After watching for a moment, Yang Qi didn't delay any longer and began to cultivate the Dragon God Technique. I hope I can reach the First Layer of the Qi Refining Stage. The Qi Refining Stage had nine layers in total, and he had yet to even cross the threshold.
However, after circulating the Cultivation Technique for over an hour, he found the results were minimal. The Spiritual Energy in this world was too scarce; mere cultivation was useless. It seems I'll have to combine this with the alchemy from my Medical Skills. Only then can I achieve remarkable effects.
With that thought, he immediately went out.
There was an elixir known as the Qi Gathering Pill, used by cultivators at the Qi Refining Stage. The required ingredients were available at local apothecaries, but some were prohibitively expensive. He spent a total of 8,000,000 to buy eight sets of ingredients for the Qi Gathering Pill, and purchased a Pill Furnace for another 1,000,000.
This was no ordinary Pill Furnace; it was an antique. If not for a few connections he had, he never would have been able to buy it. Just like that, his 10,000,000 was almost gone.
But his hard work paid off. From the eight sets of ingredients, he managed to successfully refine three Qi Gathering Pills. His initial success rate was low, but he seemed to have a natural talent for alchemy, as his last three attempts were all successful.
After consuming one Qi Gathering Pill, he reached the First Layer of the Qi Refining Stage in just half an hour. Having elixirs is a great help!
Reaching the First Layer of the Qi Refining Stage meant more than just feeling a stronger flow of energy in his Dantian. The energy also permeated his entire body, strengthening his physique considerably. Both his strength and speed improved. It was no exaggeration to say he had been completely reborn. The Spiritual Energy within his Dantian seemed to have increased as well.
He glanced at the iron rod he kept by the door for self-defense and walked over to it. Silently circulating his Spiritual Energy, he bent the solid iron rod.
Yang Qi himself was taken aback. This is just the First Layer of the Qi Refining Stage. If I improve further, how terrifying will I become?
Achieving results brought a great sense of accomplishment. For the next few hours, Yang Qi focused on consolidating his cultivation. Without a stable foundation, all my efforts would be for nothing.
That evening, Lin Qingxuan and her assistant returned from a banquet. The attendees were all renowned figures from Jingnan Prefecture, including the Prefecture Master of Jingnan and the Jingnan Battle Zone Commander. In contrast, the merchants present were not considered important enough to be seated at the main tables. However, Lin Qingxuan had not been paying much attention.
Upon returning home, she found herself inexplicably drawn to Yang Qi's private courtyard, only to find the door closed. Lin Qingxuan felt a pang of disappointment. She was starting to realize that ever since that night, she had developed special feelings for this man.
"What is this guy doing? Does he really think this place is his own home?" Assistant Qin complained.
"Too much complaining is bad for you," Lin Qingxuan said with a laugh. "Try to look at the bigger picture and not be so petty! Don't you think Yang Qi is interesting, even a little adorable?"
"Interesting? Adorable? I really don't think so. I've always felt he has ulterior motives for getting close to you!" Assistant Qin said with a sneer.
"Oh, you," Lin Qingxuan shook her head. "That's a classic case of prejudice, seeing people through colored glasses. You claim he has ulterior motives, but the fact remains that he cured my Cold Poison. That's something no one else has managed to do in all these years. I believe he will rise again sooner or later. He has a glorious past; he has just temporarily hit rock bottom. He'll climb back up."
"Heh, with all due respect, Miss... him? Even at his peak, he couldn't compare to you. You mustn't fall for him," said Assistant Qin.
"Fall for him? And why shouldn't I?" Lin Qingxuan shook her head. "I trust my instincts. One day, he will soar to great heights! I'm never wrong about the men I choose. You just have to give a man a little time!"
Assistant Qin wanted to say more, but Lin Qingxuan stopped her. "By the way, our bidding conference is starting soon, right?" she suddenly asked.
"Yes, it's in three days," Assistant Qin answered.
"The Zhang Family from Kang City will be there, won't they?" Lin Qingxuan inquired again.
"Yes. The Zhang Family from Kang City is very capable, and the new medicine they've been promoting fits our requirements perfectly. They might just be the dark horse of this bidding conference, with a better chance of success than many larger pharmaceutical companies!" Assistant Qin replied.
"Oh? Is that so?" Lin Qingxuan said with disdain. "What good is something, no matter how excellent, if it was stolen?"
"Miss, what do you mean?"
"It's nothing. Just remember to send an invitation to Li Qiutong as well. Have her come along; don't forget!" A meaningful smile touched Lin Qingxuan's lips. This bidding conference might just be very interesting. She then turned and returned to her room.
In her room, Lin Qingxuan made a phone call. "Send me all the evidence of the Zhang Family framing Yang Qi. Also, send a copy to the City Lord of Kang City and tell him it's from me!"
That night, Yang Qi consumed all three Qi Gathering Pills. Unfortunately, his cultivation did not advance again. Although he felt close, he still failed to break through.
It had only taken one Qi Gathering Pill to reach the First Layer of the Qi Refining Stage, but reaching the Second Layer would likely require ten. This is just burning money!
My money is almost gone. I'll have to borrow some. Yang Qi immediately thought of Lin Qingxuan. She was the only person he could borrow from now. Even if it was humiliating, he had to ask—for the sake of his future.
With that thought, Yang Qi left his courtyard. As soon as he stepped out, he saw Lin Qingxuan jogging in the main yard. Her steps were light, making her look like a beautiful butterfly dancing. Her graceful, swaying figure captivated Yang Qi, leaving him momentarily stunned. No wonder they say a hero is helpless before a beautiful woman. How true.
Lin Qingxuan saw him too and ran over. When she got close, she stopped abruptly. For some reason, despite only having been apart for one night, Lin Qingxuan found that Yang Qi seemed different. It was as if he had gained something, though she couldn't put her finger on what it was. But the change was undeniable.
"Seeing you like this, it seems you don't need my encouragement after all," Lin Qingxuan said with a smile. "I thought you'd be locked in your room crying, but apparently not."
"You can't see a rainbow without going through a storm. One has to look forward, not live in the past, right?" Yang Qi replied with a smile, his eyes filled with confidence.
Li Qiutong is definitely going to regret this! Looking at the Yang Qi before her, Lin Qingxuan felt herself drawn to him once again. She had once thought it was a fluke, but now she was genuinely realizing she might actually be falling for this man. He had a special allure, one that was especially potent—even fatal—to her.
To make her regret this, I need to achieve something big. "Miss Qingxuan," Yang Qi began, finally speaking up after a long hesitation, "this is very embarrassing, but... could I possibly borrow some money?"