Chapter 41 - 40: Cultivation of Literature

Chapter 41: Chapter 40: Cultivation of Literature

Xu Guang was taken aback. "Miss Cheng has a way?"

Seeing Xu Guang’s attitude soften, Cheng Lian’Er gave a cold harrumph. However, she knew in her heart that this man was extremely rational and highly capable.

Naturally, she did not want to sever all ties with Xu Guang just like that. With the death of Cheng the Second and the betrayal and subsequent execution of Cheng San, the Cheng Family had lost a Refining Viscera Power Master and a Bone Forging Perfection Martial Artist. Their family’s influence had been greatly diminished, making Xu Guang appear incredibly important. Even if she could not persuade him to join the Cheng Family, she had to strive to secure his help.

She didn’t know whether Qian Neng and his men had been killed by Xu Guang, but she had witnessed Xu Guang slay Cheng San with her own eyes.

A figure whose strength could rival a martial artist at the Peak of Bone Forging was well worth winning over.

"Do you know how the people in the Daoist Temples and Buddhist Sects manage to live such long lives?"

Xu Guang naturally did not know, so he could only reply by shaking his head.

"Cultivation is divided into the Literary Dao and the Martial Dao, but the civil and martial are also one entity. The Cultivation of Literature can be considered both difficult and simple. In a way, the Literary Dao is actually just a part of the Martial Dao.

"Those people have their own Cultivation Techniques, which are methods of nourishing the body and extending life. You can understand it as... a Martial Dao Cultivation Technique that only contains the Nourishing Body Chapter. Cultivating this type of technique will not yield formidable Combat Power; it has only one function, and that is to grant a long life," Cheng Lian’Er said softly.

Xu Guang suddenly understood everything.

No wonder the Civil Servants in the Court always treated monks and Daoist priests so well after becoming high-ranking officials. It turned out they were trying to acquire methods for nourishing their bodies and prolonging their lives.

The Martial Dao in this world placed great emphasis on the foundation.

This was especially true for the Nourishing Body Realm, an incredibly unique Realm. Although it was considered a Martial Dao Realm, almost anyone with a healthy body was deemed to be in the Nourishing Body stage.

Practicing the Martial Dao was actually a process of constantly squeezing out the body’s potential, relying solely on Secret Medicine to repair the hidden injuries sustained during cultivation.

Therefore, even with successful body nourishment, a Martial Artist would typically wait until they were over fifteen years old, when their physical development was mostly complete, before officially beginning Skin Polishing.

This served as both a protection and a foundation for a better future.

"The Cheng Family has a method for nourishing the body and prolonging life?" Xu Guang asked in a low voice.

Cheng Lian’Er gave a slight nod, then lowered her voice. "The methods for nourishing the body and prolonging life are kept strictly secret. They form the foundation through which the Great Qian Dynasty rules its Civil Servants and must not be leaked. An ancestor of the Cheng Family once served as a Third Grade Official in the Court and was granted a Cultivation of Literature. Today, the number of people in the Cheng Family who know about it—including myself—is no more than three!"

Xu Guang narrowed his eyes slightly. His intuition told him that this so-called Cultivation of Literature was definitely not simple.

But judging from Cheng Lian’Er’s explanation, it was merely a method to grant longevity. Why would they prohibit it from spreading?

"May I ask Miss Cheng, what is the cost of practicing the Cultivation of Literature?"

Cheng Lian’Er gave Xu Guang an admiring look. "It requires absolutely nothing. It merely grants longevity. Moreover, if your Cultivation fails to reach a certain level, the increase in lifespan won’t be significant."

"Then why does the Court go to such lengths to conceal this Cultivation of Literature?" Xu Guang asked quietly.

"To grow old and not die is to become a thief. If everyone in the world lived a long life, then everyone would become a thief. What do you think would happen then?"

Xu Guang’s expression changed slightly.

He looked at Cheng Lian’Er. He had to admit that he was tempted by the Cultivation of Literature she mentioned.

However, he did not want to deal with Cheng Lian’Er any further today. This woman was far too clever, and he feared she might trick him into revealing secrets he shouldn’t share. He decided to wait until he advanced to Refining Viscera; then, he could just use a Treasure to exchange it with someone. Perhaps the Cheng Family would even be willing to make a trade when the time came.

It was quite nice to get so much knowledge for free today.

Xu Guang was very satisfied.

"Well, have you made up your mind? If you want it, I can lend it to you for a look after we return."

Xu Guang shook his head. "There is no need. Thank you for your kindness, Miss Cheng."

Cheng Lian’Er’s intention to win him over was too obvious, driven by a strong utilitarian motive. He didn’t like this kind of interaction.

