56: black market

After Zhao Zheng explained the plan for hunting Essence Spirits in detail, his expression turned solemn, and his gaze swept over the five Personal Disciples present.

"There's one more thing I need to remind you about," he said in a low voice. "The county town has been fraught with rumors recently; you should have heard about it. White Lotus Cult Heretics seem to have infiltrated our county borders. The deaths of Qian Fugui, Gang Leader Wang, and others in the mountains are likely connected to them. These cultists act deviously and unscrupulously, so you must be extra careful, speak and act cautiously, and avoid unnecessary trouble."

His gaze finally rested on Chen Linsheng, with a hint of concern: "Linsheng, your family lives in the west of the city. If you feel it's inconvenient or uneasy, you can move them to the martial arts academy's back residence for a temporary stay. With Master here to guard the academy, ordinary petty criminals wouldn't dare to act presumptuously."

Chen Linsheng felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that Master was considering the safety of Su Wan and the others.

He pondered for a moment. The situation was not yet clear, and rashly bringing Wan'er and the others to the martial arts academy might draw unwanted attention.

Moreover, there was still a secret waterway at home that led to the Immortal Cave beneath the river, providing a retreat in case of real danger.

He cupped his fists and said, "Thank you, Master, for your concern. Disciple has noted it. If the situation changes, I will certainly follow Master's arrangements."

Zhao Zheng nodded, said no more, and waved his hand: "Since that's the case, all of you go prepare. Remember to keep the hunting matter a secret."

"Yes!"

Everyone responded in unison and then dispersed.

Chen Linsheng left the martial arts academy but did not go home; instead, he headed straight to the Water Patrol Division Yamen.

Donning the indigo-blue water patrol ranger uniform with silver wave patterns embroidered on the cuffs and trouser legs, he felt his demeanor settle a few shades.

Arriving at the dock, his patrol boat was already ready, and Uncle Zhou, Zhao Tiezhu, Li Qing, and Little Tiger Wang were already waiting on board.

"Boss!"

Seeing Chen Linsheng board the boat, Zhao Tiezhu greeted him with a voice like a booming bell. Li Qing and Little Tiger Wang also quickly stood at attention, and even the usually silent Uncle Zhou nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"Set sail, patrol according to the established route," Chen Linsheng ordered concisely.

"Yes!"

The patrol boat swiftly left the dock, cutting through the ripples, and patrolled downstream along the main channel of the Clear River.

The oars sliced through the water, making a regular, soft swishing sound.

Initially, there was only the sound of wind and water on the boat.

But patrol duties were mostly monotonous. Halfway through, seeing that Chen Linsheng merely stood steadily at the bow observing the water, not restraining them, the younger three gradually relaxed and began to chat in low voices.

The three of them seemed to live in the east of the city, so their conversation naturally revolved around what they had seen and heard there.

"Speaking of which, our East City seems to have been quite peaceful recently," Little Tiger Wang said, wiping his oar. "Before, you'd see members of the Black Mountain Gang swaggering through the streets every now and then, but these past few days, they seem to have all retreated?"

Li Qing chimed in: "Isn't that right? I heard their gang leader's son had an accident in the mountains, and now the entire Black Mountain Gang is like a chicken with its neck wrung, completely silent. Gang Leader Zhang went into the mountains with a large contingent a few days ago, and after he returned, he's been holed up at home. He probably didn't find anyone and is fuming."

Zhao Tiezhu sneered: "Serves them right! Those guys usually act like tyrants, not good people. It's better if they rein it in; it saves us trouble on patrol."

Little Tiger Wang sighed, his tone carrying a young man's fantasy: "Ah, if only we could be as powerful as Boss and those martial arts academy Masters. Practicing martial arts is really difficult; good Cultivation Techniques are impossible to get... If only one day I got lucky and picked up a peerless Secret Manual!"

"Pfft!" Hearing this, Zhao Tiezhu couldn't help but laugh out loud, patting Little Tiger Wang's shoulder with his fan-like large hand. "Kid, are you dreaming? If Secret Manuals were everywhere, would they still be called Secret Manuals? Instead of hoping for that, you might as well save some money and try your luck at the Mangshan Black Market outside the North Gate; maybe you can pick up some rudimentary martial arts..."

Before he could finish, Li Qing nudged him gently with his elbow, glancing towards the silent Chen Linsheng at the bow and Uncle Zhou at the helm.

