Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 114 The Eight Sons of the Inner City

The outer city government office, the Merit and Merit Department.

The atmosphere, however, was completely different from the last time.

The person in charge personally received them, his face plastered with an almost obsequious smile. Lu Beichen, Song Jing, and that Senior Brother Nie stood together.

"Lord Lu, Young Hero Song, Lord Nie!" The official's voice trembled with excitement. "After being personally reviewed by the Commandant and approved by the prefectural city, Young Hero Song, single-handedly, slew the evil cult leaders Li Wujiu and Qin Yue, who had broken through to the Flesh Refining Realm, and eradicated the remnants of the Blood Lotus Sect and the Black Tiger Gang. His merits are outstanding! The reward is as follows—"

He cleared his throat and announced loudly, "The bounty for killing Li Wujiu, the leader of the Blood Lotus Sect, at the Body Refinement stage, is doubled to four thousand taels!"

"Killing Qin Yue, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang, at the Body Refinement Realm, will double the reward to three thousand taels!"

"Provide crucial clues and assist in dismantling a cult stronghold; an extra thousand taels will be awarded!"

"Total—eight thousand taels of silver!"

Eight thousand taels!

This number made even the seasoned Lu Beichen gasp in surprise. A hint of astonishment also flashed in Nie Feng's eyes.

This reward is comparable to the total military merit reward for a medium-sized encirclement and suppression operation by the Commandant's Office!

This shows how much importance the prefecture city attached to eliminating these two evil cultivators at the Flesh Refining Realm and destroying their lair.

Song Jing's heart skipped a beat.

Eight thousand taels was an unimaginable sum of money for him.

With this money, he will no longer have to worry about resource shortages for a long time to come. Whether it's purchasing top-grade elixirs, seeking advanced cultivation techniques, or forging divine weapons, he will have enough confidence.

"Furthermore," the official continued, his tone even more respectful, "the Commandant has decreed that Young Hero Song has rendered unparalleled service this time, and is hereby granted a first-class residence in the inner city, which he may move into at any time with this token. He is also granted a token of the Commandant's Office Guest Retainer, which allows him to mobilize a small portion of the Commandant's Office's resources within the territory of Tianshui City and enjoy certain conveniences."

He presented a tray with both hands, on which were neatly arranged eighty dragon-head silver notes with a face value of one hundred taels, two simple-looking tokens made of neither gold nor wood, and a land deed.

Song Jing took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and solemnly accepted the gift: "Thank you for your generous reward, Commandant. Thank you, Master."

Lu Beichen was genuinely happy for Song Jing and patted him on the shoulder forcefully. Nie Feng also nodded slightly, his eyes filled with even greater admiration.

Leaving the Merit Department, Song Jing silently calculated in his mind.

Lu Beichen gave him 1,250 taels of silver from the previous killings of Han Sha and Li Wei (indirectly). This time, the reward is 8,000 taels. The Xu family provides him with a high-quality Skin Tempering Pill worth over 300 taels every month, which is also a continuous source of income.

Adding his previous savings and the remaining "harvest" from the Wang and Zhang families, he now has more than 9,500 taels of silver on him!

This doesn't even include the intangible value of the inner city residence and the guest minister's token.

Nine thousand five hundred taels of silver is enough in the outer city to make a small family become a top-tier wealthy household, enough to buy several top-tier martial arts techniques in the outer city, and enough to forge several precious swords that can cut through iron like mud.

However, Song Jing's ambitions went far beyond that.

"Brother Lu, Senior Brother Nie," Song Jing said, looking at the two of them. "I am deeply grateful for the generous rewards. However, after these battles, I feel that my skills are still insufficient. Although I have made some progress in the Chasing Wind and Thunder Leg Techniques, and the Golden Bell Cover can provide some defense, they are ultimately still just fist and foot techniques."

Against a formidable enemy wielding a sharp blade and skilled in weaponry, one is bound to suffer losses. The weapon techniques circulating in the outer city are of limited quality. I wonder—could I use this silver to exchange for a high-level weapon technique from the inner city? (Knife, etc.)

Swords or spears are both acceptable.

Upon hearing this, Lu Beichen looked troubled and glanced at Nie Feng.

He was a disciple of the Kuangfeng Martial Arts School, but the Kuangfeng Saber Technique was a closely guarded secret of the school and could not be taught to anyone other than a core disciple. Although he was on good terms with Song Jing, he had no right to pass it on to outsiders.

After a moment of contemplation, Nie Feng said, "Brother Song is absolutely right. While fist and foot techniques are advantageous, weapons are an extension of the hands and feet, and their killing power is even greater. My Mad Wind Martial Arts School's Mad Wind Saber Technique does have its unique aspects, but the school's rules are strict, making it inconvenient to pass it on to outsiders. I hope Brother Song will understand." His tone was sincere, not an excuse.

