[Promoting Blood: Every time the skill is upgraded, the blood recovery speed will increase by 30%.]
"Recovering Qi and blood?" Chen Fan was startled.
He recalled Uncle Zhang mentioning that martial artists in the flesh refinement realm could stimulate the blood in their bodies, similar to the explosive energy in anime, but it would leave them weakened afterward. So, was this blood circulation attribute functioning now? It seemed so.
However, he realized that it might not be that simple. Only warriors in the flesh refinement realm could use qi and blood, while ordinary people, including those tempering their bodies, relied on pure physical strength. So, if this blood-activating attribute could restore qi and blood, there was no reason it couldn't replenish physical strength as well.
"I'll test it during archery practice later," he decided. This recent advancement in the Taijiquan realm had provided him with a substantial boost in attribute points.
In addition to the several upgrades in [Basic Marksmanship], some attributes were enhanced.
Realm: Body Tempering Triple Layer
Grade: 8 (0/100)
Physique: 65.67
Strength: 46.11
Agility: 32.28
Spirit: 12.97
Potential points: 88 (7 points/1 day)
Experience Points: 111
His physique attribute had reached an impressive 65 points, likely surpassing a warrior in the early stages of flesh refinement. Strength was at 45 points, and agility nearly 33 points. The average of these three attributes was 47.6, exceeding the required 45 points for a realm breakthrough.
Chen Fan felt excited and clicked the plus sign next to "Realm." The success rate for a breakthrough was now 100%. With just one more click, he would become a flesh-refining warrior.
However, he hesitated for a moment. There were still over 100 experience points that could be used to increase the proficiency of other martial arts by one level, including [Basic Spearmanship]. The latter, when improved by one level, would only add 3 points to the attribute.
"So, I'll wait a little longer," he decided. He still had time to consider.
As he contemplated, he noticed increased activity near the entrance of the stockade.
"Guodong and the others are back!" a middle-aged man exclaimed.
"They're back earlier than expected," someone else noted.
"Yes, they were ten miles away from Gujiazhai, but they didn't expect to arrive by noon."
"Let's go take a look?" several people suggested. They also glanced at Chen Fan, who was heading into the warehouse.
"Forget it. With Guodong and the others taking care of it, there shouldn't be any issues."
"Alright, let's continue practicing our marksmanship."
Outside the stockade's gate, there was commotion.
Gujiazhai's residents, young and old, carried their belongings and looked nervously at the village and the large group of people in front of them. Was this the Chen Family Village? Why were there so many people?
Likewise, the residents of Chenjiazhai curiously observed the newcomers. The atmosphere was tense, with everyone's eyes wide open.
Chen Guodong cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "From now on, there's no more Gujiazhai. We're all part of the same village, alright?"
Liu Yong and others quickly chimed in, "No problem!"
"From now on, we're all part of Chenjiazhai, regardless of anything else."
"Exactly!"
The residents of Chenjiazhai joined in, pledging unity. Gu Jianghai nodded and turned to the people behind him. "You all heard it. We're now part of the same village, and we must all listen to Brother Guodong. Don't worry, our lives will improve significantly from now on. You won't go hungry anymore."
Upon hearing that they wouldn't go hungry, the newcomers' eyes sparkled with hope. They had heard about the successful hunt from the Chenjiazhai hunting team, so they didn't object to moving there; they were even looking forward to it. Now, with Gu Jianghai's assurance, their spirits lifted, and they began to feel more at ease.
"That's right, our life will undoubtedly improve in the future," Chen Guodong nodded.
They couldn't rely on Xiaofan forever. They were putting in hard work, dedicating themselves to martial arts, with the hope that one day they could survive based on their own strength.
Under guidance, the people from Gujiazhai moved in systematically. There were plenty of vacant rooms, accommodating at least twice the current number of residents.
Amidst the crowd, Gu Ze walked around but didn't spot that familiar figure. He glanced at Chen Guodong, who was leading the way, hesitated for a moment, and couldn't resist asking, "Uncle Chen, where's Chen Fan?"
Chen Guodong and the others were taken aback.
"Isn't Xiaofan supposed to be at the warehouse practicing archery?" Liu Yong chuckled.
"Is he going to practice archery?" Gu Ze nodded in acknowledgment.
This wasn't surprising to him; if Chen Fan was found sleeping in, that would be shocking.
"No wonder Chen Fan is so skilled in archery; he must practice every day," Gu Jianghai praised.
"Yes, Xiaofan has been working diligently," Gao Yang sighed. "He not only practices archery daily but also marksmanship."
"What?" Gu Ze blurted out, "Didn't he use bows and arrows? He also practiced marksmanship?"
Gao Yang, appearing somewhat regretful, replied, "Xiaofan not only practices marksmanship but also boxing."
"Really?" This time it was Gu Jianghai who was surprised, his gaze sweeping across the faces of Gao Yang and the others one by one. "You guys are practicing martial arts too?"
"Yes, we're all practicing martial arts," they responded in unison.
"I practiced all night yesterday," one of them added.
Gu Jianghai and the others were utterly astounded.
Observing others, who diligently practiced martial arts every time they returned from hunting, striving for progress, and then looking at themselves and their comrades who simply collapsed upon returning home, the contrast was undeniable.
"Alright," Chen Guodong said with a mix of amusement and exasperation. He felt too embarrassed to point out their lack of effort and said, "Brother Gu, now that everyone is part of the same village, starting today, you should join us in practicing martial arts too."
"Really? Can we?" Several people couldn't believe it.
They understood that ordinary individuals could become warriors, but the lack of food had been a significant obstacle. Now that the conditions were met, did this mean they could also follow in Chen Fan's footsteps?
"Absolutely," Chen Guodong affirmed with a smile. He believed that not only these individuals but the entire village should engage in martial arts training.
"Uncle Chen, can I start now?" Gu Ze asked eagerly.