Clip-clop, clip-clop...
The wheels turned, casting dark shadows under the moonlight, resembling a coffin.
The carriage was making its way back to Yulan Hall.
As they reached a less crowded area, Wei Yao suddenly said, "Young Master, that person wants to lure you to Luoshi Sect."
Li Xuan corrected, "It's not just me; it's all the buyers of this cultivation technique."
Wei Yao said, "I've looked at this cultivation technique. Not only is it problem-free, but also complete, except it's missing the fundamental diagram."
The air grew silent, and an abrupt strange atmosphere emerged.
Wei Yao suddenly whispered, "How about..."
Li Xuan curiously asked, "Are you going to spy on them?"
Wei Yao replied, "Spy on what, just grab a sack, beat them up, and keep going if they don't talk. That person holds ill intentions, so we don't need to be polite."
Li Xuan clicked his tongue, "Tsk, tsk, tsk..."
Wei Yao blushed with anger, "Do you have to make that sound?"
Li Xuan coughed, returned to normal, and said calmly, "Let's wait and see, there's no need to act rashly."
He just needed to wait for the aftermath of Luoshi Sect. As for the core method of the Iron Cloak, it wasn't worth making a special trip to investigate.
Moreover, if that person was deliberately luring people to Luoshi Sect, there might be many hidden schemes behind it. Once caught up, it would be difficult to back out, and it could stir up unnecessary trouble.
When the benefits and troubles don't match, and risks haven't been assessed, it's better to stay out of such matters.
Compared to the core method of the Iron Cloak, Li Xuan was more interested in seeing the further developments of this matter.
Luoshi Sect is a martial arts school. Tomorrow he would go to Yanzi Dock to attend Lin Jianfeng's gathering, and just ask people about it then.
...
...
That night, back at Yulan Hall.
Li Xuan flipped through the Iron Cloak for a while. The post-training techniques were not as mysterious as the Melted Copper Treasure Manual, but rather an improvement on the ordinary horse stance; the "breathing method" wasn't miraculous, just sideways breath-holding; the core lay in the "medicine formula."
The training process involved training the muscles, then being beaten with an iron rod; the force of the beating was gradually increased, followed by applying medicine to recover, repeatedly, until the rod striking no longer caused pain.
The so-called fundamental diagram in the book was a secret technique for quick recovery, promoting blood circulation and removing bruises; the diagrams recorded methods to transport blood and energy using different postures and movements for rapid recovery, truly miraculous.
Bong~
Bong~
Bong~
"Dry weather, be careful with fire."
At this moment, the sound of the night watchman's wooden clapper echoed from afar.
Li Xuan quietly put down the book and started reflecting.
He roughly understood that this Iron Cloak was a method for training the skin and muscles; its place among top-tier cultivation techniques was mostly due to its superior "medicine formula" compared to other similar techniques.
Simultaneously, the most essential part should also be in that fundamental diagram.
From his past life's "gamified" understanding, the Iron Cloak could be divided into two levels: the first level called "passive skill—enhanced defense," and the second level, "active skill—self life force recovery."
"Indeed, there's really nothing good among the cultivation techniques in the martial world."
Li Xuan sighed. Though he had memorized this method, it wasn't the cultivation technique he desired.
It's imaginable that even if he practiced this Iron Cloak, it would likely only enhance his physique to around thirteen or fourteen, while a Grandmaster's technique could enhance it to about sixteen.
Demon Points were precious, and cultivation required time; it's better to cultivate a superior method than a subpar one.
Li Xuan yawned, thought about the invitation for the next day, and fell asleep with his eyes closed.
...
...
The next morning, early.
A carriage stopped in front of Yulan Hall, driven by a somewhat attractive woman in red, clearly not a servant or maid.
The woman introduced herself; her surname was Zuo, given name Hong, her status was indeed as a dock master of the Twelve linked Docks of Qing River Cargo Transport, known in the martial world as "The Red Flower On the Waves." Upon presenting the Qing River Cargo Transport token, Zuo Hong politely invited Li Xuan to board the carriage.
For a female dock master to personally act as a coachman, it showed they highly valued Li Xuan and observed all the courtesies.
Perhaps previously, Qing River Cargo Transport wouldn't have treated a young master so politely, not even if he had ranked highly.
But recently, the fame of "Master Li, Young Grandmaster" had spread throughout Hundred Flowers Mansion, along with the "Sparrow Feather Sword" at his waist, indicating Prefect Cao Shuda regarded him as gate pupil and had a good relationship with him.
This was a young man with limitless potential.
Not to mention, a young Grandmaster already deserved such treatment from fellow martial world people.
Li Xuan took his younger brother along and brought Wei Yao on the carriage with them.
The carriage left the inner city, heading towards the south of the outer city.
Qing River was a vast river running east-west, winding nearly eight hundred miles into the sea, passing through many cities along the way, naturally leading to flourishing waterborne transport.
For Hundred Flowers Mansion, the Twelve Linked Docks were not only waterfront villages along Qing River but also in charge of loading and unloading goods, a blend of various backgrounds and deeply rooted histories.
Among them, Yanzi Dock was more unique, essentially a scenic retreat for sightseeing, without cargo carriers or martial artists coming and going, making it the perfect place for young masters and misses to hold small gatherings.
Li Xuan slightly lifted the curtain and suddenly said, "Dock Master Zuo."
The woman smiled warmly, "Master Li, you're too kind, just call me Zuo Hong."
Li Xuan smiled and said, "Sister Zuo."
Zuo Hong was taken aback, then giggled, "You're a Junior Grandmaster recognized by Prefect Cao himself, calling me sister is too much, feel free to speak your mind, young master."
Li Xuan chuckled and said, "Don't call me Master Li anymore. Sister Zuo, just call me by my name, or like you would anyone else, just call me Young Master."
