103: Nine-Bend Refining Pool

The matter of establishing authority on the Drill Ground spread like wildfire to every corner of the Yang Wei Martial Arts Hall Branch.

The name Chen Linsheng was no longer just associated with distant labels like "Qinghe's Top Merit" or "Appreciated by the Special Envoy," but with more impactful impressions like "Defeating Zhou Tong in five moves" and "Hiding deep strength."

When the branch Disciples looked at him again, the contempt and doubt in their eyes had mostly been replaced by curiosity, solemnity, and even a hint of awe.

That afternoon, Chen Linsheng was studying the essentials of the Willow Leaf Saber Technique with Su Wan in the Yuqian Lane courtyard when a middle-aged man dressed in the Instructor uniform of the branch came to the door.

"Junior Brother Chen, the Martial Arts Hall Master requests your presence. Please follow me to the main hall."

The Instructor's tone was polite, starkly different from the attitude of that rigid old Instructor from the Record Hall before.

Chen Linsheng knew full well that the matter at the Drill Ground must have reached Martial Arts Hall Master's ears. His expression remained unchanged, and after nodding to Su Wan, he left the courtyard with the Instructor.

Stepping into the grand main hall of the martial arts hall once more, he saw Martial Arts Hall Master sitting in the seat of honor, playing with two shiny iron balls in his hand, which made a dull and rhythmic grinding sound. There was no one else in the hall, making it seem exceptionally empty and quiet.

"Martial Arts Hall Master," Chen Linsheng stepped forward and cupped his fists in greeting.

Martial Arts Hall Master raised his eyelids, his gaze falling on Chen Linsheng like a hawk's. This time, it was no longer the formulaic scrutiny from before, but carried substantial pressure, as if he wanted to see through him completely.

Chen Linsheng felt an invisible Aura envelop his body, and his blood flow became slightly sluggish. However, his Hunyuan True Body Foundation was solid, and his will was even more resolute. He immediately circulated his profound technique silently, and the blood in his body flowed as steadily as lead and mercury, quietly neutralizing the pressure. He stood tall as a pine, calmly meeting Martial Arts Hall Master's gaze.

A moment later, a very faint flicker of surprise flashed in Martial Arts Hall Master's eyes, and then that pressing Aura receded like a tide.

He spoke slowly, his voice still carrying a metallic quality, but his previous coldness had softened considerably:

"I already know about the matter at the Drill Ground. Although Zhou Tong is impetuous, his Lièfēng Saber Technique is considered decent among those in the Late-stage Flesh Tempering Realm. For you to defeat him within five bouts without using your full strength... this level of power is not bad."

He paused, and the sound of the iron balls grinding stopped for a moment as his tone turned to one of warning:

"However, the tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Qinghe County is but a pond; this Jiuqu Prefecture city is the true great river and sea. The waters are very murky, various forces are intertwined, and geniuses are as numerous as crucian carp crossing a river. Since you have shown your edge upon arrival, while you can establish authority, you are also easily made a target. Remember, a tall tree attracts the wind; in all things, leave some leeway, for both others and yourself."

These words, compared to the business-like manner of their first meeting, already carried a bit of the flavor of an elder advising a junior.

Clearly, the strength Chen Linsheng displayed had won the basic recognition of this Iron Bone Realm Martial Arts Hall Master.

"Thank you for the advice, Martial Arts Hall Master. I will keep it in mind."

Chen Linsheng replied respectfully, neither arrogant nor impatient.

Martial Arts Hall Master seemed quite satisfied with his attitude, nodding slightly before changing the subject: "I called you here today to inform you of another matter. In one month, the Prefectural Governors Mansion will collaborate with the Army Breaker Manor to hold a 'Hidden Dragon Banquet' at the 'Lanyue Tower' in the city."

"Hidden Dragon Banquet?" Chen Linsheng's eyes narrowed. He had heard this name at a post station on the official road and knew it was a gathering of the top young geniuses in the prefectural city.

"Correct," Martial Arts Hall Master explained. "This banquet is no ordinary feast; it is actually the most important appearance and confrontation for the young talents of the prefectural city and surrounding counties before the Martial Examination. At that time, not only will the Prefectural Governor and envoys from the Army Breaker Manor be present to observe, but major Sects and aristocratic families will also send people to pay attention, intending to screen for seedlings with real potential."

