Chapter 98: Marsh

Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint

Chen Qing had just returned to his small courtyard gate when he saw an old servant in coarse cloth short jacket with a lean face standing at the door.

"Master Chen, greetings."

The old servant saw Chen Qing and hurriedly bowed respectfully, presenting a plain letter with both hands, "This old one follows my master's orders to deliver this letter specifically. My master said it must be personally delivered to Master Chen's hands."

Chen Qing asked, "Who is your master?"

The old servant replied respectfully, "My master's surname is Yang, given name Zhicheng."

"Yang Zhicheng?"

Chen Qing's heart stirred as he took the letter, "Thank you for your trouble."

Yang Zhicheng was one of those who had waited together with him for the Five Terraces Sect cross-examination but was rejected, though he later chose to join the Liu family.

"Then I won't disturb Master Chen further. This old one takes his leave."

Chen Qing returned to his room and opened the envelope.

The letter's content wasn't long, yet between the lines radiated a sense of high spirits and ambition.

In the letter, Yang Zhicheng mentioned that through his uncle's connections and his own abilities, he had established a firm foothold in the Liu family, managing several shops and restaurants. This was followed by praise for Chen Qing's achievement in eliminating the River-Overturning Five Dragons, and finally expressed his desire to meet.

Chen Qing closed the letter.

It seemed that when Yang Zhicheng first arrived in the prefectural city, his uncle had already paved two paths for him: if entering Five Terraces Sect failed, then join the Liu family.

Yang Zhicheng hadn't spoken plainly at the time, which Chen Qing could understand. Meeting by chance, speaking deeply with shallow acquaintance was taboo.

"If there's opportunity in the future, I could indeed have some contact with Yang Zhicheng," Chen Qing thought to himself.

Having one more acquaintance meant at least one more source of information.

As for the flattery in Yang Zhicheng's words, he didn't take it to heart. This person's words were seven parts truth and three parts fabrication, requiring several parts of clearheadedness when associating with him.

If he hadn't demonstrated his strength by eliminating the River-Overturning Five Dragons, this letter probably wouldn't have been delivered to him.

The next morning, Chen Qing again went to the Tide Listening Martial Repository.

The battle at Black Dragon Shoals made him feel his methods were still somewhat insufficient, particularly in stealth, concealment, disguise and adaptation.

He needed some auxiliary practical techniques for emergency use.

After arriving at the lake island, Chen Qing went straight to the second floor area storing miscellaneous studies and unorthodox path texts.

His goal was clear as he carefully browsed through them.

Soon, "Hundred Changes Thousand Faces Manual," "Muscle-Shifting Bone-Displacing Disguise Method," "Turtle Breath Hibernating Dragon Art," and "Golden Cicada Molting Form Technique" came into view.

Among them, "Turtle Breath Hibernating Dragon Art" could simulate the hibernating state of turtles and snakes, greatly reducing consumption and allowing underwater breath-holding for several hours.

"Golden Cicada Molting Form Technique" was the most exquisite, using true qi to soften muscles and bones, combined with unique methods, allowing the body to pass through narrow gaps like a golden cicada shedding its shell, even briefly changing body shape and outline.

Chen Qing carefully weighed his options and decided to copy "Hundred Changes Thousand Faces Manual," "Turtle Breath Hibernating Dragon Art," and "Golden Cicada Molting Form Technique."

The latter two secret arts required true qi assistance to reach perfection, but for now he should first master the basics.

With the [Heaven Rewards Diligence] fate pattern, he had confidence to master even the most profound techniques through grinding.

Just as he was about to leave, a dust-covered animal hide notebook in the corner caught his attention.

The cover had no words, but opening it revealed it was actually some predecessor's record of knowledge and speculation about improving constitution during his travels!

Improving constitution!?

Chen Qing's spirit lifted as he immediately focused on reading carefully.

The notebook's opening made clear: though improving constitution faced countless difficulties and dangers, it wasn't absolutely impossible, only that the cost was enormous or the opportunity hard to find.

Heavenly materials and earthly treasures, cleansing hair and washing marrow, this was the most common and gentlest path.

The notebook listed several legendary treasures.

Nine Revolution Marrow Cleansing Lotus, Earth Vein Jade Essence, Hundred Year Treasure Fish King Pearl.

Some provided direct enhancement while others subtly nourished and conditioned. These treasures were all priceless and rarely seen.

Additionally, the notebook mentioned some heaven-defying destiny-changing secret arts that could forcibly change tendons and alter bones!

However, these methods were extremely dangerous. The slightest carelessness could result in severed tendons and broken bones, becoming a cripple, or even death and dao extinction.

