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nChapter 53: Shocking Swallowing Art

nTranslator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

n“Will there be any trouble after learning this cultivation technique?” Chen Fei asked in a low voice. Many sects would pursue leaked cultivation techniques, especially those involving inner strength. When he was in Pingyin County, Chen Fei didn’t mind. After all, the place was small, and the chances of being discovered were very low, even if he learned from other sects. However, they were currently in Apricot Fen City, and later on, Chen Fei was planning to go to Immortal Cloud City.

nWith more choices at hand, Chen Fei naturally had to exercise extra caution. “Don’t worry about this, my friend. That sect is already in decline, and he is the sole successor. There would be no trouble if you were to learn this secret manual. Instead, you would help in preserving and passing on the cultivation technique,” the shopkeeper said with a reassuring smile. Chen Fei nodded slightly, picked up the secret manual, and began reading it slowly. After fifteen minutes, he put the manual down. Although only one-third of the secret manual remained, he could already discern numerous insights from it. While it couldn’t compare to the Thunderous Sword Force, it was considerably more potent than the Suspending Force. Moreover, there was something uniquely extraordinary about the Cloud Devouring Force.

nAfter cultivating the Cloud Devouring Force, the number of pills Chen Fei consumed daily could actually increase. In simpler terms, this technique enabled cultivators to absorb pills at a faster rate without burdening their bodies. Just this benefit alone made Chen Fei’s heart race with anticipation. At present, Chen Fei could only take one Light Spirit Pill per day.

nConsuming more would cause his meridians to swell and his blood and Qi to become abnormal. If this happened occasionally, it wouldn’t pose a significant risk. However, prolonged exposure to such conditions would undoubtedly have adverse effects on his body.

nTherefore, Chen Fei tried it a few times before exercising caution and returning to his regular routine of taking one Light Spirit Pill each day.

n“What’s the price?” Chen Fei inquired. “One thousand taels,” the shopkeeper replied, his smile widening. Irritated by the exorbitant price, Chen Fei abruptly put down the secret manual and turned to leave. He wasn’t about to be taken advantage of.

n“Hang on. We can negotiate the price. Additionally, we have a variety of pills and weapons in the shop. You may want to take a look,” the shopkeeper hastily called out, hoping to salvage the potential sale.

n…..

nPausing for a moment, Chen Fei halted his steps and turned back to face the shopkeeper. “Do you have any crossbows?” he inquired.

n“Of course we do. Please come inside,” the shopkeeper nodded, leading Chen Fei into the inner hall.

nThe assortment of weapons displayed in the shop was even more diverse than Chen Fei had expected. The shopkeeper guided him to a wall adorned with various bows and crossbows. “Can I try them?” Chen Fei asked, seeking the shopkeeper’s permission to try them out.

n“Go ahead, sir,” the shopkeeper nodded, giving his consent. Chen Fei stepped forward, selecting a longbow and attempting to draw it. His expression remained unchanged. He then set aside the longbow and picked up another one. He continued this process for an hour, meticulously testing each bow.

nAfterward, Chen Fei left the shop, having made his selection. The morning quietly passed, and he returned to the inn. The longbow he had originally brought from Pingyin County had been sold and replaced with a far more powerful bow. In comparison to his previous longbow, the new one was undeniably superior in strength and quality.

nBased on Chen Fei’s assessment, the newly acquired longbow would serve him well even up to the Bone Tempering realm. He was pleased with his choice. Additionally, Chen Fei had a good understanding of the prices of medicinal pills. In Pingyin County, the standard market price for a Qi Rejuvenation Pill was 10 taels per pill, whereas, in Apricot Fen City, it was 8 taels per pill. The price of Light Spirit Pills had also dropped from fifteen taels to thirteen taels per pill. The significant decrease in prices was evident, explaining the prevalence of caravans in the area.

nThe price disparity indicated that there were substantial profits to be made, provided there was an ample supply of these medicinal pills. In light of this, Chen Fei took advantage of Apricot Fen City’s offerings and purchased some Eternal Floating Pills. Although they were quite expensive, costing nearly thirty taels per pill, Chen Fei wanted to test if his current cultivation level in the Body Tempering Realm could handle the consumption of these pills for further advancement. Furthermore, he had plans to decipher the formula for the Eternal Floating Pill.

nHowever, Chen Fei’s hopes were dashed when he discovered that Apricot Fen City did not sell the recipe for the Eternal Floating Pill. This left him somewhat disappointed. On the other hand, the formula for the Light Spirit Pill was available for purchase, albeit at a steep price of several thousand taels.

