14: widow

“Among them, the Ginseng Society controls the supply of medicinal materials in the city. Their ginseng gatherers are all people who prioritize money over life. Every time they enter the mountains, they risk their lives, making them extremely fierce and untouchable.”

Xu Sanyan’s gaze shifted from her chest to her face, “Where do they gather ginseng?”

The Chieftain's Wife unconsciously puffed out her chest slightly, making her appear even more imposing, “About thirty li south of the city, there’s a mountain range called Dragon Lushan Range, stretching for a hundred li. It’s filled with countless Vicious Beasts, and it’s said that there are even monsters in its deepest parts.”

Xu Sanyan nodded. The three of them came to the main hall and sat down. “Continue telling me about the other three gangs.”

The Chieftain's Wife poured a cup of tea, her eyes flickering, as if contemplating something, and slowly began to speak,

“The White Horse Gang manages the city’s horse and transportation businesses. They are very wealthy. The former chieftain once said that the White Horse Gang’s leader is about to enter the Tianren Realm, making him one of the most powerful people in the city.”

The Tianren Realm is the final Realm for mortals. He had never seen such a master before.

“As for Wangyue Tower, it manages the city’s brothels and gambling houses, earning vast sums daily. Overall, they are the weakest in terms of strength, but it’s said that government officials back Wangyue Tower, so no one dares to provoke them either.”

Brothels and gambling houses have been money pits since ancient times, so it’s not surprising that they have backing.

“Finally, the Guanshan Saber Society, it seems to be a gang that only emerged two years ago. Initially, it was just a group of Northwest saber-wielders who gathered together for warmth, and then gradually grew stronger,”

The Chieftain's Wife took a sip of tea. “These people are the most reckless. They kill at the slightest disagreement, and the government doesn’t want to interfere. Generally, Jianghu matters are settled within Jianghu. As long as they don’t involve the common people, the government lets them be.”

Xu Sanyan looked at Big Yellow Tooth. The Guanshan Saber Society should be a gang composed of such people. He couldn't help but ask curiously, “How do they make a living?”

“They do everything, but mainly engage in some gray industries.”

Xu Sanyan frowned and said, “Gray industries?”

The Chieftain's Wife perhaps felt a bit stuffy, and gently unbuttoned a button on her chest, her gaze unconsciously drifting towards Xu Sanyan, her red lips slightly parted,

“For example… killing people, helping others seek revenge, collecting debts, and even taking on bounties issued by the government. The Guanshan Saber Society has only been established for too short a time and doesn’t have any good legitimate businesses yet.”

After her explanation, Xu Sanyan gained some understanding of the various forces in the city.

“What about the government? Are there government troops stationed in the city?”

“Of course, but Taian City is not near the border, and there haven’t been any wars for many years, so there aren’t many troops stationed, probably only a few thousand.”

The Chieftain's Wife’s eyes flickered, and she asked softly, “Is Fourth Master planning to stay in Taian City and establish a career?”

Xu Sanyan looked at her, “What are your thoughts, Madam?”

The Chieftain's Wife’s face was dim as she said, “I was thinking, if Fourth Master stays, why not live in the mansion? The money left by the master is yours to use, as long as you protect my son and me.”

Xu Sanyan curled his lips, “Hehe… I see that Old Gentleman’s martial arts are extraordinary. It shouldn't be difficult for him to protect the two of you. Why do you still want me to stay?”

The Chieftain's Wife shook her head, “He is old after all…”

There was one thing she didn't say: if she and her son were controlled by that old man, wouldn't she have to give herself to him?

One was a young and strong handsome man, the other was an old man on the verge of death, smelling of old age. She naturally knew how to choose.

Since she was going to dedicate herself anyway, why not choose someone who could make her comfortable?

Xu Sanyan considered for a moment. Indeed, he had no good place to go for the time being, and staying here was not impossible. “Alright, since Madam has extended such a kind invitation, it would be disrespectful not to accept.”

The Chieftain's Wife’s eyes held a hint of shyness as she said, “I will arrange your lodging right away, Fourth Master.”