Zuo Hong laughed straightforwardly, "Alright then."
Li Xuan corrected her address and got straight to the point, "Sister Zuo, I'm looking for some cultivation techniques at the grandmaster level. Do you know where I might find them?"
Zuo Hong was taken aback and after a moment of silence, said, "Grandmasters are very selective when taking on disciples. You have to serve them for three years, pouring tea and water, and only after assessing your character can you learn their skills. However, there are other circumstances as well.
For example, after a sect that once had a grandmaster declines, their cultivation techniques may end up outside; or a grandmaster who never found a suitable disciple might entrust their teachings on their deathbed; or when a grandmaster is short of money, they might make a copy of their cultivation techniques and sell them at an underground auction. These are all possible.
Our Qing River Waterway Gang also has a place dedicated to collecting cultivation techniques, but it is personally managed by Gang Leader Lin. Once we get to Yanzi Dock, I'll go and ask about it for you, Young Master."
Li Xuan thanked her, "Thank you very much, Sister Zuo."
Zuo Hong giggled and said, "Since you're so polite, why don't you come by my dock for a visit after the small gathering at Yanzi Dock concludes?"
Li Xuan laughed heartily, "Sure thing."
Zuo Hong felt increasingly close to him upon his agreement.
As she drove the carriage, she chatted idly with Li Xuan.
Beside them, Li Zhili felt exceedingly bored, wanting to join in but not knowing what to say. He could only blink and listen, his admiration for his elder brother gradually increasing...
As Li Xuan chatted, he casually asked, "Sister Zuo, someone told me about this matter in the martial world. They said there have been many murders at Luoshi Sect in the northwest of the provincial city, and now no one dares to investigate. Is that true?"
Zuo Hong replied eerily, "Young Master, that place is strange. Previously, even the surrounding three gangs and four sects sent people there, but none returned."
She paused slightly and suddenly lowered her voice, asking, "Young Master, do you believe in demons in this world?"
"You mean demon beasts, right?" Li Xuan said, "I've heard the Ding family in our county mention it, and... I've also encountered one."
Saying this, he recounted the story of the demon leopard.
This matter wasn't a secret.
Zuo Hong said gravely, "Since you believe, Young Master, and since you call me Sister Zuo, listen to my advice: Luoshi Sect... has demons. Don't go, don't ask, don't get involved."
Li Xuan asked curiously, "Can't it be exterminated?"
Since the location is confirmed, why not exterminate it? After all, the fog-covered demon leopard was wiped out by joint forces from soldiers of two counties previously.
Zuo Hong suddenly fell silent and said, "For this matter, perhaps you should ask your mentor, Young Master."
Her mention of "mentor" naturally referred to Hundred Flowers Mansion Prefect, Cao Dashu.
Li Xuan squinted his eyes.
He didn't actually need to ask — he had already guessed.
This is likely a case of an attempted extermination but ended in failure, hence the secrecy.
A demon that even a prefect could not eliminate must be terrifying beyond imagination.
Then, another question arose: if Luoshi Sect harbored demons, then... what was the identity of the merchant at Blind Alley last night who seduced him to Luoshi Sect?
Could it be that demons had human accomplices?
Or could it be some sort of demon skill?
Or perhaps he was overthinking it, and the merchant just happened to say it unintentionally?
The carriage suddenly fell silent.
The Second Young Master Li, afraid upon hearing about demons and monsters, naturally displayed a look of fear on his face and suddenly asked, "Brother, could the flower thief in our county also be a demon?"
The Eldest Young Master Li, seeing the frightened expression of the big boy wearing a "mask of fear," shivered slightly as well. Trying to maintain composure, he patted his head and said, "C... children, don't talk nonsense. The flower thief hasn't appeared for a long time."
After saying this, he no longer pursued the topic but slowly closed his eyes, leaning back slightly, and began to rest his mind.
Although his eyes were closed, the words "demon" lingered in his mind.
If demons had indeed emerged in the world, then... how could humans resist them? Was it even possible?
Suddenly, he opened his eyes again and looked at Wei Yao.
Wei Yao involuntarily rolled her narrow eyes upon making eye contact with Li Xuan, then quickly averted her gaze, avoiding his eyes.
Li Xuan's eyes showed a hint of contemplation.
...
...
At this moment, at Qing River Waterway Gang.
Yanzi Dock.
Lin Jianfeng was inspecting various areas, such as whether the dishes prepared by the dining hall were complete and whether gifts for those young aristocrats were ready, and so on...
He hadn't made it onto the list in this round of exams. But it didn't matter; he wasn't that concerned about it because he wasn't in the mood to really settle down and study.
Beside him was a beautiful woman dressed in a water-green gown.
This beauty was none other than his wife—Yao Xiaoxiao.
Yao Xiaoxiao was once a girl who loved to laugh, but... she hadn't smiled for a long time.
As they walked, upon reaching a turn by a grove, Yao Xiaoxiao went ahead.
Lin Jianfeng was just a couple of steps behind. As he was about to walk past, his vision suddenly went black, and he lost consciousness.
A moment later, another Lin Jianfeng stepped forward, walking up to Yao Xiaoxiao.
This "new Lin Jianfeng" wore a silly grin. Compared to the mature and steady Lin Jianfeng, his eyes contained a touch of inexplicable darkness and madness.
Suddenly, he raised his hand and grabbed Yao Xiaoxiao's hand, pulling it firmly.
Yao Xiaoxiao was startled, turning her head to look at this "new Lin Jianfeng" in horror, her pupils slowly widening in fear.
However, this "new Lin Jianfeng" smiled even more joyfully. Seeing Yao Xiaoxiao's panic, he grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, and reassured her, "Sister-in-law, don't be nervous. I'm my brother."