Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 128 The Golden Toad's Absorption Technique, Drawing the Sword to Slay the Enemy

The cut on the neck of the head was clean and smooth, without any scraggles, clearly indicating that it had been severed in one stroke.

It is no accident that such a thing could be done against the thick-skinned green-haired zombie.

This is a sword technique that can send chills down one's spine.

Just then, the crowd spontaneously parted to make way, and a lean middle-aged man walked out from the main hall. He was the manager of the Demon Slaying Division of Yuhuo County.

He walked closer, squatted down, and examined the wound on the head carefully for a moment before raising his head and looking at Chen Ye.

"Good sword skills."

These three simple words are the greatest affirmation of Chen Ye's strength.

Then Cong Bo stood up, took out a money pouch and three yellow talismans from his pocket, and handed them over.

"This is your bounty, thirty taels of silver. In addition, these three exorcism talismans are an extra reward for you."

Chen Ye was stunned for a moment, then looked deeply at Cong Bo in front of him, and then reached out to take the money bag.

"Thanks!"

"You're welcome. If you need anything in the future, feel free to come to the Demon Slayer Division to find me anytime," Cong Bo grinned.

Chen Ye nodded, then turned and left.

Cong Bo watched his retreating figure, his eyes flickering slightly.

At this moment, a man next to him came over and asked with a puzzled look, "Boss, why do you value this kid so much? Even if his swordsmanship is good, it doesn't have to be this much."

Cong Bo glared at the person who spoke, "You don't know anything. Swordsmanship is one thing, but haven't you noticed that this kid gives off a very different vibe now?"

"Hey, that's right. I remember this kid was so timid when he came yesterday, how come he's become so powerful today?"

"Yeah, could this kid be possessed by a ghost?"

Upon hearing this, Cong Bo kicked him.

"Stop talking nonsense. What kind of place is this? If any demons or ghosts could possess us and get into here, we would be dead by now."

No one dared to utter a sound.

Cong Bo let out a long breath and said with envy, "I suspect that this kid must have had some kind of adventure, or awakened his potential in the face of life and death, but no matter what, it proves that this kid is no longer the same as before. Such a person is naturally worth winning over, and it's just three evil-breaking talismans. Even if they have no effect, it's not a big loss."

Upon hearing Cong Bo's words, the people present suddenly realized what was happening, and the burly man who had been drinking immediately gave Cong Bo a thumbs up.

"High, really high."

"Get lost, hurry up and pack your things to go on night patrol," Cong Bo said with a laugh.

"Alright!" The men started to get to work.

They all belonged to the Demon Slaying Division and were considered Cong Bo's subordinates. Their main responsibility was to maintain the security of Yu Huo County and prevent demons and evil spirits from invading. Therefore, nightly patrols were of utmost importance.

Meanwhile, Chen Ye first found a reasonably clean-looking inn to stay in, and then went to a nearby tavern that was still open.

A plate of roasted pork, a roasted chicken, a large bowl of white rice, and a pot of warm wine.

The piping hot food dispelled the chill of the wilderness and the murderous aura left by the battle, and the nerves that had been tense since waking up finally relaxed.

After a satisfying meal, Chen Ye returned to his room at the inn.

He bolted the door, checked the windows again, and then sat cross-legged on the bed to study the method of the golden toad swallowing air.

Judging from the memories of the previous incarnation, this technique had an imposing name, but it was actually quite common.

However, when Chen Ye truly calmed down and explored its core, he discovered that this seemingly simple method actually contained some profound truths.

This is not simply a breathing technique, but rather a visualization of oneself as a three-legged golden toad from mythology, devouring the essence of the sun and moon.

The method is divided into two steps.

First, absorb the moonlight at night! You need to absorb the purest essence of the moonlight between heaven and earth at midnight to nourish your soul and strengthen your inner energy.

Secondly, one must consume the first wisp of innate purple energy at sunrise to temper the body and enhance one's blood and qi.

At this moment, the moon is high in the sky outside the window, its clear light shining everywhere.

Chen Ye immediately sat cross-legged in front of the window, calmed his mind as instructed in the method, and began to visualize.

In his mind, his body gradually melted away, transforming into a giant golden toad crouching under the cold moonlight.

He visualized the golden toad opening its huge mouth and taking a deep breath.

In an instant, a strange change occurred!

The moonlight outside the window seemed to be drawn by some invisible force, transforming into wisps of silver light invisible to the naked eye, passing through the window frame and flowing into his body.

