Chapter 46 Reporting
In the courtyard of his sister's house, Chen Ku's face changed.
First, the Transformation Diagram directly warned him, and then Skinny Dog truly detected Ni Kun's scent.
Incredibly, it was coming from a window of a two-story building in the alley just outside this yard. Barely a few hundred meters away, someone was watching this courtyard from behind that window.
Chen Ku felt that if he just turned around, he would lock eyes with Ni Kun.
His body tensed.
Does he know I stole his Blood Blade? Could there be some connection between him and the blade?
That idea suddenly popped into his head but was immediately dismissed.
It shouldn't be. It's impossible. I've never carried the Blood Blade on me; it's always been buried in the kang cave of the outer city courtyard. If he could really sense the Blood Blade, he should have tracked it to the outer city courtyard, not here...
Thoughts raced through Chen Ku's mind like lightning.
He forced himself to remain calm. Especially at a time like this, he couldn't afford to show any reaction.
Ni Kun mustn't know I've discovered him yet. So, although he's hidden, he's completely exposed to me.
Chen Ku analyzed why Ni Kun was here and why the Transformation Diagram had issued a sudden warning of Chong Sha concerning him.
He first considered reasons related to himself, which seemed unlikely.
If it's not because of me... then the only connection between this place and Ni Kun is... This yard!
Chen Ku covertly recalled how, when he had entered, the loud-mouthed woman's shout—"Constable Li's family, your brother has come!"—had revealed who lived here and who he was, exposing everything.
Supposing Ni Kun isn't after me, but after my brother-in-law, Li Yuancheng, whom he nearly killed with those three arrow wounds. Then, it all makes sense!
Chen Ku continued his analysis of Ni Kun's mindset. First, Ni Kun was hunted by my brother-in-law, Li Yuancheng, and left half-dead. Then, he must have realized his Blood Blade was missing. But he doesn't know who stole it. So, he blamed my brother-in-law, Li Yuancheng, for it. Now that he has tracked his way here, his goal... could it be to use my brother-in-law Li Yuancheng's family for revenge? And I just happened to come today. Upon hearing that conversation, he learned I am Li Yuancheng's brother-in-law, so he developed ill intentions towards me as well.
He pieced it all together. Though unsure of its complete accuracy, his analysis of the available clues led to one conclusion:
He's planning to kill my brother-in-law's entire family! It was merely a coincidence that I, the person who stole his blade, was inadvertently connected to this.
"What's wrong, kiddo? You don't look so good?" His sister was tying on an apron and said with concern, "Have you been worn out these past few days at Medicine King Hall? Sit down and rest; I'll cook for you."
Right now, Chen Ku's mind was filled with thoughts of seizing an opportunity to launch a surprise attack. After all, it has only been a few days since Ni Kun suffered those arrow wounds; he definitely can't have recovered that quickly. If I use my strength of over four thousand pounds to sneak over to that second floor, perhaps there's a chance...
But, Chen Ku had witnessed an internal qi expert in combat before and didn't have much confidence.
As he thought about this and looked at his sister, an idea suddenly emerged in his mind.
He promptly stood up and said loudly, "Why bother cooking, Sister? Since I came today, I intend to take you out to eat."
"Out to eat?" his sister exclaimed in surprise. "Why spend the money? I'll have food ready in a moment. You can eat and then go to work; it'll be quick."
As she spoke, she was about to busy herself in the kitchen.
Chen Ku, however, firmly grasped his sister's arm. "I said we're going out to eat. Don't bother with the kitchen today, Sis. I want to show you how well your little brother is doing now."
With his strength, it was all too easy to forcibly pull his sister out of the door.
"Alright, alright, out to eat it is. Let me lock the door first," his sister relented. "Where are we going?"
"Where else but the largest restaurant in the county, Hongyan Tower!"
「In a small, two-story building in the alley not far away.」
Ni Kun frowned as he watched the young man forcibly pull his sister out of the house.
It was much as Chen Ku had suspected.
Ni Kun was indeed here for Li Yuancheng.
Two days ago, Ni Kun had stealthily made his way into the city. Through some discreet investigations, he easily obtained Li Yuancheng's address. So, last night, he observed the surroundings of the Li Family residence and spotted an empty second-floor room nearby with an excellent vantage point. He climbed in; the homeowners had no idea someone was on their second floor.
According to Ni Kun's plan: It's not good to make a move during the day. After all, this is the Inner City. A single shout could alert the whole city, and then those lackeys from the county government office would come swarming. That would be no different from seeking death. The best time to act is at night. When it's deep and quiet, I'll sneak into Li Yuancheng's home, kill everyone to silence them, and get my revenge.
But over these two days of observing from afar, Li Yuancheng seemed to have guessed something. He had become exceedingly cautious: returning home before dark, going to his post later than usual, and even sleeping with a damp cloth covering his mouth and nose.
Ni Kun couldn't find a suitable opportunity to make his move.
After all, my injuries are more severe than Li Yuancheng's, and I can't even use half my normal strength. If I act recklessly, I'll likely be the one to die.
Ni Kun knew he couldn't kill Li Yuancheng now, but he also knew that killing Li Yuancheng's family would make Li Yuancheng's life worse than death.
Originally, I thought this damned constable only had a wife and no one else. I didn't expect him to have a brother-in-law too. This makes the thrill of taking action even stronger. The more people die because of Li Yuancheng, the more satisfying my revenge will be! An apprentice from Medicine King Hall, he must have undergone Strength Training. But what use is that? Crushing him would be like squashing an ant. However, Medicine King Hall's security is almost as tight as the Yamen's; I can't even sneak in there. It would be best to wait for this kid to go out at night...
Ni Kun watched Chen Ku and his sister go to eat, stroking his chin, with no intention of following them.
It's broad daylight. If I follow them, that would be foolish. With wanted posters all over the city, any slip could lead to my doom. Tonight, I'll find an opportunity. I'll see whether to kill the brother-in-law first or the woman... Whichever chance comes first, that's who I'll kill!
A murderous intent surged wildly in Ni Kun's eyes.
I've lost my Blood Blade! Ten years of my hard work, gone! I must have revenge! I must vent!
"Hongyan Tower? This... I've heard that a single meal here costs several taels of silver!" His sister, dragged all the way to Hongyan Tower, was full of resistance.
"If it weren't so expensive, I wouldn't have brought you," Chen Ku replied, pulling his sister to the entrance. He glanced at the doormen and the guards inside the restaurant—all of them were tough individuals who had clearly trained.
How could the county's number one restaurant operate without experts to keep the peace? Bringing my sister here is naturally safe.
After entering, Chen Ku casually ordered a few dishes. Using Skinny Dog's enhanced senses, he confirmed Ni Kun was still back at the alley and hadn't followed them.
After eating a bit with his sister, he found an excuse to go to the latrine.
Then he settled the bill and walked out of Hongyan Tower. Soon, he arrived at the entrance of the county government office.
In front of all the constables at the county government office, he tore down a wanted poster and declared, "I have a report! I know where this man is right now!"
Chapter 47: Behind the Scenes
The main gate of the county government office in Baojiao County was flanked on the left by the Court of Appeal, primarily used for resolving minor incidents such as disputes over civilian land properties, brawls, and other disagreements.
In the center stood the "Ceremonial Gate," a grand entrance opened only for significant events. Towering majestically atop two layers of three-tiered steps, it featured gray tiles, azure walls, a vermilion door, and large brass door studs.
All government building doors were red, which made the vermilion door synonymous with the Imperial Court.
Chen Ku quickly tore a wanted poster from the azure wall next to the vermilion door, accompanying his action with a shout of "Reporting!"
Instantly, the eyes of the eight men from the Zao Class stationed on both sides of the gate were drawn toward him.
"Who is it? What are you reporting?" a vice head dressed in Zao Class garb asked sternly, clutching his knife as he approached Chen Ku.
However, his expression drastically changed once he saw the wanted poster Chen Ku had removed. "A wanted poster for Ni Kun?!"
The other Zao Class members also hurried over, having heard the name 'Ni Kun.' They were simultaneously shocked and pleased, then looked at Chen Ku with suspicion.
"Is your information reliable?" The vice head stepped forward, his presence bearing down on Chen Ku. "Where did you see him? Speak truthfully and quickly!"
