30. Go a step further

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"Twenty days?"

"Yes, miss, he said he needs to consult other cultivation techniques to speed up his progress and ensure successful practice within twenty days."

In front of a private warehouse, Ling was reporting to the young miss with the white veil and bamboo hat.

Inside the warehouse, the sound of bags of millet being filled could be heard.

Outside the warehouse, there were exactly ten ox-drawn carts, and a few burly men were directing the loading, binding, and moisture-proof operations.

During years of abundance, merchants would buy rice at a low price and hoard it, releasing it in years of famine... However, they wouldn't set exorbitant prices, only raising them a little bit, otherwise the government office wouldn't treat them well.

This year was evidently a year of famine, where many rural areas that provided grain actually needed relief from the city.

Of course, relying solely on the villagers, they certainly couldn't buy all this grain.

However, the Dashang Dynasty's government office would allocate funds to merchants, ensuring that when merchants resold the grain, prices not only wouldn't be too high, sometimes they'd even be lower.

In this way, a part of the disaster relief task actually fell on the merchants.

The cost of manpower with oxen and horses was high, whereas water transport wasn't only convenient but cheap.

So once the canal was opened, it would be greatly beneficial to everyone.

And all of this was thanks to the Emperor, after all... Many knew that the current Emperor didn't favor martial valor, but esteemed livelihood and trade.

Today, ten ox carts were parked here, able to transport two thousand bushels of grain.

This was no small business, and there could be no losses.

An Chenyu planned to accompany them.

She estimated she would return in about a month.

By then, it would be time to see if Song could succeed.

"Twenty days? Bragging, that kid," Ding Kui had sidled up at some point and laughed heartily.

An Chenyu said indifferently, "Song is bragging?"

Ding Kui said, "Young lady, isn't it obvious? Entering the Force Realm in twenty days, apart from bragging, I, old Ding, don't know how to do it.

Anyway, I'm still nurturing my force, it's a slow process, can't be rushed.

Just like pork needs to be simmered slowly to be tender, can't hurry it.

In our commerce chamber, only Guard Captain Shi took just fifty days to reach entry level.

Besides..."

He lowered his voice, "That day, we went to Biliu Courtyard. Miss Hua was ready to give him a red envelope, but in the end... couldn't give it. Hahaha!"

Ling said, "Why mention this in front of the young lady, get going!"

Ding Kui laughed heartily.

An Chenyu, however, did not laugh.

She rarely smiled.

Only when required by normal social etiquette would she smile.

Ling said again, "Then, miss, why don't I go reprimand him a bit, tell him not to think of these unimportant things, and focus on his cultivation?"

The young miss of the commerce chamber was silent, seemingly pondering.

The white veil gently brushed her swan-like neck, while the side profile revealed a hint of icy aloofness like an iceberg.

Such a beautiful young miss should have been wed into a noble family, to become a cherished concubine, respect her in-laws, and nurture her children, but she chose not to, instead taking the risk to preside over the commerce chamber.

Of course, she was truly talented and had the support of a group of reliable guards.

These guards were trustworthy, Ding Kui had watched her grow up, Shi Yi grew up with her, and accompanying her to transport goods were the "Force Realm experts," brothers Wang Tianchuan and Wang Tianma, who were part of her grandfather's old team, the previous commerce chamber leader.

After a while, An Chenyu stated coolly, "If he dares to ask, I dare to give."

Ling gaped in astonishment, "Ah?"

An Chenyu said, "You know where my things are, Ling. Take it and give it to him, and when I return, have him return it to me."

Ling exclaimed anxiously, "Miss! That's… that's your family's inherited Force Method, right? Isn't it non-transferable?"

An Chenyu said, "That was the past. Now, I'm in charge."

Ling said, "But even Guard Captain Shi hasn't seen that cultivation technique…"

An Chenyu retorted coldly, "What does taking Shi Yi have to do with it?"

Ling stuck out her tongue, "Alright, alright, Ling understands."

She hastily retreated.

An Chenyu continued standing in the chaff dust-filled wind, meticulously supervising the loading and binding of the millet.

...

...

"Such luck you have!"

Ling stormed in angrily, handing a wooden box to Song Cheng, then remarked, "Let me tell you, this is the young miss's family-inherited Force Method, even the chief guards haven't seen it! You better study it thoroughly!"

Saying that, she huffed out the door, turned and said, "Let's see how you manage to reach entry level in twenty days!"

Song Cheng smiled, "Miss Ling, what are you upset about?"

Ling said, "I'm not upset."

After saying that, she stormed away in anger.

Song Cheng accepted the wooden box.

The sunset lay across the skyline, casting a bloody glow.

'It seems the young miss has more courage than I expected.'

Song Cheng just inquired, and unexpectedly, the young miss straightforwardly handed over the family-inherited Force Method.

Bear in mind, he had known the young miss only for a few days.

Because of this, it's apparent that it's unlikely there's just this one "Force Realm" technique in the Ruyi Commerce Chamber.

He opened the wooden box, and the well-preserved book inside had the words "Extreme Force" written on its cover.

He glanced at the remaining 16 points on his panel.

Clearly, the points were insufficient.

'Patience is a mindset all cultivators must possess.'

'Even if it couldn't be mastered today, it certainly would be in a few days.'

Song Cheng took a deep breath, then sat under the eaves and began to read "Extreme Force."

The shadows cast on the white walls as the light faded away, while Young Mrs. Tong continued practicing the White Snake Blade in the courtyard under Song Cheng's occasional guidance.

Not only had he perfected the White Snake Blade, but he also mastered the Mysterious Turtle Step in conjunction with it, followed by the Mysterious Turtle Force, and ultimately the Mysterious Turtle Willow Brushing Force.