"There is one more thing I ask Miss Cheng to agree to. My Cultivation is insufficient. I hope Miss Cheng can keep today’s matters somewhat of a secret."

Having been repeatedly rejected by Xu Guang, Cheng Lian’Er felt a surge of dissatisfaction and immediately let out a cold harrumph.

"Naturally, I won’t speak carelessly. Please keep the Cheng Family’s secret as well. Do not casually reveal that our Cheng Family possesses the inheritance of the Cultivation of Literature!"

Hearing this, Xu Guang couldn’t help but glance at Cheng Lian’Er, crying out inwardly.

He had fallen for it!

This woman was too smart. With just a few words, she had manipulated his intentions. Exchanging secrets was a very solid way to forge an alliance.

At this thought, a prickle of unease ran down his spine. He stood up immediately.

"Miss Cheng, you are not yet married. A lone man and a lone woman sharing a room is bad for your reputation. Xu will stand guard outside for you. Rest at ease."

With that, he turned and left without the slightest hesitation.

Cheng Lian’Er watched Xu Guang’s receding figure with an unreadable look in her eyes. She had to admit that she had grown somewhat curious about him.

He was a very strange person. Despite having considerable strength, he wasn’t arrogant. He kept his guard up against everyone, acting as though someone was out to harm him at any given moment. Even when he was alone with an injured woman like her, he remained constantly vigilant.

She truly only had good intentions; although she wanted to win him over, her main goal was simply to show goodwill, yet he was still so cautious.

She was completely at a loss for words.

"To hell with you! If we have nothing to do with each other, then so be it!"

As if throwing a childish tantrum, she curled her body into a tiny ball, looking like a little cat.

With nowhere else to go, Xu Guang crouched near the spot where he had buried the corpses. He stood quietly in a tree, watching the predators in the snowy night enjoy the takeout delivered from the heavens.

They ate with great relish, though some animals weren’t interested because there was no scent of blood.

The next morning.

Shadows flickered through the forest. Several figures clad in Feiyun Armor emerged from the woods, appearing to be searching for something. Xu Guang stood in the tree, watching them silently.

If he was going to do a good deed, he had to see it through to the end. He needed to confirm that these people were truly acquainted with Cheng Lian’Er and were here to pick her up.

About half an hour later, Xu Guang spotted a man whose facial features bore a slight resemblance to Cheng Lian’Er. After the man picked her up, Xu Guang let out a slow sigh of relief.

That woman was too smart; being around her inexplicably made him feel a constant sense of pressure.

He certainly didn’t think Cheng Lian’Er was romantically interested in him just because of how she tried to win him over last night. It was far more likely that, by observing him slay Cheng San, she had deduced his hidden trump card.

For instance... his identity as one of the Abnormal People!

Xu Guang narrowed his eyes. He didn’t know what the consequences of saving her this time would be, nor did he know if Cheng Lian’Er could be trusted.

However, he had repaid his debt of gratitude. If Cheng Lian’Er were to reveal his secret...

On the other side.

Cheng Lian’Er was being guarded by Chengbei. They proceeded with great caution. "Lian’Er, did you hide in the cave the entire night? Qian Neng and his men didn’t find you?"

Cheng Lian’Er shook her head. She had promised not to speak of Xu Guang.

Chengbei looked amazed, feeling that his younger cousin was incredibly lucky and truly clever.

"Alright, as long as you’re safe. Do you know what was really going on with this incident?"

Hearing this, Cheng Lian’Er’s expression turned serious. "The people from the Yellow Heaven Sect are not being honest. They talk about wanting peace, but what they do in the shadows has absolutely nothing to do with peace."

"So what?" Chengbei’s expression remained unchanged. He had known this for a long time. The Three Guards were the main force in the last great battle against the Yellow Heaven Sect, so he understood their ambitions all too well.

"It’s nothing. I just feel... our Cheng Family should probably make early preparations."

Chengbei instinctively wanted to retort, but he fell silent when he thought of Zhang Qing, the Yellow Heaven Great Mage who had never once made a move.

The Thirty-Six Canon Seats of Yellow Heaven were already entirely comprised of Refining Viscera Strange Men; there was no telling how overwhelmingly powerful the Great Mage Zhang Qing might be.

Yet, such a formidable existence remained entrenched in Hedong, lying low and biding his time, acting like a sharp sword hanging over the heads of everyone in Feiyun City.

If he were to make a move, the city would fall, and the people would perish!

Cheng Lian’Er’s eyes were cold and clear. She had thought a lot the previous night. She couldn’t shake the feeling that the appearance of the Yellow Heaven Sect carried a sense of deliberate coincidence. It even seemed as if someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes regarding the current situation in Feiyun City.