Chen Ku quickly clasped his hands in respect and replied, "Honored officer, I dare not conceal a thing. My surname is Chen, and I have a relative who works in the arrest house, named Li Yuancheng. Today, as I visited my sister's home, I happened to see the man from this wanted poster in a two-story building not far from her house. He bore a striking resemblance to the image—about seventy to eighty percent similar. Knowing that I couldn't *not* report it, I hurried here to make a report."
"Li Yuancheng."
"Li Yuancheng is your brother-in-law?"
"Ni Kun has shown himself near Constable Li's home..."
The Zao Class vice head's face went through a series of changes. Observing Chen Ku's expression, he was ninety percent certain of its truthfulness.
Then, his first action was to turn his head and urgently command, "Quick, gather everyone and head to Tongluo Lane! Ni Kun has appeared! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"
As for why Ni Kun would appear near Li Yuancheng's home, the people in the Yamen understood clearly. Just two days earlier, Li Yuancheng had led seven constables out, and only six returned. Ni Kun clearly harbored resentment and even sought to exact revenge on the family!
Soon, a throng of thirty to forty people surged out from the doors of the county government office. Li Yuancheng, Chen Ku's brother-in-law, was one of the quickest.
He was the first to reach Chen Ku. Despite not having seen his brother-in-law in several years, how could he not recognize him? However, Li Yuancheng's face was marked with urgent concern as he sharply asked Chen Ku, "Where is your sister? Did you leave her home alone?"
Chen Ku was relieved to see his brother-in-law so concerned about his sister. He quickly replied, "No, after I spotted that man, I didn't raise an alarm. I took my sister to Hongyan Tower. I just don't know if he's still there..."
Hongyan Tower. Li Yuancheng reflexively doubted where his brother-in-law could have gotten the money, but he had to admit, if his sister truly was at Hongyan Tower, it was indeed the safest place.
But that wasn't the most pressing concern at the moment. Hearing Chen Ku's detailed description of the two-story building, Li Yuancheng immediately identified which house in the lane it was.
Without saying much more to Chen Ku, he immediately joined the large group and spoke to an arrest officer. "Arrest Officer Xie, time is critical! I'll lead the way; I know the situation there."
"Set off immediately!"
Chen Ku watched as the thirty or more constables moved with lightning speed towards Tongluo Lane.
Ni Kun... there should be no escape for him now, he mused.
Tongluo Lane was six or seven li from the county government office. Chen Ku's sensitive nose told him his target hadn't moved... Yet Ni Kun had no idea that over thirty constables were already converging on his position.
Judging by his brother-in-law Li Yuancheng's presence in the group, none of the constables who had just poured out of the county government office were below the Force Transforming realm. Furthermore, there was an arrest officer who seemed to be at the same Inner Qi level as his brother-in-law.
With so many constables and experts moving to encircle him, especially within the Inner City of Baojiao County, a place teeming with masters, his exposure meant there was literally no escape.
Ni Kun? Even Cheng Kun would die in this situation!
However, Chen Ku was still not entirely reassured. Eventually, he found a secluded spot, released the Skinny Dog, and stealthily followed, wanting to witness Ni Kun's capture or death with his own eyes.
「Tongluo Lane.」
Atop a certain two-story building.
Ni Kun leaned against the window, gnawing on a dry steamed bun and sipping cold water, his face a mask of resentment, teeth gritted.
As a smuggling kingpin, he had roamed the borders between the Ji and Yuan nations, engaging in massive trade deals. He was used to tables laden with delicacies and a life of hedonistic pleasure, surrounded by lantern lights and flowing wine.
Now, he was reduced to hiding in this hovel, gnawing on dry steamed buns and waiting for midnight before he could safely venture out to find food.
His gaze, peering through a crack in the window, was fixed intently on Li Yuancheng's courtyard.
"Li Yuancheng... Once I've killed your entire family and get my hands on you, I'll make you pray for death but find no release!"
He bit furiously into the cold steamed bun, then choked and rose to pour himself some water...
BOOM!
The windows on all sides shattered without warning. Instantly, four figures in official uniforms leaped in, accompanied by four Sword Lights targeting Ni Kun's arms, thighs, throat, and back...
"What?!"
The unannounced breach and the four blades appearing instantly before him would have scared even a prepared man to death, let alone the utterly unprepared Ni Kun.
Goosebumps erupted all over his skin, and his hair stood on end instantly!
Pure instinct took over! Without hesitation, he kicked out a wooden table to block one of the Sword Lights. Simultaneously, his face contorted in fear as he spun and executed an ungainly roll on the ground, dodging the blades aimed at his back and heart.
But that was all he could manage.
SCHLICK!
One blade tore through his trousers, slicing off a large piece of his flesh, deep enough to reveal bone.
"Aaargh!" Ni Kun screamed in terror. He instinctively tried to jump out the window to escape, finally recognizing his assailants. Constables!
Just as Ni Kun reached the window, preparing to leap out, he saw the scene below. His vision swam, and he nearly blacked out from despair.
Below, the area around the two-story building was surrounded by twenty to thirty constables, all looking up at him with cold, mocking gazes.
Why?! This was the only question screaming in Ni Kun's mind, but he had no chance to voice it as the four constables who had burst into the room charged at him again.
The room was too cramped for him to maneuver effectively. Coupled with his unhealed arrow wound and the new, deep gash on his leg, he was at a severe disadvantage. In the ensuing melee, he was slashed several more times.
If I'm going to die, I'm taking one of you with me! Ni Kun roared inwardly.
Just as he gathered all his Inner Qi, preparing to make a desperate last stand against one of the constables...
BAM!
A leg swept horizontally out of nowhere, striking Ni Kun squarely in the waist. He shot sideways like a kicked ball, slamming into one of the room's support beams.
"Urgh..." Ni Kun felt his waist might have been broken by the kick. Darkness clouded his vision. Just as he gritted his teeth to force himself up, he saw... a foot stepping down, pinning him to the floor. Then he saw the face he loathed with every fiber of his being.
The one who had delivered the kick was Li Yuancheng. Now, with one foot pressing down on Ni Kun's chest and a knife at his throat, Li Yuancheng said with a smile, "Ni Kun, you are under arrest."
Hearing this, Ni Kun, his eyes practically bulging with rage, roared, "How did you know I was here? When did you find me?"
Li Yuancheng scoffed, "Do I need to explain anything to you? You don't deserve to know."
Li Yuancheng couldn't be bothered to say more. More than a dozen men had already come up the stairs. They clapped fine steel shackles and fetters on Ni Kun and began escorting him downstairs.
Not far away, the Skinny Dog, seeing Ni Kun captured, turned and returned to Chen Ku.
Chen Ku, already back at Hongyan Tower, remained calm.
If a matter can be handled by reporting it to the authorities, why get personally involved? Standing behind the scenes is enough to resolve a crisis.
He then mused, The wanted poster mentioned a reward for information on Ni Kun... They will honor their word, right?
Chapter 48: Chapter 48 Spirit Ape
「In Hongyan Tower.」
Chen Ku escorted his sister home.
Before leaving, his sister complained, "That was too expensive. You're not yet married. You absolutely can't be so reckless with money in the future. I know you wanted to treat your sister to something good, but we can't be so extravagant."
Chen Ku smiled and agreed.
After seeing his sister home, upon seeing their two-story building now in shambles, she exclaimed in shock, "What has happened to the Wu Family? It's as if someone tore the house down..."
Only when she heard that her own husband had led the men who captured the notorious thief—and that this was the cause of the destruction—did she cover her mouth in surprised excitement. Grasping Chen Ku, she said, "Your brother-in-law has achieved a great feat!"
She had long heard from her husband that if he could capture Ni Kun, this achievement would allow him to reclaim his position as Deputy Constable.
She was moved to tears. Looking at her brother, he, too, had become an apprentice at Medicine King Hall.
"It feels like everything has suddenly gotten better for our family."
Chen Ku didn't tell her what role he had played in Li Yuancheng's accomplishment; that would surely have scared her. Especially if she had known that someone had been watching her for the past few days, intending to harm her, she certainly wouldn't have been able to feel happy.
"Yes, everything is getting better," Chen Ku consoled his sister, then said, "I must go back to work now."
His sister gripped his arm, tearfully reluctant to let him go. "I know you're busy, but I hope you can visit more often. I'll cook for you."
"Mm."
「Back at Medicine King Hall.」
He went to report his absence. He had been out for half a day, which counted as unauthorized absence from work.
