Chapter 6

"What about cultivation?"

"What are the different realms?"

Since Xu Hongtao was in a talkative mood, the group of servants naturally couldn't resist wanting to learn more.

"Cultivation is another system of practice. I don't know much more than you do. I only know that there are very few Daoist practitioners, and their cultivation is much more difficult than that of martial artists. Although the Great Zhou Dynasty has a Daoist Academy, it only teaches the basics. For true entry-level cultivation, you need to join one of the major Daoist sects. As for the realms? Each has its own interpretation, and it's really hard to understand if you're not a cultivator."

Xu Hongtao shook his head. He only knew a little, and to avoid making a fool of himself, he didn't want to say more.

"Uncle Xu, what realm is your martial arts at?"

One of the servants couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.

"Me?"

Xu Hongtao was taken aback, a complex look flashing in his eyes. He no longer had the initial mood and showed a hint of impatience, saying, "Go away, don't ask what you shouldn't."

Then he fell silent.

Chen Shaojun couldn't help but glance at him. Clearly, there was something he couldn't easily talk about.

But it made sense. Xu Hongtao had wandered in the martial world in his early days, clearly with martial arts, and it shouldn't be too low. Now, working as a goods inspector in the Lin family pawnshop, his status was vastly different, obviously due to some misfortune and hidden circumstances.

...

"How can I learn martial arts?"

Back at his residence, Chen Shaojun thought seriously.

As for cultivation, the threshold was indeed too high for him. Even many wealthy families found it hard to support. Moreover, as Xu Hongtao said, even if you enter the Daoist Academy, you can only learn the basics. True cultivation experts only come from Daoist sects. Only martial arts are relatively accessible. Even some farmers know a few moves.

So, he could only focus on martial arts for now. But even learning martial arts wasn't easy for him.

"I've already found out that the nearby Iron Wire Fist Hall requires three taels of silver per month. With the silver I've saved over the years, I can only afford two months at most. Should I go and ask Uncle Xu to teach me martial arts?"

In the pawnshop, as long as the routine appraisal work is completed, no one says much. Apart from the inherent dangers of the job, it's relatively relaxed. If you want to practice martial arts, no one will stop you. The only constraint is the silver.

His predecessor entered the Lin family at the age of eight. Because he was quite handsome, he initially served as a page to a Lin family member, learning to read and occasionally receiving tips. But he was always thinking of his family and would send money home regularly. Three years ago, the Lin family member fell out of favor and was punished, being sent back to the Lin family's old residence. He lost his position as a page and his life became harder, but he still continued to support his family.

At fifteen, his elder brother got married and came to him for help. He received a ten-tael reward and voluntarily entered the Lin family pawnshop as an apprentice. Only then did he start to think about himself and slowly save money. Now, he has barely saved six taels.

Six taels of silver are not enough to learn martial arts at a martial hall. Two months is hardly enough to learn anything. That's why he thought of finding Xu Hongtao to see if he could learn some skills from him.

"But from the way he talked about his own martial arts, it seems it won't be easy."

Chen Shaojun was troubled. After much thought, he decided to wait a bit longer. His greatest hope was still the Spirit Appraisal Mirror. He had received two rewards from appraising treasures. Although appraising carries risks, the rewards are significant. In the future, it might even reward him with a martial arts technique or a cultivation method.

Thinking of today's reward, the Spirit Eye technique, he couldn't resist using it. He first looked at Zhao Hu, who was sleeping beside him. His spirit energy was grayish-white, and his blood and qi were weak. How could he be so weak at such a young age?

Next, he looked at a tall, thin young man who had been there for almost a year. His spirit energy was dark gray, lifeless, even worse than Zhao Hu. Just by looking at his face, you could tell he wasn't in good shape, pale and with a dark forehead. According to a doctor, he should be close to death?

Then there was Li Tuo, with dark gray, lifeless spirit energy, also close to death?

Du Hao, with grayish-white spirit energy and weak blood and qi, was also very weak.

Zhang Ke, with grayish-white spirit energy and weak blood and qi.

None of them looked like normal people.

"Am I the same?"

Chen Shaojun was worried. The next day, he looked at himself in the water and relaxed. His face was rosy, and his eyes were bright, much stronger than a normal person. It must be because of the Nourishing Essence Pill he took before, which had greatly restored his body. Otherwise, he wouldn't be much better than the others.

However, he also realized that using the Spirit Eye technique was very draining. Each use consumed blood and qi and stimulated the spirit. After each use, he felt weak for a whole day. If this continued without replenishment, even a strong man would struggle, leading to a deficiency in blood and qi and a shortened lifespan.

"Unfortunately, for an apprentice to become a formal appraiser, the Spirit Eye technique is crucial. It must be practiced to a minor success level. Only then will the pawnshop recognize it and promote you to a formal appraiser. So, apprentices have no choice. Even if they practice to the point of weakness and dizziness, they must continue..."

While Chen Shaojun was reflecting, he stood in the warehouse. Inside, the remaining six apprentices lined up, waiting for Shen Lang, the cashier, to distribute the treasures to be appraised that day.

Soon, Shen Lang came over, with several servants behind him, each carrying a tray of treasures to be appraised. Altogether, there were quite a few.

"Six months ago, a murder case occurred on East Street, and a family of seven was killed. After the authorities sealed the house, they stored the family's belongings. After a six-month public notice period with no claims, the shopkeeper went to the authorities this morning to acquire these items. There are quite a few, so if you have the energy, you can appraise more."

Shen Lang then indicated for the apprentices to come forward one by one to register and collect the treasures.

"Zhang Ke, this jade pendant is for you."

"Li Tuo, take this pendant."

"Du Hao..."

He assigned each one, with each apprentice taking one item first.

Chen Shaojun looked at the "materials" on the tray, knowing it was time to test his previous idea. He quickly used the Spirit Eye technique. Instantly, the treasures on the tray transformed in his eyes.