Chapter 57 - 56: Buying a Horse, Cheng Shan’s Suspicion

Over a month later.

In the Cang Mang Tower.

Xu Guang sat alone, a plate of peanuts and a dish of sliced meat placed before him. Wearing a bamboo hat, he listened to the back-and-forth chatter of the people coming and going in the tower. The alcohol of this era wasn’t particularly strong and carried a sour, astringent bitterness that Xu Guang did not like. As the weather grew hotter, the atmosphere in the city also became increasingly restless.

About a dozen tables were sparsely occupied in the hall, but the patrons were all burly men who practiced martial arts, their voices booming as they conversed.

"Brother Liu, why do you have a little girl following you today?"

"I just met her on the road. Seeing how pitiful she was, I took her in."

"The Liu Family truly has a vast business and a great deal of kindness. I heard that recently, the Liu Family has picked up dozens of people outside?"

Xu Guang frowned slightly, looking at the young men walking toward the third floor.

He wondered if the Liu Family was really taking in pitiful people. He didn’t believe there was any unprovoked goodwill in this world; so-called pity was merely a passing thought in one’s mind, done either for an empty reputation or for profit. Looking at the young man surnamed Liu, Xu Guang figured he wasn’t the type to seek fame.

Did that mean he was after profit? Could the Liu Family still be in the Yazi business?

He set down his wine cup, making a mental note of the matter.

The Cang Mang Tower was considered a relatively expensive place in the city. Those who could afford to eat there, even in the main hall, were relatively respectable figures, or wealthy young masters and Loose Cultivators like the men from earlier. These people all shared one characteristic: aside from Cultivation, they spent their days fooling around. With so much free time, they naturally became gossipy, mostly gathering to share rumors.

Moreover, this place was very close to the flower boats. Martial Artists had strong desires, and many street toughs from the Outer City would also come here to drink. Humans were social creatures; with more people here, naturally, there were more who wanted to make money. People from all walks of life mingled here, buying and selling intelligence.

As a result, the Cang Mang Tower had become the most well-informed place in Feiyun City. Whenever Xu Guang had nothing to do, he would come over to listen for news. However, not many people mentioned anything regarding the Yellow Heaven Sect, which he wanted to hear about. The death of the Jade Elephant Canon Seat was like a stone sinking into water—completely silent. No one brought it up, and Xu Guang didn’t know why.

After listening for a while and confirming there was no news, Xu Guang left.

At the Xu Family.

Xu Sanduo warmly received Xu Guang. "Why did you come over at this time? But you’re just in time; the things you wanted are ready."

He pulled Xu Guang into a cellar. The cellar was covered by a massive cloth. When the waterproof tarp on top was lifted, an incredibly thick stench of blood spread out. Three large vats sat exposed to the air, filled entirely with viscous, dense blood.

"This is the blood my Uncle Nian collected this month while taking people out to slaughter Exotic Beasts for others. Take it away."

Xu Guang nodded, not saying much. He would never complain about having too much blood.

Seeing Xu Guang satisfied, Xu Sanduo breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. Catching River Woe with Xu Guang recently had boosted his strength by a large margin. It wouldn’t be long before his Bone Forging reached the Great Perfection. Given his original aptitude, this process should have taken at least five years. Now, only three years had passed, and he already had the chance to reach such a level. He was very grateful to Xu Guang.

Being able to do something for Xu Guang also made him very happy. As for what Xu Guang used the blood for, he never asked, just as he had never asked what Xu Guang’s Bloodline Power actually was.

"Right, about the horses you wanted. My Uncle Nian used his connections with the Feiyun Guard and spent a heavy sum to buy two. Do you want to go take a look now?"

Hearing this, Xu Guang’s face immediately lit up with joy. He quickly signaled Xu Sanduo to lead the way.

The Xu Family was considered a wealthy household. Behind their slaughterhouse lay a massive piece of wasteland with lush vegetation, where they raised large livestock like cattle and horses, as well as some pigs.

