48: Python Strength

The sky was clear for thousands of miles, and Qinghe River flowed like a silk ribbon.

A water patrol boat, about three zhang long, cut through the ripples, swiftly navigating the river.

The boat was light and narrow, with a shallow draft, relying entirely on four oarsmen on both sides to row in coordination, making it quite fast.

Chen Linsheng stood tall at the bow, dressed in a water patrol ranger uniform.

It was an indigo blue short jacket with narrow sleeves and a cross-collar, paired with matching cuffed trousers, looking clean and sharp.

At the cuffs and trouser legs, two simple wave patterns were embroidered with silver thread, reflecting slightly in the sunlight, adding a touch of heroism and official dignity to him.

He calmly scanned the waters on both sides, hearing the splashing sound of oars cutting through the water and the occasional whispers of his companions behind him.

The helmsman, Uncle Zhou, was over forty, with a face as dark as iron. His pair of rough hands gripped the rudder steadily, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, observing the subtle changes in the water flow.

He had served in the Water Patrol Division for over ten years and knew every undercurrent, shallow, reef, and even the patterns of weather changes around Qinghe County like the back of his hand. He was the true pillar of stability for this boat, but due to his personality, he was silent and reticent.

The fierce swordsman, Zhao Tiezhu, was twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a burly physique and muscles that almost ripped his uniform. He was straightforward, even somewhat reckless, a local from the county town, born into poverty. Relying on his natural Divine Power, he had practiced some rudimentary external martial arts for a few years. He joined the Water Patrol Division admiring Senior Brother Shi Poyue's prestige, eager to achieve success and make a name for himself.

fast archer Li Qing, around twenty, was lean and sharp-eyed, like the bow on his back.

He came from a hunter's background, and his archery skills were extremely precise, especially adept at shooting from a swaying boat.

His hometown had been burned down by mountain bandits, so he joined the Water Patrol Division both to make a living and to seek revenge one day.

At this moment, the gaze he occasionally cast towards Chen Linsheng's back at the bow held an undisguised envy.

So young, yet already a Youjiao capable of leading a team independently.

The all-rounder, Little Tiger Wang, was Uncle Zhou's distant nephew, only seventeen or eighteen years old, with the childishness and cleverness of a youth still on his face.

He was primarily an oarsman, also responsible for maintaining equipment, cleaning, cooking, and other chores. In combat, he assisted by Throwing fishing nets and flying hooks.

Although he lacked experience, he was full of drive and was the younger brother everyone looked after on the boat.

"Boss, we're almost at the dock ahead."

Uncle Zhou's low voice broke the silence.

Chen Linsheng nodded slightly and ordered, "Retract oars, dock."

The nimble boat skillfully pulled up to the dock, and Little Tiger Wang nimbly tied the mooring rope.

Everyone jumped off the boat. Chen Linsheng said to the four, "Today's patrol was uneventful, thank you for your hard work. Tomorrow at Mao hour, gather here again."

"Yes, Patrol Runner Chen!"

Zhao Tiezhu's voice was like a great bell. Li Qing and Little Tiger Wang also responded in unison, while Uncle Zhou merely nodded silently.

Watching the four disperse, Chen Linsheng tidied his clothes and walked home in his water patrol ranger uniform.

Along the way, the common people he encountered, whether they were peddlers carrying burdens or street vendors, mostly cast gazes of awe upon seeing his attire. Some even instinctively made way and bowed in greeting.

'Is this the power of an official position...'

Chen Linsheng sighed inwardly, no wonder that mere White Runner dared to act tyrannically in the countryside.

In Great Liang, only those who entered the ninth rank were considered true "officials."

The lowest county clerk was of the unranked ninth grade, and even Head Constable Wang barely squeezed into the unranked ninth grade. His own "water patrol ranger," in the end, didn't even count as unranked ninth grade, merely a petty official with certain responsibilities.

But even so, in the eyes of ordinary people, he was already an extraordinary figure.

Returning to the mansion in the west of the city, as soon as he pushed open the courtyard gate, Su Wan, who was hanging clothes, saw him. Her eyes immediately lit up, and she put down her work to quickly greet him.

"A Sheng is back."

