Chapter 90

The infirmary.

Physician Liao, who was originally supposed to relocate to the water stronghold with the Gang Leader, remained at the dock hall of the Yulong Gang with his staff.

Officially, it was said that injuries frequently occurred at the dock during unloading and transport, and a physician was indispensable.

But Su Wangchuan and the upper ranks all knew the real reason: Physician Liao cultivated medicinal herbs within the city and could conveniently procure various medicines at any time. Moving to the water stronghold would be highly inconvenient.

Even Gang Leader Yang Feiyue did not press the matter and allowed Physician Liao to remain.

That day, Su Wangchuan entered the infirmary and walked directly to a square pond outside, roughly four meters on each side.

The water inside had turned yellowish. Beneath the surface, vague shapes resembling stakes could be seen. The pond looked strangely out of place beside the infirmary.

Upon hearing of his arrival, Physician Liao hurried over. His wrinkled face squeezed into a smile.

“Helm Leader Wangchuan, what brings you to the infirmary today?”

Instead of answering, Su Wangchuan pointed to the pond.

“I have heard that those who cultivated Fish Scale Technique in the past trained here.”

“That is correct.”

Physician Liao’s expression shifted slightly in surprise.

“Fish Scale Technique is extremely dangerous to cultivate. It is very easy to get injured. One mistake may result in severe wounds. Therefore, the Gang Leader specifically had this training pond constructed.”

He paused, then asked, “Helm Leader, are you interested in Fish Scale Technique?”

Without speaking, Su Wangchuan activated Fish Scale Technique.

A faint current shimmered over his skin—the manifestation of Entry-Level Fish Scale Technique. It granted +1 Defense and a small chance to block incoming attacks.

Physician Liao inhaled sharply and immediately tried to dissuade him.

“Helm Leader.”

“Fish Scale Technique is not easy to cultivate. I have seen far too many people attempt it here, only to abandon it halfway… or suffer severe injuries and damaged cultivation.”

“That is precisely why I came,” Su Wangchuan replied calmly. “I hope Physician Liao can offer guidance, so I may cultivate this technique more safely.”

“If I had such ability, Fish Scale Technique would not have become a semi-forbidden art.”

Physician Liao shook his head with a bitter smile.

“At best, I can prescribe medicine after you are injured, treat external wounds, and alleviate internal injuries.”

“What is the difference between external and internal injuries?” Su Wangchuan pressed.

Physician Liao stroked his goatee and explained.

“External injuries are easy to treat—mere flesh wounds. Apply Wound Medicine, bandage it, and one may function normally. It heals in three to five days.”

“Internal injuries usually mean damage to meridians, bones, or even internal bleeding. In severe cases, strength declines drastically, and life may be endangered. One must rest in bed and recuperate with medicinal treatment. If fortunate, recovery takes over a month, with full healing in three months. If serious, it may take half a year—or longer.”

Su Wangchuan felt a chill of sweat.

Just for cultivating a technique?

Could he cripple himself in the process?

After a moment of thought, he asked again,

“I heard that in the beginning, the Yulong Gang trained Fish Scale Technique by having Quasi-Martial Artists spar with full-force strikes. Later, this pond was dug, creating an underwater method. What is the difference?”

Physician Liao was an old member of the Yulong Gang and had treated nearly every practitioner of Fish Scale Technique. He answered without hesitation.

“Having Quasi-Martial Artists spar means taking blows directly. A single punch from a Quasi-Martial Artist carries at least three hundred jin of force. Even a sturdy tree would eventually snap under repeated strikes. One mistake, and the injury worsens.”

“By digging the pond, water pressure slows the punch speed and reduces force. Mechanisms installed underwater allow manual control of power. In terms of force, it becomes relatively safer.”

“I see.”

Su Wangchuan’s eyes lit up.

“If the mechanism is adjustable and safer, why has no one successfully cultivated Fish Scale Technique to completion?”

“If the attack strength is insufficient, there is no training effect. But attacks strong enough to produce results will inevitably injure the practitioner.”

“If you truly wish to cultivate it, step into the water and try it yourself. You will understand the danger and difficulty.”

Physician Liao gestured toward the pond.

“The water has not been changed in some time. It should be replaced—”

“No need to worry.”

Su Wangchuan stepped outside and called out.

Soon, dozens of Outer Disciples waiting for tasks entered with empty buckets.

Within a short time, the four-meter pond was emptied and thoroughly cleaned. The two copper-plated wooden stakes and mechanisms beneath were carefully scrubbed.

Then fresh river water was carried in and refilled the pond.

Being Helm Leader of the dock branch had its conveniences.

“You will need someone to assist you.”

“Ergou.”

Su Wangchuan called over his most loyal subordinate.

Chen Ergou learned how to operate the mechanism from Physician Liao.

Su Wangchuan removed his upper garments and stepped into the water bare-chested. He planted his feet firmly, assumed a horse stance, and faced the two copper-plated wooden stakes.

“Room Master, I am ready.”

Chen Ergou was nervous, even though the mechanism was set to its lowest strength.

Su Wangchuan activated Fish Scale Technique.

“Begin.”

Chen Ergou stepped on the mechanism.

One of the copper-plated stakes churned up water, driving a surging wave that slammed into Su Wangchuan’s crossed arms.

Boom!

A powerful force pressed into his arms, then crashed into his chest, pushing his body backward.

The pond’s advantage became apparent.

A portion of the force had been dispersed by the water.

Now he truly understood its purpose.

It did reduce injury.

But did it produce training results?

He glanced at his Status Panel.

HP: 109/110.

The most direct way to verify training effectiveness was whether HP decreased.

If it dropped, then it worked.

“Again!”

He assessed himself carefully—no obvious external wounds, breathing steady.

He returned to position and maintained Fish Scale Technique.

Chen Ergou activated the mechanism again.

The second copper-plated stake surged forward.

Boom!

Su Wangchuan was knocked backward once more.

HP -1.

Fish Scale Technique experience did not move.

He did not grow impatient.

He returned to position and endured strike after strike.

After enduring seventeen or eighteen impacts—

On the twentieth strike, the water-driven force smashed into his arms, pressing heavily into his chest. His feet left the ground as he was swept backward.

HP: 90/110.

His experience bar trembled faintly.

Fish Scale Technique (Entry-Level): 1/100.

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