Chapter 64: Chapter 64 Conditions
Leopard Fetus Muscle-Changing Pills are made from precious and profoundly nourishing medicinal ingredients such as leopard fetus, deer fetus, and seal kidneys. These pills greatly benefit Martial Practitioners by aiding the accumulation of Vital Energy.
When Chen Ku easily extracted the leopard fetus from the mother leopard's corpse, his blade merely trembled with Force Power, and it was done. This was indeed Huang Gun's inherent ability: the Unity of Move and Force. This power, now coursing through him, not only allowed him to effortlessly master the integration of Force Power and Moves but also enabled him to instantly master the Lion Rolling Ball move of the Ox Splitting Knife Skill, reaching the Great Achievement level.
And just as Chen Ku temporarily experienced this Unity of Move and Force and his Great Achievement in the Ox Splitting Knife Skill, text appeared on the Transformation Diagram in his Heart Sea.
[Diagram Master satisfies one of the cultivation conditions for the Third Transformation]
The awakening condition of the Third Transformation Diagram?
Last time it was the same; when he touched the silver note of One Hundred Taels, it seemed to have triggered the condition and manifested itself.
Chen Ku immediately looked at it.
[Third Transformation Diagram]
[Awakening conditions: One thousand taels of silver, ten thousand catties of Crow Sink Sand, Great Achievement in one Force Transformation Martial Art, the Unity of Intent and Force realm, and ten catties of First Realm Demon blood.]
Chen Ku reviewed the conditions. Compared to previous transformations, the need for money—or rather, 'precious metals'—hadn't changed.
Crow Sink Sand was a precious, heavy sediment found beneath rivers, much denser than iron, and an important material required in forging certain weapons. He knew so much about it because a significant amount had been incorporated into his Nu Dragon Staff, making it incredibly heavy.
The requirement for a Martial Arts realm remained, and an additional personal realm requirement was added on top of it. Besides this, Evil Qi had now been replaced by ten catties of demon blood.
When he killed Huang Gun, he had obtained some information about power levels. Although he was still unclear about the specific categorizations above Inner Qi, he knew that a common Demon comparable to an Inner Qi expert was termed a 'First Realm Demon'.
However, as Chen Ku looked at the sequential conditions for the Transformation Diagram for the third time, he couldn't help but feel:
Besides the demands for my own Cultivation, why do the other requirements seem a bit like sacrifices?
Chen Ku couldn't figure it out. He just vaguely felt that when the Transformation Diagram had consumed money previously, it was as if it were devouring offerings on an altar. Now, in addition to gold, silver, and copper coins—precious metals—there was also demon blood...
An offering? A sacrifice using demon blood?
Could it be asking me to slay Demons and protect the Three Realms?
Chen Ku was amused by his own baseless thought.
Well, as long as it doesn't require my own blood, it's just demon blood, right? It should be obtainable at the Medicine King Hall; besides, it could also be bought with money.
Ultimately, it still boils down to making more money.
As long as there is money, many conditions can be achieved with it.
Suddenly, Chen Ku noticed a line of small script above the Third Transformation Diagram.
[From Three, All Things Are Born; At Seven, Change Is Certain]
(Note: After achieving the Third Transformation, the Divine Skill 'Fetus Transformation Refining Shape' will be derived.)
What does 'From Three, All Things Are Born; At Seven, Change Is Certain' mean? And what is 'Fetus Transformation Refining Shape'? I've heard of 'Fetus Transformation Shape Shifting'... one of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Divine Powers... Refining Shape and Shape Shifting...
Chen Ku, having read many books, had some conjectures but couldn't be entirely sure. Fetus Transformation Refining Shape and Fetus Transformation Shape Shifting—how big of a difference could a single word make?
'From Three, All Things Are Born; At Seven, Change Is Certain'? A Divine Skill appears with the third diagram? Could it be there's also a Divine Skill with the seventh diagram? Or even... the thirteenth and twenty-seventh as well?
Chen Ku felt an even greater anticipation for achieving the Third Transformation.
Money? I just recently found a way to earn money, but it was temporarily disrupted by the Huang Gun affair...
Chen Ku headed towards Ke Yansheng's house.
"What? You want to see how the bait mouse discerns medicine from poison?" Ke Yansheng asked, pausing in surprise upon hearing Chen Ku's request. "Why this sudden idea?"
Chen Ku touched his nose and said, "Elder Ke, have you forgotten? My pharmacology scores were also the highest. It's been over two months since I joined the Butcher Court, and I've only been involved in butchery. I haven't participated in the medicinal preparation process at all yet."
Seeing Chen Ku touch his nose, Ke Yansheng couldn't help but remember Chen Ku's terrifying talent in identifying medicinal properties that day.
There was a brief silence. It wasn't that he had forgotten this matter. The reason he regarded Chen Ku as a precious gem, aside from Chen Ku's Martial Talent, was precisely because of Chen Ku's talent as a Pharmacist, wasn't it? It was precisely because of this that he was confident Chen Ku could take on a leading role in the future, shouldering both the Pill Prescription and Martial Arts responsibilities of the Butcher Court.
However, the Pill Prescriptions and other formulas of the Medicine King Hall were all closely guarded secrets, even more precious than their Martial Arts techniques. Even the most common prescription or formula used by Martial Practitioners for training, including broth formulas, were worth three to five thousand taels of silver.
Why, you ask? These were the culmination of countless sacrifices by generation after generation, who personally tested drugs through poison ingestion, meticulously adjusted ratios, and passed down this knowledge over hundreds of years as their precious inheritance. To put it another way, even if the Medicine King Hall were destroyed by external forces one day, as long as these prescriptions still existed, it could easily re-establish itself anywhere. Therefore, these formulas could only be taught after one had officially become a Disciple and their status in the inheritance was formally established.
Chen Ku, of course, knew this, so he said, "Elder Ke, I'm not asking to participate in formulating any important Pill Prescriptions right now. I just want to observe general pharmacological practices. After all, in this domain, I currently only recognize some common medicinal materials. I want to build a more solid foundation and see if I can gain some inspiration from observing how the bait mouse discerns medicines."
Upon hearing this, Ke Yansheng no longer felt conflicted. If it was just observing ordinary diagnosis and prescription for common ailments, Chen Ku could indeed be allowed to participate. After all, formulas for things like the common cold were sometimes found in widely circulated medicinal chants.
"Alright then, I'll take you to see the pharmacy behind the Butcher Court. But how did you find out about the bait mouse?"
"Senior Brother Jiang mentioned it. I was curious; I heard this creature is quite remarkable."
Before long, Ke Yansheng had led Chen Ku to the pharmacy. This place comprised several rooms. Apprentices and workers would send processed beast medicines here to be ground and dried. Inside, designated Pharmacists formulated the medicines, while guards outside ensured no unauthorized person could access these rooms.
Chen Ku saw that the rooms were categorized into four grades: Heaven, Earth, Mystic, and Yellow.
