77: Chapter 77 Black Market! Crimson Blood Pill!

Inside the chamber, a thick, bloody stench mixed with the bitter smell of medicinal ointment permeated the air.

Lie Yun lay on the couch, his severed arm wrapped in thick, blood-soaked gauze. His face was as pale as paper, and cold sweat appeared on his forehead as soon as the previous layer dried.

His eyes were filled with endless pain, resentment, and a trace of bewilderment on the verge of collapse.

Seeing Hall Master Lie Fentian enter, he struggled to sit up as if grabbing at a final straw, but the movement tugged at his wound, causing him to gasp in pain. He hissed, "Revered Master... it was Lin Tian! It was him! He severed my arm in public... You, you must avenge me!"

The muscles on Hall Master Lie Fentian's crimson face twitched violently, and killing intent and rage intertwined in his eyes, almost spitting fire.

He looked at this Disciple, who was once high-spirited and regarded as one of the pillars of the martial arts hall, but now had become this miserable sight, having lost an arm, with his path of martial arts almost severed!

And all of this was caused by that Lin Tian!

First, his beloved Disciple Constable Lie Ming was severely injured by him in the ring, with both arms fractured.

Now Lie Yun was even worse off, directly losing an arm and becoming a cripple!

Losing two top Disciples in succession, all falling at the hands of one person! This was no longer a simple personal feud, but a great humiliation for the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall, a shaking of its Foundation!

"Lin Tian... it is this Lin Tian again!" Hall Master Lie Fentian squeezed the name out from between his teeth, his voice hoarse like a wounded beast growling, "Damn it! He is truly like a lingering ghost!"

The pent-up rage and killing intent in his chest churned, almost breaking through the dam of reason.

But he was, after all, an old Jianghu hand who managed a hall and had weathered many storms; he knew clearly that this was by no means the right time to make a move.

Lin Tian had just displayed the terrifying talent of "Major Achievement" in his saber technique before Centurion Shen Lian, and he was currently in the limelight and highly regarded.

To move against him now would be no different from seeking his own death, and would even bring disaster to the martial arts hall.

"Revenge must be planned carefully." Hall Master Lie Fentian forcibly suppressed the surging killing intent in his chest, his voice returning to its usual gloominess.

"This scoundrel is currently riding high, and he is valued by the upper echelons of the Imperial Guard. In Heishan City, we cannot touch him.

For now, healing your injuries is the priority.

Rest assured, as your Revered Master, I will never let you suffer this humiliation in vain! This blood debt will be repaid by him with interest sooner or later!"

He patted Lie Yun's uninjured left shoulder, ordered the Disciples standing by to take good care of him, and ordered someone to fetch the "Liehuo Bone-Mending Ointment," a treasure of the martial arts hall with miraculous effects for both internal and external injuries, before turning and leaving with a livid face.

On the other side, Lin Family Mansion.

Last night, Lin Tian had a small gathering with colleagues he was close to, such as Senior Sister Chen Yu, Liu Yunfeng, and Wang Yu, which served as a private celebration for his official promotion to Minor Flag Officer.

The atmosphere at the table was relaxed, and everyone was amazed by the "Major Achievement" saber technique Lin Tian displayed. Senior Sister Chen Yu's beautiful eyes shone with brilliance, holding a touch of indescribable meaning.

The next morning, Lin Tian got up to Cultivate as usual, rain or shine.

He first practiced the Five Elements Stance at Perfection for half an hour to temper his Qi-blood and solidify the Foundation that was growing increasingly vigorous due to the red blood vermilion fruit and frequent consumption of bone-forging soup.

Stance training is the root; it cannot be neglected for a single day.

Subsequently, he began to practice the three new martial arts he had acquired.

The Fire Element Fist had been mastered, and progress was quite fast. The violent, scorching, and aggressive Fist Intent was completely different from his steady and condensed Gold, Wood, and Water Element Fist Intents, requiring extra care in control during practice to avoid conflict in power.

However, it also gave him a deeper understanding of the generation and restriction of the Five Elements and the conversion of power.

The basic Xiuchun Saber Technique was improving steadily, moving towards the realm of "Proficiency."

The newly acquired ultimate move, "Wind-Facing Slash," focused on pondering its Mind-Cultivation Technique of "accumulating momentum, erupting, and charging forward," combined with his Perfection-level movement technique, attempting to unleash the strongest strike during high-speed advancement, and its power was beginning to show.

