"Brother Chen! Brother Chen!"
Chen Sanshi had just finished his morning cultivation and set aside his long spear to rest when he saw Yan Changqing running toward him, face flushed with excitement. Behind him followed several soldiers and officers, all wearing the same eager expressions.
"This is incredible! Absolutely incredible!"
Yan Changqing clapped his hands, grinning from ear to ear. "Brother Chen, you're truly the model for us all!"
"What model?"
Chen Sanshi blinked, confused.
"Oh, don't pretend you don't know."
Yan Changqing smirked. "It's all over town now—everyone in Liangzhou City knows about your romantic night with Miss Ningxiang!"
"Exactly!"
Xie Sishu joined in, laughing. "Lord Chen, they said you used your Vajra Body—you were so fierce the bed broke! I saw it myself this morning when I left. The maids were carrying a shattered bed frame down from the sixth floor!"
"Hiss—"
"So the General is as fierce on the bed as he is in the arena…"
"…"
Chen Sanshi rubbed his temples. It didn't take much to figure out what happened—the broken bed couldn't be explained away, so they must've carried it out in the open and made up a story to cover for him. That way, his identity wouldn't be exposed.
"And that poem you wrote, Brother Chen—'A crimson bloom weeps with dew of fragrance, beneath dark clouds of Mount Wu, hearts are torn in vain'!"
Yan Changqing's grin widened. "You said you couldn't write poetry!"
There was no Mount Wu in this world, but there was Mount Wu in name—so Chen Sanshi had simply changed a word when he wrote it.
"What about the second line?"
"Yes, Brother Chen, you can't just stop halfway!"
These sons of noble families, though trained in martial arts, were all well-educated. Some of them were no less talented than scholars, though their hearts admired strength more than words.
"With your literary skill, Brother Chen, if you took the imperial exam, you'd surely become a top scholar!"
"…"
Chen Sanshi almost laughed. He was certain that if he focused on studying, he could indeed make a name for himself. In the capital, a few borrowed verses would win him fame across the realm. But what would be the point? Even with fame, he'd still need high-level martial bodyguards—and besides, in this world, one could even cultivate immortality.
"But Brother Chen, there's one habit of yours that's not so admirable."
Yan Changqing changed his tone suddenly. "How could you… not pay?"
"Right!"
"It's all over the city—you took back five thousand taels of silver from Miss Ningxiang before leaving. So you didn't just leave without paying—you made a profit!"
"A true model indeed!"
"What model? I think Commander Chen did something improper this time. She earns her living with hard work—how could you refuse to pay?"
"…"
As the group started arguing, Chen Sanshi quietly slipped away. He had no time to waste on gossip. Before leaving, he went to the military archive and borrowed several maps of the Great Sheng Dynasty.
Rumors said trouble was brewing again—foreign wars had barely ended, and now internal unrest was rising. It was very likely that battle would break out again soon, and the Reserve Camp would be deployed for real combat.
As a commander, he always needed maps close at hand to analyze the situation whenever necessary.
After calling for his White Swan horse, Chen Sanshi made one more stop before returning home. He went to bustling Luhua Street, a marketplace famous for selling women's jewelry, rouge, and powder. He picked the busiest shop and spent several hundred taels on jewelry before finally heading back.
Before he even reached the gate, he saw a young Daoist standing outside in a blue robe.
Ciyun Temple again.
"Sir," the young Daoist greeted respectfully, "why didn't you attend the preaching ceremony the other day?"
Chen Sanshi dismounted and smiled faintly. "Little master, please tell True Person Qiu Mingzi that I've been busy with military affairs lately. When I have time, I'll certainly visit to pay my respects to the Celestial Lord and offer incense."
"Then please don't forget, Lord Chen. My master said you have a fate with the Dao. If you continue to attend, you'll surely comprehend the true path. Missing this chance would be a great pity."
After bowing again, the Daoist turned and left.
"So, they really have their eyes on me."
Chen Sanshi's gaze deepened.
He'd already made some inquiries.
Among the army, few high-ranking officers ever went to Ciyun Temple.
Partly because most soldiers, like him, didn't believe in such things.
And partly because the Grand Commander himself disliked that temple—so naturally, his subordinates followed his example and stayed away.
'Does Master know what's really going on there?'
'If he does, why hasn't he acted?'
Transforming Strength Minor Achievement!
If he remembered right, Qiu Mingzi was only at Transforming Strength Minor Achievement. Chen had seen no trace of Azure Profound Qi or Purple Qi on him—but with those strange "incense blessings," who knew what hidden methods he might possess?
