After sleeping soundly until dawn, Brian Carter had completely regained his energy. He sprang out of bed, full of vigor, and rushed into the bathroom, only to find in the mirror that his face was covered in black grime. Upon closer sniff, there was also a faint stench coming from his whole body.

What was going on? Didn’t he take a shower before going to bed last night?

Brian Carter examined himself carefully and discovered a thin layer of black filth on his face and body. The smell was coming from this grime.

After a moment’s thought, Brian Carter immediately understood.

It must have been the effect of the Black Jade Eight Delicacies meal. Although Brian Carter had never eaten the Black Jade Eight Delicacies before, he knew its function: over several days, with intense training, the medicinal power would be absorbed throughout the body, expelling as many impurities and waste as possible. This black grime was surely the expelled bodily impurities.

Chapter Six: Bitter Training and Medicinal Cuisine

Brian Carter was extremely excited. In the not-so-spacious dorm room, he casually struck a few poses and practiced some punches, feeling his whole body brimming with strength. That explosive sense of power was something he had never felt before, and the refreshing feeling on his body was also a first.

Clenching his fists, Brian Carter felt quite thrilled. His strength had improved again. The cultivation effect in this virtual space was truly remarkable, though the rate at which it consumed crystals was just too fast.

Two crystals would be enough for a strongman to use for a long time. Even for a bloodline warrior, they could last about ten days. But in his hands, they were gone in just a few hours. Judging by the situation, this virtual space required a huge amount of crystals.

The crystals he had were already running out. He had to find a way to earn more.

As long as he learned how to make medicinal cuisine, just the Black Jade Eight Delicacies alone could make him wealthy. But before he mastered it, how was he going to get by?

After thinking it over, Brian Carter decided to ask Edward Clark to lend him some crystals. That guy was rich.

Actually, whether it was Edward Clark or Grace Howard—especially Grace Howard—when they first saw that Brian Carter came from a poor family, they both wanted to help him generously. But Brian Carter had refused them.

Although friends should help each other, Brian Carter didn’t think he was at the point where he needed help.

He believed he could live well relying on his own hands.

Now, deciding to borrow some crystals was just a temporary measure. He would pay them back once he made some money.

Brian Carter could have gone to Grace Howard, but instinctively, he still chose Edward Clark. Maybe every man is reluctant to show his difficult side in front of a woman, especially one he’s close to.

Edward Clark was a bit surprised when Brian Carter asked to borrow crystals—fifty at once, no less. After all, it was the first time Brian Carter had ever borrowed anything from him. Fifty crystals wasn’t a huge amount, but it wasn’t a small sum either. What did Brian Carter need so many crystals for?

For training?

Was it because he signed up for the strongman ranking competition and was preparing to train desperately?

But he was just a strongman—why would he need so many crystals?

Although he was puzzled, Edward Clark handed over fifty crystals to Brian Carter without a word, and asked with concern, “Is that enough?”

Brian Carter smiled gratefully. “It should be enough. I’ll pay you back soon.”

Edward Clark smiled and said, “I don’t know why you’re willing to ask me for something, but I’m sure you have your reasons. I’ll be watching to see what you do. As for paying me back, there’s no rush—just return them when it’s convenient for you.”

After a pause, Edward Clark’s slightly narrow, somewhat feminine peach blossom eyes showed a thoughtful look. “I heard you got into a fight with Eric Turner yesterday, and you clashed fists three times, breaking his arm?”

Brian Carter smiled and briefly explained the reason for the fight. Edward Clark laughed, “Only you would step in. Most people would just stand by and watch the show…”

Brian Carter shook his head with a wry smile. “I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing, especially since it was within my ability to help…”

Edward Clark nodded. “That Eric Turner has some connections at school and gets along well with some of the bloodline warrior students. You should be careful of his revenge. If you need help, just let me know anytime…”

Patting Brian Carter on the shoulder, Edward Clark said seriously, “Whether you believe it or not, I really have very few friends. I don’t want you to treat me like an outsider. Friends are supposed to help each other.”

Brian Carter patted Edward Clark’s arm and smiled slightly. “As long as those bloodline warrior students don’t get involved, I believe I can handle it… Alright, I’m off. By the way, you know about Grace Howard’s birthday party, right?”

Edward Clark nodded, his face returning to its usual mischievous grin. He chuckled, “I know. I heard she’s not inviting any students, but thanks to you, I get to go. When the time comes, we’ll go together. I’ll cover you—you just go for it and win the beauty’s heart!”

Brian Carter looked a bit embarrassed, shook his head helplessly, and turned to leave, leaving Edward Clark laughing heartily behind him.