Near noon, a report came from outside the courtyard that the county office secretary had come to visit.

Lin Tian pondered for a moment before coming to the front hall.

He saw the goat-bearded secretary bringing two servants carrying gift boxes, waiting with a smiling face.

Seeing Lin Tian, he quickly bowed and saluted, his attitude even more respectful than it was at the county office yesterday, even carrying a hint of flattery.

"Officer Lin, my Revered Master spoke out of turn yesterday after drinking, and caused offense. He feels truly uneasy.

He specifically ordered me to prepare some thin gifts to come and apologize, hoping that Officer Lin will be magnanimous and not take it to heart."

As the secretary spoke, he waved his hand, signaling the servants to present the gift boxes one by one. Most of them were nourishing medicinal herbs, silks, and stationery, all of great value.

Lin Tian glanced at them, his expression indifferent. He knew that Magistrate Zhou Wenhai saw that his talent and strength were astonishing and that he was valued by the Imperial Guard, so he was taking the initiative to ease the relationship to avoid being hated in the future.

Since the other party was sensible, he didn't need to hold onto it. After all, the other party was the head of the county, and being too stiff on the surface would do no good.

"Magistrate Zhou is too polite. As for yesterday's matter, since it was a misunderstanding, it is good to resolve it. I will accept the gifts."

Lin Tian said lightly, signaling his clansmen to accept the gifts.

Hearing this, the secretary felt as if he had been granted amnesty, his smile grew wider, and he bowed repeatedly: "Many thanks for Officer Lin's magnanimity! This humble one will go back and report to the Magistrate..."

"Wait." Lin Tian spoke suddenly, interrupting him.

The secretary was stunned, his heart tightening slightly. He quickly said: "Does Officer Lin have any other instructions?"

Lin Tian looked at him, the corners of his mouth slightly curved, revealing a look that was not quite a smile: "Secretary, there is one thing I must remind you of.

This official is no longer an 'Acting' Minor Flag Officer, but a formally registered Minor Flag Officer of the Jinyiwei Company Office.

Don't call me wrong next time we meet."

"W-what?" The smile on the secretary's face froze instantly, his eyes widened, as if he had heard something incredible.

"F-formal Minor Flag Officer?! Officer Lin... you, you have been promoted again?!"

It had only been a day!

From Acting Minor Flag Officer to formal Minor Flag Officer? This speed of promotion was simply shocking!

The secretary only felt a chill rushing from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, and he had a more intuitive and shocking realization of how much Lin Tian was valued within the Imperial Guard.

"Y-yes! This humble one understands! Understands! Congratulations to Officer Lin on your promotion! Congratulations, Officer Lin!" The secretary reacted and quickly changed his words, his tone becoming even more respectful, even carrying a bit of panic.

He didn't dare to stay any longer, bowed hastily to take his leave, and fled the Lin Family Mansion almost as if running away, still feeling shocked in his heart.

Returning to the county office, he reported to Magistrate Zhou Wenhai the news that Lin Tian had been promoted to a formal Minor Flag Officer, as well as the situation that he had accepted the gifts and his attitude was still acceptable.

After listening, Magistrate Zhou Wenhai was silent for a long time, and finally let out a long breath, the wariness in his eyes growing stronger.

"Formal Minor Flag Officer... Centurion Shen Lian is planning to Cultivate him as a core member." Magistrate Zhou Wenhai muttered, then snorted coldly.

"That old fellow Hall Master Lie Fentian almost harmed me!

Fortunately, I saw the situation clearly and eased the relationship in time.

Pass down the order: from now on, be three parts more polite to the Lin Family and this Officer Lin, and do not be negligent!"

At the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall, the atmosphere was the complete opposite of the calm in the Lin Family Mansion; it was full of gloom.

Lie Yun's injury was temporarily stabilized under the effect of the "Liehuo Bone-Mending Ointment," and the pain in his severed arm had slightly subsided, but the fact that he had lost an arm could not be changed.

For a Martial Artist, especially a proud and arrogant Genius Martial Artist, this was a devastating blow.

He lay on the couch all day, his eyes hollow, sometimes muttering to himself, sometimes roaring crazily; his spirit was on the verge of collapse.

Constable Lie Ming guarded by his side, watching his brother like this, his heart felt like it was being cut by a knife.

