Brother He, What a Good Person!

"The effects of the demon meat have indeed weakened."

Li Cunxiao sighed, looking at the two empty paper packets before him.

After achieving the Great Accomplishment of Blood Qi through the Heart and Lung Circulation, the Blood Qi boost from the demon meat was passable, but the Malevolent Qi had significantly decreased.

Before his promotion, one tael of demon meat bought from a street stall provided about one-ninth of a charge, while the demon meat from the Chai Gang's shop provided about one-fourteenth. Eating them together allowed him to accumulate an Obstacle-Breaking Opportunity for the Vajra Scepter in less than half a month.

However, now, the efficacy of both had greatly diminished. Currently, Li Cunxiao could consume up to four taels or even half a jin of demon meat daily, which would allow him to fill it up again in about twenty days.

But demon meat from street stalls cost three taels per jin, meaning he would need to consume thirty taels of demon meat to be sufficient.

He had just returned from an escort mission, and with his share of the profits plus his existing savings, he had around thirty taels. Just the meat alone would drain his entire fortune.

And he still owed He Bi thirty taels.

"Fortunately, the Vajra Scepter helps me suppress the Malevolent Qi, allowing me to dare to eat that crude demon meat. If I had to buy only from the Chai Gang, my silver would be gone in a day or two."

Li Cunxiao did not forget that he was still in the Blood Qi Realm, only breaking through a minor bottleneck. Once he broke through the Blood Qi Realm and reached the Second Realm, the Muscle and Tendon Realm, the effects of the demon meat would weaken further.

Without any other methods, a slower cultivation speed was inevitable, and he had to be mentally prepared for it.

As for charging through killing, that would depend on fate.

As the saying goes, with the world on the brink of chaos, making enemies deliberately is foolish. However, if the other party harbored ill intentions, Li Cunxiao wouldn't mind striking first.

"It seems I need to ask He Bi tonight at the gathering if there are any other sources of demon meat."

Li Cunxiao tidied his belongings, freshened up, and headed out onto the long street.

In fact, when Chuqiu County was first established, there was no distinction between the inner and outer cities.

The so-called outer city was merely an expansion outside the original city walls after villagers flocked into the city. With the occasional and inconsistent governance from the County Yamen, the current layout eventually formed. This was not unique to Chuqiu; many prefectural cities were like this.

Naturally, the inner city, with its advantage of being established first, became the residential area for "old money" to display their wealth and status. Now that the world was descending into chaos, patrols were even being arranged along the inner city walls, further highlighting the inner city's majesty and mystery to those from the outer city.

However, the outer city was not entirely a slum; it naturally had its bustling and lively places.

The banquet Qin Yu had booked for tonight was at Qunfang Tower in the east of the city. A table there would cost four to five taels of silver, which was considered luxurious in the outer city.

The wages of a porter for half a year would only be enough for him to eat a meal here.

Fortunately, although Qin Yu's family was not a great merchant, they ran a medicinal herb shop, making them a well-to-do family. Therefore, even though the banquet was not cheap, Qin Yu could still afford it if he gritted his teeth.

"Brother He, Brother Li, please come in, please!"

The three were led by a servant to a private room on the third floor. Through the open window, they could see the lively night market below and, further in the distance, the tip of a pagoda that vaguely surpassed the height of the inner city walls.

"That's Zui Chun Lou, the most famous pleasure house in the inner city. Its top courtesan is said to be worth a thousand gold for a single dance, and many scions of great families are captivated, longing to earn a smile from her."

He Bi noticed Li Cunxiao's gaze and explained casually, his eyes filled with emotion:

"The houses in the outer city are at most three stories high, but Zui Chun Lou has six stories, with another pavilion built on the very top, soaring extremely high, enough to overlook the entire city."

"Why not fetch fine wine on a boat, and spend a thousand gold to buy a spring beauty? A place for drunken revelry ah."

Hearing this, Qin Yu's face also showed a hint of longing, and even Li Cunxiao couldn't help but feel the same.

