reeled in astonishment, Ye Qingyun descended and bowed to him with clasped hands.

“There’s no need for such formality, Chief. I understand the Young Mistress’s feelings—she only acted out of concern for you. Had it not been for her caution, someone less skilled in toxins might have attempted a cure and made things far worse.” Fang Xian hastily stepped aside and bowed in return. He dared not accept such a courtesy from Ye Qingyun.

“For the next half month, I am unable to engage in combat. I must issue a gag order to all—no word of this must leave the stronghold, lest our enemies seize upon our weakness.” Ye Qingyun nodded and instructed Zhou Boxiong accordingly.

“Mr. Fang, please join me in the main hall for a discussion.” He then turned to Fang Xian, his tone warm and inviting.

“Young Mistress, have the pits in the square filled in. Bury the medicinal dregs and liquid from the cauldron deep and far from the stronghold, especially away from any water sources.” Fang Xian nodded, addressing Ye Hongxiu.

“Daniu, take some men and see to it.” Ye Hongxiu handed the task to Daniu. By now, Ernui had also regained consciousness, though he was still weak.

“What happened to me?” Ernui asked, still bewildered and remembering nothing of the ordeal.

“Just now, Mr. Fang told you to move back, but you froze and got poisoned. Fortunately, he gave you an antidote, saving your life. You owe him your thanks.” Daniu explained, bowing in gratitude to Fang Xian.

“Mr. Fang, from now on, my life is yours.” Ernui stood and thumped his chest in earnest. It was clear that he and his brother were honest, straightforward men who valued gratitude above all.

“You flatter me—it was nothing. Ernui, you should rest for a couple of days. If you feel unwell, come and see me.” Though Fang Xian had only given him a Minor Antidote Pill, he was confident it was enough for Ernui’s mild poisoning.

“Where are you from, Mr. Fang? Do you still have family?” In the main hall, Ye Qingyun sat at the head, with Fang Xian in a seat of honor. Ye Hongxiu and Zhou Boxiong sat nearby, while Zhou Tianming had gone to deal with stronghold affairs.

“I’m from Kaiyang County in the Kingdom of Wu. Last year, my village was destroyed in the chaos of war—my parents and brothers all perished. I survived only because I was out gathering herbs. Now, I am alone in the world.” Fang Xian replied with a sigh.

“What are your plans for the future?” Ye Hongxiu asked.

“After my family’s death, I buried myself in study, passing both the county and provincial exams. I was preparing to take the capital examination in Wudu. But in these troubled times, scholars are of little use. I no longer wish to pursue the imperial exams.” Fang Xian shook his head.

“You are a learned man and skilled in medicine. Why not stay in our stronghold?” Zhou Boxiong proposed.

“In such chaotic times, scholars are useless. Chief, would you take me as your student? I wish to abandon the pen for the sword, and learn the martial arts.” Fang Xian rose and bowed deeply to Ye Qingyun. The sight of Ye Qingyun hovering in midair had shaken him to his core, planting the seed of martial aspiration.

“Mr. Fang, you saved my life. By rights, I should teach you. However, my Tiger Roars in the Forest technique requires one to train the body from childhood for at least five years before even attempting its visualization. Otherwise, the body cannot withstand the martial force. I’m afraid I cannot take you as a disciple.” Ye Qingyun replied with some regret.

“Mr. Fang, you’ve been through a great ordeal these past days. Take some time to rest here in the stronghold. We can discuss martial training later.” Seeing Fang Xian’s disappointment, Ye Hongxiu quickly tried to reassure him.

“Very well. Let me stay near the infirmary, so I can converse with Old Master Liu.” Fang Xian agreed, knowing well that martial arts could not be rushed.

From the lingering memories in his new body, Fang Xian understood this was a world dominated by martial power. Basic arts were widespread, but advanced techniques were closely guarded. Only the ruling courts of the five kingdoms, the martial sects, prominent clans, and the regional warlords possessed advanced visualization scrolls. Ordinary folk could only learn the most basic forms.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Fang. We’ll think of something.” As Fang Xian left, Ye Qingyun stood and saw him off with great courtesy, while Ye Hongxiu personally escorted him to the infirmary.

“Grandpa Liu, Mr. Fang will stay here for now. If he needs anything, please let me know. Rest well, Mr. Fang. Everything else can wait.” Ye Hongxiu smiled before departing.

“Master Liu, does the infirmary have any books? I like to read in my spare time.” Once Ye Hongxiu had gone, Fang Xian asked, hoping to learn more about this world.

“There are some in my room—not many histories or classics, mostly medical texts.” Old Master Liu led him to his room and pointed out the shelves.

