Chapter 71: Chapter 71 Third Transformation!
Official Chai?
Li Yuancheng's first thought was, could it be Official Chai from the Martial Arts Scholar Chai's family?That was a man whose noble, official status once allowed him to sit with the County Magistrate as an equal.Although that glory was decades old, their status in Baojiao County was still undeniably present.
If it truly were that Chai Family, Li Yuancheng couldn't help but look at his brother-in-law with new seriousness.
"Is it really Official Chai Tiangui?"
He received an affirmative response.
He was shocked.That was a figure from the highest echelons of Baojiao County society, someone utterly beyond his reach, even as a Deputy Constable.How could this brother-in-law of his possibly know such dignitaries and nobles? However, after receiving Chen Ku's confirmation, Li Yuancheng, amidst his admiration and shock, also felt more confident about the matter.
So, the two of them sat in the house and began to discuss the details.
Before long, it was dinnertime.
His sister, Chen Tian, brought a large pot of steamed Treasure Fish to the table. The aroma instantly filled the house and wafted out, reaching the other households in the courtyard.
"Treasure Fish... it smells so fragrant and fresh!"
Fish from the Dragon River were inherently delicious, and this Treasure Fish—a rare ingredient, mutated to possess unique qualities—was even more so.
Even Li Yuancheng, a Deputy Constable holding a respectable position in the county, couldn't help but swallow hard. It was his first time tasting Treasure Fish.
It wasn't that his salary couldn't cover it; it was that he couldn't bring himself to spend so much on a single meal.
Chen Ku also found his mouth watering. This Treasure Fish was worth dozens of silver taels. In his past life, its value was comparable to expensive seafood like East Star Grouper or Bluefin Tuna. While an ordinary person's savings might technically cover the cost, hardly anyone would willingly spend that much on a single meal.
"Let's eat, let's eat! I also want to see how effective this Treasure Fish is for martial training."
Chen Ku first served his sister a large helping of fish, then took a bite himself. The fish was succulent and firm, with a satisfying chewiness. Simply steamed with some scallions, ginger, and soy sauce, it was the most delicious food he had tasted in either of his lives.
Most importantly, the moment the fish entered his stomach, he felt a powerful surge of heat spread instantly through his limbs and bones.
It was even more easily absorbed than the medicinal effect of Treasured Medicine.
The two martial artists, Chen Ku and Li Yuancheng, polished off the entire fish in just half an hour, leaving not a single scrap.
Li Yuancheng closed his eyes and exclaimed, "This one meal is equivalent to at least two months of my accumulated Blood Qi!"
Looking at Chen Ku, his eyes filled with a complex mix of respect, admiration, and gratitude. It was the look one gives to a kinsman who has surpassed oneself in significant ways.
Chen Ku, however, though his face was flushed, showed little reaction. This was because he had consumed so many Treasured Medicines that his Vital Energy was constantly accumulating. Only upon reaching the Inner Qi realm could it be fully refined; until then, it settled into his flesh and blood, further solidifying his foundation.
"Alright, this meal is finished. I'll head to the county government office later to submit the application. For getting it approved, I'll be relying on you, brother-in-law."
After the meal, Chen Ku left. He first went to the county government office and duly filed his application.
After that, he pondered for a moment, then went to the small courtyard. He checked the cage where Skinny Dog's pups had cornered the entire litter of eight bait mice. After some thought, he selected one bait mouse, placed it in a small cage, and covered it with a cloth.
As evening approached, he arrived at Chai Tiangui's mansion.
"Chen Ku? Who's that?"
Official Chai was in a side room, toying with a Pixiu bracelet. After all, he was known for his chivalry and generosity, and had cultivated connections with many figures from the Martial Forest and heroes from all walks of life.
"Tell him I'm not feeling well and can't see anyone."
Official Chai looked somewhat vexed. The typhoid epidemic in the countryside was worsening daily. For a wealthy man like him, falling ill was the greatest fear. Consequently, out of caution and vexation, he had seen very few visitors lately, afraid that someone might inadvertently bring the contagion into his home.
"It's Chen Ku, the apprentice from Medicine King Hall—the one the Official personally gave instructions about regarding the crafting of a thousand-pound Refined Iron Rod. He says he has brought a gift for you, Official, and implores you to accept it to repay your generosity for the weapon," the gatekeeper said.
Official Chai waved his hand dismissively, "No need, no need."
Why would he need gifts from others?He never chose friends based on their wealth—after all, none were as wealthy as he—and the gifts he usually received were trifles.
"Official," the gatekeeper continued, then lowered his voice, "Chen Ku mentioned that what he brought is something the Official and the other young masters and misses discussed as urgently needed at the Fragrance Pavilion gathering. He insists you must accept it. I also took a peek under the cloth covering the cage... it's a very peculiar rabbit-like mouse. It strongly resembles that 'thing' the Official has been talking about these past few days."
Chai Tiangui shot up from his seat, his face flushed with excitement. "What? Quickly, quickly, invite Brother Chen in!"
Soon after, Chen Ku, carrying the cage, entered the two-courtyard mansion and arrived at Chai Tiangui's main hall. Upon entering, he smiled, lifted the cover from the bait mouse's cage, and said,
"I know Official Chai wants for little. Fortunately, a friend of mine was recently hunting near Two Realms Mountain and chanced upon this treasure. So, I've brought it to you."
"A bait mouse! It truly is the bait mouse that can neutralize a hundred poisons!"
Chai Tiangui stared at the creature in Chen Ku's hands—its transparent belly, its peculiar rabbit-like ears—then turned to Chen Ku, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Brother Chen, how did you know I've been desperately seeking this very thing these past few days? You're a true lifesaver! Please, accept my deepest gratitude."
Such a creature was incredibly rare; despite his wealth, it wasn't something he could easily procure.
"I'm glad Official Chai is pleased. But please, don't stand on ceremony with me," Chen Ku said, quickly stepping forward to prevent Chai Tiangui from bowing. "This creature only needs to be fed medicinal herbs daily to live a long time. In a critical moment, it can be used as an emergency antidote."
What Chai Tiangui needed most was precisely such a life-saving talisman. Though his own life was invaluable, he still had to reciprocate Chen Ku's gesture. He instructed, "Take the bait mouse away and ensure it's cared for meticulously. Then, prepare a gift of one thousand taels of silver for Brother Chen as a token of my thanks."
The standing reward offered elsewhere for such a creature was over three hundred taels, yet no one had succeeded in catching one. Thus, whatever Chai Tiangui chose to give was, effectively, its price.
Chen Ku, however, raised a hand and said, "To be honest, Official, I didn't come to see you today for these thousand taels. Actually, I'm here because..."
After Chen Ku explained, Chai Tiangui nodded in understanding. "So, Brother Chen, you're planning to start a mining operation and need some startup capital? Tell me, how much crow sink sand do you estimate is in that mine, and how much funding do you require?"
Chen Ku had been conservative with his sister and brother-in-law, but before this exceedingly generous official, there was no need to hold back. He stated his maximum estimated yield for the mine, "Between two hundred thousand and one million pounds."