For now, Chen Sanshi could only proceed cautiously. If they pushed him too far, he'd have no choice but to take the risk and strike first.
But for the moment, his priority was clear—break through to Transforming Strength and cultivate the Sword Qi Technique alongside it.
"The master's home!"
Siqin and Mohua were waiting at the gate.
Mohua took the reins of the White Swan horse, while Siqin whispered, "Master, madam is angry."
"Because of the Red Sleeve Pavilion?"
"Mhm."
Siqin nodded quickly. "I heard it myself on the street. The whole city's talking about it—they say the Grand Commander's disciple, the famous General of Martial Virtue, went to the red-light district, refused to pay, and now the courtesan herself has sent people searching all over town for you."
"It's fine. I'll explain."
Chen Sanshi pushed open the bedroom door.
Inside, Gu Xinlan sat at the table as usual, slender jade fingers moving deftly with her embroidery needle. From her calm face, he couldn't tell if she was angry.
The calmer she looked, the guiltier he felt. For a moment, he didn't even know how to begin.
"Shige'er, you're back."
Gu Xinlan spoke first.
"Yeah."
Chen Sanshi sat across from her and set several boxes on the table. "On my way back, I picked up some jewelry for you. See if you like them. If not, I'll go exchange them for something else.
"My dear, don't stay silent.
"If you're still upset, I can make you some rouge myself—with the best medicinal herbs. It won't harm the baby, and it'll nourish your skin.
"Or maybe you'd prefer—"
"Pfft~"
Before he could finish, Gu Xinlan suddenly covered her mouth and laughed.
Chen Sanshi froze.
"Alright, alright, I'm teasing you."
Gu Xinlan rolled her eyes. "Didn't you say last time that you had serious business to handle? You think I'm really mad?"
"Uh…"
Chen Sanshi blinked, confused. If she wasn't angry, then why did Siqin and Mohua both say she was?
"It was just for show," she said lightly, still smiling.
Gu Xinlan saw right through his thoughts and explained softly, "Making such a commotion at a pleasure house—you clearly did it to draw attention away from something else, didn't you? If I, as your wife, showed no reaction at all, that would've looked suspicious. I may not be able to help you with official or martial matters, but at least I can make sure I'm not holding you back at home."
"My Lan jie'er is really that clever?"
Chen Sanshi chuckled in surprise, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
"Stop it—you'll hurt the baby."
Gu Xinlan gently brushed his hands away, then looked up seriously. "Shi ge'er, I don't mind it. But Sister Li came this morning—she didn't look too happy."
"Really?"
"You can't be that dense. Do you really think Sister Li drops by every day just to take care of me?"
"Half true, half not," he said calmly. "I've never thought much of it. And even if Senior Sister Sun were willing… where would that put her?"
The Grand Commander's daughter could never be a concubine.
His master hadn't said anything, but Chen Sanshi suspected even the old man must've been annoyed about the rumors.
"Shi ge'er, I can—"
"Don't."
Chen Sanshi covered her mouth gently. "I won't let this matter trouble you. Master is magnanimous; he won't stay angry for long. You just rest. I'll go train for a bit."
He went to the rear courtyard, locked the gate, and took up the Five Tigers Break Souls Spear and the precious elixirs issued by the Grand Commander's residence, beginning his cultivation.
This was the greatest benefit of winning the Elite Selection.
Each cultivation stage came with ample resources—no shortage of pills or medicine. Combined with the potent spiritual grain ointment, his progress advanced rapidly.
Every day after the morning roll call, apart from patrol duty, all his time went into training.
Chen Sanshi's mastery of the Dragon Spear of Nation-Suppression deepened until his techniques flowed like fire refined to perfection.
He maintained his Exploding Blood state, body trembling slightly, mind slipping into a frenzy. His qi and blood surged violently, leaving no room for thought—only the vision of a massive python, its entire body glowing with mysterious energy, writhing as if about to shed its skin and evolve into something greater.
Two hundred rounds!
His Exploding Blood state lasted two hundred rounds before his Five-Organs of the Profound Origin began to strain, as if all his blood had been drained and yet he was still forcing his bones and marrow to yield their last ounce of strength.
But amid the exhaustion, he began faintly to feel it—the essence of Internal Force (Jinli).
"A little more!"
"Just a little more!"
"Transforming Strength!"
When his body felt completely dried out, when not a single drop of qi or blood remained, a strange new power suddenly formed within that emptiness—born from the dying flow of his blood. It merged into his arms, winding through his coiled muscles, then burst through his spear as he thrust forward, a dragon's roar echoing faintly in the air!