Song Jing nodded in understanding. The inner city's grand martial arts school's signature techniques naturally have their own rules.

However, Nie Feng changed the subject, a smile appearing on his face: "However—Brother Song, although my Nie family has some roots in the Kuangfeng Martial Arts School, our ancestors also had a master of the spear, who passed down the Prairie Fire Spear Technique."

This spear technique is fierce and violent, its offensive power like a raging wildfire, relentless and unstoppable. Although its rank is not as high as the Gale Blade Technique, it is still a truly superior inner-city skill. When mastered to a high level, its power should not be underestimated.

He looked at Song Jing and continued, "My grandfather hated evil all his life and admired Song Brother, a young hero who was so upright and daring to help the weak and punish the strong."

Your single-handed slaying of two evil cultivators at the Flesh Refining Realm is truly gratifying and relieves a long-standing worry for the Commandant's Office.

I think if I were to introduce you to my grandfather and tell him about your deeds, he would surely be delighted, and it wouldn't be impossible for him to pass on this "Wildfire Spear Technique" to you.

Song Jing's eyes lit up. Nie Feng came from the Nie family in the inner city, and his grandfather must have been a powerful figure in the family. To have such vision and magnanimity, and to be willing to pass on the family's spear technique to outsiders even with conditions, shows that his character is extraordinary.

The Wildfire Spear Technique, as its name suggests, is a fierce and brutal killing art, which complements his Wind and Thunder Leg Technique and Golden Bell Cover.

"Brother Nie, is your word truly sincere?" Song Jing clasped his hands in a fist and said solemnly, "If Senior Nie is so kind as to not despise me and is willing to impart his spear techniques, I, Song, will be eternally grateful. I will certainly live up to your expectations, study diligently, and use these spear techniques to uphold justice and vanquish demons!"

"Haha, good!" Nie Feng laughed. "Brother Song is quick-witted and straightforward, just like my grandfather's temperament. Leave this to me."

I will return and speak with my grandfather; he will surely be eager to meet you, this rising young hero from the outer city. I will inform you immediately of any news.”

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Nie!" Song Jing thanked him again.

Lu Beichen was also happy for Song Jing. To be favored by the Nie family and have his family's spear technique taught to him was a much better opportunity than simply buying the technique with money.

This is not only a martial art technique, but it may also mean establishing a good relationship with the Nie family in the inner city.

"Brother Song, the martial arts competition is just around the corner. You now have the strength, reputation, and resources you need, so it's time for you to make your mark." Nie Feng said solemnly, "With your abilities, you will surely make a name for yourself in the martial arts competition, and winning the championship will not be difficult."

"At that time, joining the Pingtian Sect will guarantee a limitless future. Unlike us, who returned defeated and could only settle for second best, joining the three major martial arts schools and mingling in the Commandant's mansion."

His tone carried a hint of emotion, as well as a touch of expectation for Song Jing: "You've accomplished this, and the Commandant greatly admires you. If you enter Pingtianmen in the future, this connection and the Commandant's promise will be a significant help."

Song Jing kept Nie Feng's words in mind. Pingtianmen was the next hurdle he had to overcome. The "surprise" from Captain Chen Yanzhou, the Nie family's marksmanship, Lu Beichen's friendship, the Xu family's offerings, and the nearly ten thousand taels of silver notes in his pocket—these were all the capital and confidence he needed to step onto a higher stage.

"Senior Brother Nie, you flatter me. I, Song, will certainly do my utmost to live up to your expectations," Song Jing said in a deep voice.

Sunlight streamed onto the towering eaves of the Commandant's Mansion, reflecting the increasingly determined light in the boy's eyes.

With bounties as high as mountains and the title of guest retainer in the mansion, their status has already changed.

With improved marksmanship, victory is within reach, and the future is becoming clearer.

However, a larger world and stronger adversaries also mean more severe challenges.

The Wuhan University of Science and Technology competition is just around the corner.

Meanwhile, in the inner city, in the tea room of the side courtyard of the Commandant's Mansion.

Lu Beichen poured Song Jing a cup of tea, his expression serious.

He knew Song Jing's purpose in coming and understood what the upcoming martial arts competition meant to this brother.

"Brother Song, you want to know about the top opponents in the inner city for this martial arts competition, right?" Lu Beichen asked directly.

Song Jing nodded: "Exactly. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. My understanding of the inner city is limited, so I would be grateful if Brother Lu would not hesitate to enlighten me."

Lu Beichen pondered for a moment and slowly said, "The Martial Arts Competition is nominally a way to select talented people from the outer city to enter the inner city or even the prefectural city for further study, but in reality, the core disciples of the real powerful families and top martial arts schools in the inner city will also participate."

