Chapter 470 4: Choosing a Cultivation Technique

In this world, Martial Arts reign supreme. Without proficiency in them for self-protection, amassing a massive fortune is merely doing the hard work for someone else's gain.

Every great and wealthy family has private tutors and a Martial Arts Arena, and the Zhu Mansion was naturally no exception.

The Martial Arts Arena.

Several middle-aged Martial Artists scrutinized Zhu Ju, their eyes filled with curiosity about the nouveau riche.

Losing a father at a young age was tragic, but to suddenly inherit such a massive estate was, in some ways, also a stroke of luck.

"Young Master."

Nursing Director Zhang said in a low voice:

"These men are all famous Martial Arts Masters in the city, each possessing unique skills and considerable strength."

"Mm." Zhu Ju nodded, then cupped his fist in his palm in a salute to the group.

"I have recently suffered a calamity and have resolved to learn martial arts. I apologize for troubling you masters to come here. Even if you are not selected today, you will be given a generous gift as thanks."

"Thank you for your trouble!"

"Think nothing of it." An old man in a long, indigo robe was the first to step forward, a wide grin on his face.

"I am Mi Dong of the Feiying Martial Arts Hall," he said. "I studied under the Divine Eagle King and specialize in the Eagle Claw Skill."

As he spoke, he paced over to a wooden post. With a slight sway of his body, several afterimages flickered into existence around him.

Each afterimage performed a different movement, all of them striking out with their hands shaped like claws, grabbing at the post from every angle.

BANG!

CRACK...

As a gust of wind howled, a series of strange noises echoed across the arena, and deep claw marks instantly appeared on the solid wooden post.

This post was made of hard Spirit Wood, something that would be difficult to damage even with a sword or saber. Yet, before Mi Dong's Eagle Claw Skill, it was like rotten wood, sending splinters flying everywhere.

"Excellent!"

"What an incredible Claw Skill!"

"..."

Whether out of politeness or genuine surprise, the crowd erupted in praise.

"Hah..." Mi Dong exhaled sharply, slowly relaxing his posture as he explained:

"The Eagle Claw Skill primarily tempers the ten fingers of both hands while also strengthening the Physical Body. It is complemented by a specialized Body Technique, and the Eagle Strike Technique I learned from the Divine Eagle King can increase the power of my Claw Skill by another level."

"Of course,"

"the Eagle Strike Technique can only be undertaken for Cultivation after one achieves Grade Entering."

"Hall Master Mi's skills are truly impressive," Zhu Ju said, his voice full of admiration.

"It was a real eye-opener."

'The Eagle Claw Skill is common, but power like this is not. He must have a special Secret Technique. No wonder he was able to establish himself in the city.'

'The Divine Eagle King...'

'His reputation is immense. He's said to have a Cultivation of the upper Sixth Grade, making him one of the top experts in Taiyuan Prefecture.'

'Mi Dong, having studied under the Divine Eagle King, has also reached an Eighth-Grade Cultivation.'

'The Martial Arts of this world are truly extraordinary. The subtleties of exerting force and circulating Qi Blood far exceed anything I've ever seen. And this is just a master from a Martial Arts Hall. I can't imagine what skills the true top experts possess.'

As these thoughts turned in his mind, a plain-looking, middle-aged woman strode forward and saluted with a cupped fist.

"I am Liao Ranx, from South City," she announced. "My father was a Seventh-Grade Demon Catcher, and he passed down his Demon-Slaying Sword Technique to me."

"This sword can slay demons, and it can just as easily kill men!"

"CLANG!"

The ring of the sword was sharp and clear.

The crowd saw a flash of light, and a wooden post several paces away suddenly trembled before exploding violently.

This sight made Zhu Ju raise an eyebrow.

'Impressive skill!'

'Using Qi Blood to stimulate Sword Intent, and Sword Intent to guide Qi Blood... the two are complementary, one internal and one external. Bolstered by refined Swordsmanship, its power is significantly greater than the Eagle Claw Skill.'

'However, Mi Dong performed his Eagle Claw Skill with ease, while Liao Ranx was clearly winded after that single strike.'

'The Demon-Slaying Sword Technique.'

'It must be a Sword Technique that pursues ultimate explosive power.'

'There are Demons in this world.'

'A lot of them.'

'To prevent Demons from wreaking havoc, the Divine Dynasty established the Demon-Slaying Hall, dedicated to exterminating Demons and maintaining order.'

The Martial Artists who cooperate with the Demon-Slaying Hall are collectively known as Demon Catchers.

Demon Catchers hunt and kill Demons, then exchange their kills at the Demon-Slaying Hall for merit points, which can be redeemed for various Spiritual Elixirs and Medicines or Mysterious Techniques.

A Demon Catcher's rank is almost equivalent to their Martial Arts Cultivation. I say 'almost' because some Demon Catchers, despite having a low Cultivation, are so powerful they can defeat enemies of a higher rank.