Zhao Tiezhu realized he had said too much, quickly shut his mouth awkwardly, and secretly glanced at Chen Linsheng. Seeing that the other party didn't seem to notice, he breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Chen Linsheng, though seemingly looking straight ahead, had heard every word of their conversation.

'Mangshan Black Market?' His heart stirred.

This was an unexpected gain.

He was just worrying about how to find the other prerequisite Cultivation Techniques for the Golden Robe Skill, such as Hundred Refinements Steel Body, Jade Marrow Guiding Technique, and Five Viscera Absorbing Essence Art, which were definitely not obtainable from ordinary martial arts academies or shops. If a black market truly existed, it might be a viable path.

He silently memorized the words 'Black Market' but showed no trace of it on his face.

The patrol mission ended uneventfully, and the patrol boat returned to the dock.

After Chen Linsheng instructed everyone to gather on time tomorrow, he went straight home.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, the familiar scent of home cooking wafted over him.

Su Wan and Aunt Zhang were still busy in the courtyard, with a few more strings of freshly made, glistening sausages next to them.

On the other side, Big Ox Zhang was shirtless, revealing his sturdy muscles, repeatedly hitting the old tree in the courtyard with his back and shoulders, making dull "thudding" sounds, and grunting. This was the most basic Pile method (piling method) of the Iron Clothes Art.

This was not a martial art from his sect, but wanting to cultivate a loyal subordinate for himself, he taught this hard Qi technique to Da Niu.

This kid's talent was ordinary, but he was willing to work hard, with thick skin and flesh. After a few days, he actually showed some results.

Chen Linsheng glanced at him, nodded slightly, acknowledging his efforts, and then walked into his room.

Closing the door, he sat cross-legged on the couch, carefully taking out the water bladder containing the earth vein cold spring water from his Huai (bosom).

Pulling out the stopper, a burst of icy cold air instantly spread.

He pondered for a moment, deciding not to apply it externally, but instead tilted his head back and took a small sip.

As the cold spring entered his stomach, at first he only felt a chilling sensation slide down his throat, but the next moment, a sudden change occurred!

An indescribable, extreme coldness seemed to explode within him instantly!

Like thousands of ice needles, simultaneously piercing out from his five viscera, six organs, and four limbs, intending to completely freeze him from the inside out!

His blood seemed to congeal, and even his thoughts became sluggish.

"What overbearing cold Qi!"

Chen Linsheng's heart was solemn, not daring to be negligent, and immediately circulated the Python Dragon Strength with all his might!

The "Python Strength" was long and drawn out, attempting to envelop and dissolve the rampant cold Qi.

The "Dragon Strength" was explosive, like an enraged dragon churning the sea, forcefully crashing through his almost frozen muscle fibers, stimulating his Qi and blood to resist it.

A tug-of-war between ice and fire fiercely unfolded within his body.

A thin layer of white frost even condensed on the surface of his skin, and his eyebrows and hair were tinged with ice crystals.

He gritted his teeth, relying on the powerful Foundation of his Hunyuan True Body and the super tolerance to medicinal effects brought by Herb Gathering Perfection, he forcefully endured this terrifying cold wave's impact, guiding this extreme cold power to repeatedly scour and stimulate his entire body's muscles.

Each time the cold Qi erupted, it was forcefully suppressed by the Python and Dragon Strengths, and after enduring this extreme "cold tempering," his muscles felt a dense, firm sense of comfort, as if refined iron that had been hammered a thousand times, removing Impurities and becoming more solid.

He repeated this process over and over again, tirelessly, losing track of time.

Outside the window, the sun gradually set in the west, and the dim afterglow filtered through the window lattice, casting light on Chen Linsheng's frost-covered face.

When the last trace of cold Qi was finally completely refined and absorbed by the surging Qi and blood and the dual strengths within his body—

"Buzz!"

The spirit book in his mind vibrated violently, and amidst the flowing light, a line of brand new text suddenly condensed!

[Martial Skill: Golden Bell Shield (Initiate)]

[Progress: (0/1500)]

[Divine Effect: Muscles like bedrock, strength follows defense. Muscle density and strength grow synchronously, becoming firm and full. Basic resistance to strikes is greatly improved, and while defense increases, physical strength also gains a small boost.]

Chen Linsheng suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing through them. The cold Qi around him completely dissipated, replaced by a warm yet firm Qi and blood fluctuation.

He slowly clenched his fists, feeling the unprecedented dense texture and surging power emanating from his muscles, and a relieved smile finally appeared at the corner of his mouth.

The Golden Bell Shield, finally at Initiate!