This is not only a way to bring glory to their family and martial arts school and demonstrate their strength, but also the proper path for them to obtain the qualification for the Pingtian Sect's assessment. After all, the Pingtian Sect values ​​geniuses who emerge through legitimate channels and fair competition.

He paused, his expression becoming even more serious: "As far as I know, this competition is the strongest in recent years. In particular, the four major families of the inner city and the three major martial arts schools have all sent their respective leading figures of the younger generation."

These people are far more powerful than any opponent you've encountered in the outer city before.

Song Jing listened intently.

"Let's start with the four great families," Lu Beichen said, counting on his fingers. "Zhao, Qian, Sun, and Li. These four families have been entrenched in the inner city for decades, with deep roots and each having its own strengths."

"The Zhao family mainly deals in medicinal herbs and elixirs, and has close ties with pharmacies and alchemist guilds throughout the city. Their family's secret martial art, Changchun Gong, is balanced and gentle, good at healing and recovery, and extremely strong in prolonged battles."

The number one among the younger generation is named Zhao Yuanqing, who is only twenty-two years old and has already reached the early stage of the Flesh Refining Realm.

This man is meticulous and has mastered his family's Changchun Kung Fu to perfection, while also achieving mastery of the Whirlwind Willow Sword Technique, a secondary skill. His swordsmanship is fluid and his defense unparalleled. Furthermore, he comes from a wealthy family, and his sword, "Azure Frost," is forged from the finest cold iron, making it incomparably sharp. He is firmly in the top four of this competition and even has the potential to challenge for the top three.

"The Qian family controls nearly half of the city's iron mines and weapon forging, and has deep cooperation with martial arts schools such as Kuangfeng and Liaoyuan. Their family's secret technique, the Melting Gold and Forging Bone Technique, is domineering and fierce, good at tempering the body and amplifying strength. Their number one among the younger generation is named Qian Rushan, 23 years old, in the early stage of the Body Refining Realm, with a fiery temper and immense strength."

He has mastered the Melting Gold and Forging Bones Technique to perfection, and his main skill, the Mountain-Splitting Axe Technique, has reached its peak. With a single swing of his axe, he possesses the power to split mountains and shatter rocks.

His "giant axe that can cleave mountains" weighs 500 jin (approximately 250 kg), capable of severing ordinary weapons upon contact. He is one of the favorites to win this competition, widely recognized as one of the top two contenders.

"The Sun family monopolizes nearly 70% of the city's canal transport, logistics, and bulk cargo transportation. They have extensive connections and are well-informed."

Their family's secret martial art, Flowing Cloud Step, allows for agile movement and excels in long-distance attacks and evasion. The foremost among the younger generation is named Sun Sihai, twenty-one years old, at the early stage of the Body Refining Realm, with a smooth and adaptable nature.

His Flowing Cloud Steps are at their peak, and his Water-Splitting Thrust Technique is also highly refined. His moves are unpredictable and specifically target vital points. Furthermore, his years of travel and extensive combat experience make him a force to be reckoned with. He firmly holds a top-five position.

"The Li family controls almost all the brothels, taverns, teahouses and other entertainment venues in the city. They are also the biggest news hub in secret, with informants all over the city."

Her family's inherited skill, the "Listening to the Wind and Identifying Positions," grants her keen senses and an ability to seize opportunities and exploit weaknesses in battle. The foremost among the younger generation is named Li Qingmei, the only woman among the Four Heroes. At only twenty years old and in the early stages of the Body Refining Realm, she appears delicate but is actually deeply cunning.

She has mastered the art of wind-based positioning, specializing in concealed weaponry. Her mastery of unorthodox soft weapons and hidden weapon techniques is unparalleled, making her virtually impossible to defend against. Her intelligence gathering abilities are exceptional; she often anticipates the enemy's moves before the battle even begins. Her strength is unfathomable, and she is widely considered among the top three.

Lu Beichen took a sip of tea and continued, "Besides these four leaders, each of the four families has one or two top disciples. Although they are slightly inferior to the four mentioned above, they are all at the Body Refining Realm and have mastered at least two cultivation techniques. They are all strong contenders for the top ten."

For example, Zhao Yuanhu of the Zhao family reached the Flesh Refining Realm, mastering the Everlasting Spring Skill and Armor-Breaking Fist; Qian Ruhai of the Qian family reached the Flesh Refining Realm, mastering the Melting Gold and Forging Bone Technique and the Mad Demon Staff Technique; Sun Wuhu of the Sun family reached the Flesh Refining Realm, mastering the Flowing Cloud Step and the Chain Blade Technique; and Li Xuanji of the Li family reached the Flesh Refining Realm, mastering the Listening to the Wind and Distinguishing Position Technique and the Mother-Child Sword Technique.

