Sword Intent +300

Meanwhile, Xu Zhong remained blissfully unaware that he had become the target of several prominent figures. He lounged in the sun, intermittently drawing his sword and browsing the supplements at a nearby pharmacy.

Despite possessing the Invincible Simplification system, incorporating some dietary supplements into his routine still proved advantageous for his health and vitality. Moreover, he had just collected his monthly earnings from the Elephant Dojo, which left him in a relatively comfortable financial state.

At present, whether it was sunbathing to refine the Pure Divine Art, practicing the Azure Wave Sword Technique, or cultivating other martial skills, each training session left him with an intense sensation of hunger.

This gnawing hunger, he now realized, resulted from his rapid increase in vitality.

Previously, Xu Zhong could not completely understand where the hunger came from. However, he finally understood after listening to Yang Yufei's explanation today.

The reason why he was hungry so quickly was because his vitality had increased too quickly.

Each of his muscle cells cried out for energy nourishment. Neglecting to replenish it in time might lead to permanent, irreversible damage to his body.

Thus, Xu Zhong's insatiable appetite was not merely a consequence of gluttony. His body genuinely required nutrition and energy.

The growth in a martial artist's vitality value served to unlock the latent potential within the human body.

However, human potential has its limitations. Once exhausted, it necessitated replenishment. This rejuvenation process occurred through food consumption and the ingestion of medicinal supplements.

Regular food could only provide a modest amount of energy, as Xu Zhong was all too aware. Even after consuming substantial meals, he still experienced persistent hunger.

However, directly consuming supplements like vitality pills would quickly decrease this hunger.

Nevertheless, such precious medicinal remedies came at a steep price.

It often exceeded ten thousand yuan, equivalent to an ordinary family's monthly income.

Hence, the saying that the poor studied while the affluent pursued martial arts should not be taken lightly. Becoming a martial artist without financial means was a lofty aspiration.

At this moment, a tall and slender waitress in a dress walked to Xu Zhong's side. She had light makeup on her face and silver wisteria earrings hanging by her ears. Her slim white shirt made her look more masculine and capable.

She smiled politely. "Sir, are you here to buy supplements?"

Xu Zhong didn't like such salesmen. They could get you into trouble just by promoting.

He waved her off. "It's all right. I'll just take a look for myself."

The waiter nodded and left without any reluctance.

The young man dressed like a student in front of her was not her potential customer group. He did not look like he could afford expensive supplements from his outfits.

In addition, the vitality pills were never lacking in the market, and they did not need her to promote them too much.

Xu Zhong found himself browsing a pharmacy shelf stacked with supplements. He had no real idea of the vitality pills' market price because his sister, Xu Yun'er, had given them to him previously.

In the market, supplements could be divided into two primary categories: external and internal.

External options included medicinal baths and topical applications.

These methods offered superior absorption but came with more steps and higher price tags.

On the other hand, internal supplements could be ingested directly but were often prohibitively expensive.

Xu Zhong began comprehending his sister's significant sacrifices to support his well-being.

…

"I wasted those Blood Replenishing Pills that cost 4,000 yuan each like everyday candy, and my vitality only reached one point… I've been quite extravagant," he mused. Fortunately, the awakening of the system had set him on the correct martial arts path.

Nevertheless, it was apparent that 5,000 yuan per month wouldn't suffice. Xu Zhong realized he needed to devise a means of earning additional income.

Xu Zhong could bask in the sun, jerk off himself, draw his sword, or punch. However, although the progress of these cultivation methods was fast, it consumed much of his potential. He could sense that if he did not use supplements to replenish his vitality, there would be aftereffects if he relied on food therapy.

"Cultivating martial arts is too expensive…"

It was only now that Xu Zhong truly comprehended the extent of investment required to nurture top martial artists like the ones he'd seen at school, such as Lin Miaozhen and Xiahou Chi. These individuals had poured substantial financial resources into their training.

Many talented martial artists from less privileged backgrounds might abandon their cultivation efforts due to financial constraints.

A heavy sigh as he contemplated how his sister, Xu Yun'er, might have achieved even greater heights if it weren't for him.

This realization weighed heavily on him, making it all the more difficult to request money from her.

"For my cultivation and my sister's future, I must become self-reliant," he resolved.

After spending 4,000 yuan on a Blood Replenishing Pill, Xu Zhong left the pharmacy with a renewed determination.

He reassured himself that his strength would inevitably increase with the Invincible Simplification System. He could earn more money once he reached the D-rank.

However, he couldn't help but puzzle over a matter. Why did the Pure Divine Art yield less vitality today than yesterday?

Frowning, he gazed at the sun, partially obscured by clouds, which was on the verge of setting. A realization began to dawn on him. Could the cloudy weather be responsible for the slowed accumulation of vitality?

The Pure Divine Art's cultivation method was rooted in basking in sunlight, so it was plausible that reduced sun exposure would impede vitality accumulation. The only logical explanation Xu Zhong could think of was unfavorable weather conditions.

If gloomy weather hindered his cultivation progress, did that mean he would experience significant gains during sunny days?

With this thought in mind, he retrieved his phone and checked the week's weather forecast. A faint smile curled on his lips as he observed the promising weather outlook.

With only one cloudy day in the forecast for the upcoming week, the rest promised abundant sunshine. It was the perfect conditions for advancement.

…

After leaving the pharmacy behind, Xu Zhong prepared to walk home.

This daily stroll, punctuated by moments of sword practice, allowed him to unwind from his intense cultivation routine.

As he continued to practice his sword techniques, he couldn't help but eavesdrop on the conversations of the young people around him.

If not for his fear of embarrassment, Xu Zhong wanted to run home while jumping.

"Let's grind Gold today. I've been practicing Hand Sword Hero lately, so I'll join you for some random killing!"

"Hehe, Canyon's Ghost's Worry, is that you?"

"Tsk, don't underestimate me. Let's go."

Three youngsters eagerly discussed their plans, their red scarves a testament to their enthusiasm. Xu Zhong sighed inwardly, recognizing that another batch of players would likely enter the canyon today.

Upon observing these young players, Xu Zhong drifted into contemplation.

He, too, had once shared their aspirations, planning to ring the bell as a monk for a day.

And enjoying life to the fullest.

However, time had revealed his true ambitions and illuminated his path forward.

As he walked, he mentally revisited various fragments of sword techniques from the Storm Sword Manual.

Something clicked within him in that moment, as if he'd finally grasped a critical insight.

He felt as though a barrier had shattered.

Understanding dawning upon him.

[Sword Intent +300]