54-56

Chapter 54: Bone Energy

Thanks to Su Li, Su Heng's temporary lodgings were quickly arranged at the Jiangyue Pavilion, situated on a scenic hill overlooking the wide expanse of the Guan River.

A cool breeze blew off the river, ruffling the hem of Su Heng's robe. He wasn't cold; the view was quite pleasant.

"Everything here is free, charged to a subsidiary of the Demon Suppression Agency. Eat as much as you want," Su Li patted his shoulder, the action increasingly difficult; she had to tiptoe.

"I need to report back," Su Li tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Some elders from the Demon Suppression Agency might come to see you; be mindful."

"Also…" she said, "The River Lantern Festival is in a few days. It's a big celebration with lanterns, brothels, street performers, and more. You can go out if you want; I'll join you if I'm free, but I might be busy."

"And that booklet—I'll find what you need as soon as possible," Su Li added, listing her tasks.

As they were about to part, she displayed a surprisingly maternal side.

"I understand," Su Heng nodded, entering the house.

It was a large tea room with wooden floors, a square wooden table with an inlaid chessboard between two cushions, and a complete tea set. It was a perfect place to play chess, drink tea, and enjoy the view.

Su Li followed him inside. She pondered for a moment, realizing she had nothing else to say.

His strength and talent were terrifying; he had already surpassed most of the Demon Suppression Agency's elders. Witnessing his rapid mastery of the Evergreen Wood Art, Su Li couldn't fathom his current strength.

She sighed, then grinned with anticipation. "I'll go then." She and Xiao Qing left, walking down the stone path.

Pausing at a rockery, Su Li waved goodbye before disappearing from view.

Su Heng returned to the tea room and sat cross-legged. He needed to plan his next steps: gathering information to prepare for his attack on the Luo family, and improving his strength.

He still had dozens of jin of Taisui flesh, and the unlimited food at Jiangyue Pavilion would allow him to maximize his Evergreen Wood Art cultivation. With increased strength, his attack on the Luo family would be much more certain.

Two days passed in a flash.

Whoosh! A fiery streak shot into the sky, exploding into a shower of golden flames.

The fireworks reflected on the shimmering river, danced on the faces of the bustling crowds, and illuminated Su Heng's solemn face with a golden glow.

"Hoo…" He exhaled, opening his eyes. After preparing himself mentally, he poured his sixty-plus attribute points into the Evergreen Wood Art.

His muscles tensed, his body temperature rose, and his bones crackled. White mist rose from his head, but his gaze remained calm as he felt the changes brought about by the level increase.

His internal energy grew stronger, more resilient, and vibrant. His bone structure underwent further transformation.

Human bones consist of the periosteum, bone matrix, and bone marrow. The periosteum is a layer of nerve and blood vessel tissue, the bone matrix is composed of various inorganic salts, and the bone marrow is connective tissue. Human bones are solid, strong, but also fragile.

With the advancement of the Evergreen Wood Art, Su Heng's bone structure began to change. They became thicker, supporting his far denser muscles. Tiny hollow tubes formed within the bones, increasing their flexibility and impact resistance without reducing their hardness.

These internal tubes were also covered with a layer of periosteum and blood vessels, further increasing flexibility and allowing his energy to circulate.

This had two significant advantages: a massive increase in internal energy and increased lethality due to the pressurized energy within the bones.

If his previous True Force was like using a slingshot, now, his transformed Bone Energy was like using a modern rifle. The power and efficiency were vastly improved. The Evergreen Wood Energy formed the bones, and the Crimson Yang Black煞 Energy flowed through the meridians. Wood feeds fire; they complemented each other, like a prairie fire.

Once his energy entered an opponent's body, even a small amount would burn fiercely, difficult to extinguish.

Bang! Su Heng flicked his finger. A streak of pale green energy shot through the air, striking a tree stump in the courtyard.

Crack! The stump exploded into splinters, which then spontaneously combusted. The fire was intense but contained by the earth.

When the flames died down, the stump was reduced to ash. Su Heng nodded, satisfied.

Whoosh! Another firework exploded over the river, this time a vibrant orange.

Su Heng opened his attribute panel:

[Su Heng]

[Height: 2.10 meters]

[Weight: 595 jin (approximately 269 kg)]

[Realm: Tendon Transformation 120%, Bone Transformation 35%]

[Cultivation Methods: Crimson Yang Black煞 Art Twelfth Level (Effects: Yang Extremity True Force, Ghost Back, Fire Poison), Evergreen Wood Art Eighth Level (Effects: Evergreen Wood Energy, Bone Energy, Accelerated Qi Recovery, Accelerated Healing, Ignition)]

[Attribute Points: 0]

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 55: Red Mansion

Su Heng was in a good mood, having recently broken through to a higher realm and significantly increased his strength. He'd investigated the Luo family, but wasn't in a hurry to act. Today was the Jiang Lantern Festival, a large local event. Acting now risked missing something; he needed to wait. He'd also been at the Jiangyue Pavilion for over two days, and the Demon Suppression Agency elder Su Li had mentioned still hadn't arrived. He wondered if there was a problem or if they were simply inefficient.