…

In the room, Xu Sanyan placed the three precious medicines in front of him, picked up one, and chewed it vigorously. Immediately, a surge of Essence Qi spread from his lungs throughout his entire body.

In a moment, all three precious medicines were swallowed. With a thought, the panel appeared in his eyes,

“Xu Sanyan”

“Age—18/82”

“Realm—Refining Essence”

“Cultivation Technique—The Supreme Truth and Serenity Scripture of Eliminating Illusion and Attaining Reality(Not Initiated) +”

“Spell—Blood Demon Corpse Refining Method(Not Initiated) +”

“Technique—Perfect Stance (Perfection). Three Tigers Subduing Dragon Saber (Intermediate). Horse Appraisal Technique (Intermediate). Excavator Repair and Maintenance (Beginner)…”

“Qi—4”

The plus sign behind the Cultivation Technique had appeared, indicating that it could be upgraded by consuming “Qi.”

Xu Sanyan no longer hesitated and fiercely tapped the plus sign behind the Cultivation Technique.

Immediately, the Essence Qi throughout his body seemed to momentarily stagnate, and then his blood began to flow rapidly, almost audible with a “whooshing” sound from within his body.

His entire body’s muscles and bones itched unbearably. Xu Sanyan couldn't help but let out a muffled groan and instinctively drew out the long saber beside him.

Clang—

The long saber was drawn from its scabbard. Xu Sanyan subconsciously wielded the Three Tigers Subduing Dragon Saber, as if only it could alleviate the itching in his muscles and bones.

Whoosh—

The long saber flashed. Although the tip of the saber was still half an inch away from the table and chairs, the wooden table silently split in half from the middle.

It was as if there was an invisible sharp edge on the tip of the saber, extending forward by half an inch.

After an unknown period, Xu Sanyan sensed that the intense itching in his body had subsided. A wisp of Qi had appeared in his Meridians at some point. With a thought, this wisp of Qi moved along his Meridians.

He slowly pushed his palms forward. When they were still half an inch from the vase in front of him, the vase exploded with a “bang.”

“Inner Qi Realm, early stage!”

Xu Sanyan smiled slightly. He had successfully broken through to the Inner Qi Realm, catching up to Wu Jue’s cultivation Realm.

He glanced at the panel, and the Realm column had changed.

“Realm—Inner Qi”

Moreover, his lifespan had increased from eighty-two to eighty-seven, adding five years.

However, the four points of “Qi” he had painstakingly accumulated were now completely consumed, but it was all worth it.

Silently sensing his own changes, the most significant change was, of course, this Inner Energy, which could penetrate half an inch outside his body to injure others, and could also attach to the blade, increasing the power of his saber techniques.

Secondly, there were physical changes: his Physical Body was more compact, his strength had increased significantly, and his speed should also have improved noticeably.

This is the Inner Qi Realm!

Xu Sanyan felt that he could now defeat five Tang Huanhuan!

If he had broken through to the Inner Qi Realm earlier, he would have been confident in killing Tang Huanhuan before she could get the Secret Manual.

“Thump, thump, thump.”

A knock came from outside the door, followed by a female voice, “Fourth Master, are you asleep?”

Only then did Xu Sanyan look around the room. He hadn't noticed before, but the sky had already grown dark.

“It’s Madam, come in.” Xu Sanyan recognized the Chieftain's Wife’s voice from outside the door.

Creak—

The door opened, and the Chieftain's Wife moved her plump backside gracefully as she walked in, closing the door behind her.

“Oh, what happened, Fourth Master?” The Chieftain's Wife couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise at the messy room.

“Nothing, I accidentally broke it while practicing.” Xu Sanyan waved his hand indifferently, and then his eyes lit up.

Before him stood a woman dressed in a plain, loose-fitting nightgown, with a sash tied around her waist, further accentuating her ample chest. Her face was lightly powdered with rouge, her cheeks slightly flushed, her red lips full, and her eyes held a hint of timidity.

What a shy and timid widow!