Volume 1: Changshui County Miscellaneous Laborer, Chapter 100: Continue Cultivation

Previously, Lu Jiuzhang had only cultivated two martial techniques: the Demon-Slaying Knife Method and the Swift Wind Steps. The Demon-Slaying Knife Method was primarily aimed at demonic creatures, while the Swift Wind Steps mainly enhanced his own speed. As for powerful martial techniques capable of confronting enemies, Lu Jiuzhang truly knew none. Earlier, while glancing through the books in the library, he had spotted a few with impressive might. Since he had come here, there was no reason to waste this opportunity. If he could learn them, he should strive to master as much as possible, for there might be some special gains to be had.

Gazing in the direction Lu Jiuzhang had vanished, Elder Feng felt a surge of shock in his heart. Had young people become so formidable now? If all were like this, the Lijian Manor would feel no necessity to venture out. They had been suppressed by the Blazing Flame Sect within the ruins, yet if they went outside, those who oppressed their sect would likely multiply. "Speaking of which, I need to report this to the Sect Master." Elder Feng hurried toward the Sect Master's residence.

On the other side, following Elder Feng's guidance, Lu Jiuzhang arrived at Feng Wanqing's home. Zhong Zhengming had already lain down to rest. When Lu Jiuzhang entered, he found Feng Wanqing's family busy packing away the bowls and chopsticks. "Mr. Lu has arrived!" Upon seeing Lu Jiuzhang, Feng Wanqing was very polite. Her family was equally enthusiastic, inviting him inside to take a seat. "The meal has already been finished. I'll prepare another serving for you," Feng Wanqing said with some apology. "Thank you, Miss Wanqing!" It was troublesome for them to redo the meal, and Lu Jiuzhang felt somewhat embarrassed. Yet at this moment he was starving.

"Miss Wanqing, don't just cook for the Ninth Master; I want some too," the big black dog urged. "You don't know, just now when guarding the Ninth Master in cultivation, I nearly got myself exhausted." "I sweated like rain, expending my entire cultivation base, without regard for my own safety, to protect the Ninth Master." The big black dog described it as difficult, but in truth, he had not missed any advantage. "Giggles, don't worry, yours will be included too." Feng Wanqing chuckled and turned to the kitchen. In the outside world, there was no need for martial artists to personally cook meals, even those at the ninth rank of martial prowess. Even in the imperial capital, martial artists at the ninth rank earned more than ordinary people and could afford to hire a couple of servants without issue. However, in this place with sparse population, finding an ordinary person to serve as a servant was as difficult as scaling the heavens. Everything had to be done personally!

In the outside world, such as in Changshui County, Lu Jiuzhang lived a leisurely and free life. The monthly stipend was already considered upper income in Changshui County, with many matchmakers eager to step over thresholds to arrange marriages.

After a meal, Lu Jiuzhang was also worn out. Feng Wanqing had arranged a guest room for him to rest. The big black dog lay beside him and fell into a deep slumber. After such long travel, finally able to rest in peace and soothe body and mind.

On the other side, in the ruins, Bian Yuan led the troops continuing to conceal themselves here. They had already captured several martial artists from the Blazing Flame Sect at the eighth rank of martial way. This place was the border of the Blazing Flame Sect. The Sect Master of Blazing Flame Sect had specially stationed people here, on one hand to prevent demonic creatures from entering the Blazing Flame Sect's territory and threatening their ordinary disciples, on the other to monitor the movements of people from the Lijian Manor and Beidao Sect. "Several martial artists at the eighth rank have disappeared. The next batch should be at the seventh rank," Bian Yuan analyzed, "Capture a few more and control them. These people will be our reliance." "Bian Division Chief wants to threaten these people and cooperate with the Blazing Flame Sect?" the snake demon inquired. "Precisely. The Sect Master of the Blazing Flame Sect is at the sixth rank of martial way; I am no match for him. Without some chips in hand, the Blazing Flame Sect people won't discuss terms with us." Bian Yuan nodded, his gaze then sweeping toward the distant.

"Silence!" Bian Yuan issued a warning. From afar, an old man rushed over. His speed was extremely fast, undoubtedly seventh rank of martial way. With Bian Yuan at seventh rank and so many companions, subduing the opponent should not be difficult. So many experts imprisoned here, even the Blazing Flame Sect would likely suffer heavy losses. The old man reached the location, scanned the surroundings for no one, and instantly became alert. "Attack!" It was now or never. Bian Yuan struck instantly. The others surged forward. The old man's strength was not ordinary. Although he could resist, he could not endure prolonged battle. After about a quarter hour, the old man gradually depleted of strength. In a moment of carelessness, his right arm was slashed. Thereafter, the old man's disadvantage became increasingly apparent. He fought while retreating but still could not prevent the crowd from surrounding and attacking. "Everyone, should there be no conflict between us?" the old man asked in confusion. These people had started fighting without a word upon arrival, and even now the old man was unclear about the situation.

"To blame is your own bad luck." While speaking, Bian Yuan slashed toward the old man. With qi soaring, the old man struggled, gradually covered in wounds, and was captured by Bian Yuan. "The Sect Master will soon arrive here. At that time, it will be your death date." The old man raged. The guards at the boundary had disappeared. He had specially come to investigate what had happened, but unexpectedly suffered an unprovoked disaster, being surrounded and attacked by a group! "Rest assured, you are merely our chips, one of the tools in our cooperation." Bian Yuan laughed. "What?" The old man wanted to curse. Cooperating, why beat him to serious injury? Was this the attitude of cooperation?

In the ruins, there was no distinction between day and night; the sky was always gray and dim. When Lu Jiuzhang woke up, he could not estimate the time. Zhong Zhengming had already risen and was having his meal. Lu Jiuzhang went to the table and sat beside him. "Today, we should still go to the library to read the materials." Zhong Zhengming looked at Lu Jiuzhang and said, "If you wish to read martial techniques, you may go to the second floor. If you have some inspiration and are preparing to comprehend, I suggest you go outside as much as possible." Once cultivation begins, it delays progress. Zhong Zhengming also wanted to quickly finish reading the materials in the library and search for a way out. "Understood!" Lu Jiuzhang nodded. "By the way, the ancient tower mentioned by the Sect Master, we are going to try it?" Lu Jiuzhang asked. "Hmm, we can go try it, but not now." Zhong Zhengming said, "We are not very familiar with this place yet, and there are people from the Blazing Flame Sect active around. Once a conflict occurs, it will be disadvantageous for us." "First, cultivate. If you can break through to the eighth rank of martial way earlier, the possibility of us going through the barriers will be greater." With one additional eighth rank martial artist, our side's strength will be stronger. After finishing the meal, everyone went together to the library. On the second floor of the library, Lu Jiuzhang discovered another technique, named the Nine Heavens Devouring Art. The operation route of the technique was extremely complicated. Lu Jiuzhang only glanced at it, and the Kuixing Tower in his mind began to continuously correct the defects in the technique. Not daring to linger long in the library, Lu Jiuzhang hurriedly went out, found a secluded spot, and began cultivating. The big black dog followed closely beside him, acting as his protector.