However, he wasn't longing for Zui Chun Lou, but for the inner city protected by the City Guard. There, both he and Mucha would have their safety guaranteed.

But then again, the Flying Tiger Escort Agency, a prominent force in Chuqiu County, was stationed in the outer city, and Zhang Lishi's family also lived in the outer city.

Thinking back to what he had witnessed at the County Yamen that day, Li Cunxiao pondered. He didn't notice that He Bi was also quietly observing him.

After learning that Li Cunxiao had been taught an Internal Cultivation Method that morning, he immediately drove home and asked someone to gather information.

Although Murong Bai and Xie Donglai had ordered the news to be suppressed, it could at most prevent it from becoming common knowledge. Those with a discerning mind could piece together the original events with a little effort.

'Li Cunxiao Wreaks Havoc at the County Yamen to Repay a Debt of Gratitude!'

'Violent Methods, One Against Five, Zhao Xiaoyi Loses His Vitality!'

'Zhang Lishi's Overbearing Protection Forces County Governor Murong Bai to Yield Three Feet!'

Even with some exaggerated content, Li Cunxiao's achievements and the final handling of the matter by Murong Bai and Zhang Lishi were evident.

Even, considering Li Cunxiao was taught the Internal Cultivation Method in advance, the conclusion was obvious:

Li Cunxiao had already caught the Chief Escort's attention!

Regardless of the degree of importance, for an ordinary person who started as a restaurant waiter to consecutively enter the Chief Escort's sight within a month was a skill in itself.

And He Bi's final conclusion was simple:

He had to befriend Li Cunxiao, no matter what!

"Brother He, you've been staring at me. Do you have something you want to ask?"

After breaking through the Minor Circulation of Blood Qi, Li Cunxiao's perception had also improved. Moreover, the man's gaze was so intense, like infrared rays, making it hard to ignore.

"Ahem, I was thinking, the dishes have been served three times, and we're well-fed and watered. Brother Qin and I are waiting for Brother Li's guidance."

He Bi coughed lightly. With Qin Yu present, he certainly wouldn't reveal that Li Cunxiao was highly regarded by the Chief Escort.

"Yes, Brother Li. I've been practicing the living stances combat techniques for over half a month, but I have no idea how to approach manipulating Blood Essence."

With someone initiating the conversation, Qin Yu also shed his shyness and got down to business, listing all the doubts he had encountered in his martial arts practice.

Since Li Cunxiao had promised to clarify their doubts, he didn't hold back. Seeing that the private room was spacious enough, he decided to explain while also teaching them the exercises hands-on.

When the Vajra Scepter broke through the realm, all the secrets and processes of breaking through the barrier were deeply imprinted in his mind. Moreover, Li Cunxiao himself had learned the Tiger Form Fist with them, so he naturally knew what difficult points Cui Yao had during his teaching.

After talking about martial arts and drinking a few cups of wine, the meal surprisingly took nearly two hours.

As they left the restaurant, Qin Yu couldn't help but shift his fists and claws, muttering to himself with a look of intense excitement:

"Brother Li's words were truly enlightening. After tonight, I feel I can manipulate Blood Essence within half a month."

He Bi nodded in approval, his gaze towards Li Cunxiao filled with even more respect.

As the saying goes, teaching and learning go hand in hand. Being able to impart correct experience to others demonstrates one's own level from a different angle. From this perspective, Brother Li's comprehension is truly astonishing.

"By the way, where is Run Dong?"

Li Cunxiao suddenly remembered his quiet roommate.

Upon hearing this, Qin Yu's expression became complicated.

"The night before Brother Li went on an escort mission, Run Dong left the escort agency. It's said that he hadn't made any progress after more than a year of martial arts practice, so his father felt it was futile and had him return to help at the shop."

"A year? Didn't Run Dong only join the escort agency three months ago?"

Qin Yu remained silent for a longer time this time. After a moment, he said, "Before coming to the escort agency, Run Dong had already spent time at several martial arts schools in the Outer City."

