Chapter 51: Leaving the City (Part I)

Took a short rest.

Regained a bit of physical strength.

Lin Zheyu took two sets of medicinal herbs from inside the house, placed them into the medicine pot, and began the decoction process.

During the intervals of brewing, he began stretching his muscles and bones.

Two hours later.

The fragrance of medicinal herbs drifted through the courtyard.

After several rounds of brewing, all the medicinal potency within the herbs had been extracted.

*Thud, thud.*

*Thud, thud, thud.*

Just as Lin Zheyu intended to drink the medicinal soup to begin enhancing his strength, a knocking sound echoed from outside the door.

"Did something happen again?"

Lin Zheyu wondered.

The Turtle Breath Technique operated silently, masking all the fluctuations in his blood and qi caused by his recent training, restoring his strength to the level of the Bone Forging Realm.

Pushing open the door, he found a lackey from the Flying Rainbow Gang standing outside.

"Brother Yu, this is your invitation."

"Mm, thank you."

Lin Zheyu took the invitation and said with a smile, "Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?"

"You are too kind. It is my honor to deliver this invitation to you, Brother Yu. I am not thirsty," the man said with a smile.

Lin Zheyu did not press further and opened the invitation to read it.

"Funing Garden? Master Xu certainly thinks highly of me," Lin Zheyu muttered.

Every year at the end of the year, the Flying Rainbow Gang would host a banquet for its members.

People like Jia Yanyong and Xie Jiang usually went to Fuhe Garden.

Other ordinary members had their banquets held at locations chosen by their respective Viscera Refining Realm supervisors.

Funing Garden, however, was where the scions of prominent families like the Xu, Ren, and Chen families attended banquets; it was a place for important figures.

The banquet was set to begin at noon in three days, so there was no immediate rush.

Lin Zheyu put away the invitation and drank the medicinal soup he had prepared earlier.

His strength had reached the Blood Qi Realm. His internal organs had undergone two rounds of reinforcement and tempering through the Golden Goose Technique and the Turtle Breath Technique, long satisfying the requirements for the Viscera Refining stage of the Bull Fist.

One could say that with the Bull Fist, he had completed the Viscera Refining stage before moving on to Bone Forging.

The energy required to temper his two arms was sufficient with the potency of two sets of Blood-Nourishing Bone-Strengthening Soup.

After all, once he reached the Blood Qi Realm, his muscles, membranes, and bones would slowly become stronger every day under the tempering of his blood qi.

His arms were not far from reaching the state of "iron-like bones."

A thought transmitted: *'Use three units of Source Power to upgrade the Bull Fist.'*

A mysterious energy surged forth, and his consciousness entered a special state.

The mysterious energy drew out the medicinal potency from the soup, pouring it into his arms to reinforce and temper the muscles, membranes, and bones.

The sound of cracking bones and sinews resonated from his arms, the sounds growing increasingly dense.

Simultaneously, his chest rose and fell; as the Bull Fist breathing technique operated, faint sounds of a bull's roar emerged with every breath.

Lin Zheyu's spirit was immersed in an endless cycle of fist practice. He felt as if he had transformed into a wild bull, facing powerful lions, tigers, and leopards, stamping his hooves and launching an active attack.

This time, he maintained his rationality, yet he was incomparably valiant.

Even if the opponent was stronger, even if there was more than one, he remained filled with immense confidence and will.

Through the continuous combat and constant practice, a domineering aura of relentless advancement began to surge from his body, an aura filled with the essence of "Wildness."

"Wildness" was not recklessness, but a spirit of moving forward without hesitation, of being invincible, of having no fear regardless of how strong the enemy was, and the courage to charge straight ahead!

This fist momentum grew stronger and more astonishing, enveloping his surroundings, making it difficult for anyone to look directly at him.

A few breaths passed.

Lin Zheyu opened his eyes, the aura vanishing from his body, leaving only a terrifying glint in his eyes.

Compared to before, an indescribable temperament had emerged within him.

He appeared to possess a touch more confidence, a touch more of an unstoppable momentum, and threads of an invincible and domineering self-assurance.

"This fist technique is powerful!"