[Technique: Dragon Spear of Nation-Suppression – Transforming Strength (Beginner)]
[Progress: 0/500]
[Effect: Internal Force endures long, qi suppresses mountains and rivers; upon Major Achievement, force transforms into a true dragon.]
He had entered Transforming Strength!
The Transforming Strength realm resembled the Tempering Blood stage in many ways.
First, one refines a single thread of Internal Force, then spreads that power throughout the entire body. When mastered, the force can be projected outward—attached to a weapon. That's when a mystic weapon truly shows its worth.
Upon reaching Major Achievement, Internal Force could even extend slightly beyond the weapon itself, forming an invisible field of power around it.
[Internal Force endures long, qi suppresses mountains and rivers.]
Chen Sanshi set down the spear and struck at a massive boulder in the courtyard, fists crashing like thunder. He used the real feedback of each blow to feel the new power at work.
The Internal Force within his body no longer vanished instantly after striking—it lingered, extending slightly, fading only after a few breaths. In real combat, that meant his attacks could overwhelm his opponents head-on without pause.
Qi Suppresses Mountains and Rivers.
That was the defining trait of the Dragon Spear of Nation-Suppression. It turned wild, explosive spear momentum into a stabilizing force—the "Suppressing Force" that could crush anything before it. Unlike mere intimidation, this force truly shook an enemy's spirit.
As for the final effect, True Dragon Force, he couldn't yet imagine it. Only after reaching Major Achievement could he truly comprehend it.
"Finally, Transforming Strength."
Chen Sanshi exhaled deeply, his breath thick with heat.
He had achieved his stage goal—one month earlier than planned. Spring had just begun.
In just one month, he had broken through from Tempering Organ Major Achievement to Transforming Strength. Even geniuses like Lu Shuhua, who had long perfected Tempering Organ, would need much longer to cross that step.
Of course, this was thanks to the spiritual grain ointment.
But it was terribly inefficient. He'd already gone up the mountain once to refine more, yet it was gone again. Soon, he'd need to climb the mountain to make another batch—and his Black-Iron Furnace Cauldron had completely melted through. A new one would be needed.
So, though the spiritual grain ointment seemed costless, each batch actually consumed several thousand taels in cauldron expenses alone!
From the fifty thousand taels he had earned, half was already gone.
And Qianxun still insisted on licking a few spoonfuls every day.
"It'd be best if I could find a proper container for it."
He shook his head. "My martial realm won't advance further for now. I'll focus a few days on spell cultivation."
Locking the courtyard door, Chen Sanshi sat cross-legged on the cold floor of the side chamber. He took out the embroidered pouch given by the Seeking Immortals Tower, poured out the fine glowing spirit sand, and held it in his palm. Then he began circulating his meridians according to the broken manual's method.
With eyes closed, he sensed something faint within his dantian—a root, both tangible and intangible.
According to Senior Brother Fang's translated "dictionary," that was a spiritual root.
Only those with a spiritual root could practice spells. Even his master, the great Sun Xiangzong himself, could not; he could only enter the Dao through martial arts.
Moreover, spell cultivation and the Immortal Path were not the same.
The Immortal Path sought longevity; spells were meant to protect that path.
Spell cultivation was far harder than martial training—hundreds of times harder.
It took him three days just to learn how to draw Azure Profound Qi into his body through the spiritual root. Nearly a month had passed since then, yet he still hadn't reached true entry.
[Spell: Sword Qi Technique (Uninitiated)]
[Progress: 78/100]
[Effect: None]
Still, he was close.
But the spirit sand was depleting fast.
That pouch had contained only a small handful—and half was already gone.
The Seeking Immortals Tower surely had more, but they wouldn't just hand it to him again.
Other than that...
Chen Sanshi had noticed another strange phenomenon.
The Azure Profound Qi he absorbed into his body couldn't be stored or accumulated. It simply circulated endlessly through his meridians, dissipating slowly over time. In simpler terms—it couldn't be retained. Because of that, he couldn't reshape or strengthen his body through the stored Azure Profound Qi.
In contrast, his master's body could clearly retain that same energy.
That meant the method for storing spiritual qi was something one could only learn after reaching the Martial Saint realm.
As for the other path, Chen Sanshi didn't have the matching cultivation method.
The Seeking Immortals Tower did—but they wouldn't hand it to him. And even if they were willing, they didn't have enough spiritual qi to train properly themselves. Otherwise, they wouldn't still be so weak.