Li Cunxiao was momentarily speechless.

He knew clearly that his own talent wasn't bad, but it couldn't be considered exceptionally good either. Perhaps it was only on par with He Bi, and he didn't have the latter's affluent family background.

If it weren't for the Vajra Scepter, he might have also struggled for half a year at the Minor Circulation of Blood Qi stage, and then struggled for another year or so before the Blood Qi Perfection stage.

If he were lucky, he might have reached Blood Qi Perfection before the age of twenty, and then competed with the family disciples of the Inner City for that unattainable position of an indoor disciple.

But if he were unlucky, he might only reach Blood Qi Perfection at twenty-two or twenty-three. Although he would miss out on Zhang Lishi, he would still have a chance to apprentice with other escort leaders and then spend a few more years, risking his life, to challenge the Muscle and Tendon Realm.

But the problem was, the world was already showing signs of chaos, and there might not be enough time for him to grow in the future.

He deeply felt his own luck. Without the Vajra Scepter, he feared he would have met the same dismal end as Run Dong.

And Run Dong's family at least had a shop, selling coffins and mourning clothes. When war broke out, they might even make a fortune.

As for him, who had nothing, he might only be able to wander with his younger brother, perhaps starving on the streets one day.

"Brother Li, thank you for your generosity."

After Qin Yu left and only the two of them remained, He Bi suddenly cupped his fists solemnly towards Li Cunxiao.

"Brother He, there's no need for that. Without your Demon Meat, I wouldn't have been able to break through my realm so quickly."

Li Cunxiao waved it off, but He Bi shook his head upon hearing this.

"Brother Li is a great talent, unlike us."

Qin Yu said he needed half a month, but He Bi had already felt a sense of manipulating Blood Essence during the meal. He expected to break through the minor stage of Controlling Qi within seven days.

Ultimately, before entering the Blood Qi circulation, whether it's Sensing Qi or Controlling Qi, the most crucial element is often a moment of inspiration. Without inspiration, it takes a spring, or even half a year.

When inspiration strikes, it often takes one or two months to succeed. True geniuses can even cross two minor stages overnight.

"I heard that Ye Chengxiao from the Inner Courtyard is such a genius. He sensed Qi in seven days, controlled Qi in half a month, achieved Great Accomplishment of Blood Qi in three months, and Blood Qi Perfection in seven months."

"He is only eighteen years old since he started cultivating martial arts, and he already has one foot in the Second Realm. He is currently the most likely candidate to become Zhang Lishi's indoor disciple."

"My talent is far inferior to such geniuses. Brother Li's enlightenment has saved me half a month or even a month of hard work. How can you not accept this thanks?"

Li Cunxiao naturally felt He Bi's sincerity and didn't continue to be modest. However, the other person mentioned in his words made him frown.

Great Accomplishment of Blood Qi in three months?

So slow?

It wasn't that he was getting arrogant after success, but he had originally planned to tell Cui Yao in a few days that he had achieved Great Accomplishment of Blood Qi and completed the Heart and Lung Circulation, to make a stunning debut.

But Ye Chengxiao, who was currently considered a genius, took three months. If he broke through in three days, wouldn't that be too astonishing?

After all, the Minor Heart and Lung Circulation stage inherently required the use of medicine and Blood Qi to strengthen the organs, and it always took time.

For the heart and lungs to change in three days, in Li Cunxiao's opinion, it was probably only something Demonic Power could achieve.

Would it arouse Zhang Lishi's suspicion?

Moreover, Li Cunxiao hadn't forgotten that Xie Donglai and Zhao Xiaoyi, that pair of scoundrels, were probably keeping an eye on him right now. It was only because the escort agency and the county yamen maintained tacit understanding and controlled the information that he could develop steadily.

Once his displayed talent was too monstrous, he feared that open attacks and hidden arrows would come immediately.

"Let them come, what's there to be afraid of!"

Li Cunxiao gritted his teeth and rejected the plan to hide his strength.

Half a month.