Xu Guang ignored the other animals and instead looked at the two horses Xu Sanduo had prepared, a look of excitement on his face. Both horses were jujube-red. Though not exceptionally large, their muscle definitions showed they were fine steeds. Even if they weren’t good horses, it wouldn’t matter since he had the bloodlines.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Sanduo. These are truly two fine horses."

Subsequently, he asked Xu Sanduo to help him rent a courtyard to raise the horses.

Leaving the Xu Family, Xu Guang wore a joyful expression. Although he had gained confidence in Feiyun City, he wouldn’t place his and his family’s lives and safety in the hands of others. Preparing horses in advance was so they would have a chance to leave if any unforeseen changes occurred in the future.

With the Blood of Transformation, these two horses would soon undergo changes as well. Of course, he would prepare more modes of transportation like this in the future.

After he left, a figure approached Xu Sanduo. Looking at his nephew, Xu Nian spoke with some hesitation, "Sanduo, I know you’ve always valued camaraderie among fellow disciples, but there’s no need to go this far. This is too precious..."

Even warhorses eliminated by the Feiyun Guard held extremely high value and required calling in favors.

Xu Sanduo turned around and looked at his uncle solemnly. "Uncle Nian, do you know why I’ve been able to reach Bone Forging Perfection so quickly?

"Befriending my Junior Brother Guang might be the most correct choice I’ve made in my entire life."

He had a premonition in his heart that his junior brother’s future achievements would definitely exceed everyone’s imagination.

Xu Nian was taken aback, not expecting Xu Sanduo to rate Xu Guang so highly. However, he thought to himself that Abnormal People were just that; it wasn’t as if he hadn’t seen them before. Most Abnormal People were actually nothing special.

***

Hai’s transformation had already ended.

Xu Guang looked at the Black Tiger lying beside him. He had already grown to one and a half meters long. He looked majestic. Although his size wasn’t quite that of a fierce tiger in the forest, his paws appeared larger, and his teeth and claws were much sharper. The key point was that Xu Guang could clearly sense that Hai was still in his growth phase; his body size would continue to increase.

Even though he hadn’t awakened his Bloodline Power to become an Alien Species, he could at least be considered an Exotic Beast now. If he fully matured, he might even be able to match a Bone Forger Martial Artist.

Joy washed over Xu Guang’s face. With Hai around, he could be a bit more at ease when he wasn’t home.

No wonder Qian Cheng was able to become a Canon Seat of the Yellow Heaven Sect relying on the power of Abnormal People. Just a single feeding could cause such a change in an ordinary small Black Tiger. What about creatures that were inherently much stronger? What if he also raised an Alien Species like the Jade Elephant?

For some inexplicable reason, Xu Guang thought of the terrifying Ghostly Roar in the river. If... if he could subdue that Ghostly Roar, he would probably be considered standing at the very top in Feiyun City.

He called Hai over, fed him a few more drops of Essence Blood, and then dismissed him. This time, Hai didn’t fall into a deep slumber. Instead, he was bursting with energy, circling around Ji Xiaolu. Clearly, the little rascal had some brains and knew who to curry favor with.

Watching the person and the tiger playing around, Xu Guang didn’t disturb them any further.

In the evening, while Xu Guang was practicing martial arts at home, a knock came from the door.

It was someone Xu Guang never expected.

Cheng Shan, the master of Pang Hong, who had been killed by Xu Guang a long time ago.

Xu Guang opened the door and met Cheng Shan’s gaze. "Master Cheng, why have you come?"

Cheng Shan didn’t enter. Instead, he stared fixedly at Xu Guang. "I remember you. You’re Zhao Fu’s youngest disciple."

Xu Guang shook his head. "Your news is outdated, Master Cheng. I’m not the youngest anymore."

"I don’t care if you’re the youngest or not. I’ve come looking for you just to verify one thing. Where were you on the thirtieth of the twelfth lunar month last year?!"

Xu Guang immediately frowned, staring at Cheng Shan. He could clearly sense the tense muscles on Cheng Shan’s body, like a fierce tiger ready to devour someone. His Qi Mechanism firmly locked onto Xu Guang. It seemed that if his answer failed to satisfy him, he would instantly pounce and kill him.

