Heaven rewards diligence; he fought his way through chaos to become a saint.

Chapter 138 Choice

In the days that followed, Ye Ci was almost completely immersed in the world of cultivation, forgetting himself and the world around him.

He would get up before dawn to practice his skills, focusing intently on his work.

Occasionally, Yan Qing would take the initiative to come over and spar with Ye Ci.

She always won big and was very happy, and her gaze toward Ye Ci became more and more pleasing.

Time flies, and a month has passed.

The weather is gradually getting hot.

Ye Ci often goes shirtless, revealing his well-defined muscles.

Yan Qing glanced at him frequently, and even reached out to touch him, revealing a satisfied expression.

This means he will train hard in the future, and he will be able to master superior martial arts techniques.

Although Ye Ci spent most of his time practicing the "Qingyuan Longevity Skill," leaving him little time to study other martial arts techniques and fighting methods.

But it wasn't urgent for him, because he would rather use the time to unleash two more Baoshan Seals.

Since reaching the second level of the Embracing Mountain Seal, Ye Ci has found it significantly more difficult to increase his proficiency; even after several attempts, he can't gain any proficiency at all.

He had no time to investigate the specific reasons.

Anyway, all he did every day was cultivate, and he had no shortage of resources, which were often delivered by Steward Chen or Wang Ya.

Occasionally, Yan Zhan would deliver it personally.

These resources must have been purchased through Yan Qian.

Seeing his abundant cultivation resources, even Yan Qing was quite astonished. After finding out Ye Ci's background, Yan Qing deliberately looked down on him.

They said he cheated on a rich girl because of his good looks.

cheat?

Ye Ci felt that she and Shen Yixi had barely exchanged a few words.

She was impressed by her own dedication to hard work and practice.

Also, she stole Zhang Guan's silver notes but didn't ask her for them back.

******

That morning, just as the first hint of dawn appeared in the east.

In the small courtyard.

"boom!"

With a loud whooshing sound, Ye Ci unleashed a powerful punch using his Baodan Jin technique.

[Technique: Azure Primordial Longevity Technique, Second Level (1/2000)]

The core of Baodan Jin lies in the condensation and unification of Qi and blood throughout the body, with the Dantian condensing Qi and blood Dan Yuan, which is a transformation of the level of life.

This transformation, while cultivating the "Embracing the Elixir" technique, allows one to clearly perceive the changes in every inch of flesh and bone. The physical body transcends the mortal form, becoming so solid that it is difficult for ordinary swords and knives to pierce it.

With boundless endurance and an inexhaustible supply of vital energy, its power originates from the dantian, flows throughout the entire body, and can be gathered or dispersed, unleashing explosive power over short distances.

Ye Ci focused his mind and sensed a gentle stream flowing through his body, nourishing his limbs and bones.

As Yan Qing had previously stated, this was the true energy of the Qingyuan Longevity Technique. This technique not only stimulates the true energy of the Azure Wood, but also nourishes meat and prolongs life.

"Master Yang once said that once the Embracing Dan Strength is mastered, one's lifespan will also increase significantly, making one far beyond that of an ordinary martial artist."

He summoned the panel and was then utterly astonished.

Lifespan: 19/40

"I've only just mastered the Core Formation, and my lifespan has already increased so much! According to Yan Qing, if I keep practicing, my lifespan will continue to increase—"

At this moment, his gaze fell on the "Sea-Breaking Style (1/10)", and after considering it for a moment, he still felt that it was better not to play with fire.

Now that you've reached forty years of age, it's a cause for celebration; a single cut can mean another ten years.

A moment later, he decided to rest for the day and go to the Shen family to inform them.

Because in this martial city, only by mastering the "Embracing the Elixir" technique can one truly be considered to have entered the inner sanctum.

The difference between "Transforming Strength" and "Embracing the Elixir" lies not only in the strength of the two, but also in their respective statuses in this context.

"but----"

Ye Ci pondered for a moment, wondering if his breakthrough speed was too fast and whether it might cause some unnecessary trouble.

After thinking for a moment, he decided not to go out at all, and even hung a sign at the door that read "No Trespassing".

To avoid being disturbed by Yan Qing.

He felt he could practice for a while longer, and if there was nothing else to do, he could even wait until the one-year period with Yan Shengwan was over before making any further plans.

Having made up his mind, he no longer hesitated and immediately began his arduous training.

He aims to reach the second level of the Dantian realm.

*******

In the Yan family's villa, within the Qinfang Pavilion.

Wisteria blossoms climbed and cascaded down the corridor pillars, rustling softly in the wind and dispelling some of the afternoon heat.

Shen Yixi was dressed in a light pink silk dress, her figure graceful. She held a piece of paper in her hand, but her gaze was fixed on the plum juice on the stone table, slightly lost in thought.

Across from her, Yan Qian wore a dark green silk dress, simple and elegant, the fabric smooth and warm. A delicate jade hairpin adorned her temple, highlighting her cascading black hair and her exquisitely beautiful face.

Seeing Shen Yixi's absent-minded look, she smiled slightly and spoke softly first.

"Yixi, don't look so worried. Disputes at the dock are common. In three months, you'll be able to bid for a berth. With your family's wealth, the Wu family is no match for you."

The Wu family she mentioned is a merchant family that recently spearheaded a conflict with the Shen family.

No single family dominates the outer city, but once someone takes the lead, they are happy to squeeze out other outsiders.

Shen Yixi nodded: "I know, but the Wu family is being a bit bullying, openly demanding that my family fight back."

The so-called fistfight is a common occurrence in Wucheng. When a dispute arises, each side will find a martial arts master to compete in order to determine the winner.

"Didn't I tell you to look at the list? Several martial arts masters on the list are willing to help."

"Judge Xie Yanzhi, the Iron Sword, was a constable in the yamen in his early years. In several fistfights, he subdued his opponent without hurting him by accurately striking pressure points with his iron sword. He was both chivalrous and measured."

"Zhou Lie, the Mad Saber, possesses three heavy sword strikes and profound skill; most people dare not provoke him."

"Shi Xin Jushi Chu Huai'an possessed a formidable body-strengthening martial arts technique."

'

Shen Yixi sighed softly, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes: "There are many experts in Wucheng. Even if you intervene, can't you find a more powerful Dan-level martial artist?"

In fact, she would prefer that Yan Qian's family's retainers step in, but since they were Yan's family's retainers, they would never stand up for other families.

This isn't a matter of insufficient friendship, but rather a matter of rules.

Otherwise, if several families were to join forces to hire a guest advisor, wouldn't that guest advisor be as cheap as a prostitute?

Upon hearing that they wanted to hire a more skilled martial artist, Yan Qian picked up her plum juice, took a sip, and then slowly said, "The martial artists and families in Wucheng have a two-way selection process. It's not something you can hire just by spending money. They also consider the background and resources of the other party. In fact, if you're willing to work for money, you'll be laughed at."

"The people I mentioned all come from families with some financial difficulties, which is why they have been sparring for others for many years. They don't serve as guest masters for anyone; they are hired individually each time at a cost."

"This is something that even outsiders can't usually be hired."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yixi could only sigh: "Then who do you think we should invite?"

"It's Zhou Lie, the Mad Blade. He has a violent temper, and most people are afraid of him, but he's very expensive."

"How many?"

Two hundred thousand taels of silver.

"Two hundred thousand in one go?"

Shen Yixi looked up in surprise.

>