Cultivation Improvement
The scenery at Mingxia Mountain remained as picturesque as ever.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen entered the mountain cave. After concealing the entrance, they wasted no time and sat cross-legged. They operated their true qi according to their cultivation methods and soon entered a state of selflessness. Their flesh and blood occasionally turned transparent, and the spiritual energy in the mountain flowed through their meridians without interruption, shimmering like countless bright lights along the way. It quickly filled every vein in their bodies, gathering in their dantian. The tiny spark in their dantian gradually grew larger, and true qi circulated continuously through the small and large heavenly circuits.
Yan Ge’s body unknowingly became lighter and slowly floated in the air. The spiritual energy gathered swiftly, enveloping him like white mist. After a moment, it began to descend, creating a pit on the ground. Shortly after, it started to rise again…
Huangfu Yuchen’s body became heavier and heavier, pressing the ground and forming a large pit beneath him. The spiritual energy flickered like faint electric currents, spinning rapidly around him. As time passed, it encased him in a white, giant, pointed cocoon. After a while, the cocoon also rose to the air.
The entire mountain cave was filled with heavy spiritual energy. The Zhantian Vine jumped down from Yan Ge’s head, rolled on the ground, and slowly grew in size. It expanded until it was as thick as a water barrel, resembling a green python quietly coiling around Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen. If observed closely, one would notice every part of its body trembling slightly. The spiritual energy fell on its branches and leaves like tiny dust particles, ultimately descending like snowflakes onto a water’s surface, blending into it…
“Boom!”
Under the pitch-black night sky, a muffled sound suddenly came from Mingxia Mountain. Two figures flew out from the mountain, wielding their swords and attacking each other. The sword blades were cold and fierce, surrounded by swirling gusts of wind, akin to two flashes of lightning, fiercely clashing against each other.
“Crack!” Another loud noise reverberated through the night sky.
The loud bang awakened the sleeping townspeople in the city. Rubbing their eyes, they walked out onto the streets and gazed at Mingxia Mountain. “So, it was just thunder…” they murmured before returning to their beds, continuing their deep slumber.
On the mountain, Yan Ge’s true qi surged, and his body became as light as a falling leaf. He swung his spiritual sword, releasing a burst of sword energy. His power was capable of withstanding a thousand soldiers. Huangfu Yuchen stood still like Mount Tai, blocking the sword strike with an imposing force comparable to a mighty thunderstorm.
After exchanging several moves, the two men stopped simultaneously and smiled at each other.
“I didn’t expect our gains from this seclusion to be so great. We have both reached the mid-stage of the Divine Transformation stage in one fell swoop,” Yan Ge said. “However, it seems that your true qi carries a hint of thunder and lightning.”
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “It’s probably due to the previous strike from the Zhantian Vine. Nonetheless, this power is beneficial to me and has no drawbacks.”
“Oh, speaking of Zhantian Vine, where is it?” Yan Ge scratched his head.
The Zhantian Vine lazily flew in front of him, its body had grown as large as a python. It descended to the position of Yan Ge’s knee and shook its “head” at him.
“Yuchen, it wants us to get on it. Haha, let’s experience the feeling of riding on a dragon!”
The two of them mounted Zhantian Vine. It flew smoothly and swiftly, disappearing into the night sky in an instant…
Ministry of Industry
“When shaving, follow the formula I provided,” Yan Ge instructed several officials from the Ministry of Industry. “And make sure to sharpen the razors to a high degree of smoothness.”
“Yes,” the officials replied.
Yan Ge continued, “For tasks that the ministry cannot handle, they can be delegated to some merchants. However, three-tenths of the profits should go to the ministry, and one-tenth to the First Company. Even if they only earn sixty percent, it is still profitable. We should not only sell within the country but also to foreigners. In short, we should try our best to earn money from foreigners. Understood?”
One official said, “No problem. However, if we sell to foreigners, they will surely imitate our razors.” Under Yan Ge’s influence, he referred to people from other kingdoms as “foreigners.”
“No worries,” Yan Ge confidently stated. “The razors are easy to imitate, but the shaving foam is not.”
“I understand. I will take care of it.”