"Is this fist momentum? Miraculous, truly miraculous!"

"Within this momentum, this essence is... 'Wildness'?"

Lin Zheyu murmured, as a powerful aura suddenly erupted from his body.

The aura was filled with the confidence and wild intent of moving forward relentlessly and being invincible!

If this aura could continue to develop, it would completely transform into an extremely domineering "Intent"!

The invincible will of a powerhouse!

Under the fist, I am the truth!

"This Bull Fist is not simple," Lin Zheyu said to himself.

Even after practicing the Golden Goose Technique to the Blood Qi Realm, he had failed to cultivate a "momentum." He even felt that even if he practiced it to the eighth layer, he wouldn't be able to.

Yet, the Bull Fist was merely an unranked technique that could at most be practiced to the Viscera Refining Realm, and yet he had cultivated a fist momentum.

This was extremely extraordinary.

【Heaven Rewards the Diligent】

Name: Lin Zheyu

Source Power: 0

Skills

Bull Fist (Consummate)

Golden Goose Technique (Fourth Layer 67%)

Turtle Breath Technique (Third Layer 1%)

Six-Harmony Saber (Proficient 35%)

Lin Zheyu looked at the data in his consciousness; the Bull Fist had reached the Consummate stage.

Just as he expected, 3 units of Source Power had pushed the Bull Fist to the Consummate realm.

In truth, two units and a tiny bit more would have been enough.

While in that special state, Lin Zheyu had used about three-quarters of the time to bring the Bull Fist to the Consummate realm.

The remaining time was spent consolidating and continuing to contemplate the technique to further comprehend the fist momentum.

"This technique, which has accompanied me the longest, has finally reached consummation."

Lin Zheyu looked at the data in his mind, a hint of emotion on his face.

The first thing he had learned was the Bull Fist. Even Liang Song himself had not practiced this technique to the Consummate stage.

Liang Song primarily practiced the Golden Goose Technique, with all his skill concentrated in his legs; he had obtained this fist technique by chance during his travels.

Finding it somewhat interesting, he had learned it superficially.

In Liang Song's view, it was merely a third-rate martial art, and he didn't place much importance on it.

When someone he liked came to ask for instruction, he would teach them third-rate techniques like the Bull Fist.

Lin Zheyu had been the same, learning the Bull Fist first.

Later, seeing his incredible talent, Liang Song had the intention to truly take him as a disciple and handed him his specialty, the Golden Goose Technique.

After learning the Golden Goose Technique, Lin Zheyu had placed all his focus on it, using all his Source Power to upgrade his legwork.

"Fist momentum... fist momentum..."

"If I continue to contemplate it, perhaps I can realize 'Intent'," Lin Zheyu mused.

He stood up, went into the courtyard, and continued practicing the Bull Fist.

Even after reaching the Consummate realm, it could still be improved.

It was just that without the guidance of the path left by the creator, the path ahead would have to be contemplated, evolved, and created by Lin Zheyu himself.

"Wild... Wildness... Invincible... Domineering..."

Lin Zheyu murmured.

In the courtyard, he swung his fists, a powerful fist momentum swirling around them. As his thoughts fluctuated, the momentum began to shift.

"Momentum" is the prototype of "Intent."

"Intent" is a necessity for advancing from the Marrow Refining Realm to the Soft Strength Realm.

Countless martial artists were stuck in the Marrow Refining Realm, unable to advance, precisely because they could not realize their own "Intent."

Lin Zheyu wanted to see if there was a way to fully grasp this fist momentum and cultivate his own "Intent."

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

The courtyard echoed with the sounds of impact.

After the Bull Fist reached the Consummate stage, it could withstand the explosion of a massive amount of blood qi energy.

As blood qi was poured into his arms, his muscles bulged and his veins protruded, a terrifying explosive power brewing within his limbs.

The momentum of his comprehension swirled around him, its aura extremely startling, carrying unparalleled confidence and strength.

Under this momentum, if one's will were not firm, they would not be able to exert even half of their strength.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

The sounds echoed through the small courtyard, lasting for a full half-hour before stopping.

"No, it's too difficult to transform momentum into fist intent."