Although Ke Yansheng admired Chen Ku, this talented apprentice, he could not show undue favoritism with so many others watching in the courtyard. So, he intentionally put on a stern face and said, "You have no respect for the rules. Even if there truly was an urgent matter, you should have asked for leave in advance. Absenting yourself from work without reason will be noted in your evaluation, do you understand?"
An evaluation... it was akin to demerits. Apprentices didn't receive a salary, and since they were eager for promotion to Disciple, their standing in the courtyard was extremely important.
Ke Yansheng's stern reprimand caused all the apprentices and workers in the courtyard to look over.
Many anticipated a spectacle. After all, as long as they themselves weren't being scolded, it was a scene worth watching, especially since it involved the one who had placed first in two categories during last month's examination.
Although some workers didn't dare show it on their faces, they were secretly pleased. Such blatant disregard for work! No matter how talented he is, he still has to be knocked down a peg. An apprentice is not a Disciple. Does he really think he's entitled to special treatment just because he got lucky a few times? How presumptuous!
Chen Ku certainly couldn't allow his evaluation to suffer, so he came clean immediately, saying, "Master Ke, the matter I was dealing with today was indeed of special importance. I was delayed in returning to work because I provided the Yamen with a clue."
"Provided the Yamen with a clue?" Ke Yansheng raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"
Suddenly, shouts erupted from outside the courtyard:
"Where is Chen Ku of Medicine King Hall? Come out quickly to receive the Imperial Court's reward silver!"
An instant later, a stir went through Butcher Court.
What? Reward silver from the Imperial Court?
At that moment, a worker rushed in from the outer hall and said to Ke Yansheng, "Master Ke, three constables have arrived from the outer hall. They say Senior Brother Chen provided an important clue. This clue helped the county government office capture Ni Kun, the notorious smuggling bandit who had been wanted across the county for three months. That's why they've come to distribute the reward silver from the wanted posters."
"The notorious smuggling bandit Ni Kun?" Ke Yansheng's expression turned serious.
The apprentices and workers in the courtyard were all astonished, their gazes turning towards Chen Ku.
Wanted posters for the notorious bandit Ni Kun had been displayed throughout the county for months, and the reward money had increased repeatedly. It wasn't that no one had daydreamed of providing a clue and claiming that immense reward, but they all knew it was just a fantasy.
Besides, what kind of person was this great bandit Ni Kun? Just two days ago, word was that the Yamen had lost six more men. The very next day, the reward on the wanted posters increased to 'Eight Hundred Taels of silver for assistance in capture' and 'One Hundred and Fifty Taels of silver for providing clues'...
Anyone could see that Ni Kun was repeatedly challenging the authority of the county government office, having bested government officers time and again. Lord County Magistrate was truly furious.
Unexpectedly... Chen Ku had actually managed to stumble upon this windfall.
As everyone in the courtyard stared at Chen Ku, their expressions a mixture of shock and awe, the three government officers had already entered.
"Who is Chen Ku?" the tall government official in the lead asked.
Ke Yansheng cleared his throat and pointed at Chen Ku. "That's him."
"Come forward to claim your reward. The government keeps its word. For providing the clue about Ni Kun, the reward is one hundred and fifty Taels of silver. Come over, affix your seal to this document, and the silver is yours." As the official spoke, another government officer approached, holding a money pouch and a document.
Chen Ku walked forward. Following the government official's guidance, he affixed his seal to the reward document and then accepted the heavy money pouch.
They actually didn't short-change me? A full one hundred and fifty Taels? This clashed somewhat with his impression of these blood-sucking Yamen officials.
Seeing Chen Ku take the silver and affix his seal, the government official gave him a rare smile and said, "Also, your brother-in-law asked me to pass on a message. He said that, thanks to you, he's going to be promoted back to his old post. He hopes you'll visit his home when you have time so your sister can cook a meal for you."
"Thank you, Officer, for relaying the message," Chen Ku said, cupping his hands in a salute. Now I understand why the reward silver wasn't skimmed.
Watching the government officials leave, Chen Ku surreptitiously glanced at Ke Yansheng.
"Stop trying to read my expression," Ke Yansheng said irritably. "Since you were assisting the Yamen, there's nothing more to be said. Get back to work."
Chen Ku whispered, "Then, my evaluation...?"
Ke Yansheng waved his sleeve dismissively. "Don't push your luck! Are you expecting the courtyard to mark this as 'Excellent' on your record? You assisted the Yamen in capturing a criminal; you haven't done anything meritorious for our Medicine King Hall. Get back to work!"
"Heh!" Chen Ku chuckled. Then, weighing the heavy pouch of silver in his hand, he walked towards his workshop, keenly aware of the envious and jealous gazes of the other workers and apprentices, and began to busy himself.
He had received another windfall. Without even exerting much effort—just by running an errand and saying a few words—he had not only recouped the money spent on the White Ape but also had a surplus. How could this not be a wonderful turn of events?
Perhaps it was true that good things came in pairs.
「Five days later.」
News arrived about the White Ape. Someone from Hunter's Forest in Centennial Fang sent a messenger: they had caught a White Ape.
After work, Chen Ku headed straight for Hunter's Forest in Centennial Fang.
It was the same attendant as before. Upon seeing Chen Ku, he said with a beaming smile, "You're truly lucky, sir! In just five days, our archers from Hunter's Forest have lived up to expectations and already captured two apes. However..."
When Chen Ku heard the 'however,' he knew things weren't so simple. He frowned and asked, "However what?"
"I'm not sure if it's your good fortune or something else, sir. We did catch apes, but they aren't ordinary White Apes. Instead, it's a Spirit Ape mother and her child. So, therein lies the issue. If you don't want the Spirit Apes, there are still five days remaining. Hunter's Forest guarantees to deliver a White Ape before the deadline. But if you do want these Spirit Apes..." The attendant cleared his throat and said, "That will cost extra."
Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Grace
More money?
Chen Ku furrowed his brows. He had requested a White Ape, not a Spirit Ape. However, it wasn't entirely the other party's fault, as the ten days hadn't yet passed. The hunters of Hunter's Forest had captured a pair of Spirit Apes ahead of schedule, so they decided to ask him if he wanted something better...
This Spirit Ape might not even have been hunted by the hunter I commissioned, Chen Ku guessed. Perhaps some more formidable hunter captured it by chance, just when I needed one.
Comparing the White Ape with the Spirit Ape: the White Ape could be considered Ferocious Beast Level, while the Spirit Ape was Demon-level, having cultivated Demonic Qi.
Naturally, the Spirit Ape is more precious. Anyway, what I need is Evil Qi. If there's a transformation later, of course, a Spirit Ape Transformation would be better than a White Ape Transformation...
But then he thought of his financial situation.
Chen Ku cautiously asked, "How much more money? What is the price for a Spirit Ape?"
Seeing Chen Ku take the bait, the clerk's smile widened. "As a Demon-level beast, an adult Spirit Ape won't cost less than six hundred taels of silver."
"Six hundred taels?" Chen Ku's face darkened.
Even if I sold myself, I wouldn't be worth six hundred taels. It's true I just received one hundred and fifty taels in reward money a couple of days ago. Over this long period, my harvested Herbal Medicine, plus everything from that tiger, could sell for perhaps eighty to a hundred taels of silver. Additionally, the Tiger's Head Ginseng I haven't completely consumed yet is also valuable. But that means I'd have to spend my entire fortune, and it might still not be enough.
Noticing Chen Ku's expression and inferring his financial straits, the clerk's expression didn't change; he maintained his shrewd, commercial smile and said, "Of course, that's the price for an adult Spirit Ape. As you just heard, sir, this time we unexpectedly captured a mother and child pair of Spirit Apes. Although the young ape is small, it possesses a Demon bloodline and is quite spirited, unlike ordinary apes. However, since it's only a juvenile, it naturally isn't worth that much. So, if you are willing, sir, you could purchase the young ape for three hundred taels of silver."
Three hundred taels... I can indeed scrape that much silver together, Chen Ku thought.
While he was hesitating, he saw the clerk glance at something, his eyes lighting up. The clerk immediately apologized to Chen Ku and then hurried over, saying, "Young Master Jiang has arrived."
Chen Ku turned to look.
He saw a handsome young nobleman, about seventeen or eighteen years old, walking into Hunter's Forest from outside. The nobleman held a fan, wore a jade thumb ring, and had a sachet hanging from his waist.