Yan Ge left the Ministry of Industry with his briefcase. Passing by Liuxian Pavilion, he saw several familiar-looking individuals at the entrance. He used his spiritual qi to probe inside Liuxian Pavilion and saw the presence of Yinsha, the leader of the Luna Worshiping Sect. Suddenly, he remembered something and quickly contacted Huangfu Yuchen using his consciousness.
“Yuchen, it seems like we forgot something. Our appointment with Yinsha!”
“Has he arrived? I’ll come over and meet you right away.”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen assumed the identities of Luo Fang and Zhang Yang as they entered Liuxian Pavilion.
The gloomy aura emanating from Yinsha was so heavy that no one dared to sit at the four tables adjacent to his.
“Master Yin.” Huangfu Yuchen spoke first.
Yinsha glanced at him and Yan Ge, “You’re very trustworthy.”
Huangfu Yuchen said: “Let’s talk in another place, please follow me.”
The three sat down in the private room.
Yan Ge said: “Master Yin should actually thank us for the matter of Fancheng.”
Yinsha said: “You stole the sacrifice of our sect, and we should thank you?”
Yan Ge said, “Of course. Do you know why we stole the other sacrificial offering? It was because he intended to harm the Holy Maiden.”
“I see. Thank you,” Yinsha replied flatly.
Surprisingly, Yinsha believed them without suspicion and even expressed gratitude. Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen exchanged glances. The leader of the Luna Worshipping Sect turned out to be so accommodating, contrary to the rumors.
Yinsha continued, “But the fact remains that you disrupted the ritual.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “I heard that your sect worships the moon every year to seek a rise in status and a smooth year ahead. Is that true or not?”
Yinsha nodded.
Huangfu Yuchen added, “Even so, I present this to you.” He reached out his hand, and a pearl-like object formed by condensing spiritual qi rolled and stopped in the middle of the table. It was deadly to ordinary people but served as excellent medicine for cultivators.
“It’s clear that Master Yin’s cultivation has reached a bottleneck. This object can help you break through,” Huangfu Yuchen said. “Once Master Yin’s martial arts reach a higher level, your status in the martial world will soar. Other martial artists will fear and respect you more, and the operations of the Luna Worshipping Sect will naturally go smoothly. What do you think, Master Yin?”
Yinsha fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “Let’s drop that matter then. However, you must fight me.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “You’re not my match.”
Yinsha didn’t get angry and maintained his rigid expression. “Only by fighting will we know. He can also do.” He pointed at Yan Ge.
Yan Ge was puzzled. Yinsha had witnessed Yuchen’s extraordinary power when they were in Bazu County. He should know that he was no match for Yuchen, so why insist on a fight? Perhaps it was a common problem among martial artists.
“In that case, please,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
The three of them disappeared, reappearing on a sparsely populated street on the outskirts. It seemed that martial artists in the capital were generally reluctant to interact with people from the court, so there weren’t many martial artists in the city. Unfortunately, they would miss this exciting duel.
Huangfu Yuchen and Yinsha faced each other from a distance. A gust of wind blew, causing the grass to bow and the fallen leaves to dance in the air. However, the clothes of the two remained motionless in the wind. The tense and murderous aura rippled through the air above the grassland.
Yet, Yan Ge unintentionally added a touch of humor to the atmosphere by lifting his clothes and casually sitting on a large rock.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Since Master Yinsha challenged me, please go ahead.”
Yinsha cupped his hands and rushed a few steps toward Huangfu Yuchen. He leaped with his legs, resembling a black tiger suddenly spotting its prey, and his claws reached out, aiming for Huangfu Yuchen’s left neck and right abdomen. Swift as lightning, his figure left afterimages, and his black cloak moved like a dark cloud, constantly shifting.
As an emperor, Huangfu Yuchen had not engaged in many personal battles. Yinsha’s challenge provided him with an excellent opportunity to gain combat experience. Without immediately activating his true qu, he displayed remarkable speed. His black figure appeared and disappeared like he was about to brush past Yinsha. Both his arms rose simultaneously, blocking Yinsha’s attacks. At the moment their four arms collided, both of them trembled slightly, confirming that the other’s strength was indeed formidable.
After the collision, they both retreated. Huangfu Yuchen no longer gave Yinsha the opportunity to attack first. He swiftly charged toward Yinsha, gathering his strength into his right hand and delivering a powerful blow.
