Master continued, "That scorpion is nothing strange. Shennongjia itself is a place shrouded in mystery, and there are many things there I can't explain either. I've seen quite a lot, but I still don't fully understand them. Let me tell you something else—something interesting. Once you become stronger, we'll go and catch one of those things together for fun. It's winter now, and they're hibernating."
Hearing his master call it "interesting," the fear in Shi Kai's heart from earlier was instantly swept away. Smiling, he nodded eagerly.
"Alright! Let's go together, Master. But… what exactly are we catching?"
His master took a mysterious sip of wine, then smiled. "Near the stone huts in Shennongjia, there's a deep pool. One day, I happened to discover three gigantic water beasts there. Their skin was grayish-white, their appearance resembled toads—but dozens of times larger. Each one had two round eyes, an enormous mouth, and strong forelimbs with five thick, long toes. The toes were webbed, and at the tips were hidden sharp claws. Usually, only their upper bodies emerge from the water while the lower halves remain submerged. To this day, no one knows what the lower part looks like—or if they even have tails. These beasts seem to hibernate in winter; you won't see them in this season."
The more Shi Kai listened, the more his expression darkened. By the time his master finished, the hairs on his arms were standing on end and a chill crept down his spine. Never mind catching one—just seeing such a creature would probably make him faint on the spot. He groaned inwardly; following such a master, his future would be anything but peaceful.
"Hey, brat, are you even listening to me?" His master flicked a single drop of wine at Shi Kai's forehead.
In an instant, Shi Kai was knocked clean off his seat, tumbling backward.
A moment ago, his mind had been wandering, but that one drop had left him completely disoriented. When he finally sat back up and touched his forehead, he realized nothing was wrong—proof that his master's skills had already reached a level of effortless precision.
"The bear meat's ready. Eat first." His master tossed a piece over, and Shi Kai caught it with his usual method before taking a huge bite.
His master began eating as well, then said casually, "From now on, if you dare let your mind wander while I'm talking, this will be the result."
Shi Kai put on a goofy smile and looked up at him, then lowered his head and focused on eating. He found that bear meat tasted even better than white snake.
His master didn't mind. After all, a master must maintain a master's demeanor. Taking another sip of wine, he continued, "Shennongjia has an abundance of bears. Don't ask me why—I don't know either. And there are many kinds: black bears, pig bears, horse bears, brown bears, white bears, flower bears, and human bears. Of these, the flower bear is the largest. Some say it might be a giant panda; others believe it's a crossbreed between a white bear and a black bear.
"But the most mysterious of all is the human bear. There are several types in Shennongjia, all able to walk upright. Their faces resemble humans to some extent. It's possible that the so-called 'wild men' in the legends are simply human bears mistaken for something else. Then again, maybe real wild men exist—but that's none of my business. As long as no one mistakes me for one, I'm fine."
With that, he took another deep drink.
Shi Kai nodded slightly. Perhaps those rumors about wild men really were nothing more than people seeing human bears and getting it wrong. If someone as formidable as his master had never seen a true wild man, then what were the chances of them actually existing?
Curious, Shi Kai asked, "Master, what kind of wine are you drinking? I see you with it all the time."
"What, boy—getting thirsty?" His master tossed the gourd to him. Narrowing his eyes in satisfaction, he said, "This is good stuff. Try it. I brewed it myself with many rare medicinal herbs—and a few things I couldn't even name. Tastes good, doesn't it?"
Shi Kai held the gourd, peeked inside, then glanced at his master. Swallowing nervously, he took a tiny sip. The taste was sweet, so he immediately took a big gulp.
That was when things went wrong. The sweetness vanished instantly, replaced by a burning sensation that seared his throat like fire. By the time it reached his stomach, it felt like a raging sea churning inside him. He hiccuped once—and promptly collapsed, dead drunk.
His master burst into hearty laughter. "You're a bold one, aren't you? Even dared to gulp my wine. Sleep it off until tomorrow, boy—ha ha ha!"
Shi Kai slept straight through until morning. When he opened his eyes and sat up, the campfire was still burning—but his master was nowhere to be seen. He wasn't surprised; the old man had always been the type to appear and vanish without a trace.
After getting out of bed, he stretched his limbs a little and felt much better. Once he was dressed, he stepped outside. The snow had stopped, leaving a white expanse in every direction. The morning mist was thick, making it impossible to see far.
Facing the forest, Shikai shouted, "Master! Where are you? I'm awake now!"
Only echoes replied—no human voice. After calling for a while, his throat went dry. Since there was no answer, he turned back toward the house.
When he opened the door, he saw his master's back in front of him. Shikai's heart leapt with joy, and he trotted over eagerly. "Master, you're here! What will you teach me today?" he asked excitedly.
His master squinted at him, shook his head, and said, "No rush." With that, he busied himself adding more firewood to the hearth.
"What, Master… you don't want to teach me anymore?" Shikai's tone carried both disappointment and impatience.
