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Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Desolate Martial Arts Hall

The Simulation Points are quickly spent, and after exchanging for talent, only fifty points remain.

Jiang Ming thought briefly and exchanged for a Thousand-year-old Ginseng. Most items were not qualified to be included in the Character Card, only a few top mundane treasures collected by the Jinn Dynasty reached the threshold.

Then there was the non-enlightened version of the Severing Flame Palm. With the foundation of the Mastery Level Red Gold Flame-breaking Palm, cultivating the Ten Extremes Martial Arts' Severing Flame Palm from it was highly efficient.

Only ten points of Simulation Points were left, and Jiang Ming planned to use them to exchange for cultivation time.

According to the exchange ratio, Jiang Ming could trade for ten months of cultivation time.

The rest could only be considered after obtaining more Simulation Points from reality. Spirit Points are somewhat related to the evil spirits of this world, so Simulation Points probably are, as well; Jiang Ming just needed to explore further.

Jiang Ming closed the simulator's panel and looked at the items in front of him.

A bag, a jade bottle, and a redwood box containing the Thousand-year-old Ginseng.

Jiang Ming tugged at the bag, as expected, it couldn't be pulled apart. Even during Li Jin's lifetime, this bag could never be opened. This storage bag requires the identity of a cultivator to use.

The bottle contained the Netherworld Ice Spring. When Jiang Ming opened the lid, a chill spread, as if entering the depths of winter.

Jiang Ming took out a few drops from it and dripped them into his eyes. This was a method learned from the simulation, treating the Netherworld Ice Spring like eye drops, used daily at scheduled times.

Rumor has it that the Netherworld Ice Spring can open the Yin Yang Eyes, allowing one to see things invisible to ordinary people.

It is unknown how much of the Netherworld Ice Spring is required to achieve this effect. In any case, even after Li Jin used it all, there was no such effect.

Instead, his vision was significantly enhanced, possessing a visual capability far superior to that of an Innate Martial Artist.

The Thousand-year-old Ginseng, on the other hand, could partly be exchanged for wealth in reality and partly used to enhance cultivation.

Jiang Ming's eyes showed a weary look, the simulation had consumed a lot of his energy, and he hadn't rested well before.

After arranging the items, Jiang Ming fell asleep instantly.

It was an uneventful night.

At dawn, Jiang Ming checked out of his room and headed toward the City Lord's Mansion.

The City Lord's Mansion is Great Lii's institution for controlling the major cities, and it's the largest power in the city.

Although the Jiang Family Village has not received shelter from Great Lii and relied on the evil god's worship to survive, nominally, it still falls under Great Lii's jurisdiction.

Thousands of villagers disappearing overnight is something that requires at least an investigation, right?

However, when Jiang Ming reported the happenings of Jiang Family Village, the City Lord's Mansion only casually gave Jiang Ming a new identity proof without even asking what had occurred.

Exiting the City Lord's Mansion, Jiang Ming frowned.

A village protected by a Mountain God being annihilated implies the arrival of a significant evil.

Yet, the City Lord's Mansion seems indifferent. Could it be that the relationship between a village like Jiang Family Village and the city is particularly special? But it shouldn't be...

Jiang Ming decided not to dwell on it and turned to head in the direction of the city's west.

In the daytime, Evergreen City was bustling and peaceful, with people coming and going, creating a lively scene.

Groups of children ran around joyously on the streets, as if it wasn't a world in chaos due to demons and monsters, but a flourishing age of peace.

"It should be here..."

Lion Roar Martial Arts Hall.

Jiang Ming did not lack paths to grow stronger; he lacked understanding of this world, a suitable identity, and a stable place to cultivate.

Jiang Ming stopped in front of a large red lacquer door.

Faint roars could be heard from within, indicating warriors training inside.

The plaque bore the flamboyant characters for Lion Roar.

However, the plaque seemed somewhat worn.

A group of kids were peeking through the door cracks with curiosity.

Jiang Ming didn't follow their lead. Peeking as a child is one thing, but he's already considered a martial artist; being caught peeking could be construed as stealing learning.

Jiang Ming was about to knock on the door when someone called him from behind.

"Hey, young brother! Wait a moment."

Jiang Ming turned to see a slightly chubby middle-aged man sitting on a donkey cart, with a small vehicle trailing behind.

"You're new here, right? The martial artists are all in morning training during these two hours. You'll have to wait a bit."

"Alright, thanks, brother." Jiang Ming expressed his gratitude.

"I'm Han Dong. I deal in Qiuye Grass. Which village are you from?"

Han Dong casually asked, glancing at Jiang Ming's attire.

"Jiang Ming, from Jiang Family Village," Jiang Ming replied.

Han Dong's eyebrows faintly furrowed, "Jiang Family Village? The delivery time for Jiang Family Village isn't around this time?"

"Oh? How come Brother Han knows so much about it?"

This piqued Jiang Ming's interest.

Han Dong explained, "The Lion Roar Martial Arts Hall has only so many regular clients. Of course, I would know."

"Oh? The Lion Roar Martial Arts Hall isn't too bad, right?" Jiang Ming asked with some doubt.

The Lion Roar Martial Arts Hall was a well-ranked martial arts hall, with martial artists of the hall master level, not some third-rate institution.

"You might not know, little brother Jiang, but Mr. Qian is getting old, and there aren't many successors. Several martial arts halls are eyeing the Lion Roar Martial Arts Hall's resources."

"Everyone needs to eat, even martial artists. Without offerings and orders, it's the same as having no money. Without money, what martial arts can you learn?"

"It's a pity, really. I was thinking of seeing if my son could become a martial artist here."

"But Lion Roar Martial Arts Hall is quite approachable. Other martial arts halls don't even take small orders like ours. With this, I'm about to bleed money to deal with those…"

Han Dong was quite talkative.

Jiang Ming listened intently without interrupting.

The Lion Roar Martial Arts Hall was weaker than expected, but a weaker hall also had its advantages. At least there would be less hassle for Jiang Ming to join it.

Moreover, as long as the old master of the Lion Roar Martial Arts Hall was still alive, their foundation would remain, and the information Jiang Ming could gather wouldn't be lacking.

Time passed quickly.

The kids peeking at the door had already switched multiple times.

A young man with thick eyebrows opened the door, causing the children to scatter.

He then addressed the visitors at the door, "Everyone, please come in."

The few guests he saw were familiar faces, causing the young man with thick eyebrows to feel a tinge of disappointment.

Why does a martial arts hall need to determine a sequence? Is it for face? Of course, it is. But apart from face, it's mainly about reputation. The more renowned the martial arts hall, the more offerings and orders it receives, attracting more disciples and increasing its influence.

This is why the Evergreen City martial arts hall ranking exists.

But now it seems...

Huh? The young man with thick eyebrows noticed a new face.

"Brother, what brings you to our martial arts hall?"

The young man with thick eyebrows warmly invited Jiang Ming into the main courtyard.

The courtyard seemed somewhat desolate, not matching its large scale.

Jiang Ming recalled his gaze and looked at the young man with thick eyebrows with a smile, "Brother Qian, it's me, Jiang Ming."

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