Three punches shattered the demonic soul, young hero, I'm an honest man!

As Pei Yun gently moved his hand, the surrounding air seemed to distort slightly.

It brought with it an indescribable sharpness and chill!

The next instant, Pei Yun's palm seemingly pressed forward without any force.

It landed lightly next to the fist imprint in front of the black iron stake.

"laugh……"

There was no earth-shattering noise, only a slight but teeth-grinding tearing sound.

The black iron stake, which was harder than refined steel, turned into tofu as easily as it did under Pei Yun's palm strike!

Wherever the palm print touched, countless fine cracks spread out instantly like a spider web.

Immediately following a muffled "bang," the upper half of the entire black iron stake exploded.

It broke into pieces of varying sizes and scattered everywhere!

The broken edge even had a strange jade-like luster.

Looking at the mess of broken pieces of black iron stakes scattered all over the ground, Pei Yun nodded in satisfaction, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

"Holding the moon and breaking jade hands..." A trace of nostalgia flashed in Pei Yun's eyes.

This martial art was his prized skill, which he had perfected before his cultivation was crippled.

Its name is elegant and poetic, yet its techniques reveal an extreme sharpness and exquisite skill.

It includes many variations such as fist, finger, palm, grappling, force deflection, pressure point strike, and defense breaking.

The method of channeling energy is unique and unpredictable, capable of unleashing terrifying power with effortless ease, and it places extremely high demands on the physical strength of the practitioner.

"If I hadn't now advanced to the late stage of the Innate Realm and greatly improved my physical strength, I probably wouldn't have been able to unleash such power."

Previously, his cultivation level had dropped, and his physical body was weak.

Even if one were to cultivate back to the mid-stage of the Innate Realm, it would still be difficult to activate the Perfected Realm of the Moon-Holding Jade-Folding Hand.

Today, thanks to the profound mystery of its glass foundation and the tempering of its abundant resources.

His physical body has been completely transformed, far surpassing its former state, making him ready to unleash this unique skill once again.

This feeling of being filled with power, of gradually regaining his former strength, intoxicated Pei Yun.

but……

Pei Yun looked inward at the still "starving" glass foundation, which seemed to have only been half-fed, and his brows furrowed again.

This thing's appetite seems to have become even more terrifying as his cultivation level has improved!

This breakthrough to the later stage consumed several times more resources than the previous breakthrough to the middle stage!

At this rate, how will I break through to the seventh rank...?

The resources required are astronomical!

Pei Yun even had an absurd thought.

"If everyone in that so-called Longevity Palace cultivates the Supreme Immortal Chapter, then I can understand why that palace disappeared..."

There's no other reason than they were bankrupted by their eating!

"The path of cultivation is long and arduous; it truly is built with money," Pei Yun said with a wry smile.

With a creak, the door to the quiet room was gently pushed open.

Qin Yu's chubby face peeked in.

When he saw the shattered iron pillar in the corner, his pupils contracted instantly.

As a competent businessman, he knew better than anyone the hardness of the Xuan Tie Pillar!

But now it's shattered all over the place?

When Qin Yu sensed that Pei Yun's aura had become significantly stronger, a look of joy appeared on his face.

"Congratulations, Commander Pei! Your cultivation has advanced greatly; your path to immortality is truly promising!"

If this guy successfully breaks through, then Qin Yu's mission can be considered perfectly accomplished!

Although the price he paid this time was indeed painful, it made him never dare to brag again.

But being able to befriend Pei Yun, a centurion with unlimited potential...

Even without Qin Lanfei's guidance, Qin Yu himself felt it was incredibly worthwhile!

"Commander Pei, you must be feeling a bit tired after all this training."

Qin Yu rubbed his hands together, his eyes narrowing into slits as he smiled.

"I have already ordered people to prepare the 'Jade Liquid Spirit Spring' from the back mountain of Baidi Tower, which is the best for washing away fatigue and nourishing the body and mind."

"In addition, Miss Yunniang is already waiting over there. She said she wants to play the zither for you while you bathe."

Qin Yu winked and gave him a knowing look.

"Commander Pei, why don't you stay at Baidi Tower tonight? Let me show you some hospitality."

Pei Yun felt the surging power within him and was in a good mood.

The joy of the breakthrough overshadowed concerns about resource consumption.

Although Qin Yu is a bit of a spoiled brat, he still has some sense.

This arrangement suited him perfectly.

He really needed to relax and wash away his fatigue.

As for Yunniang...

That soft, delicate body and captivating eyes truly make one miss it.

"Alright."

Pei Yun nodded, a familiar smile curving his lips.

"Then, I'll have to trouble Steward Qin."

……

Deep within the White Emperor Tower lies a living spring.

It originates from a tributary of the dragon vein in the Western Hills outside Beijing, and is nourished by the earth's fire, so it is filled with hot vapor all year round and is known as "Jade Liquid Spirit Spring".

It can wash away the weariness of the mortal world and nourish the cultivator's blood and energy.

This spring has always been open only to the most distinguished guests of Baidi Tower.

