Shen He of the Inner City, Second Escort Mission

Li Cunxiao listened to the movement behind him, which gradually became more noticeable from subtle.

His eyes narrowed, and his footsteps suddenly quickened as he charged forward without any attempt to conceal himself.

This action indeed provoked the "tail" behind him. Two men suddenly emerged from the broken walls and ruins at the black market exit.

However, Li Cunxiao was already prepared for a black-on-black situation. He slipped into the complex alleyways like an eel and disappeared within moments.

The two pursuers looked anxious, but when they reached an intersection, they scanned all directions, still finding nothing. They had clearly lost him.

The taller of the two couldn't help but complain to the shorter one:

"I told you there was a fat sheep, and you were dragging your feet. Now, the duck is cooked and flown away!"

"Keep it down!"

The shorter man was startled by his companion's sudden increase in volume. Although he also looked annoyed, he retorted stubbornly:

"Don't just talk about the reward and not the risk. That person could afford things from the Chai Gang's shop, so he might have some skills."

"Piss off," the tall man got angry.

"What Chai Gang shop? I clearly saw that person buying demon meat from an outdoor stall in the end!"

"Damn it, even the small stalls sell demon meat for five taels a jin. Who can afford that?"

"It took me several years to manipulate Blood Essence. If I had enough demon meat, I would have succeeded long ago."

"Right, if I had enough demon meat, I would have succeeded long ago!"

The tall man, seemingly stimulated by something, became more and more agitated, his voice echoing in the quiet alley like a thunderclap.

The short man flinched and took a few steps back, his right hand already half-drawn from the short saber at his waist, completely bewildered.

He had just lost a fat sheep, and no matter how angry he was, it shouldn't have come to this, right?

Unbeknownst to the two, Li Cunxiao was currently hiding in the shadow of a broken wall about a meter or two away from them.

He was not only wearing night-walking clothes and had blackened his face, but even the exposed skin was also blackened.

It was as if he were a black person, blending silently into the night, perfectly harmonious.

When Li Cunxiao saw the two men appear, he had planned to sneak around behind them and take out the tall one first. He didn't expect that person to suddenly become abnormal.

He immediately suppressed the urge to act and continued to be a dark elf hiding in the shadows.

"Did you eat too much demon meat?"

The short man suddenly thought of a possibility. He subtly shifted his stance and asked the question, his eyes already fixed on a gap in a broken wall.

"Demon meat? I... I have been..."

The big man suddenly quieted down, as if he had returned to normal. The shorter man, who was about to leave, paused.

But the tall man looked up, his eyes filled with dense, spiderweb-like red veins. With heavy breaths, he suddenly charged over!

"I still haven't eaten enough... not enough!"

His speed was far beyond what the shorter man knew his companion to be capable of. He only had time to stab at the other man's chest with his saber. The next moment, he felt a powerful force hit his abdomen, so strong it felt like his intestines were directly shattered.

"Calm down... Old Zhou, I..."

"I want meat!!!"

The tall man, as if driven mad, pounded the shorter man's chest and abdomen with his fists like a pile driver, even as his own bones creaked under the strain and the other man spat out bloody internal organ fragments. His fists continued to strike rapidly, even creating afterimages, until—

Chh

A blade tip pierced his back neck and emerged from his mouth. The tall man's movements suddenly stopped, but then he immediately tried to turn around, his mouth stretched wide, the corners of his lips torn, and viscous saliva dripping in strands.

Chh, chh.

Li Cunxiao's left arm bulged with veins, and his right hand rapidly stabbed towards the other man's eyes with a soft sound.

If his face were to be cleaned of its disguise at this moment, it would be seen that his complexion had turned as purple-red as a blood tiger, clearly indicating he had entered an explosive state.

The tall man, struck fatally in the brain by two blades, went limp and finally fell to the ground.

The Vajra Scepter flickered, growing by about an eighth.

Li Cunxiao silently looked at the smaller corpse, its eyes still filled with terror, its chest clearly caved in, with bloody internal organ fragments spewed from its mouth in the sunken area.

And the tall corpse...

Li Cunxiao, emboldened, lit a fire starter.

With the faint light, he saw a pair of eyes covered in gloom.

Completely bloodshot.

He shivered violently, quickly searched the bodies, and left.

Although the two small tails had been dealt with, Li Cunxiao still carefully watched his back, circling several large loops before returning to the small courtyard.

"Eating too much demon meat really can drive people mad..."

A chill surged through Li Cunxiao's heart. He suddenly realized how fortunate he was.

Without the existence of the Vajra Scepter, let alone absorbing Malevolent Qi, he might have already become possessed and gone mad like that person, or even harmed Mucha.

"The living environment for low-level martial artists is truly too harsh."

"Without eating Demon Meat, cultivation progresses slowly."

"After eating Demon Meat, one might go mad at any moment."

"Only the great families of the inner city and powers like the Flying Tiger Escort Agency can provide top-tier provisions."