Putting those thoughts aside,

he stepped out of his courtyard. A figure approached along the quiet path as fireworks exploded overhead, their orange glow illuminating the figure. She was slender, dressed in a fiery red fitted short dress, black leggings, and deerskin boots, accentuating her shapely legs. Her neat short hair gave her a spirited, almost martial air, unlike most women.

"Young Master Su."

She stopped before his gate, greeting him with a smile. Her name was Chen Murong, the daughter of a wealthy merchant from Baihua County, temporarily staying at the Jiangyue Pavilion. They'd chatted a few times and gotten along well.

"Mm." Su Heng nodded in acknowledgment.

"Are you going to the Jiang Lantern Festival?" Chen Murong asked. Seeing his nod, she continued, "I'm alone. Would you care to join me?"

"I have some invitations to the Red Mansion. They'll be wasted if we don't use them tonight," Chen Murong said expectantly.

"Red Mansion…"

Su Li had mentioned it.

"Very well," he nodded, smiling slightly. "I'd be grateful for your company, Miss Chen."

"Not at all," Chen Murong laughed heartily. "I invited you; there's no need for gratitude."

They set off together, passing ornamental rock gardens and descending a cobblestone path. Emerging from the Jiangyue Pavilion, they entered a bustling main street, brightly lit despite the night. Fireworks constantly exploded in the sky, and the crowd flowed like a river. Large lanterns, pulled by horses, moved along the streets. Squares hosted dragon dances, folk exhibitions, and impromptu poetry contests—far more lively than Su Heng had imagined.

Chen Murong was around Su Heng's age, but her travels with merchant caravans had broadened her horizons considerably. She pointed out lanterns and exhibits, explaining their origins and related anecdotes. Even though Su Heng wasn't a talkative person, their conversation flowed smoothly thanks to Chen Murong.

Half an hour later, they reached the Red Mansion, which wasn't a building, but a massive ship—a dragon-headed, phoenix-tailed vessel of lacquered wood, over seventy meters long. One side sloped downwards, forming a large hall, while the other rose nine stories high, adorned with lanterns and flags—the viewing galleries.

"The famed Red Mansion of Baihua County isn't a building, but a giant music hall floating on the river," Chen Murong explained, seeing Su Heng's surprise.

"My first time on the Red Mansion with my father was equally astonishing," she added.

"Incredible," Su Heng exclaimed. Such a magnificent vessel was unexpected in this era, a true marvel.

They boarded the Red Mansion, reaching the topmost ninth floor. The view was expansive, the river breeze refreshing. From the railing, they could see most of the docks and market, feeling a sense of power and perspective.

The performances began as the crowd gathered. First came dragon and lion dances, the rhythmic drumming accompanying the lively movements. Then came acrobatic acts featuring trained beasts, eliciting gasps from the crowd.

Su Heng and Chen Murong sat opposite each other, drinking and watching the performances. The higher the gallery, the more distinguished the guests and the more lavish the hospitality. The drinks were excellent, refined spirits. Su Heng's strong constitution allowed him to taste the fruity aroma without feeling intoxicated, but Chen Murong, an ordinary person, flushed slightly after a few cups, her eyes becoming hazy.

Whoosh!

The performance reached its climax. To the sound of drums, gold, red, and purple fireworks exploded, a dazzling spectacle.

"It would be reassuring to be with you, Young Master Su," Chen Murong murmured casually.

"Really?" Su Heng was surprised. He'd always considered himself unremarkable, his large build a deterrent to women. He didn't mind, though; since breaking through in Pure Yang cultivation, martial arts had become his sole focus. Only his family mattered. But it seemed he was rather popular? Su Li had mentioned Xu Ziyi's lingering gaze that night.

"Hee hee hee, this guest is so tall and handsome," several pretty maidservants approached, refilling Su Heng's cup and adding snacks. One, in green, boldly pinched his arm, exclaiming, "As hard as stone!"

"Even the generals in the governor's mansion aren't as imposing as you, sir."

Seeing Su Heng wasn't angry,

the other maidservants also pinched him, expressing their surprise and giggling together.

The Red Mansion, despite its reputation, was a place of entertainment. The maidservants were from poor families, but they weren't apathetic or restrained, displaying natural vivacity and enthusiasm. Clearly, the owner treated them well.

