Chapter 397 - 379: 3 Years Ago, I Also Sold Fish Here

[Martial Arts]: Demon Ape Demon-Vibrating Saber (Proficient 220/2000)

A thought sparked in Su Yu’s mind as he looked at the new saber technique on his panel.

’Just as I thought. With my current talent and strength, I don’t need to learn many martial arts from scratch anymore. Especially this Demon-Vibrating Saber. It shares the same origin as the Demon-subduing Saber, so I’ve started directly at the Proficient realm.’

Recalling the practice session from moments ago, he realized that for many of the difficult techniques, inspiration had struck him, and his body had moved on its own.

’And that was after seeing it only once!’

Training in martial arts was much like expanding one’s horizons or wisdom. Once you reached a certain level, you could grasp many things by drawing parallels.

’Especially with the Martial Arts God ability from my White Ape Saint Body, the rate at which I gain Skill Level is permanently doubled for any martial art I practice, be it fist styles, weapon arts, or body techniques.’

’Let’s try again!’

Su Yu quickly began to train again under the night sky. Soon, the sound of saber strikes, like rolling thunder, echoed through the courtyard.

In a distant side room, Yang Zhen and Yang Ai watched the diligently training Su Yu through a window, a hint of resignation in their eyes.

"Sis, Brother Su is such a martial arts fanatic. The evening is so lovely, he should take a break and come visit us," Yang Ai said, propping her pale chin on her hand. She pouted, her cheeks puffed out slightly as she watched Su Yu practice his saber.

Yang Zhen sighed in resignation as well, tugging her collar higher to cover the alluring curves of a Saintess that went unappreciated.

"That’s just the kind of person Brother Su is," she said. "He takes things one step at a time, building a solid foundation and always pushing forward. He must have greater responsibilities and goals on his mind."

The moon climbed high, its brilliant light spilling like water through the tree branches.

After Su Yu finished another practice round of the Demon Ape Demon-Vibrating Saber, familiar ink-like text appeared before his eyes.

[Demon Ape Demon-Vibrating Saber Skill Level +20]

CLANG!

Su Yu sheathed his saber, feeling quite pleased.

’Twenty Skill Level points in one go. That’s incredibly fast!’

’These days, after my official duties at the Public Security Bureau, I still have about five or six hours to spare. Half of that has to be spent practicing the Greenwood Shadow Ape Fist to raise my Realm.’

’The remaining two or three hours can be used to practice the Demon Ape Demon-Vibrating Saber and the Vajra Fearless True Sound.’

’By that calculation, I can increase the Demon-Vibrating Saber’s Skill Level by at least two hundred points a day.’

’I’ll be able to break through to the next realm in less than ten days.’

[Martial Arts]: Vajra Fearless True Sound (Great Success 1600/2000)

’The Vajra Fearless True Sound is about to reach Perfection too. When that happens, I’ll have more time to practice the saber art, and my progress will be even faster!’

...

「Three days later. Early morning, at the South City Gate.」

The sun was just beginning to rise, the thick fog had yet to disperse, and the heavy, rhythmic thud of iron hooves echoed in the air.

Su Yu, incomparably handsome, sat upright in the saddle of a fiery-red Dragon Scale Horse. Behind him, his senior martial sister, Lin Wanzhu, Vice Commander Feng Ting, and over a hundred elite members of the Flying Feather Guard followed in their gleaming armor.

NEIGH—

The Crimson Dragon Scale Horse let out a piercing neigh, its fiery-red mane whipping like flames in the cold morning wind.

The mighty procession rode on, the clatter of their hooves kicking up clouds of dust as they quickly vanished into the distance.

Meanwhile, at the city gate, a few men pushing handcarts slowly lifted their heads. They stared at the figures disappearing into the dust of the main road, exchanged a look, and a sharp glint flashed deep in their eyes.

’Su Yu, the Great Commander of the Public Security Bureau!’

’He really did leave the city!’

...

Several hours later, under the early summer sun, Su Yu and his retinue arrived smoothly at the Qingxi Market.

As the somewhat dilapidated stone-and-wood archway of Qingxi Town came into view, Su Yu pulled on the reins. The Dragon Scale Horse beneath him snorted loudly and gradually slowed its pace.

Looking at the familiar gatehouse at the market’s entrance, Su Yu felt a surge of emotion.

’This was where I sold my first fish and started to improve my life. Then I passed the Qian Family’s test and joined the Qian Family Fishing Team.’

"Welcome, Lord Su!"

At the market entrance ahead, several hundred able-bodied men from Qingxi Town were already standing in neat formation.

Town Mayor Wang Yuechi, standing at the very front, took a deep breath before taking the lead and dropping to both knees. His voice was high and trembling as he announced:

"Wang Yuechi, Town Mayor of Qingxi Town, along with two hundred and sixty of the town’s able-bodied men, welcomes Lord Su for your personal inspection!"