Sensing the murderous intent, Hai crouched low, emitting a warning growl from his throat.

"Are you suspecting that I killed Senior Brother Pang Hong, Master Cheng?"

Cheng Shan narrowed his eyes and didn’t answer, as if he were absolutely certain it was Xu Guang.

Everything was just too coincidental. Pang Hong was dead, the Cultivation Technique was lost, and the Cold Demon’s Blood he had left behind was also gone. Then, a few months later, Xu Guang awakened his Bloodline Power and forged a massive reputation for himself in the city. He had no choice but to suspect Xu Guang.

Right at that moment, Ji Xiaolu rushed over to Xu Guang with a hint of excitement, holding a tiny piece of clothing in her hands. She threw her arms around him. "Husband, does my embroidery look good?"

Suddenly, she paused, as if just noticing Cheng Shan. "Brother Guang, we have a guest?"

She turned to Cheng. "Old gentleman, please come in quickly. I’ll go pour you some tea."

Cheng Shan stared at Xu Guang for a long time, his gaze lingering on Xu Guang’s crotch for a moment before a flash of astonishment crossed his eyes.

He wondered if he had truly made a mistake.

Thinking of this, he ignored Ji Xiaolu’s invitation, turned around, and walked out.

Xu Guang narrowed his eyes, a trace of anger welling up in his heart.

Ji Xiaolu was at a loss. Standing in place, she thought she had driven the old gentleman away and looked a bit nervous.

"It’s not your fault. That old man is a lunatic."

"A lunatic?"

"It means... an idiot."

"Oh, that old gentleman is already so old, yet he’s still an idiot. How pitiful. Should we go give him some flatbreads?"

***

Xu Guang stood in the courtyard, his gaze shifting uncertainly. He had never offended Cheng Shan from the very beginning, yet Cheng Shan had come knocking on his door.

He was absolutely certain that when Cheng Shan first saw him, there was murderous intent in his eyes!

Originally, keeping the friendship between Cheng Shan and Zhao Fu in mind, Xu Guang hadn’t planned on doing anything to Cheng Shan. But since he had come to the door out of suspicion today, it meant that sooner or later, he would discover the truth.

Suspicion was a seed destined to take root and sprout. Furthermore, Cheng Shan had the clue that the killer had a third eye on his forehead. Sooner or later, he would make a move against Xu Guang.

Xu Guang thought to himself, "Cheng Shan, since you’re so anxious about the Eight Desolates Invincible Scripture, then I might as well... spread the Cultivation Technique out!"

With a flare of anger, he turned and walked out.

That night.

A massive chaos suddenly erupted across the river.

A Vajra Scripture Seat Disciple named Lu Ping was ambushed and killed. It was said that the killer had eliminated his target and obtained Pang Hong’s Cultivation Technique capable of awakening Bloodline Power.

Secret Manual, Pang Hong...

These two terms were remembered by everyone.

Before the killer had time to put away the Secret Manual, they were repelled by bandits who rushed over shortly after. The killer tossed the Secret Manual into the air.

The tranquility of the night was instantly shattered!

The Eight Desolates Invincible Scripture—a supreme Cultivation Technique that could allow one to awaken their Bloodline Power, and it had been snatched from a disciple of the Vajra Canon Seat. It had to be real.

The Yellow Heaven Sect, the large and small factions of Feiyun City, all the Independent Martial Artists on both banks of the Wei River, the Water Thieves on the Wei River, the Mountain Bandits in the Two-Arm Mountain... all of them were instantly galvanized by the news. In just a single night, the whole world knew of this news.

On the Banks of Wei River.

Xu Guang stood on a massive boulder, walking at the very back of the crowd. He crouched down methodically, unhurriedly collecting the corpses of the dead. Although the bodies had already been looted, Xu Guang didn’t mind.

It was always like this. The world was always like this, always trying to shatter his peaceful life. In that case, he might as well plunge everything into chaos!

That night, Xu Guang harvested nearly a thousand drops of Essence Blood, which could be considered becoming wealthy overnight.