CHAPTER 65: CHAPTER 65: DRAGON BANQUET REWARDS, MARTIAL ARTS SELECTION

Red Candle Inn.

Li Haitang cursed, "That vicious bandit has committed countless sins, yet somehow he’s incredibly lucky and managed to escape again."

"Those Nursing Home guards were utterly useless. Alas, it made Senior Li Bo owe a favor for nothing," Yang Huayu commented.

"After this incident, that villain certainly wouldn’t dare to stay in Qingning County anymore. Searching for his whereabouts will inevitably lead to another round of efforts," Liu Xian remarked.

Yun Fei asked, "What should we do now?"

Li Haitang paced back and forth, thought for a moment, and said:

"Whatever the outcome."

"We should all go to Yihetang Manor to pay a formal visit to Lady Zhe Jian and express our gratitude."

Liu Xian, Yun Fei, and Yang Huayu all nodded in agreement, "This courtesy is necessary, indeed."

By then it was already late, and everyone rested for the night.

The next morning, bright and early.

Li Xian led the way, with the surviving guards following behind, feeling the biting cold wind and the pervasive chill enveloping the world.

About ten yards behind.

Four sleek horses tread through the snow, carrying Li Haitang and the others.

Roughly half an hour later, they finally returned to the manor. The four went to the Reception Hall to meet the Lady, while Li Xian and the others were able to rest for half a day to recuperate.

"Phew..."

The matter was resolved.

Li Xian exhaled deeply and decided that he wouldn’t "broaden his horizons" again the next time such a dangerous affair arose.

The blustering Nursing Home guards in the manor were indeed pitifully weak when facing true Jianghu villains.

"Strength... only by improving strength is of utmost importance!"

Li Xian clenched his fist.

Although he had never been lazy, the realization of his own insignificance only made his inner fire burn even more fiercely.

Now that the Four Directions Fist had reached perfection, the next step would be the peak, reaching the utmost limit of a martial art.

The Clear Wind Leg was near Great Success from Minor Achievement.

The Jade Palm was still at the beginner stage.

"The primary goal now is..."

"To practice the Clear Wind Leg to Great Success."

"And completely master the Jade Palm!"

Li Xian secretly planned in his heart.

"If things go smoothly, it won’t be long before I reach Qi Circulation."

The Qi of the Dantian was already quite abundant, condensing into Qi Silk, moving through numerous acupoints, reaching two hundred and eighty-nine points, still able to maintain the continuous flow of Qi Silk.

From three hundred and sixty-one points, conducting Qi Silk through the entire body, locking the Qi-Blood completely, is not distant anymore.

"Though it’s said that greedily biting more than one can chew is unwise."

"Yet if I could grasp another martial art, it would be more beneficial for my Qi Circulation."

"Now that I’m already a B-class Nursing Home guard, I wonder if I can obtain one more Basic Martial Art?"

Ordinary Nursing Home guards, after a year of full attendance, could receive a Basic Martial Art. Having served eight or nine years, senior guards might master seven or eight martial arts.

Their strength and foundation are stronger than the new guards.

However, Li Xian’s rapid advancement defied normal reasoning. Logically, advancing from C-class to B-class should grant him another Basic Martial Art.

But since Li Xian had already entered the Leisure Martial Pavilion and received "Jade Palm," Commander Pang hadn’t mentioned this matter, nor considered that Li Xian would need any more basic martial arts in the short term.

"Tomorrow I’ll find an opportunity to discuss with Commander Pang."

...

...

Reception Hall.

Li Haitang, Liu Xian, Yun Fei, and Yang Huayu met with Madam Wen Caitang and briefly recounted the events.

After listening, Madam Wen wasn’t surprised and somewhat regretfully said, "What a pity. I’ve heard a little about that Pot Immortal rascal."

"Having learned the Broken Step Flying Swallow, his Lightweight Skill is quite commendable."

Li Haitang said, "Madam, with this assistance, I will inform my father to express our gratitude to you."

Madam Wen smiled gently, "Nephew, there’s no need for formal thanks, it’s not a significant matter."

"You young heroes, so young and daring to roam the Jianghu, full of vigor, truly enviable."

