Twin Dimension Yin-Yang Mirror: Attaining immortality through the martial path
Chapter 168 - 146: Different Strokes for Different Folks, Divine and Animalistic Natures

Chapter 168: Chapter 146: Different Strokes for Different Folks, Divine and Animalistic Natures

"Boss, next time you get stock, call me."

Zhou Ping’an walked out of Fu’an Pharmacy, carrying the weighty bag, his expression a mix of sighs and shakes of the head.

He thought to himself, no wonder Doctor Zhang from Chengkang Hospital absolutely refused to believe that he had cured Wu Lele using traditional Chinese medicine.

He wouldn’t have believed it either.

Buying ginseng was such a hassle.

He had spent a total of 200,000 yuan to buy less than twenty kilograms of ginseng, and though there was definitely a medicinal effect, the potency was much lower compared to that of another world.

He had tried a little before, and had estimated.

Ignoring the damage to the body’s balance from too much ginseng consumption in a short period of time... the twenty kilograms of cultivated ginseng, if he absorbed all the beneficial parts, would barely be equivalent to four Blood Fortifying Pills.

Zhou Ping’an knew it was not good to compare the price levels of two worlds.

The wilderness forests around Dongjiang City were too perilous, and those who gathered herbs dared not venture far, which naturally meant that higher-grade medicines were expensive and largely controlled by several consortiums.

Regrettably, he had forcefully speeded up his training of the "King of Light’s Golden Body Technique" using the Demon Fire Burning Body Method, which accelerated his progress but considerably weakened his foundational potential.

There was no alternative since there was insufficient nutritional input.

Relying simply on regular food to meet the needs of cultivation was far too forced.

Hence, he had no choice but to visit the herbal medicine market, and after visiting five stores, he managed to gather just a few qi and blood boosting herbs, which was rather disheartening.

’This also proves, from another angle, that practicing martial arts really has no future in modern society.

No wonder those wealthy families all choose the path of genetic enhancement...’

Thinking of some transformation and enhancement news secretly circulating, Zhou Ping’an was pensive.

With his social status, he actually couldn’t access highly confidential information.

But still, he had learned a bit from his senior sister Tang Tang.

Although senior sister always said not to look at those consortium families that generally underwent some genetic enhancement, she mentioned that the technology was not yet very stable and hadn’t fundamentally changed the life level of humans, including aspects like lifespan, which couldn’t be much improved.

When she spoke about this, her tone carried some disdain.

But Zhou Ping’an could tell that deep down, his senior sister was somewhat envious.

Everyone likes to be powerful.

As one ages, to possibly delay the signs of aging is a desire hard for any woman to suppress.

After all, strengthening solutions that rejuvenate an old person to youthful vigor fundamentally rely on various supplements to sustain bodily functions.

In essence, it’s about buying health with money.

Ordinary people can’t afford it.

And when the money is gone and longevity is insufficient, diseases will still arise, and living to a hundred is still a major hurdle.

When that time comes, no enhancement will be effective, and decades of accumulated illnesses and aging will rapidly reclaim their due, making death extremely painful.

The advantages and disadvantages are quite clear.

However, in Zhou Ping’an’s view, having obtained some technology from Landis, the Zhuxia Federation had managed to develop so much advanced technology in just thirty years, which was quite remarkable.

Not to mention those high-end weapons.

Just consider the gene enhancement solution; if technology advances again and costs are reduced, soldiers could be widely enhanced with this solution.

By then, the national power of Zhuxia would surely skyrocket exponentially.

Previously, when Mother Zhou was hospitalized, the black-clothed man who had threatened and promised her using the gene restoration solution, which was also a kind of strengthening solution, could cost millions or even tens of millions for a single dose.

Moreover, this stuff might not even work with just one application.

Therefore, Mother Zhou’s subsequent recovery was so miraculous and shocking.

Not only was she cured without any enhancement or repair, but the effect was far better than merely controlling the disease with restoration solutions—it was truly a miracle.

As for the second point Senior Sister mentioned.

About biological enhancement technology, that’s a taboo.

All countries conduct research but keep it secret; it’s one of those things you do but can’t talk about.

After all, the research process for this technology is somewhat inhumane.

The mortality rate is also somewhat high.

Officially, of course, it’s prohibited.

In places like Dongjiang, it’s especially so...

But recently, people from various cities in Zhuxia have been calling for the lifting of the ban, saying that the Pan-Me Federation and the Northern European Union have already started the "god-making" program, and if Zhuxia does not catch up, a crisis is imminent.

This call can’t be said to be completely without reason.

Yet it’s still somewhat radical.

Some conservatives naturally oppose it wholeheartedly.

Their reasoning is simple...

Once transformation is permitted, all sorts of demons and evil spirits will emerge, essentially opening the gates of hell. The intentions may be good, but if things go out of control, it could cause severe consequences for everyone.

Officially, it’s referred to as the "god-making" project.

What actually gets created, no one can really say.

It’s like groping stones to cross a river.

Sometimes, divinity and bestiality are only a thought apart.

Just thinking about those monstrous transformations, rebelling against the populace and being uncontrollable.

It’s easy to see that great chaos is looming.

Regrettably, those who are aware are actually not too many...

Interest sways hearts, involving power and influence.

Moreover, after transformation, there might also be advantages in lifespan.

Ordinary people really can’t resist it.

’So, having too advanced technology is not necessarily a good thing.’