The Cheng Family was considered a third-tier major family in Feiyun City, but looking at the entirety of Qing State, they were nothing more than minor local landlords and gentry. The information they had access to was simply too limited.

But because of this very fact, she couldn’t shake the feeling of an impending storm.

The events of the day, in particular, left her with a constant prickle of unease.

Inexplicably, she thought of Xu Guang again. When they had first met a few months ago, he was only slightly stronger than a defenseless scholar. But now, even Cheng San—a martial artist at Bone Forging Perfection—was no match for him and was even completely suppressed in combat.

What secrets did this Xu Guang harbor?

She pondered silently but didn’t mention it to Chengbei. In fact, she didn’t plan to tell anyone.

Cheng Lian’Er was a proud person. Ever since she took power, she had placed the utmost importance on the word "trust." Since she had made a promise to Xu Guang, she naturally wouldn’t speak carelessly.

"By the way, Brother Bei, did you find Qian Neng?"

Hearing this, Chengbei showed a rather odd expression. Recalling the gruesome scene in the snow hollow, he nodded. "We didn’t see Qian Neng’s body, but he is most likely dead."

Cheng Lian’Er’s expression grew even more complicated at his words.

With Qian Neng’s death today, she could already foresee the trouble that would come looking for the Cheng Family.

Meanwhile, at the Lei Family Ancestral Mansion.

A woman with a graceful figure walked inside.

Without a Housekeeper present, the Lei Family Ancestral Mansion had become a paradise for beggars. The woman calmly walked past the crowd, and the beggars acted as if they hadn’t seen her at all.

A moment later, she spotted the long-rotted body inside the hollow of a tree.

She furrowed her brows slightly, crouched down, and gently brushed her hand over the skeleton...

There was lime powder at the bottom of the eye sockets. Was he killed by some despicable gutter trash?

An idea formed in her mind, and she decided to go ask around the small gangs in the city.

After seeing off Cheng Lian’Er, Xu Guang felt a slight sense of relief in his heart.

He wasn’t worried about Cheng Lian’Er casually spilling his secret. If worst came to worst, he would just expose one type of Bloodline Power. A martial artist with Bone Forging Cultivation combined with Bloodline Power successfully slaying a Bone Forging Perfection martial artist in a semi-ambush scenario would likely be an acceptable explanation for others.

The only issue was that once his Bloodline Power was exposed, he would inevitably enter the crosshairs of the Feiyun Guard and be thrust into the spotlight. To him, that meant trouble.

He didn’t like it.

But whether he liked it or not, the ultimate impact on him wouldn’t be too severe. In fact, he might even receive cultivation and grooming from the City Guard’s Mansion.

Recently, he had asked around about the City Guard’s Mansion’s attitude toward Abnormal People. Anyone who showed potential would be treated generously and promised high positions.

Once he had status, he could change his social class just like General Giant Spirit, and his family would be very happy.

Xu Guang thought to himself silently. Before he knew it, he had arrived at the entrance of Black Wind Mountain. From here on out, he just needed to peacefully complete his first mission.

The next few days passed without any unexpected trouble. Although there were many wandering bandits and outlaws in the mountains, their lives were still lives. No one wanted to live on the razor’s edge every single day.

The seven people participating in the Mountain God Temple capture mission grew somewhat bored, as all signs indicated that the gang of bandits was highly mobile.

By the third day, only three people were left guarding the Mountain God Temple, while the rest had gone hunting.

It turned out that Hao Wenzuan was an Archery Skill expert. Despite the winter snow hiding the game, he and a few others actually managed to hunt down several wild deer and even a wild ox.

Upon their return, Xu Guang saw everyone crowding around Hao Wenzuan, showering him with endless praise.

This even included Li Yuan, who had sneered at him when they first arrived. One had to admit that Hao Wenzuan was truly adept at winning people over.

Even though Xu Guang only stood guard at the Mountain God Temple, he was still given a share of a wild deer.

"Brother Xu, you’ve worked hard these past few days. Among all the brothers, you are the most diligent and responsible. We’ll be heading down the mountain shortly. Take this wild deer back to nourish your family."

Xu Guang quickly declined. "Brother Hao is too polite. Xu was just doing what needed to be done."

He disliked owing favors to others, especially the goodwill of someone with ulterior motives like Hao Wenzuan.

A flicker of displeasure flashed across Hao Wenzuan’s face, but knowing there would be plenty of time in the days to come, he said nothing.

After guarding the temple until about the afternoon, the group finally descended the mountain.