For now, the safest approach was to focus on perfecting his spell cultivation.
Unknowingly, another day passed. It wasn't until Siqin knocked lightly on the courtyard gate that his concentration was broken.
"Master, Eunuch Hou is here," she said cautiously. "He's waiting for you in the main hall."
"Alright."
Chen Sanshi guessed it must be news about Shunzi. He'd been training nonstop, so the timing was perfect for a short break. He ordered Siqin to prepare wine and food, then walked toward the hall to receive the guest.
When he entered, he cupped his fists politely. "Eunuch Hou, an honored guest indeed. Forgive me for not greeting you sooner."
"There's no need for formality, Lord Chen."
Eunuch Hou Bao set down his teacup with deliberate calm. "I came today to inform you about your brother's situation."
"Please, go on," Chen Sanshi said, stepping forward to pour the eunuch more tea. "You have news?"
"There is," Hou Bao replied slowly, "but don't be too happy yet."
He spoke evenly, but his tone was heavy. "Seven months ago, on the list of laborers sent to Danzhou to repair the Grand Canal, there was indeed someone named Zhang Shun. However, three months ago, something major happened there.
"The Liusha River's embankment collapsed. During the repairs, the workers dug up a stone statue of a one-eyed giant. After that, several local sect leaders incited a rebellion, shouting, 'The stone man's one eye stirs the desert, and the world shall rise in chaos!' They killed the canal overseer, fled into the mountains, and became bandits. Using the terrain of the Eight-Hundred-Li Water Marsh as their base, they built a fortress, recruited soldiers, and began preparing to revolt.
"Your brother, Zhang Shun, vanished right after that uprising.
"No one knows if he died in the chaos… or if he too—"
He paused for emphasis. "—joined the bandits."
"It got that serious?"
Chen Sanshi frowned deeply. Up north, he hadn't heard a word of this.
He fetched a map and traced his finger across the southern region. "Eunuch, how many people are we talking about?"
"Over eighty thousand."
Eunuch Hou let out a long sigh. "These ungrateful peasants… They don't know how good they have it under the court's rule, yet they dare to rebel! They deserve to be torn apart a thousand times over. And what's worse, many had secretly trained in martial arts beforehand and even prepared armor and weapons.
"This uprising was clearly premeditated.
"After the incident, the long-silent Nanxu Kingdom began stirring again. So from what I see, this rebellion is tied to Nanxu, as well as Danzhou's local noble clans and sects.
"Fortunately, they're nothing but a rabble. Once the court suppresses Nanxu first, it will crush these rebels next!"
Chen Sanshi's heart sank.
If things had reached that point, there was no way Shunzi could be found alive.
Most likely, he'd either died—or become one of the bandits.
"Lord Chen," Hou Bao said sharply, his high voice slicing through the silence, "take my advice—cut all ties with that brother of yours now. I'll keep it secret for you, but don't let this ruin your future."
"I understand, Eunuch," Chen Sanshi replied calmly.
But inside, he couldn't help thinking—good.
He'd seen what life was like for commoners back in Poyang County.
Then the ten days in Yunzhou had proven even more clearly that the Great Sheng Dynasty was destined to fall.
But even that wasn't enough.
The Great Sheng Dynasty's territory was vast.
On paper, there were only thirty-six provinces, but some—like Liangzhou—were enormous, equivalent to two and a half Yunzhous. That's why the court's forces were always stretched so thin.
And Danzhou was just a small southern province. If Nanxu fell, it would be isolated, forced to survive in the mountains at best.
In truth, those peasants were merely being used by others.
To truly change the world, one needed supreme power.
Especially after learning of the existence of Immortal Arts, Chen Sanshi was even more certain of that.
"These past years, the whole realm's been in chaos," Hou Bao sighed. "Even Mingzhou's restless. Now that the Grand Commander has entered the capital, the rebels are crawling out like spirits unsealed. The Western Qi Kingdom and Nanxu Kingdom have even joined hands, waiting for a chance to strike."
"Mingzhou too?"
Chen Sanshi's gaze fell to the map again.
Mingzhou bordered Yanzhou—a major province filled with mountains and rivers. Further west lay Western Qi.
The Great Sheng Dynasty's four borders—north, south, east, and west—faced the Northern Tribes, Nanxu, Eastern Qing, and Western Qi respectively.
Among them, the strongest were the united Northern Tribes, followed by Eastern Qing. Western Qi and Nanxu were about equal in power, all eyeing the Great Sheng's vast and fertile lands.
