Mountains and giant beasts, cabins in the woods

This book is clearly newly printed, with a thick cardboard cover encasing a neat stack of white paper.

Liu Xingmo took a closer look.

The Transformation of Xuanwu (Black Tortoise)

Written by Li Yannian.

Open the book and read it again.

Black lines outline tiny figures, with only heads, torsos, and limbs, but enough to clearly depict various poses.

The entire book was pressed down firmly, and then quickly rotated.

The white paper flipped with a "whoosh," and the little figures moved in a coherent and consistent manner, performing a set of martial arts techniques.

Liu Xingmo laughed and said, "This old immortal is quite clever; he can even keep up with the times and come up with such a novel idea."

The giant macaque stroked its beard: "You little rascal, you're always running to the library, surrounded by cultured people, so naturally you don't take it seriously. However, there are plenty of illiterate bumpkins in the world who can only understand picture books. The Xuanwu Mountain God's actions are far-sighted and show his concern for the world; he truly deserves the title of one of the Four Sages."

"But don't every family and lineage like to keep their traditions tightly under wraps?"

"That's right. This book only introduces the variations in fist and foot techniques, but it doesn't have a corresponding internal energy cultivation method. It can't unleash its full power. The reason why the Xuanwu Mountain God spread it out is probably to attract outstanding talents to actively seek him out as a disciple and learn the complete Xuanwu Divine Skill."

"Internal energy cultivation techniques? The flow and transformation of blood and qi within the body? Hehehe..." Liu Xingmo could barely contain his smile. "Curator, thank you so much! I will study this book carefully!"

Pack up the books and leave the library.

……

I never expected to get a peerless martial arts skill for free!

Although it is only defensive and lacks offensive capabilities, it is just right for beast tamers who practice the Blood Path.

Liu Xingmo couldn't wait any longer.

The ancient book's secret techniques, combined with the "Xuanwu Hard and Soft Transformation," would likely constitute the complete Xuanwu Divine Skill. Add to that blood magic and a group of contracted beasts...

The future is promising and the prospects are bright!

However, the "Snake and Python Record" is currently missing, so the cultivation method is incomplete.

That Liu San Niang possesses third-tier strength and is quite a figure. If you want to cause trouble at the widow's door, you'll need to plan carefully.

……

As usual, Liu Xingmo arrived at Zhongcheng Pharmacy.

The purpose of this trip is also to obtain some good medicine to aid in cultivation. It's the same old stuff: Bao Hei's special medicine, tendon-strengthening grass seeds, and wild eggs.

After tidying himself up, Liu Xingmo weighed the money bag in his hand and his own standing in the underworld.

Through the steel fence, he asked the receptionist, "Sister! I heard the ship crew got their hands on some kind of seven-colored coral, is that true?"

The receptionist looked at the young man in surprise and whispered, "It does exist. Its effect of condensing spiritual energy is extremely effective for those with first-tier strength. But you can take your time and proceed slowly; you don't need it."

The implication is that they are not selling.

Liu Xingmo was not discouraged and explained carefully, "It wasn't me, it was my wife. She's a bit special; the alchemy she's learned allows her to refine both pills and artifacts. If we get some seven-colored coral and melt it into the alchemy cauldron, we can make even better potions in the future."

The receptionist's pretty face wrinkled: "I can't make that decision. I'll go report it."

She left in a hurry, and returned a few minutes later: "The higher-ups have agreed, but the price is fixed at 100,000 yuan per jin. If you can afford it, buy it. You'd better hurry, there are only 3.6 jin left."

Upon hearing the price, Liu Xingmo's nails nearly dug into his flesh. He took a deep breath and said, trembling, "Give me one tael, I'll deliver the money tomorrow."

"Okay, we'll reserve your spot." The receptionist smiled sweetly.

Liu Xingmo couldn't appreciate the sweetness; he felt completely relaxed.

The relationship between jin and liang has changed in modern times. One jin is ten liang, which is convenient for calculation. It is no longer the old saying that half a jin is eight liang.

One tael of seven-colored coral cost ten thousand yuan. Hopefully, that gold nugget can be refined into ten gold coins.

Liu Xingmo carried the package back and saw an acquaintance at the end of the line.

The simply dressed young man with a cold expression was none other than Liu Yizhu.

His blood energy was unusually vigorous, clearly indicating that he had broken through to the third level and become a master.

Liu Xingmo decided to stay and wait for Liu Yizhu to finish packing his things before going to greet him.

"Hey! Haven't seen you in a while, your skills have improved a lot! Congratulations!"

"Yes. Thank you for the medicine. I'll repay you later."

"No need! Just hearing that is enough for me. Next year, I'll write it in the newspaper, okay?"

"Do as you please, I don't care."

"Generous! Brilliant! That's more like a friend." Liu Xingmo put his arm around his newly acquainted friend's shoulder. "Come on, let's go get a meal! It's on me, don't be shy."

"No need."

"Don't refuse. You have no idea, there are hundreds of shops in the whole village, and countless people would love to treat me to a meal for free. Let's go and freeload! It's free!"

"It's free..." Liu Yizhu muttered to himself for a while, "Okay, let's go freeload."

The two left the pharmacy and headed towards the central area of ​​the city.

The further you go in, the taller and more dilapidated the wooden treehouses along the road become.

The dry tree bark cracked open, and the cracks were covered with thick wooden planks patched together, one patch after another, making it almost impossible to tell what the house originally looked like.

This is the oldest part of the city.

Back then, there were no towns or villages, just a few dilapidated treehouses standing in the old forest, which was the original appearance of Black Dragon Village.

The shop we visited was a time-honored brand, Jinlilou. The owner was Liu Sanniang.

With Liu Yizhu accompanying him, Liu Xingmo naturally felt emboldened.

This top genius of Black Dragon Stronghold has both a reputation and strength. He will definitely become a manager in the future, and there is a high probability that he will become an elder.

That old woman, Liu San Niang, wouldn't dare to act wildly in front of Liu Yi Zhu.

The further they walked into the city, the denser the buildings became.

There are also large wooden stakes with medium-sized wooden stakes standing on them, and small wooden stakes standing on the medium-sized wooden stakes.

The old houses on the ground floor are close together, nailed together with wooden planks, and their interiors are even connected.

The upper-level buildings, varying in size and height, are connected by thick bamboo tubes that have been carved through them, forming corridors and passageways.

The dense housing encroached on pedestrian space.

Liu Xingmo and Liu Yizhu could only walk one after the other in the narrow alley.

The roadside is lined with old tree bark and thick wooden planks, with windows that let out a warm orange light, illuminating the dark and enclosed path.

Someone was setting up cooked food on the windowsill and shouting loudly.

Some people carried containers on shoulder poles and hawked their wares along the alleyways.

There are also people with keen eyesight who stand atop the tall wooden building, their sharp gazes piercing through the intricate streets and alleys, scrutinizing the dark and cramped corners.

They whispered among themselves:

"Those two people are extraordinary."

"What a young instructor! Could it be Liu Yizhu? He's broken through!"

"Who is the other one? He's not very strong, but his arrogant attitude makes me uneasy."

"Idiot, look closely, that's the storyteller!"

"Oh? Falling Flower Lane is quite lively today..."

This place is a melting pot of all sorts of people.