On the east side of the Shen Mansion, it had been drizzling for several days, making the surrounding paths muddier.
Han scattered some small gravel on the muddy path.
In case Madam Yun and Cailing came to find him, the road would be easier to walk.
After handling some miscellaneous tasks, Han started to boil water.
Meanwhile, he was studying the leftover herbs he had collected.
Once the Bone Tempering was completed, the next step forward would be to enter the Ninth Grade Body Refining Realm.
Only then could one be considered formally entering the Martial Path.
The collected herbal residue had already lost its medicinal properties; even when brought close, no scent remained.
Focusing his eyes, he indeed saw gray text appear on the herb residue.
[Herbs that have lost their medicinal properties]
Being able to see its entry relieved Han somewhat.
Extract!
The entry for [herbs that have lost their medicinal properties] instantly descended and floated into his mind.
The used herbs unexpectedly emitted a fragrance anew.
Once the water was ready, he soaked all the herbs in it.
Unexpectedly, without spending a penny, he managed to create a pool for a medicinal bath.
These medicinal baths comprised herbal recipes prepared by the pharmacy; since others could use them for medicinal bathing, Han wasn’t worried about any issues within.
Submerging his body, a faint piercing pain attacked him all over.
The pain of the Bone Tempering Pill felt like a fierce force striking his bones.
While the bath brought waves of stinging pain to his muscles.
The medicinal bath was relatively safe, but whether one could reach Ninth Grade depended on fortune.
Some Martial Artists lacking talent often failed to reach Ninth Grade even after seven or eight baths.
Bearing this in mind, part of the herbal potency continued to pound his muscles.
In the distance, wisps of smoke curled upwards; it was 5:00 PM, time for the evening meal.
Han remained in the bath, not intending to rise; today, he must reach Ninth Grade!
...
In the dining hall of the Shen Mansion, plates of delicious dishes were already set.
Waiting for the Old Dowager to take her seat, the family could then begin eating.
After a while, the Shen Family’s Old Dowager, supported by maids, sat in the main seat.
Though it was a family feast, the Old Dowager wasn’t too strict with everyone.
She allowed the juniors some freedom, as long as they didn’t talk with food in their mouths.
At the dinner table, the younger Shen family members were quite enthusiastic.
Some displayed their recent insights to the elders, some flattered with kind words, and others acted coyly in seeking rewards.
The Old Dowager quite enjoyed this, her face always showing a kind expression.
"Old Dowager, today I heard an interesting thing.
Quite a few servants told me that the young master of our house went to the pharmacy to pick up discarded herbal residue.
Just hearing about it makes me feel ashamed."
The speaker was Madam Xie of the second house.
"Picking up discarded herbal residue?
Isn’t that the act of street beggars? Who in the Shen Family would do such a shameful thing?"
The Old Dowager smiled dismissively, thinking it was a misunderstanding.
But Madam Xie pointed her finger toward the east side.
"We certainly wouldn’t do such disgraceful things, but it’s our fifth young master, Shen Han, who picked the herbal residue."
Merely hearing the name, the Old Dowager’s smile faded.
"I heard he was collecting herbal materials needed to advance to Ninth Grade, and our fifth young master dares to wish to become a Ninth-Grade Martial Artist~."
Upon hearing this, the Old Dowager understood the reason.
People from Xiaoyao Peak had come by some time ago, inadvertently aiding Han’s Bone Tempering success.
He sure dreams big, thinking he can achieve Ninth Grade after Bone Tempering.
Seeing the Old Dowager’s face darken, Madam Yun quickly interceded.
"Old Dowager, Han, this boy, according to the mansion’s requirements, even his meals are self-earned.