"I don't know much about these things, Brother Chen." Chai Tiangui held up one finger. "I'll lend you ten thousand taels of silver. Go ahead and start your mining business. If it fails, I won't ask for the money back. If you make a profit, no matter how much, just return the ten thousand taels to me. That's all."
However thick-skinned Chen Ku might be, he still felt a little embarrassed and said directly, "Official, I was actually hoping you would invest and take a share of the profits."
Chai Tiangui laughed heartily. "Brother Chen, do you think I'm short of money? To put it bluntly, this bait mouse you've brought might save a life in my family. That's what true friendship is about."
In other words, he didn't need such paltry sums. Tens of thousands of silver taels were no great fortune to him; he valued the bonds of brotherhood far more.
Since Chai Tiangui had put it so plainly, Chen Ku couldn't press further without appearing ungracious. He could only sigh inwardly, Once you're in the right circles, everything becomes so much easier.The prerequisite, of course, is being able to provide something they need.
And so, Chen Ku left Chai Mansion with a silver note for ten thousand taels.
He had initially planned to borrow only three to five thousand taels but had unexpectedly received ten thousand. He first withdrew one thousand taels in silver, offered it to the Transformation Diagram, then went to Hunter's Forest and bought ten pounds of demon blood for over five hundred taels, which he also offered to the Transformation Diagram.
Just two days later, his brother-in-law informed him that the permit and the contract for leasing the river area had been approved smoothly.
Money certainly made things easier.
In just three to five days, Chen Ku had assembled a workforce of dozens for his new workshop. Tents were erected, and he called Li Jiyang from the countryside to help, appointing him as a foreman.
"I told you I'd look out for you," Chen Ku said, pleased by Li Jiyang's ecstatic, simple grin. How could he be stingy with an opportunity that benefited himself while also giving a friend from his village a chance to earn money?
Moreover, he trusted Jiyang's integrity to supervise the work, ensuring that everything would run smoothly even in his absence.
Once operations officially commenced, crow sink sand was soon being extracted daily—dug from the riverbed, then processed through screening and panning. They produced over a thousand pounds of crow sink sand each day.
Within a mere half-month, Chen Ku had obtained ten thousand pounds of crow sink sand, which he offered to the Transformation Diagram. He still had several hundred thousand pounds of crow sink sand remaining to sell for profit.
Now, only the final condition remains: Unity of Intent and Force. Then I can cultivate the third transformation diagram!
Every day, Chen Ku practiced the Skyward Strike in his Spirit Ape form and, in his Skinny Dog form, ventured into the wilds to search for Crescent Moon Flowers.
With his various resources, his Spirit Ape form, and the Fundamental Diagram, achieving a breakthrough to Divine Intent was a natural progression.
Imperceptibly, as Chen Ku cultivated in his Spirit Ape form, his Force Power reached the state of Unity of Intent and Force, and he successfully refined the Spirit Ape's Divine Intent.
[All conditions for cultivating the Third Transformation Diagram have been met!]
[Third Transformation Diagram! Open!]
Chapter 72: Chapter 72 Refining Shape!
Autumn had deepened. Only one month remained before the 153rd autumn of the Daji Dynasty would pass.
In previous years, from this last month of autumn until the arrival of the following spring, was the time to execute criminals.
Autumn and winter were seasons of execution. Thus, under this particular solar term, even a place with moist air like the southwest border became somewhat dry, and many leaves had turned yellow.
Yellowing leaves from the neighbor's yard spun and drifted into Chen Ku's courtyard in the outer city.
At this moment, Chen Ku had not manifested his Spirit Ape, yet his mere presence exuded an ape-like aura.
Every movement he made was infused with the essence and demeanor of an ape.
This signified that Chen Ku had achieved an initial mastery of the Spirit Ape Force. Concurrently, the Skyward Strike technique of the Furious Ape Mighty Staff also progressed to Minor Achievement.
If an Apprentice of Force Transforming with ordinary talent were to systematically advance their cultivation to the Unity of Intent and Force and train their techniques to Minor Achievement, it would require at least two years, even with the aid of a Secret Technique like the Fundamental Diagram for spiritual cultivation.
However, Chen Ku had received too many blessings on his path of cultivation.
Yet, Chen Ku had accomplished this in less than three months.
His Cultivation Realm had reached 'Unity of Intent and Force'—the second of the Internal Tri-Integration—thereby satisfying the conditions to complete the third diagram of the Transformation Diagram.
SWOOSH~~
As certain aspects of Chen Ku's cultivation and spirit flashed, meeting the conditions, it was like the final turn of a key unlocking a treasure.
The Transformation Diagram unfurled like a scroll from his Heart Sea, revealing a new, blank canvas.
[Diagram Master: Chen Ku]
[Already Transformed Evil Qi: Skinny Dog Transformation (Transform), Crocodile Transformation (Transform), Spirit Ape Transformation (Transform), Fierce Tiger Transformation (Shape-Shifted), White Elephant Transformation (Shape-Shifted), Huang Gun Transformation (Shape Shifting), Blood Blade Transformation (Shape Shifting)...]
[Transformable Evil Qi: Ferocious Beast Level Evil Qi (forty-five strands), Wild Beast Level Evil Qi (ninety-nine strands)...]
[State: Human Form]
[Already Completed Transformation Diagrams: Three]
Chen Ku observed the Evil Qi accumulated over the past month and the newly unlocked third diagram. He could finally advance the White Elephant Transformation to the Transformation Level.
He had long understood.
Transform did not simply mean manifesting another body from within oneself; rather, it was a new form created through the transformation of Evil Qi.
Just as after he achieved Transformation Level with the Skinny Dog, he could add another five hundred jin to his original five hundred jin of strength. This was the enhancement brought by the second body transformed from thirty-six strands of Evil Qi.
To date, only his Skinny Dog, Spirit Ape, and Crocodile transformations had reached the Transformation Level, allowing them to manifest a physical form.
Even his Fierce Tiger Transformation had not yet been upgraded to the Transform stage and could not be manifested externally.
Now, he had finally accumulated enough Evil Qi to manifest another Ferocious Beast Level incarnation.
The choice was naturally the White Elephant.
The White Elephant form he could initially take already granted him the Power of One Elephant. If he could manifest an additional White Elephant... With a mere flex of his arms, Chen Ku would embody the Irresistible Power of Two Elephants.
"White Elephant Transformation! Transform!"
Instantly, thirty-six strands of Ferocious Beast Level Evil Qi ignited and poured into the White Elephant Transformation. A stream of white vapor then emerged from Chen Ku's chest, coalescing in the courtyard to sketch out a three-meter-tall white elephant!
"Done, retract!"
One couldn't expect the White Elephant to perform delicate tasks. Advancing it to the Transformation Level was purely for the power boost of an additional elephant.
Thirty-six strands of Ferocious Beast Level Evil Qi were exchanged for the Power of Two Elephants.