Seeing this, Chen Qing's mind suddenly became clear!

He suddenly remembered his experience cultivating "Toad Fishing Force."

When this technique reached the third realm "Thunder Sound Marrow Cleansing," it had the effect of cleansing muscles and bones, transforming the body completely!

Originally at Zhou Courtyard, his constitution was only lower-middle, but after experiencing Thunder Sound Marrow Cleansing, he was evaluated as four-form during the Five Terraces Sect test.

More obviously, afterward when cultivating "Eight Extremes Vajra Body," this superior hard skill, though extremely profound, progressed much faster than expected. In half a year he reached the third realm Steel Bones, without taking rare body-tempering medicines or treasure fish during this time!

"So that's it!"

Brilliant light flashed in Chen Qing's eyes, "The 'Thunder Sound Marrow Cleansing' of the third realm of 'Toad Fishing Force' is itself a gentle, subtle method of 'changing tendons and altering bones'!"

Though the improvement range was limited, far inferior to heavenly materials and earthly treasures or heaven-defying secret arts, it had definitely occurred.

"If constitution could continuously improve, cultivation progress would also accelerate."

This thought made Chen Qing's heartbeat quicken.

The notebook's end mentioned that secret art texts regarding changing tendons and altering bones, as well as ancient books recording specific clues about heavenly materials and earthly treasures, were all treasured by Five Terraces Sect and stored on the fourth floor of the Tide Listening Martial Repository.

"The fourth floor."

Chen Qing looked up, his gaze directed toward that mysterious highest place.

According to armory rules, to enter the fourth floor, besides one's cultivation reaching embracing elixir strength, one must also possess a personal token granted by the sect leader.

"I'll speak of it when there's opportunity later."

Chen Qing thought silently and walked straight toward the registration steward's desk.

After verifying his identity plaque and paying five hundred taels of silver, the three secret techniques were quickly copied and in hand.

Returning to his small courtyard, Chen Qing impatiently opened the secret art books.

As his intention sank in, the fate pattern light screen clearly appeared:

[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]

[Hundred Changes Thousand Faces Manual: Beginner (1/100)]

[Turtle Breath Hibernating Dragon Art: Beginner (1/100)]

[Golden Cicada Molting Form Technique: Beginner (1/100)]

"Spear technique still needs improvement."

Chen Qing took a deep breath and once again picked up the long spear in the courtyard.

The spear shaft trembled slightly, producing a low hum.

"If I can reach major achievement soon, spear technique power could increase several fold."

Spear shadows flew and fierce winds howled, stabbing the specially made hardwood training post until wood chips flew everywhere.

Before one complete spear routine finished, knocking sounds suddenly rang out.

"Is Brother Chen home? It's me, Bai Ming," came a voice from outside the door.

Bai Ming!?

What was he looking for him about?

Chen Qing was puzzled but then opened the door.

He saw Bai Ming in Gengjin Courtyard training attire, his face carrying an eager smile, completely different from his previous cold and perfunctory manner.

"Brother Bai, please come in," Chen Qing stepped aside to let him pass.

Bai Ming entered the small courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the training post covered with spear marks, a trace of barely noticeable surprise flashing in his eyes, "Brother Chen is truly diligent! No wonder at such a young age you have such ability, single-handedly taking on the River-Overturning Five Dragons. Admirable, admirable!"

"Brother Bai flatters me."

Chen Qing's tone was calm as he asked directly, "I don't know what Brother Bai has come for today?"

Bai Ming also didn't beat around the bush, lowering his voice somewhat and speaking with some excitement, "Brother Chen, I've come today because there's a good opportunity I want to discuss with you. Do you know of the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp?"

Chen Qing nodded, "I've heard a bit. A place where venomous insects and miasma gather, with a fierce reputation."

One of the six forbidden areas of Qiulong Road and Fenghua Road, with a terrible reputation known to all.

"Exactly!"

Bai Ming's eyes lit up, "But the greater the risk, the greater the opportunity! That place produces abundant treasure medicines. A single ten-year treasure medicine is worth over one hundred thousand taels of silver! If you're lucky enough to find something like Seven Heart Lotus, it's priceless!"

He took a deep breath and continued, "This time, three senior brothers with embracing elixir strength are leading! One is Brother Zhang Heng from Kunti Courtyard, another is Brother Zhao Chengang from Lihuo Courtyard, and finally Brother Liu Rui from our Gengjin Courtyard. With these three senior brothers protecting us, we'll only operate in the outer safe areas, so the danger isn't great!"