"Strength, strength."

After casually checking the spoils from looting bodies and putting away the less than ten taels of silver, Li Cunxiao took out the Demon Meat and chewed it with large mouthfuls.

Training!

Time passed without notice. After achieving Great Accomplishment of Blood Qi, Li Cunxiao could consume about half a pound of Demon Meat daily, with his Blood Essence and Malevolent Qi accumulating in tandem.

Coupled with the progress from ambushing and killing in the Black Market a few days prior, he estimated that the Vajra Scepter would be filled in half a month.

Meanwhile, the news of the Chief Escort making an exception to teach Li Cunxiao the Internal Cultivation Method gradually spread throughout the escort agency.

After all, the gate to the inner courtyard was right there. A new, rugged face among those coming and going was easily noticed.

Since few people knew about the incident at the County Yamen, there were various speculations regarding the Chief Escort's exceptional promotion.

Some felt Li Cunxiao was undeserving of the honor, acknowledging his talent but noting his lack of commensurate contributions.

Others believed that in times of turmoil, extraordinary measures were necessary. If the young masters of the inner city could pay to learn the method, why couldn't Li Cunxiao, who came from a humble background like most escorts, be given an exception?

Still others thought everyone was talking nonsense. The Tiger Form Fist was a martial art passed down by the Chief Escort himself, and he could teach it to whomever he pleased. What business was it of theirs to criticize?

The third opinion silenced all discussion, as Zhang Lishi's authority within the Flying Tiger Escort Agency was absolute.

At most, people would discuss it privately over tea and conversation, but no one dared to openly oppose his decision.

Li Cunxiao also keenly noticed that among the escorts he was familiar with, like Qian Laosan, their warmth had increased, while a small portion of escorts had become colder towards him.

He paid them no mind, simply eating meat and training, continuously strengthening his control over the explosive state of his cardiopulmonary circulation, striving to switch between the explosive state and his normal state at will.

He also did not stop teaching Qin Yu and He Bi. After the public debate, Li Cunxiao realized that if he wanted to continue developing within the escort agency, he needed people to support him.

Qin Yu and He Bi were undoubtedly suitable candidates. In the meantime, the relationship between the three had rapidly warmed.

He Bi, considering himself a discerning judge of talent, still maintained an equal footing, while Qin Yu had quickly transformed, evolving into a loyal subordinate who followed his lead.

Qin Yu: Loyalty! Sincerity!

Just as Li Cunxiao thought he would calmly wait until the Vajra Scepter was filled, a piece of news arrived that was both logical and unexpected:

The second escort mission was about to begin.

Although it had only been three to four days since the last one, it was clear that amidst the turmoil, the escort agency's value was increasing.

However, what Li Cunxiao cared about was not this, but the selection of the escort leader for this mission. It was not one of the externally hired escort leaders, but a personal disciple of Zhang Lishi, a Second Realm Martial Artist who had broken through to the Muscle Realm using the Tiger Form Fist.

The fourth young master of the Shen family from the inner city, Shen He.

The inner city, Zui Chun Lou.

"Junior Brother Ye has extraordinary talent. In just one year, he has broken through four minor bottlenecks and achieved Blood Qi Perfection."

"Now, all that remains is for Master Zhang to teach him the method to lure demons, and the Muscle Realm will be within reach!"

Shen He wore a warm smile. Across from him, even the usually indifferent Ye Chengxiao couldn't help but show a hint of pride.

"My three senior brothers and sisters are all my elders. To say such things is truly humbling me."

As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously roamed the inner room, subtly scanning the people in the elegant private room.

Shen He was a scion of the Shen family from the inner city. Although not comparable to the Murong, Ye, and Xiao families, he was still from a prominent clan.

He wore a brocade round-collared robe, with a brocade trim sewn along the center seam, and a finely carved jade pendant at his waist.

Seated to his left was Jiang Qi, the young lady of the Jiang family from the inner city. She was also dressed in a men's round-collared robe, exuding a heroic aura, though compared to the other two, she spoke little.

As for the last person, she was Xiao Mei, seated to Shen He's right. Like Ye Chengxiao, she hailed from the Xiao family, one of the three great families of the inner city, also from a collateral branch.

However, compared to Jiang Qi's martial attire, this Xiao maiden's dress was quite bold and unrestrained.

Her towering cloud bun was lowered, passing over her slender neck. Below her collarbone, the low-cut shirt formed a U-shape, complementing the high-waisted, contrasting colored skirt, all revealing a deep, hidden valley.

Yet, over her shoulders, she wore a light gauze shawl, creating a hazy, alluring effect.

As Ye Chengxiao looked over, the Senior Sister Xiao was also looking back, her eyes seemingly rippling with water, her lips alluringly plump.

"Junior Sister's martial arts have improved again."

Shen He suddenly spoke, and Ye Chengxiao felt his composure falter, quickly raising his cup to cover his reaction.

