Chapter Sixteen: Hard to Capture

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Liang Jin grabbed Zhao Bao's trembling shoulder:
“Tell me, what exactly happened?”
Through tears, Zhao Bao recounted his ordeal.
It turned out that in recent days, Zhao Bao had suffered relentless abuse from his master and other eunuchs.
Yet he had not been disheartened; instead, he had devoted himself to practicing the “Bone-Transforming Soft Palm,” hoping that one day he might become a martial artist.
If a eunuch could become a martial artist, he could register with the Imperial Martial Office inside the palace.
This would not only elevate his status and improve his treatment but also open up greater opportunities.
That was Zhao Bao’s greatest ambition!
However…
After many days of grueling practice, his Qi Sea and Dantian stubbornly refused to generate any power.
In other words, his innate bone structure and constitution were inadequate for becoming a martial artist.
He would never become one in his lifetime!
This meant that his cherished dream was utterly shattered.
Most likely, he would remain forever subjected to his master's torment and abuse, never able to transcend his fate.
Because of this, Zhao Bao's spirit was crushed, and he wanted to entrust his final wishes to Liang Jin before ending his own life.
“Brother Jin, tell me, why does this have to happen to me?”
“I’m a eunuch, that’s bad enough—why must I be someone who can’t practice martial arts, a useless wretch?”
“If I’m to live this life, enduring abuse all my days, what meaning is there in living at all?”
Zhao Bao’s emotions surged.
His thoughts of ending his life grew ever stronger.
After hearing the reason, Liang Jin couldn’t help but laugh heartily:
“I thought it was something serious—it’s just this little problem.”
Zhao Bao’s face darkened with anger.
How could this be a little problem?
But then he shook his head despondently:
“Forget it, Brother Jin, you wouldn’t understand my situation…”
He turned away, forlorn and ready to leave.
Liang Jin stopped him:
“It’s not that I don’t understand you; it’s that I can help solve the problem of you not being able to practice martial arts.”
Zhao Bao looked puzzled.
He was born a failure—how could this be fixed?
Liang Jin flipped his wrist, revealing a pill in his palm.
It was the “Bone Strengthening Pill” he had taken from his inventory.
The Bone Strengthening Pill could alter one’s bone constitution, enabling those unable to practice martial arts to become martial artists.
He had long ago set aside this pill for Zhao Bao and Su Lian, but hadn’t seen either of them for a long time.
Since he had met Zhao Bao today, it was the perfect opportunity.
“Here, take it.”
Without hesitation, Liang Jin stuffed the pill into Zhao Bao’s mouth.
Zhao Bao choked, his face flushing red, only recovering after gulping down two mouthfuls of water.
“It might hurt a little afterward. Bear with it, and don’t cry out to avoid drawing attention.”
“After this, you’ll be a true martial artist.”
Liang Jin warned him.
At first, Zhao Bao didn’t fully understand.
But soon, he felt strange changes coursing through his body.
His meridians, sinews, and bones seemed to stir from within.
It was as if a force was breaking through blockages inside his body.

