On the east side of the Shen Mansion, it had been drizzling for several days, making the surrounding paths muddier.
Han scattered some small gravel on the muddy path.
In case Madam Yun and Cailing came to find him, the road would be easier to walk.
After handling some miscellaneous tasks, Han started to boil water.
Meanwhile, he was studying the leftover herbs he had collected.
Once the Bone Tempering was completed, the next step forward would be to enter the Ninth Grade Body Refining Realm.
Only then could one be considered formally entering the Martial Path.
The collected herbal residue had already lost its medicinal properties; even when brought close, no scent remained.
Focusing his eyes, he indeed saw gray text appear on the herb residue.
[Herbs that have lost their medicinal properties]
Being able to see its entry relieved Han somewhat.
Extract!
The entry for [herbs that have lost their medicinal properties] instantly descended and floated into his mind.
The used herbs unexpectedly emitted a fragrance anew.
Once the water was ready, he soaked all the herbs in it.
Unexpectedly, without spending a penny, he managed to create a pool for a medicinal bath.
These medicinal baths comprised herbal recipes prepared by the pharmacy; since others could use them for medicinal bathing, Han wasn't worried about any issues within.
Submerging his body, a faint piercing pain attacked him all over.
The pain of the Bone Tempering Pill felt like a fierce force striking his bones.
While the bath brought waves of stinging pain to his muscles.
The medicinal bath was relatively safe, but whether one could reach Ninth Grade depended on fortune.
Some Martial Artists lacking talent often failed to reach Ninth Grade even after seven or eight baths.
Bearing this in mind, part of the herbal potency continued to pound his muscles.
In the distance, wisps of smoke curled upwards; it was 5:00 PM, time for the evening meal.
Han remained in the bath, not intending to rise; today, he must reach Ninth Grade!
...
In the dining hall of the Shen Mansion, plates of delicious dishes were already set.
Waiting for the Old Dowager to take her seat, the family could then begin eating.
After a while, the Shen Family's Old Dowager, supported by maids, sat in the main seat.
Though it was a family feast, the Old Dowager wasn't too strict with everyone.
She allowed the juniors some freedom, as long as they didn't talk with food in their mouths.
At the dinner table, the younger Shen family members were quite enthusiastic.
Some displayed their recent insights to the elders, some flattered with kind words, and others acted coyly in seeking rewards.
The Old Dowager quite enjoyed this, her face always showing a kind expression.
"Old Dowager, today I heard an interesting thing.
Quite a few servants told me that the young master of our house went to the pharmacy to pick up discarded herbal residue.
Just hearing about it makes me feel ashamed."
The speaker was Madam Xie of the second house.
"Picking up discarded herbal residue?
Isn't that the act of street beggars? Who in the Shen Family would do such a shameful thing?"
The Old Dowager smiled dismissively, thinking it was a misunderstanding.
But Madam Xie pointed her finger toward the east side.
"We certainly wouldn't do such disgraceful things, but it's our fifth young master, Shen Han, who picked the herbal residue."
Merely hearing the name, the Old Dowager's smile faded.
"I heard he was collecting herbal materials needed to advance to Ninth Grade, and our fifth young master dares to wish to become a Ninth-Grade Martial Artist~."
Upon hearing this, the Old Dowager understood the reason.
People from Xiaoyao Peak had come by some time ago, inadvertently aiding Han's Bone Tempering success.
He sure dreams big, thinking he can achieve Ninth Grade after Bone Tempering.
Seeing the Old Dowager's face darken, Madam Yun quickly interceded.
"Old Dowager, Han, this boy, according to the mansion's requirements, even his meals are self-earned.
He does this out of helplessness; please understand the child..."
The Old Dowager seemed reluctant to say more, only instructing with a heavy tone.
"Tell him to be more careful in the future; if he disgraces the Shen Family again, he can sleep in the woodshed."
Having said that, the Old Dowager flicked her sleeve and left the table.
Madam Yun felt for Han, but dared not protest further.
If she said too much, Han would likely face harsher treatment.
After the Old Dowager left, everyone was more at ease, finishing their meal before departing.
Madam Yun collected some food, only for the maids and servants to remind her tactfully that the Old Dowager feared she might bring food to Han and did not allow it.
Back in her courtyard, Madam Yun tossed and turned in bed.
Are large families all so cold?
If her own family fell from power, would her situation be the same...?
Deep into the night.
Although he had soaked for hours, the medicinal bath remained hot.
The stinging and burning sensations within his body had completely disappeared.
Han rose from the bath, his whole body red, with his body's toughness multiplied several times over compared to before.
Clenching his fists tightly, his Fist Force had visibly more than doubled.
A whole-body feeling of indescribable satisfaction.
Finally, he had reached Ninth Grade in the Martial Path!
Outside, it was pitch black, occasionally mingled with sounds of insects and birds.
His body wasn't tired, but having just completed an upgrade, Han decided to rest well for the night to avoid further strain.
As night passed and the sun rose.
The autumn Shen Mansion carried the fragrance of osmanthus flowers.
Of course, there were no osmanthus trees planted in Han's simple yard.
But the osmanthus scent from the Mansion wafted over.
He got up, made himself some breakfast; with pickles mixed in, it was enough to fill him up.
Taking a willow branch in hand, he practiced the Sunset Sword Formulas.
After advancing to the Ninth Grade Martial Path, the oppressive force of the Sword Technique significantly changed, faintly emitting Sword Qi.
To think he was wielding just a willow twig; imagine if it were a long sword.
Persistent study and practice, even if labeled as [simple and easy to learn] in the classics, still needed to be learned.
Diligence is the greatest talent.
Han understood this well; in his place within the Shen Family, if he relied on laziness for sustenance, he could never escape his miserable situation.
At Noon, Madam Yun came over with a basket of dishes.
The Old Dowager wouldn't allow her to pack food, so she cooked for herself.
No way the Shen Family would forbid her from cooking and eating, right?
Madam Yun was aware she had her natal family backing her; the Yun Family wasn't as prominent as the Shen Family, but it still offered some support.
However, for Han, the child, who would back him?
"Third Madam, why have you come? If the Old Dowager finds out, she might not be pleased..."
Seeing Madam Yun approaching from afar, Han quickly went to greet her.
Though he said that, Han was rather glad to see Madam Yun.
Not for the food, but merely to talk with her.
Only in Madam Yun's presence could he feel a bit of warmth.
"Don't worry, the last time the Old Dowager confined me to the yard, it was because I contradicted her.
No way she could forbid a mother from checking on her child, could she? Great Wei wouldn't stand for it!"
With that, Madam Yun laid out several dishes, encouraging Han to eat his fill.
This time she brought plenty.
Picking up chopsticks, Han didn't hesitate and started eating.
"Han, during dinner yesterday, they mentioned you went to the pharmacy for herbal residue, using it for a medicinal bath?"