The key is, this person looks familiar. Chen Ku thought for a moment and recalled the young man's identity. Isn't he the young Owner of Tongwen House, one of those pushed in by several other major city factions on the day of the apprentices' monthly assessment? He seems to be called Jiang Shaoyou.
Lately, he had joined the Jinshi Academy.
After Jiang Shaoyou entered, greeted by the clerk, he tapped his fan against his palm, smiling warmly, and said, "The efficiency of Hunter's Forest is indeed impressive; just a month after I placed the order, they've already caught a Spirit Ape."
"How could we dare neglect Young Master Jiang's affairs? Although Spirit Apes are not easy to hunt, Hunter's Forest deployed three Inner Qi experts this time, and eventually, we captured them easily—a mother and child," the clerk replied with a respectful and smiling demeanor. "Just so, thinking you wanted the adult, we planned to offer the juvenile to someone else."
As he said this, he looked towards Chen Ku.
Jiang Shaoyou also turned to Chen Ku, showing slight surprise. "Junior Brother Chen Ku."
Chen Ku cupped his hands, not having expected the other party to remember him, and said, "Young Master Jiang."
Jiang Shaoyou came over, smiling, and said, "What 'Young Master'? We're all apprentices of Medicine King Hall, so naturally, we're martial brothers. Indeed, only our Medicine King Hall's Martial Arts would require Spirit Apes."
So, this Spirit Ape was ordered by Jiang Shaoyou, Chen Ku realized, listening to the conversation between Jiang Shaoyou and the clerk.
Jiang Shaoyou looked between the clerk and Chen Ku, seeming to have understood something.
Approaching, he asked Chen Ku in a low voice, "What price did the clerk quote you?"
Chen Ku's heart stirred, and he honestly replied, "Six hundred taels for the Great Ape, three hundred taels for the small one."
Jiang Shaoyou pondered for a moment and said, "They charge ordinary customers that much, but for me, they only charge five hundred taels. Do you know why?"
Chen Ku didn't understand why the other was telling him this, but still asked, "Why?"
Jiang Shaoyou smiled and explained, "As a regular customer, I always get some special privileges. Esteemed establishments like Medicine King Hall, my Tongwen House, and several other major powers frequently purchase beasts from Hunter's Forest. The more transactions we conduct, the cheaper the unit price becomes for us. That's why there's a 'Hunter's Command' token, which allows me to buy various beasts here at a discount."
Chen Ku exhaled. I see. It's like a membership system.
"I'll just say this, and if you're unwilling or think otherwise, pretend I didn't mention it..." Jiang Shaoyou drew even closer, whispering, "Since I enjoy a discount, why don't we combine our orders? Buy this Spirit Ape together, and there will be no need for you to spend that extra money. If you are unwilling, then forget I said anything. What do you think?"
Chen Ku's heart stirred. Six hundred taels down to five hundred... that's a huge discount. Calculating it out, I can actually afford it. But he looked at Jiang Shaoyou and asked, "Why help me?"
Jiang Shaoyou laughed. "To make a friend."
Upon hearing this, Chen Ku pondered for a moment, then said, "Then, I'll gladly take advantage of Senior Brother Jiang's kind offer. It's just, I don't know if Hunter's Forest can do this since I've already paid a deposit."
When he heard the words 'Senior Brother Jiang,' Jiang Shaoyou smiled with satisfaction and said, "Leave that to me."
So, Chen Ku watched as Jiang Shaoyou walked towards the clerk. Clearly, the clerk looked somewhat troubled and glanced over at Chen Ku. Ultimately, Jiang Shaoyou must have said something persuasive, because the clerk ended up agreeing with a smile.
Soon, two apes were led out from the depths of Hunter's Forest, confined in cages. They were covered in silver fur, their eyes gleaming, yet their expressions were fierce as they clutched the cage bars and roared.
Jiang Shaoyou walked over and laughed. "The bigger one is mine; the smaller one is yours. You just need to pay an additional one hundred and ninety taels, and Hunter's Forest will personally deliver this ape to you."
One hundred and ninety taels... That's acceptable, Chen Ku thought.
Chen Ku cupped his hands towards Jiang Shaoyou. "Senior Brother Jiang, for your help today, I shall definitely thank you properly in the future."
Jiang Shaoyou laughed. "We're martial brothers; no need for such words. Alright, with the Spirit Ape in hand, we can both use it to practice our Cultivation Technique. Hopefully, our progress in our Cultivation Techniques will see a great improvement by the monthly assessment a month from now."
Chen Ku watched as Jiang Shaoyou left with the Great Ape, a thoughtful look in his eyes. No matter what, he did help me. I must remember this favor.
「At night, in Chen Ku's courtyard.」
[A Spirit Ape intends to harm the Master. The Diagram Master kills it, obtaining Evil Qi...]
[Spirit Ape Juvenile Form (Ferocious Beast Level): Spiritually enlightened, greedy and lustful. Adept at climbing and fond of brewing. Feeds by Air Swallowing dew. Though not yet fully grown, its bloodline contains the 'Spirit Monkey Submission' Talent. If allowed to mature naturally, it can become a powerful Demon.]
[Spirit Ape Transformation! Transform!]
[Shape Shifting Part: Ape Feet (Enables Mountain Climbing)]
[Nine more strands of Ferocious Beast Level Evil Qi are required to achieve the second Shape-Shifted layer.]
[Thirty-six more strands of Ferocious Beast Level Evil Qi are required to achieve the third layer of Transform.]
Chen Ku felt the changes in his feet. My grip on the ground seems to have strengthened more than tenfold. I feel that if I were to practice the Spirit Ape Stance now, I'd instantly enter the right state of mind. But I don't want Ape Feet. I want the Spirit Ape's breathing. For that, I'll need at least nine strands of Ferocious Beast Level Evil Qi to manifest the young ape's abilities...
Chen Ku's eyes flickered. Starting tomorrow, I'll ask Master Ke to give me the chance to slaughter Ferocious Beasts. I've now cultivated Force Power. With maximum enhancement, I possess over four thousand catties of strength. In terms of power, having passed the Fierce Tiger's test, I'm now qualified to slaughter Ferocious Beasts.
Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Divine Power (Seeking Follow-up Reads on Monday)
That day, the sun was high, and it had been autumn for over a month. The midday heat was no longer intense.
With the drop in temperature, the stench in the butchery workshop also became less offensive.
Chen Ku had finished his basic butchery tasks early, having removed three pairs of antlers and retrieved a Dog Treasure. In half a day's work, he had also collected seven strands of Wild Beast Level Evil Qi into his pouch.
"Brother Chen, your bladesmanship is getting faster and faster lately. Your talent is too good. Might you achieve Minor Achievement in the bone-chopping butcher blade this month?" Sun Zhuang, who still had half of his work unfinished, couldn't help but admire and envy Chen Ku's increasingly efficient bladesmanship.
Indeed, he was the man whom Master Ke favored with extra guidance.
Chen Ku smiled and said, "I'm still far from it. But Brother Sun was right about something when I first came; bladesmanship is indeed learned through practice."
His progress with the bone-chopping butcher blade during this period was indeed significant. Aside from the Blood Blade Finger technique and the hands-on Force impartation from Ke Yansheng that night, the experience gained from continuous daily butchering also accounted for half of the factors.
Hearing Chen Ku say this, Sun Zhuang joked, "Since you've finished, why not help me butcher a few beasts to speed up your blade skill progression?"
Having been around Chen Ku for so long, he had essentially figured out the character of this talented apprentice and thus felt comfortable jesting with him.
Chen Ku laughed. "That's true friendship! I'll help you."
Sun Zhuang didn't say much more, just smiled. "Even if you really wanted to help, I wouldn't let you. I also need more practice. But I can tell you seem unsatisfied with just butchering these ordinary wild beasts, right?"
Chen Ku nodded, took a sip of water to moisten his throat, and said, "Yes, that's right. I was about to go talk to Master Ke and see if he could assign me some more tasks."
Having said that, he walked toward the Steward's hall where Ke Yansheng was located in the Slaughter Court.
There were several masters in the Slaughter Court, with Grandmaster Shang Yunfang being the most respected. While each master had different responsibilities, Ke Yansheng was in charge of managing the entire courtyard's affairs, holding the position of Steward, while other masters were in charge of medicine preparation and procurement.