"The beast medicine formulated in the 'Mystic' room already includes cultivation-aiding medicines like the Leopard Fetus Muscle-Changing Pills. You can start by observing in the 'Yellow' room; there's also a bait mouse there..."
After Ke Yansheng entered and greeted the people inside, he let Chen Ku in.
Inside, an elderly Pharmacist with white hair, wearing a melon-skin cap, was weighing Deer Antler powder with a scale, then carefully adjusting the amount with a small spoon...
"Is that the bait mouse?" Chen Ku's expression was one of astonishment.
The creature was about a foot long, resembling a large, gray-furred rat, but it had a rabbit's head and a large, bushy tail like a squirrel's. Most strangely, as it scampered around the cage, a patch of its belly was exposed and translucent, allowing one to clearly see its internal organs—the heart beating, the blood flowing.
So this is the bait mouse! No wonder it's used in medicine. Not only can it neutralize hundreds of poisons, but it also has a naturally transparent belly, like a built-in ultrasound!!
Chen Ku immediately stepped closer to scrutinize the small creature intently, memorizing its scent.
"Don't get too close. This creature is extremely valuable. For many years, the Medicine King Hall has only had a few of them, and they are used repeatedly," said the white-haired Pharmacist, Yao Yuan, his voice indifferent as he continued his work without turning around.
"Why not get more?" Chen Ku asked. "I heard they can be found near Two Realms Mountain."
Ke Yansheng sighed and said, "To be precise, it's not that they are found at Two Realms Mountain. This Strange Beast is native to the Yuan Country. It's only because Two Realms Mountain is close to Daji that this creature occasionally crosses the border, allowing it to be captured. But you know that's a border area; with national boundary markers in place, one cannot easily trespass..."
Chen Ku thought to himself: Cannot easily trespass? But aren't there many who smuggle goods across the border?
He knew Ke Yansheng's words were likely not the true reason. It was more probable that the Medicine King Hall was wary because these creatures were a sensitive matter, being a specialty of the Yuan Country. If they possessed too many, it would be tantamount to 'smuggling Strange Beasts and colluding with a foreign power,' a serious charge. Thus, they deliberately controlled the quantity to avoid giving anyone a pretext to accuse them.
Yet, from this, Chen Ku gleaned a crucial piece of information.
This meant... if this creature is a Strange Beast unique to the Yuan Country, then beyond Two Realms Mountain... could there be many bait mice there?
Chapter 65: Chapter 65: A Visit
Gloomy autumn rain had been falling for two or three days straight.
In an alleyway in the outer city.
"Constable Li, we've investigated thoroughly. Huang Gun stayed in that courtyard for two days... then someone went in. It looks like it was searched, but there are no signs of a fight..."
Li Yuancheng squatted in the alley, an Express Squad constable reporting the situation from the courtyard behind him. He paid no mind to the words of his disciple, Tong Xiaowu, who stood nearby. Instead, Li Yuancheng was absorbed in caressing the packed-earth bricks at his feet. Several of them were cracked...
CRACK!
Li Yuancheng's fingers tensed like an eagle's talons, prying up several of the packed-earth bricks. Beneath them, yellowish-black traces were visible, already melded with the soil.
"What is this?" his disciple, Tong Xiaowu, asked.
"Corpse-dissolving powder."
A sharp glint flickered in Li Yuancheng's eyes. "This must be where the body was destroyed and all traces obliterated. We can conclude that two people fought here. The one who died was most likely Huang Gun..."
Tong Xiaowu subconsciously asked, "But why, Master?"
Li Yuancheng, not hiding anything from his newly accepted disciple, rose to his feet and analyzed, "If the other person had died, Huang Gun's house wouldn't have been ransacked so thoroughly. Even if Huang Gun intended to flee the county town, he would have only concealed the traces of his stay here. Why would it be like this?"
Tong Xiaowu pondered for a moment. "So, Master, you mean someone ambushed and killed Huang Gun at the entrance to his small, detached courtyard, then used corpse-dissolving powder to eliminate his body, leaving us with no traces? If that's the case, why would they intentionally search his courtyard and leave traces of that search?"
Li Yuancheng sighed. "Traces of a search only prove that Huang Gun was indeed killed by someone else. But after the corpse-dissolving powder eliminated the body, how Huang Gun was killed, with what weapon, using which sect's Martial Arts, or even the opponent's Cultivation level... all these remain unsolved mysteries. With only the traces of a ransacked courtyard, there's simply no way to begin."
"Then can't we investigate the origin of the corpse-dissolving powder?" Tong Xiaowu asked without thinking. "That kind of Poison is complex and shouldn't be easy to buy."
Li Yuancheng glanced at his disciple. "Corpse-dissolving powder is indeed hard for ordinary people to obtain. But... don't forget who Huang Gun was. And who reported the case, insisting that we arrest Huang Gun? Furthermore, these past few days, a few of my informants in the black market told me that someone has put a bounty on Huang Gun."
Tong Xiaowu shivered. "Medicine King Hall?"
Li Yuancheng took a deep breath. "Say no more... This case isn't major to begin with. If it involves the people behind Medicine King Hall, it's not something a Deputy Constable like me, or a few young constables like you, can investigate. Don't bring trouble upon yourselves."
"Then what do we do?"
"Return to the county government office. Report the on-site intelligence and analysis to the County Magistrate in full detail, and await his decision. If the County Magistrate wishes to investigate further, it will become a case for the Blade King himself."
There were certain things Li Yuancheng found difficult to explain clearly to his disciple. For instance, Baojiao County's annual tax revenue came primarily from three major sources: Medicine King Hall, the Fish and Dragon Association, and the Firewood Iron Shop, along with commercial taxes from other guilds. Medicine King Hall alone contributed seven hundred thousand taels in taxes each year. If Medicine King Hall was truly just cleaning its own house, the County Magistrate would likely turn a blind eye and close the case. After all, why would the county government go to bat for someone like Huang Gun and launch an investigation into Medicine King Hall?
Moreover, rumors circulated about an Imperial Envoy, Tan Chongrui, commissioned by the Imperial Court. He was supposedly coming to Baojiao County to pilot reforms and seemed determined to target its unified officials, gentry, and major clans. At such a critical time, the officials and major Shopkeepers in the Yamen were too busy banding together for mutual protection to even consider turning on one another. How could they provide Tan Qingtian with an opening?
"Wait, Master, if the County Magistrate really closes the case just like that, I'm afraid Huang Muxia, the 'Golden-faced Tiger' from the Twin Rivers Guild—one of the Top Ten Experts of Baojiao County and a member of the Dragon Tiger Leopard group—won't let it go so easily..."
After Tong Xiaowu finished speaking, the legend of the Golden-faced Tiger made him instinctively shrink his neck.
