There's something wrong with me

Chapter 237: 'Breaking and Establishing'

Whoosh—

Two hours later, the night deepened.

Although Zhang Feng was still gazing at the moon, he knew that a pair of eyes had been watching him from the window next door.

'A villain is like a malevolent ghost possessing a body; seemingly a ghost, in reality, it can be used for one's own purposes, transforming a malevolent ghost into a “伥鬼” (chang gui).'

Whoosh—

He rose from the kitchen doorway.

Zhang Feng's thoughts were very strong, very stylish, but as he suddenly stood up, he felt the world spin and almost fell headfirst.

This was his cognitive ability reaching its limit.

Five hours of cultivation had made Zhang Feng unable to bear it.

This was after he had slept for an entire afternoon.

Otherwise, if he had gone to buy medicine himself and cultivated immediately,

he would have fainted in an hour at most.

And in an hour, he wouldn't be able to cultivate much.

'If it weren't for this Grand Thief chang gui, I estimate I would have needed an extra day to achieve today's life-extending effect…'

Zhang Feng thought, slowly steadying his body and moving towards the room ahead.

'This old man is still difficult to save…' The Grand Thief chuckled to himself when he saw Zhang Feng swaying.

'He looks even worse now.

Medicine shouldn't be taken haphazardly.

But earlier, seeing him scraping the pot and refining, he does seem to have some skills.'

He shook his head and then stopped watching.

At the same time.

Zhang Feng suppressed the nausea and dizziness, leaning against a beam of the adjacent house.

He appeared to be unstable, leaning against the wall and beam, but in reality, Zhang Feng's ear was pressed against the wall.

He was also using his physical condition as a disguise to listen to the movements inside the Grand Thief's room.

It was another damned battle of wits, another psychological confrontation with the Grand Thief.

After waiting for a moment, Zhang Feng vaguely heard the Grand Thief's even and slowed breathing, confirming that he was asleep.

Then he could use the 'final exhalation'.

'Fortunately, I focused on strengthening my hearing this time, and it's late autumn now with no insect chirps, otherwise I wouldn't have heard his sleeping breaths.'

Zhang Feng listened to the wall while awkwardly adjusting his body posture, briefly exhaling a visible 'black gas'.

This gas lingered in the air for a few seconds, emitting a strong medicinal scent similar to rotten wood.

This was Zhang Feng's 'exhalation'.

It contained waste gas from his body, but more importantly, 'high-risk lesions' from diseased cells within his body.

They were like normal fat, utilized by Zhang Feng through medicinal power and biological modification principles, and then metabolized out of his body through a short, rapid breathing technique.

This miraculous scene of exhalation naturally could not be seen by outsiders.

Even if the Grand Thief's cultivation level wasn't high and he wasn't involved with spiritual energy,

if he were to see Zhang Feng capable of such 'strange techniques', there would be too many variables in the future, so it was better to maintain the status quo.

This exhalation of cells also caused some damage to his vitality.

Now, he truly had no self-preservation ability left.

Because his telomeres had reached their limit, unable to regenerate cells.

Cells were used up and diminished with each use.

What he exhaled was the 'source of vital energy (remaining cells)' within his body.

However, if he kept these lesions, and he couldn't repair them at the moment,

they would only infect more healthy cells.

Moreover, at this moment, what was even more uncomfortable was that he still had many diseased cells.

But he didn't dare to exhale more 'moderately diseased cells' and 'high-risk minor achievement' cells.

He was still keeping all these similarly diseased cells.

Otherwise, if he were to exhale hundreds of times, as long as he didn't 'melt away', he could 'empty out' all his internal organs.

Most of his internal organs were diseased.

But compared to these cells with conventional diseases, Zhang Feng felt less like a human.

Because exhaling cells and diseases through breathing,

was no less than the legendary 'cleansing marrow and washing meridians', removing all harmful substances from the body.

This method of cleansing typically required reaching the Foundation Establishment Completion stage, just before forming a Golden Core, to achieve complete eradication of all diseases and perfect life.

But he was just a dying old man, yet he had achieved this step using his knowledge?

To be honest,

Zhang Feng felt a little proud after thinking about this.

'Because of this experience, I have realized that a normal body can undergo marrow cleansing and meridian washing.'

Zhang Feng weakly left the beam and opened the door,

'If the next time I transmigrate into the body of a normal person, it won't be a few hours and a 100 physique “initial Foundation Establishment”.