He looked at Chen Linsheng with deep eyes: "Since you have the top merit, the recommendation of Special Envoy Ling, and the reality of defeating Zhou Tong, I have already submitted your name and obtained the qualification to participate. For you, this is an Opportunity as well as a test."

Chen Linsheng understood in his heart that this Hidden Dragon Banquet was one of the important stages Ling Feng had mentioned for "showing potential."

Martial Arts Hall Master continued, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity: "More importantly, according to reliable sources, this Hidden Dragon Banquet is different from previous years. The most outstanding performers will no longer just gain empty fame or ordinary rewards, but will instead obtain an Opportunity to enter the 'Jiǔqū Refining Pool' to Cultivate!"

"Jiǔqū Refining Pool?" Chen Linsheng's heart stirred. He had never heard this name, but hearing it, he knew it was no small matter.

"Yes." A hint of longing also flashed in Martial Arts Hall Master's eyes. "This pool is located beneath the prefectural city and is connected to the undercurrents of the main branch of the Jiuqu River. It is a natural spiritual eye of heaven and earth. The pool water contains extremely pure and gentle water-attribute energy, as well as a trace of the Qi of the Earth Dragon Vein. When a Martial Artist enters to Cultivate, it can wash away blood Impurities, greatly improve the purity of one's blood, and further solidify one's Foundation, having an incredible effect on breaking through Bottlenecks! Especially for Martial Artists in the Flesh Refining and Jiaojin Realm, the effect is most significant. One cultivation session is enough to save months of hard work and may even cause the Foundation to undergo some kind of transformation."

Washing away blood! Solidifying the Foundation!

Hearing these two terms, a sharp light suddenly erupted in Chen Linsheng's eyes.

He cultivated the Hunyuan True Body, and his Foundation was already far more solid than his peers, but on the path of martial arts, the firmer the Foundation, the greater the future potential.

The effect of this "Jiǔqū Refining Pool" perfectly aligned with his path of pursuing the ultimate Foundation!

The Hundred Refinements Steel Body tempered the tendons and bones, the Jade Marrow Guiding Technique tempered the bone marrow. If he could further refine his blood in this pool, cultivating both internally and externally, what terrifying level would his Foundation reach?

I must get this Opportunity!

A strong desire rose from the bottom of his heart.

Originally, regarding the Hidden Dragon Banquet, he mostly had the idea of meeting talents and gaining experience, but at this moment, his goal became extremely clear—to take the top spot and enter the Jiǔqū Refining Pool!

"Martial Arts Hall Master, I will certainly do my best and live up to the name of the martial arts hall!"

Chen Linsheng's tone was firm, and fighting spirit burned in his eyes.

Martial Arts Hall Master saw the change in his expression and knew he understood the importance of this Opportunity. He said no more and waved his hand: "Go then, and prepare well. At the Hidden Dragon Banquet, where heroes gather, do not be careless."

"I shall take my leave."

Leaving the main hall, Chen Linsheng's heart was in turmoil. The news of the Jiǔqū Refining Pool filled him with anticipation for the Hidden Dragon Banquet a month later, but he also felt pressure.

The geniuses of the prefectural city were by no means comparable to the likes of Zhou Tong.

"Strength, I need even greater strength!" He clenched his fists. "The White Crane Wind and Cloud Song needs to be improved as soon as possible, and muscle tempering cannot be relaxed... Right, and my Aptitude for Water!"

He suddenly thought that since the Jiǔqū Refining Pool was connected to the undercurrents of the Jiuqu River, if he could raise his Aptitude for Water to Perfection and greatly increase his control over water, would he be able to gain more benefits in the pool?

Perhaps he could even take this Opportunity to explore the main branch of the Jiuqu River; maybe there would be other gains?

Once the thought arose, it was hard to suppress.

Three days later, before dawn.

Chen Linsheng quietly left Yuqian Lane, exited the east gate of the prefectural city, and traveled more than ten li along the official road until he found a sparsely populated section of the river.

The river channel here was wide, the current was swift, and reeds grew in abundance on both banks, providing excellent cover.

He had already scouted this place and rented a small fishing boat hidden deep in the reeds in advance.

Stripping off his outer clothes and wearing only a pair of close-fitting shorts, Chen Linsheng slid silently into the icy river water like a fish.

The Realm of Mastery of Water Nature allowed him to be like a fish in the water, moving freely. But he was not satisfied and instead completely immersed his mind in the feeling of the water flow.