And for the same reason as the tribes—the Great Sheng had resources.
Every province of the Great Sheng housed at least one Profound Manifestation expert, something the other nations couldn't match. As for Martial Saints, they were as rare as phoenix feathers.
"It's not just Mingzhou," Hou Bao went on lightly. "Even Youzhou, Yanzhou, and Liangzhou have seen traces of rebellion. During the Ten Days of Yunzhou, there were traitors trying to coordinate with the Northern Tribes—mountain bandits, sects, peasants, all mixed together.
"But they never got the chance to gain traction. Once the Grand Commander had his hands free, he crushed them all. Now, the three northwestern provinces are stable again.
"Only Mingzhou's still troubled—besieged on all sides. A bandit army there has gathered strength and now openly opposes the court. They've seized six cities and have plenty of supplies.
"Let me give you an early heads-up—if the situation isn't resolved soon, Liangzhou will dispatch troops for support. Your Reserve Camp will likely be among them."
"Eunuch Hou," Chen Sanshi asked, frowning, "what kind of bandits are in Mingzhou that they could grow this strong?"
"It's a strange thing," Hou Bao hissed through his teeth. "They call themselves the Red Brows Army. And their leader isn't even a martial artist—but a failed scholar."
"A failed scholar?"
Chen Sanshi raised an eyebrow, even more intrigued.
"That's right~"
Eunuch Hou explained in detail, "This man began taking the imperial exams at sixteen. Now he's middle-aged and still hasn't earned a single proper title. Every time he went to the capital, he failed miserably, earning the ridicule of his peers. Even the woman he loved ended up marrying another man.
"So, two years ago, he joined a group of bandits in Meishan, leading them to crash the wedding. He killed the entire family of the groom and took the woman up the mountain, becoming a bandit himself.
"Not long after, he became the new leader of the Meishan bandits. Then, while the barbarian tribes were causing chaos, he raised troops and rebelled. Backed by the local noble clans, his power grew quickly.
"It's said he gained their support because he found a scroll—one that recorded military strategy from a Heavenly Book. The book contained true arcane formations, and with it, he became a master of drilling troops. Every army formation personally trained by him displayed combat power far beyond their cultivation levels, which is why he was made leader.
"Of course, they don't have a Martial Saint. Their strongest fighter is merely a sect master at the Profound Manifestation realm. So if the court truly decides to deal with them, it won't be too difficult.
"But the Mingzhou General, Dong An, must remain focused on guarding against Western Qi. He can't spare his troops.
"Therefore, in a short while, Liangzhou will be ordered to dispatch thirty thousand soldiers for the campaign."
A Heavenly Book that records military arts?
That must've been some kind of fortuitous encounter.
But how could a failed scholar, with no background or strength, not only obtain such a treasure but also keep it from being stolen—and even become the leader of a rebellion?
There was definitely more to this story.
"Thank you, Eunuch Hou, for the information."
Chen Sanshi bowed deeply.
Eunuch Hou smiled and raised a delicate orchid finger. "General Chen, you must train diligently these days. Strive to earn merit in Mingzhou and rise in rank!"
Then, lowering his voice, he added slyly, "And don't be so polite with me. I'm merely His Majesty's loyal servant. If one day the Grand Commander passes his martial teachings to you, remember…"
"To hand them over to the court," Chen Sanshi interrupted calmly. "Eunuch Hou, rest assured."
"Good! Excellent!"
Eunuch Hou nodded in satisfaction.
While they spoke, the food and wine were served—all prepared by a top chef from the Immortal Crane Pavilion at great expense.
The old eunuch ate heartily, and after a few rounds of wine, he tried to drag Chen Sanshi to the pleasure quarters. Chen politely declined, instead slipping him a one-thousand-tael silver note as a bribe.
"Oh, how could I possibly accept this? After all, I didn't manage to find your brother."
Eunuch Hou said that, but his hands had already tucked the silver note away. "Then I won't trouble you further, Lord Chen."
"Siqin, see our guest out."
Once the eunuch left, peace returned to the mansion.
Chen Sanshi could finally resume his Sword Qi Technique cultivation.
Days blurred into routine—training, studying, and brief rest.
It had been nearly one month since his last visit to the Red Sleeve Pavilion. Gu Xinlan's pregnancy had passed the two-month mark. Her belly still looked flat, but her morning sickness and drowsiness were getting worse.
Before dawn each day, Chen Sanshi would prepare nourishing soup himself, instruct Siqin and Mohua to make sure his wife drank it. Then he'd head to camp for roll call.
