Black Mountain Yamen!
"Golden Lock Jade Technique?"
Jixia passively caught the jade slip that Xie Wutong tossed over.
When he recognized the appearance of this jade slip, identical to the one that Tantai Yao had given him, which recorded the 'Meteor Chasing Moon Fist Scripture' in his past memories.
He knew at once, the grade of this item is undoubtedly extraordinary!
In the world of cultivation, martial arts and divine techniques are considered 'external skills', used to protect oneself in cultivation.
Whereas the methods of refining inner power are the foundation of all foundations, the root of all origins!
A martial artist nourishes qi and blood like a furnace, refining their body into a 'tripod furnace',
so that secret recipes such as treasure medicines, demon blood, and great pills are transformed into a great supplement, filling within,
then extending with martial arts to manifest an extraordinary 'martial form', to achieve the might of burning mountains and boiling seas, bearing the sun and pushing the mountain, comparable to immortal gods!
Just as the saying goes, a tall building rises from the ground up.
To reach this mythic level, initially, one needs a 'key'.
This key is not martial arts, nor treasure medicines, nor any secret prescriptions like 'White-Eyebrowed Monkey Brain',
because these are all extensions.
The most fundamental, forever, is...
Law!
A law that can reach 'Martial Gate Foundation Establishment'!
Since ancient times, cultivating nature without cultivating life is the first disease of cultivation, martial arts and techniques are inseparable, only practicing fists, not practicing law, leads to nothing in old age!
What Jixia heard is that the cultivation he could access, only had the first step 'Martial Gate Foundation Establishment', and the second step 'Great Innate Stage'.
But he knew nothing about the states and key points within.
The only thing he knew is, achieving the realm of refining the surface tendons and veins, blood and marrow refining, achieving 'Golden Flesh and Jade Veins, Mercury Blood Silver Marrow', means one can become an Outer City constable, a gang leader!
Higher up 'Water and Fire Immortal Robe, Circulation Qi Collection', those are for the Government Office Head, renowned figures of Inner City!
As for 'Great Innate Stage'?
Only four big words!
Immortal Among Men!
It is said their martial arts can already evolve scenes similar to a 'mirage', and can manifest 'reality', used to control and capture enemies, each one... is a formidable expert that can dominate a city!
Only the soldiers of Inner City, Second Demon Hunting Department, Martial Arts Hall Master, Noble Clan Leader type,
have some touched this level.
Why did Jixia, at first, rack his brains, try every means, just to earn the name of 'constable' and join the Black Mountain Yamen, becoming someone of the government office?
Because once registered officially, not only does one gain the qualification to practice government office martial arts, but also receives a standard 'medicated bath', and a 'Martial Gate Foundation Establishment' secret method!
Even if this method, might be crude, might be of low grade, might not even achieve higher realms.
But after all...
It is also a key to stepping into the 'extraordinary' door!
The result that Jixia did not expect was.
An unknown girl, with bright eyes and white teeth, seemingly even under twenty, in terms of age, surprisingly younger than himself...
casually tossed a 'jade slip' that recorded a secret method!
"This..."
No merit, no reward.
Unless it's too hot to handle.
Jixia was more than shocked, although reluctant, he still wanted to open his mouth to decline.
In the cycle of memories, Tantai Yao and Song Chai Xin's birth mother 'Xie Wei', were peers at the Zither Sword Pavilion, and Xie Wei's deep affection led to the gift of 'famous family' level martial arts, which was understandable.
But why this girl?
He punched Jiang Zhou, venting the frustration of almost being buried in the belly of a forest beast, it was indeed satisfying, but he didn't want to fall into someone else's scheme for no reason.
But the girl in 'Demon Hunting Bureau Uniform', with heroic brows and a radiant spirit, after tossing the inheritance, had no intention of lingering here, not even wanting to engage more with him.
By the time Jixia came to his senses, she had already taken quick steps towards the threshold.
To Jixia's vocal protest, Xie Wutong just turned back, giving a seemingly meaningful smile,
then raised her hand, shaking the 'Demon Hunting Order' in her hand:
"I, this girl, am named 'Xie Wutong', Copper Seal Patrol of Black Mountain Demon Hunting Department!"
"If you wish to see me, then strive to cultivate well."
"Someday, if you achieve Golden Flesh and Jade Veins, Mercury Blood Silver Marrow, don a 'Water and Fire Immortal Robe', and can stomp three times in this Black Mountain Outer City..."
