Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 87 Cheating!

After obtaining the third level of the Zhenyue Gong technique, Lin Xuan returned to his duty room.

I immediately opened this book and began to study it carefully.

The training methods for each level of Zhenyue Gong are different. The first level is static stance training for the skin, and the second level is dynamic stance training for the bones. Both of these levels are mainly defensive.

At the third level of the Zhenyue Gong, one has cultivated the Zhenyue True Qi within their body and can then learn more techniques.

The Zhenyue True Qi is inherently stable and profound. When attached to heavy weapons such as swords, maces, and axes, its power is even more astonishing. It can cut through iron armor. Even if they are both seventh-rank martial artists and have cultivated defensive techniques, they would not dare to withstand it with their bare bodies.

The Zhenyue Gong is both offensive and defensive. It gathers condensed true energy at the fingertips and strikes out suddenly. Wherever it is struck, the tendons and bones will shatter instantly. It is specifically designed to counter hard skills.

Of course, defense is always the most prominent advantage of Zhenyue Gong.

When true energy gathers on the body's surface, it's like wearing a highly protective suit of armor. It can withstand the full force of an expert of the same level for a while without injury. Before the true energy is exhausted, even if a martial artist below the seventh rank uses a sharp weapon to slash at it with all their might, they will not be able to break through the defense.

It is said that some important figures in the capital city prefer to recruit bodyguards who practice the Zhenyue Gong (镇岳功).

They are the strongest human shields, capable of using their bodies to protect their employers when they are in danger.

There are other techniques that involve a more refined use of internal energy, but these fall into the category of techniques that are optional to practice.

The more moves you learn, the stronger you become in combat among those of the same level, but this strength is horizontal.

The difference in vertical skill level can easily compensate for the lack of horizontal skills.

Most martial artists spend their time improving their vertical realm. Only when they encounter a bottleneck and cannot break through it for a long time do they have time to calm down and study the moves in detail.

Lin Xuan focused on memorizing the circulation route and breathing method of this layer of true qi, and returned the booklet before leaving the office.

Wenren Yue accepted the booklet, and Lin Xuan clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This subordinate will take his leave now."

Wenren Yue said, "Wait a minute."

Lin Xuan looked at her and asked, "Is there anything else you need, sir?"

Wenren Yue looked away and said, "The cook had some family matters to attend to today and took the day off to go home..."

Lin Xuan left two cooks behind last time to deal with this special situation.

She insisted on keeping only one person to save money, and now look what's happened—no one's cooking anymore!
Of course, he could only keep this to himself.

There's no time to find a cook now; the gong for the end of the yamen has just sounded, and A'Luo and Tian Qingluan are still at home crying for food. He can't cook for them before going back.

After careful consideration, Lin Xuan felt that taking her back with him was the simplest and most convenient option.

Lin Xuan looked at her and tentatively asked, "I was just about to go home to cook. If you don't mind, my lord..."

Wenren Yue nodded slightly and said softly, "Then I'll take my leave..."

……

At Lin Xuan's doorstep.

A Luo and Tian Qingluan stood on opposite sides, remaining silent for a long time.

When Lin Xuan wasn't around, they didn't have much to say to each other.

Although they had feelings for each other in the past, given their current relationship, they can never go back to what they were before.

At one moment, two figures appeared at the alley entrance, one after the other.

A Luo and Tian Qingluan exchanged a glance. Why is she here again?
As Lin Xuan reached the door, he first explained to them, "The cook from the Jingbian Division is on leave today, so..."

A Luo and Tian Qingluan greeted Wenren Yue with slight bows.

At that moment, the same thought arose in both of their minds.

Not just today, but for a long time to come, it will probably be the four of us eating together.

A moment later, Tian Qingluan and Wenren Yue were talking in the courtyard.

A Luo was helping Lin Xuan in the kitchen, but she seemed distracted and clearly not paying attention.

First it was Tian Qingluan, then Wenren Yue.

She felt that she was getting further and further away from that mission...

After the meal, Wenren Yue and Tian Qingluan left one after the other.

Seeing A'Luo sitting on the stone bench in a daze, Lin Xuan slowly walked over, gently placed his hand on her shoulder, and said, "The past is the past. People always have to look forward. You have a long life ahead of you..."

A'Luo raised her head, looked at Lin Xuan, and said softly, "Brother Lin, I understand..."

Lin Xuan picked up the bowls and plates on the table and said, "Go back and rest. I'll clean up today."

A Luo stood up and said, "It's okay, I'll help you."

Lin Xuan shook his head and said, "I'm giving you a few days off, so you can get some rest."

Aro looked at him tenderly and said, "But I like doing these things with you, it makes me happy..."

Lin Xuan was slightly taken aback.

He met A Luo's tender gaze and nodded gently: "Okay."

In the past, when the two of them were alone together, A-Luo would always chatter on and on.

But today, she was unusually silent.

Lin Xuan didn't say anything either, and seemed somewhat absent-minded.

Although he had little romantic experience, he wasn't a blockhead.

When a girl says something like that, it's practically a confession of love.

Considering her actions these past few days, Lin Xuan finally realized that he might really need to seriously consider the question Zhang Hu had asked: A'Luo or Qingluan, who should he choose?