Swish swish swish!

Pale pink curtains descended from the stage. When they opened, slender figures began to dance, their movements graceful and acrobatic, their waists adorned with strings allowing for incredible feats. They leaped like deer, trailing colorful ribbons, creating a breathtaking spectacle to the music.

But then—Crash!

The sound of shattering objects abruptly silenced the audience.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 56: The Assessment

Su Heng set down his wine cup and looked up. In the most prominent seat, a corpulent man was violently smashing his wine flask on the floor, shattering it into pieces.

The man, his eyes like tiny beads, his jowls quivering with each breath, bellowed, "Don't you see my flask is empty? I've called you several times, and no one's paying attention!"

The ninth floor of the Red Mansion housed individuals of some status. Yet, the man's outburst went unchallenged. Others silently drank, pretending not to notice.

"That's Luo Tong, a direct descendant of the Luo family," Chen Murong whispered, her voice laced with apprehension.

"The Luo family…" Su Heng raised an eyebrow, recalling his recent investigations. "Are they powerful in Hundred Flowers County?"

"Powerful is an understatement," Chen Murong chuckled wryly. "Half of the nine docks along the river are controlled by them."

"Impressive…" Su Heng smiled thoughtfully. "But even the most powerful families have their end. Perhaps tomorrow, something unexpected will happen to them."

"Shh!" Chen Murong hushed him. "Don't say such things in Hundred Flowers County."

Su Heng nodded.

Two maidservants approached Luo Tong. One cleaned up the broken flask, the other refilled his cup. Luo Tong groped the maidservant, then sneered at Su Heng. "The Red Mansion's standards are dropping. Trash like you can come here. You offend my eyes."

Su Heng raised his cup, his gaze turning dangerous. He had a score to settle with the Luo family, and this provocation was an opportunity.

Before he could act, the sound of footsteps echoed from the stairs, unusually clear in the tense silence.

"Luo Tong, seeing your face makes me nauseous. What should I do?" A cold, mature female voice cut through the air.

A hush fell over the room. The Luo family's power was immense. Who dared insult their scion?

A woman emerged, her face cold and beautiful. She appeared to be in her late twenties, dressed in immaculate white, her eyes deep and dark, a red dot adorning her forehead. Her figure was striking.

"Jin Mingxi – what are you doing here?!" Luo Tong stood up, his jowls trembling with fear.

Jin Mingxi approached him and slapped him hard across the face. Luo Tong's teeth flew out, his face swelling rapidly, blood seeping from his nose and mouth. He tried to cover his wound, but hesitated under Jin Mingxi's cold gaze.

Jin Mingxi calmly wiped her fingers with a handkerchief.

Luo Tong, suppressing his rage, turned to leave with his guards.

"Stop!" Jin Mingxi's cold voice stopped him.

He turned, his face purple with anger. He bowed deeply. "Luo Tong thanks Elder Jin for the lesson!"

Jin Mingxi nodded, putting away her handkerchief.

Luo Tong, relieved, quickly left.

The atmosphere was thick with tension. The woman who had humiliated Luo Tong must be someone of immense power.

The only person seemingly unaffected was Su Heng, who continued drinking and watching the performance.

Jin Mingxi approached him, her gaze assessing. "You're Su Li's brother."

"Correct," Su Heng nodded, setting down his cup.

"Come with me," Jin Mingxi said, turning towards the open-air terrace.

Su Heng followed her onto the deck. The wind howled fiercely. Jin Mingxi's white dress billowed around her.

"We've reviewed your credentials, but that's not enough to join the Demon Suppression Bureau," Jin Mingxi said emotionlessly.

"What else is needed?" Su Heng asked calmly.

"The Bureau's resources are vast, not for just anyone," Jin Mingxi said coldly. "You need to pass an assessment."

"What assessment?" Su Heng asked.

He seemed to hear a sigh, though it might have been his imagination. Jin Mingxi extended her hand. "Simple. Hold my hand."

Su Heng grasped her hand, feeling the cold.

Crack! Jin Mingxi squeezed, sending a surge of cold energy into Su Heng's meridians. But the energy was instantly absorbed and dissipated by his yang energy. Her grip was insignificant.

After a few breaths, a hint of surprise flickered across Jin Mingxi's face.

"You've passed," she said, trying to pull away, but her hand was firmly held.

"You—" Jin Mingxi looked up. Moonlight illuminated Su Heng. His gentle smile was gone, replaced by an imperial coldness and authority.

"I find this assessment insufficient," Su Heng said calmly, squeezing her hand.

Crack! Jin Mingxi's face paled. Before she could scream, a surge of energy struck her, overwhelming her defenses. She felt helpless, terrified, her composure shattered.

(End of Chapter)