Instead, I can refine all my limbs and bones within ten minutes, remove impurities from my body, and achieve the “Foundation Establishment Completion” realm.

Now, Foundation Establishment Completion no longer has a physique requirement for me.

I have drawn inferences from one instance to others, also using the stones of other hills to polish my own jade, achieving Foundation Establishment Completion in one step through a method of marrow cleansing and meridian washing.

However, there are quite a few side effects, requiring rapid cell replacement and reducing life by about half a year.'

Zhang Feng pondered, feeling that this method was feasible.

Half a year of lifespan exchanged for one step of Foundation Establishment Completion was entirely worth it for some dangerous starting situations.

And even if it wasn't dangerous, rapidly raising one's realm was not wrong.

This method was also similar to instantly opening meridians.

As long as he could quickly reach Foundation Establishment Completion, his comprehensive basic physique and various cultivation systems could also be rapidly established.

Then, when his physique reached around 390, he could condense a Golden Core.

This was a rapid increase in overall combat power.

Zhang Feng felt quite good, and suddenly felt that his 'aged body' was a treasure trove of new knowledge.

This reminded Zhang Feng of the phrase 'breaking and establishing'.

This imminent death and rebirth,

brought Zhang Feng many insights.

If it were in the past, or in cultivation terms, this would be a 'super enlightenment' of one-step Foundation Establishment.

It was the kind of profound mystery that could only be understood, not articulated.

But now, he had too much knowledge, and he could make this super enlightenment happen naturally and smoothly, as a matter of course.

From this moment on, all cultivation realms below the Golden Core held no secrets for Zhang Feng.

As long as he could find the corresponding profound methods, Zhang Feng could quickly analyze them.

However,

Zhang Feng had barely been happy for a moment when he felt his head swell again, and his body directly collapsed onto the nearby bed.

The current enlightenment and analysis, along with the nearly five hours of 'precise' cultivation before, had pushed Zhang Feng's current cognitive ability to its limit.

Including the previous five hours of cultivation.

If Zhang Feng hadn't had the memory correction bonus through his destiny trait, he wouldn't have been able to cultivate for so long.

But with memory correction,

Zhang Feng mostly exerted himself subconsciously, without wasting thought.

Simply put, as long as one can open meridians, one can initiate 'thought storm' style muscle memory cultivation.

The more Zhang Feng understood now, the more he realized the advantage of the original resonance Martial Arts and internal organ internal energy.

Because it could achieve corresponding conditioning effects through hyperfrequency, the medicinal power ingested, and modification techniques like biotechnology and human mechanics.

Its operational requirements were extremely low.

The zuoshangke was a genius.

Thinking about how he only comprehended this method at eighty or ninety years old, and Zhang Feng himself was also over eighty,

perhaps the initial text contained some kind of hint.

Indicating that he would use the zuoshangke's cultivation method in his old age.

Zhang Feng felt this was a kind of缘 (yuan) in reincarnation and karma, but it could also be called a coincidence.

But more likely, it was a 'textual premonition'.

Anyway, at this very moment,

his physique was no longer 9.5, but 10.1!

Of course, it seemed like only a 0.6 increase in data.

But it was more about regulating bodily functions.

At least Zhang Feng now felt the 'muscle soreness' had eased a bit.

And he also managed to slightly strengthen his muscles despite the pressure of 'rapid life force depletion'.

This strengthening was purely an enhancement, without replacing cells.

After all, as the saying goes, his cells were already in their final batches, and he dared not replace them.

But he also utilized the zuoshangke's hyperfrequency Martial Arts and internal organ internal energy to achieve a super enlightenment of one-step Foundation Establishment Completion.

He truly could become an 'immortal'.

He wasn't joking.

It was Zhang Feng who had only now learned hyperfrequency Martial Arts internal energy, the final 'marrow cleansing and meridian washing, one-step Foundation Establishment'.

At that time, he took various human organs, imitating the five-element theory of human fate.

This was precisely the internal organ five elements that Zhang Feng was now subverting.

Zhang Feng had now unraveled the 'Mystery of the zuoshangke's Ascension to Immortality' from centuries ago.

His method of cultivation for ascension was not wrong, only the form was incorrect.

But it was also a reference.

Experiences in an adventurous life are useful for later generations.

This strange thought, reversing memories from centuries ago, made Zhang Feng feel peculiar.

But the sudden 1% increase in his Divine Transformation let Zhang Feng know this emotion was a new experience.

