Ouchi Taming the Cat, starting with the Ten Tiger Forms!

Chapter 503: The Limit of the Middle Grade
Wuning Palace.

This place is the bedroom of Empress Wu, and it has an extraordinary status among all the palaces in the West Palace.

At this time, Empress Wu was lying leisurely in a rocking chair, with her eyes slightly closed. Her beautiful and cold face was exposed to the winter sunlight coming in through the window.

Wuning Palace was quiet and peaceful, and Empress Wu seemed to be enjoying the tranquility.

At this moment, a young palace maid silently walked into Wuning Palace, came to Empress Wu's side, and whispered in her ear:
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has notified you that starting next month, the monthly allowance for Wuning Palace will be reduced to ninety-nine taels."

Empress Wu did not open her eyes, but frowned slightly and asked, "Can you tell me the reason?"

"A war is about to break out, and the national treasury is empty. The new royal envoy, Princess Ankang, has decided to transfer funds from her private treasury to support national affairs. She also said that members of the royal family should set an example by cutting back on spending to get through the current difficulties. She has also set a monthly cap for all concubines according to their ranks, and this will be the rule in the future." The maid replied.

Empress Wu's frown suddenly relaxed and she couldn't help but smile gently. In the sunlight, the palace maids beside her were stunned.

"understood."

Empress Wu raised her hand slightly, and the palace maid immediately withdrew tactfully.

Unlike Empress Wu who accepted it calmly, other parts of the harem were in chaos.

"Outrageous, what is she?"

"You're even meddling in my affairs!"

"Damn, damn!!!"

In Qingshu Palace, Concubine Zhang was losing her temper again.

The eldest prince's three siblings danced and tried their best to persuade Concubine Zhang.

"Mother, please calm down. Mother, please calm down—"

The eldest prince, along with his younger brothers and sisters, kept trying to persuade Concubine Zhang earnestly, and his hands were busy all the time, trying to catch the various porcelain antiques that Concubine Zhang had thrown to the ground.

Although what Concubine Zhang has now are all fakes that the Fourth Prince replaced long ago, they only have fifty taels of silver left in the monthly salary of Qingshu Palace. If the Fourth Prince replaces them with fakes in the future, the account will not be right.

Now that all the porcelain vases in their Qingshu Palace have been smashed, there is no way to get new ones.

At least until a new source of funding is found.

It was because of this business deal that the eldest prince and the sixth princess learned about the fourth prince's trick of replacing the prince with a cat.

In order to cover up for the Fourth Prince today, the three siblings went to great lengths to pick up the porcelain vase that was smashed by Concubine Zhang.

Otherwise, as princes and princesses, there is no need for them to do such ridiculous things.

Concubine Zhang had an extremely bad temper. If any other servant had come here to receive the porcelain vase, they would have inevitably incurred Concubine Zhang's wrath and been severely punished.

Everyone in Qingshu Palace is their trusted confidant, so there is no need to disappoint their own people.

Therefore, the eldest prince and his two siblings could only accompany Concubine Zhang in such trouble until she completely calmed down.

These concubines, who were already enjoying high monthly allowances, were naturally very dissatisfied with Princess Ankang's reforms.

Many people even think that Princess Ankang is a villain who has succeeded and is now seeking revenge on them after gaining power.

But some people are worried, while others are happy.

Although many concubines were dissatisfied with Princess Ankang's move to reduce the monthly allowance, there were also those who were satisfied with the move.

They were low-ranking concubines whose original monthly allowance was barely enough to make ends meet.

Originally their monthly salary was just enough to make a living, but this time their monthly salary was increased. Even if it is not much, it is enough to make their tight lives a little more comfortable.

No matter what Princess Ankang's intention was, at least they got some real benefits.

Moreover, compared with those high-ranking concubines who enjoy a luxurious life, the difference of these few taels of silver is a world of difference for these low-ranking concubines, enough to change their current embarrassment.

The situation was similar for the palace maids and eunuchs.

Although these low-ranking concubines, palace maids and eunuchs have little say in the palace and even have little presence, they are the majority in the palace.

Regardless of whether anyone would remember Princess Ankang's kindness, Li Xuan felt that it was worth a try.

Since the high-ranking concubines' disgust towards Princess Ankang cannot be changed, perhaps the attitudes of the people at the bottom towards her can be changed.

After all, popularity is necessary wherever you go.

……

In the next few days, the entrance of Jingyang Palace became much busier.

Many people came to visit, wanting to settle accounts with Princess Ankang.

After all, their originally generous monthly salary was completely deducted by Princess Ankang.

Even the Empress Dowager had her monthly allowance reduced from 999 taels to 99 taels, a total loss of 900 taels of silver.

Although it sounds like an auspicious number, it is obviously not worth spending.

But among those who came to settle the accounts, there were no people from Wuning Palace.

Li Xuan lay leisurely on the courtyard wall, looking at the bustling gate of Jingyang Palace.