His own arm injuries had basically healed, but his strength had also been affected. More importantly, the hatred in his heart was growing wildly like poisonous weeds.

Two defeats, his brother crippled, all because of Lin Tian alone! If he did not avenge this grudge, he, Constable Lie Ming, was unworthy of being a brother, unworthy of being a Martial Artist!

"Brother, don't worry." Constable Lie Ming held Lie Yun's uninjured left hand, his voice hoarse, but with a kind of paranoid determination. "Brother will definitely find a way to heal you!

And I will definitely make that Lin Tian pay the price! A blood debt must be repaid with blood!"

That night, the moon was dark and the wind was high.

Constable Lie Ming changed into inconspicuous gray cloth clothes, covered most of his face with a cloak, and quietly left the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall.

He did not go to the bustling streets of the city but took many turns, passing through several remote and dirty alleys, and finally arrived near a deserted second-hand market in the south of the city.

This place was deserted during the day, and at night, it was even more like a ghost town.

But in some specific corners, there were some shadowy figures, appearing like ghosts, whispering and conducting shady transactions.

This place was the epitome of the underground world of Heishan City, the "Black Market" where all kinds of people gathered.

Constable Lie Ming was no stranger to this place.

Following his memory, he walked through the cluttered piles of waste wood and broken walls, his eyes vigilantly scanning the gazes of scrutiny or greed that occasionally flashed in the shadows.

His goal tonight was to look for any rare medicine or secret recipe that might exist that could "reattach severed limbs" or "reshape Meridians."

Although the hope was slim, for the sake of his brother, he was willing to try.

He asked at several stalls that seemed possible, but all he got were head shakes or some exaggerated, obviously fraudulent boasts. Disappointment and restlessness spread in his heart.

Just when he was about to give up and return empty-handed, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a stall set up in the most remote corner, almost completely covered by a collapsed roof beam.

The stall owner was wrapped in a wide black robe, wearing a pale white mask without any patterns on his face, revealing only a pair of eyes as deep as an ancient well, without a trace of emotion.

He sat quietly on a broken stone, with a black cloth spread in front of him, on which were scattered a few items of unknown use.

They were neither medicinal herbs nor weapons, but rather like some strange Ore or bones.

Constable Lie Ming's heart jumped inexplicably.

He was now a Second Grade Martial Artist with keen senses.

Although The Black-Robed Man's Aura was restrained, sitting there like a stubborn stone, Constable Lie Ming felt a faint, heart-palpitating coldness and danger from him.

That was the Evil Qi and pressure that only those who had experienced many killings or possessed unfathomable cultivation could naturally emit.

"An expert!" Constable Lie Ming made an instant judgment.

To be able to set up a stall in a place like the black market with such an air, one was either putting on a show or truly had something to rely on.

And the feeling this person gave off clearly belonged to the latter.

A glimmer of hope ignited in his heart.

Perhaps, in the hands of such a figure, there might be unexpected rare items?

After a slight hesitation, Constable Lie Ming still walked over, squatted down in front of the stall, and lowered his voice to ask: "Your Excellency, do you have any medicinal herbs or Medicinal Pill here that can reconnect severed limbs or repair severe Meridian damage?"

The Black-Robed Man slowly raised his head, his deep gaze from behind the mask landing on Constable Lie Ming, as if it could pierce through the cloak and see his true face.

After a moment, a hoarse, dry voice, as if it hadn't spoken for a long time, sounded: "None."

Constable Lie Ming felt disappointed, but the unfathomable feeling from the other party made him dare not act rashly, and he was about to stand up and leave.

"However..." The Black-Robed Man spoke again, his voice still calm and waveless, "there are other good things. For you, perhaps even more useful."

Constable Lie Ming paused in his movements and looked back at the other party: "What good things?"

The Black-Robed Man scanned him with his gaze and said hoarsely: "You might not be able to afford it. Better not to say."

These words carried obvious contempt.

If it were any other day, the proud and arrogant Constable Lie Ming would have already lashed out, but at this moment, his heart was set on his brother's injury, and he was intimidated by the other party's Aura, so he suppressed his anger,

directly pulling a hundred-tael banknote from his bosom, waving it in front of the other party, his tone carrying a bit of spite and showing off: "See that? This young Revered Master has plenty of money! As long as the item is good, the price is not an issue!"