Corresponding 'past' to 'present' reality.

Zhang Feng's understanding of causality, and the formula for deducing the past, deepened even further.

...

Waking up from a nap.

It was already noon.

Zhang Feng didn't even know when he fell asleep, but he was truly grateful to the Grand Thief for sparing his life.

Otherwise, if he had been beaten to death in his sleep.

If that proved he had achieved enlightenment and broken free from the formula, he would have to return to the time of eavesdropping and try to run away, stumbling.

Or even earlier, back to when he went out to buy medicine; he would have to run away then.

Because if he were startled awake, facing his strange departure, he would still die.

This was also why Zhang Feng's understanding of causality deepened last night, enabling him to find the 'variable bifurcation point' more quickly and swiftly sever his social ties with the Grand Thief.

But similarly, after Zhang Feng saw that he didn't kill him, his grasp on controlling him deepened as well.

"Someone!"

Lost in thought, Zhang Feng, unlike his rather polite demeanor of yesterday, half-sat up as soon as he woke up today and shouted towards the courtyard.

To deter 'petty people,' one naturally had to display the demeanor of a 'great person.'

'Seeking death!'

The Grand Thief, who was practicing Martial Arts in the courtyard, suddenly became enraged upon hearing Zhang Feng call him so impolitely.

Was this... truly treating him as a servant?

He had roamed this dynasty for over ten years; although he was currently being chased like a dead dog by a sect, he was still a minor expert in the martial world!

Where had he ever endured such indignity?

But anger aside, when he thought that Zhang Feng didn't have much time left, and also that Zhang Feng knew Xuan Yun Sect disciples, and having been bitten by a snake once, he feared the well rope for ten years, he still tried his best to suppress his anger and actually pushed the door open and entered.

"Old man, what do you need me for?"

His face was full of smiles, and after being roared at by Zhang Feng earlier, he genuinely felt a bit daring to be angry but not daring to speak.

"Go to the street and buy me some food." Zhang Feng truly acted like an old master, leaning back against the headboard and instructing, "Still the same prescription as yesterday; buy some more back today."

"Alright." The Grand Thief nodded, and then, just as he was about to leave, he turned his head and asked, "Old man, you bought so many medicinal ingredients yesterday; my money pouch is flat. What do you think?"

"Hmm?" Zhang Feng tilted his head slightly, looking at him, "I have already said that when my friend arrives, I will settle the bill with you then.

And seeing that you possess Martial Arts and pretend to be an ordinary carriage driver, it seems you have some matters that force you to hide."

'How does this old geezer know so much?' The Grand Thief was stunned to hear this and didn't feel that he had exposed anything.

He had merely practiced a set of ordinary fist techniques in the courtyard, without any gusts of wind.

How could this old geezer come to such a conclusion?

Could he have seen through his identity as a Grand Thief?

The more the Grand Thief thought about it, the stranger it became, and he was led into a maze of thought by Zhang Feng's jumping topics.

Moreover, what he cared about was this matter, the matter of being chased.

But before he could think further and try to leave.

Zhang Feng then jumped topics again, adding, "I will certainly not shortchange you on the money.

And seeing that you have grievances, when my friend arrives, perhaps he can speak a word or two for you and resolve this calamity.

The name of Xuan Yun Sect, I imagine, still carries some weight within the imperial court."

'That's right, he's from Xuan Yun Sect!' The Grand Thief heard this and immediately stopped wandering in the maze; he no longer looked for the true maze exit.

Because Zhang Feng had given him the answer he wanted.

Which was to resolve the pursuit.

This was also Zhang Feng's causal logic: directly giving him the 'effect' he wanted, which also planted the 'effect' he desired for himself.

Then his personal cause was basically within controllable limits.

Of course, to outsiders, Zhang Feng now appeared completely like someone in a TV drama who, after being 'saved,' not only showed no gratitude but instead turned around and adopted the disgusting demeanor of an old master.

Constantly saying things like, 'I'll just casually sprinkle some water,' or 'casually bestow something,' and then this person should do such and such.

This was naturally inappropriate for a good person.

But for this Grand Thief, it was extremely suitable.

Because he truly fell for it.

"Good, good..." After hearing Zhang Feng 'draw a pie,' the Grand Thief, though he didn't understand the concept of drawing a pie, still went to buy medicine and food without delay.

From beginning to end, he was deceived by this 'effect' and never realized that Zhang Feng couldn't contact Xuan Yun Sect at all.

