1: Reading? What kind of books are you reading?

Great Han Dynasty, Xingfeng Prefecture, Chuan Prefecture, West of the Prefectural City.

Li Qi sat in front of the door of a dilapidated wooden hut, glancing around from time to time, his expression filled with a trace of bewilderment.

"What the hell?"

"I... transmigrated?!"

Li Qi tightened the old, thin garment on his body. Watching the crowds passing by on the street and hearing the ceaseless cries of vendors, he couldn't snap out of it for a moment.

The scene here was ancient and simple; it was no longer his original world.

Soon, a flood of memories rushed into his mind. Li Qi's brow furrowed tightly as these memories were rapidly absorbed and digested by his brain.

After a short while, a glimmer of understanding appeared in Li Qi's eyes: "So that's how it is..."

After inheriting the memories of this body, Li Qi gained a clear understanding of his situation.

The previous owner of this body was also named Li Qi. He was a scholar in Chu'an Prefectural City from a poor background, and was now all alone in the world.

Many years ago, the original owner's mother had a weak constitution and died of illness shortly after giving birth to him. His father was an Old Scholar who, after his wife's passing, sold calligraphy and paintings or traded in brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones to earn money and raise him.

But just two months ago... the Old Scholar also passed away.

The Great Han Dynasty was in a state of upheaval, with the fires of war rising everywhere and rebel armies causing chaos. Many places were already suffering. Two months ago, a group of rebels attacked, passing through Chuan Prefecture and causing quite a stir here.

The Old Scholar's calligraphy stall was smashed by several rebel soldiers, who also stole the money from the stall. This was the livelihood the Old Scholar and Li Qi depended on. Unable to contain his anger, the Old Scholar tried to reason with the rebels, his mouth full of scholarly jargon.

But how could those soldiers waste their breath on a scholar? They simply pinned the Old Scholar down and gave him a severe beating. Once they were satisfied, they laughed loudly and swaggered away.

The Old Scholar was old and frail, with no meat on his bones. How could he withstand such a beating? He passed away on the spot, departing in a very unpeaceful manner.

Wherever the rebels went, they were like a plague of locusts, leaving many tragedies in their wake. Far more than just one person suffered like the Old Scholar; many were oppressed and bullied by the rebels, dying violently in the streets.

After such things happened, many victims wailed and cried, going to the yamen to beat the drums and report their grievances, asking the officials to step out and uphold justice, only to be driven out with clubs by a group of fierce bailiffs.

The yamen gate opens to the south; if you have the right on your side but no money, don't come in. Who would care about the life or death of these commoners?

If you disturb the peace of the officials... they'll break your dog legs!

After being warned, no one went to the government to seek justice anymore.

After the Old Scholar's incident, Li Qi's predecessor didn't cry or make a fuss, seemingly growing up in an instant. After burying the Old Scholar, he returned home, broke his brushes and burned his books, sweeping away these useless things!

The Old Scholar's greatest wish during his life was for his son to study hard, pass the imperial examinations, and bring honor to the family ancestors.

But what time was it now?

Rebel armies were rising everywhere, people were destitute, and the situation was only getting worse!

Chaotic times had arrived!

Study?

Study what damn books?!!

Study well... and get a belly full of fists!

In order not to follow in the Old Scholar's footsteps, the predecessor unhesitatingly threw away his useless books and resolutely went to roam the Jianghu and join a Gang.

There were many Jianghu powers in Chu'an Prefectural City, and the Ruyi Gang was one of them.

The Ruyi Gang took its name from the meaning of 'as one wishes' and 'good fortune,' focusing on a festive theme. Although the Gang's strength wasn't great—only considered second-rate in Chu'an Prefectural City—it didn't engage in criminal industries and had a decent reputation. Thus, the predecessor chose this Gang.

When the Gang members responsible for receiving newcomers saw the thin scholar who hadn't even reached twenty, they didn't reject Li Qi. After a brief understanding of his background and origins, they smoothly let the boy join the Ruyi Gang.

There was much friction and fighting between Gangs, and casualties were inevitable. Even though Li Qi had no backing and didn't have a sturdy Physique, the Ruyi Gang was willing to take him in. In any case, having one more piece of cannon fodder was always good.

After entering the Ruyi Gang, Li Qi met Gang Leader Huang Yuanqing and was bestowed with the [Mountain-Breaking Fist], as well as a Body Strengthening Pill. This was a benefit that everyone who joined the Ruyi Gang would receive.

Gangs usually intended to Cultivate their own Disciples, either by gifting martial arts and Medicinal Pills to improve their strength so they could better fight other Gangs and seize more territory,

Or by rewarding them with gold and silver to win over people's hearts.

Although the bestowed [Mountain-Breaking Fist] was only a Low Grade martial art and a very ordinary combat technique, it still made the predecessor overjoyed. This was his primary goal in joining the Gang.

Only by obtaining power... could one have a foundation to stand on in these chaotic times!

Up until now, the predecessor had been in the Ruyi Gang for two months. Having taken the Body Strengthening Pill and practiced diligently without pause, he had basically mastered the basics of the [Mountain-Breaking Fist]. Relying on a ruthless streak of being willing to fight and kill, he had managed to establish a foothold in the Ruyi Gang.

As a Gang power that could be considered respectable in Chu'an Prefectural City, it was naturally impossible for the Ruyi Gang to have only the [Mountain-Breaking Fist]. There were, of course, other decent martial arts available for the Gang members to learn.