The gaze behind The Black-Robed Man's mask lingered on the banknote for an instant, a trace of an extremely subtle, almost imperceptible ripple seemingly passing through the depths of his deep eyes.

To be able to casually produce a hundred-tael banknote in this black market already counted as a "big spender", and looking at his bearing and clothing, he was by no means an ordinary rich kid, and was more likely someone from a faction with a deep background.

"Good." The Black-Robed Man laughed hoarsely, the laughter sounding like the cry of a night owl, making one's hair stand on end, "Since you have sincerity, telling you is fine. I have... 'Red Blood Pill' here."

"Red Blood Pill?" Constable Lie Ming was stunned; he had never heard the name of this pill.

"You must know of qi-blood powder, right?" The Black-Robed Man said slowly.

"Naturally, I do. It is a common Medicinal Pill used by a Second Grade Martial Artist to assist in Cultivate and restore qi-blood." Constable Lie Ming nodded.

"The effect of the Red Blood Pill is... ten times, or even a hundred times that of qi-blood powder." The Black-Robed Man's voice remained calm, but it exploded like thunder in Constable Lie Ming's ears,

"It can drastically stimulate the qi-blood in a Martial Artist's body within a very short time, making the qi-blood boil and surge like a Dragon.

With this violent qi-blood, breaking through barriers and overcoming a Bottleneck is as easy as turning over one's hand. It can even... allow someone who is mortally wounded and whose qi-blood is exhausted to recover part of their combat power in a short time."

Constable Lie Ming was completely stunned. He opened his mouth, and it took a long while for him to find his voice: "W... what? What kind of joke is this! How can such a Medicinal Pill exist in this world?

Unless it is... refined from those legendary rare fruits of heaven and earth like the 'red blood vermilion fruit', then maybe!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he himself was stunned. red blood vermilion fruit? Red Blood Pill? The names were so similar! Could it be...

"Correct." The Black-Robed Man seemed to see through his thoughts, his hoarse voice carrying a strange meaning, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue, "The main ingredient of this pill is precisely the 'red blood vermilion fruit'."

Constable Lie Ming's heart felt as if it had been tightly gripped by an invisible hand, instantly stopping its beat before pounding crazily again!

Wasn't the treasure that Magistrate Zhou Wenhai just lost the 'red blood vermilion fruit'?!

The Black-Robed Man in front of him actually had a Medicinal Pill refined from the red blood vermilion fruit for sale?! Did he end up getting the vermilion fruit?

Or could it be... he was involved in the theft of the vermilion fruit?

Or perhaps, he was lying, and this pill was fake?

Countless thoughts crashed crazily in Constable Lie Ming's mind like huge waves.

He stared fixedly at The Black-Robed Man, trying to see something from that pale mask and deep eyes, but gained nothing.

"Let me see it!" Constable Lie Ming's voice was dry, carrying an unquestionable urgency.

The Black-Robed Man did not seem surprised, slowly taking out a palm-sized black wooden box from his bosom and casually tossing it to Constable Lie Ming.

Constable Lie Ming caught it in a flurry; it was ice-cold to the touch. He took a deep breath, and with an incredibly complex mood, slowly opened the lid.

Inside the box was lined with black velvet, and in the center lay a pill the size of a dragon's eye, completely red as blood, with a faint luster flowing on its surface.

The pill was perfectly round, and its color was somewhat similar to that of the rumored 'red blood vermilion fruit'.

What was even more shocking was that the moment the lid was opened, a strange medicinal scent, mixed with scorching heat and a delicate fragrance, rushed towards his face!

Constable Lie Ming just subconsciously took a deep breath, and felt the qi-blood in his body, which had originally been stagnant and low due to his brother's matter, instantly become active and surging, as if a red-hot iron had been thrown into it! His spirit was even invigorated!

Just by smelling the medicinal scent, it had such an effect?! If he really took it...

Constable Lie Ming's heart pounded wildly, and a terrifying light erupted in his eyes. This Medicinal Pill... likely really had miraculous effects!

Even if it wasn't refined entirely from the red blood vermilion fruit, it must have been made with extremely precious treasure-medicines that could stimulate qi-blood!

"How much? I'll buy it!" Constable Lie Ming suddenly looked up at The Black-Robed Man, his tone resolute.

He seemed to see the hope that after his brother Lie Yun took this pill, his qi-blood would surge, and perhaps new flesh could grow at the severed arm!