Zhang Feng, seeing him leave, breathed a sigh of relief.

He had bluffed him again, and this time, the bluff was deeper, directly using a big pie to bluff him.

But look at him, working so hurriedly.

Zhang Feng couldn't help but sigh, "'Drawing a pie' is indeed the primary productive force."

At least it could stabilize things for a few days.

When he was about to achieve enlightenment, he would draw another one.

...

The next two days.

The Grand Thief, lured by the 'pie,' bought medicine and food every day.

He truly seemed to have become Zhang Feng's servant.

Zhang Feng didn't say much; he just practiced, rested after practicing, and practiced again after resting.

Other than that, there was no other meaning; saying more had no meaning either.

Because he would supplement it himself.

But this was also a fuse.

These two nights, the Grand Thief sometimes, when watching Zhang Feng brew medicine, would subtly inquire, wanting to know more about Zhang Feng and Xuan Yun Sect.

Zhang Feng, as expected, remained silent and continued brewing medicine, saying nothing.

The Grand Thief, bluffed by Zhang Feng, would only ask a few questions each day and then stop.

But day by day, the number of questions increased.

...

On the fifth night.

During another session of brewing medicine.

Zhang Feng's physique had reached 15.6, his lifespan was twenty-two days, and although his vitality was still rapidly draining, his internal organs had improved significantly.

At least there was no feeling of chest tightness.

However, a muffled cough was still present and even more severe; this was due to persistent inflammation of the trachea and tonsils.

The smoke he had been expelling these past few days had to pass through his throat, and the viruses carried in the smoke had, in a way, exacerbated the lesions in both.

For this reason, Zhang Feng decided to protect his trachea and try to maintain it with his currently sparse internal energy whenever he expelled smoke.

He would ignore his tonsils and the like for now.

Let it hurt, let it be uncomfortable.

Zhang Feng had no intention of maintaining them, as every trace of internal energy and spiritual energy had its own place to be used.

Strengthening his internal organs and meridians first, and then generating more 'qi,' was the priority.

Other things could be slowly supplemented later.

Lost in thought, Zhang Feng looked towards the courtyard again.

The Grand Thief was holding a stance for strengthening the body, using spiritual energy to temper his own strength.

This was a proper form of 'external cultivation,' which would not spontaneously mobilize spiritual energy.

Rather, it was more that as he practiced according to his cultivation method, when his muscles stretched to a certain state, spiritual energy would automatically attach to his body, strengthening his physique.

It was a small, additional system.

Zhang Feng had observed it for several days and had basically learned it; he decided to integrate it into himself when the time came, gaining whatever points he could.

'I wonder how much longer this Grand Thief can be bluffed.'

Zhang Feng glanced at him a few times, then looked back at the clay pot on the stove.

If nothing unexpected happened, once the Grand Thief finished his practice, he would come to probe for information.

It was just as Zhang Feng expected.

About ten minutes later.

As the Grand Thief finished his practice, his gaze also turned to Zhang Feng, who was brewing medicine.

'Is it my illusion, or has this old man's health really improved a bit?'

He looked at Zhang Feng then, perhaps in the reflection of the firelight, he felt that Zhang Feng's complexion seemed a little better?

But as Zhang Feng occasionally coughed a few muffled times.

In the Grand Thief's eyes, the old man was still unlikely to survive.

'He can't die too early; if he dies too early, and dies here with me, when the Xuan Yun Sect people arrive, I won't be able to explain myself.'

The Grand Thief pondered, then thought of his own affairs,

'Moreover, this old man wants his friend to help me out of trouble. The cultivators of Xuan Yun Sect are all virtuous and highly moral individuals, always valuing loyalty and keeping their word.

He shouldn't be deceiving me.

It's just... it's already been five days...

Especially that letter, it was from fifty years ago...'

The Grand Thief's eyes were half-closed; he was both certain and uncertain in his heart.

Under complex emotions.

He took a few steps forward, entered the kitchen, and came to Zhang Feng's side,

"Old man, how many more days until your friend arrives?"

"I have already said." Zhang Feng was still brewing medicine, seemingly calm and natural, but speaking nonsense, "My close friend and I agreed to meet here fifty years later.

And a few years ago, I also encountered a disciple of Xuan Yun Sect and learned that my close friend is already an outer sect deacon.

That disciple was also entrusted by my close friend to remind me not to forget our agreement."

Zhang Feng said, then glanced at him again,

"Don't overthink it; just practice your Martial Arts."