These four, along with the four mentioned earlier, can be collectively known as the "Inner City Eight," essentially securing eight of the top ten spots.

"Having discussed the four major families, let's look at the three major martial arts schools," Lu Beichen said. "The Pingtian Sect has extremely strict selection criteria, and only a handful of people can enter its outer sect each time. Many talented individuals who are slightly less gifted or unlucky choose to join the three major martial arts schools in the inner city for further training."

"The martial arts competition is, for them, both a chance to prove themselves and a resurrection event—if they perform exceptionally well, they may still be noticed by the Pingtianmen envoy or recruited by other major powers within the inner city."

"Qingyun Martial Arts School is renowned for its agile and swift swordsmanship. Its master's personal disciple, Bai Yunfei, is twenty-four years old and at the early stage of the Flesh Refining Realm. He is the school's current star."

He mastered the Azure Cloud Sword Technique to perfection, his sword strikes as swift as white clouds emerging from a mountain peak, leaving no trace. He also cultivated the Cloud-Stepping Step, making his movement techniques exceptionally skillful.

He is widely recognized among the martial arts school's disciples as having the best chance of breaking into the top ten, or even the top five. His sword, "Flowing Cloud," is also a renowned weapon crafted at great expense.

"The Thunderclap Martial Arts School's techniques are fierce and violent, with an astonishing reputation. Its eldest brother, Lei Zhen, is twenty-five years old and at the early stage of the Flesh Refining Realm. He is upright and hates evil as if it were his enemy. He has mastered the Thunderclap Palm Technique to perfection. His palm strikes are like thunder, fierce and unparalleled."

He minored in Iron Shirt martial arts, making him incredibly strong defensively. He's a representative of the power-type, and his offensive power would likely rank in the top three among the top ten. He's an upright person and enjoys high prestige among the common people.

"As for the Gale Martial Arts School where I am—" Lu Beichen smiled, "the number one person in this generation of the school is Senior Brother Nie's cousin, Nie Feng. He is twenty-two years old and in the early stage of the Flesh Refining Realm. He has mastered the Gale Blade Technique to the peak of the Great Perfection, just one step away from perfection."

Even more remarkable is that he has mastered a simplified, advanced version of the Nine Shadow Steps, another extremely difficult movement technique in the martial arts school, reaching a minor level of proficiency, making him incredibly fast. His swordsmanship is fierce, his movements unpredictable, and his strength is definitely among the top tier. The sword he wields is the "Rending Wind," custom-made for him by his family, exceptionally sharp.

"These three are the leaders of the three major martial arts schools this time. In addition, there are several other experts in the martial arts schools who are at the Body Refining Realm, such as Liu Suifeng of Qingyun Martial Arts School who is at the Body Refining Realm and has mastered the Qingyun Sword Technique, and Zheng Shan of Jinglei Martial Arts School who is at the Body Refining Realm, has mastered the Jinglei Palm Technique and has mastered the Jingdian Step Technique. They also have the strength to challenge the bottom of the top ten."

Lu Beichen concluded: "Based on this calculation, the top eight from the four major families in the inner city, the three leaders from the three major martial arts schools, plus several martial arts experts and other dark horses from the smaller families and independent cultivators in the inner city—the competition for the top ten in this competition will be unprecedentedly fierce."

These people were all at the Body Refining Realm, possessing at least two mastered cultivation techniques, with some even having perfected their primary technique! Their armor and weaponry were excellent, resources abundant, and their combat experience unparalleled.

He looked at Song Jing and said solemnly, "Brother Song, although you have killed two evil cultivators in the Flesh Refining Realm, your strength is astonishing."

However, Li Wujiu and Qin Yue relied on evil pills to force their breakthroughs, their foundations were weak, and their cultivation methods were strange and unorthodox, making them incomparable to these inner city prodigies.

Standing out in this competition and breaking into the top ten or even higher will be no easy feat.

We must be fully prepared and must not underestimate our opponent in the slightest.

Song Jing listened silently, having already memorized the names and characteristics described by Lu Beichen.

Zhao Yuanqing's meticulousness, Qian Rushan's fierceness, Li Qingmei's cunning, Bai Yunfei's agility, Lei Zhen's violence, and Nie Feng's speed—each one is a formidable opponent.

Far from feeling fear, he felt a surge of fighting spirit.

Only by clashing with such opponents can one test their true strength and see a higher perspective.

"Thank you for informing me, Brother Lu." Song Jing clasped his hands in a fist salute, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Only when surrounded by formidable enemies can one hone one's skills. I, Song, will wait and see."

The inner city's elite are shining stars.

The dark horse from the outer city is sharpening its knives, ready to pounce.

The martial arts competition was already rife with tension even before it began.

Can Song Jing's legend continue to be written on this stage where powerful figures gather?