After hearing Eunuch Hou's report, he intensified training among his men.
After months of grinding coordination, both his old subordinates and the soldiers transferred from other divisions had learned absolute obedience. His [Commanding Troops] skill had also improved significantly.
[Skill: Commanding Troops (Minor Achievement)]
[Progress: 355/2000]
The only flaw in his troops was their low cultivation level—too few Tempering Organ martial soldiers.
Each of the Eight Garrisons had sufficient supplies of basic tonics, but there were limits. If soldiers with weak constitutions overused them, they'd fail to digest the excess energy. The lingering toxins would rot their internal organs, crippling their foundations.
The level of remaining poison in those tonics depended on the medical officer's skill.
To put it in simple numbers: a normal medicine brewed by average medics like Jiang Yiguan had around 40% residual toxicity.
But for high-level medics at the Meridian-Connecting stage, like Medical Officer Jiang, who could refine medicine using Internal Force, the residual toxins were only around 20%.
That 20% might not sound like much, but every fraction mattered. Each reduction meant soldiers could safely consume more tonics, improving their cultivation faster. Over time, this raised the army's overall strength considerably.
"Using Internal Force to purify medicine requires reaching the External Strength stage," Chen Sanshi muttered.
He decided that once he had time, he would study this technique himself. If he could reduce the toxins even further, it would indirectly boost the entire unit's combat power.
"Hey! General! Got some good news for you!"
Bai Tingzhi came striding over, grinning from ear to ear. "That mutt surnamed Yin is finally leaving tomorrow morning. Guess we won't have to look at his face anymore."
"He's leaving?"
Chen Sanshi raised his brows. "You're sure?"
"Positive."
Bai Tingzhi nodded firmly. "He bought wine and meat today, throwing a feast in camp for his friends. I heard he's even going to the pleasure district tonight. Those sycophants are all saying they'll miss him."
Chen Sanshi's eyes narrowed.
This man, loyal to Cao Fan and his faction, had been stationed in Liangzhou as an aide. Why leave all of a sudden?
It must've been because of the earlier reassignment of Sha Wenlong—maybe they feared exposure and decided to retreat before being investigated.
But would Yin Hanwen really leave so quietly?
Among Cao Fan's men, the one who hated Chen Sanshi most was Yin Hanwen. The man had even been shot by him once.
Besides…
He wasn't short on money. Holding a farewell feast inside camp wasn't about saving coin—it was more like a message. A public announcement. To tell everyone he was leaving.
Who's he trying to show it to?
Chen Sanshi couldn't help but imagine the worst-case scenario.
Even if Yin Hanwen wasn't planning to strike at him directly—he still couldn't be allowed to leave unscathed.
His Sword Qi Technique was just shy of entry level, but he'd complete it by tomorrow for sure. Still, before that, he needed to prepare.
Coincidentally, his unit was on rest duty that afternoon.
Without drawing attention, Chen Sanshi slipped out of camp and headed to the Grand Commander's Mansion.
By now, he was familiar enough to enter freely without announcement. Guided by a young maid, he went straight to Rong Yanqiu's quarters.
"Little Junior Brother, couldn't you at least send word before showing up?"
Rong Yanqiu stepped out, a light gauze robe loosely draped over her shoulders. Her hair and cheeks were still damp—clearly, she had just finished bathing.
She poked a finger against his chest, smiling faintly. "Alright, out with it. What brings you to see your senior sister this time?"
Chen Sanshi stepped back half a pace and offered the gift box he had brought. "Just came to visit you, Senior Sister."
"Ha! Don't pretend to be proper now. You weren't acting so serious when you and that little courtesan broke a bed at the Red Sleeve Pavilion."
Rong Yanqiu rolled her eyes in contempt, pulling on her clothes as she glanced at the jewelry box. "Cut the act and tell me—what do you need from me this time?"
"Nothing gets past Senior Sister," Chen Sanshi admitted with a small bow. "I have two days of leave. I plan to go hunting in the mountains—see if I can track down a rare beast. But I can't relax leaving my wife alone at home. I was hoping you might stay at my house for a few days to keep watch."
Since his enemy was about to leave Liangzhou, killing him outside the city would be the safest plan. With Qianxun by his side, escape was no concern—but he still worried about any danger reaching home while he was away.
"What are you worrying about?"
Rong Yanqiu assumed this was still related to Senior Brother Nie Yuan's earlier trouble and spoke confidently. "Go hunt in peace. No one's following you anymore, and no one dares touch your home."
"Still, I'd feel better if Senior Sister kept an eye on things."