"Dong Han, Foreign Affairs Steward of the Qingyi Gang," a man in black robes said with a faint smile, looking at Zhu Ju.

"I was acquainted with your father."

"Elder Dong."

"Indeed."

Dong Han nodded.

"I practice the Infinite Posture, a technique passed down within my gang. This Pile Skill is especially effective for strengthening one's Qi Blood and nourishing the Physical Body."

"There are also the Wind Chasing Sword Technique and the Thunderbolt Fist available for Cultivation."

He did not perform a demonstration.

For one, since they were both affiliated with the Qingyi Gang, he assumed Zhu Ju would already be familiar with his skills. For another, he was too proud to perform for a junior.

"I am Lu Dingkui,"

a burly man rumbled.

"The Cultivation Technique I practice is called Dragon Elephant Force. It comes from the Divine Heaven Sect and is a Top-Notch Hard Skill."

"Once mastered, it grants you the protection of a Water and Fire Immortal Robe and the toughness of Copper Skin and Iron Bones, making it difficult for ordinary blades to harm you."

As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeve to reveal faint, golden-hued skin. He then picked up a long saber from the practice rack and viciously slashed down at his own arm.

"CLANG..."

The sound of metal striking metal rang out.

The long saber was chipped, yet his arm only bore an insignificant white mark.

"In addition to the Dragon Elephant Force, I also have the Giant Spirit Fist. Its Fist Force is fierce and domineering, a perfect match for the Dragon Elephant Force."

He demonstrated a few moves of the Fist Technique. Seeing Zhu Ju's impassive expression, a flash of cunning crossed Lu Dingkui's otherwise honest-looking face.

"The crucial thing is..."

"The Dragon Elephant Force is simple to cultivate. It only has nine forms, and you can even have someone assist your Cultivation through massaging your Qi Blood."

"The Giant Spirit Fist is powerful, yet it only has a dozen or so moves. You can reach the Entry Level with just a little practice."

Sure enough, an interested expression appeared on Zhu Ju's face.

"Hmph!"

Dong Han snorted, his brow furrowed. The other masters also showed hints of displeasure.

It was true that the Dragon Elephant Force and Giant Spirit Fist were easy to begin, but such techniques were often easy to learn and difficult to master.

By saying this, Lu Dingkui was clearly implying that he thought Zhu Ju couldn't endure hardship and would dislike complex Martial Skills.

"I am Tang Yuan, skilled in the Clear Wind Sword and Iron Wire Fist, as well as some techniques with Hidden Darts..."

"The Tiger Claw Skill..."

"The Goose-Quill Saber..."

The remaining masters introduced themselves one by one.

"Everyone,"

After the last person had finished their demonstration, Zhu Ju saluted them and said:

"Today, I have truly had my eyes opened. However, I've heard that in martial arts, it is better to master one art than to know many. It is a great shame that from among so many Divine Skills and Wonderful Dharmas, I can only choose one for my Cultivation."

He sighed and looked at Lu Dingkui.

"Master Lu, is the Dragon Elephant Force truly a legacy of the Divine Heaven Sect?"

This world was controlled by the Divine Dynasty and various major sects, and the Divine Heaven Sect was arguably the greatest Major Sect of all. Masters of the Upper Three Grades, who were practically non-existent in Taiyuan Prefecture, were said to be commonplace in the Divine Heaven Sect.

Joining the Divine Heaven Sect was the dream of countless martial artists.

"Of course!"

Lu Dingkui's eyes lit up as he slapped his chest and declared:

"The Divine Heaven Sect is a paramount existence! How could I dare make a false claim about them?"

"Very well," Zhu Ju said with a smile.

"Then I will have to ask for your guidance from now on, Master Lu."

"Someone!"

He clapped his hands lightly.

"Bring the gifts for the masters."

Several maids came forward holding trays piled high with ingots. There were a full fifty taels of silver for each master.

This was a considerable 'consultation fee,' and even those who had not been chosen were nonetheless Joyful.

"Zhu Ju."

Dong Han pulled Zhu Ju aside and spoke in a low voice,

"Your father and I both worked for the Qingyi Gang. We knew each other well, so there are a few things I feel I must tell you."

"I'm all ears."

"You are past the prime age for beginning martial arts. And while you've taken all sorts of nourishing supplements, their effects are ultimately limited."

He continued slowly,

"It doesn't matter who you choose to learn from, but remember that the path of Martial Arts requires dedication. A fickle attitude, working hard one day and slacking off the next, will get you nowhere."

"As for the Dragon Elephant Force..."

"This Cultivation Technique does indeed come from the Divine Heaven Sect, but such a Method is considered second-rate there. So, don't set your expectations too high."

"Yes," Zhu Ju replied.

"You speak the truth, Elder. But it is precisely because my Tendons and Bones are not yet developed that learning martial arts now is especially difficult. A simple form of Martial Arts that allows for assisted Cultivation is far more suitable for me."

"Mmm..." Dong Han stroked his chin.

"That is indeed true."