"Please take a seat."

With a flick of her delicate hand, a breeze of fragrant scent from her sleeve gently escorted the four into their seats.

All four were astonished, her strength was indeed formidable.

"This gentleman must be the young master of Yang Family Manor?"

"I’ve heard of the two heroes of Yang Family Manor. Seeing you today, I can see you resemble your father’s demeanor."

"These two... looking at their appearance, they must be from the Prefecture City. Just now your steps were steady, with your heels seeming to touch the ground, but actually, they were not."

"It resembles the Wind Willow Body Technique of the Liu Family of the Prefecture City, capturing its essence, truly impressive."

"And this one’s Qi moves like a bull, strong and solid, most likely mastered the Yun Family’s Three Hands from the Yun Family in the Prefecture City. I’m not skilled and wouldn’t presume to judge carelessly. If I’ve guessed wrong, young heroes, please don’t laugh at me."

Her voice was gentle, and her words seemed to lavishly praise the three young men. Yet, beneath it all was a demonstration of her own extensive knowledge and experience.

Seeing through the martial origins of her counterparts with just one glance.

The three men, upon being pointed out, were all stunned and speechless, becoming secretly apprehensive, fearing Madam might be subtly reprimanding them for not introducing themselves, perceived as a sign of disrespect.

Li Haitang said, "Madam, your knowledge is remarkable, discerning our backgrounds at a glance."

"Ah, Madam, you don’t seem to be from Qiong Heavenly Mansion, yet how are you so well-acquainted with the local powers here?"

Yang Family Manor, Liu Family, and Yun Family are all regional powerhouses, known locally but not widely recognized. Outside of Qiong Heavenly Mansion, few pay attention to them.

Madam Wen laughed, "I’ve established a manor here, so how could I not understand the local powers? After all... even a Martial Artist with rebirth might capsize in shallow waters if careless."

"Indeed," Li Haitang heartily agreed.

Madam Wen cast a glance at Li Haitang, noticing her charming face, youthful age, and tender skin already blossomed into a beauty.

Seeming to recall something, she casually advised, "Nephew, as a woman traversing the Jianghu, you must be extra cautious."

"Lest some evil sects set their sights on you, and that would entail trouble."

Her implication naturally referred to the "Flower Cage Sect."

This sect targeted women with insidious means, leading many heroic Jianghu women to fall victim to them.

"Yes,"

Li Haitang could only listen obligedly.

"Perhaps... I and your father might meet soon," Wen Caitang said carelessly.

Li Haitang’s pupils contracted as she asked, "Are you... are you referring to the Dragon Appreciation Banquet?"

Wen Caitang smiled but said nothing. Li Haitang pondered privately, hoping it would be the Dragon Appreciation Banquet and not the Dragon Slaying Banquet...

...

...

[You diligently practice Leg Technique, mastering Vortex Force, Skill Level +4]

Within the Guardian Mansion.

Li Xian fetched an iron basin, filled it with clear water. With one kick, the basin remained unmoved, but the water inside swirled into a tiny vortex.

This is a Qi Manipulation skill realized upon reaching a certain level in the practice of the Clear Wind Leg.

The leg force, like an evil wind, penetrates everywhere. Once entering the body, the leg force spins within, pulling at muscles and tendons.

Those slightly weaker, upon receiving a single kick, would collapse powerless on the ground.

[Clear Wind Leg]

[Skill Level: 1090/1500 Minor Achievement]

[Jade Palm]

[Skill Level: 569/800 Beginner]

Yesterday’s events are completely in the past. Early this morning, Li Haitang and the others all rode out of the manor.

Li Haitang, Yun Fei, and Yang Huayu continued their pursuit of Pot Immortal. Liu Xian seemed to have some matters and returned to the Prefecture City first.

Those who participated in the siege of Pot Immortal received a reward of five hundred cash and a Deer Blood Pill each.

The reward earned through risking lives seemed insufficient.

But in Madam’s eyes, a life seemed... to be worth just this much.

"Phew."

Li Xian exhaled a deep breath.

"Perhaps it’s time to ask Commander Pang if I can pick up another martial art."

"And also... the matter of the medicated bath, I wonder when it will be addressed."