Yinsha quickly pushed out his palm, his footwork resembling that of a ghost as he attacked while spinning erratically around Huangfu Yuchen. His speed was astonishing, as if there were multiple versions of himself surrounding Huangfu Yuchen.
With a glint in his eyes, Huangfu Yuchen defended while sharply observing his surroundings. With arms swirling in opposite directions, he launched a vortex-like attack. With a loud bang, his fist struck Yinsha’s left shoulder blade.
Yinsha’s strength was indeed formidable. Although the impact of the punch caused him to slide nearly ten meters backward, his expression remained unchanged, as if he felt no pain. With a “swoosh,” he drew his sword and thrust it toward Huangfu Yuchen, displaying countless variations in his sword techniques — chaotic as a waterfall cascading from a cliff, tumultuous like a gust of wind scattering leaves.
Huangfu Yuchen also unsheathed his sword. With the Flowing Sands Sword Technique, he unleashed a sandstorm that swept up the air and filled the sky with sword energy. The wild and chaotic storm penetrated Yinsha’s defenses from all directions.
Yinsha’s right arm trembled, and he transformed into an arrow, shooting toward Huangfu Yuchen. Huangfu Yuchen leaped into the air, spun around, and his sword blade brushed across Yinsha’s arm, picking up a piece of cloth from his cloak. Huangfu Yuchen landed two feet away, calmly looking at Yinsha.
Yinsha’s gaze drifted over the torn cloth. “You win.”
Before Huangfu Yuchen could respond, Yinsha flew into the air, heading towards the direction of the capital.
“Baby, let’s return as well,” Huangfu Yuchen said as he approached Yan Ge. “I rushed here from the military camp, and I’m afraid they might be looking for me by now.”
Yan Ge asked, “How is the training of the Imperial Guards?”
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “The military book you provided is extremely valuable. Their progress is remarkable, and in a few days, they will be divided into two armies to conduct exercises on both sides of the Jing River. Are you interested in going to see it together?”
“Of course!” Yan Ge’s interest was piqued.
“I will take you there when the time comes.”
Cultivation Improvement
The scenery at Mingxia Mountain remained as picturesque as ever.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen entered the mountain cave. After concealing the entrance, they wasted no time and sat cross-legged. They operated their true qi according to their cultivation methods and soon entered a state of selflessness. Their flesh and blood occasionally turned transparent, and the spiritual energy in the mountain flowed through their meridians without interruption, shimmering like countless bright lights along the way. It quickly filled every vein in their bodies, gathering in their dantian. The tiny spark in their dantian gradually grew larger, and true qi circulated continuously through the small and large heavenly circuits.
Yan Ge’s body unknowingly became lighter and slowly floated in the air. The spiritual energy gathered swiftly, enveloping him like white mist. After a moment, it began to descend, creating a pit on the ground. Shortly after, it started to rise again…
Huangfu Yuchen’s body became heavier and heavier, pressing the ground and forming a large pit beneath him. The spiritual energy flickered like faint electric currents, spinning rapidly around him. As time passed, it encased him in a white, giant, pointed cocoon. After a while, the cocoon also rose to the air.
The entire mountain cave was filled with heavy spiritual energy. The Zhantian Vine jumped down from Yan Ge’s head, rolled on the ground, and slowly grew in size. It expanded until it was as thick as a water barrel, resembling a green python quietly coiling around Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen. If observed closely, one would notice every part of its body trembling slightly. The spiritual energy fell on its branches and leaves like tiny dust particles, ultimately descending like snowflakes onto a water’s surface, blending into it…
“Boom!”
Under the pitch-black night sky, a muffled sound suddenly came from Mingxia Mountain. Two figures flew out from the mountain, wielding their swords and attacking each other. The sword blades were cold and fierce, surrounded by swirling gusts of wind, akin to two flashes of lightning, fiercely clashing against each other.
“Crack!” Another loud noise reverberated through the night sky.
The loud bang awakened the sleeping townspeople in the city. Rubbing their eyes, they walked out onto the streets and gazed at Mingxia Mountain. “So, it was just thunder…” they murmured before returning to their beds, continuing their deep slumber.