When Ke Yansheng saw Chen Ku approaching, his expression softened slightly. He asked, "What is it? If it's a Cultivation issue, come find me after your shift is over."
Chen Ku stepped forward and poured tea for Master Ke. "It's somewhat related to Cultivation, but it's also a work-related matter."
Ke Yansheng watched Chen Ku pour him a cup of tea, slightly touched. "Let's hear it."
Chen Ku coughed, then said slowly, "Actually, Disciple's work these days has been too light. I finish the morning tasks in the workshop and then I have nothing else to do. I was hoping Master Ke could assign me some heavier responsibilities..."
"Heavier responsibilities?" Upon hearing this, Ke Yansheng gave Chen Ku a meaningful glance and asked, "Are you trying to take over someone else's tasks?"
Chen Ku immediately said, "Absolutely not. I was just thinking of helping out in Workshop Number Three."
"Workshop Number Three?" Ke Yansheng looked at Chen Ku. "That's the workshop for dealing with tigers, leopards, bears, and rhinos. Can your current physique handle that? If you can't restrain them, a single swat from one of those large beasts could cost you your life!"
Chen Ku offered the tea and smiled. "Could you give Disciple a chance to try? Actually, I do have some strength... mainly, butchering those ordinary wild beasts is slowing my bladesmanship progression, so I thought I could help in Workshop Number Three."
Hearing Chen Ku admit he possessed some strength, Ke Yansheng couldn't help but recall the monthly assessment when Chen Ku had drawn the bow with such ease. He had initially intended to advise Chen Ku against such haste. But then he remembered how several courtyards, including Guard Chai, had vied for this boy, recognizing not only his talent in pharmacology but also his considerable Root Bone.
Root Bone essentially means innate divine strength.
In other words, even now, Ke Yansheng hadn't figured out how much Qi Power Chen Ku possessed beyond the strength derived from his Martial Arts practice.
Since he's so eager to progress, why not take this opportunity to test him? After all, I'll be nearby. Even if a tiger or leopard goes berserk, I can suppress it immediately.
"Alright, then let this old man see if you can truly shoulder this responsibility."
Ke Yansheng stood up and said, "Come on."
The two of them went to Workshop Number Three.
This workshop had five people, all stripped to the waist, wearing only aprons, each revealing their powerful muscles. They were all relatively young, appearing to be in their twenties or thirties.
When Ke Yansheng brought Chen Ku in, the apprentices in Workshop Number Three looked over curiously. They of course recognized Chen Ku, who had recently gained notoriety for assisting the government in capturing Ni Kun and was highly favored by Master Ke.
So, although the five apprentices in Workshop Number Three were all at least at the 'Unity of Move and Force' or 'Unity of Force and Intent' stages in Force Transforming, they dared not look down on this junior brother whose Martial Arts were a few small realms behind theirs.
Upon arriving, Ke Yansheng asked a tall apprentice, "Qin Sheng, I recall Workshop Number Three received a white bear, a giant sloth, three female black leopards, seven giant antelopes, and ten giant lizards today. What's left?"
The tall apprentice named Qin Sheng cupped his hands. "Master, the five of us have already dealt with almost half. What remains are one black leopard, one giant sloth, one giant antelope, and five giant lizards."
He didn't understand why he was being asked these details—was it an inspection of their work?
Ke Yansheng pondered for a moment, then said to Qin Sheng, "Give Chen Ku the key to the cage containing that black leopard. Let him try and see if he can handle it."
"Him? Master Ke, this is no joke! A pregnant female leopard is extremely aggressive, especially a black one, comparable in size to a Fierce Tiger! Junior Brother Chen hasn't even achieved 'Unity of Move and Force'. It could be dangerous," Qin Sheng said hurriedly.
"Don't concern yourself with him. If he gets injured or crippled, he's responsible for himself," Ke Yansheng said coldly.
Chen Ku, seeing this, also cupped his hands. "Please allow me to try, Senior Brother Qin."
Qin Sheng hesitated for a moment, then finally took out a key. Pointing towards the back room, he said to Chen Ku, "Junior Brother Chen, don't force yourself. The leopard is chained. If you feel you're being overpowered, immediately pull back and create distance..."
"Thank you for the reminder."
Chen Ku took the key and walked towards the back room.
The others, curious, followed. After all, for someone whose strength had just reached the first extremity to attempt to tackle a ferocious beast was extremely dangerous.
Upon reaching the back room, Chen Ku found many large cages. He was particularly shocked to see a sloth larger than an elephant. Such prehistoric creatures have long been extinct on Earth. It's unbelievable they are still being hunted at will in this world...
Then again, this world had Demons, so its biodiversity was bound to be far greater than Earth's.
He looked around and spotted the black leopard. Its physique was indeed similar to that of a Fierce Tiger, its black fur as smooth and glossy as silk. Seeing Chen Ku approach its cage, its eyes instantly filled with ferocity!
ROAR!
Ke Yansheng and the five apprentices watched Chen Ku walk up with the key to open the cage, and they all couldn't help but frown.
Was this a case of great skill breeding courage, or simply rashness?
They were about to find out.
The moment the cage was opened, Chen Ku took only a single step inside.
ROAR!
The female leopard, the size of a small calf, instantly lunged at Chen Ku. To Chen Ku, its speed was even faster than that of a Skinny Dog; truly befitting a leopard.
WHOOSH!
With lightning speed and terrifying Ferocious Beast Level power, its paws shot directly towards Chen Ku's face, and its mouthful of sharp canine teeth aimed for Chen Ku's neck.
Ke Yansheng's eyebrows twitched violently, and he had already started to move.
But then he saw something astonishing.
Chen Ku's speed seemed no less than that of the female black leopard. Surprisingly, he didn't dodge. Instead, a large hand, though launched later, arrived first, pressing down directly onto the female black leopard's head in mid-air.
BANG!
It was as if a thousand-jin weight had smashed onto the ground.
ROAR! ROAR!
The head of the tiger-sized female leopard was actually slapped down from mid-air and pinned to the ground. It thrashed its four claws wildly on the earth but could not lift its head.
The six onlookers were astounded.
"Divine Power!"
"This female leopard was pregnant and at its fiercest. Our Medicine King Hall wanted it primarily for the leopard fetus. I just butchered one of the three today and felt its power. A single pounce carries at least two thousand jin of force. Unless one has fully reached the Four Extremities and achieved great achievement in Force Transforming, it's impossible to withstand this beast..."
"Junior Brother Chen... just illogically grabbed the leopard's head and slammed it to the ground like that?"
Qin Sheng looked at Ke Yansheng in disbelief. "Master, Junior Brother Chen hasn't even achieved great achievement in Force Transforming, has he?"
"He's only cleared one extremity," Ke Yansheng said, suppressing his surging emotions and feigning calm. "In terms of realm, he's only slightly stronger than the Strength Training Phase."
"Then this... how do we explain this? He..."
Ke Yansheng glanced at Qin Sheng, took a deep breath, and said, "Can't you see? This boy has Innate Divine Strength!"
"Innate Divine Strength."
Suddenly, they all understood.
"Root Bone?"
They had heard that some people were born with strong Root Bones, possessing divine strength even without practicing Martial Arts. If such individuals trained in Martial Arts, they would become even more formidable.
Qin Sheng felt his lips go dry and licked them. "Even the Strength Training Martial Arts of our Medicine King Hall, at most, enable one to develop a Thousand Jin Force. Junior Brother Chen's action just now... he didn't use Force Power, it was pure brute strength... Just how much innate Root Bone Divine Power does he possess?"
Ke Yansheng watched for a moment, then turned and left.
"Master Ke, where are you going?"
"Of course, to find a suitable Cultivation Technique for him. From now on, let him assist you all here. You've seen it; he won't drag you down."
Ke Yansheng walked out, his hands behind his back.
Looking at the glaring sunlight outside, he muttered to himself:
With such a gift of Innate Divine Strength, if I can't cultivate his talent properly, it would be a terrible waste for him to end up in my Butcher Court... If Chai Bao finds out, he'll surely turn the Butcher Court upside down!
Instinctively looking towards the Guardian Hall, he made a firm decision.
This child, my Butcher Court will protect him! No one can take him away!
Chapter 51: Chapter 51 Transformation into an Ape
In the hall of the Butcher Court, the interior was not spacious but resembled the main hall of a landlord's mansion, with a painting "Pine Crane Prolonging Life" on the central wall, orchids arranged on either side, beneath which stood a mahogany square table flanked by two Taishi chairs.
