The next day passed by in a blur. Chu Yunfan spent his time researching more about B-ranked nutrient fluid, as he was still suspicious about why Mu Zhenfei didn't use those two vials. Thanks to his incredible memory, enhanced cognitive ability, and impressive dexterity, he was ahead in all his liberal arts classes, even in the subjects he used to struggle in like chemistry. During his research, Yunfan realized his mistake; he'd consumed the B-ranked nutrient fluid within one day when it was supposed to be digested over the course of two weeks. This actually served him well, since it meant that the nutrient fluid had less time to break down and lose efficacy.
Regardless, the ability to digest the vast amount of energy that was supposed to slowly break down into his system was beyond superhuman. He suppressed his Internal Energy and utilized his bodily control to hide any physical signs of his breakthrough.
Martial arts class was the last class of the day. After Chu Yunfan had changed back into his casual clothes and was about to go home, Qin Wu stopped him at the door. For a moment, his heart leaped into his throat. Shit! Did he notice my cultivation base?
A future locked in a government-owned scientific facility flashed before his eyes. However, Qin Wu's next words were very surprising.
"Have you considered joining the military?"
"…what?"
The confusion on Yunfan's face was evident.
"Although you've recently had a breakthrough, your cultivation talents are undeniably mediocre," Qin Wu explained, not unkindly. "Despite your incredible martial talent, you'll always be limited by your Internal Energy and physique.
"However, if you join the Federation military, there are many chances to grow! With your martial talents, you'll definitely stand out.
"Besides, your family can't afford to send you to an excellent academy. I still have some connections in the military and I'd hate to see your talents wasted."
Chu Yunfan pondered the offer. Obviously, being a direct branch of the Federation government meant that the military likely had access to cutting-edge technology and martial resources, but that didn't necessarily mean that he'd be able to use them. He'd have to prove his worth again and again on the field of battle. As a foot soldier, the death rates were frighteningly high.
Yunfan knew that Qin Wu proposed joining the military out of kindness. In all honesty, until he acquired the Alchemy Emperor's inheritance, if he had wanted to pursue martial arts, this would have probably been the best option.
However, things were different from then.
Chu Yunfan firmly shook his head. "I'm thankful for your consideration, Instructor. However, I can't accept this offer while I still need to take care of my sister."
Qin Wu frowned at his rejection, before understanding flashed across his face. He nodded, his expression carefully impassive. "Of course. I considered this would be a possibility."
"I still don't want your talents to be wasted; if you're interested in making some money to support your cultivation or education, then one of my old comrade's daughter is also learning The Tiger Descends The Mountain. She needs a capable sparring partner, and I can recommend you.
"It's 500 credits per hour, and if you want, you can start tomorrow."
Chu Yunfan was ecstatic. Although he knew that the Alchemy Emperor had a wealth of experience and talent, he had never been able to use any of it to his advantage— he was too poor to even buy basic alchemy ingredients or even register at the Alchemists Association.
"Yes! I'd love to!"
Qin Wu flashed a rare grin. "I'll send you their address and more details as soon as I can. It should be after school, and I'll make sure to negotiate a time so that you can get there without being late."
Chu Yunfan bowed deeply. "Thank you, Instructor!"
"Don't worry about it. See you tomorrow."
***
After school, he messaged his father and sister on his smartwatch to remind them that he'd be home late for his part-time job. When he stepped off the bus, his eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.
"Holy fuck…"
All the buildings in the area were at least three stories tall and three times larger than Yunfan's home. The roads were wider and lined with flower bushes that were well cared for. Many of the houses even had garages and shiny flying cars parked outside— one of the ultimate signs of wealth.
Furthermore, something just felt different. Chu Yunfan's passive Internal Energy circulation felt smoother and easier.
"The Qi-density here is much higher than the rest of the city," the Alchemy Emperor observed.
"Is that what's causing this strange feeling?"
"Probably. Or maybe you're having a heart attack."
Chu Yunfan ignored the Emperor's sarcastic comment. "What happens when you absorb Qi, anyways?"
The Emperor's expression grew grave. "Do you want to court death? At your level, it might provide a short boost in power but it will turn you in a mindless savage, before your mortal shell collapses and explodes."
Chu Yunfan shuddered at the dead look in the Alchemy Emperor's eyes. "Why don't I know about this?"
The Emperor shrugged. "You're unique; normally, only those at the Vitality Core Realm can sense Qi and absorb it. They'll probably tell you when you get there."
Internal Aperture Realm cultivators can absorb Qi? He filed that information away for later, before refocusing.
He approached the gate. After confirming his identity and checking that he was on the guest list, he was frisked for weapons before the guards let him in. They were much more cold and professional than the guards in his neighborhood.
In the center of the gated neighborhood was a massive courtyard. On the ground was a massive eight-sided spell formation, carved into a large slab of greenish rock.
"Hmm… this looks a like some sort of Qi-gathering formation. All the Qi in a nine liang radius is gathered into this area."
From their soul-intertwining, Chu Yunfan knew one Kunlun liang was about half of a kilometer.
"That's probably why everywhere else is so barren of Qi," he snorted. Everyone else had a harder time cultivating while the wealthy could breeze through it easily; while he acknowledged that people should be able to be better off than others, it shouldn't be at the expense of others.
He scornfully glanced at the ginormous tablet, before walking away.
After following the address numbers for a minute or so, Yunfan found the address that Qin Wu had given him. The house before him had large glass windows that were tinted dark and a blocky structure. The front lawn was almost as large as his own house. He pressed on the doorbell.
Almost immediately, the intercom buzzed to life. A mechanical voice came through. "State your name and business."
A little surprised, he took a moment to gather his wits before responding. "I'm Chu Yunfan. I'm here to spar with Young Miss Yonghe."
The intercom switched off. Yunfan heard a series of beeps and clicks before the door swung open. A European man with a buzzcut and dressed in a crisp suit stood at the entrance. His shoulders were so wide that he didn't look like he could fit through and his forehead was at around the level of the top of the doorframe.
Even more surprised and more than a little intimidated, Chu Yunfan said the first thing that came to mind: "Your Chinese is very good."
The guard nodded impassively. "I've worked with Young Miss Yonghe since she was very young. Mister Yonghe has many enemies who might wish to use his daughter against him."
Enemies? I thought the military only fought monsters… why would he have enemies?
While he was lost in his thoughts, the bodyguard led Yunfan to a large hall that was twice as large as the martial arts center in his neighborhood.
Inside, a dark-haired girl who looked about 17 years old— the same age as Yunfan —was standing with her arms crossed and impatiently tapping her foot. She wore a tank top, which revealed her toned arms and shoulders. Her long dark hair framed piercing red eyes and her hands seemed to be slightly darker than the rest of her skin.
"You're Chu Yunfan?" she asked sharply. Her crimson gaze was fierce and made him feel like he was going to be eaten alive.
Instinctively, he nodded. Why is everyone in this household so scary?! he wailed internally.