Xiao Mei, however, smiled sweetly, picked up a pomegranate from the fruit platter, and gently rolled it into her mouth with her tongue.

"Senior Brother Shen is joking. The Tiger Demon Fist is best for strengthening the body. If I had made any significant progress, I wouldn't be able to wear this skirt."

Jiang Qi couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

"Junior Sister, you misunderstand. Senior Brother Shen wasn't referring to the martial arts taught by Master Zhang, but your Xiao family's ancestral Jade Chamber Art."

Xiao Mei did not seem annoyed by this, merely covering her mouth with a smile. The allure in her expression made Ye Chengxiao glance at her again.

Sigh.

Seeing his junior fellow disciple, who hadn't even officially joined their ranks, in such a state, Shen He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He's still young and full of vigor, with few temptations to contend with. He needs to experience a few real battles, like I have, before he can see women as mere passing clouds.

Still, I heard that ever since he joined, he's dedicated himself to martial arts and doesn't care for leisure. So, his performance today isn't entirely unexpected.

'If it weren't for that, he probably wouldn't have reached the Blood Qi Perfection realm in less than a year.'

'Thinking back, I started cultivating martial arts at sixteen. Sensing Qi and Controlling Qi were also rapid advancements for me.'

'However, the two major hurdles of the minor and major circulations of Blood Qi dragged on for a long time. It took me about a year and a half to reach Blood Qi Perfection, and Jiang Qi was similar to me.'

'With Ye Chengxiao's talent, becoming Master Zhang's disciple will be a matter of time.'

At this thought, Shen He felt even more understanding towards his junior fellow disciple, who hadn't officially joined.

After a few rounds of drinks, Ye Chengxiao was feeling quite merry. His usually reserved nature melted away, and he started chatting animatedly.

Everyone came from distinguished backgrounds and shared similar experiences, so they talked about everything under the sun, creating a lively atmosphere. Among them, Shen He's stories were the most interesting.

"...I never imagined there were so many wandering heroes and bandits outside Chuqiu City. I've always been confined to the city, so I've been living in a well, looking at the sky."

"I truly envy Senior Brother Shen, being able to follow escort carts and travel to different places, broadening your horizons."

Ye Chengxiao was still young at heart. Hearing those exciting stories, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

But what he didn't notice was that the two ladies present both glanced at Shen He strangely upon hearing this. Shen He's expression stiffened for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Junior disciple, you jest. Following escort carts means arduous journeys and rough living. How can that be considered a good life?"

Indeed, if it weren't for learning Master Zhang's Minor Yaksha Saber, why would I, a distinguished young master of the Shen family, have to mingle with those from humble backgrounds, getting covered in dust and grime?

Ye Chengxiao felt exhilarated, but he only saw it as undignified.

But what could be done when the Shen family lacked the deep foundations of the Three Great Families?

"Oh, right. I heard there's a Li Sanlang in the escort agency recently who was exceptionally taught the Internal Cultivation Method by the Chief Escort."

"Sensing Qi and Controlling Qi in just one month. That speed can indeed rival us inner-city disciples."

Xiao Mei, seemingly struggling to find a topic, brought up something she had overheard.

Shen He and Jiang Qi merely smiled at this, while Ye Chengxiao said proudly:

"I've heard about this too. That speed, for someone from the outer city, is indeed not slow."

"But in the Blood Qi realm, what we lack most are martial artists who can manipulate Blood Essence. Reaching Great Accomplishment of Blood Qi is the truly arduous part."

Shen He agreed:

"That Li Sanlang comes from a humble background. I'm afraid he can't afford much Demon Meat. It's likely that in a few years, he'll just become ordinary."

"If you don't enter the Muscle Realm, you'll always be a commoner."

By the side gate of the escort agency, the workers were busy loading and unloading goods.

The autumn wind blew, and the escort flags embroidered with Winged Tigers fluttered noisily.

Under the flags, escorts wearing white round-collared tunics and red forehead sashes gathered. Compared to the previous escort mission, the number of people had increased to twelve, and the escort leader had changed from Ge Yingyang to Shen He.

Li Cunxiao keenly noticed that compared to the warmth and respect they showed Ge Yingyang before, everyone now seemed to be trying to curry favor with Shen He.

He stood among the crowd, wearing the same white round-collared tunic and red forehead sash, but the open collar and cuffs revealed a lustrous brocade lining.

From a distance, his attire was the same as the escort agency's members, but up close, the difference in status was evident.

Shen He walked past the escorts one by one, uttering pleasantries. After a moment, he stopped in front of Li Cunxiao, who was organizing his equipment.

"Li Sanlang? I've heard of you."

Thanks to the book friend "Fu Le Mei" for the reward.

To avoid over-publishing before the shelves, which is bad for recommendations, the author is also saving manuscripts and will strive to let everyone read to their heart's content later. Book friends, please continue to follow, vote with your recommendation tickets, and if you have monthly tickets, that's even better. No need for rewards; everyone works hard to earn money. Thank you!