34: The Bureau of Immortal Pursuit

Chen Linsheng followed Senior Brother Shi Poyue into the venue for the Minor Competition in the backyard, and immediately spotted a strange young man whom he had only seen from a distance a few times before.

The young man was about twenty years old, dressed in a set of luxurious Brocade Blue Fitted Clothes, which he wore with a hint of unrestrained swagger.

His face was handsome, his lips naturally curved upwards, carrying a hint of cynical amusement. He was lazily leaning against a porch pillar, talking to Third Martial Sister Liu Ruyan, who was beside him.

This person was none other than the Second Senior Brother Di Moyu of the Martial Hall, who was as elusive as a Divine Dragon.

“Oh, so this is our Martial Hall's newly promoted precious darling, Junior Brother Chen Linsheng?”

When Di Moyu saw the two enter, his gaze immediately fell upon Chen Linsheng. He greeted him with a smile, his tone relaxed and casual.

“Chen Linsheng greets Second Senior Brother.” Chen Linsheng stepped forward and respectfully saluted.

He recalled Third Martial Sister mentioning before that this Second Senior Brother was the Young Lord of Fumen Escort Agency, often traveling everywhere with the escort team, especially to the Commandery City, which he had visited many times.

“No need for formalities.” Di Moyu waved his hand and smiled, “I was just telling Third Junior Sister, I heard something rare during my escort trip to the Commandery City this time.”

Liu Ruyan curiously pressed him, “Second Senior Brother, stop keeping us in suspense. What happened in the Commandery City?”

Di Moyu restrained some of his joking demeanor, lowering his voice slightly. “Things haven't been peaceful in the Commandery City lately. It's said an Evil Daoist appeared, acting mysteriously and practicing Wicked Cultivation Methods that harm heaven and reason. Several lives have already been lost, causing widespread panic. Even the Immortal Hunting Division has been alarmed and dispatched people to investigate the case.”

“The Immortal Hunting Division?”

This was the first time Chen Linsheng had heard this name. He couldn't help but repeat it softly, confusion showing on his face.

Seeing his curiosity, Senior Brother Shi Poyue began to explain: “The Immortal Hunting Division is a special organization directly under the imperial court, possessing immense power. Nominally, it is responsible for arresting major criminals and supervising local areas, but its actually more important duty is monitoring the movements of officials, Sects, and various high-level experts across the land. It holds the power of 'Reporting Rumors to the Throne' and can secretly report directly to the Emperor.”

He paused, his tone carrying a trace of solemnity: “Most importantly, when the evidence is conclusive and the situation is urgent, the Immortal Hunting Division has the temporary authority to execute any target first and report later—an Imperial Prerogative! It can be said that this is a sharp sword hanging over the heads of all powers; no one doesn't fear it.”

Di Moyu interjected, “Senior Brother is right. Moreover, the threshold for entering the Immortal Hunting Division is extremely high; everyone inside is a top expert. It is said the minimum requirement is to be a legitimate Martial Scholar by birth. That Evil Daoist being able to alarm them shows he is certainly not a simple opponent.”

Chen Linsheng felt a chill in his heart and deeply committed the name, the Immortal Hunting Division, to memory.

The waters of the Great Liang Dynasty were indeed much deeper than he had imagined.

Just then, the steady footsteps of Museum Master Zhao Zheng arrived.

Everyone immediately stood respectfully. They watched as Zhao Zheng strolled over and sat down in the main seat, where a servant had already offered Fragrant Tea.

He picked up the teacup, slowly took a sip, and his gaze swept over the Personal Disciples present, finally resting on Chen Linsheng. He said lightly, “Everyone is here. Today's Minor Competition is mainly to see if any of you have been slacking off lately.”

He put down the teacup and called out names directly: “Linsheng, you go first. Spar with your Fourth Martial Sister. Linger, watch your strength.”

“Alright, Dad! Oh, wait, Museum Master!”

Fourth Martial Sister Zhao Linger jumped out with a giggle, winking at Chen Linsheng.

