35: Nine Netherworld Cold Prison Technique

Museum Master Zhao Zheng immediately called out the names of Third Martial Sister Liu Ruyan and Senior Brother Di Moyu.

"Ruyan, Moyu, you two have a match as well."

"Yes, Master!"

Battle Intent surged in Liu Ruyan's eyes; she had long wanted to spar with this Senior Brother who often ran escorts and possessed rich practical combat experience.

Di Moyu still wore his lazy smile as he walked into the arena and cupped his hands toward Liu Ruyan: "Junior Sister, please go easy on me."

"Senior Brother, take this Move!"

Liu Ruyan let out a delicate shout, her figure moving like lightning as she launched the first attack.

Her palm technique was not as fierce as Shi Poyue's, nor as cunning as Di Moyu's, but rather swift and sharp, like a sudden storm, specializing in vital points and carrying a tragic aura reminiscent of a battlefield—a characteristic of her family's inherited martial arts.

Di Moyu did not dare to be careless, executing the Spirit Fox Movement to its limit, leaving trails of afterimages in the arena, avoiding her edge. Simultaneously, the Cold Fiend Finger waited for an opportunity, striking out like a venomous snake flicking its tongue during the transitions of Liu Ruyan's offense, forcing her to defend.

The two were in similar Realms, both in the Flesh Refining Realm. For a time, they fought fiercely, energy overflowing, leaving Chen Linsheng dazzled and mesmerized.

Unable to break through after a prolonged assault, Liu Ruyan hardened her resolve, exposed a flaw, and forcefully took a palm strike from Di Moyu. Using the momentum, she pressed forward, her palms moving like butterflies flitting among flowers, aiming straight for Di Moyu's center!

Di Moyu seemed not to have anticipated her risky Move, hastily blocking with both palms.

"Bang!"

The collision of Qi energy caused both figures to sway.

Di Moyu's steps appeared to stumble as he slid back half a step, yet he skillfully deflected Liu Ruyan's force. Immediately, a wisp of more condensed Cold Fiend Evil Qi from his fingertip silently struck the Jianjing acupoint on Liu Ruyan's shoulder, exposed due to her forward rush.

By the time Liu Ruyan noticed, it was too late to completely evade. Her shoulder felt slightly numb, her Qi and blood instantly stagnated by half a beat, and her offensive momentum immediately collapsed.

Di Moyu took the opportunity to retreat, cupped his hands, and laughed: "Thank you for the concession, Junior Sister. That was close, I almost lost."

Liu Ruyan rubbed her shoulder, circulated her Cultivation Technique to dispel the trace of cold Qi, and glared at Di Moyu irritably: "Senior Brother, your 'Spirit Fox Movement' is getting slicker and slicker!"

She knew that the opponent had held back at the end, otherwise, her arm would likely have been sore and numb for quite some time.

Museum Master Zhao Zheng watched everything, nodding slightly. Having a clear understanding of his Disciples' progress, he commented on the gains and losses in their Moves.

At this moment, Senior Brother Shi Poyue smiled and proposed: "Master, since we had a small competition today and all the Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters are here, it's a rare chance to gather. How about I treat everyone to a simple meal at the Drunken Immortal Tower so Junior Brother Chen can get to know everyone better?"

Zhao Zheng waved his hand: "You young people go gather yourselves; I won't join in."

Chen Linsheng naturally nodded in agreement: "I'll follow Senior Brother's arrangements."

The group chatted and laughed as they prepared to leave the backyard and head outside the martial arts museum.

Just as they reached the Ornamental Hanging Gate, a Martial Arts Museum Servant rushed over and respectfully said to Chen Linsheng: "Senior Brother Chen, the Museum Master asked you to go to the Quiet Room; he has something to instruct you on."

Upon hearing this, Shi Poyue said to Chen Linsheng: "Since Master is looking for you, it must be important. You go first; we'll wait for you at the entrance of the martial arts museum."

"Alright, I'll be quick." Chen Linsheng nodded, turned, and quickly walked toward the Quiet Room.

Watching Chen Linsheng's retreating figure, Di Moyu shook his Folding Fan, a glint flashing in his eyes, and lowered his voice to Shi Poyue: "Senior Brother, Master calling Junior Brother Chen away alone at this time... could it be that he intends for him to take the Martial Examination?"

Shi Poyue showed a meaningful smile on his face, also whispering:

"The Martial Examination? Who doesn't want to take it? It's the Righteous Path for a Carp leaping over the Dragon Gate. However, given Junior Brother's Genius, Master's expectations for him are likely higher. If he can obtain a formal status in the Army Breaker Manor and then take the Martial Examination, his starting point, resources, and the attention he receives would be much easier than for us who rely purely on our own efforts to force our way in, and his future prospects would be much broader."

Liu Ruyan and Zhao Linger also came closer, and upon hearing this, both showed expressions of realization and envy.

The Army Breaker Manor, that was the great power that guarded the Dao of the Hebei Circuit. The status of its Disciple far surpassed that of an ordinary Martial Scholar or even a Successful Martial Examination Candidate... On the other side, Chen Linsheng entered the Quiet Room again.

Sandalwood smoke curled up, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Museum Master Zhao Zheng sat cross-legged on a Prayer Mat, motioning for Chen Linsheng to sit across from him.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhao Zheng finally began the conversation in a low and solemn voice: "Linsheng, do you know why your Master called you here alone?"

"This Disciple does not know. Please enlighten me, Master."