Today, Qin Yu specially stayed for Pei Yun.

The air was filled with moisture, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.

The large pool is paved with warm jade, which feels smooth and warm to the touch.

The water seemed to be mixed with the dew of a hundred flowers, and had a wonderful fragrance.

Taking a breath made me feel much more comfortable.

A soft couch is set up by the pool, with a pot of sake warmed on a low table and several plates of exquisite fruit and pastries.

Yunniang was already waiting there.

Instead of her usual elaborate stage costumes, she wore only a simple, elegant moon-white nightgown.

She has a voluptuous figure and a curvaceous body.

She sat quietly by the spring, her delicate hands gently stirring the water, creating ripples.

The mist swirled around her, obscuring her lightly made-up face.

Gone was her usual charming smile; only a quiet serenity remained, a glimpse of her usual solitude.

Only the cinnabar mole under her right eye added a touch of vibrancy amidst the moisture.

Like red beans dripping with blood, they evoke pity.

Hearing footsteps, Yunniang looked up.

Pei Yun did not wear that eye-catching flying fish robe today.

He was dressed in an ordinary blue robe, yet it couldn't hide his inherent handsomeness and languidness.

His undershirt was open, revealing his well-defined chest.

Unlike ordinary martial artists with bulging muscles, he possessed a balanced and powerful presence.

"Young master."

A gentle light appeared in Yunniang's eyes.

Her voice was soft and gentle, with a unique warmth.

Pei Yun walked to the spring, tested the water temperature, and then stepped in.

The warm spring water instantly enveloped my body, dispelling the fatigue from days of investigation.

He sighed contentedly and leaned against the jade-built pool wall.

Comfortable!

These past few days have been filled with both investigating cases and practicing cultivation, keeping my nerves constantly on edge.

The harshness of this capital city needs a place to be washed away.

"You can come down too."

Pei Yun looked at Yun Niang.

Yunniang blushed slightly and nodded gently.

She removed her gauze robe and nightgown, revealing her voluptuous and well-proportioned figure.

She wasn't a skinny beauty; her full figure possessed a natural charm and allure.

The skin appears even whiter and more delicate under the moisture, like the finest mutton fat jade.

She slipped silently into the water and came up behind Pei Yun.

"Young master, shall I give you a massage?"

Pei Yun hummed in response, her eyes still closed.

Yunniang stretched out her slender hand and gently placed it on his shoulder.

Her finger technique is very unique.

Unlike ordinary massages that pursue strength, it is gentle and soothing, with a strange rhythm.

It was as if there was a flow of spiritual energy flowing through my fingertips.

It slowly seeps in along the meridians, soothing tense muscles and relieving accumulated fatigue.

This was a skill she had practiced diligently for many years, which she had never revealed to outsiders and belonged only to Pei Yun.

Initially, it was to curry favor with this promising Jinyiwei genius.

Later, it became a way for her to express her feelings.

"Young master seems to have lost some weight recently."

Yunniang said softly, her tone filled with concern.

"There's nothing I can do, I'm destined to be a workaholic," Pei Yun said with a smile.

"Unlike some people who are born rich and can make money just by lying down."

Yunniang sensed the teasing in his words and knew he was referring to Qin Yu, so she couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Don't overwork yourself."

Pei Yun closed his eyes and whispered:

"Soon."

Yunniang paused for a moment.

Soon?

Is the job almost done, or something else?

She dared not ask further.

Looking at Pei Yun's profile with his eyes closed in meditation, Yunniang's heart was not as calm as the surface of the water.

The young master's aura is different from before.

He was no longer the dejected and downcast captain who needed her gentle words of comfort.

It was not the centurion who had just recovered and was still somewhat sharp-witted.

Pei Yun now exudes a calm and composed aura, as steady as a mountain and as reserved as the sea.

Even with his eyes closed, he exudes an indescribable sense of oppression.

This feeling made her a little uneasy.

He was still Pei Yun who would come to Baidi Tower to find her.

He would tease her with a smile, enjoy her massage, and spend the night with her.

But he was standing too high.

So high that she had to look up to him, so high that she felt there was an invisible veil between them.

She stayed by his side when he was down on his luck.

While there was affection involved, it was not without the thoughts of a young woman.

She was a woman of the night, and the best outcome for her was to find a reliable man.

Even if Pei Yun is a tiger fallen into the plains.

But that arrogant demeanor still made her feel that he was no ordinary person.

She bet he would rise again.

There was affection involved, but also her ulterior motives.

She needed someone to rely on, a man who could give her a foothold in the turbulent capital.

Pei Yun was the best, and only, option she could grasp at the time.

Now, he has truly risen.

After his cultivation was restored and he solved a major case, even the astonished young master Qin Yu from the White Emperor Tower had to take the initiative to curry favor with him.

She was truly happy for the young master.

But deep down, that unease grew stronger and stronger.

Would the young master think she's not good enough for him?

Will there come a day when I stop coming to Baidi Tower?

How long can this White Emperor Tower, or rather... how long can it keep the young master here?

Yunniang's fingertips unconsciously slowed down a little.