On the mountain, Yan Ge’s true qi surged, and his body became as light as a falling leaf. He swung his spiritual sword, releasing a burst of sword energy. His power was capable of withstanding a thousand soldiers. Huangfu Yuchen stood still like Mount Tai, blocking the sword strike with an imposing force comparable to a mighty thunderstorm.
After exchanging several moves, the two men stopped simultaneously and smiled at each other.
“I didn’t expect our gains from this seclusion to be so great. We have both reached the mid-stage of the Divine Transformation stage in one fell swoop,” Yan Ge said. “However, it seems that your true qi carries a hint of thunder and lightning.”
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “It’s probably due to the previous strike from the Zhantian Vine. Nonetheless, this power is beneficial to me and has no drawbacks.”
“Oh, speaking of Zhantian Vine, where is it?” Yan Ge scratched his head.
The Zhantian Vine lazily flew in front of him, its body had grown as large as a python. It descended to the position of Yan Ge’s knee and shook its “head” at him.
“Yuchen, it wants us to get on it. Haha, let’s experience the feeling of riding on a dragon!”
The two of them mounted Zhantian Vine. It flew smoothly and swiftly, disappearing into the night sky in an instant…
Ministry of Industry
“When shaving, follow the formula I provided,” Yan Ge instructed several officials from the Ministry of Industry. “And make sure to sharpen the razors to a high degree of smoothness.”
“Yes,” the officials replied.
Yan Ge continued, “For tasks that the ministry cannot handle, they can be delegated to some merchants. However, three-tenths of the profits should go to the ministry, and one-tenth to the First Company. Even if they only earn sixty percent, it is still profitable. We should not only sell within the country but also to foreigners. In short, we should try our best to earn money from foreigners. Understood?”
One official said, “No problem. However, if we sell to foreigners, they will surely imitate our razors.” Under Yan Ge’s influence, he referred to people from other kingdoms as “foreigners.”
“No worries,” Yan Ge confidently stated. “The razors are easy to imitate, but the shaving foam is not.”
“I understand. I will take care of it.”
Yan Ge left the Ministry of Industry with his briefcase. Passing by Liuxian Pavilion, he saw several familiar-looking individuals at the entrance. He used his spiritual qi to probe inside Liuxian Pavilion and saw the presence of Yinsha, the leader of the Luna Worshiping Sect. Suddenly, he remembered something and quickly contacted Huangfu Yuchen using his consciousness.
“Yuchen, it seems like we forgot something. Our appointment with Yinsha!”
“Has he arrived? I’ll come over and meet you right away.”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen assumed the identities of Luo Fang and Zhang Yang as they entered Liuxian Pavilion.
The gloomy aura emanating from Yinsha was so heavy that no one dared to sit at the four tables adjacent to his.
“Master Yin.” Huangfu Yuchen spoke first.
Yinsha glanced at him and Yan Ge, “You’re very trustworthy.”
Huangfu Yuchen said: “Let’s talk in another place, please follow me.”
The three sat down in the private room.
Yan Ge said: “Master Yin should actually thank us for the matter of Fancheng.”
Yinsha said: “You stole the sacrifice of our sect, and we should thank you?”
Yan Ge said, “Of course. Do you know why we stole the other sacrificial offering? It was because he intended to harm the Holy Maiden.”
“I see. Thank you,” Yinsha replied flatly.
Surprisingly, Yinsha believed them without suspicion and even expressed gratitude. Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen exchanged glances. The leader of the Luna Worshipping Sect turned out to be so accommodating, contrary to the rumors.
Yinsha continued, “But the fact remains that you disrupted the ritual.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “I heard that your sect worships the moon every year to seek a rise in status and a smooth year ahead. Is that true or not?”
Yinsha nodded.
Huangfu Yuchen added, “Even so, I present this to you.” He reached out his hand, and a pearl-like object formed by condensing spiritual qi rolled and stopped in the middle of the table. It was deadly to ordinary people but served as excellent medicine for cultivators.
“It’s clear that Master Yin’s cultivation has reached a bottleneck. This object can help you break through,” Huangfu Yuchen said. “Once Master Yin’s martial arts reach a higher level, your status in the martial world will soar. Other martial artists will fear and respect you more, and the operations of the Luna Worshipping Sect will naturally go smoothly. What do you think, Master Yin?”
