Jiang Che immediately began to read the skill description for [Omen].
'A Dangerous Omen… only a few seconds' warning?'
'Still, it's better than nothing. At least I have one more way to stay alive!'
Thinking of the various dangers that existed in this world, he felt a little more at ease.
For the next few days, Jiang Che tried his best to break through to the Qi Blood Realm.
But unfortunately, his Qi Blood Sensing was intermittent, and he could never grasp it with precision.
'Looks like I still need some real combat…'
But looking around, he could no longer find a suitable opponent in the Martial Arts Hall.
Over the past few days, apprentices had been leaving the Martial Arts Hall one after another.
Most of them were dejected, their shoulders slumped, carrying their bundles with dull eyes.
The one-year deadline had arrived. Those who failed to sense their Qi Blood were destined to have no future with the Martial Dao.
The number of people in the courtyard dwindled.
On this day, Zhao Xisheng also came to say goodbye.
He stood at the entrance of the Martial Arts Hall with a gray cloth bundle on his back, a complicated expression on his face.
"Jiang Che, I'm leaving."
Zhao Xisheng gave a bitter laugh.
"After spending so much silver, it turns out I just don't have the Talent for it."
Jiang Che was silent for a moment, then patted his shoulder. "At least you tried."
Zhao Xisheng shook his head, pulled a piece of dried fish from his pocket, and stuffed it into Jiang Che's hand:
"My father caught this Blood-striped Perch a while back. It's not a purebred, but it should help a bit with your Qi Blood."
Jiang Che was stunned. A Blood-striped Perch was said to be a great restorative. A single one cost ten taels of silver on the market!
Even one that wasn't a purebred could sell for five taels of silver.
This piece alone was worth at least two taels!
Jiang Che quickly tried to refuse. "This is too valuable! You should keep it for yourself!"
"Take it as a small token from me. Don't be polite. Besides, I have no use for it now…"
His voice trailed off, a hint of dejection in his tone.
"My father told me to go back and fish with him. I'm afraid… I won't have another chance for Martial Arts Training."
With that, he firmly pushed the dried fish into Jiang Che's hand.
"Your fists are so good, and you work so hard. You have to keep going, don't give up!"
He patted Jiang Che's shoulder encouragingly.
Then, he turned and left, his receding figure looking somewhat desolate.
Jiang Che clutched the dried fish, a heavy feeling settling in his heart.
The Martial Dao was cruel; Talent determined everything.
'If I didn't have the Skill Proficiency Panel, I probably wouldn't be in a much better position right now!'
After returning home, Jiang Che steamed the piece of dried fish.
After it was done steaming, Jiang Che lifted the lid, and the fragrant aroma of fish immediately wafted out.
When he ate it, although it was no longer tender, it had a firm, springy texture and was incredibly delicious.
Jiang Ling swallowed, but she knew Jiang Che needed this to replenish his body, so when he asked if she wanted some, she quickly refused.
Jiang Che didn't insist. It was true that he needed it more at the moment.
Jiang Che quickly finished the entire fish.
Before long, he felt a reaction in his abdomen.
A warmth spread from his Dantian, as if a ball of fire was there.
He immediately circulated his energy and attempted a breakthrough.
An hour later, however, he was forced to stop.
Though he felt his Qi Blood surging, putting him on the verge of a breakthrough.
But at the critical moment each time.
The Qi Blood he had just gathered was like quicksand.
Abruptly dissipating.
…
In the days that followed, Jiang Che continued to practice his martial arts while also maintaining his livelihood of writing letters for others.
On the notice board at the street corner, more and more missing person posters appeared.
He would occasionally stop to look closely, noticing that most of the recently missing were able-bodied young men.
"Strange…"
He muttered with a frown.
What was worse, his business was also getting increasingly poor.
Before, he could earn twenty to thirty wen a day.
Now, he often sat idle for the entire day without a single customer.
While resting at a tea stall, he overheard several merchants talking in low voices.
"Did you hear? The Horse Bandits from Black Wind Mountain outside the city robbed another merchant caravan. They didn't leave a single person alive!"
"Those animals! I hear their leader, Tuoba Lie, is an expert from the Western Regions. They say his strength is on par with Li Hanchuan, the Gang Leader of the Seven Stars Gang!"