“Junior Brother Chen, don't worry, your Senior Sister will hold back, letting you properly experience the gap between Martial Artists!”

She was already at the ninth layer of Skin Quenching, just a step away from breaking through to the Flesh Refining Realm, naturally giving her the confidence to instruct this Junior Brother who had only recently joined.

Chen Linsheng cupped his fist: “Please instruct me, Fourth Martial Sister.”

The two stood ready in the center of the field.

Zhao Linger dropped her smile, let out a delicate shout, and moved her body. She executed the Hunyuan Palm, the force of her palm fierce, aiming straight for Chen Linsheng's chest.

Although she said she would hold back, the momentum generated by her explosive Qi and blood at the ninth layer of Skin Quenching was still extraordinary.

However, Chen Linsheng's expression remained unchanged. The Five Senses Clarity and Agile Mind allowed him to see Zhao Linger's movements with perfect clarity.

His footwork shifted flexibly, and his movement technique was exceptionally agile. Zhao Linger's seemingly inevitable palm strike was easily dodged by him.

Zhao Linger let out a soft “Eh?” Her palm stance changed, and she attacked again, moving faster.

But Chen Linsheng seemed always able to anticipate the enemy's Move, narrowly avoiding her attacks every time.

At the same time, his Hunyuan Palm (Minor Achievement) also moved in response.

Primordial Chaos One Qi!

The palm force was contained but not released, drawn but not fired.

Combining Hardness and Softness!

The palm stance was sometimes like a Vajra Pounding a Pestle—fierce and unmatched; other times, it was like willow catkins brushing the face—soft and difficult to guard against.

Palm Follows Body!

His figure and palm technique were perfectly integrated, flowing like moving clouds and running water, without any stagnation.

Chen Linsheng's palms fluttered. Although his Realm was inferior to Zhao Linger's, the subtlety of his palm technique and the skillful application of his strength subtly forced Zhao Linger into a slight flurry.

He seized a gap where Zhao Linger's old strength was spent and new strength had yet to be generated. The Primordial Chaos One Qi suddenly erupted, and his palm force struck out like a crack of thunder!

“Clap!”

With a crisp sound, Zhao Linger's blocking arm was shaken open, leaving her center vulnerable. Chen Linsheng's palm stopped steadily about an inch from her chest.

The field instantly fell silent.

Zhao Linger widened her beautiful eyes, staring incredulously at the palm shadow near her chest.

She... she actually lost?

Lost to a Junior Brother who had joined only a little over a month ago and whose Realm was far below her own?

Second Senior Brother Di Moyu, who was watching the fight from the side, withdrew his careless expression. A deep astonishment flashed in his eyes, and he couldn't help but let out a soft “Tsk.”

Museum Master Zhao Zheng's eyes flashed with brilliance, and he said in a deep voice, “Alright, stop.”

He waved at Chen Linsheng: “A Sheng, come here.”

Chen Linsheng withdrew his palm and walked over to Zhao Zheng as instructed.

Zhao Zheng reached out, placed his hand on Chen Linsheng's arm, and gently pressed his finger onto the skin of his forearm, sending a trace of Qi and blood inward.

The next moment, an unconcealable look of shock appeared on his face, and he blurted out, “You... quenched your skin five times?!”

As soon as these words were spoken, Shi Poyue, Liu Ruyan, Di Moyu, and even Zhao Linger, who was still slightly stunned from her recent defeat, all looked over in shock!

“What? Five times?!”

Zhao Linger was the first not to believe it. She darted over in a few steps and, mimicking her father, reached out and felt Chen Linsheng's arm. Where she touched, the skin was exceptionally tough, and the Qi and blood were full and surging, far exceeding ordinary Martial Artists at the third or fourth layer of Skin Quenching, and seemed even more refined than when she herself was at the fifth layer of Skin Quenching!

“It really... is five times...”