Chen Ku, wielding a thousand-jin iron stick and possessing the Irresistible Power of Two Elephants, merely shook the iron stick in his hand and felt that with a single strike, he could smash any demon, ghost, or Inner Qi expert into a bloody pulp.
Previously, with over ten thousand jin of strength, he only had an eighty to ninety percent chance of victory when ambushing Huang Gun. Now, possessing the Irresistible Power of Two Elephants, Chen Ku was confident that even in a direct confrontation, no burst of Inner Qi from Huang Gun could withstand his twenty thousand jin of force!!
Moreover, this twenty thousand jin was the enhancement from just the White Elephant transformation.
When Chen Ku factored in the two thousand jin from the Fierce Tiger Transformation, another two thousand jin from the evolved Skinny Dog Transformation, and his own fifteen hundred jin, his maximum strength, after the full enhancement from the third Transformation Diagram, would reach...
Twenty-five thousand five hundred jin of strength!
And this was purely raw physical strength.
If that strength of over twenty thousand jin were converted into Force Power through cultivation, accompanied by Divine Intent, and channeled through a thousand-jin weapon to execute the Absolute Skill Level 'Skyward Strike,' the resulting force... Just imagining it, the power was terrifyingly immense! A single strike could instantly reduce a large elephant to a pulverized mess with effortless ease!
Thrilling! Absolutely thrilling! This surge in strength feels incredible!
Chen Ku felt his own power.
Yet, he had not forgotten the most anticipated thing. He looked toward the third diagram.
[Divine Skills: Fetus Transformation Refining Shape]
Divine Skills!
Chen Ku was extremely eager to know what kind of miraculous power this Divine Skill possessed.
He focused his mind, connecting with the three diagrams.
Instantly, the three diagrams lifted into the air, seemingly from nowhere, and hovered above Chen Ku's Heart Sea, arranged like the legs of a tripod.
[The Diagram Master has cultivated the three Transformation Diagrams. As a result, the Divine Skill 'Fetus Transformation Refining Shape' has manifested. It is currently deducing the outcome of the refining shape process based on the transformations within the three diagrams...]
[Skinny Dog Transformation: Contains the bloodline of a Moon-Eating Heavenly Dog, capable of swallowing the sun and moon after Returning to Ancestry... Assessment: Excellent quality of Half-Demon]
[Fierce Tiger Transformation: The white-browed fierce tiger, king of all beasts, assessment: ordinary Ferocious Beast quality]
[White Elephant Transformation: Long-tusked, long-nosed, ten thousand jin of immense strength, assessment: excellent Ferocious Beast quality]
[After Fetus Transformation Refining Shape, the three types of Evil Qi will be refined into a single entity. This will form a new creation, primarily of excellent quality with other qualities as supplementary, retaining the strengths of all three transformations while discarding their weaknesses.]
Chen Ku was astonished by the explanation for this Divine Skill, a form of 'Fetus Transformation Shape Shifting', and was momentarily speechless.
Is this... Evolving through devouring? Transformations can also devour each other and evolve? With excellent quality as the primary component? Does this mean the Skinny Dog Transformation can devour the Fierce Tiger Transformation and White Elephant Transformation to form... I don't know, possibly a new creature... yet it would retain the advantageous characteristics of all three transformations... a new kind of transformation?
Chen Ku stared at the annotations under these three diagrams for a long time, convinced he hadn't misunderstood.
The first thing he thought of was the various strange creatures found in the ancient Classic of Mountains and Seas and folk myths: creatures with a human head and snake body, three heads and six arms, fish body, snake head, and six legs; or various six-legged, four-winged, faceless Strange Beasts.
The next thing he thought of was... a creature composed of parts from various great mythological Divine Beasts.
Dragon!
Chen Ku gasped at his own bold idea.
"Really, is it possible?"
His gaze, now fervent, fixed upon the three diagrams.
If it really was possible, then... Of course, he would opt for better quality... The immense strength of ten thousand jin from the White Elephant must be retained; it was currently his most powerful transformation. But the Fierce Tiger, in comparison, was far inferior without any special bloodline or immense strength, and all its stats were rather ordinary.
Chen Ku pondered for a moment, then immediately killed a bait mouse, converting it into Evil Qi and adding it to the selection.
[Bait Rat Transformation! Immune to All Poisons! Capable of consuming all medicinal herbs!]
Skinny Dog, White Elephant, Bait Rat... What kind of being will Fetus Transformation Refining Shape create from these?
[This Fetus Transformation Refining Shape attempt can primarily refine into an 'excellent quality First Realm Demon' transformation... It requires the Evil Qi from either a First Realm Demon or the Evil Qi from a human in the Inner Qi Realm, as materials for it to take form.]
Chen Ku looked at these requirements.
The only sources he had that could meet this requirement were the Evil Qi of Blood Blade and Huang Gun. However, he had only suppressed Blood Blade's Evil Qi so far, not truly possessed it... As for Huang Gun... compared to the potential outcome of Fetus Transformation Refining Shape, Huang Gun's Evil Qi seemed a small price to pay.
Therefore, Chen Ku directly injected Huang Gun's Evil Qi into the crucible of the three Transformation Diagrams...
[Undergoing Fetus Transformation Refining Shape...]
Chapter 73: Chapter 73 Flower Fox Mink
Skinny Dog, White Elephant, bait mouse...
What can be conceived and refined out of these?
[Burning Huang Gun's Evil Qi, fetus transformation refining shape in progress...]
Chen Ku saw the Evil Qi on the three Transformation Diagrams, all converging toward the void in the center of the three charts. Certain parts on the Skinny Dog diagram directly faded and vanished; those parts were defects, like the feet, claws, and waist. The defects of the White Elephant Transformation also faded and disappeared, such as the ears and the clumsy limbs. The same was true for the bait mouse.
Finally, at the center of the three Transformation Diagrams, a streak of golden light suddenly burst forth, rushing straight towards Chen Ku's Heart Sea. Thereafter, an exceedingly bizarre creature appeared in the center of the three Transformation Diagrams. It broke out of the womb!
It was something that kept growing and shrinking in place. When small, it was like a white mouse. Once grown, it was like a giant elephant, with sharp teeth and fangs, a gaping maw, akin to both a dog and a mink.
What the heck is this? It can even change size freely? Chen Ku was shocked. He immediately looked towards the Transformation Diagram.
[???? (Unnamed) — First Realm Demonic Being Level Evil Qi (Excellent)]
[Transformation Level]
[Abilities: Power of Two Elephants, Eating All Humans and Beasts, Size change, Fine Dog Sense, Immune to All Poisons, Able to View Internal Organs...]
Chen Ku looked at the string of question marks for the Evil Qi, and a string of question marks also appeared above his own forehead. After a moment, he faintly understood. It seemed he could name this creature himself, as nothing like it originally existed in the world.
And the more Chen Ku looked at this creature's description and image, the more it reminded him of something from a myth.
Once swallowed a True Lord's Purple Gold Flower Mink?!