In Baojiao County, the top echelon comprised a handful of powerful and capable individuals. They naturally branched out among the large families and, holding high positions, brought along their kin and friends, formed cliques, and attracted followers. The Huang Family and the Twin Rivers Guild, although not comparable in status to the three major giants in the county, were, in a sense, indispensable middlemen for all families and households.
The so-called Twin Rivers Guild referred to merchants from the Jiangnan and Jiangdong regions, south of the Daji Dynasty. These merchants traveled north to various provinces, prefectures, and counties to conduct business, their presence spanning all thirteen provinces of the Daji. They united fellow townsmen and established trade hubs, also known as guildhouses, to consolidate merchants for external trade. They were also known as the "Broker Guild" or "Intermediary Guild," terms signifying their role as middlemen.
This Guild Leader, Huang Muxia, hailed from Jiangdong. Over a hundred years ago, his grandfather, Huang Wenlin, came to Baojiao County with fellow clansmen to do business. Later, his grandfather went bankrupt, and the family fell into poverty; they were not from a martial arts lineage. It wasn't until Huang Muxia was twelve that he accidentally became a disciple of an Escort at the local Mingyuan Escort Bureau, thus embarking on the Martial Path. After three years, he completed his apprenticeship. Due to his exceptional Talent, he then became a disciple under the renowned boxer 'Divine Hand Yu Zhankui' of Qiu Dragon Mansion, acquiring the Divine Hand Ultimate Techniques.
After turning twenty, dissatisfied with his current achievements, he left Qiu Dragon. He wandered south and north, honing his craft by visiting renowned masters. He successively learned the martial arts of nine famous experts, eventually merging and mastering all these skills. Finally, at the age of thirty-one, he returned home in glory. That same year, he became the Head of the Huang Family. Afterward, he often sparred with the leaders of other martial arts gyms and remained undefeated, further enhancing his Skill and reputation. He eventually took control of the Twin Rivers Guild, the trade hub connecting various guilds in Baojiao County, and became its Sect Leader.
He was known as the Golden-faced Tiger, Huang Muxia, ranked eighth among Baojiao County's top experts—a rare practitioner at the Meridian-Opening Realm.
Li Yuancheng, hearing his disciple's muttering, placed a hand on his Sharp Blade. "That's business between Medicine King Hall and the Twin Rivers Guild. It has nothing to do with us. Don't aim for the sky when you're small. Pack up."
Despite saying so, he couldn't help thinking of his younger brother-in-law. I must find an opportunity to caution him. After all, my return as Deputy Constable was largely thanks to Chen Ku. He taught me that if the two families clash, I must be extremely careful to protect myself. It wasn't easy getting out of the countryside.
Meanwhile, Li Yuancheng dismissed his team and returned to file an investigation report.
「Not long after.」
Inside Medicine King Hall, Chen Ku was in the pharmacy. Having obtained the scent of a bait mouse, he had let Skinny Dog out the previous night. With his Cultivation Realm now significantly advanced, he could let Skinny Dog roam for a full day and night without it tiring. If the dog pushed itself, it could even last two days. He was just waiting for Skinny Dog to cross the border and bring back a few more bait mice.
He had inquired about the price of a bait mouse on the black market. Since the outbreak of typhoid fever in the countryside, the price had already risen to over Three Hundred Taels. In a few more days, it might increase further. Originally, Chen Ku was also worried about his relatives in the countryside. If he could get more bait mice, it would be sufficient. He could either sell them, keep them as lifelines for his own family, or use the money earned to buy a large mansion in the Inner City and relocate his entire family there.
Just as Chen Ku was taking the opportunity to study pharmacology.
BOOM!
A sudden, loud crash echoed from the main hall outside the Medicine King Hall, as if something had collapsed. Immediately after, the agitated voices of shop attendants spread through the various courtyards.
"Something big has happened! Chief Huang from the Twin Rivers Guild has arrived with his disciples for a visit..."
Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Yang the Invincible
The shouts outside announced, "Twin Rivers Guild! Chief Huang!"
Chen Ku stood up, a subconscious sense of unease washing over him. The name "Huang" particularly unsettled him, immediately making him think of Huang Gun. At the same time, he recalled what the Twin Rivers Guild did in Baojiao County. An Intermediary Guild. In modern terms, it's a business association for middlemen, helping merchants sell their goods. It could connect to any industry and assist in selling anything, from introducing transactions, providing storage and accommodation, to self-operated buying and selling, acting as guarantors, debt collection, and handling transportation, loading, and customs declaration. There were tea brokers, medicine brokers, iron brokers, grain brokers... In the past, there was also a term: human trafficker. They organized the sale of people in various places. Beyond that, the biggest distinction was between official and private intermediaries. Official intermediaries possessed an intermediary license issued by the Yamen. One needed certain assets or connections to become an official intermediary, granting them trading rights for important controlled commodities like salt, iron, medicine, and grain.
So that 'intermediary' silver plaque on Huang Gun's body means *this*. Chen Ku's heart tightened slightly. Although he believed he had been flawless, even dissolving the corpse, he was still worried his actions might be exposed. Thus, he didn't immediately join the departing crowd, remaining prepared to escape at any moment. He waited until he heard the other apprentices shouting.
"Instructor Chai is so imposing! He directly stopped those people at the martial arts training ground! How outrageous! What right does the Twin Rivers Guild have to act like this? Huang Gun is dead, and that's that. How dare they come to Medicine King Hall, overstepping their bounds and demanding an explanation!"
Hearing this, a thought flickered through Chen Ku's mind. It seems... this isn't directed at me, but at Medicine King Hall? In that case, should I take a look?
Chen Ku followed the others to the martial arts training ground. He saw it was already firmly surrounded by hundreds of apprentices and workers from Medicine King Hall, including instructors. Even the three Shopkeepers had all arrived.
Chen Ku quietly assessed the expert in the crowd. The man's face was square, exuding a natural authority. His complexion had a faint golden hue, and he wore a gleaming, oil-green jacket. Though not tall, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, yet he seemed like a great spear poised to pierce the heavens, radiating an intense sharpness.
In front of this man stood Instructor Chai Bao of Medicine King Hall's Guardian Hall. With the head of a leopard and eyes like rings, arms of an ape and a waist like a wasp, he looked furious, holding a Green Gang Python Sinew Bow.
"Chief Huang," Chai Bao said, "with such a grand display, have you come to Medicine King Hall to issue a challenge? If so, I, Chai, will oblige."
Unexpectedly, this eighth-ranked strongman of the county, Huang Muxia, merely lifted his eyelids. He glanced at Chai Bao, then dismissed him, his gaze passing over Chai Bao to settle on the three Shopkeepers standing behind him.
Huang Muxia stared at Second Shopkeeper Zhang Yuanhai and said gravely, "Zhang Yuanhai, I am here today for one thing only: did you order Huang Gun's assassination?"
Upon hearing this question, Chen Ku's heart relaxed. It really isn't about me.
