Chapter 52: Zhen Chen's Gift

It took Jiang Feng three days to wake up. When he finally stirred, his entire body felt as though it had been soaked in a pool of cool spring water, his body felt refreshed and full of energy. The room around him was dimly lit, a faint herbal scent lingering in the air. He tried to move but winced as pain coursed through his body for a split second, forcing him to lie still. His gaze drifted to the small wooden table beside the bed, where a folded note rested.

With steady hands, Jiang Feng reached for the note. The handwriting was bold and sharp, but had an aura of patience to it, unmistakably Lin Moyi's writing.

"I have gone into seclusion to make a breakthrough. Lin Rou has joined the Situ Army. Rest and recover—I've entrusted your safety to someone I trust. Focus on regaining your strength. When I return, I'll take you to a place to get some experience"

The words filled Jiang Feng with a mix of emotions. He clenched the note tightly, a knot forming in his chest. Lin Moyi had always been a steady presence, a guiding factor in his chaotic life, almost seeming like a grandfather. And Lin Rou... the one person he could truly call a friend, had also moved on to pursue his own path, he was truly happy for him.

As his thoughts roamed, the door creaked open. A middle-aged man with graying hair stepped inside, carrying a tray of medicine. His expression was calm, but his eyes held a sharpness that made Jiang Feng instinctively wary.

"You're finally awake," the man said, setting the tray down. "Drink this. It will help with your stabilize your body." He pushed a steaming bowl of medicinal soup toward Jiang Feng.

"Who are you?" Jiang Feng asked hoarsely.

"My name is Zhen Chen" the man replied with a faint smile. "I'm an old friend of Lin Moyi. He asked me to keep an eye on you while he's away. And trust me, I'm not one to take a promise lightly."

Jiang Feng hesitated for a moment before taking the bowl. The liquid was bitter, but it carried a strange warmth that spread through his body as he drank. He could feel his body once more devouring whatever was in the bowl.

"You've got a long road ahead of you," Zhen Chen continued, his tone measured. "Lin Moyi sees great potential in you. Don't let him down."

The words were simple, but they carried a weight that Jiang Feng couldn't ignore. He set the bowl down and nodded faintly, determination flickering in his tired eyes. Lin Moyi's absence might have left a void, but it also gave him a chance to prove himself. 'Wait a minute, did he say Zhen?'

-

Jiang Feng turned his head sharply, his eyes narrowing as he sized up the man standing a short distance away. The stranger, exuding an air of composed confidence, seemed to be watching him with interest, his gaze steady yet unreadable.

"Senior is a member of the famous Zhen Clan?" Jiang Feng ventured cautiously, his tone soft and curious. He had never encountered anyone from the Six Powers before. However, he recalled that when they first arrived, Lin Moyi had gone to meet with representatives from the Zhen Clan before returning with news.

The man chuckled lightly, the sound carrying an edge of warmth that contrasted with the weight of his reputation and presence, "You could say that," he replied, his voice calm yet filled with authority. "But I'm just an old man now, not someone of much consequence. You, on the other hand..." He smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with an enigmatic light. "You're an anomaly in the making."

Jiang Feng's brow furrowed at the cryptic remark. A chill ran down his spine, and cold sweat began to bead along his temple. 'Did he find out something about me?' The thought clawed at him, sending an uneasy jolt through his chest.

"Relax," the man said, waving a dismissive hand as if reading Jiang Feng's mind. "Your business is your own. I have no interest in prying into the secrets of a promising young man. In fact..." His smile deepened as he stepped closer and sat casually on a chair near the bed. "I'm quite fond of talented youths. I'll be keeping an eye on you, Jiang Feng. If you show true promise, I may even offer you an opportunity in the future."

With a slow, deliberate motion, the man raised his hand and waved it across the bedside table. As if summoned by magic, five pills materialized from thin air—three pure white and two a vibrant green. Their surfaces glimmered faintly under the soft light of the room, exuding an aura of potent spiritual energy.

"These are for you," he said, gesturing toward the pills. "Three Spiritual Burst Pills and two Meridian Breaking Pills. Consider them a gift. Something tells me you'll find them useful."

Jiang Feng stared at the pills in silence, his thoughts churning. Why would someone as important as a Zhen Clan elder give me something so valuable? His gaze flickered to the older man, searching for answers in his expression, but Zhen Chen's calm smile revealed nothing beyond an air of benevolence.

Zhen Chen's reasoning, however, was clear to himself. He knew Lin Moyi possessed only a single Spiritual Burst Pill—a treasure hard to come by for most. Yet, to the Zhen Clan, with their vast wealth and influence, such resources were trivial. Their businesses spanned every corner of the massive city, a place so sprawling that it could take months to traverse on foot. Moreover, with their close ties to the Azure Spirit Hall, acquiring high-grade medicinal pills in bulk was a matter of routine.

"Senior, what are these?" Jiang Feng asked, his voice hesitant and filled with much curiosity. He had little knowledge of alchemy or medicinal pills, making the question an honest and necessary one.

Zhen Chen's smile softened, and he nodded approvingly at the boy's inquisitiveness. "The green pills are known as Meridian Breaking Pills. They're used to open meridian channels during the Foundation Stage. It is vital for anyone cultivating to open all their channels before the age of twenty. Otherwise..." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, "they risk being stuck in the Foundation Stage forever."

Jiang Feng's heart skipped a beat. The consequences of such a failure were unimaginable for anyone who aspired to climb the ranks of cultivation.

"And the white ones?" he pressed, his voice steady despite the nervous energy coursing through him.

"Ah, the white pills." Zhen Chen leaned back slightly, his tone taking on a note of pride. "These are Spiritual Burst Pills, crafted to assist in breakthroughs into the Golden Core Realm. But for you..." His eyes twinkled as he scrutinized Jiang Feng from head to toe. "I suspect they'll only serve you in the Foundation Stage."

The implication hit Jiang Feng like a bolt of lightning. His jaw tightened as he processed the statement. Even something as powerful as a Spiritual Burst Pill won't take me past the Foundation Stage? What does that mean for me?

Zhen Chen seemed to notice the flicker of doubt in Jiang Feng's expression and chuckled softly. "Don't look so grim. The fact that these pills can only assist you at this stage is proof of your frightening potential. Not many your age would need such resources to merely stabilize their footing."

For a moment, Jiang Feng remained silent, staring at the pills. Finally, he inclined his head slightly, murmuring, "Thank you, Senior. I will not forget this kindness."

Zhen Chen waved off the gratitude with an almost dismissive gesture. "No need for formalities. Just make sure you live up to the potential I see in you. Who knows? You might surprise even yourself."

As the elder rose and turned to leave, Jiang Feng found himself gripping the edge of the bed tightly, his mind ablaze with questions. "Hmm, this one is very strong, at least to the standard of this minor realm" the voice of the codex echoed at this time.