“I read broadly and enjoy all sorts of books. I’ll pick out a few to pass the time.” Fang Xian smiled, selecting a couple of histories and some medical texts. Since he had claimed to know medicine, he’d better study or he’d soon be exposed.

Back in his room, Fang Xian leafed through a history book and discovered that this world’s timeline diverged entirely from that of China. After the late Han, the land had splintered into chaos, and five kingdoms now existed: the Kingdom of Wu in the central plains, the Kingdom of Xia in the west, the Kingdom of Liang in the south, the Kingdom of Zhou in the east, and the Kingdom of the Barbarians in the north. These kingdoms were in a constant state of war, each seeking to unify the land and found an eternal dynasty.

The wars among the five kingdoms had raged for over a hundred years, leaving the common people in dire straits. Many, desperate and with nowhere to turn, had taken to banditry, forming all manner of strongholds in the mountains at the borders.

Qingyun Stronghold lay in the Daba Mountains, straddling the border between Wu and Xia. There were more than thirty strongholds in the area; the five most powerful were Qingyun, Crouching Tiger, Nanli, Peach Mountain, and Thunder Ridge. Each of these had a grandmaster of the Transforming Realm to hold the fort. The other strongholds varied in size; the larger ones had first-rate masters, while the smaller had only second- or third-rate martial artists and often relied on the big five to survive.

In this world, martial ranks were: Apprentice, Third-rate Warrior, Second-rate Expert, First-rate Master, and Grandmaster of the Transforming Realm. It was said that even higher levels existed, but they were so rare as to be almost mythical.

“To survive here, I must master martial arts—and at least reach the rank of Grandmaster.” Fang Xian mused to himself.

After finishing the history book, he tried the medical texts, but quickly realized they were confusing and obscure. Without a teacher’s guidance, it was impossible to learn from them. Even with his basic knowledge gained from toxicology, he could barely make sense of them and soon set the books aside with a sigh.

“If only the system could help me learn medicine as it did with poisons,” he thought, then checked his Celebrity Points. He had gained a great number after detoxifying Ye Qingyun, and the notifications had still not ceased.

“Congratulations, host. For successfully detoxifying Ye Qingyun, the system rewards you with Part One of the Medical Classic.” Only then did Fang Xian notice the important prompt he’d missed—the system had indeed rewarded him with a Medical Classic for helping Ye Qingyun.

He hadn’t expected such a reward. Even though it was only Part One, if he could master it quickly, he would no longer worry about being exposed as a fraud.

At the same time, Fang Xian realized his Celebrity Points had reached 895, and the system’s shop now offered new items: Medical Classic Part One for 500 points, Part Two for 1,000 points, and Part Three for 3,000 points.

His status now read: Host Fang Xian, style name Mingda. Skills: Toxicology. Items: Hundred Poisons Pill (0), Minor Antidote Pill (2), Detoxification Pill (7), Foundation Strengthening Formula, Medical Classic Part One. Celebrity Points: 895.

“Just a little over a hundred more points and I can redeem Part Two. I should be able to get it tomorrow.” Fang Xian was overjoyed. He was certain that after mastering Part Two, his medical skills would reach new heights, and his standing in the stronghold would rise accordingly.

After dinner, he shut his door and began to study the Medical Classic. Based on his experience with the Poison Classic, he expected to master it in no time.

...

“Father, since you can’t fight right now, we must be extra cautious. I’ve already had Daniu double the guard.” In the main hall, Ye Hongxiu spoke with Ye Qingyun.

“That’s just a ruse. With the poison gone, my inner strength is fully restored. In fact, after the medicinal bath, my body feels even stronger, and my inner strength is showing signs of improvement. I said all that to mislead outsiders—let’s see if anything unusual happens in the coming days. Also, I plan to secretly scout Crouching Tiger Stronghold in two days. Zhao Baiming’s injuries can’t have healed so quickly. If Qiu Qianqiu isn’t there, I’ll seize the opportunity to take Zhao Baiming’s foundation.” Ye Qingyun laughed heartily, then lowered his voice.

“Ah, Father, so you said all that on purpose! You’re really all right?” Ye Hongxiu exclaimed in surprise.

“Look.” Ye Qingyun smiled, pointed his finger like a sword, and shot a stream of inner strength at a pillar five meters away, piercing it clean through and leaving a hole the size of a fingertip.

“Externalized inner strength—you really have recovered! It’s all thanks to Mr. Fang. Without him, you’d still be suffering from the poison.” Ye Hongxiu was overjoyed and immediately thought of Fang Xian.