n“1 underestimated the value of pill formulas,” Chen Fei muttered to himself as he attempted to swallow one of the pills. After two hours, he opened his eyes, wearing a slightly disappointed expression. The effect of the Eternal Floating Pill was undeniably potent, but Chen Fei experienced intense swelling and pain in his meridians, surpassing the discomfort of taking two Light Spirit Pills consecutively. It became evident that the Eternal Floating Pill was too overwhelming for someone in the Body Tempering realm, and Chen Fei couldn’t handle its effects.

n“I wonder if the Cloud Devouring Force can alleviate this situation as the secret manual claims,” Chen Fei pondered. He retrieved the secret manual from his bag. After visiting more than ten shops, Chen Fei had spent a total of 300 taels of silver purchasing this cultivation technique from different establishments. Interestingly, in Apricot Fen City, nearly all the slightly larger shops were now selling this same cultivation technique manual. Chen Fei couldn’t ascertain whether the sect’s disciple had leaked the secret manual to multiple stores or if the shops had obtained it from one another.

nThe first shop Chen Fei encountered seemed to have taken advantage of his unfamiliarity and purposely inflated the price. They were clearly trying to maximize their profits. Annoyed by this realization, Chen Fei continued his cultivation and spent mo hours thoroughly reading through the Cloud Devouring Force cultivation technique. He then attempted to circulate it within his body.

nMoments later, Chen Fei glanced at the interface that appeared before him: Cultivation Method: Cloud Devouring Force (Beginner 1

/100). Determined to further enhance his cultivation, Chen Fei made a decision.

n“Fuse!” he commanded.

nSoon after, another message appeared: Cultivation Method: Shocking Swallowing Art (Master 811

/1000). The system prompted him, “Discovered cultivation technique, Shocking Swallowing Art. Do you want to spend 100 silver taels to simplify the Shocking Swallowing Art?”

nChen Fei contemplated briefly and agreed to the simplification. “Shocking Swallowing Art is being simplified. Simplification is successful. Shocking Swallowing Art -»• Suspending Force!”

nA smile formed on Chen Fei’s face as he saw the progress he had made. The next step was to diligently cultivate and increase his proficiency in the Shocking Swallowing Art to Great Completion. However, before doing so, he wanted to test the efficacy of the new cultivation method in absorbing medicinal pills. He assumed a cross-legged position and began circulating the Shocking Swallowing Art.

nAfter an hour of cultivation, Chen Fei opened his eyes, filled with joy. His meridians, which had been swollen previously, had completely returned to their normal state. The unabsorbed medicinal power had now fused entirely into Chen Fei’s body.

n“The effect is remarkable,” Chen Fei exclaimed, glancing at the nearby Eternal Floating Pill. After a moment of hesitation, he opted to take a Light Spirit Pill instead and swallowed it. As the medicinal properties took effect, discomfort began to arise within his meridians. Chen Fei quickly activated the Shocking Swallowing Art, causing his blood and Qi to surge rapidly. Gradually, the discomfort lessened and eventually dissipated. Chen Fei’s brows, once tightly furrowed, relaxed.

nContinuing to circulate the Shocking Swallowing Art within his body, Chen Fei experienced the medicinal strength of the pill being swiftly absorbed and integrated into his flesh and blood.

nAfter about two hours, Chen Fei opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of turbid air slowly. The unmistakable joy on his face could no longer be concealed.

n“I’ve reached my limit,” Chen Fei exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. “Just one Eternal Floating Pill and one Light Spirit Pill have nearly doubled my inner strength. Previously, it took over nine months to reach the Bone Tempering stage, but now, it only takes a little over four months.”

nCalculating the time it took for his cultivation breakthrough, Chen Fei muttered to himself, “And 1 haven’t even reached the Great Completion of the Shocking Swallowing Technique yet, so 1 can still consume more pills each day.”

nInvoluntarily, Chen Fei clenched his fists. Compared to others, his cultivation speed was already impressive, but given the opportunity, who wouldn’t want to improve even faster? Especially in a world as perilous as this one.

n“Could the original sect that developed this cultivation technique have been impoverished and resorted to consuming pills for sustenance?” Chen Fei pondered, a curious thought crossing his mind.

nAs night descended, Chen Fei strolled through the bustling streets of Apricot Fen City. Compared to Pingyin County, the city was undoubtedly more vibrant and lively after dark. Surrounded by the illuminating fireworks, Chen Fei’s heart found a moment of tranquility. If he had a choice, he would still prefer a peaceful and quiet life. Unfortunately, this world rarely offered such choices. Many things were imposed upon individuals, including the ever-present danger.

nWalking along the bustling street, Chen Fei eventually turned into an alley. In stark contrast to the lively atmosphere outside, the alley exuded a serene quietness. At the end of the alley stood a shop, its faint lights casting eerie shadows on the alley walls, almost as if they were grimacing..

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