RUSTLE~
At this moment, in the martial arts courtyard, everyone's gaze turned to Second Shopkeeper Zhang Yuanhai. This included Store Manager Qin Sifan and Third Shopkeeper Cao Shouxiong, whose eyes also flickered slightly.
Zhang Yuanhai was inwardly furious. Even if I said similar things in front of you two, you can't be so obvious about it! Besides, I haven't even heard back from the people I sent.
However, at this time, whether he was responsible or not, he couldn't afford to leave any opening for the other party. He frowned slightly and said, "Chief Huang, your words are quite disrespectful. Not long ago, Huang Gun was accused by a Nameless Person of embezzlement and subsequently fled, his whereabouts unknown. Medicine King Hall has already reported the case to the Yamen. Why do you claim Huang Gun is dead? And why do you say Medicine King Hall is responsible?"
"He was a member of the Huang Family," Huang Muxia countered. "When someone dies, their family must be notified. Why are you still feigning ignorance?"
Huang Muxia crossed his arms, the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes twitching as he stared intensely at Zhang Yuanhai. "He died in the Mud Tile Alley outside the city, his body obliterated by corpse-dissolving powder, leaving not even a complete corpse! Medicine King Hall, you've gone too far! Even if he was guilty of embezzlement, once you reported it, the Yamen should have handled it. Such a crime never warrants death, yet you escalated it to murder!"
The implication was clear: investigate, yes; arrest, yes; but you don't kill the man! Embezzlement alone is not a capital offense! He was, after all, a member of the Huang Family! Did they think the Huang Family was a mere decoration? Especially with the clan elders pushing, they had to demand an explanation!
Store Manager Qin Sifan's face was as dark as water. Medicine King Hall holds such a high status, yet today we're being berated like this? Whether we did it or not is one thing, but even if Second Brother *did* send someone, we could never admit it.
He then said, "And just because of this, you conclude that Medicine King Hall committed murder? Leading so many from the Twin Rivers Guild to our doorstep—Chief Huang, you are being overly presumptuous and rude!"
This statement carried genuine anger. If Old Monk Yang hadn't left to investigate the Peace Path matter, if Elder Yang were here, this would have been settled with a swing of his staff long ago. Who would need to reason with them then?
Huang Muxia retorted, "Arbitrary? In all of Baojiao County, corpse-dissolving powder is most easily produced by your Medicine King Hall. Furthermore, you have the strongest motive for murder and silencing a witness." After Huang Muxia calmly stated this, his tone turned cold as he addressed Zhang Yuanhai directly:
"Especially you, Zhang Yuanhai! Do you think I don't know? When you were first transferred here from Qiu Dragon Mansion to be a Shopkeeper, you were alone, with no one under your command. You came to the Twin Rivers Guild seeking my help, invoking connections and asking me, for your family's sake, to assign someone capable to you. So, I sent Huang Gun. Over these past few years, how many secrets that Huang Gun shouldn't have known passed between you two? You have the greatest motive to silence him by death!"
As these words were spoken, countless apprentices and instructors began to look at Zhang Yuanhai with suspicion.
Zhang Yuanhai's face turned ashen. Even if I *wanted* to kill him, I didn't actually do it! Being so blatantly accused by Huang Muxia was intolerable. He suddenly roared, "Insolent! Audacious! Utter nonsense! Instructor Chai! Drive him out immediately!"
Although Chai Bao was also somewhat swayed by Huang Muxia's words, he knew that if he didn't act now, Huang Muxia would tear Medicine King Hall's reputation to shreds and trample it underfoot.
"Please leave!" Chai Bao swiftly drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and aimed directly at Huang Muxia.
"It's one of the Six Ultimate Skills, the 'Sky Eagle Eight Arrows' of the Guardian Hall!" someone exclaimed.
Everyone around Chen Ku exclaimed in amazement.
However, in the very instant Chai Bao drew his bow, Huang Muxia's figure suddenly shot forward.
"Are you qualified to make me leave?"
The two were initially separated by over thirty meters. With that leap, Huang Muxia was like a fierce tiger with wings; he unleashed Teleportation, crossing forty to fifty meters in an instant.
So fast! Chen Ku only saw a blur. Is the Realm beyond Inner Qi so incredible? Fast enough to surpass any animal, even a cheetah!
WHOOSH!
In an instant, gusts of wind filled Huang Muxia's sleeves. His sweeping palm strike was like a great saber whistling through the air on a battlefield.
SWOOSH!
Almost simultaneously with Huang Muxia's movement, Chai Bao loosed the arrow from his bow like a flash of lightning, but it pierced only an afterimage.
Chai Bao's expression flickered.
BANG!!
In the next instant, the two men collided. An arrow, stained with blood, flew off into the distance. Huang Muxia, however, had already brought his hand down like a cleaver onto the Green Gang Python Sinew Bow that Chai Bao held up to block.
CRACK!
The precious Green Gang Python Sinew Bow, worth a thousand gold pieces, was seized by Huang Muxia. With a twist, he snapped the bowstring and wrenched the bow from Chai Bao's grasp.
BANG!
Another instant, and Chai Bao was sent staggering back nearly ten meters. Huang Muxia had only a bloody scratch on his arm—a superficial wound—while Chai Bao had been knocked back. Victory and defeat were decided in that single exchange.
"In this wretched county," Huang Muxia declared, "among the so-called top ten experts, I utterly despise that ridiculous 'Counselor, Sharp Blade, Dragon, Tiger, Leopard' jingle. However, the county government office ranked me eighth and you ninth. That alone proves the gap between us. Besides..." He glanced at the Treasure Bow he had seized. "I specialize in hand-to-hand combat; you specialize in archery. At three hundred meters, you might have an advantage. But at a mere thirty-odd meters, you use a bow while I use my fists? How could you possibly be faster than me?"
With that, he contemptuously tossed the Treasure Bow to the ground and stepped on it. He then declared in a deep voice, "If Medicine King Hall doesn't give me an explanation today—clarify exactly how Huang Gun died—this matter won't be over! The Twin Rivers Guild will settle scores with you here today!"
At this moment, Chen Ku stared at Huang Muxia's bleeding arm. In just three to five breaths... the strongman's wound had already begun to heal and scab over.
His pupils contracted in shock. Such terrifying self-healing speed! Is he even human? Could it be that cultivators in the Realm above Inner Qi all possess such monstrous regenerative abilities?
At this moment, everyone else in Medicine King Hall was also enraged. They looked towards the three Shopkeepers. Although the earlier exchange had been too fast for most to see clearly, one thing was evident: Instructor Chai had been defeated.
Paradoxically, this defeat galvanized them. United in shared indignation, they gathered closer, looking to the three Shopkeepers, seemingly waiting for a command to erupt into a massive guild brawl.
Chen Ku reasoned inwardly, There's no escaping this situation. I might as well just go through the motions and fight if I have to.
But just as the tension in the air, thick as gunpowder, was about to ignite...