An old man dressed in black, of short stature and seemingly lacking in strength, was pruning the orchids in front of the table.
Suddenly, his eyelids lifted slightly and he spoke indifferently, "A man of several decades old and still so impetuous?"
As his words fell, Ke Yansheng strode excitedly into the room. Just as he entered, he heard the old man's remark. His face showed a hint of surprise, then he stepped forward and sighed, "Elder Shang's Qigong is becoming more and more profound. It seems that before long, you will be able to 'Circulate Qi Throughout the Body' and step into the realm of 'Endless Life'."
"Far from it. I'm one foot in the grave and never set high goals for myself."
The one called Elder Shang was none other than 'Shang Yunfang,' one of the five Master Fu of Medicine King Hall and the top Swordman legend of the Butcher Court.
After Ke Yansheng entered, Elder Shang didn't put down his scissors but asked indifferently, "What brings you here?"
Ke Yansheng got straight to the point, "I would like to ask you to request an 'Ultimate Skill' for a kid in our court."
"Hmm?" Shang Yunfang slowly turned around and looked at Ke Yansheng, "Are you sure you are referring to an Ultimate Skill?"
What is an Ultimate Skill? It refers to martial arts that have not been passed down or are difficult for ordinary people to master. Only those with exceptional talent and innate ability can practice and obtain them.
In all of Medicine King Hall, there are at most six martial arts Ultimate Skills, five of which are derived from the Five Beasts Great Strength Technique, categorized as bladesmanship, archery, boxing, stick technique, clawing, and the needling technique that only the Shopkeeper can cultivate.
For example, Elder Shang's 'Black Tiger Butcher Knife' is one of them, comprising eighteen forms. Just the first three forms alone are enough to allow one to dominate all martial arts at all levels below the stage of Inner Qi with Absolute Skill Level Swordsmanship.
And the remaining parts are all in the hands of the four other Master Fu and the Shopkeeper of the hall.
"Asking for an Ultimate Skill? You've got some nerve!" Shang Yunfang scoffed. "These past few years, apart from myself, only two other Master Fu have taken on disciples. It is only to Disciples that an Ultimate Skill is passed. Who are you asking for?"
"The kid's name is Chen Ku," Ke Yansheng replied. "Elder Shang should have heard of him. He won double first places in the last monthly assessment."
"Is that all?" Shang Yunfang said indifferently. "Or is there something more important? A monthly assessment's first-place Apprentice dares to have you seek an Ultimate Skill for him?"
"Of course not. It's that today, I've discovered the boy's Root Bone. Though he has only reached the First Realm, he was able to pin a pregnant female leopard to the ground with just one hand!"
Ke Yansheng continued, "And it seems like he only used half of his strength. With this said, Elder Shang should understand what kind of Root Bone he has, right?"
"Innate Divine Strength?!"
A flash of brilliance crossed Shang Yunfang's eyes. "If it is as you say, this young one, besides the martial arts he practices, must have at least two to three Thousand Jin of natural strength in his Root Bone to accomplish this feat so effortlessly."
"Exactly!" Ke Yansheng became excited, "With two to three Thousand Jin of natural Root Bone strength, just imagine, Elder Shang, what he could become in the future with a suitable Ultimate Skill?"
Shang Yunfang looked intently at Ke Yansheng, "This boy's Root Bone is indeed suited for an Ultimate Skill, especially the 'Furious Ape Mighty Staff,' but this Ultimate Skill is in the hands of that old man at the Jinshi Academy. If he finds out, he might come directly to the Butcher Court to snatch the boy away—wouldn't that be a possibility?"
Ke Yansheng grew anxious, "So, of course, we can't let Elder Yang find out. We need you to think of a way, something that could grant the kid a move or half of an Ultimate Skill, and still keep him here with us."
"This matter, it's difficult if you say it is, and easy if you say it's easy. After all, we're all from Medicine King Hall, so there's no issue with not passing down an Ultimate Skill. It's just that old thing..."
Shang Yunfang stroked his mustache, muttering to himself. "I need to think of a way, how to deceive him."
When Ke Yansheng saw the clear change in Elder Shang's attitude compared to before, he couldn't help but laugh, "Now you should understand, our Butcher Court has picked up a good seedling, right? Otherwise, why would I not just teach him the Spirit Ape Knocking Mountain Stick and instead come to you to beg for an Ultimate Skill for him?"
On hearing this, Shang Yunfang's expression faded, "After all, he's not the right seedling to cultivate my 'Black Tiger Butcher Knife.' If he learns that stick technique, it will completely mean that he has no fate with my bladesmanship."
"Surely not? I find that the kid's speed in mastering the basics of bladesmanship is also extremely fast. It took him only five days to learn the basics of the Ox Splitting Knife. How about... you go test him?" Ke Yansheng asked persistently.
"Five days to master the basics of the Ox Splitting Knife? That's just passable. He's even a day slower than I was. Do you know how big the difference is compared to someone born with the Root Bone Power of several thousand Jin?"
Shang Yunfang snorted coldly, "Scram, scram, scram. If I am to pass down my bladesmanship, it must be to a supreme genius, at least someone with higher Talent than me. Otherwise, the good things decline with each generation and might eventually vanish. I can still live another decade or two; there's no rush to pave a path for my legacy!"
He could afford to wait, with no urgency. If luck was on his side and he advanced to the next Realm, he could add another decade or two to his life.
The successor must be chosen carefully, not desperately.
"Alright then, it's up to you," Ke Yansheng replied, not too regretful, since he had long known Elder Shang's high standards for selecting Disciples, requiring a Talent even higher than his own at that age.
Otherwise, he would have brought Chen Ku over as soon as he saw him master the basics of the bone-chopping butcher blade; he hadn't done so precisely because he figured Elder Shang probably wouldn't take it seriously.
After Ke Yansheng left, Shang Yunfang sat in the Taishi Chair, pondering. The more he thought about it, the more it didn't sit right with him; he felt as if he had downed a jar of old vinegar.
"Damn Yang Lin! Usually, he's messing around with trivial tasks, but when it comes to taking Disciples, luck is always on his side. Just two years ago, he took in a seedling with great arm strength, perfectly suited for the Furious Ape Mighty Staff. And now, my court has produced another one fit for that inheritance... Old thing, what kind of dogshit luck did you have in your last life..."
Though jealous, he couldn't help but start scheming for Chen Ku. How could he deceive Elder Yang and snatch a move or half of the Furious Ape Mighty Staff technique?
「...」
Chen Ku was unaware that Ke Yansheng had gone to seek an Ultimate Skill for him.
After dealing with the black panther's leopard fetus, he tried his hand at the giant earth sloth, as big as a bear, and got it to submit completely to him too.
In one day, he had gathered two sources of Ferocious Beast Level Evil Qi.
At night, he channeled it to the Spirit Ape.
As a result, he gained Spirit Ape's Finger (agile and strong) and Spirit Ape's Eyes (gazing directly at the sun).
Among these, the ability of Spirit Ape's Eyes, 'gazing directly at the sun,' after he experienced it for himself, seemed to give him an additional ability to see even more clearly, on top of his night vision. It inadvertently reminded him of a passage.
I reminisce about my childhood, where I could stare at the sun, discern the finest details and see the tiny things clearly, focusing meticulously on their textures, hence often indulging in the pleasures beyond the material world.
It felt like a person with four to five hundred degrees of myopia suddenly no longer needed glasses to clearly see the world again.
Useful, but not greatly so.
「In the days that followed.」
Chen Ku was initially still thinking about what Ke Yansheng had said about finding suitable martial arts for him. But after several days passed, it seemed as if Master Ke had forgotten all about it, so Chen Ku could only wait.
But the continuous Ferocious Beast Level Evil Qi he gathered finally accumulated enough for a Spirit Ape Transformation.
[Spirit Ape Transformation! Shape-Shift!]
Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Vigor Achieved
In Chen Ku's courtyard.
It was like that night at Crocodile Bay several months ago; his clothes shed from his body.
Chen Ku's form gradually shifted, and he became a two-foot-tall little ape.
Silver fur, red face, tailless, with black hands and feet.
This was the Spirit Ape.
Sitting cross-legged on the kang like a small person, he closed his eyes and breathed naturally, a special respiratory frequency emanating from him...