The Flower Fox Mink, from the Investiture of the Gods, was a living Magical Treasure belonging to Mo Lishou, one of the Four Generals of the Dreamland Demon Clan at Jiameng Guan. This beast was extremely fierce. It stayed in the treasure bag like a white mouse, but once released, it grew as large as a white elephant. It could fly out and eat people, and once swallowed a True Lord whole into its belly. However, the True Lord possessed the Eighty-Nine Mystical Skill and the Seventy-Two Transformations. Even after being swallowed, he remained unharmed. Instead, he killed the Flower Fox Mink, then transformed into its appearance, thereby overcoming the challenge posed by the Four Generals of the Dreamland Demon Clan.
Chen Ku, looking at the new Strange Beast within the Transformation Diagram that could grow and shrink, stroked his chin and scrutinized it.
Aside from the ability to fly with wings under its ribs, which it lacks... the rest are indeed quite similar...
He pondered further.
The abilities of this new Strange Beast all seem to have evolved from the foundational abilities of the Skinny Dog, White Elephant, and bait mouse. For instance, the devouring ability comes from the Skinny Dog's Moon Eating Dog bloodline, capable of swallowing the sun and the moon, as well as possessing great strength like an elephant's and immunity to all poisons... But this size-changing ability... seems to have emerged during the process of fetus transformation refining shape.
Not long ago, during the conflict when Chen Ku challenged the Medicine King Hall at the Twin Rivers Guild, he had witnessed Master Yang's body transformation—the ability to change size. He had watched with his own eyes as a man, about 1.8-something meters tall, swelled on the spot into a giant over two meters high. According to Huang Muxia, this was called 'Transforming Tendons and Bones, Expanding the Five Organs and Six Bowels, Sturdy Within the Body'—changes that would only occur in Martial Artists once they reached the Five Internal Strong of the Fifth Realm.
This newly transformed Strange Beast was only a First Realm Demon, yet it already possessed such an ability?! Then it wasn't a matter of Realm, but some kind of special ability!
It's only missing a pair of wings under its ribs, but that doesn't hinder... I can eventually refine you into a true 'Purple Gold Flower Mink'...
A light ignited in Chen Ku's eyes, his lips curling into a smile.
I shall call you 'Flower Fox Mink' then. When the opportunity arises, I'll find a Demon capable of flight, refine it into you, and you'll be the genuine article... Now, let me see just how much power the Flower Fox Mink's enhancement grants!
He suddenly opened his eyes in the courtyard. He took a light step forward, Cultivating the Spirit Ape Great Strength Skill, feeling the changes in Force Power throughout his body and the shifts in his Divine Intent.
BOOM!
With a slight exertion of energy, it felt as if the muscle groups of two or three elephants were working inside his body. At the same time, he felt as if his stomach could now digest anything—this was 'Eating All Humans and Beasts'—and he no longer had to fear an upset stomach or poisoning—this was 'Immune to All Poisons'.
Most crucially... Chen Ku felt a certain special 'power' within his blood.
Is this... Demonic Qi?
Using Huang Gun's Inner Qi as fuel, this Demonic Qi was the fundamental essence of all First Realm Demons produced through refining shape. Chen Ku could feel this wisp of Demonic Qi flowing within his bloodline. He tentatively allowed it to spread throughout his body.
BOOM!!
The yellow earth beneath his feet caved in like mud.
Under the diffusion of this wisp of Demonic Qi, Chen Ku's figure actually transformed into a three-meter giant, instantly bursting all his clothes except for his large underpants. He stood about ten feet tall.
So that's how it is, that's how it is. This size change is an ability of the Demonic Qi... After mastering the three levels of the Flower Fox Mink Transformation, I now also have the ability to become a little giant. Although I definitely can't be as robust as Master Yang's Five Internal Strong, this Demonic Qi... seems to have doubled my strength and size again!
Originally, after cultivating the White Elephant Transformation to its full level, he possessed the Irresistible Power of Two Elephants. Now, by refining shape from three transformations into a 'First Realm Demon,' he not only retained the original abilities but also gained Demonic Qi, doubling his strength from the base of the Irresistible Power of Two Elephants. With the Demonic Qi's enhancement, it became the Irresistible Power of Four Elephants.
I've truly become Li Yuanba!
Chen Ku clenched his fist, feeling all the enhancements the Flower Fox Mink Transformation had brought him. After his body enlarged, he possessed the strength of over forty thousand jin.
So this is the effect of Martial Artists' Inner Qi... and Demons' Demonic Qi... Although I haven't achieved Inner Qi myself, the Flower Fox Mink is already a Demon. This is like a preview of 'Qi'.
And all this was based on the Divine Skills brought about by fetus transformation refining shape.
Thus, Chen Ku wanted to try refining shape and combining something again.
[Cooling down. Can be used again in three days.]
For a Divine Skill, a three-day wait wasn't unbearable. He didn't feel it was a pity either, because currently, apart from the Spirit Ape, he didn't have much high-quality Evil Qi left in his Transformation Diagram. Casually refining shape and combining them wouldn't result in any significant fundamental improvement.
But this Divine Skill is really too powerful. Not to mention the significant enhancements brought by the evolved 'Flower Fox Mink,' just the fact that three strands of Evil Qi have merged into one while retaining all abilities... this has instantly freed up two empty 'Transformation Chart Positions'...
On the Transformation Chart now, the Flower Fox Mink Transformation occupied the first position. One transformation was equivalent to three, and it had also freed up two spots. Chen Ku immediately added the Blood Blade Transformation and the Spirit Ape Transformation to the chart as well. Though there was not much stacking in strength, the sharpness of the Blood Blade Finger was no longer something he only activated when needed; it could now be constantly active on his body, becoming a passively stackable ability.
Chen Ku looked at the Blood Blade Transformation. He had long since replaced the Wild Beast Level Yellow Ox Evil Qi with Ferocious Beast Level Evil Qi. One strand of this Evil Qi could provide suppression for seven days, but he still lacked Demonic Being Level Evil Qi to fully advance the Blood Blade Transformation to the second level.
My current strength, with the enhancements, can kill the likes of Huang Gun effortlessly. In other words, I now have the capability of ambushing and killing most Martial Practitioners of the Inner Qi Realm with a single strike. Naturally... killing First Realm Level Demons is no longer something to worry about...
He could now practically work towards transforming his entire arm into a Blood Blade, capable of severing others' Weapons with a single strike.
Nine First Realm Level Demon Evil Qi strands... or... nine experts of the Inner Qi Realm...
Chen Ku's eyes flickered with contemplation as he stepped out of the courtyard.
Now that I have achieved Minor Achievement in Skyward Strike, fulfilling Master Ke's requirement ahead of schedule, I should go tell him and see if I truly qualify to become a disciple of the grandmaster.