"Your inherent talent is truly the only one I have ever seen in my life." Zhao Zheng looked at him with burning eyes. "Minor Achievement in Pile Posture Technique in fifteen days, Skin Quenching five times in just over a month... This kind of progress, let alone in Qinghe County, even if placed within the Army Breaker Manor in the Hebei Circuit, would be considered among the ranks of Geniuses. Do not become complacent because of these small achievements before you; your stage should be in a much broader world."

Chen Linsheng's heart trembled, and he said in a deep voice: "This Disciple understands, and I dare not be negligent."

Zhao Zheng nodded with satisfaction, then changed the subject: "However, the path of martial Dao becomes increasingly difficult the further you proceed."

"Inherent talent and resources are certainly important, but without the guidance of a more profound 'Law,' it will ultimately be difficult to climb to the Peak, and your Foundation may even become unstable, making Bottlenecks hard to break."

He paused, his tone growing heavier.

"My Army Breaker Manor's Black Tortoise Cold Fiend Division possesses a Core Legacy called the Nine Nether Cold Prison Art, which is a supreme method pointing directly to the highest Realm of the martial Dao. The Python Dragon Strength that you Cultivate is the Foundation and introductory level of this Law, and it is crucial, determining whether you can handle that magnificent power of ultimate cold and ultimate Evil Qi in the future."

He confessed: "Such a Core Cultivation Technique is only passed down to direct Core Disciples. Your Master was limited by authority back then and failed to receive it, so I could only settle for the next best thing and Cultivate another technique called the Profound Nether True Water Fiend. My discussion with you today is to point out a grand path where Master and Disciple can both win—if you can pass the Army Breaker Manor's assessment and formally join the Sect, it will not only open up infinite possibilities for your future, but your Master will also receive Sect merit rewards for the recommendation, which can be used to exchange for the subsequent Cultivation Technique of the Profound Nether True Water Fiend, or even gain a glimpse into the mysteries of the Nine Nether Cold Prison Art."

The path was clear, intertwining benefits and future.

Chen Linsheng did not hesitate, immediately stood up, and bowed deeply: "This Disciple is willing to go! I will certainly not fail Master's expectations!"

"Good!" Admiration flashed in Zhao Zheng's eyes. "However, your Master's expectation for you is not merely to meet the standard of an Outer Sect Disciple. The Army Breaker Manor's Outer Sect assessment only requires Minor Achievement in a Foundation Establishment Cultivation Technique within twenty days. I hope that within one year, you will not only solidify your Foundation but also Cultivate both the Hunyuan Pile Posture Technique and the Hunyuan Palm to the Major Achievement Realm, and even attempt to assault the Flesh Refining Realm! Participating in the assessment with such a Foundation will allow you to directly enter the evaluation sequence for Inner Sect Disciples!"

One year's time; the requirements were undoubtedly high, and the pressure was mountainous.

But seeing the undisguised expectation and trust in Zhao Zheng's eyes, Chen Linsheng felt a sudden surge of heroic spirit in his chest, and he clasped his fists heavily: "This Disciple will dedicate my full effort!"

Zhao Zheng smiled and reassured him:

"Don't worry, there is still time. Before that, you can first try to obtain the status of a 'Martial Student'."

Next, Zhao Zheng introduced the Martial Examination system of the Great Liang Dynasty in detail to Chen Linsheng: "The Martial Examination of our Dynasty aims to select talents proficient in both civil and military arts, divided into the Civil Test and the Martial Test. The Civil Test accounts for thirty percent, and the Martial Test accounts for seventy percent, which is divided into three items: Archery and Horsemanship, Skill and Bravery, and Arena Combat."

"However, this refers to the County Examination, which is the assessment for Martial Scholars, and is unrelated to your Martial Student assessment."

"A Martial Student is a reserve for the Martial Scholar. Your Master still holds some influence in the County Yamen and can directly vouch for you, registering your name in the records, thus confirming your 'Martial Student' status."

"However, a Martial Student is just an ordinary status; the Martial Scholar is the key. Afterward, you must practice diligently. I will have your Senior Brother guide you then. You need a solid Foundation in every item of the Martial Scholar examination: Archery and Horsemanship, Skill and Bravery, and Arena Combat."

"As for the Civil Test, it might still be difficult for you... In that case, when you have free time, come find me, and I will instruct you. The martial arts museum also has a collection of books that you can consult yourself, and if you have any doubts, you can ask me or your Senior Brother."

Zhao Zheng finally said: "Also, in a few days, the ice muscle pill from the Hundred Herbs Hall should be finished refining. Come find me then."

Hearing that the ice muscle pill was about to be completed, joy rose in Chen Linsheng's heart. He thanked his Master once more before bowing out and leaving the Quiet Room.

He quickly arrived at the entrance of the martial arts museum. Shi Poyue, Di Moyu, Liu Ruyan, and Zhao Linger were indeed still waiting for him.

"Senior Brother, Senior Brother, Third Martial Sister, Fourth Martial Sister, I apologize for being late."

Chen Linsheng said with slight apology.

"No matter, Master looking for you must be important." Shi Poyue waved his hand and smiled, "Let's go! The Roast Whole Lamb at the Drunken Immortal Tower is a specialty of Qinghe; if we go too late, we won't get any!"

The group were all young talents with extraordinary demeanor, drawing considerable attention as they walked down the street.

While chatting and laughing, they arrived at the most famous restaurant in Qinghe County.

The Drunken Immortal Tower.