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Before Zhao Bao could react with surprise, a searing pain spread throughout his entire body.
Recalling Liang Jin’s instructions, he hurriedly bit down hard on his palm to prevent himself from screaming out.
The agony intensified.
Sweat drenched his entire body, and his palm was bitten raw, blood flowing freely.
Eventually, the pain became so overwhelming that he could no longer stand and had to crouch on the ground.
Fortunately, the intense pain came swiftly and faded quickly as well.
As the agony receded like a tide, Zhao Bao felt an indescribable lightness and comfort throughout his body.
Liang Jin’s voice sounded:
“Follow the manual and feel your Qi Sea and Dantian.”
Zhao Bao’s heart stirred, and he hurriedly obeyed.
Moments later, he stood up in disbelief, his face alight with joy:
“Brother Jin, I feel it—I—”
Liang Jin waved his hand to stop him:
“Good, just keep it to yourself. Don’t shout and attract punishment.”
Zhao Bao nodded eagerly.
His heart overflowed with excitement.
He had thought tonight would be the end of his life, but unexpectedly, he now had hope!
And the one who brought him hope was none other than Liang Jin.
Such a miraculous pill was unheard of to Zhao Bao. Though he didn’t know its value, it was obviously precious beyond measure.
And Liang Jin kept bestowing him with treasures—such kindness was as vast as the heavens.
Zhao Bao was deeply moved:
“Brother Jin, I—”
Liang Jin interrupted again with a wave:
“I told you, we’re family here. No need for thanks.”
“Stop sulking. Go back and rest well. Tomorrow morning, we’ll report to the Imperial Martial Office—no more suffering under your master’s cruelty.”
Zhao Bao wiped the tears that welled up again.
He was only ten years old when his family perished, forced to survive alone by becoming a eunuch in the palace.
Six years had passed, and he had long forgotten what it felt like to have family.
Luckily, in the palace, there were Su Lian and Liang Jin.
Zhao Bao always felt that despite his tragic life, the one blessing was meeting these two.
They were his true family.
Now it was proven—his feelings were right.
Liang Jin continued to advise:
“Remember to consolidate your training when you return. The path of martial arts will be hard and demanding—never slack off.”
“Most importantly, never lightly give up on your life again.”
“If you face any insurmountable difficulties, tell me immediately.”
Zhao Bao nodded firmly.
He felt that if he had a real elder brother, it would surely be someone like Liang Jin.
“Brother Jin, I understand.”
Zhao Bao promised and turned to leave.
He had come in disheartened and lost; now his steps were light, his spirit high.
Seeing this, Liang Jin finally relaxed.

………………

Qingzhou.
Taiyang County.

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Due to the fierce epidemic, the county seat of Taiyang had been sealed off for nearly a month.
It was hoped that this would prevent the plague from spreading into the town, but ultimately, the measure failed.
The epidemic ravaged the city, with many dying each day.
Even in the dead of night, the mournful wails of thousands of households could be heard throughout the city.
Those awake were not only the common folk but also the county magistrate.
In the county government’s study, a lamp still burned.
County Magistrate Qiu Zhuo sat at his desk, frowning as he reviewed official documents.
The plague had spread across several counties in Qingzhou.
And it was worsening.
Yet the provincial government had not issued any clear directives, leaving each county to fend for itself. If this continued, Qingzhou might soon be completely lost to the epidemic.
The biggest problem was the failure to find any cure for the disease.
The only effective measure was small-scale quarantine.
Since the outbreak, Qiu Zhuo had closed the government offices, and all officials were confined within the government compound.
This had kept everyone, including Qiu Zhuo, from being infected, ensuring the county’s leadership remained intact.
However, Qiu Zhuo’s own family had already contracted the illness.
This weighed heavily on him, as he worried over both public affairs and personal matters.
Over the past month, Qiu Zhuo had visibly wasted away.
“Knock! Knock! Knock!”
A knock sounded at the door.
“It’s me, Your Honor.”
A voice came from outside.
Without looking up, Qiu Zhuo replied,
“Master Zhang, come in.”
The study door opened, and a sharp-looking man with a goatee entered.
He was Zhang You, Qiu Zhuo’s adviser and clerk.
Zhang You was efficient; he approached and began reporting directly:
“Your Honor, I have received news.”
“In Juniu Village, there is a man claiming to be a Great Virtuous Master. He is said to use the power of spirits and talisman water to cure the plague.”
Qiu Zhuo continued to study his documents.
He showed disdain for such trifles and retorted,
“Talisman water to cure disease? Master Zhang, do you believe that?”
Zhang You shook his head with a smile.
He, too, did not believe in ghosts and spirits.
Qiu Zhuo picked up his brush and wrote on the document, speaking coldly:
“Every great disaster brings charlatans who exploit the name of spirits to deceive the ignorant and extort money.”
“Order the militia in Juniu Village to capture this charlatan, bring him to the county office for detention, and confiscate his assets.”
With the disaster ongoing, the government treasury was nearly depleted from spending on disaster relief.
If this charlatan truly extorted money from the people, confiscating his assets would help replenish the treasury for relief efforts.
Raising taxes recklessly might provoke popular resentment.
And the wealthy in the city were difficult to touch.
Zhang You stood without moving and replied,
“Your Honor, I’m afraid that charlatan… will be difficult to apprehend.”