Not long ago, Lin Xuan was still a little biased towards A Luo.

But when Lin Xuan recalled everything Qingluan had done for him, he realized that he simply couldn't ignore it.

A few months ago, he was still a single man being pressured by his parents to get married.

Unexpectedly, fate has taken such a strange turn.

A few months later, in another world, he faces the dilemma of choosing between two beautiful women.

Just then, the image of Mandala reappeared in Lin Xuan's mind.

It was like a bucket of cold water being poured over his head.

Given that woman's ruthlessness, Lin Xuan strongly suspected that once he made a choice between A'Luo and Qingluan, she would eliminate them without hesitation, thus severing his emotional ties completely...

Lin Xuan couldn't take that risk, nor would he dare to.

Unless he gets rid of that woman first, he can only continue to play dumb between A'Luo and Qingluan.

Lin Xuan let out a soft breath, changed into her training clothes, and went to the courtyard to begin her first training of the third level of the Zhenyue Gong.

At this moment, in a room in the neighboring courtyard.

A Luo sat in front of the mirror and let out a long breath.

Although she didn't want to admit it, she had to admit that, given A'Luo's status, she might really be no match for that woman.

In terms of looks, Tian Qingluan was no less attractive than herself, and in terms of figure, the other party seemed to have a slight edge.

In terms of financial resources, she is far inferior to him.

However, she had a reason why she absolutely could not lose.

Although she and Tian Qingluan agreed to fair competition, she was not a gentleman and was not good at keeping promises; she only cared about the result.

She didn't care whether she cheated or not.

Since A'Luo can't beat her, then she'll have to find someone else...

next door.

After Lin Xuan had been cultivating for an hour, it had become completely dark.

He took a shower, changed into clean clothes, returned to his room, and prepared to begin his meditation again.

He is still too weak.

He must work hard enough to take control of his destiny as soon as possible.

Lin Xuan poured out a calming pill from the porcelain bottle and was about to put it in his mouth when his expression suddenly changed. He instantly put the calming pill and the porcelain bottle into his sleeve.

The door latch opened by itself, and a figure in a black robe slowly entered the room.

Lin Xuan immediately got out of bed, not even having time to put on his shoes, and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "My lord, didn't you return to Nanzhao...?"

Beneath the black robe came Mandala's familiar voice: "I just finished dealing with some matters in the southwest. Before heading back, I came to see you again. How have you been lately?"

Lin Xuan's visualization was almost discovered, and his heart pounded wildly. Forcing himself to remain calm, he said, "Reporting to my lord, everything is fine. I have broken through to the seventh rank and should be promoted to captain soon. There has been no special intelligence from the Border Pacification Division recently..."

Mandala stepped forward, almost touching Lin Xuan's body, and suddenly asked, "Why is your heart beating so fast? What are you panicking about?"

Lin Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "My lord, your sudden appearance in the middle of the night made me think there might be an assassin..."

Mandala didn't continue the topic, and said lightly, "You've had a very comfortable time while I was away, with two beauties by your side every day. It must have been very pleasant."

Lin Xuan was startled. Just how many informants did this woman have?

Zheng Biao is dead, and she's not even in Sizhou, so how does she still know so much about his affairs...?

Mandala walked to the chair and sat down, pointing to the chair opposite her, and said, "Sit down and talk."

Lin Xuan sat down opposite her, and Mandala spoke again, her tone gentle: "Humans are not plants or trees, how can they be without feelings? At your age, you are full of vigor and it is normal for you to have feelings for women. Don't worry, I won't blame you."

Lin Xuan thought to himself that this woman was really fickle. Not long ago, she had emphasized to him many times that feelings were a major taboo for spies, but now that it hadn't been long, she had changed her tune again.

This made Lin Xuan even more determined that she should not take her words seriously.

Mandala continued, "The Marrow Cleansing Liquid is priceless. Last time it sold for a whopping 15,000 taels on the black market. Tian Qingluan gave you such a precious item so easily and even moved it next door to you. I think she's probably taken a liking to you..."

To avoid saying the wrong thing, Lin Xuan remained silent.

Mandala looked at her, her tone somewhat displeased: "Are you mute? Why aren't you saying anything?"

Lin Xuan looked at her and said, "What does Your Excellency want me to say?"

Mandala cleared her throat and said, "Love between men and women is perfectly normal. If you have a woman you admire, you can follow your heart. I will allow you to be together, and then I will let you return to Nanzhao together..."

Mandala's words did not relieve Lin Xuan; instead, they made him more vigilant.

This woman is acting very strangely tonight.

Could she be trying to get Tian Qingluan to do something?
Although Black Stone Village has many powerful figures, Lin Xuan has no doubt about this woman's ability if she wants to harm Qingluan.

Out of a desire to protect her, Lin Xuan shook his head and said, "My lord, you misunderstand. I have no romantic feelings for Miss Tian. I only regard her as an older sister."

Mandala was secretly pleased and nodded, saying, "I almost forgot, you said you didn't like women who were too shrewd. Tian Qingluan is indeed not suitable for you. A'Luo is a better match for you..."

[PS: It will be available for purchase tomorrow at 10 AM, with five chapters released consecutively.]

(End of this chapter)