55: Let Su Wan learn martial arts

Chen Linsheng emerged from his secluded cultivation, feeling the surging Qi and blood within his body and his brimming strength. In high spirits, he returned to his room.

Just as he pushed the door open, a graceful figure carrying a fragrant breeze threw herself into his embrace. It was Su Wan.

"A Sheng, you're finally out!"

Su Wan's voice was choked with emotion and joy. Her arms tightly encircled his waist as she buried her face in his chest.

Although she knew he was cultivating, the worry in her heart hadn't diminished in the slightest during his three days of seclusion.

A warmth spread through Chen Linsheng's heart. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist, gently stroked her beautiful hair, and said softly, "Yes, I'm out. Sorry for making you worry."

The two embraced as they walked to the bed and sat down. Su Wan nestled in his arms, as if wanting to pour out all her longing from the past few days.

After a moment of tenderness, they lay on the bed. Su Wan curled up like a kitten in the firm cradle of Chen Linsheng's arm, her fingers unconsciously tracing circles on his chest.

"A Sheng," Su Wan began softly, making small talk, "These past few days while you were in seclusion, the county town seems... unsettled."

"Oh? What happened?" Chen Linsheng asked absentmindedly, his fingers twirling a lock of her raven hair.

"I don't really understand it all," Su Wan said, trying to recall the fragments she'd heard. "But Aunt Zhang came back from buying groceries and said the atmosphere on the streets has become much more serious. Yamen Runners and soldiers are patrolling everywhere, saying they're searching for some... White Lotus Cult Heretics?" She struggled to remember the pieces. "She also said someone encountered those heretics deep in the mountains. Many people died, and even the manager of the Hundred Herbs Hall and the Gang Leader Wang of the Hunter Gang seem to have fallen victim... It's truly terrifying."

"The White Lotus Sect?!"

Hearing this, Chen Linsheng's body stiffened slightly. Instantly, the three Spirit Medicines and the stone slab from the hidden mountain cave flashed through his mind!

'So that's it! That cave was actually the dwelling of a White Lotus Cult Heretic!'

His mind suddenly cleared, followed immediately by a surge of retrospective fear.

The White Lotus Sect's vicious reputation was well-known. It was a heretical cult the imperial court was determined to eradicate, known for its sinister and ruthless methods.

Even experts at the Flesh Refining Realm like Qian Fugui and Gang Leader Wang had fallen in the mountains. If he had been a step slower back then, or if he had been trapped in the cave by that heretic... A chill ran up his spine as he considered the possible consequences.

Then he recalled the "Thousand-Faced Demon" mentioned on the Curled Beard Guest's gold foil and the possible "greater shadow" behind it. Could they also be connected to this White Lotus Sect?

If White Lotus Cult followers were truly lurking in the county town, then this western residence might not be very safe either.

Wan'er and the others were just ordinary people. What if they got caught up in this... 'Should I send Wan'er and Aunt Zhang to the martial arts hall first? Master's place would definitely be much safer.'

Thoughts raced through Chen Linsheng's mind.

Seeming to sense the stiffness in his body and the sudden silence, Su Wan looked up. Seeing his slightly furrowed brow, she bit her rosy lips, a flash of dejection and grievance appearing in her eyes. She whispered, "A Sheng, I... am I very useless? I can't help you with anything, I'm always making you worry, I've become a burden to you..."

Chen Linsheng was taken aback. Looking down at Su Wan's tearful expression, the gravity brought on by thoughts of the White Lotus Sect was instantly washed away.

He didn't immediately offer gentle comfort like a typical man would. Instead, following her words, he thought of a more fundamental solution.

He reached out and gently lifted Su Wan's chin, looking into her watery eyes. Suddenly, he smiled, his tone carrying a hint of teasing yet also being utterly serious: "Silly girl, what nonsense are you thinking? Since you feel you can't help, then how about... I teach you martial arts?"

"Practice martial arts?" Su Wan's beautiful eyes widened upon hearing this, filled with disbelief and a trace of cautious hope, which was quickly replaced by anxiety. "Me... can I? I heard practicing martial arts requires building a Foundation from childhood, and it depends on talent... I'm so clumsy, what if I can't learn?"

Looking at her conflicted expression, torn between hope and fear of disappointment, Chen Linsheng's smile widened. He pinched her cheek. "How will you know without trying? The remaining ice muscle pill I have can be used to build your Foundation. Even if you don't become a Master, strengthening your body and being able to run faster if something happens is good enough."

The Cultivation Techniques he possessed—the Hunyuan Pile Posture Technique, the Python Dragon Strength, and even the Iron Clothes Art—were all biased towards masculine vigor and weren't very suitable for a woman to Cultivate.

It seemed he would have to ask Third Martial Sister tomorrow. The Cultivation Techniques practiced by women might have something more suitable for Wan'er.

"Really? A Sheng, you're the best!" Su Wan's face instantly cleared, blossoming into a radiant smile. She actively kissed his cheek, then buried her head back in his chest, her heart filled with anticipation for the future.