However, if one wanted to learn other martial arts and Cultivation Techniques besides the [Mountain-Breaking Fist], they would have to pay a certain price; it was impossible for them to be given unconditionally.

It could be by performing meritorious deeds for the Gang and exchanging those deeds for techniques, and some techniques could even be exchanged for silver!

It was said that Gang Leader Huang Yuanqing held a technique called the [Wind-Breaking Saber Technique], which was a Medium Grade martial art capable of cultivating martial True Qi, making everyone in the Gang green with envy.

But many years had passed, and no one had ever heard of anyone obtaining this saber technique from Gang Leader Huang. Seeing how much Gang Leader Huang cherished it, he likely intended to take the technique to his grave, so many people had given up on that idea.

Li Qi slowly stood up, letting out a long sigh as he brushed the dust off his clothes. The predecessor's various experiences were quite tragic and made one sigh, but there was one thing Li Qi felt the predecessor had done well.

And that was joining the Gang!

In these chaotic times, human life was like grass; mastering martial power was a necessity!

Now that the court was in upheaval and chaos was everywhere, continuing to persist in studying for the imperial exams would be foolish. It would be even more impossible to enter officialdom through exams. Didn't he know his own situation?

"Joining the Ruyi Gang was not a mistake; there really is no more suitable path right now..."

"Although I probably can't count on Huang Yuanqing's [Wind-Breaking Saber Technique], I must get my hands on the Ruyi Gang's other martial arts!"

Li Qi thought the same.

Continuously learning more and stronger martial arts and constantly improving his martial cultivation was the only way to control his own destiny in this chaotic world!

He turned around and looked at the dilapidated little wooden hut behind him with a complex expression.

"This is the entire inheritance the Old Scholar left for me. Although it's a bit run-down... it's already much better than those displaced refugees."

Li Qi took a step forward, pushed open the creaking wooden door, and entered.

The interior was dim, and it only became brighter after he opened the window.

Li Qi stood in the room and looked around, his brow furrowing more and more.

There was only a bed, a table, and a cabinet in the room, which, along with a few crooked stools that were about to fall apart, made up all the furniture.

"This is a bit too pathetic..."

Originally, having transmigrated to a martial world with extraordinary power where he could take a path completely different from his previous life, Li Qi felt some joy. But seeing this starting point, which couldn't be any lower, he couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness.

"Let me think..."

"There should be something valuable here..."

Li Qi's gaze shifted, landing on a three-foot scroll hanging by the window.

The White Crane in Blue Clouds Painting!

In the scroll, six white cranes stood atop green pines in the mountains. Their forms were varied and their postures different: some were spreading their wings as if to fly, some were preening their feathers during a nap, and others were chasing and playing, all vivid and lifelike.

And above the mountain peaks in the scroll, there were white clouds drifting and rolling, conveying a sense of lofty agility.

The painting's technique was exquisite and delicate, further revealing the artist's transcendent and elegant spiritual Realm!

According to the Old Scholar, the origin of this White Crane in Blue Clouds Painting was likely not clean. Not only did the person who sold the painting have traces of dirt on them, but the scroll itself also had a heavy smell of earth. It was likely stolen from a tomb!

The Old Scholar had quite a bit of knowledge about calligraphy and paintings, having spent most of his life in the business of selling them. He saw at a glance that this White Crane in Blue Clouds Painting was not simple. The painting technique was extraordinary, the concept was lofty, and there seemed to be a deep hidden meaning within it; it was definitely no ordinary item!

It was very valuable!

So, the Old Scholar didn't hesitate to buy the painting for three taels of silver from the fellow suspected of being a Grave robber.

The Old Scholar had a sharp eye and knew this painting was worth a hundred gold pieces. However, because the seller was ignorant and didn't recognize the treasure, he sold it cheaply, allowing the Old Scholar to take a great advantage and get this White Crane in Blue Clouds Painting for a very low price.

The Old Scholar had also said that this painting was precious and could be kept as a collection, but if he encountered difficulties in the future, it could also be exchanged for silver to get through the crisis.

Li Qi felt that now was the time. He was currently in a very difficult position; his home was penniless, and he needed money for everything.

Especially regarding the Ruyi Gang, Li Qi urgently needed silver to exchange for better martial arts and techniques.

The effect of the Body Strengthening Pill he had taken was very good; it could strengthen his Physique, increase his cultivation, and speed up his practice. He also intended to use silver to purchase some Medicinal Pills.

At the moment, he didn't have time to slowly accumulate contribution points and then exchange them for resources. That was too slow; it was faster to just buy them with money.

In this strange and dangerous world, a sense of insecurity constantly nagged at Li Qi's nerves. He had to seize every opportunity to improve his strength now.

Just as Li Qi stepped forward to take down the White Crane in Blue Clouds Painting, a sudden change occurred!

The White Crane in Blue Clouds Painting suddenly emitted a faint glow, flickering like a breath!

At the same time, a deep blue light screen appeared in Li Qi's vision!

[Discoverable Martial Art found!]

[Supreme Martial Dao System activated!]

[Recording Martial Art...]

[You have obtained a Medium Grade martial art... Cloud Crane Sword Dance!]

At such a sight, Li Qi couldn't help but widen his eyes, and his heart rate suddenly accelerated!

"Is this... a System?!"

"My Golden Finger has arrived!!!"