Zhao Linger's small mouth formed a circle. She then pouted indignantly, poked Chen Linsheng's arm with a slender finger, and scolded, “Prodigy! You really are a Prodigy! How long has it even been?!”

Chen Linsheng scratched his head awkwardly, not responding to Fourth Martial Sister's “accusation.”

He knew well that the two Skin Quenchings brought by Climbing (Perfection) were crucial, but this matter was not suitable for outsiders.

Museum Master Zhao Zheng looked at Chen Linsheng, the satisfaction in his eyes deepening. He nodded slowly: “Very good.”

He did not press for the reason, but judging by the thoughtful expressions of Shi Poyue, Di Moyu, and the others, they seemed to have vaguely guessed something, perhaps related to Chen Linsheng's incredible “talent.”

“Next, Poyue, Moyu, you two come forward.” Zhao Zheng suppressed the ripples in his heart and instructed.

“Yes, Master!” Shi Poyue and Di Moyu replied in unison and stepped into the field.

The two stood Three Zhang apart. Their eyes, which had been smiling moments ago, instantly became sharp as eagles'.

The atmosphere at the edge of the field grew solemn. Chen Linsheng held his breath and focused, knowing this would be a contest far exceeding his current level.

“Senior Brother, please instruct me!”

Di Moyu spoke first. Before his voice faded, his figure flickered, drifting out like a wisp of smoke, launching the attack first!

He knew well that Shi Poyue had a robust Foundation and heavy, powerful strikes, so he had to use speed against slowness to seize the initiative.

“Good Move!”

Shi Poyue let out a deep shout, neither dodging nor avoiding, and pushed his right palm forward. It looked slow, but was actually as swift as lightning.

It was precisely the starting Move of the Hunyuan Palm, but under the activation of the Python Dragon Strength, this palm strike was completely different!

The palm wind whistled, faintly carrying a low hiss, as if a giant python was raising its head. A heavy and profound surge of Qi pressed towards Di Moyu like an overwhelming tide.

Di Moyu's movement technique was extremely strange. Just as the palm wind reached his body, he tapped his toe, and his figure spun like a top, narrowly avoiding the direct force of the palm by a hair's breadth.

At the same time, he held his right hand with fingers together like a sword. Qi and blood condensed at his fingertips, radiating a trace of icy white light, and silently jabbed towards Shi Poyue's vital point beneath the ribs!

The angle of this finger strike was tricky, the force concentrated into a single point, revealing a bone-chilling coldness.

“Cold Fiend Finger. This is the Martial Skill that Second Senior Brother is famous for.” Third Martial Sister explained from the side, fearing Chen Linsheng wouldn't understand.

“Hiss!”

The finger wind pierced the air, exceptionally sharp.

Shi Poyue seemed to have anticipated it. The Move of his forward-pushing right palm remained unchanged, but his left arm sank strangely as if it had no joint. The muscles of his forearm instantly tightened. With Qi and blood infused, his skin took on a deep bronze luster, as if covered in a layer of scales.

“Clang!”

A crisp sound, like the clash of metal, exploded!

Di Moyu's fingertip accurately struck Shi Poyue's forearm, yet it felt as if he had jabbed a piece of refined steel tempered a thousand times. A counter-shock force came back, slightly numbing his fingertip.

Moreover, the Cold Fiend Finger force he had condensed was mostly neutralized and repelled by the incredibly tough skin and thick Qi and blood!

“Such strong defense! Senior Brother, your 'Python Scale Iron Bone' has become even more refined!”

Di Moyu flipped backward using the force, praising him verbally, but his eyes grew even more excited.

“Your Spirit Fox Movement and Cold Fiend Finger have also become trickier.”

Shi Poyue's tone was steady. He suddenly stomped his foot!

“Boom!”

The bluestone slab ground shook slightly. His tall figure shot out like a cannonball, instantly closing the distance.

