Chapter 80

The men's 5000-meter race was divided into three tracks, and the participants were grouped accordingly. There were many colleges in the Jiangnan University Town, and each class was required to send at least one person to participate. It took nearly ten batches to complete the race across the three tracks.

The participants were ranked based on their performance, with no second round. A second round would be too dangerous.

Based on past experience, each race took about 20 to 30 minutes, and the men's 5000-meter race could be completed in four to five hours.

However, there were always peculiar cases, and this year was particularly full of them.

First, there were Song Shuhang and his classmate Heihuhu, who ran the entire race at sprinting speed (although Heihuhu was a few steps short of the finish line). Then, another peculiar case emerged—Yang Shangfa, the fat boy who initially shared the same plight as Song Shuhang.

He started the race at a slow jogging pace, steadily trailing behind the main group of 5000-meter runners.

After only about three laps, he was already struggling, his face turning pale. He then slowed down to a brisk walk, then a slow walk, and finally to a turtle's pace.

After moving a short distance, he had to hold his waist and catch his breath.

With such poor stamina, one wonders what mindset his classmates had when they sent him to the 5000-meter race.

Twenty-five minutes later, the other runners on the track had already finished the 5000 meters. However, Yang Shangfa was still running, walking, and stopping. By then, he had only covered 2100 meters, his face pale and lips blue, looking like he could be sent to the hospital at any moment.

The teacher in charge of the race could no longer bear to watch and said, "Student, the race can end now. You don't have to finish. Your perseverance is commendable!"

However, Yang Shangfa replied to the teacher, "Teacher, I am a man of my word. I will definitely finish the 5000 meters. Even if I have to crawl, I will reach the finish line!"

His stubbornness was like that of a mule, and no one could persuade him otherwise.

The teacher in charge of the race was on the verge of tears—damn it, you should consider the situation. There are still nine more rounds of the race. How long are you going to take to crawl to the finish line?

How long did Yang Shangfa take to finish? The answer is a full hour! Adding the previous 21 minutes, he took a total of one hour and 21 minutes. By then, the other tracks were already in the fourth round.

The teacher in charge of the race truly cried.

***

After finishing the race, Song Shuhang received a chaotic and enthusiastic celebration from his friends.

"Shuhang, I never thought you could run so fast! We've got the 5000-meter champion in the bag!" someone pounded Shuhang's back hard.

"I'm curious, did the cheers from the pretty girls really have such an effect? You and that big, dark guy were sprinting like mad."

"Of course, beautiful girls are always effective. That's why international competitions have cheerleaders!"

Song Shuhang smiled bitterly as his friends pummeled him with punches and slaps.

After a while, Li Yangde pulled him aside.

"I have news about the pharmacy you asked me to find," Yangde chuckled and handed over the addresses of four pharmacies. "These four pharmacies have the herbs your friend needs. This one, 'Yuanlong Herbal Shop,' has the most complete stock. They had a set of the four herbs you need in stock. Coincidentally, they sold a set yesterday, and the buyer has already placed an order for more. The owner is preparing to restock. If your friend needs it urgently, you should book it now to catch the restock."

"Thank you, Yangde." Song Shuhang took the addresses and focused on the address of the Yuanlong Herbal Shop. They had sold some yesterday and had a larger order booked.

These four rare herbs are rarely used together. Even if they are used, only one or two are needed.

To need all four and in large quantities, there was a 70% chance it was the Sect Master.

The clue, he had it!

"No problem, remember the fish head restaurant after the sports meet!" Li Yangde thought of the fish head restaurant and his mouth watered.

"I'll take care of it. I'll make sure you're satisfied. Yangde, I need to contact the owner of this pharmacy right away. No, I should go to the shop immediately. If I don't come back tonight, don't wait for me," Song Shuhang smiled.

"So urgent?" Li Yangde waved his hand, smiling. "Go quickly and come back soon."

Song Shuhang waved to Tubo and the others, put away the addresses, and quickly left the sports meet, even skipping the award ceremony.

Li Yangde scratched his head. "Is it a very close friend? He seems so anxious."

...

...

After Song Shuhang left, Lu Fei and a few girls approached Tubo and the others.

She looked around but didn't see Song Shuhang and asked curiously, "Eh? Where's Shuhang?"

"That guy left early for something. Is there something you need to talk to him about, Lu Fei?" Tubo stepped forward, looking serious.

"Nothing, I just wanted to congratulate him. Although the final results aren't out yet, Shuhang will definitely win the 5000-meter race," Lu Fei smiled generously.

As she spoke, she kept waving her small, white hands—today was so hot, and the sun was especially intense. This made her miss the coolness she felt when she was near Song Shuhang, which was even more comfortable than an air conditioner!

So, at least during this scorching summer, she had to find a way to stay close to Song Shuhang. They could break up in winter, right?

"That guy had to leave the school for something urgent. I'm sure he would be very happy to receive your congratulations, Lu Fei," Gao Moumou pushed his glasses up and said, "Also, Shuhang mentioned that after the sports meet, he would treat everyone to the Ten Fragrances Fish Head. Are you free, Lu Fei?"

Li Yangde gave a mental thumbs up: Gao Moumou, you did an amazing job!

"Really? I can go too?" Lu Fei looked surprised and then laughed heartily. "Sure, call me when it's time, I'll definitely come."

"Let's settle it then." Gao Moumou pushed his glasses up—Shuhang, I can only help you so much.

***

Song Shuhang first went to the dormitory and carefully took out the black iron flying sword given by Master Tongxuan. This sword was invisible and intangible, perfect for ambushes, and might come in handy.

Then, he brought a small bottle of body-strengthening liquid and the辟谷丸 (Piguhuan) he had only taken once.

The body-strengthening liquid could be used for cultivation and to replenish energy in emergencies. The Piguhuan could provide the necessary nutrients for survival at any time.

After preparing these items, he also took a flashlight-sized object from beside his bed. It was an electric baton modified by Tubo. He didn't know how effective it would be, but it made him feel more secure.

Finally, he carefully took the talismans provided by the Master of Seven Lives Talisman Manor. These twenty talismans were like a stabilizing force, allowing Song Shuhang to remain calm when facing the mysterious Sect Master.

The main goal of this trip was to find the Sect Master's whereabouts and determine his location.

If the Sect Master's condition was really poor and there was an opportunity, he would seize it and eliminate the threat.

With the talismans from the Master of Seven Lives Talisman Manor, even if he failed, he could at least save his own life.

If he failed, he would offer the 'Spirit Ghost' as a reward and ask the seniors in the group for help. In any case, he had to deal with the Sect Master and his gang!

No matter what, he was in a position where he couldn't lose. Since he couldn't lose, he would strive to win even more beautifully!