From his vantage point, he could discern the essence with pinpoint accuracy.

Young Mrs. Tong's practice became unprecedentedly smooth.

Song Cheng flipped the pages.

The lady practiced with the blade.

Shortly after, the lady stopped and came over to decipher the words Song Cheng didn't recognize, although... While Tong Jia knew many characters, there were others she didn't, hence they repeatedly analyzed them.

Their silhouettes reflected in the serene courtyard, appearing old-fashioned, frozen in time.

After a session of diligent effort, Song Cheng felt relieved seeing "Extreme Force" appear on the panel and then announced, "Starting tomorrow, I want to take a stroll around South Street."

"South Street?"

Madam Tong replied, "There's nothing interesting there, only small factions, and the atmosphere seems rather confrontational."

Song Cheng smiled, "I'm not planning anything, just looking around."

...

...

The two went to the dining hall for a meal, then returned to rest briefly. Tong Jia resumed practicing, with Song Cheng earnestly advising and correcting her, aiming to make her martial practice more effective and efficient.

After a while, a servant brought in "extra meat," but the meat type was unfamiliar.

Even after being cooked and sprinkled with salt and pepper, the dense texture suggested it was from some kind of beast.

Song Cheng asked and learned that the young miss had specifically instructed the preparation of "Demon Beast Meat."

Demon Beasts, from his memories, Song Cheng had never heard of them, but Young Mrs. Tong knew.

"The Wolf Mounts of the Barbarians are Demon Beasts, this... is somewhat known by those living in the northern lands."

Young Mrs. Tong explained to Song Cheng, "And the Six Towns guard against the Barbarians. But there are various Barbarian tribes, and the Beasts they tame vary as well. Since you've always stayed at Rejuvenation Hall, not knowing is normal."

Song Cheng nodded, then proceeded to chop the demon beast meat into small pieces, ate a piece himself, and then coaxed Young Mrs. Tong to eat the rest.

Young Mrs. Tong soon felt her body heat up, then grabbed her blade and wildly danced with it for a while.

Once they retired to their bed, the two undressed.

Young Mrs. Tong lay down, while Song Cheng positioned himself atop her hips, diligently massaging her to better digest the day's practice.

Massaging away...

The lamp grass was extinguished, and two figures intertwined, colliding into each other.

...

...

The next day...

Song Cheng was still asleep.

Suddenly, the beloved in his arms screamed in fear, her body struggled.

He abruptly opened his eyes, and upon seeing, he called out, "My dear! My dear!"

After a moment, Tong Jia opened her eyes, drenched in cold sweat.

Song Cheng asked urgently, "What happened?"

Tong Jia, after a long while, replied hesitantly, "I... I dreamed of being on the mountain."

Then, she conspiredly spat out those four words that invoked terror yet remained unforgettable: "Extreme Joy World..."

"Don't think about it, that place is far from us now." Song Cheng reassured.

Tong Jia's breathing gradually slowed down, clinging tightly to her man's arms, murmured, "Yes, very far… very far..."

Daytime.

The couple strolled around South Street.

What was termed as factions, relied on resources, such as the Cao Gang, the Beggars' Sect...

Or on terrain, like certain lake sects, certain mountain sects...

Within the county and prefectural cities, they mostly centered around "Martial Arts Halls."

Any wealthy family wishing to safeguard their fortune required a strong presence, and if the elders were formidable and the youths were promising, it signified a foundation for growth.

Thus, martial arts hall businesses thrived, resulting in many small factions. Disputes among these factions often lay beyond the jurisdiction of the government office, forming a local martial arts world.

Song Cheng and Tong Jia took a large loop, observing many martial arts halls, with no shortage of challengers.

Song Cheng precisely identified the individual with the "30~30" profile.

That was the head of the Water Bird Martial Arts Hall, in the prime of life, wielding twin blades, with a combative strength of "33~62" when paired. At the same time, a disciple from another martial arts hall was challenging a disciple of the Water Bird Martial Arts Hall, with its head overseeing the battle.

Song Cheng took a distant glance and then moved on.

...

The following day.

He enlisted the help of Madam Tong.

Madam Tong meticulously added a beard, grayed his face, and created a fake scar on it.

He transformed into a fierce figure within the martial arts world.

Instantly, Song Cheng grabbed a blade and went to the Water Bird Martial Arts Hall, shouting for a duel with the head. Disciples responded, only to be effortlessly defeated. The head of Water Bird Martial Arts Hall finally appeared, with twin blades as adept as two swallows in flight.

As soon as they crossed blades, the head of Water Bird Martial Arts Hall realized he faced a master and immediately focused.

Following a fierce exchange, Song Cheng then announced, "Beware, I'm going to use my ultimate move now." The head of the Water Bird Martial Arts Hall squinted, concentrating.

Song Cheng stepped forward, summoning two forces to entangle, unleashing the move "Xuanwu Swallowing Sparrow," his blade sliced out like a venomous snake striking at night, swift as lightning. Halfway through, it magically accelerated, cunning and fierce! The head of Water Bird Martial Arts Hall couldn't fend off, his twin blades still mid-air, and the blade was already at his neck.

The head of Water Bird Martial Arts Hall's expression was incredulous, his eyes dazed, while the surrounding martial artists were filled with disbelief and shock.

Song Cheng sheathed his blade without any idle talk, turned swiftly and left, ignoring statements like "Please leave your name, sir," and after circling and zigzagging to erase his disguise, he leisurely returned home.

A notice appeared:

You have engaged with a fighter of equal realm, gaining deeper insights, clearing up the path forward.

There is an 8‰ chance that Xuanwu Willow Brushing Force may evolve into a "Yellow Level, Grade B" technique.

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