"This is Spirit Monkey Breathing! The true essence of organizing Force Power throughout the body!" Chen Ku exclaimed, marveling at his new state. The apprentices and masters of Medicine King Hall in previous generations had only observed apes to practice. None had directly transformed into a Spirit Ape like Chen Ku, who thus experienced a deeper and more mysterious essence within the breathing technique.
Following his own special breathing frequency after transforming into the Spirit Ape, Chen Ku could feel that the strength in his entire body could be driven by his breath, reaching his fingers, hair, teeth, and tongue!
"No wonder it's called a Spirit Ape!" he continued his thoughts aloud. "Born with the ability to flexibly control every inch of strength in the body, innately breathing into Force Power."
"The realm and frequency of this breathing technique that I need to pursue are, in fact, the natural breaths of every Spirit Ape."
"So even a young Spirit Ape is born in the Force Transforming Realm; this is related to their special breathing."
"What magical creatures! It was by observing their breathing that past generations of masters created the Spirit Monkey Breathing Technique."
"By shape-shifting into a Spirit Ape, I've mastered it instantly!"
Chen Ku sighed. The natural gifts of some creatures in the world were simply too powerful—like the nose of a Skinny Dog, or the breath of a Spirit Ape...
He mused to himself, I wonder how many more fascinating and interesting creatures I will encounter in my lifetime that I can transform into?
He gradually calmed his heart.
HUFF...
He exhaled a breath of Dirt Qi.
He focused intently on feeling the Spirit Ape's breathing frequency, striving to "eternally obtain" it, transforming it into a permanent passive breath.
This was similar to when he had initially shape-shifted into a Skinny Dog; with one leg movement, his "Yellow Dog Peeing" technique instantly reached Perfection. Likewise, only by transforming into a Spirit Ape could he enter this state.
Next, he needed to thoroughly comprehend it, make it completely his own, and convert all the strength in his body into Force Power...
It seemed that what followed would be a matter of patient grinding, slowly digesting it all.
Just like that, Chen Ku resumed his regular life.
During the day, he butchered fierce beasts and wild animals, harvesting Evil Qi and practicing the bone-chopping butcher blade technique. At night, he transformed into a Spirit Ape to breathe and convert strength into Force Power. Simultaneously, he sent Skinny Dogs to the Medicine Mountain outside the city to gather herbs.
「After seven or eight days.」
Chen Ku completed the Fierce Tiger Transformation.
ROAR!
A large tiger with upturned eyes, a white forehead, and yellow fur squatted in Chen Ku's courtyard.
It moved with a tiger's gait, seemingly slow and listless, yet possessing an indescribable nobility.
Its entire body, however, was imbued with boundless explosive power, especially the ability to launch itself upwards in an instantaneous pounce. Combined with the strength now suffusing Chen Ku's own body, just one such move... invisibly granted Chen Ku a new combo.
Waist lift! Tiger pounce! Tail swipe! Then, transform back into a human!
If applied in Fist Techniques, over four thousand pounds of strength, amplified through his body, could be unleashed through this lift, pounce, and leg swipe, generating more than double his usual power.
Chen Ku tried it out. In his courtyard, there was a thousand-pound stone lock made from a special stone material; though only the size of a bucket, it weighed a thousand pounds.
Under his lift, pounce, and swipe, it was sent flying four or five zhang away by his two palm strikes.
Chen Ku estimated this short combo could unleash at least seven to eight thousand pounds of force.
But after doing so, his breathing became rapid and heavy.
These three moves are the tiger's three deadliest techniques. After executing them, even a Fierce Tiger's Qi Power will wane. Wasn't it because Wu Song dodged these three consecutive strikes that he managed to turn defeat into victory?
Chen Ku felt that these three moves could be considered his own Fist Techniques while under the effects of the Fierce Tiger Transformation.
Let's call it the Tiger-Form Loose Hand.
It had no specific moves, only three ways of exerting force in a tiger-like manner, not restricted to any set routine, hence the name Loose Hand.
While Chen Ku was making incredibly rapid progress in his Martial Arts, Ke Yansheng was also waiting, sighing in his heart, Indeed, even if Elder Shang personally took action, he couldn't trick... no, *request* it in a short time. It seems they can only resort to persistent coaxing and pestering. However, Chen Ku doesn't seem to be in a hurry; his Force Power hasn't reached Great Achievement yet...
「Another seven or eight days passed.」
Chen Ku finally obtained the third Treasured Medicine, brought back by a Skinny Dog. It was a very special bamboo shoot, white as jade, resembling a jade stone. It emitted a faint, fresh fragrance, and its tip was slightly curved, like a white jade ox horn.
Ox Horn Shoot, this is also a special kind of Treasure Herb, but it requires special processing. Ordinary people cannot consume it directly because of its special medicinal properties, which can harm the stomach... Martial artists can eat a little bit at a time without being affected, Chen Ku assessed.
He hesitated. But I've run out of money lately.
Ever since he spent two hundred and fifty taels of silver at once to buy the ape, and with the Transformation Diagram's second illustration consuming another one hundred taels, it could be said he was now back to having barely a few taels of silver to his name.
I'd better save them for now and make a decision when I have more.
Chen Ku, however, was unaware. His non-stop harvesting at the Lian Family Medicine Mountain for over a month had consequences.
「Beneath Lian Family Medicine Mountain.」
A middle-aged man dressed as a Steward listened to the report from below and frowned.
"The medicinal herbs on the mountain have been disappearing particularly fast recently," the Steward said. "Could it be that some expert herb gatherer has targeted our mountain? Everyone, be more vigilant lately. If there really is an expert herb gatherer constantly digging, then this matter needs to be discussed thoroughly."
...
Chen Ku also vaguely sensed that the medicinal herbs the Skinny Dog had recently brought back from Lian Family Medicine Mountain were inferior in quality compared to before.
I need to switch to another source, he thought.
With that thought in mind, a blade fell upon a three-meter-tall Great Musk Ox in workshop number three; the Bone-chopping Blade in his hand moved like a rolling ball, weaving in and out, rolling again and again...
Unconsciously, all the Force Power in his body had unified, his breath becoming one with it. In his current state, he had thoroughly cleared all Four Extremities.
Force Power reached Great Achievement!
If the Force Power within his body was a silent, colorless change that occurred naturally when conditions were ripe, then the effect of all the body's strength turning into Force Power and flowing through the Four Extremities, when reflected in the sharp blade he held, was...
WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH!
Only the afterimages of the blade could be seen, not the blade itself.
After a few breaths, the three-meter-long Great Musk Ox's skin and flesh seemed to separate on their own...
Strip after strip of perfectly cut meat fell neatly onto the cutting board, sliding together tidily, arranged in block after block that would satisfy even the most obsessive-compulsive.
This is... the advancement in bladesmanship that automatically came after Force Power permeated my entire body, allowing me to step into the Minor Achievement stage! Qin Sheng realized with astonishment.
One month's time, Force Power flowing through the Four Extremities, bladesmanship reaching Minor Achievement... This is... genius!
If Master Ke hadn't sternly warned them not to spread news of Chen Ku's talent and Root Bone in the other courtyards, perhaps the entire Medicine King Hall would already know of this genius's existence.
Qin Sheng thought to himself, It's just that tomorrow is the monthly examination again. At that time, it is customary for apprentices from the Three Great Courtyards to spar with each other... I hope no one comes looking for Junior Brother Chen on purpose. Otherwise, once he makes a move, everything will be exposed. How could it possibly be hidden? Wouldn't that likely ignite another wave of conflict over poaching him?
Ke Yansheng was also pondering.
I wonder if Elder Shang has succeeded?
Chapter 53: Chapter 53 Divine Intent
The moon shone like silver, and the stars twinkled.
"Here, I've got the moves."
Shang Yunfang pushed open the door, tossed a scroll in front of Ke Yansheng, and without intending to say anything more, turned to leave.
Ke Yansheng didn't have time to check the Ultimate Skill and hurriedly caught up to ask, "Elder Shang, what condition did you agree on? What made Elder Yang willing to part with this technique?"
"What else? Just a lot of pestering and persuasion," Shang Yunfang hummed, dissatisfied. "I simply promised him that if Jinshi Academy ever has anyone who practices Bladesmanship, I won't keep secrets."
"Brilliant!" Ke Yansheng gave a thumbs up.