The eunuchs in flowery clothes politely asked the visitors to leave one by one.

These were the ones sent by other concubines to give visiting cards to Princess Ankang. Some of them wanted to visit and gave advance notice to Jingyang Palace, while others were confused and asked Princess Ankang to pay a visit to them.

But no matter which one it was, they were all turned away by the eunuchs in flowery clothes guarding the gate, and Princess Ankang also avoided them.

Under the current circumstances, there is no benefit for Princess Ankang to show up.

And judging from the fact that these people only dared to cause trouble for Jingyang Palace, it seems that they cannot change the fact that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has reduced the monthly allowance, so they can only find someone to vent their anger on.

As long as the purpose of saving money in the royal treasury is achieved, this is not a big problem.

After all, half of the money saved will go into the pocket of Jingyang Palace.

Li Xuan yawned, and after watching the excitement, he went to the backyard to find Princess Ankang and Yu'er.

The two maids were having fun here. Yu'er was practicing martial arts on the open lawn, while Princess Ankang was reading a book with relish in the pavilion.

The turmoil caused by the reduction in monthly allowance did not affect them. Anyway, the three little ones were used to staying at home in Jingyang Palace, and the little noises from the outside world really could not affect them.

Seeing that the two maids were enjoying themselves, Li Xuan did not disturb them, but quietly slipped out of Jingyang Palace.

He first went to inspect the imperial garden.

Today, the Imperial Garden has been ruled by the Cat King and his friends. There are almost no small animals that can threaten them, and the cat brothers are living a very carefree life.

However, now that the weather is getting colder, the ground wormwood originally planted in the imperial garden has become sparse.

Compared to gathering here to suck cat grass when the weather is good, in winter, the cats in the palace would have fun doing parkour in the imperial garden, crawling and rolling in the snow, having a lot of fun.

The ground, which had just snowed last night, was covered with tiny cat paw prints, which made me feel healed just by looking at them.

Those who are more lazy will find a warm place to sleep in.

Ever since the renovation of Jingyang Palace, the wild cats in the palace finally have a home. At least they don't have to endure hunger and suffer from the cold.

After winter came, every night, a group of cats would come to sleep in the pond in the backyard of Jingyang Palace, surrounding it tightly.

There were also many wild cats near the pavilion where Princess Ankang was reading just now.

After all, Jingyang Palace opens a cat cafeteria every day, and wild cats that can't find food in the palace will also come to Jingyang Palace to have a bite to eat.

After a while, these wild cats regarded Jingyang Palace as a gathering place and went there when they were cold or hungry.

Moreover, Mao Ba and the other three are always there, and when the wild cats encounter difficulties, they will come to Jingyang Palace for help.

In the imperial garden, Mao Ba was practicing hard in the snow, grunting and hawing as he performed each move of the Blood-Slaying Tiger Claw.

It’s just that Maoba typed very slowly, as if he was realizing something.

On the other side, the cows were having fun with a group of wild cats, almost swimming in the snow.

Among them, Li Xuan also found the figure of Little Cheese.

Compared to when Little Cheese was first discovered, this little guy has grown a lot, and is almost as big as a cow. Li Xuan saw the cow and Little Cheese playing happily with a group of wild cats, and couldn't help shaking his head.

"Forget it, cats have their own aspirations, just be happy."

Seeing that the cats were all doing well, Li Xuan felt relieved and went straight to the Qianxing Pavilion in the East Palace.

He has been busy recently and has not had the chance to ask Master Ye about his questions on cultivation.

As he had some free time today, Li Xuan planned to go and ask.

When Li Xuan arrived at Qianxing Pavilion, Mr. Ye was sweeping snow in the yard.

I don't know when all the leaves had fallen, leaving only bare tree trunks.

As soon as Li Xuan climbed over the wall, Old Ye turned around and looked over.

"Ah Xuan, today is not the day to return books, why are you here?"

Mr. Ye's voice was not loud, but it rang clearly in Li Xuan's ears.

Li Xuan meowed and ran towards Ye Lao.

Old Master Ye put the broom aside, opened the door of Qianxing Pavilion, and invited Li Xuan to go in with him.

Li Xuan jumped onto the table skillfully, and Old Ye slowly came to the chair behind the table and sat down.

"Ah Xuan, what problems have you encountered in your practice?"

Mr. Ye asked straight to the point.

Apart from matters concerning cultivation, Old Master Ye couldn't think of anything else that Li Xuan would come to him for.

Li Xuan nodded immediately and expressed his desire to understand the fourth level realm.

"Oh?"

Although Elder Ye was puzzled, he still said, "The fourth level is called the Tranquil Qi Realm."

As Li Xuan expected, the fourth level was also related to true Qi.

The entire middle three levels are based on true Qi as the core of cultivation.

"The sixth level of Qi Sensing Realm, using the power of one's own Qi and blood as a guide, comprehending the five elements of heaven and earth, and cultivating true Qi."