The whole process was a hundred times smoother than described in the exercise manual.

The trace of moonlight essence that required months of arduous cultivation to barely sense flowed directly into his body at this moment.

A refreshingly cool aura lingered in his dantian, merging with the originally weak internal energy. In just a moment, the internal energy grew stronger.

An indescribable joy welled up in my heart.

Chen Ye understood that this was the reward for his experience of traversing several worlds and possessing a divine soul far surpassing that of ordinary people.

At this rate, I'm afraid it won't be long before I'm able to complete the Qi cultivation stage.

The cultivation realms in this world are divided into a wide variety of categories, and each school is different.

Take Qi cultivators as an example, they are divided into seven realms: Foundation Building, Qi Nourishment, Unobstructed Path, Sea of ​​Qi Condensation, Inner Landscape, Core Formation, and Nascent Soul Transformation.

The paths for martial artists who cultivate their bodies correspond to these stages: Mortal Body, Body Tempering, Marrow Cleansing, Martial Heart, Limit Breaking, Golden Body, and Imperial Supreme.

It is said that this is only the most widely circulated standard. In addition, the names of the realms of sword cultivators have formed their own school, and there are also unorthodox sects such as talisman cultivators and Gu masters. Their standards are varied and numerous.

Later, a great master simply summarized all the myriad methods and collectively called them the Five Realms.

And now I am at the starting point of the first realm.

Core formation... Nascent soul...

For some reason, Chen Ye felt that this division of realms seemed somewhat familiar.

Once we return to the main world, Chen Ye thought to himself that he would definitely interrogate that woman, Li Qingyan.

A night of spiritual practice passes in the blink of an eye.

As the first hint of dawn appeared on the horizon, Chen Ye was already quietly standing on the roof of the inn.

As the red sun rose above the horizon and that fleeting wisp of innate purple energy appeared, he opened his mouth and swallowed it into his stomach.

A warm feeling instantly spread throughout my body, filling me with a sense of power.

Feeling refreshed, Chen Ye returned to the house and drew his long, slender sword.

The blade was like a pool of autumn water, reflecting his calm and unwavering eyes.

He didn't practice any moves, because he couldn't really use them in this small guest room.

He just stood there quietly, replaying the deadly battle with the green-haired zombie in his mind over and over again.

Every movement, every dodge, every moment of exertion is clearly visible.

Then Chen Ye used his master-level martial arts experience to coldly analyze every detail of himself.

The victory in this battle was somewhat lucky.

But it also made him realize that the battles in this world are completely different from those in the pure martial arts world.

Demons and monsters often have fatal weaknesses, but they are protected by tough skin and flesh.

Therefore, sweeping, powerful sword techniques are not applicable here.

What he needs is extreme precision and the ability to break through defenses.

Like a steel needle piercing tofu, it penetrates all obstacles.

With a slight flick of his wrist, Chen Ye's longsword traced a silent path through the air.

A completely new understanding began to quietly take root and sprout in his heart.

……

In the backyard of the inn, the moonlight was as cool as water.

Chen Ye stood motionless, holding a long sword, his entire being seemingly blending into the night.

For the past five days, he has not left his home, focusing all his attention on cultivation.

With his extraordinary spiritual power, the Golden Toad Breath-Swallowing Technique, which seemed utterly boring to others, was like a fish in water to him.

In just five days, the level of the Golden Toad Swallowing Qi Technique jumped from lv1 to lv2.

The faint internal energy in the dantian had now gathered into a small stream. Although it was still not very powerful, it had become several times more condensed and flowed continuously through the meridians, bringing waves of warmth.

Its strength is steadily increasing.

But this is not enough.

Besides cultivating his internal energy, he devoted most of his time to the sword.

He didn't practice any fixed moves; he simply analyzed and reviewed his battle with the green-haired zombie in his mind thousands of times.

Ultimately, all the complex chopping, hacking, slashing, and cutting techniques come down to one point.

A sword technique that pursues ultimate penetration and precision gradually took shape in his mind.

Like an embroidery needle piercing thick cloth, it unleashes the most deadly killing intent within a small space.

Chen Ye named it Needle!

As his strength grew, the idea of ​​killing Gong Chen to avenge himself became increasingly clear in Chen Ye's mind.

Those who cultivate should be free from all attachments and worries, therefore Chen Ye decided to take action.

Starting from the sixth day, Chen Ye began to leave the inn.