"Does Medicine King Hall need to explain its actions to a whelp like you, little tiger?"
A voice came from the arched entrance of the martial arts training ground, and then a tall, elderly man walked in. He carried an indigo dragon head stick. With each step he took, perfectly synchronized with his breathing, small whirlwinds seemed to stir in the air around him, as if his respiration itself was disturbing the airflow.
"Yang Luochen!"
A man's reputation, like a tree's shadow, precedes him!
Chapter 67: Chapter 67 Realm
The martial arts field suddenly fell silent.
It was Yang Luochen. The tall old man, carrying a dragon head stick, walked over leisurely.
This is none other than Elder Yang, the master of the Furious Ape Mighty Staff Martial Arts. In terms of Martial Arts cultivation, he ranks as the second most distinguished figure in the city...
This was Chen Ku's first encounter with this Elder Yang, also nicknamed "North Yang."
A person's reputation precedes them.
Especially this towering elder, who was effectively the guardian god of the Medicine King Hall and the ballast that steadied the ship.
In this city, in terms of Martial Arts cultivation, he was second to only one person yet stood above tens of thousands.
Not only did the apprentices and assistants of the Medicine King Hall instantaneously feel like they had found their backbone, but the assistants of the Twin Rivers Guild also involuntarily held their breath, anxiously watching their Sect leader.
Just now, as the eighth contender, their Sect leader had used two moves to beat back Instructor Chai Bao, breaking the bow in his hand.
There had indeed been the advantage of proximity, which the Sect leader himself acknowledged.
But the ranking of strength was an undeniable, ironclad fact.
Now...
This figure from Baojiao County, second only to one and revered by tens of thousands, had appeared. The gap between him and their Sect leader was far more than just a single place in the rankings...
Everyone couldn't help but feel unease rise in their hearts.
"Master Yang."
Huang Muxia's expression remained unchanged as he watched the tall elder carry the staff over. He calmly said, "Out of respect for you as my senior, I urge you not to be overly rude. Your Medicine King Hall secretly eliminated members of my Huang Family first. As the head of the Huang Clan and the Sect leader of a guild, it is only just for me to seek an explanation from you."
"What right do you have?!"
The tall elder stood a head taller than Huang Muxia, revealing his large white teeth as he spoke, "Let me repeat: not only do you lack evidence, but even if you had it, and even if the Medicine King Hall really did it, it's because those with the Huang surname weren't clean themselves. Why should I owe you, a little whelp, any explanation?"
With these words, Chen Ku secretly gave a thumbs up.
True to Master Yang's nature!
After all, under the rule of the Daji Dynasty, the law still held sway. Especially when the Imperial Court controlled such immense power and martial might, the authority of the law was not to be underestimated. It was even more intimidating than in his previous life, as it was backed by the iron fist of the Imperial Court's Martial Path.
Therefore, even if murder could be committed in secret, one would never dare to so brazenly declare they were "cleaning house" by killing someone, admit to it so frankly, and then add, "Do I need to explain to you?" like Master Yang just did.
All the assistants and apprentices of the Medicine King Hall had faces gleaming with excitement.
The three Shopkeepers, on the other hand, remained calm, treating it as a normal occurrence.
"Master Yang!" Huang Muxia called out, his tone more forceful. "It is your prerogative not to provide an explanation, Master Yang; you certainly have the standing for it. But I must seek one regardless. Otherwise, how could I command respect? How could I face my family upon my return?"
Upon hearing this, the three Shopkeepers looked at each other, seemingly coming to an understanding.
Cao Shouxiong glanced at Elder Yang, preparing to speak.
He had understood.
Huang Muxia was here to find a way to save face, and only Master Yang could provide that.
Jianghu was all about social interactions and etiquette. Huang Gun wasn't important, but some things had to be done for the sake of appearances.
Otherwise, he couldn't lead a sect; others would condemn him as a coward, too timid to stand up for his own people, and his reputation would be ruined.
However, the tall elder, his back to them, grinned as he listened to Huang Muxia's words. He then said, "Fine. Since that's what you mean, this old man will test you."
"Please set forth the challenge, Master Yang."
Huang Muxia flung the front of his long robe aside, his left leg leaning forward and slightly bent. His right hand, half-clenched, was held before his chest. His entire body lowered as he adopted a fighting stance. "Muxia seeks instruction."
"Stop with the fighting stance. Your stance is indeed interesting, but with one swing of my staff, there are only two outcomes: one, you're turned into mincemeat, and the other, you're turned into paste. So don't waste your effort."
Yang Luochen planted his dragon head stick into the ground with one hand, sinking it an inch deep. He said, "Considering the Martial Arts and cultivation you've achieved aren't easy to come by, let's do this. You come over and try to move this Water-Fire Dragon Head Staff in my hand. If you can shift it even the slightest bit, I'll have the Medicine King Hall give you an explanation. If you can't..."
"I will leave at once," Huang Muxia agreed without hesitation.
Chen Ku stared at the dragon head stick, held by Master Yang and planted in the ground, astonished by the bet between the two men.
Is that staff incredibly heavy, or is it due to Master Yang's own cultivation Realm? How dare he make such a bet?
Chen Ku now possessed strength exceeding 14,000 jin. Even wielding a Refined Iron Dragon Stick that weighed a thousand jin, he would never dare claim that someone with only a thousand jin of strength couldn't move it even slightly. After all, it was standing upright; finding the right point of leverage would be enough to topple it.
So how strong must Master Yang's grip be for him to say such a thing?
Huang Muxia moved.
He walked up to the tall old man and stared at the staff before him, pondering. He first moved to the left, then... to the right.
He reached out his hand three times, only to pull it back each time.
Just as everyone was puzzled, Huang Muxia suddenly splayed his fingers and pressed down on the head of the Water-Fire Dragon Head Staff, attempting to push it downwards...
A mighty rush of Blood Qi converged on his fingertips; all his strength, Force Power, and Blood Qi surged into the attempt.
The result, however, was that the tall old man's eyes flashed with brilliance. His body suddenly expanded, instantaneously growing into a two-meter-tall giant. His wide robes swelled, yet his hands and the staff remained at their original height.
Huang Muxia's eyes narrowed. He stepped back in shock, releasing his hand. "Transforming Tendons and Bones, enlarging the body, swelling of flesh and organs... Inner Strength? Has Master Yang reached the Realm of Inner Strength?!"
"Inner Strength!!"
Chen Ku instantly heard exclamations around him, especially from the masters. "Master Yang has reached the Fifth Realm of Inner Strength! He has broken through!"
The Fifth Realm? Inner Strength?
Amidst the voices of the masters, Chen Ku heard Ke Yansheng's and immediately slipped over to his side, seizing the opportunity to ask, "Master Ke, what is Inner Strength?"