Early the next morning, Chen Linsheng arrived at the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Just as he reached the main gate, he happened upon a martial attendant hurriedly walking out.

The attendant's eyes lit up upon seeing Chen Linsheng. He quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Senior Brother Chen! You're finally here. The Museum Master was just about to send me to find you. He said if you came, to go see him immediately in the main hall in the rear courtyard."

'Master is looking for me?' Chen Linsheng's heart stirred. 'It seems there's news about the Essence Spirit.'

"I understand. I'll go right away."

He nodded, quickened his pace, walked straight through the Training Grounds in the front courtyard, and arrived at the quiet main hall in the rear courtyard.

Pushing open the hall door, he saw Museum Master Zhao Zheng seated solemnly in the main seat, his expression calm yet naturally commanding respect.

Below, Senior Brother Shi Poyue, Second Senior Brother Di Moyu, Third Martial Sister Liu Ruyan, and Fourth Martial Sister Zhao Linger were seated in order. The atmosphere seemed somewhat serious.

"Master, Senior Brothers, Senior Sisters," Chen Linsheng greeted with a cupped fist salute.

Zhao Zheng's gaze instantly fell upon Chen Linsheng. After a careful look, a flash of pleasant surprise erupted in his eyes. He clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Good lad! It's only been a few days, and you've already stepped into the Flesh Refining Realm! Truly gifted and extraordinary, hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Poyue, Di Moyu, and Liu Ruyan were all slightly startled. Their eyes focused intently on Chen Linsheng. Upon careful perception, they indeed found his Qi and blood more vigorous and restrained, his muscle lines seeming to contain even greater explosive power—clear characteristics of the Flesh Refining Realm!

Complex expressions appeared on their faces—a mix of astonishment and a touch of helpless wry smiles.

This Junior Brother's rate of progress was truly too astonishing.

Chen Linsheng said modestly, "Master, you flatter me. This Disciple was merely fortunate to gain some insight and has only just stabilized his Realm. I am still far behind my Senior Brothers and Sisters."

Zhao Zheng nodded with satisfaction and motioned for him to take the last seat.

At that moment, Fourth Martial Sister Zhao Linger, seated just above him, pouted and spoke up with a somewhat coquettish tone:

"Little Junior Brother, you're a very busy man now, aren't you? Even though we both became Youjiao in the Water Patrol Division, I haven't seen you come find me to play!"

Hearing this, Chen Linsheng gave a wry smile and explained:

"Fourth Martial Sister, you misunderstand. The river section I'm responsible for patrolling is quite far from yours, and our duty schedules often don't overlap, making it hard to meet. However, if you have free time, you're welcome to visit my home anytime. Wan'er often mentions you."

Zhao Linger immediately turned her pout into a smile, her eyes curving into crescents. "That's more like it! I'll remember that, and I'll definitely visit another day!"

Seeing they had finished their conversation, Zhao Zheng cleared his throat lightly and stood up.

The hall instantly fell silent. Everyone's gaze focused on him.

"I called you all here today for an important matter," Zhao Zheng said solemnly, his eyes sweeping over his five Personal Disciples. "Regarding the Essence Spirit Linsheng previously discovered in the river, I have personally investigated and clarified the situation."

Everyone perked up, even Chen Linsheng holding his breath and focusing intently.

"That beast is a cultivated 'Toad Spirit Monster.' Its strength Realm is roughly equivalent to our Human Race's 'Jiaojin Realm'!" Zhao Zheng stated gravely.

"Jiaojin Realm?!" Shi Poyue and the others all showed expressions of shock.

A Essence Spirit equivalent to Master's own Realm—its strength absolutely could not be underestimated!

Zhao Zheng continued, "This creature is cunning, lurking near the 'Turtle Back Stone,' about three li downstream from the main dock. The water there is turbulent, with many whirlpools, and the underwater terrain is complex—a natural shelter for it."

Turtle Back Stone?

Chen Linsheng understood. It was a famous hazardous spot on the Clear River—a massive black reef shaped like a turtle's back, submerged during high water and exposed during dry periods. The surrounding waters were indeed dangerous.

"Relying on me alone, I am not afraid of it, but capturing it would be difficult," Zhao Zheng changed his tone, a hint of a smile appearing on his face. "However, I have already sent a carrier pigeon message, inviting a fellow Disciple of mine to come assist. With the combined strength of the two of us, we should have an eighty percent chance of slaying this beast!"

His eyes shone brightly as he looked at his Disciples below. "For this operation, all five of you will accompany me. First, to let you witness the scene of high-level Martial Artists battling a Essence Spirit, which will greatly benefit your future cultivation. Second, you will need to patrol the periphery, be vigilant against possible petty opportunists, prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation, or startling the Essence Spirit!"

"Yes, Master!" Chen Linsheng and the other four responded in unison, feeling both nervous and filled with anticipation.

A battle against a Jiaojin Realm-level Essence Spirit, plus Master's Senior Brother—who must also be an extraordinary Master!

Such a spectacle was rarely encountered!