He even saw the possibility that if he could get the help of this pill, his strength would skyrocket, and he could take revenge on Lin Tian!

The Black-Robed Man's hoarse voice sounded, stating a number: "One thousand taels."

"What?! One thousand taels?!" The excitement on Constable Lie Ming's face instantly froze, replaced by unbelievable astonishment.

He did have some savings, plus the monthly allowance from the martial arts hall, but to produce one thousand taels all at once was absolutely impossible!

The hundred-tael banknote he had on him was all his ready cash!

One thousand taels! This was simply an astronomical figure!

Enough to buy a decent mansion in Heishan City, or support a small Family for several years!

"I... I don't have that much right now!" Constable Lie Ming was anxious, the veins on his forehead throbbing, "Can... can you give me a few days? I will go back and raise the money!"

The Black-Robed Man slowly shook his head, his movements stiff: "At this time tomorrow, I will not be here. Next time, you will have to wait half a month."

"Half a month?!" Constable Lie Ming felt as if a basin of ice water had been poured over him, chilling him to the bone. With his brother's injury and his own hatred, how could he wait for half a month?

He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, looking at the crimson pill in his hand that seemed to radiate infinite temptation, and then at the indifferent figure of The Black-Robed Man, a crazy thought surged in his mind.

He gritted his teeth, suddenly ripped off the cloak covering his face, revealing his true appearance, and lowered his voice, with a sense of going all out, said: "I am the Personal Disciple of the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall Revered Master, Constable Lie Ming!

You should have heard of the name of the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall, right? Can you, for the sake of my Revered Master, make an exception?

Lend me this pill first, and within two days, I will definitely offer the one thousand taels of silver!"

In the black market, hiding one's identity was the default rule.

Constable Lie Ming revealing his identity at this moment had already broken the rules, and it also showed his determination to obtain this pill, as well as his extreme inner anxiety.

The deep eyes behind The Black-Robed Man's mask watched him quietly, seemingly not surprised by his identity, and not angry that he broke the rules.

That gaze, instead, carried a kind of... indescribable scrutiny and playfulness, as if looking at a... interesting prey?

"Liehuo Martial Arts Hall... Constable Lie Ming..." The Black-Robed Man repeated hoarsely, and suddenly laughed lowly,

the laughter echoing in the quiet corner of the ruins, adding a few more points of eeriness, "So it is the high Disciple of Hall Master Lie Fentian, no wonder you have such bearing."

He paused, seemingly weighing it, and then slowly said: "Very well. Since you are from the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall, this old man will trust you once.

You can take the Medicinal Pill first. One thousand taels of silver, three days later, at this same place, hand it to this old man.

If you dare to welch on the debt..." His voice suddenly turned cold, and a bone-chilling, icy murderous intent permeated like substance, making Constable Lie Ming's hair stand on end instantly, as if falling into an ice cave,

"...this old man will go to the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall in person, find your Revered Master, Hall Master Lie Fentian, and have a good 'talk'.

Presumably, Hall Master Lie Fentian would not ruin the century-old reputation of the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall for a mere one thousand taels, right?"

Constable Lie Ming's heart shook violently. When this Black-Robed Man mentioned his Revered Master's name, his tone was calm, even carrying a trace of faint... disdain? What kind of background did the other party have?

Daring to threaten the Liehuo Martial Arts Hall like this?

But at this moment, the temptation of the Medicinal Pill and the desire for strength improvement and revenge overwhelmed all doubts and fears.

He nodded heavily, stuffed the hundred-tael banknote in his hand to The Black-Robed Man: "Good! It's a deal! This one hundred taels counts as a deposit!

Three days later, here, one thousand taels, not a penny less!"

After speaking, as if holding a rare treasure, he tightly grasped the wooden box containing the "Red Blood Pill", stopped lingering, turned around, and quickly disappeared into the darkness, fearing the other party might change their mind.

The Black-Robed Man watched the direction in which Constable Lie Ming's figure disappeared, his body that had been sitting still seeming to stretch slightly.

He slowly put away the hundred-tael banknote, and in his deep eyes behind the pale mask, a trace of an imperceptible, cold, and mocking smile flashed.

"The fish... has taken the bait."

The hoarse whisper, like the night wind blowing over the ruins, instantly dissipated without a trace.