Chapter 210: Treasure Map (I)

The moonlight was pure as silk, and the spring breeze scattered the clouds across the sky. Moonbeams like flowing water fell over the land, draping it in silver gauze. Lin Zheyu sat outside the carriage, experimenting with a new idea.

This method won't work either. My knowledge of martial cultivation is too limited. To find a way to halt the Boiling Blood Secret Art is far too difficult.

Lin Zheyu tried another approach, but could only shake his head helplessly.

More than two months had passed, yet he had made little progress. Lin Zheyu's current approach centered on his blood qi, using his vastly superior vitality and bodily control to interrupt the Boiling Blood Secret Art's operation. However, once the technique was activated, it was governed by acupoints throughout the body that burned essence, qi, and spirit as it ran autonomously.

The method he devised was to use an even greater surge of blood qi to strike at key acupoints. He had refined his burst technique, creating a weaker version to prevent the raging qi from damaging his acupoints. Yet no matter how many times he tried, it never succeeded. Forcing it would only result in shattered acupoints and certain death.

To devise a way to stop the Boiling Blood Secret Art, I'll need far more knowledge of martial cultivation and techniques. Once I reach the Central Plains, I'll have to find a way to earn money again. With the little silver I have, I can't even afford a few manuals,

Lin Zheyu mused to himself.

After another failed attempt, he chose not to persist. Such matters could not be solved by stubborn persistence alone. Sitting outside the carriage, he began circulating the Tortoise Breath Grand Method to recover his energy. While resting, he kept a thread of awareness extended outward. Even with guards from the Guangxuan Escort Agency, Lin Zheyu did not dare to completely lower his guard.

Rustle.

The breeze swept through the mountains, stirring the leaves with a soft rustle. Off to Lin Zheyu's right, Lai Chang sat by the campfire, eyeing Liang Yuhan from head to toe.

"Damn it, I've coveted her all this way. I have to find a chance to taste her, or I won't be able to rest easy," Lai Chang muttered under his breath, his eyes brimming with lust.

At first, it had merely been a pent-up desire that made him want to vent. But after suppressing it for the entire journey, his craving had turned into burning frustration. If he didn't get her, Lai Chang felt he would be restless for days. It wasn't as if there weren't brothels in Ruyang City where he could indulge himself; there were plenty of women there with better figures and prettier faces than Liang Yuhan.

"Still thinking about that woman? If you don't fix this filthy habit, you'll die under a woman one day." Lai Mao cast a glance at Lai Chang and instantly saw what was on his mind.

Back in Bafang City, their fourth transformation of blood qi strength had been more than enough; as long as they didn't provoke the great families or powerful sects, there was little to fear. But this was the Central Plains, where martial cultivation thrived far more than in remote cities like Bafang. Here, a Blood Qi Realm martial artist was nothing special. If Lai Chang didn't shed his old vices, it wouldn't be long before he met his downfall.

"No, of course not. Ruyang City is just ahead. There are all kinds of women in a city like that, so why would I keep fixating on her?" Lai Chang said with an awkward laugh. His gaze swept around the group before finally settling on Lin Zheyu.

"Brother, what kind of martial art do you think that man practices? Why does he grow weak every four days?" Lai Chang asked casually, trying to change the subject before Lai Mao could scold him again about women.

"What does it matter to you what technique he's cultivating? Don't invite trouble. Our purpose in coming to the Central Plains is to find an opportunity to break through to the Marrow Refining Realm. Once we achieve that, we'll return and take our revenge," Lai Mao said sternly, shooting him a cold glare.

If the timing had been right, he wouldn't have minded letting Lai Chang indulge himself to calm his restless heart. But now was clearly not the time.

"I get it, I get it. Enough already," Lai Chang said irritably.

Two days later, dusk fell. The dim golden sunlight bathed the land in a warm glow. They were already close to Ruyang City; another half day of travel would see them there. Inns appeared more frequently along the road now, as did restaurants, teahouses, and even a brothel or two. Of those who had traveled to the Central Plains with the Guangxuan Escort Agency, many had already parted ways the day before, leaving fewer than twenty people in the group. After another half a kilometer or so, they arrived at a bustling marketplace and came to a stop.

"My friends, from here it's just a little over fifty kilometers west to Ruyang City. The Guangxuan Escort Agency doesn't plan to enter the city, so we can only see you off this far. I wish you all a bright future," Cui Yuanliang said with a smile as he approached Lin Zheyu and the others.

"Thank you." Lin Zheyu cupped his hands toward Cui Yuanliang in gratitude. The journey with the Guangxuan Escort Agency had been fairly safe, with no serious dangers along the way.

"Master Xu, where do you plan to go next?" Lin Zheyu asked with a smile, turning toward the refined young man.

Luo Chengwen and Ke Wanyue had parted ways the previous day. Among the few young talents he had befriended, only Xu Shixin had traveled this far with him. Xu Shixin, once a prodigious scholar who had qualified for the imperial court examination, was indeed knowledgeable and insightful. Lin Zheyu had learned much about the Central Plains from him.