"And he has eight sworn sons under him, each one an expert. Who would dare provoke them? Now, the caravans don't even dare to leave the city, so letters can't be delivered either!"
Jiang Che's heart sank.
'No wonder business is so bleak.'
He squeezed his empty coin purse and sighed.
One day, Jiang Che walked into "Miaoxin Studio," intending to buy some new ink, brushes, and letter paper.
Although business was bad, for now, this was the only way he could make a living.
Inside, several rows of sandalwood shelves were neatly arranged with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.
A few scattered works of calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls.
The Shopkeeper was a fair-faced, middle-aged man, who was studying a piece of calligraphy with a troubled expression.
"This doesn't look right either…"
He muttered under his breath.
Jiang Che picked out a few cheap items and tested them by writing a few words on the spot.
Just as he put down the brush, the Shopkeeper suddenly came closer, staring intently at the words he had written.
"Young brother, your handwriting is quite good," the Shopkeeper said, lowering his voice. After glancing around mysteriously, he asked, "I have a job here. Are you interested?"
"What kind of job?" Jiang Che raised an eyebrow.
The Shopkeeper rubbed his hands together. "Forging calligraphy and paintings."
"Forging?" Jiang Che was taken aback. "Isn't that… improper?"
"Rest assured, we don't sell them as authentic works to deceive people. We sell them specifically to those who need calligraphy and paintings for decoration but don't want to spend a fortune on the real thing," the Shopkeeper explained.
"Oh? Then how is it priced?" Jiang Che asked.
The Shopkeeper said in a low voice, "An average-quality piece goes for five taels of silver; a high-quality one is ten taels, maybe even more!"
Jiang Che's heart skipped a beat.
'Five taels of silver?'
That was a huge sum of money for him!
'Although forgery isn't exactly an honest trade…'
'…many famous scholars in ancient times also forged calligraphy and paintings when they fell on hard times.'
'Besides, since they aren't sold as genuine articles, it's not really cheating anyone.'
Jiang Che quickly convinced himself.
He feigned composure. "How is the quality determined?"
The Shopkeeper smiled. "It depends on the result of your work. The more it looks like the original, the higher the price."
Jiang Che thought for a moment. "Then I'll give it a try."
The Shopkeeper was overjoyed and quickly led him into the back room.
An authentic piece was spread out on the table, its brushwork powerful and its artistic conception profound.
Jiang Che stared at it for a moment when he suddenly felt a jolt in his mind.
[Skill: Writing (Perfection) → Calligraphy (Entry Level)]
[Calligraphy (Entry Level) (1/100)]
'My writing skill actually upgraded to Calligraphy!'
Jiang Che was secretly amazed. He hadn't expected his Skills to be able to advance like this.
'This is the perfect chance to test out this Calligraphy skill…'
He entered the Heart Stream State, dipped his brush in ink, and began to write.
His wrist was steady, his brush strokes fluid and graceful.
A moment later, the Shopkeeper's eyes widened. He picked up the copy and compared it to the original over and over in disbelief.
'This… this is practically indistinguishable from the real thing! It's so much better than the others I've received before!'
The Shopkeeper suppressed his excitement and said with feigned reluctance, "It's alright. We'll count it as five taels."
Although Jiang Che didn't know the market rates, five taels was far beyond his expectations, so he nodded in agreement.
After paying the silver, the Shopkeeper immediately ordered ten more pieces, asking him to complete them within a month.
…
Leaving Miaoxin Studio, Jiang Che clutched the five taels of silver he had just received, feeling its heavy weight, and was in a great mood.
The sky hadn't completely darkened yet, so he went straight to the market and bought a roast chicken, planning to have a nice meal with his sister.
'That little glutton Ling'er will probably jump for joy when she sees this roast chicken.'
He found the thought of his sister's ravenous expression at the sight of the roast chicken amusing.
However, on his way home, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.
At the entrance to the alley, a large man was leaning lazily against the wall, holding a club in his hand and staring at him with a cold gaze.
It was the hoodlum, Zhao Hu.
Jiang Che's heart sank. He wanted to take a detour, but discovered two more people blocking his path from behind.
"Well, if it isn't the letter-writing kid?" Zhao Hu grinned, revealing a set of yellowed teeth. "Made a lot of money, have we?"
Jiang Che said calmly, "What can I do for you gentlemen?"