Instead of rushing to the Demon Slayer Bureau, he lingered like an idle man, frequenting the various taverns and teahouses in Yu Huo County.

In the bustling city, all sorts of people mingle, and information is most readily available. He ordered a pot of the cheapest coarse tea, found an inconspicuous corner to sit down, but his ears were perked up, taking in all the conversations of the various characters around him.

"Have you heard? Last night, the butcher Zhang's house in the east of the city was haunted. The pigs in the pigsty were squealing like they were being slaughtered in the middle of the night."

"Hey, that's nothing. The other day, the Li family's caravan ran into a horde of ghouls thirty miles outside the city. Only three of their dozen or so men managed to escape!"

"This world is getting harder and harder..."

Chen Ye listened silently, matching this information with the intelligence in his memory, gradually constructing a rough map of the distribution of demons and ghosts around Yuhuo County.

Occasionally, bounty hunters would engage in lively discussions.

"...Damn it, the bounty for Black Wind Stronghold has gone up again, but nobody dares to take it!"

"Nonsense, that village is incredibly evil; anyone who goes there dies, so what's the use of having more money?"

Finally, one afternoon, he heard the name he wanted to hear.

"If we're talking about who's been lucky lately, it has to be that kid Gong Chen." A man with a full beard took a swig of wine, his tone full of sourness.

"Last time he teamed up with someone to kill the green-haired zombie, both of his teammates died, and he was the only one who made it back. I thought he was going to be unlucky, but who knew that he had some kind of stroke of luck a couple of days ago and made a fortune. Now he spends all his time in the De Yi Lou, living like a god!"

"Deyilou? Tsk tsk, that place must cost several taels of silver a night. Looks like this kid's really struck it rich!"

"Who says it isn't?"

Deyi Building.

Chen Ye silently repeated these three words in his mind, paid for the tea, and got up to leave.

He first went back to the Demon Slayer Division.

The courtyard remained the same as always. When Cong Bo saw him, he greeted him quite warmly.

Chen Ye casually chatted with several familiar hunters, seemingly unintentionally steer the conversation towards Gong Chen.

The answers I received were largely the same as what I had heard in the tavern. When people mentioned him, they either shook their heads vaguely or talked with envy about how he spent lavishly at the Deyilou Restaurant.

It appears to be true.

After leaving the Demon Slayer Bureau, Chen Ye headed straight for the most bustling red-light district in the county.

Deyilou is the most magnificent building on this street, with three stories of flying eaves and brackets. Two rows of large red lanterns hang at the entrance, and even during the day, you can see people inside and hear the chirping of birds.

Chen Ye did not go in.

He found a window seat on the second floor of a teahouse opposite Deyilou, ordered a pot of tea, and calmly gazed at the den of extravagance.

He was like the most patient hunter, observing his prey.

It wasn't until night fell and the city lights came on that it continued.

The Deyilou Restaurant came alive with a lively mix of noise, music, and women's laughter.

Chen Ye then put down his teacup, left the tea money on the table, and then turned and disappeared into the night.

……

The private room numbered "Tian" on the third floor of Deyilou.

Gong Chen was indeed very pleased with himself.

He was surrounded by women on both sides, with a table laden with delicacies in front of him, and his face was flushed from drinking.

The fact that he narrowly escaped death from the green-haired zombie's claws last time did not make him feel fearful; instead, it made him feel that he was destined for greatness.

Later, by selling information about another mission, he extorted a considerable sum of money from other hunters, and suddenly became much wealthier.

He felt that he had reached the pinnacle of his life.

"Come on, beauty, have another drink!"

Gong Chen picked up his wine glass and was about to pour it into the mouth of the girl next to him.

Boom, boom, boom.

There was a knock on the door.

"Who is it? Can't you see I'm having a good time? Get lost!" Gong Chen shouted impatiently.

"Sir, your hot water is ready." A slightly hoarse young voice came from outside the door.

Gong Chen frowned, but still waved his hand impatiently: "Come in!"

The door was pushed open, and a young man dressed as a servant walked in carrying a wooden basin.

He lowered his head and his face could not be seen clearly.

After putting the wooden basin down, he closed the door behind him and bolted it.

"What are you doing?" Gong Chen sobered up a bit and sensed something was wrong.

The servant slowly raised his head and gave him a sinister smile.

"Gong Chen, how have you been?"

The moment Gong Chen saw that face clearly, he was struck dumb, his mind going completely blank.

"Chen...Chen Ye?!"