He recalled the Concept of the White Crane Wind and Cloud Song inducing air currents and tried to integrate it into his control of the water.

He circulated his Hunyuan True Body, feeling the subtle resonance between his blood and the surrounding water flow; he performed the Python Dragon Strength, simulating the posture of a dragon churning and exerting force in the water... Time passed bit by bit as he dove from sunrise to midday, and from midday to sunset.

In the water, he would sometimes remain suspended and still, sensing the most minute changes in the current.

Sometimes he would charge against the current, challenging the resistance and toughness of the water.

Sometimes he would go with the flow, experiencing the gentleness and inclusiveness of the water.

His understanding of water grew deeper and deeper, and a mysterious and profound realization gradually surged into his heart.

Water is both extremely soft and extremely hard; it can carry a boat or capsize it; it can nourish things silently or become a raging wave... Just as the last ray of the setting sun was about to sink below the horizon and the river surface shimmered with golden light, Chen Linsheng had a sudden flash of inspiration, and a certain shackle within his body seemed to be burst open by the surging current!

He suddenly poked his head out from beside a thicket of reeds, his face filled with irrepressible joy as he whispered to himself:

"Finally... Perfection!"

Almost at the moment his voice fell, the illusory spirit book in his mind suddenly burst forth with a warm and deep blue glow, and new characters quickly condensed into shape:

[Skill: Aptitude for Water (Perfection)]

[Divine Effect: Jade Wave Stealth, Controlling Water like Qi, Parting the River and Splitting Waves. Can merge into the water, with the body becoming one with the current, providing extremely strong concealment. Control over water is significantly increased, allowing for the condensation of water into arrows or shields for offense and defense. Can briefly part the water in front of the body to open an underwater passage or change local flow directions.]

Feeling the information flooding into his mind, Chen Linsheng was ecstatic.

This Perfection-level Divine Effect far exceeded his expectations!

Especially the concealment ability of "Jade Wave Stealth" and the path-clearing ability of "Parting the River and Splitting Waves"—whether used for stealth, escape, or exploration, they could be called divine Skills!

"Let's test this 'Controlling Water like Qi' effect!"

With a thought, he dove into the water again.

The water within a radius of several zhang seemed to become an extension of his body. With his intent, a stream of water quickly gathered and compressed in his palm, and in the blink of an eye, it condensed into a crystal-clear water arrow with a sharp tip!

"Go!"

With a flick of his wrist, the water arrow shot out silently but as fast as lightning, instantly piercing the head of a large black carp swimming three zhang away!

The carp didn't even have time to struggle before its white belly turned up.

The sharp light in Chen Linsheng's eyes grew even brighter. He waved his hands repeatedly, and water arrows continued to condense and shoot out, accurately hitting one fat fish after another.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the cabin of that small fishing boat was piled high with a mountain of fresh, shimmering fish.

He leapt onto the small boat, feeling the blood still abundant in his body and the sense of command over the surrounding water flow, feeling incredibly refreshed.

Steering the small boat, he parted the reeds and headed toward the small pier in his memory.

Just as he reached the pier, he saw the old fisherman who had rented him the boat squatting on the shore, looking gloomily at his empty fishing net, clearly having had a poor harvest today.

Chen Linsheng tied the boat rope, leapt onto the shore, laughed at the old fisherman, pointed at the cabin full of fish, and waved his hand nonchalantly:

"Old man, I had good luck today. These fish are all for you!"

Having said that, before the dumbfounded old fisherman could react, he had already activated the Movement Technique of the White Crane Wind and Cloud Song. His figure was like a wisp of green smoke, drifting away and disappearing into the twilight.

The old fisherman still couldn't believe it. He rubbed his eyes and walked tremblingly to the side of the boat, peering into the cabin—

He saw the cabin crowded with shimmering fish, likely weighing two or three hundred catties! Several of the large black carp and grass carp were even fatter than those he rarely saw on ordinary days!

"This... this..." The old fisherman trembled with excitement. Looking in the direction Chen Linsheng had disappeared, he was moved to tears. He plopped down on his knees on the pier, folded his hands, and bowed repeatedly, muttering incoherently:

"Thank you, benefactor! Thank you, living Bodhisattva! The Heavens have opened their eyes! This old man kowtows to you! I wish you health and prosperity, and may your descendants be noble for ten thousand generations..."

As twilight settled and the river breeze blew gently, the old fisherman's grateful murmurs were scattered across the shimmering Jiuqu River.