"I can recommend you to enter the 'Black Mountain Demon Hunting Department'!"
"Then I'll tell you why I passed on this volume of 'Golden Lock Jade Technique' to you."
With those words, she disappeared without a trace.
Leaving Jixia holding the jade slip, in deep thought, having some insight, yet unsure, he turned and kept this matter at heart.
Today he entered the yamen threshold, aiming to rely on 'fist mastery', directly alert the Department Head, and bring the feud with 'Jiang Zhou' to light, with thunderous momentum, to completely shatter his schemes!
Already registered, obstructed by others, commencing cultivation?
So what!
The already fainted Jiang Zhou on the ground proved that Jixia's plan went off without a hitch!
The only interlude was the young girl who came like the wind and rain and left like dust.
Who...
exactly is she?
Perhaps...
Before Jixia could think any further.
A loud laugh already came from behind him:
"Truly heroes emerge young!"
"Mastery in boxing, defeating the half-Step Foundation Establishment martial artists bathing in medicinal baths, in 'mortal flesh'..."
"Even twenty-three years ago, when that 'Great Innate' left this place, he did not have your strength at that time!"
"This Department Head doesn't have many hobbies, just likes to get to know some enterprising martial heroes."
"From now on, if there are no outsiders, you may associate with me as an equal!"
Pa!
After Xie Wutong left, Chen Zhenwu quickly walked to Jixia's side and, without saying anything, put his arm around Jixia's shoulders.
"Sir..."
Jixia hesitated a bit, but the person in front of him raised his eyebrows and hardened his face:
"What, could it be that you think the Black Mountain Department Head is unworthy of a genius like you?"
With that accusation, Jixia was dizzy, forcing a couple of smiles, not daring to deliberately avoid it.
What a joke.
He is now a Black Mountain 'constable.'
But the man in front of him is the Black Mountain 'Department Head!'
Officials are part of the system, but not in the mainstream.
As for Chen Zhenwu, he has entered the Great Zhao official registry, a genuine 'graded' official!
Just like the large gap between civil registry and official registry.
The difference between official registry and staff registry is even greater, one in the heavens, one underground.
The Black Mountain Department Head lowers himself to make friends with him, how would he dare refuse?
And this matter might not be without benefits.
Thinking of this, Jixia's gaze drifted, unintentionally glancing at Liu Tieyi, Squad Leader Liu, whose face was expressionless, not knowing what he was pondering.
This person is staunchly supporting Jiang Zhou, and for a fleeting moment, Jixia detected a touch of 'malice' from him.
Though he couldn't be sure,
if he could have the 'Department Head' as a backing...
A squad leader, in this Black Mountain Government Office, how could he openly trouble him anymore?
When Chen Zhenwu sensed Jixia's shoulders relax and releasing goodwill, he grinned, nodded in satisfaction, and turned his authoritative gaze toward the back:
"Squad Leader Liu."
"The Government Office 'medicinal bath,' boxing manuals, secret techniques, those matters should fall under your responsibility, right?"
"Then later you will take Jixia to choose one, remember not to 'neglect,' for this is standard equipment!"
He emphasized the words and continued:
"Oh yes!"
"Have Jiang Zhou put in prison; without my written orders, he'll stay there."
"Additionally, I heard..."
"This time, when you recruited people from outside, you used 'spirit creature' bodies as rewards; some spirit creatures are full of treasures. Since they were hunted and acquired by others, naturally we shouldn't embezzle what's on them."
"At that time, just give it all to him."
Chen Zhenwu's words were delivered casually.
Listening, Liu Tieyi's forehead veins tightened.
If his mind wasn't disciplined, he might have burst into curses.
You are proud, you are impressive!
In three years, you, Chen Zhenwu, are about to report to 'Wutong Prefecture,' ready for promotion.
At this moment, with people from the 'Xie Family' at Wutong Prefecture appearing, you see an opportunity, want to sell smooth favors, form connections, to prepare for the future.
This is understandable.
But...
Damn, you take my advantages to sell your favors?
Where were your Department Head's majesty and intervention for those many constables before?
Deeply unwilling in his heart.
But looking at the person before him with the 'Department Head' robe, Liu Tieyi's eyes showed desire, even if unwilling, he could only forcefully endure.
Forget it, the situation is stronger than man.
Endure a little longer...
There will be opportunities!
"Department Head, I understand."