Ke Yansheng initially didn't want to respond. But, turning his head and seeing Chen Ku, he pondered for a moment and said, "This was meant to be a secret that comes after Inner Qi; I hadn't planned to tell you beforehand. However, since today marks Master Yang's moment of divine revelation, come closer..."
After listening to Ke Yansheng's softly imparted teachings, Chen Ku finally understood the Realms following Inner Qi.
Inner Qi, Mystic Barrier, Jade Skin, Meridian-Opening, Inner Strength.
"What about after that?" Chen Ku seized the opportunity to continue asking. "Is that it?"
Ke Yansheng shook his head and said, "The Martial Arts and Cultivation Techniques of the Medicine King Hall can only be cultivated to the Fifth Realm, Inner Strength. It's also the highest level anyone in Baojiao County can achieve. Originally, there was only one person... now..."
He looked towards Master Yang. Now there was one more.
On the martial arts field, Huang Muxia had already taken several steps backward, his eyes filled with solemn admiration. "Master Yang, I congratulate you. News of today's events will likely spread throughout the city by this afternoon. When that happens, the story of me attempting to move your dragon head stick here today will surely become a tale fondly recounted by the townsfolk and in the common Martial Forest. As for the matter concerning Huang Gun, let us consider it settled. I am outmatched in strength and utterly convinced."
With that, he led the people from the Twin Rivers Guild back to their residence.
"WHOOSH!!" The assistants and apprentices of the Medicine King Hall all shouted excitedly.
At this time, the three Shopkeepers excitedly approached Yang Luochen. "Master Yang, when did you break through?" "Why did you even keep it from us?"
Just as they were asking, Yang Luochen's form shrank back to normal. A trickle of fresh blood spilled from the corner of his mouth as he said, "Cover for me a bit; don't let the young ones see... It was just half a day ago."
The three Shopkeepers were shocked and immediately surrounded Yang Luochen.
They saw Yang Luochen gently lift the front of his robe, revealing a patch of skin on his chest that was burned and blistered, as if by an explosion.
"What—what happened here?" Cao Shouxiong was shocked.
Yang Luochen closed his robe again, grimacing in pain. He said gruffly, "Damn it! We encountered Demon People. Little Shang is hurt even worse than I am; he's currently lying in the Butcher Court... barely hanging on to life. If I hadn't desperately fought to break through that pass, I reckon we two old codgers would have been done for, left there completely."
Chapter 68: Chapter 68 Sinking Sand
The three shopkeepers were all startled when they heard Yang Luochen's statements:
"Demon People?"
"Elder Shang is seriously injured?"
"What on earth happened?"
"Elder Yang, are you alright?"
The three of them asked anxiously.
Yang Luochen waved his hand and said, "My injury is minor. I just need to take some medicine and regulate my qi and blood. I'll be fine in three to five days. Elder Shang's situation is a bit more difficult. Arrange for Pharmacists to consult as soon as possible. Also, we must report the matter of the Demon People to the county government office..."
Chen Ku, from a distance, overheard bits and pieces with his Skinny Dog ears.
Demon People?
He had originally thought that today's conflict had been easily resolved. Now, he realized there were bigger issues ahead. Even Master Yang, a person of such great skill, had been injured, and Elder Shang was seriously wounded...
Suddenly, an invisible sense of urgency and oppression weighed down on his heart.
Is something big going to happen in Baojiao County?
It had to be said that the day's events, just as Huang Muxia had predicted, quickly spread throughout the city.
North Yang planted his staff so firmly that Huang Muxia, even exerting all his strength, could not budge it. This kind of incident was prime material for the most beloved stories in many Martial Forest tales.
However, nobody thought any less of Huang Muxia because of this. It was, after all, a confrontation between two individuals with a vast disparity in their abilities. Furthermore, the news that Yang Luochen's Martial Arts had advanced, making him one of only two Inner Strength Realm experts in the city, caused an even greater sensation. In the path of Martial Arts, after all, a hair's breadth of difference could mean a world of disparity. Baojiao County, with its population of one hundred thousand households, currently had only two experts at the Five Realms Inner Strength Level. No matter how Huang Muxia lost, it wasn't a disgrace.
This was also the outcome Huang Muxia had sought. He knew very well that with North Yang presiding over Medicine King Hall, even if he led his men to attack, he wouldn't gain any advantage. So, by breaking Chai Bao's bow and then naturally losing to North Yang, no one could say a word against him.
The matter regarding Huang Gun was thus settled.
Within the largest estate in Baojiao County, covering dozens of acres and featuring a pond with a small pavilion in its center, sat the man who held the most power and strength in the city—Shangguan Yun.
He had just placed his silver chopsticks on the exquisite antique dishes. From the large table laden with delicacies, he had taken only a few bites, leaving the rest untouched.
Shangguan Yun wiped his mouth with a fine silk handkerchief, tossing it casually aside. This pale-faced, well-nourished seventh-rank official closed his eyes, having just listened to the news delivered from Medicine King Hall.
"Peace Path... Talisman Paper? Demon Art? What kind of organization has sprung up out of nowhere?"
Sitting across the table, Counselor Su You, mirroring Shangguan Yun's action, also placed his chopsticks aside and calmly analyzed, "Our Daji Dynasty was founded on martial might. Of all on this land, we are the most orthodox Martial Path dynasty, abhorring mystical heresies. Indeed, some foreign cultivation philosophies have spread here, attempting to corrupt the martial orthodoxy by preaching and teaching their ways. If such heretics were found in the Central Plains, it would indeed warrant immediate military action to suppress them. However, this is a far-flung border area, distant from the emperor's watchful eye. How to deal with it, sir, is ultimately your decision."
"According to Yang Luochen, those people's own physiques aren't very good, yet they can obtain a form of Divine Power by affixing talismans to themselves. Some talismans can even explode, more powerful than gunpowder. Even with the skill levels of Yang Luochen and Shang Yunfang, they were helpless when facing dozens of such Talisman Papers thrown at them at once."
Shangguan Yun's gaze flickered slightly. "It sounds like something that can be mass-produced? But I wonder how its power compares to the Divine Force Crossbows of our Baojiao City Guards?"
The Divine Force Crossbow was a standard military weapon of the Daji Dynasty. Private forging by civilians was strictly forbidden; being caught was tantamount to rebellion, punishable by the execution of one's entire family. Even the most common Divine Force Crossbow could penetrate armor from two hundred paces away. Even the Baojiao City Guards possessed only twenty such crossbows in total. If fired simultaneously, their combined power was something no Martial Practitioner in Baojiao County could withstand. Even Shangguan Yun, considered invincible in the city, couldn't guarantee he'd survive an attack from twenty Divine Force Crossbows fired at him at once.
Yet now, these Talisman Papers, though perhaps less powerful than a Divine Force Crossbow, seemed much easier to manufacture.
Seeing Shangguan Yun's expression, Counselor Su You guessed what the official was thinking and said, "Next spring, after Grandmaster Jin Chui's arrival, perhaps we'll know more."