After half a month, he would inform the escort agency of his breakthrough, but not Great Accomplishment of Blood Qi, but Blood Qi Perfection!

He would seize this period of calm and stuff himself with Demon Meat to the limit, striving to fill the Vajra Scepter in about half a month. By then, what the escort leader would see would be himself at Blood Qi Perfection, himself capable of surpassing Ye Chengxiao and becoming an indoor disciple.

Skipping the interim period, skipping the candidate status, and going straight to the top!

At that time, with Zhang Lishi's attention and protection, even if Xie Donglai wanted to make a move against him, he would have to consider the consequences.

With his status changing, Mu Cha's position in the Zhang Manor would also rise with the tide, ensuring his safety.

Furthermore, after reaching Blood Qi Perfection, his ability to protect himself would be stronger than it was now. Even if an accident occurred, he would at least have a greater chance of self-preservation, which was much better than exposing himself now.

"Actually, there's no such thing as an optimal choice. In the end, it all comes down to insufficient strength, forcing you to pick the option with the greatest reward and greatest risk. It's just a gamble."

"I'm actually a person who prefers stability."

Seeing Li Cunxiao suddenly sigh, He Bi's heart stirred. He lightly knocked on the carriage board, and the coachman immediately understood, stopping the carriage in a secluded spot. He then went to a willow tree by the side to relieve himself.

"Brother Li, do you have something on your mind? Is it a shortage of funds?"

He Bi, you are truly my timely rain.

Li Cunxiao seemed a bit embarrassed to speak:

"Alas, to be honest, Brother He, I learned an Internal Cultivation Method from Master Cui today. The method is good, but the Demon Meat is becoming increasingly insufficient."

"Brother Li, you're being too formal. What's our relationship? Silver is just external wealth. Take this money."

He Bi was well-prepared. He took out a fifty tael silver ingot from his embrace, its ends upturned and the middle concave, commonly known as horseshoe silver.

To be honest, even though his family ran a grain shop and was quite prosperous, for He Bi, taking out fifty taels at once meant he wouldn't be able to visit brothels for the next half month.

Therefore, as the silver was produced, Li Cunxiao could clearly see the reluctance in his eyes and the trembling of his hands.

This wouldn't do.

I, Li Cunxiao, attract investment with my strength. How can I accept money that is given so unwillingly?

Moreover, after taking on escort missions, he felt his own defenses were insufficient. He planned to spend money on a set of chainmail to wear close to his body, and also wanted to buy some poisoned hidden weapons. Coupled with the Demon Meat, he would need at least a hundred taels to cover everything.

He needed to ask for more.

Thinking this, his face also showed a look of gratitude:

"Brother He, you are too kind to me!"

As he spoke, he took out a porcelain bottle from his embrace, which was clearly the Leopard Fetus Pill given to him by Cui Wei earlier that day.

However, after he used the Vajra Scepter to break through to Great Accomplishment of Blood Qi, eating Demon Meat was also to accumulate Malevolent Qi, making the effect of this pill less significant.

"So be it. This Leopard Fetus Pill was given to me by Chief Escort Cui Wei. It's a good pill for replenishing Blood Qi. Brother He, take it!"

"Leopard Fetus Pill?! Is this the Leopard Fetus Pill that's priceless and has no market?"

He Bi's reaction was even greater than Li Cunxiao had anticipated. His hands clutched the porcelain bottle, sometimes tightening, sometimes loosening, his face flushing and paling, as if it contained poison.

However, after a long while, he gritted his teeth and pushed the pill back.

Not only that, but he also took out fifty taels in banknotes from the inside of his boot and stuffed them back into Li Cunxiao's embrace.

The latter could only look at He Bi in shock. The other man's voice trembled, clearly from the bottom of his heart:

"Brother Li, I absolutely cannot take the pill that Escort Cui gave you! These fifty taels are my private savings. Take them and cultivate well."

"If Brother Li truly becomes Chief Escort Zhang's personal disciple in the future, please do not forget my sincerity today!"