strictlysupreme Chapter 51 Literary Cultivation
Chapter 51 Literary Cultivation
The fifth channel of Qi and blood in the body steadily grows stronger and solidifies under the nourishment of the tonic.
According to the standards after purification by [Blood Collection], Jiang Qi's current true blood volume is comparable to ten strands of blood volume of an ordinary martial artist!
My consciousness swept over the [Book of a Hundred Trades]:
[Shadow Chaser Swordsman: Level 1 (156/1000)]
With every increase in strength, one gains more confidence in this perilous world.
......
The next morning, as Jiang Qigang was about to leave, Pang Zhan personally came to his door and delivered the "Cold Iron Blade" that he had mentioned the day before.
In addition, there was an unexpected piece of news.
"Sigh... Qin Lin, something's happened." Pang Zhan's expression was grave. "He was attacked by evil spirits and... eaten, leaving only a few clothes and bones. The people from the Demon Suppression Division went to check and confirmed it was the work of evil spirits."
Qin Lin is dead?
Jiang Qi felt a chill run down his spine.
No wonder Xiao Jiao didn't show up yesterday.
Although this person looked at him strangely, he was still a genius to some extent. I never expected him to...
This world is truly dangerous.
"The city has been particularly unsettled lately," Pang Zhan sighed. "There are rumors that the three-headed old monster has escaped from the Demon Suppression Division's prison!"
Those who can be called "old monsters" are all ferocious creatures that once wreaked havoc in their regions and devoured those at the Strong Bone Realm!
Old trick?
Jiang Qi recalled the evil spirit that had possessed Yan Beifeng before.
However, the evil spirit on Yan Beifeng's body doesn't seem to be too strong, so he shouldn't be an old ghost who escaped from the Demon Suppression Division!
However, the appearance of such an old and cunning person in the world will undoubtedly bring countless disasters and calamities.
Jiang Qi suddenly felt even more pressured.
We must become stronger faster!
Pang Zhan sighed a few times, then took out a brocade pouch, opened it, and found a triangular yellow talisman with silver trim inside.
"Brother Jiang, keep this close to your body. This is an amulet made by one of Seventh Brother's literary friends. If you wear it, the talisman will slightly heat up to warn you if any evil spirits or strange creatures approach within ten steps."
While we can't prevent it, knowing in advance always gives us more room to react.
"A talisman made by Wenxiu?" Jiang Qi asked curiously as he took it. He could feel a strange energy within it, different from blood and qi, serene and vast.
The path of literary cultivation differs greatly from that of martial arts. It involves studying the classics of sages and comprehending the principles of heaven and earth to cultivate one's primordial energy. The methods are mysterious, such as making talismans, writing books, and using spiritual words. In some aspects, it has an advantage over martial artists.
However, this path demands high levels of talent, temperament, and knowledge, making practitioners even rarer than martial artists.
These scholars were mostly officials with distinguished status.
Therefore, things like talismans are very difficult for ordinary people to come into contact with; they are truly priceless and extremely precious.
"Thank you, Master Pang, Seventh Master!" Jiang Qi bowed respectfully.
"No need to be polite." Pang Zhan waved his hand and gestured to the cold iron sword, "Try it out."
Jiang Qi nodded and gripped the hilt of the knife.
The knife is about three feet two inches long, with a narrow and slightly curved blade. It has a dark gray color, feels cool to the touch, and is of moderate weight.
He stirred his qi and blood, and the blade resonated faintly, with a cold glint flowing across its edge.
He walked up to a blue stone and casually slashed out.
click!
The bluestone broke in two, with a smooth cut.
The fact that it could split the bluestone so easily shows how sharp the knife is.
"What a fine knife!" Jiang Qi's eyes flashed with joy.
With this sharp blade in hand, combined with one's own vital energy and martial arts skills, one's attack power can be increased by at least 50%.
Pang Zhan smiled, gave a few more instructions, and then left.
Jiang Qi tidied himself up and headed to the martial arts school.
......
Zhenyuan Martial Arts School, inner courtyard.
Jiang Qi practiced the "Chasing Wind Steps," his movements elusive, and combined with the starting stance of the "Breaking Wind Blade," he already possessed some of the charm of "the blade follows the wind, and the person advances with the blade."
As they were practicing, Zhang Xiao came over, his face showing a slightly exaggerated gossipy expression.
