10: misfortune

The "Azure Peak Sword Manual" and the Azure Edge Sword lay quietly before Qin Feng, exuding an enticing aura. He gently stroked the cold blade, its sharp chill almost stinging his fingertips. If this Profound Rank Medium Grade Martial Skill and weapon were to be leaked, they would likely cause a bloodbath in Star South City, as they were far superior to the common goods taught in ordinary martial arts halls.

"Cultivating silently, this is my best starting point." Qin Feng suppressed the urge to immediately brandish the sword, well aware of the principle that "possessing a jade attracts trouble." He opened the "Azure Peak Sword Manual" again, carefully studying the essentials of the sword techniques and the accompanying footwork and force-delivery methods.

However, after two consecutive days of meditation, he still felt as if he were separated by a layer of mist, making it difficult to truly master the basics. He could mimic the form of the Moves, but the flow of qi and blood and the force-delivery techniques involved were always slightly off, and a tiny error could lead to a huge mistake.

"It seems that just having the Secret Manual isn't enough." Qin Feng closed the Secret Manual, lost in thought. "Does the execution of this sword technique require a specific Internal Energy or True Qi to drive it? I still lack a fundamental Cultivation Technique and cannot generate or control the energy within my body."

Without a Cultivation Technique, it's like having a sophisticated firearm without bullets; one might have the skill to slay a Dragon but lacks the strength to even bind a chicken. He could only continue to rely on qi and blood pills and physical training to temper his body and accumulate qi and blood, while repeatedly memorizing the sword manual's illustrations until they were etched into his mind.

Night fell again, and it was time for the System's intelligence to refresh. With a mix of anticipation and a hint of nervousness, Qin Feng focused his gaze.

[(White) The Flower Picking Bandit will kidnap the daughter of Squire Liu from the West City Silk Shop to the Northern Abandoned Mountain Temple before the zi hour tonight with ill intentions. On the way, he encountered a scout from the Yin Demon Sect's outer circle disguised as a beggar (strength: Advanced Martial Artist). After a brief exchange, the scout was no match for the Flower Picking Bandit's Martial Master cultivation and was killed. Afterward, the Flower Picking Bandit violated the woman in the temple and murdered her to silence her before dawn.]

[(White) The Fierce Tiger Gang and its rival, the White Tiger Gang, are facing intensifying conflicts over dock interests, and a large-scale fight may break out soon. The Fierce Tiger Gang is recruiting heavily, claiming that even those at the Martial Apprentice realm can join and promising generous rewards, but in reality, most are used as cannon fodder.]

[(Black) If the Host goes to the Northern Abandoned Mountain Temple during the day tomorrow, there is a very high probability of triggering a Hidden Poisonous Powder trap set by the Flower Picking Bandit to guard against subsequent investigations by the Yin Demon Cult. The powder is colorless and odorless, taking effect within half an hour of contact, eroding the Meridians. It is difficult for those below the Martial Artist realm to resist, and the mortality rate is extremely high.]

Looking at these three pieces of intelligence, Qin Feng's mood fluctuated like a roller coaster.

First, that Flower Picking Bandit was indeed wicked beyond measure, and his actions were appalling! But by a strange twist of fate, he had actually eliminated that Yin Demon Cult Disciple who was spying on him? This... could be considered a favor? Qin Feng's heart was filled with complex emotions: sympathy for the victim, anger toward the Flower Picking Bandit, and a hint of relief that an obstacle had been removed.

However, the third piece of black intelligence was like a bucket of ice water, completely extinguishing the thought he had just formed of "going to retrieve the treasure during the day"!

"Damn it! This beast actually set a poison trap!" Qin Feng couldn't help but curse under his breath. A poison set by an Advanced Martial Master was definitely not something he, a beginner Martial Apprentice, could withstand. The golden legend was within reach, yet it remained fraught with danger and difficult to touch.

"I can only continue to wait." He sighed helplessly, suppressing the anxiety in his heart. No matter how good the Opportunity was, one had to be alive to enjoy it.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window lattices into the room. Qin Feng had just finished a round of physical training and was covered in sweat when familiar footsteps and a knock came from outside the courtyard gate.

"Xiao Feng, are you there?"

It was Second Uncle.

Qin Feng hurried to open the door and saw Second Uncle standing outside with a small bag of rice and a few smoked fish, a look of concern on his face.

"Second Uncle, why are you here? Please, come in."

"I came to see if you're feeling better." Second Uncle entered the room, set the items down, and looked Qin Feng over carefully with a gratified smile. "Hmm, your complexion is much better, and you look sturdier. Have your injuries fully healed?"

"Almost. Thank you for worrying, Second Uncle." Qin Feng poured a bowl of water for Second Uncle.

"That's good, that's good." Second Uncle rubbed his rough palms. "I recently found a job as a helper at the Drunken Immortal Tower. The kitchen is short-handed. The work is a bit tiring, but they provide two meals, and the pay is decent. I mentioned you to the manager, and he said if you're feeling better, you could go and try. They should still need a few servers."

The Drunken Immortal Tower was a famous restaurant in Star South City. Securing a job there was indeed much better than carrying bags at the docks and relatively more stable.

Qin Feng was moved, knowing that Second Uncle was always looking out for him. Although he had some money now, living off his savings was not a long-term solution. Having a proper identity and source of income as a cover would also help him better hide the secret of his Cultivation.

"Alright, thank you, Second Uncle! I'll tidy up and go try in a couple of days."

"Eh, no need to be so polite with your Second Uncle." Seeing his nephew's excellent spirits, Second Uncle felt relieved. He gave a few more instructions about being hardworking and observant at the restaurant before hurrying off to work.

After seeing his Second Uncle off, Qin Feng looked at the bag of rice and smoked fish, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. In this unfamiliar world, Second Uncle was his most solid support. He clenched his fists, his determination to become stronger growing even firmer.

Not just for himself, but also for those who cared about him, he would earn a sense of security and dignity in this world where Martial Artists were revered.

And all of this required strength.