Yinsha fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “Let’s drop that matter then. However, you must fight me.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “You’re not my match.”
Yinsha didn’t get angry and maintained his rigid expression. “Only by fighting will we know. He can also do.” He pointed at Yan Ge.
Yan Ge was puzzled. Yinsha had witnessed Yuchen’s extraordinary power when they were in Bazu County. He should know that he was no match for Yuchen, so why insist on a fight? Perhaps it was a common problem among martial artists.
“In that case, please,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
The three of them disappeared, reappearing on a sparsely populated street on the outskirts. It seemed that martial artists in the capital were generally reluctant to interact with people from the court, so there weren’t many martial artists in the city. Unfortunately, they would miss this exciting duel.
Huangfu Yuchen and Yinsha faced each other from a distance. A gust of wind blew, causing the grass to bow and the fallen leaves to dance in the air. However, the clothes of the two remained motionless in the wind. The tense and murderous aura rippled through the air above the grassland.
Yet, Yan Ge unintentionally added a touch of humor to the atmosphere by lifting his clothes and casually sitting on a large rock.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Since Master Yinsha challenged me, please go ahead.”
Yinsha cupped his hands and rushed a few steps toward Huangfu Yuchen. He leaped with his legs, resembling a black tiger suddenly spotting its prey, and his claws reached out, aiming for Huangfu Yuchen’s left neck and right abdomen. Swift as lightning, his figure left afterimages, and his black cloak moved like a dark cloud, constantly shifting.
As an emperor, Huangfu Yuchen had not engaged in many personal battles. Yinsha’s challenge provided him with an excellent opportunity to gain combat experience. Without immediately activating his true qu, he displayed remarkable speed. His black figure appeared and disappeared like he was about to brush past Yinsha. Both his arms rose simultaneously, blocking Yinsha’s attacks. At the moment their four arms collided, both of them trembled slightly, confirming that the other’s strength was indeed formidable.
After the collision, they both retreated. Huangfu Yuchen no longer gave Yinsha the opportunity to attack first. He swiftly charged toward Yinsha, gathering his strength into his right hand and delivering a powerful blow.
Yinsha quickly pushed out his palm, his footwork resembling that of a ghost as he attacked while spinning erratically around Huangfu Yuchen. His speed was astonishing, as if there were multiple versions of himself surrounding Huangfu Yuchen.
With a glint in his eyes, Huangfu Yuchen defended while sharply observing his surroundings. With arms swirling in opposite directions, he launched a vortex-like attack. With a loud bang, his fist struck Yinsha’s left shoulder blade.
Yinsha’s strength was indeed formidable. Although the impact of the punch caused him to slide nearly ten meters backward, his expression remained unchanged, as if he felt no pain. With a “swoosh,” he drew his sword and thrust it toward Huangfu Yuchen, displaying countless variations in his sword techniques — chaotic as a waterfall cascading from a cliff, tumultuous like a gust of wind scattering leaves.
Huangfu Yuchen also unsheathed his sword. With the Flowing Sands Sword Technique, he unleashed a sandstorm that swept up the air and filled the sky with sword energy. The wild and chaotic storm penetrated Yinsha’s defenses from all directions.
Yinsha’s right arm trembled, and he transformed into an arrow, shooting toward Huangfu Yuchen. Huangfu Yuchen leaped into the air, spun around, and his sword blade brushed across Yinsha’s arm, picking up a piece of cloth from his cloak. Huangfu Yuchen landed two feet away, calmly looking at Yinsha.
Yinsha’s gaze drifted over the torn cloth. “You win.”
Before Huangfu Yuchen could respond, Yinsha flew into the air, heading towards the direction of the capital.
“Baby, let’s return as well,” Huangfu Yuchen said as he approached Yan Ge. “I rushed here from the military camp, and I’m afraid they might be looking for me by now.”
Yan Ge asked, “How is the training of the Imperial Guards?”
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “The military book you provided is extremely valuable. Their progress is remarkable, and in a few days, they will be divided into two armies to conduct exercises on both sides of the Jing River. Are you interested in going to see it together?”
“Of course!” Yan Ge’s interest was piqued.
“I will take you there when the time comes.”