"Brother Jiang, congratulations. Our beloved, know-it-all, and sparring-loving Senior Brother Hu Yun has left the martial arts school."
Jiang Qi continued wielding his knife, only uttering a faint "Oh."
"They say they had a little contest at Lee Tong Money Shop yesterday, and their skills were inferior, so someone broke their arm. Tsk tsk, who was so reckless... um, I mean, too light!"
Zhang Xiao chuckled, his gaze lingering on Jiang Qi. "Brother Jiang, didn't you go to Litong Money Shop yesterday? Could it be... you did it?"
Jiang Qi sheathed his sword and glanced at him.
Hu Yun's hand was broken by the man who was sponsored by Sixth Master, but if you really want to know, it was indeed related to himself.
He seriously injured Xuan Le, forcing Hu Yun to take the stage.
However, there was no need to tell Zhang Xiao any of this, and Zhang Xiao wasn't really there to gossip about these things.
"Hey, Brother Jiang, don't stay silent." Zhang Xiao changed the subject, a familiar smile spreading across his face. "Well... Brother Jiang, look, you won the competition yesterday, you must have made a lot of money, right?"
I'm really short on cash this time. Could you... lend me a hand, maybe 30-50 taels? I promise I'll pay you back next month!
Thirty or fifty taels?
They really dare to speak up.
Jiang Qi didn't bother to reply and simply walked to the side, continuing to immerse himself in cultivation.
[Shadow Chaser Swordsman] +1...
[Wind Chaser Step] +1...
As the sun began to set, Jiang Qi finished his practice and regulated his breathing. He felt his internal energy and blood flowing more smoothly and naturally, as well as the subtle improvements in his movement and sword skills. He felt at ease.
Today's practice yielded further insights into the "Chasing the Wind Step," bringing me one step closer to perfection.
The experience of [Shadow Chaser] is also steadily increasing.
......
Back at the water store in Sweetwater Lane, the alley entrance was quiet today, and there was no sign of the Yihongtuan (a local militia).
As soon as I entered the courtyard of the water store, I saw a towering figure standing there.
"Brother Jiang! You're finally back!" Xiong Kuohai's voice boomed as he strode forward. "We agreed to drink yesterday, but you stood me up! You deserve to be punished!"
Jiang Qi cupped his hands and said, "I was detained by Master Pang yesterday and couldn't get away. I'm truly sorry."
"Haha, no problem, no problem! We'll make it up today!" Xiong Kuohai laughed heartily and pulled Jiang Qi to sit down at the stone table in the courtyard without saying another word.
Several braised dishes and two large jugs of wine were already laid out on the table. "Come on! Let's drink until we drop!"
Jiang Qi had no choice but to sit down.
Xiong Kuohai lifted the lid, releasing a rich aroma of wine. The wine pot tilted to one side, the large bowl overflowed, and he first tilted his head back and gulped down the bowl, then revealed the bottom of the bowl: "Brother Jiang, bottoms up!"
Jiang Qi disliked heavy drinking, but he couldn't refuse the other party's hospitality, so he drank a bowl with them.
The liquor is pungent and feels like fire when it enters the stomach.
"Again!" Xiong Kuohai plopped down on the ground.
After finishing three bowls, Xiong Kuohai's face flushed slightly, and he started talking non-stop.
Jiang Qi listened most of the time, occasionally agreeing. From Xiong Kuohai's drunken narration, he gained a clearer understanding of the recent friction between the Ironclad Gang and the Green Water Gang, and the delicate balance among the various forces in Licheng.
Xiong Kuohai may seem rough and bold, but he is actually quite meticulous and has many unique insights.
After several rounds of drinks, Xiong Kuohai's eyes were slightly glazed, and he slurred, "Brother Jiang...you're really amazing!"
First, you punched Jiao Yuan away, and yesterday... I heard that you knocked Xuan Le down with another punch at Litong Money Shop!
Although Xuan Le's fifth stage of Qi and blood was only halfway through, his martial arts skills were extraordinary. During the martial arts assessment in the middle of the month, everyone said he was 90% confident that he could obtain the title of "Martial Artist"!
Even if I, Old Xiong, were to face him, I wouldn't be entirely confident of victory... Brother Jiang, you managed to decide the outcome with a single punch, I admire you!