He screamed, his body jerked up from the couch, staggered backward, and knocked over the tables and chairs behind him.

"A ghost! You're a ghost!"

During this time, he had been indulging in debauchery at the Deyu Tower and had not returned to the Demon Slayer Division at all. Naturally, he did not know that Chen Ye was not only alive, but had also personally beheaded the green-haired zombie.

In his eyes, what else could this person who should have died in the dilapidated temple be but a ghost?
"Of course I'm not a ghost." Chen Ye walked towards him step by step, the long sword in his hand already unsheathed, its blade reflecting a cold light in the candlelight. "Ghosts won't come looking for you."

A chilling killing intent enveloped Gong Chen as if it were a tangible presence.

Gong Chen was trembling violently, but his survival instinct quickly pulled him out of his fear.

After all, he was someone who had tasted blood on the edge of a knife.

"Brother! Brother Chen Ye! Let me explain!" He forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, his voice urgent.

"That day...that day I was terrified! I didn't mean to push you! I went back to look for you later, but you were gone! I thought you...Actually, I was really heartbroken, you have to believe me!"

Chen Ye watched his performance expressionlessly, his steps never faltering.

Seeing that his hypocritical words had no effect, Gong Chen's expression instantly turned ferocious, and his eyes revealed murderous intent.

"You shameless bastard! You really think I'm afraid of you?"

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly lunged at Chen Ye!
At this moment, Gong Chen's skin turned an ominous bluish-black, his fingernails grew out of shape and turned pitch black, and a foul-smelling poisonous odor emanated from his body.

He actually took a different path of cultivation, becoming a cultivator who practiced the elixir of life.

This practice of ingesting spiritual substances was originally a school of thought that sought out and refined rare and precious objects from heaven and earth to make medicines to strengthen oneself. However, nowadays, where are there so many rare and precious objects from heaven and earth? Therefore, it has gradually degenerated into a heretical and minor art.

Gong Chen was no exception; he tempered himself by consuming highly poisonous substances.

However, in Chen Ye's eyes, all of this seemed so ridiculous.

Faced with this fierce attack, Chen Ye advanced instead of retreating, brandishing his long sword.

laugh!
The sword flashed away.

Gong Chenqian's body suddenly stiffened. He looked down in disbelief at his right arm, which had been severed cleanly at the shoulder.

Dark black, poisonous blood gushed out.

"what--!"

The excruciating pain caused him to let out a piercing scream.

But this excruciating pain also completely unleashed his ferocity.

"I want you to die!"

Gong Chen, acting like a madman, pounced straight at him.

He's about to self-destruct his poison source and perish together with Chen Ye!

At that very instant, Chen Ye activated his Bloodthirsty Vision talent.

The world before my eyes was instantly put on slow motion.

The crazed expression on Gong Chen's face, his determined and fatal blow, became slow and clear in Chen Ye's eyes, full of flaws.

Chen Ye could even see the fluctuating poisonous energy beneath his bluish-black skin, and the weak point at its core was clearly exposed in his field of vision.

It's now!

Chen Ye shifted his feet slightly, dodging the sharp edge of the poisonous palm, and the long sword in his hand transformed into a bolt of lightning.

Needle point!

puff!
A soft thud as flesh entered.

The long sword precisely pierced the weak point three inches below Gong Chen's dantian.

Gong Chen's crazed expression froze instantly, and then he seemed like a punctured balloon, the violent poisonous aura dissipating in an instant, and his bluish skin quickly faded.

He looked down at the wound on his abdomen, then looked up at Chen Ye, his eyes filled with confusion and resentment, before collapsing to the ground in despair.

Inside the room, the two courtesans, who had been huddled in a corner, were so frightened that they didn't even dare to breathe.

Chen Ye didn't even glance at them. He walked straight to the table, picked up an untouched wine jug, and took a few gulps.

The spicy liquor went down my throat, washing away the last bit of lingering unease in my heart.

The thought finally came to me.

Then Chen Ye smiled slightly at the girls and said, "Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you. Please tidy up later."

After saying that, Chen Ye turned around, opened the door, and left calmly.

The pimp and the guards rushed over when they heard the commotion, only to see a figure calmly leaving and a corpse lying in a pool of blood inside the room. No one dared to step forward to stop him.

　I've been updating with 10,000 words a day for over ten days in a row, but my writing speed is severely lacking. Please subscribe and vote with your monthly tickets! (▽)
　　
　
(End of this chapter)