"It's not that," the master replied. "Your constitution is far too weak. Even if you started learning from me now, I wouldn't know where to begin. First, you must learn how to face the harsh conditions of the Shennongjia primeval forest. Come here." He stood up as he spoke.
Shikai obeyed and came to his master's side. "Master, how do I change my constitution?" he asked.
Moving swiftly, his master glided outside and brought back the large wooden tub he had used the day before to treat Shikai's injuries. "We'll start from here," he said, tossing the tub onto the ground without spilling a single drop of water from it. Shikai thought to himself, What amazing skill… I wonder when I'll be able to do that.
"Get in. Don't worry," his master instructed. Shikai took off his clothes and cautiously stepped into the tub. The instant his foot touched the water, he yelped, "So cold, Master!" His eyes flew wide as he stared at him.
"Don't worry—just get in. It's only cold at first. Once I put in the medicine, it won't be cold anymore." As he explained, the master took out some unknown dried plants from the bag he always carried.
Strangely, ever since the man had taken Shikai as his disciple, he had never again referred to himself as "this old man," and Shikai hadn't bothered to ask why.
Cautiously, Shikai dipped his right foot into the water again. Instantly, the bone-deep chill made him yank it back out. "Master, I can't! I can't take it!" he cried, tears welling in his eyes.
It was the middle of winter in Shennongjia, with temperatures dozens of degrees below freezing, and the tub was filled with freshly melted snow water—no one in their right mind would dare step in.
Shikai looked at his master helplessly, hoping he might change his mind. Suddenly, he felt his body lighten—"Ah!"—and in the next moment, he was flying into the tub. The icy water pierced straight to his core, every nerve screaming, his muscles instantly locking up, his head feeling as if it were weighed down by a thousand catties. He couldn't even lift it, let alone struggle.
His master, irritated by his cowardice, had simply grabbed him and tossed him in. "Useless thing! If you can't even endure this little hardship, how can you be my disciple? Let alone avenge your family," he said coldly.
Shikai wanted to reply, but the cold had already numbed everything above his neck. All he could do was crouch in the tub, shivering and gasping.
The master, seeing this, threw the dried plants into the water and strolled out the door.
Shikai was so cold that even his eyebrows were coated in frost. His limbs no longer felt like his own, stiff and unresponsive, as an icy force drilled into his brain, making it feel like it might split apart.
Gradually, though, he began to feel a little better. His ragged breathing calmed, and sensation started to return to his limbs—though it came in the form of a raw, burning pain.
The water temperature rose slowly. Soaking in the tub, Shikai started to feel at peace, his limbs moving freely again as the chill inside him faded away.
Before long, he felt so comfortable that he began to bathe, splashing and laughing as he played in the water.
Eventually, he tired himself out, curling up in the warm water. His master's earlier words echoed in his mind, filling him with deep emotion: He's right. If I'm this timid, how can I be my master's disciple? How can I avenge my family? Where has that courage gone—the courage to face anything for their sake?
Shikai, Shikai… Master is a good man. He's doing this for your own good. You must study hard under him and repay his kindness one day.
Frowning with resolve, Shikai sat quietly in the tub. He knew that only by following his master's words could he survive Shennongjia and one day leave to avenge his family.
Then, he noticed his limbs going numb again—no, stiff. Panic rose in his chest. Why am I going stiff again when the water's so warm?
Before long, even his neck couldn't move. The water grew hotter and hotter, a stifling heat flooding his body. It felt as if countless ants were gnawing at his bones.
"Master! The water's too hot! I can't move!" Shikai cried out in alarm.
Shikai shouted for a while, but there was no reply. He could only give up, telling himself that his master would never harm him, so he forced himself to stay calm, clenching his teeth tightly to endure it.
Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead, quickly merging into streams that slid down his face. The water in the wooden barrel started to boil, and Shikai felt as if he were being cooked alive. Every muscle in his body swelled as if about to tear apart, and the pain was excruciating. His vision went black, and he fainted.
When he woke up, he found himself still lying in the barrel. His hands and feet had regained feeling, and he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. The water in the barrel had calmed, its color now pitch-black, and its warmth felt like basking in the sunlight.
Realizing he hadn't been unconscious for long, Shikai relaxed and quietly enjoyed the moment. The feeling was indescribably pleasant.
Just as he was savoring the sensation, the door suddenly opened. He looked up and saw his master standing before him with a wine gourd in hand, smiling.
"Hehe, not bad," the master said. "As long as you soak in it every day, in a month you'll be reborn."
Hearing that he would have to endure this for another month, Shikai groaned inwardly. But remembering the vow he had just made to himself, he immediately looked at his master with firm determination and said,
"Thank you, Master."
The master, about to take a drink, chuckled at the remark.
"Oh? No more screaming now? You were howling like a slaughtered pig just a moment ago."
Shikai flushed with embarrassment and, steadying his resolve, replied,
"From now on, your disciple will follow your instructions in everything."
"Hahaha! Good, a teachable boy! As long as you listen to me, I guarantee that in ten years, you'll not only avenge your family but also make your name famous across the world. Hahaha!"