"I plan to travel around a bit. Thank you for your hospitality along the way, Brother Zhao. Until we meet again." Xu Shixin cupped his hands and smiled.

With that, he turned away in a relaxed manner, clearly unwilling to continue traveling together. At his side walked a burly middle-aged man dressed in white scholar's robes, but there was nothing refined about him. His muscular build stretched the fabric tight, and his expression alone said plainly, ‘I'm not someone to mess with.' His appearance was mismatched, but his strength was unmistakable.

He was a Marrow Refining Realm martial artist. His aura was slightly weaker than Yan Jun's back then, so he was likely someone who had just entered the realm. Among the entire group, Lin Zheyu had only detected four martial artists of that level. Three belonged to the Guangxuan Escort Agency, and the remaining one was accompanying Xu Shixin.

"That fellow is quite mysterious," Lin Zheyu muttered softly, watching Xu Shixin's departing back.

There was something strange about Xu Shixin. Though his strength was only at the Organ Forging Realm, he exuded an inexplicable peculiarity. Moreover, since the imperial court examination was held in the Central Plains, Xu Shixin must have traveled here before. Having abandoned the scholarly path to pursue martial cultivation, and with a Marrow Refining Realm martial artist by his side who knew the route well, he had no reason to travel with the Guangxuan Escort Agency.

"Could he be one of those legendary cultivators?" Lin Zheyu murmured.

People with that kind of unfathomable air, even if not true cultivators, were likely connected to them somehow. Unfortunately, despite Lin Zheyu's subtle probing along the journey, he had failed to extract any useful information from Xu Shixin.

"Uncle Zhao, do you also think Master Xu looks good? Do you like him too?" Liang Yunhui asked with a playful grin when she saw Lin Zheyu staring absentmindedly at Xu Shixin's back.

The little girl clearly liked Xu Shixin as well, though she was still too young to understand love, and hers was simply innocent admiration.

"

Uh...

" Lin Zheyu was momentarily choked by her words. He rolled his eyes and didn't respond, instead walking over to grab Little Black, who was edging toward a barbecue stall.

"Let's go. We'll find an inn to rest for two nights, then head straight for Wuling City. By the way, do you want to spend a few days in Ruyang City?" Lin Zheyu asked. He himself had no intention of entering Ruyang City. Though the city was more prosperous than Bafang, it lacked any truly powerful sects.

"No, we'll rest for two days, then head straight to Wuling City," Liang Yuhan said bluntly.

Liang Yunhui, who had been looking at her with hopeful eyes, immediately showed disappointment at those words. After so long on the road, eating and sleeping under the open sky, she longed for a proper rest.

"Alright, it's settled then," Lin Zheyu nodded.

The light began to fade. Oil lamps flickered to life across the market, and some shops hung lanterns at their doors for decoration. The place bustled with life and cries of vendors echoing one after another. Carts rolled along the street, hawkers called out their wares, and the crowd surged and scattered like flowing rivers of people, ceaselessly moving through the busy marketplace.

Lin Zheyu steered the Ox Horse cart toward the nearest inn. Since many merchant convoys passed through this market, most inns here had courtyards for storing carts and mounts.

"Please come in, sir. How many rooms would you like?" the inn's attendant greeted warmly.

"Two upper rooms."

"Right away!"

Following the attendant upstairs, they entered their rooms. The layout was pleasant; it was simple, elegant, and spotless. Lin Zheyu didn't carry much luggage as all his valuables were kept close to him. Only his heavy armor had to be left behind as it weighed over five hundred kilograms, and no ordinary thief would bother trying to steal it anyway.

***

Downstairs, the three of them ordered a hearty meal. After months of rough travel, even grilled meat, good as it was, had long since lost its appeal.

Sizzle.

Little Black stood on the chair, staring at the spread of dishes with clear displeasure. A carnivorous beast by nature, it only liked roasted meat; these finely prepared dishes weren't to its taste.

"Little Black, here's your favorite, roast meat." Liang Yunhui picked up a piece of braised pork and offered it to the creature. It sniffed, swallowed it in one bite, and then gave a look of pure disdain.

"You don't like it? Then try this one," Liang Yunhui said, picking up another dish.

"Don't bother. Little Black only likes its meat roasted to medium doneness; these delicately cooked dishes are too soft for its liking," Lin Zheyu explained.

He called the waiter over and ordered three plates of medium-roasted meat just for Little Black. The creature had an enormous appetite, but Lin Zheyu had no intention of letting it eat freely in the inn, as it would be far too costly. He planned to grill meat for it later that night when they went out to train.

"Be careful tonight. The Lai brothers are staying in the same inn as us. Do you need my help?" Liang Yuhan suddenly asked in a low voice.

Not far away, Lai Chang and Lai Mao were devouring their own feast. From what she knew of Lin Zheyu, he would likely fall into his weakened state again tonight.

"I know. It's fine," Lin Zheyu replied with a nod, continuing his meal. He had already noticed the Lai brothers but hadn't given them any thought. They were merely blood qi realm martial artists—he could crush either of them with a single punch.