In his previous life, he was stuck at the “vital energy” stage and couldn’t locate his own vital energy.

But now, thanks to his extraordinary talent, he found his vital energy on the very first day of practicing the Innate Qi Refining Technique. The next step was to gradually strengthen and nurture it.

This is also the core of the Qi Cultivation chapter.

“Grace Thompson, your package has arrived. I brought it for you.”

At this moment, Coral’s voice came from outside: “You’ve bought quite a lot of things lately.”

“Thanks.”

Grace Thompson took the box handed over by Coral.

“Herbs? Is your rapid progress because you’ve been taking all these miraculous elixirs?”

Coral asked, looking at the shipping address.

“Just trying them out, seeing which herbs are beneficial for cultivation.”

Grace Thompson replied.

In his previous life, he had some knowledge of herbs.

But that knowledge came from books back then. Now...

With an extra fifty thousand yuan in his account, he planned to channel the spirit of Shennong, taste all kinds of herbs again, and use his talent to select the ones most suitable for his needs to buy for nourishment.

“Nowadays, with the booming artificial breeding industry, herbs bought online might not be genuine, and you definitely can’t get rare ones. If you really want good herbs, talk to Jessica. Her family runs a traditional Chinese medicine shop, a century-old business with guaranteed quality. Whenever my master needs herbs, he always goes to her shop.”

Coral said, a bit regretfully, “If it weren’t for her stubborn grandfather refusing to expand and franchise, their family would be worth tens of millions by now. If they’d managed to build a brand, she’d be a little rich lady for sure.”

Grace Thompson sensed there was more to her words, but the information was still useful: “What’s the shop called? I’ll check it out sometime.”

“No time like the present! I’ll call Jessica right now to take you there. Better to give the business to her than someone else.”

As Coral spoke, she started dialing.

But she didn’t get the chance to make the call.

James Sullivan arrived.

He was clearly here for Grace Thompson.

“I heard from Lucas Cooper that you passed the Level 2 certification?”

“I did.”

Grace Thompson smiled, “Is the director planning to give me a new contract?”

“That’s right.”

James Sullivan nodded. “But not the previous one. Come with me.”

As he spoke, he led Grace Thompson to the office, and instructed Coral, “Have Little Brooks bring my Lushan Yunwu tea.”

“Okay.”

Coral nodded.

Tea culture has been passed down since the Shang dynasty, known for its calming effects. Both martial artists and star refiners love it, and top-quality tea can be even more expensive than rare delicacies.

“You’ve signed up for the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament?”

In the office, James Sullivan asked directly.

“Yes, to gain some combat experience.”

Grace Thompson replied.

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple.”

James Sullivan looked at Grace Thompson seriously. “Tell me honestly, what level had you actually reached before? From Ming to An, or... have you already achieved Jinli transformation?”

“My situation is a bit special.”

Grace Thompson said.

Reincarnation of the soul is hard to explain, even in a world with the extraordinary.

James Sullivan looked at Grace Thompson.

But seeing him calm and composed, yet silent, he could only sigh, “I understand.”

“I’ll be moving out of the apartment tomorrow.”

Grace Thompson said.

“You brat!”

James Sullivan scolded with a laugh, “Do you really think I’m so petty? Even if you’ve really achieved Jinli transformation, so what? I’m a Danjin martial artist—am I afraid you’ll steal my thunder? Besides, with a master in my dojo, I’d be thrilled, not worried! Unless you yourself feel uncomfortable staying here and want to leave.”

“I really like the atmosphere at Changfeng Martial Arts Dojo.”

Grace Thompson said.

Although he led a few students, all of whom were rich kids, they weren’t spoiled; instead, they were well-mannered and treated him with respect.

The work was easy.

Coral, Lucas Cooper, David Bolton and the others also got along well with him.

Moreover, when he was struggling financially, James Sullivan gave him his first job. Grace Thompson didn’t want to strain their relationship over this.

“No matter whether you’ve already achieved Jinli transformation or just reached Ming to An, it’s clear you’re incredibly talented. Now that you’ve decided to participate in the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament... it looks like you’re really set on the martial path. Having you continue to teach students would be a waste of your time.”

James Sullivan said, “Coral mentioned I wanted to expand the business, right?”

Grace Thompson nodded.

“Half a year from now, on May 1st next year, the 16th National Martial Arts Tournament will be held simultaneously in every province. I’ve been at the Danjin level for five years now. Last time, I competed in Haizhou—if I hadn’t been unlucky and faced a seeded player, I would’ve made the top ten. After three years of honing my skills, this time in Jiangzhou, I’m pretty confident about making the top ten.”

James Sullivan spoke with ambition, “If it weren’t for my age, I’d still want to compete in the national tournament in the future.”

“Director Sullivan can compete in the adult division.”

“The adult division... maybe next time.”