"Moreover, this momentum hasn't reached its peak. To transform momentum into intent, the first thing I must do is push the momentum to its absolute limit."

Lin Zheyu breathed heavily, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

After resting for a while, he changed his clothes and headed out.

Obsessing over a dead end would not result in fist intent; it would only lead to madness.

Just as he had previously turned the "Bull" into a "Mad Bull," falling into a state of frenzy.

"I'll go out to buy a map and some supplies for leaving the city. I'll head out tomorrow to see the world," Lin Zheyu thought to himself.

It was still early before the banquet began, and there wasn't much to do these few days.

He bought a map detailing the latest factions, main roads, and dangerous areas outside the city, along with some hidden weapons, throwing knives, poison powder, mosquito repellent, dried rations, and other items.

Carrying his purchases, Lin Zheyu stopped by the Bidan Teahouse on his way.

Jia Yanyong and the others were indeed there.

"Brother Lin, come, have a drink. My wife brewed it," Xie Jiang said with a smile, pouring a cup of wine for Lin Zheyu.

"Thank you."

Lin Zheyu raised the cup and took a careful sip. The aroma was rich and mellow; the alcohol content wasn't high, but the taste was excellent.

"It tastes good. You guys could open your own tavern," Lin Zheyu said with a laugh.

"Hehe, isn't it good?"

"My wife's family runs a tavern. This is their ancestral recipe. They brew some every year; this jar is yours."

Xie Jiang picked up a jar of wine, about two catties in weight, from the ground and handed it over.

"Thanks, but I don't have anything good to give you in return. Let me order a few side dishes for us."

"Waiter, order food!"

Lin Zheyu called the waiter, ordered a few side dishes, and a jar of wine.

"The Flying Rainbow Gang gathering is at noon in three days. Don't let your martial arts training make you miss it," Ning Hui reminded him.

"Are you going to Funing Garden or Fuhe Garden?" Xie Jiang asked.

"Funing Garden."

"Hey, I won! Pay up!"

Xie Jiang looked at the two of them triumphantly and reached out for the money.

"Brother Lin is indeed highly valued by the Gang Leader to be invited to Funing Garden. I thought he would only be invited there after reaching the Viscera Refining Realm," Ning Hui sighed, pulling out money and handing it over.

"I should have known. I lost," Jia Yanyong said regretfully, reluctantly handing over his money.

Losing a bit of money wasn't the issue; it was just that he couldn't stand Xie Jiang's smug face.

"Hehe, since I won some money, Brother Lin, I'll treat you to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion tonight to pick the best girl!" Xie Jiang said with a grin.

After some small talk, Xie Jiang brought up serious matters.

"After the New Year, it will be our turn to guard White Stone Mountain. I heard from the brothers there that the casualties this time were not small," Xie Jiang said.

"Has the bandit problem there not been settled yet?" Lin Zheyu asked.

Senior Brother Han Mo had been out suppressing bandits for some time; he wasn't sure if he would return before the New Year.

"It's not that simple."

"Many of the bandits outside the city appear and disappear without a trace. They can become law-abiding citizens just by taking off their clothes and dropping their weapons, making them very hard to clear out entirely."

"Furthermore, the major bandit groups hide in Lion Valley, which is fraught with danger. Once they hide in there, they are impossible to find," Ning Hui said.

"Don't worry, White Stone Mountain shouldn't be much of a problem. If anything happens, Lord Qiu and the others will handle it."

"By the way, I heard recently that White Stone Mountain has also been haunted by ghosts. Maybe when you go this time, Brother Lin, you can truly witness it for yourself," Xie Jiang said.

He gave Lin Zheyu a cheeky grin: "Brother Lin, you might just run into your ghost lover this time!"

"Get lost."

Lin Zheyu rolled his eyes at him, speechless.

From the mouths of Xie Jiang and the others, he had learned what "ghosts" were in this world.

It was said they were a type of phantom spawned by resentment, baleful aura, or special circumstances. They carried some memories from their previous lives, but most were dull and mindless.

Because they were composed of resentment and baleful aura, ghosts looked somewhat terrifying, with hideous and ghastly faces.