Rong Yanqiu sighed and nodded. "Fine, fine. Since you put it that way, how could I refuse? I'm free anyway. Your Sister Li comes by often, so I'll stay a couple of days.
"But let me make this clear—you are not allowed to sneak off to the Red Sleeve Pavilion again.
"You made me help you catch the spies last time, and what did you do right after? Ran to a brothel and made yourself famous! I was furious."
"I won't go again," Chen Sanshi promised at once.
"That's more like it."
Rong Yanqiu gave him a long-suffering look. "Honestly, I don't know what's gotten into my little sister. If my man dared mess around like that, I'd hang him from the city wall!
"You know what your Senior Sister Sun said when I complained?
"She told me, 'Don't meddle, Senior Sister. Little Junior Brother must have something important to handle.' Just hearing it made me sick.
"You keep buying me gifts, but you never think to get her anything! She's never shown interest in anyone before. This time, she probably doesn't even realize she's fallen for you herself. You better not let her down."
"I understand," Chen Sanshi said with a small nod. "Next time, I'll prepare a proper gift."
After all, Sun Shijie had been caring for Lan jie'er every day—it was only right to show gratitude.
He cupped his hands. "I'll be heading to the mountains now."
"Go, go."
Rong Yanqiu waved impatiently. "Leave your wife and my unborn nephew to me. I guarantee they won't lose even a hair. You really are too cautious for your own good."
"Farewell!"
With everything arranged, the weight on Chen Sanshi's heart lifted. Without wasting another moment, he mounted his White Swan horse and rode straight toward the Luotian Mountain Range.
His Sword Qi Technique was still a step away from true entry—he had to use this time efficiently.
Even with his senior sister guarding the house, he couldn't let his enemies live.
At the cave where he refined medicine, Chen Sanshi sat cross-legged, focusing all his attention as he absorbed the Azure Profound Qi from the spirit sand.
When dawn broke the next day, light spilling into the cave, his eyes snapped open.
[Spell: Sword Qi Technique (Beginner)]
[Progress: 0/500]
[Effect: Condense qi into a sword—kill with a flick of the finger.]
Kill with a flick of the finger!
A martial artist at the Profound Manifestation realm could coat their body in protective gang qi.
But those at the Meridian-Connecting stage could not.
And mere Internal Force was absolutely no defense against a spell.
The more Chen Sanshi practiced, the more he felt its terrifying power.
He circulated qi through his meridians in a specific rhythm, gathering the spiritual energy in his right arm and palm. At his fingertip, in the air above, a faint, needle-thin sword shadow took form—small and ethereal, barely thicker than a strand of silk.
"Success!"
He dispersed the sword shadow with a flick.
Even with his Vajra Body, he could feel it—this technique could pierce straight through him. There was no need to test it; even at the lowest level, it could kill a Meridian-Connecting martial artist instantly.
But his spiritual energy was limited.
One full strike would consume nearly all the Azure Profound Qi he'd painstakingly absorbed. Afterward, he'd have to replenish it with more spirit sand. Waste was not an option.
Satisfied, he glanced at the light outside. It was time.
He descended the mountain swiftly and met up with Qianxun at the foothills.
…
"Your Highness, farewell."
Yin Hanwen gave a deep bow before boarding the carriage. With seven or eight attendants escorting him, the convoy soon vanished into the distance.
After about half an hour, Yin Hanwen finally spoke. "Old Wei, it's time. Head back now. Wait until dark, then strike. Leave no one alive. Have you prepared everything?"
"Here."
Wei Gong produced a Vajra Pestle, its golden surface gleaming faintly. "The Witch God Sect always uses this to take heart's blood after a kill. But, Young Master… he's Grand Commander Sun's disciple. Are you truly not afraid of the consequences if this goes wrong?"
"Hesitation means failure!"
Yin Hanwen's tone flared with fierce conviction. "Old Wei, that man's talent surpasses even mine. With the Grand Commander's guidance, if His Highness doesn't seize his opportunities now, that bastard will surpass us all—he could even become a Martial Saint… or something far greater!"
"And judging from how he killed Wen Qiushi outright, do you really think he'll ever let me go?
If I don't kill him now, when will I ever get another chance?
Besides, this isn't just about personal revenge. Killing him will remove the last obstacle in the north. Once His Highness controls the army, it'll bring tremendous benefit to the entire court."
"I understand."
Wei Gong sighed. "Young Master, if I haven't returned before nightfall, don't stay in the carriage any longer. Leave this place immediately—ride fast and don't look back."
