PCJ – Chapter 128 Gathering Qi

At this point, Zhang Jiaohua had truly reached his physical limit, his entire body trembling slightly. Watching his son silently, Zhang Youping could hardly resist the urge to go over and hold him, but he knew that if he did, all of his son’s previous efforts would be in vain.

Zhang Youping closed his eyes with a heavy heart, unable to keep watching. How could any parent bear to see their child suffer like this?

Jin Hu and the others stood around Zhang Jiaohua, mouths agape, seemingly cheering him on, though no sound came out.

Suddenly, a gust of wind arose, gently stirring Zhang Jiaohua’s cotton clothes.

Just when Zhang Jiaohua was about to collapse, a surge of warmth rushed from his dantian, flowing through his meridians. His pores seemed to open up, as if his body was exchanging energy with the universe. Zhang Jiaohua had unexpectedly reached the first step of cultivating qi, allowing him to absorb the energy of heaven and earth into his body, nurturing his meridians and strengthening his foundation.

The strength that had been exhausted returned to his body, and Zhang Jiaohua stood steadily on the wooden stake once more.

Jin Hu and the others watched in amazement as Zhang Jiaohua suddenly changed. They didn’t understand what had happened, but they were much more sensitive to the energy of the universe than ordinary people. They couldn’t comprehend why Zhang Jiaohua’s body had undergone such a transformation.

Mancang scratched his imaginary head and blinked, having been ready to catch Zhang Jiaohua, who seemed about to fall, only to see him suddenly regain his strength.

Jin Hui let go of Xiaoshuan’s hand, and together they stared blankly at Zhang Jiaohua.

Fugui clapped his hands joyfully, jumping and laughing silently.

Standing aside, Zhang Youping noticed the sudden quietness in the courtyard and, thinking his son had fallen, turned to look. He was shocked to see Zhang Jiaohua standing firmly on the wooden stake, the incense stick burned down to the end. Zhang Jiaohua opened his eyes and smiled at him.

“Son, you’re amazing! This is what a boy should be like!” Zhang Youping gave his son a thumbs up.

Zhang Jiaohua giggled and tried to jump down from the stake. Though he appeared to have fully recovered, his body was actually completely drained. The small surge of energy had exhausted his remaining strength, and he wobbled, about to fall.

“Careful!” Zhang Youping rushed forward to catch his son.

Hearing the commotion, Liu Qiaoye came out of the house just in time to see her son about to fall.

“Son!” Liu Qiaoye, like a mother hen protecting her chick, rushed to catch him.

But they were too far away, helplessly watching Zhang Jiaohua tumble toward the ground.

“Ah!” they both cried out.

Zhang Jiaohua also screamed, but instead of hitting the hard ground, he felt as if he had fallen into cotton. Opening his eyes, he saw Jin Hu and the others lying neatly below, catching him. Seeing his astonished look, they smiled warmly.

To Zhang Youping and Liu Qiaoye, it looked as if Zhang Jiaohua had fallen lightly, cushioned at the last moment.

They quickly helped him up, checking him thoroughly to ensure he was unhurt. Liu Qiaoye hugged him tightly. “You scared me to death!”

“Mom, I stood for a whole incense stick without giving up. Tomorrow morning, I’ll practice again,” Zhang Jiaohua said proudly.

“Yes, you’re amazing! But who almost planted themselves in the ground just now?” Liu Qiaoye teased, pinching his nose.

“But I’m fine, right? Mom, is there anything to eat? I’m starving,” Zhang Jiaohua said, his stomach growling after the exertion.

“You’re so amazing, and still need food?” Liu Qiaoye laughed.

Zhang Jiaohua giggled. “The old Taoist master said that a martial artist can eat a whole pig in one meal.”

“That much? Wouldn’t that make us poor?” Liu Qiaoye thought he was joking. Little did she know, ancient martial artists who practiced energy cultivation could easily eat that much. With his current abilities, even a large chicken was beyond him.

“I just cooked a pot of sweet potatoes. Let’s see if you can finish it,” Liu Qiaoye said, having boiled a pot of sweet potatoes while the incense burned.

“Great!” Zhang Jiaohua cheered and ran inside.

“With such exertion, sweet potatoes won’t be enough. I’ll get some meat to nourish him properly,” Zhang Youping said, changing clothes and putting some money in his pocket before heading to the communal meat stand.

Zhang Jiaohua opened the pot lid, steam rising, and quickly grabbed a bowl, scooping out a sweet potato with a ladle. He started eating eagerly, though it was scorching hot.

“Slow down. I’ve cooked two eggs for you. Don’t rush, I’ll peel them,” Liu Qiaoye said, bringing the eggs.

Jin Hu and the others stayed in the courtyard, playing on the wooden stakes.

Zuan Shanbao, having adapted to their presence, still watched them warily, not understanding why his little master spent so much time with them.

In the east, the fiery sun rose over the hills, casting golden light over Meizi’ao. The fields glittered as if gilded. Birds squabbled over the remaining fruit in the persimmon trees. The villagers emerged from their homes, heading into the golden fields. It was the start of a new day.