"Then we'll wait until next year to suppress them. There's no rush."
Except for the few words overheard by Chen Ku, none of the other apprentices or staff knew about Shang Yunfang's serious injury. Chen Ku didn't dare to ask about it proactively either... He could only observe that Ke Yansheng's expression remained quite somber over the next few days.
In his heart, he couldn't help but guess: No way! As the largest apothecary in the city, Medicine King Hall can't even save its own Elder Shang?
But he could only speculate based on Ke Yansheng's expressions and mood.
Two or three days later, he saw Master Ke's expression relax somewhat, which eased Chen Ku's mind; it signified that Elder Shang's condition must have stabilized.
It was normal for Chen Ku to be concerned. After all, Medicine King Hall had three main courtyards. If the Butcher Court lost its central pillar, Elder Shang, his own days would become difficult.
Once his worries and anxieties about this matter subsided, Chen Ku redirected his thoughts back to himself.
Last night, Skinny Dog returned. Although it came back empty-handed, the memories it conveyed showed that over the past ten days or so, it had sniffed out a lair of bait mice, containing at least seven or eight of them. Now, all I need is for Skinny Dog to stake out that spot; there's no need to keep scouring the mountainside. Seven or eight... let's say eight. If I could catch them all, that would be assets worth two to three thousand taels! Enough to sell, offer to the Transformation Diagram, buy a house in the Inner City, or even open a shop...
Chen Ku walked out of Medicine King Hall. Now, I should go inquire about the sources and prices of crow sink sand.
How much money would it take to buy ten thousand catties of crow sink sand?
Shortly after, he arrived at an average-sized blacksmith shop in the outer city.
Salt and iron were both important assets. With the government's approval, one could gain mining qualifications, though this definitely required connections within the Imperial Court. Only with an official edict from the Imperial Court could one purchase mountains, land, rivers, and other such state-owned territories for mining and smelting.
Because of the great significance behind iron, the Firewood Iron Shop was the only entity that could not monopolize the iron trade. Otherwise, if the Firewood Iron Shop were to rebel, it would be disastrous. Therefore, to maintain a balance, while the Firewood Iron Shop had the right to smelt iron, many private mines and kilns also existed both inside and outside the city. However, the majority of resources were still controlled by official kilns and mines.
"You want to buy crow sink sand? We have it. How much do you need?"
The sign of this Iron Bank indicated it wasn't affiliated with the Firewood Iron Shop; it was started by a man named Liu Mazha. He owned a small mine in Feng Manor of Baojiao County, hence the shop was named Liu Mazha Iron Shop. It didn't forge iron, only sold iron materials.
"What's the price for crow sink sand?" Chen Ku knew his Refined Iron Dragon Stick contained crow sink sand but wasn't aware of the specific price.
The assistant at the Iron Bank led him directly to a cluttered backyard, pointing at sand inside a stone trough, about the volume of an overturned sea-bowl. "This bowlful is five hundred catties. The going rate is three money of silver per catty of crow sink sand. So, five hundred catties come to one hundred and fifty taels of silver. If you take it all, I'll give you a discount; call it one hundred and forty taels."
So, a bowl-sized amount actually weighed five hundred catties; that was indeed characteristic of crow sink sand. The word 'sink' in its name said it all.
Chen Ku shuddered when he heard the price of the crow sink sand. That meant ten thousand catties of crow sink sand would cost three thousand taels of silver.
"That expensive?" Chen Ku looked at the assistant.
The assistant explained, "Crow sink sand is a top-quality material for forging Weapons. It's a type of extremely heavy iron sand, formed when the Great Dragon River washed it down from Iron Prison Mountain thousands of years ago, following changes in the earth's crust, and deposited it beneath its waters. Later on, the Great Dragon River changed its course within Yuan Country, so it no longer washes down this sand. That's why the crow sink sand we dredge from beneath the Dragon River's silt becomes scarcer the more we collect. Furthermore, the crow sink sand that accumulated in certain areas has long since become actual sand mines, which have been demarcated and claimed. Those waters all have owners. These five hundred catties we have were also acquired through trade. If you find it too expensive and only need a small amount, you might as well grab a sieve and try panning for it yourself on the riverbanks. See if you can even find one catty in a whole year!"
Chen Ku didn't reply but turned and walked out.
Dig for it myself? If I have to dig it myself, then I will dig it myself... How is it different from picking herbs in the mountains? I might not have the talent for finding sand mines, but it's not like there are no underwater creatures. Besides, I still have that Crocodile Fiend transformation I haven't used yet.
Chapter 69: Chapter 69 Evolution
In the small courtyard.
Chen Ku held the Thousand Jin Staff, thrusting it forward. The Force Power in his hands continually shifted, seemingly transforming the Refined Iron Nu Dragon Staff into a vortex that constantly sucked in the air currents from the yard.
Finally, he swung the staff!
BOOM!
A water-jar-sized airflow, like a balloon, formed tangible ripples in the air and exploded with a shockwave.
WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH!!
In an instant, it blasted the fine dust in the air and the mud underfoot, hurtling them in all directions!
"Unity of Move and Force! My own Unity of Move and Force has finally been mastered!" Chen Ku looked at the power of this strike with satisfaction.
With the Unity of Move and Force, this move can be considered to have reached entry-level.
The Swallowing Force within the Skyward Strike had finally been unleashed by him without relying on the Huang Gun Transformation. Of course, this was inseparable from the experience gained from the Huang Gun Transformation.
Imagine, when the Huang Gun Transformation was active, it was like inviting a deity into one's body; he would fully understand what Unity of Move and Force was all about. Even the best True Seedlings from the top martial arts schools, or those from the guilds, enjoyed immensely superior environments for training in martial arts and Force Power. For example, some had masters like Ke Yansheng personally helping them temper their force, which was already a rare training aid. But none offered aid as direct as the transformational Force Power of the Huang Gun Transformation. Even when he was no longer using the Huang Gun Transformation, the experience remained etched in his heart forever.
With the Unity of Move and Force achieved, the next step is the Unity of Intent and Force. I have the Fundamental Diagram... it bears the Divine Intent of the Spirit Ape, and I myself can transform into a Spirit Ape. This step in cultivation will also be swift... But definitely not as quick as another "Unity of Intent and Force" from Huang Gun, what a pity...
The Huang Gun Transformation was already at the First Realm Demonic Being Level.
If I want to further improve and use Shape Shifting to manifest Huang Gun's other abilities and Cultivation Realms, I would need nine strands of Demonic Being Level Evil Qi, or nine strands of Inner Qi Realm Evil Qi!
When Chen Ku exerted his full strength in a surprise attack, he could indeed kill an Inner Qi expert, though his chances of success were at most sixty to seventy percent. Yet, it seemed more prudent to look for opportunities to slaughter Demonic Being-level creatures at the Butcher Court.
