The Method of Qi Absorption could only be performed upon entering the Spirit Transformation Realm.
Currently, Chu Zheng's cultivation was far from sufficient. Although he had momentarily activated the Qi within the medicinal herbs, it quickly reverted to its original state.
The soup medicine sent by Song Lingxue contained a complex mixture of ingredients: deer antler, licorice, sheep spine, tiger bone powder—most of which were materials for strengthening the muscles and bones.
According to the usual method, it needed to be simmered in water for half an hour, taken once in the morning and once at night.
This was merely laying the foundation for the Dragon-Tiger Body and was not the formal practice of it.
To begin the Dragon-Tiger Body, one needed to continuously consume the Bone-Strengthening Soup Medicine while also toughening the body and supplementing with medicinal baths. Even those with excellent Root Bone would need several months to be initiated.
However, Chu Zheng's situation was completely different. Since starting Qi Refining, his body had been continually strengthened under the essence of the sun and moon, and its foundation had long surpassed that of ordinary people by several times.
Even those who had entered the Dragon-Tiger Body could not compare to him in terms of physical strength.
The introductory part of the Dragon-Tiger Body that Song Lingxue had brought, when cultivated to perfection, endowed one with the strength of a thousand jin, yet Chu Zheng's current Qi Strength already exceeded a thousand jin.
Seeing that the Method of Qi Absorption was ineffective, Chu Zheng couldn't help but rub his brow, falling into deep thought.
A moment later, his eyes suddenly brightened, and he began another attempt.
At its simplest, the Method of Qi Absorption was no different from eating. If normal consumption was not possible, there surely were other methods.
Chu Zheng opened all the soup medicine, slowly kneading and merging the various medicinal ingredients into a ball, where the Qi of each type began to mix and wildly collide.
Then, he placed the medicine ball in front of his mouth and nose. The Qi within his body automatically circulated, and he took a sharp inhale.
Bits of medicinal powder entered his body, followed by a rich wave of the Essence of Herbs and Trees.
The dust from the medicine temporarily bridged between the medicine and Chu Zheng's body. Relying on the pure Yuan Qi within him, he successfully activated the Essence of Herbs and Trees.
The Yuan Qi from the two doses of medicine was not much and was soon completely consumed by Chu Zheng.
This was the first time Chu Zheng had absorbed Qi other than the essence of the sun and moon, and the experience was vastly different.
The Essence of Herbs and Trees carried a uniquely moist and warm breath, much gentler than the essence of the sun and moon.
After savoring it for a moment, Chu Zheng suddenly realized something was amiss. The Yuan Qi from these herbs was of a yang nature and extremely domineering.
If it had been made into soup medicine, the milder properties of the water would have served as a buffer, ensuring safety. Such direct absorption of Essence Qi was too intense.
Being a young man already vigorous with blood Qi, and with the rising yang Qi within, his blood surged inversely. Chu Zheng immediately flushed red, his vitality sinking, mighty as a pillar.
After awhile, the violently rising yang Qi finally began to stabilize and circulated through his limbs and bones, stimulating his flesh.
An hour later, Chu Zheng slowly opened his eyes, the medicine ball in his hand now a pile of black dust.
His clothes felt slightly tight. Chu Zheng subconsciously rubbed them and then got off the bed and stepped out of the room.
Now dressed only in light clothing, he felt no chill from the winter night. Instead, he felt as though there were hot springs bubbling inside him. He couldn't help but stretch his muscles and practice some boxing moves.
Whoosh—
Between the roaring of the punches, Chu Zheng felt his breath grow smoother, wisps of hot mist rising from his head, the sound of blood rushing through his body clearly audible.
After a while, just past midnight, Chu Zheng finally lowered his hands, his eyes sharp and fierce like a tiger's.
Such a method of consuming the soup medicine, the effect of two doses was stronger than that of ten. With two more doses, his Dragon-Tiger Body would be ready to begin.
When combined, his Qi Strength would grow even further, and with every increase in strength, Chu Zheng's sense of security grew as well.
Clenching his fist, Chu Zheng's eyes suddenly flickered. Although his muscles were strong like a tiger's, it was unwise to meet swords and spears barehanded.
With unclear circumstances, there was no telling when the Song Residence might be attacked. Before engaging with others, he needed to find a suitable weapon for self-defense to remain adaptable in any situation.
With a plan in mind, Chu Zheng looked up at the sky, then sat down on the spot and began circulating the Grand Circulation, absorbing moonlight.
...
...
The next day at noon, after a hearty lunch, Chu Zheng headed to the mansion's treasury.
As a Martial Arts Family, besides strong crossbows and heavy armor, the Song Family's armory had all kinds of weapons available.
Stepping into the armory, a dazzling array of weapons greeted his eyes.
On the wooden racks, there were swords, spears, axes, maces, heavy hammers, long staffs—no fewer than a hundred pieces at a glance.
To find a suitable weapon, this place was more than perfect.
Having studied ancient weaponry extensively, if the distance was great, the natural choice would be a bow or crossbow, no alternatives. But now, he had to consider close combat.
Moreover, the proficiency with a bow couldn't be attained in just a day or two.
In this world, unlike the feudal dynasties of his previous life, there existed true martial arts experts and even those on the Immortal Path.
Their power was incomparable to ordinary people, necessitating extra caution in the selection of weapons.
Swords were too fragile, and long weapons like spears and halberds also required years of practice to be effective.
Chu Zheng browsed the treasury for a long while before finally picking out a weapon that was barely suitable.
Two short clubs, each about three feet long and quite heavy, one weighing at least twenty pounds and rather unimpressive in appearance.
Cold Iron Ruyi Clubs (Zeroth Order): Forged from thousand-refined cold iron, slightly wasteful of the material.
Hum—
Chu Zheng tried swinging them a few times, listening to the whistling sound near his ears, and nodded in approval.