As Chen Ku walked out of the courtyard in the outer city and headed towards the Medicine King Hall, he heard bursts of gong sounds from the street ahead. He saw more than a dozen county government office constables, his brother-in-law Li Yuancheng among them, escorting a prison cart in their direction. The man at the front was striking a gong, shouting as he went:
"The great bandit Ni Kun has violated the laws of the Daji Dynasty, committing seven major crimes including smuggling, killing officials, and slaughtering commoners! He is beyond pardon and has been sentenced to be paraded through the streets, followed by immediate execution after autumn! Today, he is being escorted to the execution ground! Bystanders, make way!!"
The people on both sides of the street all moved aside, though some curiously peered at the person inside the prison cart.
I forgot, it's after autumn, and Ni Kun, who was captured, is to be executed.
From the crowd, Chen Ku stared at Ni Kun. Disheveled, with a deathly pale face and emaciated to the bone, he looked as if he had suffered much inhuman treatment in prison. A thought stirred in Chen Ku's mind:
How good it would be if I could execute him?
Chapter 74: Chapter 74 Treasure
The marketplace, essentially the default execution ground within the Daji Dynasty's territory, exists in every province, state, and county and doubles as the simplest vegetable market.
Why execute criminals at the marketplace? The answer is straightforward: it's where the bottom tier of society frequents most.
The unspoken rule of public execution at the marketplace served as a warning to the Daji Dynasty's most impoverished citizens, showing them the grim fate of lawbreakers.
The street Chen Ku was standing on was called New Street, a newer road in the outer city, somewhat muddy and not yet paved with bricks. He watched as Ni Kun's prison cart approached from this direction.
Li Yuancheng spotted his brother-in-law amongst the crowd, somewhat surprised, and came over to ask, "What are you doing here?"
"I was about to head back to Medicine King Hall; I didn't expect to come across this on the way," Chen Ku replied truthfully.
Then, he looked up toward Ni Kun inside the prison cart.
Chen Ku always remembered the intangible benefits this man he had personally reported had brought him—this unlucky fellow whom a group of constables had then captured like fish in a barrel. Besides the reward of over one hundred taels of silver, the Blood Blade Transformation alone was enough to make him deeply grateful to Ni Kun, this easy mark.
"It's the autumnal executions; ten criminals in total this time, but only he is to be paraded through the streets. The other criminals were secretly moved to the marketplace earlier," Li Yuancheng whispered to Chen Ku.
"Do you want to go see a killing? It's best for a martial artist to witness bloodshed and death; this strengthens their courage. Otherwise, if you truly face ferocious evildoers or see someone die before you, you'll be the one scared witless. Then, all your Martial Arts will be for naught."
He was nothing like his damned brother-in-law Chen Xin, who had caused him to lose his official post. In contrast, he had a very good impression of his other brother-in-law, Chen Ku. Chen Ku had helped him regain his official position, managed to elevate their family's status through legitimate means, and even secured him a share in the crow sink sand mine.
So when Li Yuancheng said these words, urging Chen Ku to witness a killing, it might sound frightening, but in reality, it was beneficial for a novice who had never seen such bloody scenes before. This was advice from an old soldier turned constable, hardened by experiences from the battlefield.
A martial artist who sees blood early in their training excels early in their career. Especially given that Chen Ku's talent was not bad?
Chen Ku sensed his brother-in-law's intent without betraying any emotion.
If he really were inexperienced, he would indeed have to force himself to watch, but so far... he had already lost count of the lives taken by his own hands on one palm.
At that moment, Ni Kun on the prison cart, who had also seen Li Yuancheng and Chen Ku speaking, suddenly roared, "Are you Chen Ku? It was you who reported me! You little beast! You little beast! Even in death, I will not let you go!"
How could he not recognize Chen Ku? Li Yuancheng's brother-in-law! Moreover, after being incarcerated in the county jail, he had gradually learned that it was because of this little beast that his whereabouts had been exposed. Without any preparation, he had been surrounded by a dozen constables!
The key issue was, Ni Kun had no idea when Chen Ku had first discovered him! Could it have been that very day when I had arrived at Li Yuancheng's place, and he had noticed me immediately? Then Li Yuancheng had deliberately found an excuse to take his sister away, and the constables had arrived shortly after? But how could that be? Ni Kun couldn't fathom where he had slipped up or revealed his tracks.
Now, on his way to the execution grounds, about to be beheaded, to encounter the very pest responsible for his demise halfway there—Ni Kun was so furious he felt his teeth could shatter. Standing in the prison cart, he stuck his head out and continued to bellow at Chen Ku, "I swear, I won't let you go as a ghost, you little beast! Remember this, in eighteen years, I will definitely come for my revenge!"
Originally, Chen Ku didn't really want to witness Ni Kun's death. Because he wouldn't be the one personally dealing the blow, he wouldn't obtain Evil Qi from an Inner Qi Realm expert.
But now, seeing Ni Kun's reaction and coupled with his brother-in-law's invitation, he became somewhat interested in witnessing Ni Kun's head fall. In a sense, it would truly put his mind at ease.
"Good, I'll watch your head fall to the ground, and then wait for you to come find me in eighteen years," Chen Ku said this to Ni Kun on the prison cart a few meters away, then spoke to Li Yuancheng, "Brother-in-law, I'm coming with you to watch the execution."
Just that one sentence made Li Yuancheng's eyelids twitch once more, his scrutiny of Chen Ku filled with particular surprise.
Watching your head hit the ground, waiting for you eighteen years later...
To speak so casually, he couldn't believe that this was his little brother-in-law from the countryside. Could he really have such boldness, unafraid at all?
This kid will definitely make something of himself in the future, Li Yuancheng thought to himself.
Then, he let Chen Ku follow the prison cart towards the marketplace.
...
Baojiao County lay on the frontier; it could be said that this was a place where the sky is high and the emperor is far away. Here, the County Magistrate had complete authority over the life and death of the hundred thousand households under his command.
At this moment, in the sumptuous rear garden of the huge mansion belonging to the Lord County Magistrate, green plants filled the space as autumn winds scattered the fallen leaves.
Lord County Magistrate Shangguan Yun held a black piece in his hand and slowly placed it on the board, casually asking the counselor opposite him, "Do you think the remnants of the last Hero King and his group will come?"
Sui You sat opposite the number one official of Baojiao County at the stone chessboard, pinching a white piece and speaking leisurely, "More than one hundred years ago, the previous dynasty collapsed. Hero King Pei Dongliu and the Grand Ancestor Emperor—along with eight other righteous army leaders—were known as the 'Ten Great Rebel Kings.' Hero King Pei Dongliu was even the first Rebel King to breach the Great Hong Imperial Palace of the former dynasty. After that, Pei Dongliu occupied Hongjing City for a whole year. Although he was defeated a year later by the Grand Ancestor, Pei Dongliu met his end, and his force was wiped out. But, it is said that within that year, Hero King Pei Dongliu had already covertly transferred large portions of Hongjing City's wealth, assigning his four great bodyguards to move it to other locations...
For over one hundred years, the Daji Dynasty has never forgotten the wealth of the former dynasty. Yet, in the end, they found only half of it. The remaining half is known only to the descendants of those four bodyguards. Regrettably, over the years, those families have been killed or destroyed. Two of them have completely died out. The remaining two families disappeared decades ago. By then, they were in such decline that they no longer had anyone with Five Internal Strong Cultivation."