Both palms struck out simultaneously, no longer the simple Hunyuan Palm, but transformed into fists. The fist wind was fierce and violent, like a giant python whipping its tail or a cold flood Dragon reaching out its claw, carrying a tragic Aura capable of tearing everything apart, completely enveloping the space around Di Moyu!

Before the fists even arrived, the wild pressure from the strikes already made Chen Linsheng, standing at the edge of the field, feel his breath catch, and his skin faintly prickle with pain!

Di Moyu's expression changed slightly, knowing he couldn't take the attack head-on.

His figure continuously flickered. The Spirit Fox Movement was pushed to its limit, leaving several blurry afterimages in place, while his true body, like a phantom, weaved and moved through the gaps in the fist wind.

At the same time, his palms flew, no longer aiming for pressure points to break defense. Instead, he executed a set of dense, soft, and feminine palm techniques—patting, pressing, leading, or guiding—constantly deflecting and redirecting Shi Poyue's fierce fist force.

Soft Cloud Layered Waves Hand!

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

The dull sounds of fists and palms clashing rang out densely, like war drums.

Qi force overflowed, kicking up dust on the ground and forming a visible small whirlwind.

Di Moyu was like a small boat amidst raging waves. Although he seemed to be constantly in danger, he always managed to turn peril into safety at the most critical moments, relying on his exquisite movement technique and palm technique.

Chen Linsheng fully activated the Five Senses Clarity from Tracking (Perfection). His eyes sparkled, tightly locking onto the two combatants.

“This is the Flesh Refining Realm... The Martial Artist's control over their body and application of strength is completely incomparable to the Skin Tempering Realm!”

Chen Linsheng was shocked, yet at the same time, an infinite yearning arose in his heart.

He greedily absorbed the insights brought by this battle. Whether it was Shi Poyue's unmatched ferocity and dominant strength, or Di Moyu's skillful evasion of the solid and striking of the void, using finesse to break strength, it all gave him a deeper understanding of the Martial Dao.

In the field, the two had exchanged more than thirty Moves.

Shi Poyue had been attacking for a long time without success, yet his Aura became increasingly robust. He suddenly took a deep breath, his chest swelling. The Qi and blood throughout his body seemed to boil, and the bronze luster beneath his skin shone brightly!

“Watch out, Moyu!”

He gave a warning, retracted his right fist, and then slammed it out with even fiercer speed!

This punch was no longer purely ferocious. The force of the fist actually contained a spiraling, tearing power. A faint sound of ripping cloth even echoed in the air!

Di Moyu's eyes narrowed. He dared not be careless. While rapidly retreating, his hands traced several circles in front of his chest. The force-deflecting technique of the Soft Cloud Layered Waves Hand was utilized to the extreme, with layers of Qi force resembling a vortex, attempting to neutralize the spiraling fist force.

“Vortex Spin!”

However, the power of Shi Poyue's punch far exceeded his estimation!

“Tear—!”

The vortex formed by the Soft Cloud Qi force was forcibly torn apart!

Di Moyu let out a muffled groan and stumbled backward. Although he had neutralized most of the force, the Qi and blood in his chest were still churning from the shock.

Shi Poyue did not pursue the attack. He slowly withdrew his fist, the surging Qi and blood throughout his body gradually calming down. He smiled faintly: “Thank you for the concession, Second Junior Brother.”

Di Moyu regulated his breath, recovering his cynical smile. He cupped his hands and said, “Senior Brother's skill is profound, I am truly impressed! My small frame can't handle many of your punches.”

The splendid contest concluded with Shi Poyue holding a slight advantage.

Museum Master Zhao Zheng nodded slightly, appearing quite satisfied with their performance. He commented: “Poyue has more than enough ferocity, but needs to work harder on variations; Moyu is exceptionally agile, but lacks a little in the power to break through defenses. You each have strengths and weaknesses, and must complement each other.”

“Yes, Master!” the two replied in unison.

The sparring match between the two truly opened Chen Linsheng's eyes, and one could even say... he was very surprised!

The combat power of Flesh Refining Realm Martial Artists was actually this formidable!