"The fifth level of Qi Control Realm, further strengthens the Qi you have cultivated, and strengthens your control, so that you can use the Qi in your body to move outside your body."

"The fourth-grade Qi-Calming Realm is similar to the Qi-Sensing Realm in terms of cultivation, further strengthening the control of Qi."

As Master Ye spoke, he instructed Li Xuan, "Ah Xuan, use your Qi control and transformation skills to attack me at will."

Li Xuan was not polite either. Knowing that he could not hurt Mr. Ye, he used his icy breath to tear out several frost claw blades and attacked Mr. Ye.

The frost claw blades approached Ye Lao's body, then dimmed and disappeared.

With Li Xuan's eyesight, he could see clearly that all the frost claw blades were swallowed up silently by the shadows.

However, this process was completed in a flash, and visually the light only dimmed, and Li Xuan's frost claw blade disappeared.

Ordinary warriors don’t even have the eyesight to see such changes, and can only see that their attacks have mysteriously disappeared.

"Is it the icy breath of Shang Wenfu's lineage?"

"I didn't expect you to be so good at training."

Mr. Ye said with some surprise.

According to his understanding, icy breath is a rather special power. Although it can be mixed with true qi to enhance its power, the total amount of icy breath is difficult to increase.

Old Ye had never seen an attack method like Li Xuan's just now, which used pure icy breath to control the energy and transform into a shape, even in the lineage of General Manager Shang.

The power of pure icy breath is much more difficult to deal with than mixed true qi.

If you encounter an opponent who doesn't understand the icy breath, you may freeze him to death with just one move.

Mr. Ye did not beat around the bush and asked Li Xuan directly:
"Ah Xuan, why is your icy breath so strange?"

"Did you just use all your icy breath?"

Li Xuan shook his head honestly and said:
"Master Ye, I can increase the volume of the icy breath through practice."

"I heard from the two stewards before that other people can't do that."

After hearing this, Mr. Ye immediately understood and was not surprised.

It is only natural that those who are destined by heaven should be special.

Li Xuan has already cultivated Yin-Yang Qi, so it is not so strange that a mere icy breath can be cultivated and increased.

Mr. Ye continued his explanation:

"You can now control your energy and transform, but you should have discovered it."

"When true qi is applied outside the body, it will be reduced."

There is nothing wrong with what Mr. Ye said, and Li Xuan agrees with it deeply.

He has never been able to use his Ghostly Howl well, which is also a major reason.

The sound carried by the true energy will always dissipate slowly, and this is also the biggest obstacle for Li Xuan to speak properly now.

"Your move just now was full of true energy, but after hitting me, only 60% or 70% was left."

"You have such control when you just entered the fifth level. You are already gifted."

"Most warriors of the same level would only have about 5 points left after hitting others."

"But there is a reason for controlling Qi to transform. The power of true Qi far exceeds the power of Qi and blood. In addition, the attributes are mutually reinforcing and restraining. Close combat is very dangerous. If you are not careful, both sides will suffer losses."

"So the human warriors gradually evolved a way of fighting that used the power of Qi to transform into form and distance themselves."

“But this is only a minor reason.”

Having said that, Mr. Ye’s face turned serious.

"Using the internal Qi to connect the power of the five elements of heaven and earth is a necessary process for the human race to practice."

When Li Xuan heard this, he couldn't help but feel awe-inspiring:
"In other words, in the end, we will use the power of heaven and earth?"

Li Xuan had vaguely guessed it through his recent practice.

Especially the top three masters around him, all of whom can display mysterious and god-like abilities.

Whether it was the way Mr. Ye used shadows or the way Manager Shang blocked other people's perception in the busy city, Li Xuan could not understand it.

He could sense the fluctuations in the true energy properties, but he didn't understand how he knew that.

Li Xuan now only knows that Mr. Ye has Yin attribute true qi, while Manager Shang has water attribute true qi.

However, Li Xuan couldn't figure out how to achieve such a special effect by utilizing these two attributes of true qi.

There must be some secrets that Li Xuan doesn't know.

But this secret is most likely related to the upper three levels. For now, Li Xuan should first figure out the cultivation of the fourth level of the Tranquil Qi Realm.

And then, Mr. Ye did not keep anyone in suspense and told the core of the practice of Tranquil Qi State.

"In the Jing Qi state, one must synchronize the Qi in the body with the corresponding attributes of heaven and earth. This places extremely strict requirements on the total amount and control of the Qi."

"By then, the Qi in your body will be all over your body without any dissipation. When you control the Qi and transform it into a form outside your body, there will not be any waste. You can even achieve 120% of the effect."

After hearing this, Li Xuan couldn't help but think about it, then waved his tail and asked:
"Ten points of internal Qi, borrowed from two points of the power of heaven and earth?"

Elder Ye smiled slightly and touched Li Xuan's little head:
"Ruzi can be taught!"

(End of this chapter)