"The four great bodyguards under Hero King Pei Dongliu, once called the Four Great Heavenly Kings, also known as the Four Fierce Men, were indeed invincible under heaven. Especially Tuo Mountain Heavenly King Xiong Ying; he was truly non-human—a monster capable of lifting Half Moon Mountain. If not for him, the Grand Ancestor and the other Rebel Kings would all have been trapped and died in that foremost pass."
Shangguan Yun, looking at Sui You place down a piece, followed with a casual move of his own, softly speaking, "Speaking of which, this Xu Minjun, had she not accidentally demonstrated the Xiong Family's 'Mountain-Lifting Palm' at the chrysanthemum appreciation festival a few years ago, I wouldn't have been sure she was a descendant of the Xiong Family. This woman has been in my hands for three years, yet I still haven't managed to extract more secrets about the Hero King Treasure from her. If it weren't for the repeated failures of those attempting to break her out of prison these three years, I would doubt whether her family really knows the secrets and whereabouts of the Hero King Treasure. But now I'm losing patience, and I'll use her to bait one last time. If I catch something, good; if not..."
Autumn wind swept through the garden.
A black piece fell into place.
"Then, that's that. I have other methods at my disposal," said the County Magistrate nonchalantly.
Sui You, looking at the chessboard where he could no longer make a move, bowed and sighed, "Lord, you excel in both chess and martial prowess; this small Baojiao County is truly unworthy of your ambitions."
But at that moment, an old butler walked over slowly and whispered a few words into Shangguan Yun's ear.
Shangguan Yun raised his eyebrows slightly, "Hmm? Peace Path has gotten involved too? How interesting."
Chapter 75: Chapter 75 Transformation
The autumn wind swept up yellow leaves, blanketing the courtyard.
Sui You stood up, listening to the words that came from the Lord County Magistrate's mouth.
"Peace Path?"
His expression changed. "These demonic cultists also want to take advantage of the chaos to profit?"
"It's fine, let them come." Shangguan Yun nonchalantly wiped the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief, seemingly having everything under control, exuding a confidence that commanded respect. "Send word to Medicine King Hall. After all, this group is digging up their ancestral graves."
Sui You's eyes twinkled as he nodded. "Your Excellency is wise."
Throughout history, there has never been a lack of various cult organizations, especially in times of chaos, where cults naturally find fertile ground to grow. Most cults, essentially, just deceive people for the silver in their pockets or hoodwink believers, especially female ones, into dual cultivation—all for personal gain. Such cults are not a major concern and cannot grow into a significant force. They are basically small religious gangs occupying a certain county or village, no different from bandits, and can be easily wiped out by dispatched troops.
But there is one kind of cult that cannot be underestimated: those who want nothing. They don't want believers' offerings or for temples to be built for them, nor do they covet beauty in the slightest. They even provide free medical treatment and healing for believers. This type of cult is the most terrifying. Because they want nothing, they can more easily establish an image of 'holy selflessness' in the hearts of the people. But those in high positions can see at a glance: the less they seem to want, the greater their ambitions.
Peace Path, this mysterious Taoist organization that suddenly emerged from Baojiao County, brought with it outbreaks of disasters and diseases. Then, they began offering free medical treatments and talisman water for healing. The key was that the talisman water was actually effective! This alone put them in direct conflict with Medicine King Hall, one of the three major forces in the county. To take away someone's livelihood is akin to killing their parents. Medicine King Hall's business was selling medicine; if Peace Path provided free medical services and their talisman water saved lives, how could Medicine King Hall continue to do business?
The vegetable market was a dirty, disordered place, scattered with rotten vegetable leaves, melons, pears, peaches, and other fruits, and the mixed smells of pork, lamb, fish, and shrimp. Not far away, the crossroads where the people of Baojiao County usually came to buy vegetables had been completely cleared. The common folk were blocked twenty zhang away. The four entrances to the crossroads were guarded by soldiers from the county government office, not allowing anyone to approach within the twenty-zhang perimeter. In the center of the crossroads, there was no execution stage, only nine figures kneeling on the ground, their heads covered with black cloths, wearing white prison garments, with wooden placards around their necks stating their crimes.
RUMBLE, RUMBLE...
Chen Ku, following the prison cart escorting Ni Kun, arrived at the vegetable market and stood among the crowd, watching as Ni Kun was escorted from the cart, shackled, and forced to kneel with the nine other condemned prisoners.
Ni Kun, forced to kneel there and facing imminent beheading, couldn't remain calm. Even a hardened outlaw would be terrified, their legs trembling. It is the basic instinct of human nature, the greatest fear between life and death!
To overcome, or perhaps to distract himself from the immense fear of impending death, Ni Kun knelt with the nine other condemned men, his gaze fixed rigidly on Chen Ku in the crowd. "You little cur! You little cur! Even if I die and become a ghost, I will haunt you! I'll curse you to die a horrible death! AAAAH, I don't want to die! I don't want to die, AAAAH..."
The more he gritted his teeth, the more his teeth chattered in fear, making his speech unclear. "I... I don't want to die..."
Chen Ku stood among the crowd. Although he had killed before, those people had died quickly, nothing like this scene. All the condemned knew they were about to die; this countdown to death was the most torturous and painful ordeal, more terrifying than the moment of death itself. Chen Ku noticed that several of the condemned, their faces covered with black cloth, were shaking all over, having soiled themselves.
I remember watching interviews in my previous life, Chen Ku thought. Even the most vicious death row inmates would soil themselves at the moment of execution, their bodies convulsing just before death...
He watched the various postures of the ten death row inmates at the crossroads, his heart heavy with complex emotions. Only now did he understand that the feelings he experienced when he killed were different from what he felt witnessing these executions.
Suddenly, he noticed that among the ten condemned, even Ni Kun, a notorious thief at the Inner Qi Realm, was trembling all over before death, his lips quivering with fear, shaking violently as if having a seizure. Yet, one prisoner, his face hidden by a black cloth, knelt perfectly still, either numb or having calmly accepted his fate.
This one has quite the composure, Chen Ku mused.
Just as Chen Ku was observing with respect the calm demeanor of this particular death row inmate, so different from the others, at the end of the execution ground, a County Captain dressed in black official robes sat on a Taishi Chair at a table. He lightly picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and then asked, "How much longer until Three Quarters Past Noon?"
The County Captain was the third-highest-ranking official in the county, under the County Magistrate. In the Daji Dynasty, each county had one Seventh-Rank Official, two Eighth-Rank Officials, and some Ninth-Rank "Sesame Officials," such as the Registrar, Inspector, and heads of various minor departments. The sole Seventh-Rank Official was the county's Upright Official, Lord Shangguan Yun. Under him were two deputies: one was the County Magistrate's Assistant, who helped manage the county's administrative affairs and was akin to the county's 'Prime Minister.' The other, slightly lower in status than the Assistant, was the County Captain, an official in charge of capturing thieves, maintaining public order, and other criminal and judicial matters. His rank was generally slightly inferior to the County Magistrate's Assistant, and he was also one of the County Magistrate's deputies—the third in command.
