Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

The effect in this area wasn’t particularly significant. It would be a slow, grinding process of accumulating small gains over time.

Finally, the pills had another benefit: they could slightly restore one’s Heart Power.

Abundant Heart Power left one feeling refreshed and invigorated, which was a significant aid to both cultivation and daily life.

’The effects are actually quite good, but it’s a shame there are so few... only five... just enough for half a month...’

’But there’s nothing to be done. It contains Treasure Medicine, so production is bound to be low. Who knows, even Master Ye probably doesn’t have much of a supply...’

Chen Cheng let out a soft sigh, then focused his Heart Spirit and resumed training with all his might.

’At least I won’t have to worry about this for another half a month.’

’I should focus on what I can do for now and look for some connections in the meantime. When the time comes, I’ll just have to find a way to get five more to keep going.’

...

「Inner City, Ye Mansion.」

In a corner of the courtyard, tiny flower buds dotted the branches of several old plum trees. Pale yellow with a hint of light pink, they seemed to be tentatively testing the early winter chill.

Ye Yang was leaning back in a rattan lounge chair, bundled in a thick, cotton-padded robe. A heavy, grayish-brown blanket lay across his lap, its corners draping onto the blue brick ground.

The morning sun slanted down, draping him in its warmth.

His complexion hadn’t improved much, but the smile playing on his lips had deepened.

"Dad, it’s time for your medicine."

Ye Qiluo emerged from the covered walkway carrying a celadon medicine bowl. Faint wisps of steam rose from its rim, and the warm, medicinal aroma spread with her every step, mingling with the crisp morning air.

"Just put it over there for now."

Ye Yang glanced at the small table beside his chair. He then raised a hand to tug the slipping blanket higher, his movement so slow it was as if he were moving someone else’s arm. His brow furrowed slightly with the strain.

His injuries were far from healed.

"No, you have to drink it while it’s hot."

Ye Qiluo came closer, lifted the bowl to blow on it gently, then touched it to her lips to test the temperature before promptly offering it to Ye Yang.

"Sigh..."

Ye Yang gave a helpless laugh, took the bowl, and drank it all down.

As he handed the bowl back, his gaze lingered on his daughter’s face for a moment, his eyes filled with warmth and contentment.

"Eldest Sister is so very dutiful."

Standing not far away was another person: Zhu Mingyuan, who came to visit almost every day.

He perpetually wore a gentle, humble smile, and his gaze would, intentionally or not, always drift toward Ye Qiluo.

"You are both good children..."

Ye Yang sighed, his smile slowly fading. His tone changed as he said,

"However, these are minor tasks for the servants. As Martial Artists, you should focus your energy on your Martial Arts..."

"Instead of hovering around me every day, what I truly want to see is your cultivation improving..."

"The world is an unpredictable place. If, one day, I am no longer around, only your own strength will be the foundation you can rely on to make your way in this world..."

"Dad! I won’t let you say such things!"

Ye Qiluo’s brows instantly knitted together, and she felt a sting in her nose.

"Qiluo, Mingyuan..."

Ye Yang’s voice grew heavy, his tone taking on the seriousness he used when instructing disciples.

"To ascend in the Martial Arts, one must advance with courage and diligence! You know as well as I do that if you are not moving forward, you are falling behind! In this regard, you should both learn from Chen Cheng!"

"Learn from him?"

Ye Qiluo looked utterly unconvinced. The corners of her lips drew down, and her eyes even revealed a trace of disdain.

"Master Ye is right."

Zhu Mingyuan, however, had his own insights on the matter and continued the thought.

"Although Junior Brother Chen has the Innate disadvantage of his Root Bone, his Acquired effort is something few can match.

He improves day by day, bit by bit. Eventually, those grains of sand will form a tower. When that foundation is met with a fortunate opportunity, his progress is naturally lightning-fast."

He paused, his tone growing more serious.

"Conversely, without the foundation built through such a self-torturous degree of training, even if one did encounter a great opportunity, they would be unworthy. It would bring them harm instead of good."

"Yes! That’s exactly it!"

Ye Yang nodded emphatically, casting an approving glance at Zhu Mingyuan.

"Master Ye, I’ll take my leave."

Zhu Mingyuan cupped his fists in salute, his posture erect and his tone solemn.

"I will return to the Middle Courtyard at once and make up for all the training I have missed recently."

"You are a teachable one."

Ye Yang smiled and nodded, watching Zhu Mingyuan leave before turning his gaze to his precious daughter.

"I’m not going back!"

Before he could even speak, Ye Qiluo turned her head away in a fit of pique. A strand of dark hair slipped from her temple, and she reached up to tuck it behind her ear.

"If I’m going to train, I’ll do it here at home. That way I won’t have to get annoyed just by looking at that guy."

"Sigh..."

Ye Yang sighed in resignation.

’After seeing Cao Zhao this morning, he’d had a fleeting thought of pairing his daughter with Chen Cheng...’

’But now, it seemed they were fated to meet, but not to be.’

"Qiluo, what do you think of Mingyuan?" Ye Yang changed the subject.

"What about him?"

Ye Qiluo averted her eyes, initially planning to play dumb and deflect, but she saw the intensity in Ye Yang’s gaze and knew he wanted a real answer.

She composed herself and answered seriously.

"I don’t like men who are weaker than I am. I already surpassed Junior Brother Zhu’s cultivation progress last year... He... isn’t someone I would consider."

"Is it possible that..."

Ye Yang said in a low voice.

"...during the annual assessment, he intentionally let you win?"

"This..."

Ye Qiluo froze, her lips parting, but not a single word came out.

...

"Let’s stop here for today..."

Deep within the Yongsheng Store warehouse, Elder Wen was drenched in sweat, panting like an ox, his face beet red.

"Alright."

Chen Cheng withdrew the edge of his palm from Elder Wen’s throat and smoothly took his arm, helping him back to the small, separate room outside the warehouse.

"Can’t do it, can’t do it anymore... I really can’t deny I’m old now..."

Elder Wen flopped into a chair, propping his hands on his knees and taking huge gulps of air as sweat streamed down his cheeks.