Her voice was gentle, and she naturally picked up a handkerchief to wipe away the non-existent sweat from his forehead. When she looked up at him, her eyes were full of reliance and admiration.

"You look so spirited in this official uniform."

Aunt Zhang, busy in the kitchen, also came out upon hearing the sound. Seeing Chen Linsheng, the smile on her face was even more respectful than usual. She rubbed her hands and said, "A Sheng... no, Patrol Runner Chen is back, lunch will be ready soon."

Chen Linsheng smiled, "Aunt Zhang, just call me A Sheng, it's more comfortable."

"Aye, aye, alright."

Aunt Zhang agreed verbally, but her attitude remained respectful.

Chen Linsheng knew this would take time to adapt to, so he said no more. He said to Su Wan, "I'll change my clothes and go to the backyard to Cultivate."

Back in his room, he swiftly changed out of his official uniform into ordinary coarse cloth training clothes, feeling much more relaxed.

Arriving in the backyard, his gaze fell upon the slightly small pond that drew in living water.

Without hesitation, he leaped into it.

The cool pond water enveloped his body, and he dove straight to the bottom like a swimming fish.

In an inconspicuous corner, he reached out and pressed against a blue brick that seemed to be an integral part of the pond bottom, secretly applying skillful force to press and push inward.

"Click."

With a slight mechanical click, the blue brick slid inward, revealing a deep opening just wide enough for one person to pass through, from which a faint stream of water emerged.

Chen Linsheng's body contracted, and he slipped inside.

The entrance was initially narrow, but after about a zhang, it suddenly widened into a hidden underwater passage.

His Aptitude for Water had reached Minor Achievement, so he navigated the turbulent passage with ease, following the direction in his memory.

About an incense stick's time later, a faint light appeared ahead. He broke through the water, finding himself in that dry, mysterious Immortal Cave embedded with glowing strange stones.

It was precisely the place where the Curled Beard Guest had passed away!

The water Spiritual Qi here, filtered and gathered by that strange water curtain, was dense and pure, far exceeding the outside world, making it an excellent place to Cultivate the Python Dragon Strength.

He sat cross-legged on the open ground in front of the Silver Bone, dispelling distracting thoughts, recalling the essentials of Python Dragon Strength taught by Master Zhao Zheng.

The unique breathing method then began to operate, sometimes long and profound, like a giant python inhaling and exhaling, causing his chest to rise and fall slowly.

At other times, it was short and explosive, like a cold dragon's roar, with Qi surging in his throat.

He guided the immense power within his 'Qi and Blood Furnace,' no longer content with merely tempering his skin, but attempting to penetrate and intertwine with deeper muscle fibers.

His mind visualized a giant python coiling and strangling, its strength long and concentrated.

He visualized a cold dragon soaring from the abyss, harboring explosive potential.

In this ethereal and tranquil Immortal Cave, filled with abundant Spiritual Qi, his mind was highly focused, and his comprehension of the Cultivation Technique far surpassed his usual level.

After an unknown period, when he transitioned from a long 'python breath' to a short 'dragon cry,' the surging Qi and blood within his body seemed to find a unique rhythm, suddenly becoming more condensed and explosive!

His entire body's muscles felt slightly hot, as if countless tiny pythons and dragons were awakening and swimming within them. A sense of power, far exceeding before, continuously surged from the depths of his muscles!

The spirit book in his mind vibrated at the opportune moment, its radiance flowing, and new characters condensed into form:

[Martial Skill: Python Dragon Strength (Initiate)]

[Progress: (0/500)]

[Divine Effect: Initial Python Strength achieved, physical strength doubled. Initially mastered 'Python Strength,' when exerting force, strength is long-lasting and concentrated, marking the Breakthrough to the Flesh Refining Realm. Pure physical strength is doubled based on the original foundation.]

Chen Linsheng suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing within them, like a bolt of lightning cutting through the darkness.

He slowly clenched his fists, feeling the surging, explosive new power within his muscles, and the corner of his mouth couldn't help but curl into a satisfied arc.

Python Dragon Strength, finally Initiated!

Physical strength doubled! This was merely the Divine Effect brought by Initiation. If he Cultivated it to Minor Achievement, Major Achievement, or even Perfection, what kind of spectacle would that be?

The door to the Flesh Refining Realm had burst open before him!