The one currently sitting on the Execution Stage was Ma Tianlin, Baojiao County's third-in-command, the County Captain.
"My Lord County Captain, there's half a quarter-hour left," someone replied.
"No need to wait for that half a quarter-hour!" County Captain Ma scoffed coldly. "They're all vicious and malevolent scoundrels. Proceed with the execution. Many of the common folk are waiting to see blood."
A loud shout declared, "By order of Lord County Captain, noon has arrived! Begin from the left, identify each prisoner, and carry out the executions in order!"
At this, some of the citizens at the vegetable market closed their eyes in fear, while others widened their eyes in curiosity, waiting to watch.
An executioner with a red turban first removed the hood from the person on the far left, revealing a man of about thirty. After confirming his identity, the blade rose and fell...
HISS...
Chen Ku heard a succession of fearful gasps from the surrounding crowd as the severed head rolled to the ground.
"Quick, quick! Dip them while the blood's hot! Anyone who wants blood-dipped buns, hurry! One blood bun for one Tael of Silver!"
The moment the head hit the ground, Chen Ku saw the constables responsible for maintaining order at the scene begin to shout among the crowd.
"Me, me, me! I'll have one! Please, Official Master... My child has contracted the plague and needs this to be saved!"
Chen Ku observed many in the crowd reaching out with silver. The prison guards immediately grabbed over a dozen buns from a nearby cage, stuffed them into their clothes, and ran to the executed man. They quickly soaked the buns in the blood from his neck, then returned to collect money with one hand while handing out the blood-soaked buns with the other.
This back-and-forth, involving a dead man's head and buns worth a few Wen Money, actually earned them over ten taels of silver. And still, there were people who couldn't buy any.
"Wait for the next one! This one's blood has already cooled; it's no good anymore."
Chen Ku watched in stunned silence, a chill creeping into his heart. It's not because of the people's ignorance, he thought. Blood-dipped buns were still a thing even before the founding of my country in my past life. Naturally, they're common in these ancient times... But to profit from this... it's disgusting.
He fell silent. Any Medicine King Hall apprentice would know that blood-dipped buns couldn't possibly cure plagues. Otherwise, Chai Tiangui wouldn't have been so immensely grateful when I sent him that bait mouse capable of neutralizing all poisons. Of course, the government officials must be even more aware that blood-dipped buns don't cure diseases, yet they still sell them for money... Today's supervising execution officer is the County Captain, so this must be with his tacit approval.
Chen Ku didn't wish to watch any longer.
But just as he was about to turn and leave.
[Cultists from Peace Path have hurled Talisman Paper, cloaking this area! Unfavorable for the Master! Surge of Evil Qi detected...]
A giant warning flashed through Chen Ku's mind, and he instinctively looked up.
BOOM!!
Out of nowhere, the sky filled with yellow Talisman Paper flung from an unknown location. They landed on the shops and ground around the vegetable market, instantly exploding and creating powerful blast waves that spread rapidly. Many people were injured in an instant. Chen Ku, in the midst of the crowd, was also caught in the blast. He felt the flash of fire and the shockwaves engulfing him, about to sweep over him. If not killed, he would certainly be seriously injured.
At that critical moment, he transformed.
Chapter 76: Chapter 76: City Defense Forces
Yellow Talismans filled the sky.
The moment the first explosion sounded, thousands of townsfolk at the Crossroads Intersection, who had come to witness the execution, were thrown into complete chaos, screaming in terror.
The County Lieutenant on the Execution Stage was the first to spot the figures on the eaves hidden behind the Talisman Papers.
There were dozens of them. After the first Talisman Paper, a plethora of Yellow Talismans descended, hitting the ground and walls, and exploding on impact.
Some of the Yellow Talismans contained strange forces, similar to gunpowder, exploding upon touching the ground. Others emitted yellow light and thick smoke, adding to the confusion at the scene.
Suddenly, in a flash, the scene became enveloped in thick smoke, fog, and twisting flames.
What about Chen Ku? He was right there when a few Talisman Papers, wreathed in yellow light and thick smoke, exploded above the vegetable stall to his left.
In an instant, Chen Ku disappeared.
Amidst the dense smoke, flames, and obscured sightlines, unnoticed near people's feet... a white mink the size of a rat suddenly appeared.
It was only the size of a palm, resembling a small white mouse, and during a flash of lightning, it dodged the fiery blasts.
Having Shape-Shifted into the white mink, Chen Ku darted amidst the panicked footsteps, weaving back and forth, dodging the chaotic, stomping feet of the terrified townspeople and constables.
Meanwhile, the entire Crossroads Market became uproarious with various noises and terrified shouts, all reaching the ears of the darting, fleeing white mink.
"Ah, my leg, my leg got blown off!"
"My face, my face is covered in blood, help!"
"Who dares to disrupt the execution ground so boldly!"
"Careful, protect Lord County Lieutenant!!"
"All this smoke, I can't see a thing!"
A variety of chaotic voices filled the air: the cries of the people, shouts from the injured, and the roars of constables.
The little mink, amidst these noises, dodged chaotic steps and soles, weaving back and forth, and slowly crawled behind a pile of rubble into a tall building, clinging to the beams.
A few breaths later, it reached a hidden room's roof beam at the market entrance, peeking stealthily through the gaps in the roof at the sudden eruption of chaos outside...
What the devil? A raid on the execution ground? Isn't that something out of TV dramas? It's actually happening!
Chen Ku, now Shape-Shifted into the Flower Fox Mink, was hiding under a tile on the highest three-story building at the Crossroads Intersection, observing everything above and below.
He saw that the execution site below was surrounded by dense smoke, obscuring many people's faces, as if a dozen smoke bombs had been thrown.
Chen Ku saw, on some eaves, several mysterious figures in masks and robust clothes.
With the help of the Transformation Diagram, their identities were no secret to Chen Ku.
Demon People of the Peace Path and Descendants of the Hero King?
Chen Ku felt a chill.
The Peace Path... isn't that the very cult that injured Master Yang of the Five Internal Strong and even severely wounded Elder Shang? But what about these Descendants of the Hero King? I've never heard of them.
The two groups seemed to have collaborated.
After using the Peace Path's Talisman Papers to disrupt the scene, masked figures wearing Conical Hats leaped one after another into the execution area, charging toward a specific prisoner among the condemned.
That person...
Chen Ku could see clearly; it was the one he had felt was different from the other prisoners, currently still hooded with black cloth...
But Chen Ku's keen sense of smell could tell she was a woman.
They're raiding the execution ground... for this woman.
He subconsciously looked for the County Lieutenant's reaction. Raiding an execution ground was, at any time, an act against natural justice, meriting the annihilation of one's entire family—tantamount to a horrendous act of rebellion.
