Martial Artist Traits

Yang Heng was slightly shocked by this.

He hadn't used Blood Essence to defend himself just now; it was purely his Skin Membrane's own defensive power. The sharp stone only left a white mark, which was truly astonishing.

His Skin Membrane was so tough that it could probably withstand attacks from Blades. Combined with the protection of his Blood Essence, ordinary people, even with Blades in hand, wouldn't be able to break through his defenses.

He could also withstand the attacks of ordinary Blood Brave Disciples.

However, if a Martial Artist attacked with Blades, Yang Heng wasn't confident that his tough Skin Membrane could withstand it.

He might be able to block one or two blows without major issue, but any more would surely cost him his life.

After all, he hadn't practiced any defensive Cultivation Methods, and his body wasn't impervious to blades and spears.

Yang Heng speculated that his current tough Skin Membrane was due to two main factors. First, the constant tempering from the Marrow Cleansing Pearl played a significant role. Second, cultivating the Vajra Fist to Minor Accomplishment had a certain tempering effect on his body.

The combination of these two allowed him to possess the defensive capabilities of a Blood Strengthening Realm Martial Artist ahead of time.

The Fist Manual also recorded various mystical abilities of Martial Artists in the Blood Strengthening Realm.

One, the Skin Membrane is like Cowhide, tough and difficult for Blades to injure.

Two, the Martial Artist's Pressure has a strong suppressing effect on Martial Artists below the Blood Strengthening Realm.

Of course, if someone cultivated Cowhide-like toughness, they could negate this pressure and their strength would not be affected.

Three, Stamina is prolonged, making it easy to climb mountains, cross rivers, and travel a thousand miles in a day. They can also hold their breath underwater for fifteen minutes.

Four, Vitality is extremely powerful. As long as it's not a fatal wound like the severing of the head or the shattering of the heart, any severe injury can be survived as long as Blood Essence remains, preserving a sliver of life.

Reading the book's descriptions of Martial Artists' characteristics made Yang Heng's blood boil.

The vitality of Martial Artists was simply more tenacious than that of cockroaches; it was incredible.

Truly monstrous!

But Yang Heng hoped to become such a 'monster' himself.

Once one became a Martial Artist, only another Martial Artist could kill them; others would find it difficult to pose a life-threatening danger.

After all, their vitality was too tenacious; they were practically a different species from ordinary people, as if they had mutated.

The power of Martial Artists deeply shook Yang Heng's heart. He encouraged himself, vowing that he would definitely become a Martial Artist, and that day wouldn't be far off.

With an indestructible foundation, he would resolutely break through the door to the Blood Strengthening Realm and stride into it with his head held high.

When a person is immersed in something, time often passes quickly.

In the blink of an eye, the sun had begun to set in the west, and night was about to fall.

Seeing this, Yang Heng patted his head, filled with regret.

He had been so engrossed in cultivation that he had forgotten to rent a place to live.

After leaving the Apothecary Shop, he now had nowhere to stay. He couldn't possibly sleep in the mountains every day, keeping nature company.

The purpose of his cultivation was to live a better life.

Yet, he was living like a wild man, which wouldn't do.

Yang Heng hastily buried his Fist Manual, most of his silver, and the medicinal herbs he brought down from the mountain in a hidden spot. Then, he strode towards Qingyang Town.

He had to find a place to stay before dark.

Hurrying along, not hesitating to use his Lightness Skill, Yang Heng finally found a place he was quite satisfied with before nightfall.

It was a courtyard house, with the walls covered in dust, clearly having not been cleaned for a long time. However, he didn't mind. He chose this courtyard entirely because there was a large open space within it, suitable for practicing martial arts.

Furthermore, the courtyard was located in a very secluded spot on the northern edge of Qingyang Town, surrounded by abandoned Earthen Houses. Beggars and refugees didn't even want to live here, primarily because it was close to the Mass Grave, making it eerie to reside there.

This way, Yang Heng had completely removed any worries. Practicing martial arts in the courtyard wouldn't be discovered by others, saving him the time spent traveling between his residence and the mountains, allowing him more time for cultivation.

In such a location, the rent was extremely low. A year's rent only cost two hundred Copper Coins, which was less than what he spent on a single meal.

Yang Heng signed a one-year lease without hesitation and officially moved in.

Before moving in, he spent some money to hire several Strong Women to thoroughly clean and tidy up the courtyard, inside and out.

The four of them worked for a full hour, and the courtyard was completely renewed, finally looking like a place fit for habitation.

Night had completely fallen. He had no time to purchase furniture or daily necessities; he could only go to the market tomorrow to buy them.

There was a deep Well and an Old Tree in the courtyard, near the wall.

The well water was clear and cool, refreshing his body. Yang Heng took a bath and fell into a deep sleep leaning against the large tree.

The night passed without incident.

The next day, the sky brightened, and the Red Sun rose.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the leaves, shining obliquely on Yang Heng's face. Awakened by the light, Yang Heng sat up, stretched, washed up a bit, and headed towards the town center.

Every time he went out, he used his Blood Essence to contract his entire body's Essence, altering his appearance so he wouldn't stand out, blending seamlessly into the crowd.

After all, he was already considered a dead man by the Apothecary Shop. Although the news hadn't reached them yet, it was better to be cautious.

Furthermore, he had delivered medicine many times and frequented the town center, so many people recognized him. If he didn't change his appearance, he would easily be identified.

If the news were to get back to the apothecary shop, he'd be in trouble.

To be safe, changing his appearance was the best option.

As soon as he stepped into the busiest part of Qingyang Town, a familiar feeling washed over him. Looking again at the crowds on the street and the stalls by the roadside, Yang Heng felt something different.

Freedom!

Unrestrained!

At this moment, everything Yang Heng looked at seemed beautiful; even the air seemed filled with the fragrance of freedom.

To celebrate his freedom, Yang Heng specifically ate ten large meat buns, his mouth slick with oil.

Besides that, he also downed five bowls of hot tofu pudding. Chili oil was drizzled over the steaming, tender tofu, sprinkled with chopped scallions. The taste was simply divine, so fragrant he felt like he could eat his tongue into his stomach.

Yang Heng was not satisfied and continued his celebratory feast.

He ate two more braised pig trotters and drank three bowls of sweet soup before he finally felt full.

Yang Heng left the food street, completely satisfied, and headed to the shops to buy furniture and daily necessities.

He spent the entire morning on these miscellaneous tasks.

Fortunately, the results were satisfactory.

Yang Heng bought a rosewood bed, a silk cotton quilt, and several sets of silk clothing in various colors. He also hired someone to redecorate the doors and windows, and found professionals to repair the corners of the courtyard walls.

After spending the morning, the courtyard finally felt like a home.

If there were a mistress of the house right now, life would be perfect.

Yang Heng thought blissfully.

Considering that practicing martial arts for a long time could make one feel tired, Yang Heng specifically bought a rattan chair and placed it under the old tree. When he got tired from practicing martial arts, he could lie down and rest.

Looking at the various decorations inside and outside the courtyard, Yang Heng murmured, "This is life, this is the meaning of practicing martial arts."

His goal had always been clear: practicing martial arts was for the day he could live a good life and enjoy himself.

He had been practicing martial arts for so long, wasn't it time to enjoy himself?