Bai Ming looked at Chen Qing with eager eyes, "This is a great opportunity. Three embracing elixir strength masters plus seven or eight transforming strength brothers, the chances of finding treasure medicine are much greater! Once we gain something, everyone shares according to their contribution. It's definitely a windfall! How about it? Want to do this together?"

Fellow disciples teaming up to search for treasures was common practice.

Compared to outsiders, fellow disciples were naturally much more reliable.

This expedition led by three embracing elixir masters had considerable momentum. If this trip went smoothly, they might form a permanent team in the future.

Bai Ming valued Chen Qing's strength and invited him to go together so they could look out for each other.

Chen Qing was silent for a moment.

The Ten Thousand Poison Swamp's fierce reputation was no empty boast. Venomous insects and miasma, strange terrain, unknown exotic beasts, no one knew what other dangers lurked inside.

Though the periphery was relatively safe, the word "safe" in such a place carried too much uncertainty.

He preferred steady progress, relying on [Heaven Rewards Diligence] to improve steadily, unwilling to easily take risks.

"Thank you for Brother Bai's regard."

Chen Qing slowly shook his head, "It's just that I'm at a crucial juncture in my recent cultivation. Both heart method and spear technique have new insights, so I really can't spare the time."

Bai Ming frowned slightly, "Brother Chen, opportunities are rare! Three embracing elixir senior brothers leading the team, operating in the periphery, the risk is truly controllable! Think about the value of those treasure medicines, equivalent to how many years of cultivation resources? Moreover, this is also a good chance to form connections with three embracing elixir senior brothers. Brother, why don't you reconsider?"

Chen Qing remained unmoved and declined again, "Brother Bai's kind intention is appreciated. I wish Brother and your group success and a full return."

Hearing this, Bai Ming felt Chen Qing was too timid and afraid of trouble, so he said, "Everyone has their aspirations, can't force it. Since that's the case, I won't disturb Brother's quiet cultivation. Farewell!"

With that, he turned and left the small courtyard.

Chen Qing shook his head. He still had the packages from the River-Overturning Five Dragons unprocessed, so silver wasn't particularly tight. There was no need to risk his life.

As this thought passed, he once again raised his long spear, and spear winds resumed in the courtyard.

News of three embracing elixir strength disciples leading an expedition to Ten Thousand Poison Swamp quickly spread through the surrounding streets.

Many disciples were greatly moved and quickly assembled personnel, heading off to Ten Thousand Poison Swamp in great momentum.

Chen Qing's life temporarily returned to its previous routine.

Time flowed by, and half a month quietly passed.

The team that went to Ten Thousand Poison Swamp finally returned travel-worn.

News spread like it had wings.

Though the returning disciples showed fatigue and some even had torn clothing, every face radiated irrepressible excitement.

The baskets and bags they carried were obviously bulging, and some even used thick wooden poles to carry exotic beast meat.

"I heard Senior Brother Mao obtained a four-year 'Crimson Flame Grass,' said to be worth thirty thousand taels of silver."

"That's nothing. I heard they also hunted an adult 'Poison Horn Deer'! Those deer antlers are treasures, and the deer meat contains vital essence and blood qi, truly great nourishing stuff."

Seeing Bai Ming and others' high spirits.

Those disciples who had previously hesitated and maintained a wait-and-see attitude now nearly regretted it to death.

The resources those treasure medicines and exotic beast meat could exchange for were equivalent to several months of cultivation savings.

Their original fear of Ten Thousand Poison Swamp began to waver in the face of profit temptation.

Many people's eyes became eager as they quietly discussed, calculating whether to join next time or how to connect with these embracing elixir senior brothers.

After Chen Qing finished lunch, he heard Bai Ming's laughter from the neighboring courtyard.

The courtyard that had been silent for half a month finally showed signs of life. Bai Ming was currently celebrating with friends, and judging by his laughter, the harvest should be quite abundant.

Chen Qing shook his head, turned around and entered the quiet room to cultivate heart methods.

Over the following days, Chen Qing occasionally glimpsed Zheng Xiuhong.

Completely different from her previous appearance, she now had a heartfelt smile at the corners of her mouth and her steps were much more lively.

Her entire person radiated a long-lost brilliance.

She even actively greeted Chen Qing.

According to her, this time every member of the small team had abundant gains, and they jointly hunted an exotic beast 'Poison Horn Deer,' with everyone receiving a share of the exotic beast meat.

Her words were full of joy and revealed a sense of security about having guarantee for future life.

Hearing this, Chen Qing's heart remained unperturbed.

Others' opportunities ultimately belonged to others. He had his own path to walk.