Unexpectedly, under Chen Ku's watchful little eyes, as he faced the group charging toward the prisoner, County Lieutenant Ma, seated on the Execution Stage, remained unfazed and merely ordered coolly, "Demon People and rebellious partisans, courting death! Seize them all!"
Following County Lieutenant Ma's shout, Chen Ku saw one hundred and fifty members of the Baojiao County City Defense Forces rush out from various shops around the crossroads. Each soldier was armed with a sword and clad in armor, their presence formidable.
Seeing these one hundred and fifty City Defense Forces soldiers, Chen Ku was profoundly shaken.
This was the difference between the county and the countryside. A county, even a small one, was a city, fortified with walls. And a city naturally needed an army to defend it.
The Imperial Court's army was a different matter entirely from mere constables. These were professional soldiers.
Receiving military pay and training daily was their job. It was equivalent to not having to do other labor; numerous resources were piled upon them, allowing them to focus solely on Cultivation. This practice was also known as "nurturing the troops" and "training the troops."
Usually, they were not needed. But in critical moments, it was time for this group of City Defense Forces to come forth.
Chen Ku had heard that within the City Defense Forces, each Junior Corporal was an Inner Qi expert. The men under their command, bearing swords and wearing armor, had also all cultivated Force Power. Looking at those one hundred and fifty members of the City Defense Forces, it meant there were at least thirty Junior Corporals—that is, thirty Inner Qi experts. Above the Corporals were Junior Colonels and Colonels, all masters far beyond the Inner Qi Realm.
Coupled with the Imperial Court's special Armor, impervious to swords and spears, these one hundred and fifty City Defense Forces soldiers could completely annihilate any of the city's major powers like the Medicine King Hall, the Fish and Dragon Association, or the Firewood Iron Shop!
Jianghu forces should never think of comparing themselves to a professional army of the Imperial Court. After all, the greatest resources and the largest population were in the hands of the Imperial Court.
An Inner Qi Realm expert, for instance, would be considered a prominent figure within the county's Jianghu forces. But in the eyes of the Imperial Court and the government, these people were mass-producible with enough resources and time. Take Chen Ku's brother-in-law, Li Yuancheng, for example. Originally just an ordinary man, it was only after joining the Border Army and learning the Hundred Battles Blade Technique and Qigong of the Border Army that he had attained the Inner Qi Realm.
At this moment, these one hundred and fifty members of the City Defense Forces pressed forward, surrounding the mysterious people who were raiding the execution ground.
By now, this group of mysterious individuals had already taken over the execution site, killing more than ten constables and prison guards, as well as the executioner, whose bladesmanship was not lacking.
One person stepped forward and removed the black mask from the woman, his voice filled with excitement, "Minjun, your uncle is here, and I will definitely rescue you."
Chen Ku saw the woman whose mask was pulled off. Surprisingly, there were no injuries on her body or face; only her complexion wasn't good, and she seemed like an ordinary, frail woman.
The woman opened her mouth. The elderly man with the aged voice immediately pressed a few points on her body, releasing her Acupoints.
The woman, her voice anxious and teary, said, "Uncle, you've been tricked... Shangguan Yun, that scoundrel, aimed to lure you here to rescue me! How could you fall for his trick?"
The elderly man urgently said, "Even knowing it's a trap, I must rescue you, otherwise our Bloodline ends... This is not the time to discuss this! Follow this Incense Master from the Peace Path and leave quickly!!"
Saying this, he handed the woman over to a yellow-robed Taoist. The Taoist said nothing, merely stuck two Talisman Papers to the soles of his feet, and with a flash, he leaped onto the roof of a building.
So fast that Chen Ku couldn't even catch a glimpse of an afterimage.
What on earth was that? Is that like the Divine Walking Guardian Dai Zong's Armored Horse talismans?
He looked at the group of mysterious individuals below. Although surrounded by the City Defense Forces, they seemed to have already rescued the person they intended to save and were now prepared: flee if possible, or fight to the death if not.
But their first instinct was still to escape if possible. Just before fleeing, the old man's eyes glinted, and he slashed through the shackles and fetters on the remaining death row convicts. "Gentlemen, no need to overthink it! I'm unshackling you simply because I know you are all martially trained serious offenders. We'll scatter and flee in a moment; that way, everyone will have a better chance to live!"
As soon as he finished speaking, without a second glance at Ni Kun or the other convicts, the dozens of mysterious people scattered and fled amidst the smoke and firelight.
Ni Kun hadn't expected to have a chance to live. He was ecstatic, even though he knew these people were using him and the others as cannon fodder to delay the City Defense Forces' pursuit. But... they had ultimately given him a chance to survive!
"What are you waiting for? Run!!" Ni Kun yelled at the other death row convicts. Even though they had suffered greatly in prison, their Inner Qi Cultivation was still intact. With one leap, they flew onto the eaves and, heading in different directions, disappeared into the alleyways, seizing the chance to flee.
Chen Ku watched, his eyes not on Ni Kun, but on the Evil Qi and the potential merit points associated with an Inner Qi Realm cultivator.
If I remember correctly, there's a profession in the county called Blade-Handler. They work for the government, capturing felons. The bounty on Ni Kun's wanted poster was Eight Hundred Taels of Silver—that was actually the reward for such 'Blade-Handlers'...
Chen Ku watched Ni Kun zigzagging away and smiled.
Can the heavens actually hear me? Now, it seems I'll have to be the one to execute you, whether I want to or not.
The Flower Fox Mink pushed off with its four paws, moving a good deal faster than Ni Kun. In a flash, it leaped from the roof beams and gave chase down the alley.
As Chen Ku pursued Ni Kun, the City Defense Forces also split into five-man squads, fanning out to pursue the Descendants of the Hero King and the Peace Path members who had fled in different directions. They completely ignored Ni Kun and the other escaped convicts.
"My lord, are we not going to bother with those convicts?" the County Lieutenant's Counselor asked curiously.
County Lieutenant Ma stroked his beard and said, "Rest assured, the Lord County Magistrate has everything under control. No one will escape; this time, it will be a total annihilation. A few mere death row convicts are nothing; the city's Blade-Handlers will take care of them. That old man from the Descendants of the Hero King thought he could divert the City Defense Forces with such a petty trick? Too naive."
The County Lieutenant's Counselor deeply agreed. He found these cultists and rebels laughable. Even if they possessed some strength, how could they possibly contend with the Lord County Magistrate, who controlled Baojiao County and its over one hundred thousand households? Whether in terms of martial power, resources, status, or intellect, they were simply not on the same level.
Ni Kun frantically fled through various alleys. He was very familiar with Baojiao County's layout. The Crossroads Market was in the outer city; just one more street, and he could escape the city walls!
Live! I must live! Only someone who has just brushed against the shadow of death can truly understand how precious life is.
However, just as he was about to dash out of the alley, a youth in black clothes suddenly appeared at its entrance.
"It's you! You little bas—"
Before Ni Kun could recognize the person or utter more than a few words, the youth, without further ado, swung an iron rod straight at his head.