"Old Wei, what do you mean?"
Yin Hanwen frowned. "Killing a mere Tempering Organ cultivator shouldn't be that risky, should it?"
"Don't worry, Young Master. Even if there's risk, I'll bear it alone. I won't let anything implicate you—or His Highness."
Wei Gong said no more. He mounted his warhorse and galloped back down the road, his back straight and unyielding.
Killing was easy. Leaving the city alive—that was the hard part.
If the City Guard was alerted and escape became impossible, he would destroy his own face and end his life on the spot.
He was a man of the jianghu.
The Yin family had given him everything. If his old life could be traded for theirs, he would die without regret.
"Old Wei…"
Yin Hanwen watched until the rider disappeared completely from view before lowering the curtain of the carriage.
Wei Gong had watched him grow up. Their bond ran deep. The man had even taught him martial arts—half a master, really. If something happened to him, Yin Hanwen would feel the loss.
But he clenched his jaw. "Even so… it's worth it!"
Closing his eyes, he forced himself to calm down, waiting patiently for good news.
"Old Zhang, tell a story," he said after a while.
The coachman, Old Zhang, who had also served the family for years, chuckled. He'd even learned storytelling just to entertain the young master.
"Right away!"
Old Zhang's booming voice filled the carriage. He started with the customary opening verse:
"Stories and songs are told to warn—
Good and evil bring their due reward;
The righteous path is ever hard,
And the world's true face is change!"
"Now, last time we left off…"
The steady rhythm of the carriage and the familiar cadence of the story lulled Yin Hanwen into drowsiness. Before long, he drifted into deep sleep.
Then—silence.
A silence so heavy it felt unnatural.
The world had gone still. Even the wheels had stopped turning. Only the faint chirping of birds from the roadside broke the quiet.
"Old Zhang? Why'd you stop?"
No answer.
"Where are we? Has Old Wei come back yet?"
Still silence.
"I'm talking to you! Answer me!"
Then a desperate, hoarse scream shattered the air.
"Young Master—run!"
The warning struck Yin Hanwen like a thunderclap. His instincts screamed at him. He snatched up the iron longsword beside him and leapt from the carriage.
What he saw froze his blood.
All around the road—corpses.
Everywhere.
His eight guards lay dead, their bodies sprawled across the dirt. Each had a single wound: a clean arrow hole straight through the heart.
The strongest among them, Old Zhang, had been the last to fall. He'd used his body to shield the carriage, taking several arrows meant for his master. That final cry—it had been his.
"Who's there?!"
Yin Hanwen's voice trembled despite his effort to steady it. He gripped the sword tight, his knuckles white.
Whoosh!
The sound of something slicing through the air came from behind him.
He turned just in time to raise his sword—but the impact sent him flying. The blade flew from his hands as he crashed hard into the dirt.
Not even a single exchange!
And then—he saw him.
A man standing tall in the dust, spear in hand, a bow strapped across his back.
"Y-you… you've reached the Transforming Force stage?!"
Yin Hanwen's eyes went wide. For a moment, even fear gave way to disbelief.
His Highness had burned through his own lifespan just to barely reach the Transforming Force realm. Yet this man—this Chen Sanshi—how had he done it? Even a Transformative Mysterious Body shouldn't make this possible!
Chen Sanshi didn't waste a single word. He raised his spear to finish the kill—
But a massive boulder suddenly came hurtling toward him.
Bang!
His spear struck, shattering the rock into a spray of gravel.
In that instant, a dark figure darted in and dragged Yin Hanwen away.
"Old Wei?! You came back!"
Yin Hanwen's voice cracked with relief.
"That brat knew we were after him," Wei Gong said coldly. "He brought Rong Yanqiu to guard his home in advance. I couldn't find him there. Didn't expect he'd chase us out here to strike first. Clever. Bold. But…"
He bared his teeth. "He's still underestimating me!"
"Chen Sanshi!" Yin Hanwen roared, his face twisted with rage. "Heaven had a road, yet you refused to walk it. Hell had no gate, yet you barged in!
Inside the city, we had to hold back—but out here, you'll die with no grave to bury you! Wei Gong, kill him! Wei Gong? Wei—"
A flash of silver.
Yin Hanwen froze mid-sentence.
He hadn't even seen what happened.
Wei Gong—an expert at the Meridian-Connecting Minor Achievement realm—stood rigid for a heartbeat, then fell straight to the ground.
A tiny red dot bloomed at the center of his brow. Thin streams of blood trickled down like a web across his face.