’The only lesson humanity seems to learn from history is that it never learns any lessons from history...’

Thinking of the numbers who had died under the claws of wild beasts in the wilderness over the years, Zhou Ping’an felt a wave of bloodshed assaulting his senses.

One careless moment and this world could slip into the abyss.

’I need to become stronger quickly; not to say that I could save many, but at least, to have enough strength to protect my family and friends from harm, ensuring that I don’t just become a speck of dust in history...’

...

"Mom, stop fussing over those plants. They look fine as they are. If you have some free time, you might as well practice some fist techniques."

"At my age, I’m not going to be fighting anyone, so why would I need to practice any techniques?

Wouldn’t you be able to just heal me if I got sick? I’m fine as things are now."

Mother Zhou was tired of being called.

She put down the large scissors, her face still covered in light sweat, looking energetic as she picked up the mop to start mopping the floor.

It hadn’t been long since the last cleaning, and it wasn’t that dirty.

She just couldn’t sit still.

"Xiao Lan, why have you stopped too? The Gentle Water Eight Stances are extremely beneficial for your body. If you practice them to a great achievement, they can generate powerful internal energy and make your body stronger."

Zhou Ping’an didn’t mention the Tidal Breathing Technique.

Before figuring out a way to bring over the Qi Blood Powder, Bone Tempering Pills, Blood Fortifying Pills, Muscle Transforming Pills, and the like from that world, overly strong cultivation techniques were not quite suitable.

Body improvement can’t happen without a reason.

Without reaching the stage of breathing in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, every method of getting stronger requires a massive amount of energy replenishment afterward.

Simple methods like directly consuming ginseng are not something ordinary people can handle.

Elixir recipes from another world that have been tested over countless years, which are gradual and milder, are the best approach.

The Tidal Breath technique is good, but while it unleashes power, it inevitably causes damage.

It’s the same principle as the modern world’s passed down Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound Marrow Refining Method.

Extracting marrow, absorbing the essence, stimulating potential.

You first need to have potential to stimulate.

If a human’s body is too weak, they won’t last through many practices before exhausting their potential, and without elixirs to replenish, the situation turns ugly.

On the other hand, the Gentle Water Eight Steps can slowly strengthen Muscles and Bones, transforming force into power.

It’s just a foundational cultivation technique.

It doesn’t damage the body...

"Brother, I still need to memorize my lessons and solve some test problems. I’ve already practiced for an hour today."

Zhou Lan looked distressed, drenched in sweat, her movements deformed without her realizing.

She was preoccupied with the many problems she hadn’t gone over.

And those classmates, probably all sprinting; if she couldn’t outscore them, she’d have few schools to choose from later.

"Alright, just practice a bit when you can."

People have their own aspirations.

Zhou Ping’an watched his mother and younger sister, who were completely uninterested in practicing martial arts, and felt helpless.

Everyone has their own dreams and preferred ways of living.

Concepts differ; you can’t force them, even if they are family...

’As for senior sister, her passion for free fighting is as strong as ever.

But since the last time we sparred and I made her cry, she has never asked me to practice with her again. Maybe, I’ll see if she wants to learn...’

Thinking of Senior Sister Tang Tang, Zhou Ping’an also remembered he had an apprentice following his little sister who was currently building foundations; he considered taking some time to visit them.

Lost in his thoughts, the sweet scent of medicine wafted into his nose.

The elixir was ready.

’First, take the medicine to nurture my body, edit videos, and see how much wishful incense I can earn.

The third stage of the Five Desires Evil Art probably requires about three thousand Mind Threads. I’ll have to wait a bit longer, but for now, my current strength is enough.’

...

Having spent an entire day and night practicing and taking medicine in the villa, Zhou Ping’an was called to the Third Group.

As soon as he stepped through the door, he heard thunderous applause.

Over thirty people were all present.

Seeing Zhou Ping’an, they all saluted simultaneously.

"Inspector Zhou, good day."

"This..."

Watching these people, Zhou Ping’an knew that the promotion documents had come through.

Some faces showed genuine excitement, while some hearts were truly disheartened.

Others were happy but also carried a subtle sense of sorrow.

Naturally, this included Tang Tang.

Senior Sister’s face beamed with a smile as she handed over the new epaulettes and uniform, "From now on, the Third Group is yours, junior brother. I’ve always believed that under your leadership, the Third Group will be even better."

"I still prefer having Senior Sister over me, making things comfortable. Whenever there was an error, the blame never reached us."

Zhou Ping’an truly meant what he said.

Ever since joining, he had been favored and shielded by this senior sister, making work much smoother.

With Tang Tang’s promotion and reassignment,

From now on, he would have to shoulder the responsibilities of the Third Group on his own.

It can be called a good thing, but not entirely a good thing.

One thing he was curious about was,

Why the chief of the Special Combat Squad, Wang Yulin, would suddenly be so generous, promoting both of them swiftly. The efficiency was too high.

Could it be playing the game of "give before you take"?

The team members fell silent at once.

They too were recalling the many moments over the years, and suddenly, the atmosphere became much heavier.

"I really don’t want to leave you guys either."

One sentence from Zhou Ping’an nearly broke Tang Tang’s composure as her eyes reddened. She gave Zhou Ping’an a strong punch on the chest and chuckled, "Those who know understand I’ve been promoted; those who don’t might think this miss has been fired...

"Lunch is on me, Inspector Zhou. Let everyone eat and drink well."

Alright, you’re the boss, you make the calls.

...