However, having been at the Butcher Court for so long, Chen Ku had only seen Demonic Being-level creatures brought in once every few days. From his first visit to the Butcher Court, where he witnessed Shang Yunfang slaughter that Bear demon, to now—over two, almost three months later—there had only been a little over twenty demons. And they certainly wouldn't let a mere Apprentice like him lay hands on them. Unless he could truly become a Disciple under a certain master. Then, naturally, he would receive special treatment.
I wonder how Master Shang Yunfang's injury is now? Chen Ku worried.
After all, Master Ke had tasked him to reach Minor Achievement in the Skyward Strike within a year, or to achieve the Inner Qi Realm. The implications were clear: as long as he managed that, he might have the chance to convince Master Shang Yunfang to take him as a disciple.
Now, over a month had passed. With the Force Power from the Huang Gun Transformation combined with his Root Bone Divine Power, he had already reached the entry-level with this move.
He believed reaching Minor Achievement within a year was only a matter of time. With this expectation, he hoped nothing serious would happen to Shang Yunfang.
Just as Chen Ku was pondering Shang Yunfang's injuries.
SWISH!!
A white shadow suddenly leaped into the courtyard from outside.
"Skinny Dog has returned!"
Chen Ku saw it was broad daylight and Skinny Dog had rushed back. This was completely unlike before. Could it be that he had made a catch?
He then saw that Skinny Dog, after lunging into the courtyard, did indeed have a small, marten-sized, white-furred, rabbit-headed creature—a bait mouse—in its mouth. He arrived in front of Chen Ku.
"Caught it!"
Chen Ku was thrilled. He swiftly brought over the prepared cage and received the struggling, SQUEAKING bait mouse, a Strange Beast, from Skinny Dog's mouth. He placed it into the cage, which already contained some medicinal herbs prepared earlier. This bait mouse didn't eat grains, tree leaves, or wild grass; its only food was medicinal herbs. Any type of medicinal herb, it would consume as a meal. And medicinal herbs were something Chen Ku never lacked.
Several days have passed, and the price of bait mice on the black market has risen by over ten taels. It seems I'm not the only one who has discovered this path to wealth; smugglers and bold hunters have all begun to take action, likely all because of the Peace Path and the typhoid epidemic. After all, there are many clever people who know what to hoard and when. Compared to them, however, hunting bait mice poses no danger for me. I don't have to worry about being discovered by the Two Realms Mountain Border Army. The only risky part is selling the bait mice...
But now that this bait mouse was in his possession, he still had to take the risk.
It was just a matter of changing his shape. Let's not forget, his Transformation Diagram still held the Evil Qi from Du Xiaodao, whom he had killed. With nine strands of Wild Beast Level Evil Qi, he could transform into Du Xiaodao's likeness to sell the bait mice in the black market. Such a transformation and concealment ability, which could even alter his physique, was far superior to Huang Gun's human-skin masks.
He planned to first recall Skinny Dog, then manifest the Du Xiaodao form, and at nightfall, make a trip to the black market.
However, he suddenly noticed that Skinny Dog seemed to have grown larger...
Eh? It wasn't this big when I let it out, was it?
Chen Ku was certain he hadn't remembered incorrectly, but upon a closer look now, the white-furred Skinny Dog had not only increased in size, but its eyes also emitted a hint of silver.
Intelligence flashed in Skinny Dog's eyes. It opened its mouth, wanting to communicate, but was hindered by its inability to speak.
Chen Ku gestured with his hand. "Let me see what you've experienced after crossing Two Realms Mountain this time..."
He recalled Skinny Dog, and fleeting memories from its excursion surfaced in his mind, finally settling on a strange, purple, crescent moon-shaped flower. He sensed Skinny Dog's instinctive urge at that moment: its body had compelled it to eat the flower growing in the mountains of Yuan Country. And then... Skinny Dog's body grew larger.
What kind of flower is that? Could it actually purify the bloodline of a Moon Eating Dog? Chen Ku had never seen such a flower in the records of the Medicine King Hall. But the fact was that inside Skinny Dog, a trace of the Moon Eating Heavenly Dog bloodline had transformed. Although only a trace was purified, it had indeed undergone purification.
Chen Ku even felt that Skinny Dog's physique had grown stronger. Its original explosive force of five hundred jin seemed to have reached the 'thousand jin' level of a human Apprentice at Strength Training Great Perfection.
What a treasure that flower is! It can enhance the demon blood within Skinny Dog, and it seems to be found only within the territory of Yuan Country... It seems that in the future, when I send out Skinny Dog, I'll have to add another task: to find and eat more of that type of flower... Maybe Skinny Dog will be able to condense Inner Qi within its body before I do! Chen Ku was excited.
It had to be said, the harvest Skinny Dog brought back this time, in some aspects, far surpassed the significance of a single bait mouse. It also provided a direction for Skinny Dog's further cultivation. Thus, he also subconsciously began to look forward to the gains from the crocodile that had been released into the Dragon River of Baojiao County.
The Dragon River originated from the Tianyue Mountain Range beyond the border. It flowed through seven provinces of Ji Country before emptying into the eastern sea. Its first stop upon entering Ji Country was Baojiao County. The river was wide and vast, with swift currents in some areas. After entering Baojiao County, it began to flow more gently. Beneath these waters lay various Water Treasures, such as Treasure Fish, Treasure Herbs, and even well-established underwater demons. In some sense, it was no safer than the depths of a primitive forest.
「Underneath a certain stretch of the river,」
Reeds drifted on the surface, waterfowl glided by, and all sorts of Dragon River fish created bubbles beneath as they chased each other—big fish eating small fish, and small fish eating shrimp.
A large crocodile lurked beneath the surface. Apart from occasionally surfacing for air, it often skimmed along the silt dozens of meters deep. The crocodile found quite a bit of crow sink sand, but these areas were all claimed by others; it even encountered underwater sand-panning experts. If it hadn't hidden quickly, it felt that these sand-panners, at least at the Force Transforming level, could have killed its ordinary crocodile form with a single kick. Those places usually had shelters built, with horse-drawn carriages on the riverbanks, indicating they were claimed territories—rented stretches of the river where only their owners were allowed to pan for sand.
「As time went by day by day,」
Skinny Dog kept bringing back bait mice from Yuan Country, simultaneously searching for that Crescent Moon Flower to enhance its physique...
For a month, Chen Ku periodically recalled the crocodile to restore its strength. He had been exploring upstream, little by little. Every day, the crocodile used its claws to dig through the silt at the river bottom, as if plowing, nearly turning into a loach...
Finally, he discovered a stretch of riverbed containing an unexploited deposit of crow sink sand. It lay beneath the mud at the river bottom and would have remained undiscovered if the Crocodile Transformation hadn't been digging around.
I've found an unowned crow sink sand deposit! Once I get the official mining permit, I'll be the only one allowed to exploit this stretch of the river. This is going to be a huge windfall!
But figuring out how to secure the mining permit from the government was the most difficult part.