Although Medicine King Hall was united from top to bottom, and its branches were like one family, when it came down to individuals, there wasn't a complete lack of selfishness. Even true brothers settle accounts clearly, let alone separately managed branches.
However, this condition indeed wasn't a loss. Perhaps if Jinshi Academy encountered a Bladesmanship genius in the future, they might even be able to poach him...
Suddenly, Ke Yansheng gasped, "Could it be that Elder Yang also harbors this thought?"
"That's why I made sure to get it today. So even if you hand it to that kid, he won't be able to master anything in a short time. That old fellow might suspect our branch has a talent suitable for his Stick Technique, but he won't be able to pinpoint who for the moment..." Shang Yunfang said indifferently. "You should weigh that for yourself. After all, it's not the theft we fear, but being targeted by the thief. It would be best to settle the master-disciple relationship within this year. Just take him as your direct disciple, and you can completely dispel others' thoughts."
Ke Yansheng said with a wry smile, "I'm just afraid of leading someone astray..."
Shang Yunfang said nothing. He left with his hands behind his back.
Ke Yansheng turned around, holding the Ultimate Skill, and went to Chen Ku's room. He pushed open the door and said, "Kid, I found something suitable for you to practice. Take a look."
Chen Ku wasn't prepared when Ke Yansheng pushed the door open. He got up to perform a salute, but then a sheepskin-like scroll was tossed into his hands.
He instinctively unrolled it to see four large characters written vertically in the upper right corner of the scroll.
"Skyward Strike?" Chen Ku whispered.
Ke Yansheng stood with his hands behind his back and a smile. "Take a closer look."
Chen Ku unrolled the entire scroll to find a sheepskin about one meter long. In the center of the sheepskin, a Spirit Ape was vividly drawn. Its fur bristled, with silver eyes and a red nose, it stood majestically as though a giant, holding an iron rod, plummeting down from the sky—the very moment it fiercely swung and smashed the rod downwards!
Seeing this picture of the Spirit Ape wielding a rod, Chen Ku immediately felt an intense, wild, and domineering aura transmit through the scroll, striking his very spirit and heart.
"This is?" Chen Ku muttered. He had never experienced anything like this before; just a picture alone could actually give him such an impact!
"This is the Martial Art I've sought for you, suitable for your practice. It is one of Medicine King Hall's six Ultimate Skills, the Skyward Strike from the Furious Ape Mighty Staff. Although it's only one move... every technique of the Furious Ape Mighty Staff is an Absolute Skill Level Martial Art."
Ke Yansheng explained in detail to Chen Ku, "What you see is the 'Fundamental Diagram' for this technique; the text below is the 'Secret Fighting Technique' that includes the flow of Force Power, the angle of the moves, and the direction of force projection."
"Ultimate Skill?" Chen Ku was in a daze. "What level is that?"
Ke Yansheng had long regarded Chen Ku as the future hope of Butcher Court and answered any question. "An Ultimate Skill refers to a Unique Skill that is extremely difficult for ordinary people to master. It is also one of the levels of Martial Arts classification, far above Superior Martial Arts. Let me put it this way: in Baojiao County, Ultimate Skills are the pinnacle of Martial Arts, belonging to the secret treasures of all major forces, gangs, and even the Yamen. It's generally taught by a master to their disciple. Now that I've sought one for you ahead of time, do you realize your good fortune?"
"Thank you, Master Ke!" How could Chen Ku not understand? He bowed with clasped fists. "Disciple feels ashamed."
"Don't talk like that. I didn't get this for you; Elder Shang sought it for you. If you really feel grateful..." Ke Yansheng pondered for a moment. "I'll give you one year to practice this technique to Minor Achievement, or within one year, advance your Cultivation through the Three Combinations, stepping into the Inner Qi Realm. Can you do that?"
"One year?" Chen Ku's expression shifted slightly. He hadn't had the chance to tell Master Ke that he managed to conduct Force Power through his Four Extremities in just a month, and now a new significant goal was set for him. Reach the Inner Qi Realm or achieve Minor Achievement in an Ultimate Skill within a year?
He took a deep breath and said, "Disciple will do his utmost and never slack off."
"Alright." Seeing Chen Ku's reaction, Ke Yansheng looked relieved and said, "Well, the progress of your cultivation with this diagram all depends on your Root Bone and Talent. When you have time, ponder over the 'Divine Intent' on the Fundamental Diagram, and combine it with the 'Secret Fighting Technique'. Your training in the Internal Tri-Integration will be found within."
Having said that, Ke Yansheng let Chen Ku figure it out himself, turned around, closed the door, and left. After all, he had never practiced Martial Arts at the Absolute Skill Level and couldn't offer much guidance. Having managed to obtain this technique for Chen Ku was already the best he could do. The rest would be up to him...
After stepping out of Chen Ku's room, Ke Yansheng looked back once more, thinking to himself, If you really manage to achieve the two objectives I mentioned within a year, I'd go to any lengths, even if it means swallowing my pride, to persuade Elder Shang to accept you. And moreover... He muttered inwardly, If this lad can reach the Inner Qi Realm within a year, why can't he practice both Bladesmanship and Stick Technique? The treasures of Medicine King Hall are not for outsiders, after all.
After watching Ke Yansheng walk away, Chen Ku murmured softly in his heart, Master Ke is truly good to me.
Then, looking at the Fundamental Diagram in his hand, he felt the spiritual impact emanating from it. How is something like this drawn? Divine Intent? Is it emotion? Or conviction? Or perhaps something else entirely?
Internal Tri-Integration.
Unity of Move and Force requires the Secret Fighting Technique, the imparting of Secretly Transmitted Force Power, combined with the moves.
Integrating Force Power with Divine Intent requires the Fundamental Diagram, the imparting of Divine Intent, combined with Force Power.
This diagram had both the Fundamental Diagram and the Secret Fighting Technique. It could be said that Ke Yansheng had laid out the entire path to the Inner Qi Realm for him, using Martial Arts of the Peerless Level to build his foundation.
The debt of gratitude is as deep as the ocean. Chen Ku etched this kindness deeply into his memory.
Then, looking at the Transformation Diagram, he thought to himself, With my own Talent, I can only feel this impact. I'd better start practicing the Spirit Ape Transformation!
Leaving Medicine King Hall, he went to a secluded courtyard. Grabbing a random iron rod, he transformed into a small Spirit Ape and readjusted the settings of the Transformation Diagram. This allowed him, even as a small ape, to possess the strength of over 4,000 catties.
Skyward Strike... the essence of the Secret Fighting Technique described here is to make one's Force Power form a Hollow Force. Thus, when swinging the staff down from above, in addition to one's own Force Power, it can also draw in the surrounding airflow to create additional pressure!
Chen Ku, in his Spirit Ape Incarnation, transferred his Force Power to the tip of the rod, as effortlessly as moving his own limbs. Then, like a Fierce Ape, he leaped up and fiercely smashed it toward the earth below!
BANG!
A faint wisp of evening mist was drawn towards the tip of the rod, but in the next instant...
CLANG!
The iron rod in his hands suddenly snapped, flying backward as if it were the sharpest hidden weapon, and embedded itself into the door!
"That felt right!" Chen Ku sighed, "This rod isn't up to the task. What should I do now!"
With his strength, now over 4,000 catties and transformed into Force Power, he could strike with precision. Combined with the Skyward Strike, an Ultimate Skill technique, the unleashed power was formidable. Even though he was just at the entry-level... a common iron rod was simply not up to the task.
I must buy a proper weapon! he thought, but then remembered he was out of money.
Left with no choice, he went to sleep. The next day, ready to spend more money, he prepared to buy a heavy Refined Iron Rod that weighed several hundred catties for his practice.
But the familiar ringing of the bells from the Three Great Courtyards reminded Chen Ku that it was time for the monthly examination again.
However, the apprentice's monthly exam was clearly different from the clerks', having half the number of participants. It was also more liberal, simply an exchange of insights between the Three Great Courtyards.
Chen Ku, finding himself among the apprentices' group, went to the training field where some discussed pharmacology while others practiced Martial Arts.
I'll just pick someone at random to get it over with, he thought. This kind of exam is unrelated to promotion and won't affect my future, so there's no need to put in too much effort or dedication.
But just as Chen Ku was planning to slack off, "Junior Brother Chen..."
Jiang Shaoyou came over from Jinshi Academy, smiling as he said, "It's been a month; would you be interested in sparring with me?"