Hearing this, Shikai's determination solidified even further. His master despised cowards who couldn't endure the slightest pain. Only by devoting himself wholeheartedly to training could he take revenge.
At that moment, Shikai felt like a different person. Perhaps it was the strange medicinal bath, but it truly felt as if he had been reborn—his willpower was beginning to harden.
After laughing, the master spoke calmly,
"Now, get out and see how you feel."
Shikai obeyed, climbing out of the barrel. Looking closely at his body, he was astonished—his scabbed wounds had all fallen away, revealing fresh new skin. His muscles were firmer, and his whole body brimmed with strength.
Amazed, Shikai exclaimed,
"This is incredible! Master, what kind of medicine did you put in the barrel?!"
The master gave him a strange smile, pretending to be mysterious.
"Honestly, kid, I don't even know exactly what it is. It grows on the cliffs of Shennong Peak, and it's extremely rare. You're the first person to try it—usually, I only use it on animals. Even the Scorpion King loves eating it."
A huge bead of cold sweat rolled down Shikai's bald head. Narrowing his eyes at his master, he muttered,
"Master… you're vicious. So this is your so-called secret medicine?"
"Hehe, that's right. But you can't blame me—your constitution was far too weak. Now, at least we know it works just as well on humans. I'll go gather some more."
With that, the master vanished without a trace.
Standing there alone, Shikai felt more and more that his master was a frightening man.
During the following month, Shikai soaked in the big wooden barrel twice every day. At first, it felt very uncomfortable, but gradually he got used to it. He began to savor the alternating sensations of cold and heat, a comforting feeling like bathing in sunlight that made him feel peaceful and content.
Shikai's constitution completely transformed over that month of soaking in his master's so-called "secret medicine." His muscles became more defined, his arms grew strong and powerful, his legs sturdy and vigorous, and his eyes sharp and bright. He had undergone a complete rebirth, no longer the weak, fragile boy he had been a month ago.
After a month, the master looked at Shikai with satisfaction and nodded,
"Not bad. Looks like the medicine works well. From now on, soaking once a week will be enough."
Grateful, Shikai said,
"Thank you for your guidance, Master."
"Don't celebrate too soon. Starting today, you will train with me. First, go chop down the big tree by the door and split the wood with your axe." the master instructed.
Shikai hurriedly replied,
"Yes, Master."
He walked over to the tree and was stunned—it was twice as thick as his master. Determined, he picked up the axe and started swinging.
He felt an endless surge of strength flowing through his body; the more he chopped, the more energized he became. Inwardly, he marveled at the effects of the secret medicine. After a long while, sweat began to bead on his forehead, and his pace slowed.
After all, he was not a machine—strength could be drained. Soaked in sweat, Shikai persisted, firmly telling himself, "I must chop it down in one go. I can't disappoint Master."
His master sat on the doorstep with his feet resting on the edge, drinking wine with a smile, shouting,
"Hurry up! Why are you so slow?"
Hearing this, Shikai gritted his teeth and quickened his pace. Two hours later, the tree finally toppled. Exhausted and unable to continue, Shikai threw down the axe and collapsed on the snowy ground, panting heavily, his sweat soaking through his leather jacket. He thought happily, Finally chopped it down.
The master flicked a drop of wine from his hand, which landed on Shikai's bald head. Shikai jumped up from the sting and glared fiercely at his master,
"Master, stop hitting my head! You'll make me stupid."
"Did I say you could rest? Get back to splitting that wood—no slacking off," the master said, continuing to drink his wine.
Shikai knew his master meant well, but still cursed him silently in his heart. He even gave his master the nickname "Demon," though only in his mind—he dared not say it aloud, or else he'd be in big trouble.
Shikai vigorously split the fallen tree, chopping and muttering to himself.
"Why are you mumbling to yourself? Hurry up and chop! Two hours, no meal if you don't finish."
Hearing this, Shikai mentally cursed the "Demon" again and redoubled his effort.
"That's it, faster, faster!" the master jeered gleefully.
Finally, Shikai finished chopping and collapsed on the ground to rest. So tired. If it weren't for the secret medicine, I'd be down for the count by now, he thought. Suddenly, he became afraid—worried the master might sneak up behind him again.
"Not bad. From today on, chop one tree a day for a month. And split it into firewood. That way, I don't have to do it myself, hahaha," the master laughed after saying this.
Hearing that, Shikai's face fell. So he just wanted me to do the work because I tried to slack off, he thought.
After laughing, the master grew serious,
"Don't underestimate chopping and splitting wood. It requires great arm strength and stamina. You need to build a solid foundation first. Later, I'll teach you a faster chopping technique."
Shikai nodded and said,
"Master, I understand. May I ask, what faster method will you teach me later?"
Before he finished speaking, the master grabbed a piece of wood and came over to Shikai, saying,
"In the future, you will chop like this."
As he spoke, the master tossed the wood into the air and, with his bare hands, split it into four pieces instantly.