RUSTLE—

Following his lead, the crowd behind him knelt in unison. Apart from two or three drifters who were a beat slower, the entire market entrance was silent.

Seeing this, a look of satisfaction flashed in Su Yu’s deep eyes.

He dismounted and strode forward, personally extending a hand to help Wang Yuechi up.

"Town Mayor Wang, please rise. All of you, my fellow townsmen, please rise as well!"

He didn’t act overly familiar with Wang Yuechi, as this was an official occasion. Inwardly, however, he was growing more and more impressed with the man.

’It feels like keeping him in Qingxi Village was a waste of his talents. He did an excellent job screening these men for the Flying Feather Guard. The process was not only smooth, but he’s also trained them to be quite disciplined.’

’It’s not easy. To be blunt, these men are just a militia. For them to achieve this level of discipline at their first gathering... no matter what methods he used, the man is a true talent.’

’His son, Wang Qu, is still a Scholar’s Attendant at my estate and has even started practicing martial arts. He’s one of my own people now, in any case.’

’Perhaps I should bring Wang Yuechi into the city and have him join the Flying Feather Guard as well.’

The thought flashed through Su Yu’s mind.

’My Flying Feather Guard is in dire need of people, especially foundational talents. Recruiting someone new would be a welcome surprise.’

Su Yu walked before the crowd. His calm, imposing presence, coupled with the faint, almost imperceptible aura of Evil Qi surrounding him, made the men who had just risen hold their breath once more. The entire assembly fell deathly silent.

"Men of Qingxi Town, my friends and elders! I am Su Yu, Great Commander of the Public Security Bureau! I have come today to recruit two hundred men to join the Flying Feather Guard! The Public Security Bureau is responsible for the peace of Black Stone City. Its power and duties are immense, and it is not an organization for just anyone!"

"But!"

Su Yu’s tone shifted.

"You all know where I come from. I’m from Qingxi Town, just like all of you! We share the same roots! Not even three years ago, I was just like many of you, hauling a stinking fish basket on my back right here at the entrance to the Qingxi Market, trying to sell fish just to earn a few copper coins and survive!"

"These are chaotic times. Human life is as cheap as dirt. I, Su Yu, know just as well as you how hard it is to survive out here, never knowing if you’ll see the next day!"

His heartfelt words caused the entire market to fall completely silent.

Further away, fishermen with tattered nets, woodcutters with bundles of firewood, and hunters holding wild rabbits all stopped in their tracks. One by one, these common folk couldn’t help but turn and watch.

Some of them even recognized Su Yu. ’That’s the boy from the Su Family who used to fish,’ they thought. ’Their fish stall used to be right here!’

Su Yu’s sharp gaze swept across the crowd. Most faces were tanned dark and gaunt, but their eyes were filled with a sharp intensity.

"Each of you carries different burdens. Some of you may want to save money to study martial arts. Some need to support their parents at home. Some simply want to live. Today, I am giving you a chance! Join my Flying Feather Guard, and every man will receive a Monthly Allowance of at least one tael!"

At his words, a new light ignited in countless eyes—some of anticipation, others of burning desire.

"But my Flying Feather Guard is no place for idlers! You will be expected to patrol the streets, fight the dangerous Black Lotus Sect Demons, and resist their corrupting influence. You could die at any moment!"

"But I believe in you! I believe in the backbone of the people from our Qingxi Town! I hope that when you join the Flying Feather Guard, you will not only change your own family’s fortunes but also use the battle sabers in your hands to change the fate of Qingxi Town, and even Black Stone City itself!"

When he finished speaking, the entire square was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The confusion and fear of the unknown that had once filled the eyes of the two hundred and sixty men had been completely erased. In its place burned a newly ignited fire of determination and fighting spirit!

Seeing his chance, Wang Yuechi stepped forward at the perfect moment, raised both hands high, and roared:

"Thank you for this opportunity, Lord Su! We are willing to die for you!"

"We are willing to die for you!"

"We are willing to die for you!"

In an instant, a passionate roar erupted from the crowd, echoing throughout the market.

In the distance, a flicker of excitement crossed the cloudy eyes of an old fisherman with a fish basket on his back.

’My grandson is in that crowd! He’s going to join the Flying Feather Guard!’

’Following Lord Su, he’s sure to make a name for himself!’

"Lord Su hasn’t forgotten his roots; he’s giving our people from Qingxi Town a chance. If my son dares to slack off, I’ll beat him senseless with my own two hands!" a nearby woodcutter, a bundle of firewood on his back, said gratefully.

"Su Da Wen even came by the market a while ago," another person chimed in. "He specifically asked about the current taxes and only left after making sure no one was being overcharged. That must have been on Lord Su’s orders. He’s too good to us townsfolk!"

"Lord Su is like Mars, the god of war, descended to our Qingxi Town. With the Flying Feather Guard here, everyone’s lives are sure to get a little easier."