The next day.
Jiraiya’s "Eternal Undying" spread throughout the great nations of the ninja world, featuring the serialized main story "Gonggong Angrily Collides with Buzhou Mountain."
Instantly, one hundred thousand copies of "Eternal Undying" were snapped up.
The streets and alleys of any ninja village buzzed with discussions about the book's stories and plots.
A buying frenzy had been ignited.
Jiraiya, in one night, had become incredibly rich.
Even the little children in neighboring villages compared Su Mu to a divine being stepping out of an ink painting.
Those who couldn’t afford the books would gather around, listening to others discuss them.
Countless people eagerly awaited Su Mu's next story.
[Land of Lightning, Cloud Hidden Village A: The stories told by Master Su are absolutely magnificent! I’m utterly captivated, hurry and tell the next story!]
[Land of Fire, Leaf Hidden Village B: I prefer the sword-riding techniques in Master Su’s stories. Thinking about being able to fly across the entire ninja world in a single day makes me feel so cool!]
[Land of Water, Mist Hidden Village C: Ever since my cousin went to Gui Lin Ju to listen to Master Su's stories, he’s been carrying a broken fan every day, doing nothing but drinking tea, and shouting about cultivating Qi?]
.....
These were the thoughts of readers from various great nations and villages, who returned to the Book Publishing Society after finishing the books.
Duan Shan Street.
As Su Mu emerged from Gui Lin Ju, he saw Orochimaru and Kabuto, who had been waiting under a tree all night, looking haggard.
Su Mu found it somewhat amusing.
However, Orochimaru’s health would not allow him to endure any further.
“The item you requested is ready. Take it.”
Su Mu handed a black package to Orochimaru.
At this moment, Orochimaru’s eyes welled up with tears. He had waited for this day for so long!
Finally...
“Master Su...”
“Do you need any help at the shop?”
Orochimaru’s question caught Su Mu off guard.
If such a terrifying individual were in the shop, would customers still be able to listen to stories?
“Heh, no need. I took your Kusanagi sword, and I’m helping you out with this. It’s only right.”
Su Mu turned and left.
Orochimaru sighed deeply as he watched Su Mu’s retreating back: “If only I could be as carefree as you...”
.....
In a dark basement.
Orochimaru impatiently opened the package.
Three black pills rolled out.
Kabuto curiously picked up the pills, adjusted his glasses, and examined them closely.
“Lord Orochimaru, the origin of these things is unknown. I think... you shouldn’t take them...”
Kabuto said with concern.
Orochimaru merely smiled faintly and took the pills. “It’s come to this. What’s the point of being so cautious? You just need to trust Master Su.”
Just as Orochimaru was about to swallow the pills, Kabuto discovered a letter inside the package.
“Lord Orochimaru, this is from Master Su.”
Orochimaru hesitated, then set the pills aside and took the letter to read.
[These three pills are called Qi Refining Pills, and they can rapidly convert spiritual energy in your body.]
[But remember, you can only take one every three days, otherwise, there’s a risk of your body exploding.]
[The Qi Refining Technique in the package can improve your chakra. You should be familiar with the fact that there are two types of power in this world.]
[One is the externally planted chakra in this world, and the other is the spiritual energy that naturally exists within this world.]
[If you’ve truly made up your mind, then take one Qi Refining Pill and begin cultivating.]
[Once you choose to refine Qi, you will no longer possess chakra in your body...]
After reading Su Mu’s letter, Orochimaru swallowed the Qi Refining Pill without hesitation.
The pill slid down his esophagus, gradually dissolving and releasing its medicinal effects.
The medicinal power spread rapidly throughout Orochimaru’s body, permeating his flesh and blood. A small portion seeped into his bones and skin, while another part integrated into his internal organs.
A pain akin to being skinned and cut spread throughout Orochimaru’s entire body.
“Ah... Gg... Jeee...”
“It hurts...”
Kabuto, startled, quickly supported Orochimaru. “Lord Orochimaru, how are you feeling! I’ll get that pill out for you immediately!”
Saying that, Kabuto drew a chakra scalpel from his waist.
Orochimaru let out a wry laugh. “No need...”
“Is the suffering I endured before any less bearable than this?”
“At this point, do you think I still care about this level of pain!”
“Ah...”
A strange power coursed through every part of Orochimaru’s body.
His soul trembled, drawn by this power.
His chakra vanished in an instant.
In its place, an endless stream of spiritual energy flowed.
When he opened his eyes again, spiritual energy floated everywhere in the air.
But Kabuto couldn’t see it.
“This is the feeling...”
“Hahaha... this power... is far superior to the previous chakra!”
Orochimaru laughed maniacally.
Kabuto, standing beside him, wore a look of confusion.
Picking up the Qi Refining Technique from the package, Orochimaru began to study it intently.
An hour passed.
A foul gas was slowly exhaled from his mouth.
Orochimaru excitedly stood up from the ground. “Qi Refining Stage One. I suddenly feel my body developing in a healthier direction...”
Just then, as Orochimaru put the Qi Refining Bead back, he noticed a book placed beneath it.
Sword Riding Technique.
Orochimaru picked it up with a hint of confusion. “Could this be a free gift from Master Su?”
“Score!”
Mist Hidden Village.
Mei Terumi, wearing a blue strapless dress, was engrossed in "Eternal Undying."
Suddenly, Chojuro, holding a divisional volume of "Gonggong Angrily Collides with Buzhou Mountain," rushed in excitedly.
“I got it! Fifth Mizukage, I got it!”
Chojuro ran up to Mei Terumi, panting heavily with his back bent.
“Seeing you work so hard is also quite endearing, Chojuro.”
Mei Terumi smiled seductively at him.
Chojuro’s cheeks turned red, and he began to stammer, “N-no... no need to thank me, Fifth Mizukage...”
Mei Terumi took "Gonggong Angrily Collides with Buzhou Mountain" from Chojuro and glanced at the first page. “The stories told by this storyteller are truly magnificent.”
“I wonder if he’s handsome...”
“I’m quite interested in him.”
“Chojuro, if you were half as good as him, you might be able to marry me.”
Chojuro, already shy, wished he could disappear into the ground after Mei Terumi’s teasing.
“There’s nothing much happening in the Land of Water lately. It’s a good opportunity to go out and relax.”
Mei Terumi stood up, looked out the window, and stretched lazily.
“Fifth Mizukage, are you... going to Duan Shan Street?”
Chojuro asked in shock.
“So clever. I’ll reward you with a kiss next time.”
“Let’s go. I want to hear what the next story is about...”
Mei Terumi changed her attire.
As she stepped out of the Mizukage’s office, she ran into Utakata, who was preparing to go on a mission.
“Fifth Mizukage, just now...”
“I was being targeted by two strange individuals wearing red cloud cloaks!”