These sinister spiritual entities were not highly damaging; when they encountered ordinary people, the baleful aura and resentment would enter the person's body and erode their life force.

If one was unlucky, it could lead to death.

But for martial artists, with their vigorous blood qi and abundant yang energy, the worst that would happen was a severe illness.

For a Blood Qi Realm martial artist, they wouldn't even need explosives; a direct punch to vibrate the blood qi would be enough for their powerful vitality to scatter the phantom's soul.

"Ghosts aren't scary. As long as you don't dig up coffins or run into living corpses," Jia Yanyong said nonchalantly.

If they ran into a living corpse, they would have no choice but to flee for their lives.

Those things were much scarier than bandits—they had bronze skin and iron bones, impervious to blades and spears.

If bitten or scratched by one, the wound would be infected with Yin poison, which was extremely difficult to cure.

"By the way, I plan to wander outside the city for a few days. If you encounter other gangs or outside martial artists causing trouble, don't force it. If you really can't win, ask someone to call Lord Qiu," Lin Zheyu said.

"You're going out of the city? It's so chaotic outside, with bandits everywhere. Why go out?" Jia Yanyong asked, puzzled.

"Yeah, it's very chaotic outside right now. Even Bone Forging Realm martial artists aren't safe," Ning Hui added.

"To see how the situation outside is and to familiarize myself with the terrain, just in case," Lin Zheyu said with a smile.

Songyi City's economy was too poor. Due to the impact of the wars, his storytelling copyright plan couldn't be implemented. If he still couldn't find a good way to make money, he would have to consider a plan to flee.

"Then you must be careful. Bandits roam the mountains and forests," Xie Jiang reminded him. "It's best if you find some experienced hunters to go with you; they know where there are fewer bandits and which paths are more concealed."

"Mm, I've taken all that into consideration."

"Come, drink, drink! The next few days will be hard on you all," Lin Zheyu raised his cup in a toast to the group.

...

The next morning.

The Xing Family.

*Thud, thud.*

*Thud, thud, thud.*

Early in the morning, Xing Jinglong's door was knocked upon.

"What is all this noise so early?"

Xing Jinglong opened his eyes, looking dissatisfied.

Being woken up so early left him with a heavy morning irritability.

If a good reason wasn't provided, this servant would surely face punishment.

"Young Master, someone from the Wuding Gang is here to see you. They say they have important news to inform you," the servant said tremblingly.

Waking the young master was not a good thing, but he had no choice.

Because the person from the Wuding Gang had said that if the young master wasn't woken up and the matter was delayed, he should watch his life.

Xing Jinglong came from a branch of the Xing family, but he rarely hung out with the Xing family's young masters.

He liked martial arts and fighting, which was why he had joined the Wuding Gang.

Once he had been around long enough and felt bored, he would follow his brother, Xing Penghai, and join the City Guard.

"Tell him to come in,"

Xing Jinglong said with a yawn, not yet fully awake from his dream.

He hadn't woken up this early in a long time.

"Young Master, a brother has reported that they spotted Lin Zheyu's figure heading toward the West Gate, seemingly intending to leave the city."

The man said.

Upon hearing this, Xing Jinglong snapped awake instantly.

A look of pleasant surprise appeared on his face: "You're saying that kid is leaving the city?"

The man nodded firmly: "He headed toward the West Gate. There's nothing at the West Gate; besides people leaving the city, very few people go that way."

"Haha, that kid is finally willing to leave the city!"

"Go notify Uncle Zhao and Qiao Quan, and tell them to meet at the West Gate. This time, I'll make sure he can't escape even if he has wings!" Xing Jinglong laughed loudly.

"By the way, how many are with him?"

Xing Jinglong asked.

After being outmaneuvered by Lin Zheyu several times, he had learned his lesson. This time, he intended to be fully prepared.

"He is alone," the man said.

"Just one?"

"That kid truly doesn't know the heights of heaven and the depths of the earth. Does he think he can roam freely outside the city just by relying on his lightness skills?"

"Hehe, this time, kid, you won't escape my grasp!"

Xing Jinglong grinned savagely, quickly changed his clothes, mounted his horse, and galloped toward the West Gate.

...

(End of Chapter)