"On Tongling Peak!"
"The Purple Blood Ganoderma is right at the top of Tongling Peak, at the entrance of a cave. There's also a secret sign I left there years ago."
"Back then, a few friends I made also perished up there, as a mysterious beast roamed near the Purple Blood Ganoderma."
The news of the Purple Blood Ganoderma was something those friends shared with him.
It was because the Purple Blood Ganoderma grew beside an extraordinarily large cave entrance with traces of a mutated beast.
That's why those friends called him over, intending to join forces to repel the mutated beast and then evenly split the Purple Blood Ganoderma.
However, unexpectedly, that mutated beast was impervious to blades and spears, possessed immense strength, and its sharp claws seemed capable of tearing through anything.
In less than the time it takes an incense stick to burn, those friends lost their lives on the spot.
If it weren't for the martial arts Body Technique he learned, allowing him to dodge lethal attacks several times, he might have ended up a corpse under the beast's claws too.
The man spoke without reservation, knowing that the man before him was his last chance.
After speaking, the man searched around the dilapidated temple, finally digging up a box that appeared dry and decayed with both hands from a certain spot.
He then took out a yellowed book from inside, holding it without hesitation before tossing it to Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan caught the yellowed book flying through the air, taking a close look at the four large characters on its cover: Wind Chasing Step Skill!
Then he gently flipped it open with his right hand.
The next second, Lu Xuan felt a shock in his mind, and the system panel appeared in his mind.
Host: Lu Xuan
Realm: Inner Qi Realm
Cultivation Techniques: Red Flame Saber Skill 2/9, Wind Chasing Step Skill? (Incomplete)
Points: 22
The Wind Chasing Step Skill contains flaws. Please confirm if the host wishes to spend 20 points to complete it.
Yes!
The next moment, the points on the system panel changed, leaving only 2 points.
The Wind Chasing Step Skill has been completed!
When Lu Xuan looked at the system panel again, it had changed.
Host: Lu Xuan
Realm: Inner Qi Realm
Cultivation Techniques: Red Flame Saber Skill 2/9, Wind Chasing Step Skill 0/9
Points: 2
Hmm? Why aren't the system points enough, Lu Xuan wondered.
Logically, the 2 system points on the panel should allow for another deduction of the Wind Chasing Step Skill; why hasn't it moved?
Previously when Lu Xuan deduced the Fiery Fire Saber Skill, just one system point was enough.
Could it be that different techniques require different points from the system?
"So, I've given you the martial arts Body Technique. You can trust me this time, right?"
The man surnamed Zhang spoke again, though no longer with the same intensity as before.
After all, he had handed over everything of value to gamble on this hope.
All for the chance that the other party would help him; if they went back on their word, then it simply was his fate.
Once Lu Xuan confirmed there was nothing wrong with the martial arts Body Technique, he would naturally not go back on the deal.
The matter of the Purple Blood Ganoderma, whether true or false, would have to be checked out in time to know.
Even if it turned out to be false, it didn't matter, as he had already obtained the martial arts Body Technique he most desired.
Without further hesitation, Lu Xuan agreed to the man's terms, uttering a single word: "Okay!"
The man was overjoyed, realizing he had made the right gamble: "Really!"
Daughter, did you hear that?
Just wait; soon, Father will send that beast to hell, so he'll experience the same pain you endured.
Seeing the man take no action for a while, Lu Xuan was a bit puzzled: "Mr. Zhang, do you plan to enter the city like this?"
The man reeked of a strong smell from head to toe, with clothes that were in tatters, resembling a beggar.
This state would likely get him turned away by the city gate guards before even approaching.
"Please wait a moment, I'll be ready soon!"
The man realized his current state wouldn't even allow him near the city gates, let alone entering the city.
So, he quickly moved again, going to another spot where he dug out a wooden box from the ground with both hands.
He gently caressed the surface of the wooden box, appearing very tender.
Because inside were mementos his daughter left him.
The man took out a plain cloth garment, treating it like a treasure, and then quickly left the broken temple in one direction.
"Xuan, that guy seemed crazy, did you reach a deal with him?"
At this time, Liang Cheng, who had been observing from a distance, came over, looking puzzled at the man walking away.
Just now, during the conversation between Lu Xuan and the man, Liang Cheng wisely chose not to eavesdrop.
"Yeah."
Less than an hour later, the man came running from afar, taking a few quick steps to stand before Lu Xuan and the others again.
Now, the man's appearance had changed drastically; all the accumulated dirt from years past had been cleaned off, and he wore a clean, plain garment.
He donned a simple bamboo hat to conceal his original appearance, but his long hair still appeared somewhat disheveled.
.....
Qixiang Building!
The largest place of pleasure in the county, its patrons were of distinguished backgrounds, wealthy and noble young men.
Managing to maintain such a vast establishment in the heart of the county was a testament to the shopkeeper's capabilities at Qixiang Building.
Once, a rich young master caused trouble inside, only to have his leg broken as a result.
It was said that the family was even related to the county magistrate, yet they dared not make a fuss, and the matter eventually faded away.
Inside Qixiang Building, various fragrances mingled, with many young and beautiful women weaving through, seemingly looking for suitable targets.
Outside a luxurious and exquisite private room on the second floor, four burly, intimidating men stood guard, their expressions fierce and daunting.
Inside the private room, a young man appeared overly indulgent, with two beautiful women, scantily dressed, clinging to him on either side.
"Mr. Huang, it's getting late; I think it's time to return home,"
In front of the young man sat two other men who also seemed young, looking at him with flattery and sycophancy.
Upon hearing this, the young man immediately lost interest, waving a hand: "Fine, this young master will return home."
Simultaneously, as he got up, his hands roughly groped the softness beside him, without any gentle intentions.
A yelp of pain from the other party brought malicious glee to the young man's face.
Outside, under the dim evening light, the streets gradually grew desolate with fewer pedestrians.
When the young man, accompanied by four burly guards, reached a seldom-passed alley,
two figures slowly emerged in front, blocking their path back.
Both figures wore bamboo hats, hiding their faces.
Upon seeing the young man, one of the figures lifted his hat, revealing his face.
It was a man, a crazed smile on his face, his eyes venomous like a viper, glaring at the young man as he spoke through gritted teeth.
"Beast, do you still recognize me? I've been waiting to settle scores with you every moment!"