The Flower Picker, The Liver Buster

It was unpleasant.

Li Cunxiao chewed the Mountain Spectre's meat with effort, giving his mental assessment.

The meat of ferocious beasts might be highly nourishing, but it wasn't necessarily delicious. This principle applied equally to demons.

Even though ginger had been added during cooking, the strong fishy smell couldn't be removed. At several moments, Li Cunxiao almost felt like he was eating raw meat.

After finally chewing the meat into submission and swallowing it with a gulp, he immediately got up from the table, assumed a stable stance, and prepared to face the dual impact of Malevolent Qi and Blood Qi.

A dozen breaths later, the familiar warm current flowed from his abdomen to every limb and bone. To his surprise, compared to the violent surge he usually felt after eating demon meat, this time the effect was gentle and mellow, like soaking in hot water, rather than being fried in oil.

The Vajra Scepter showed no reaction.

Li Cunxiao breathed steadily, sensing his emotions and thoughts. He only detected a slight trace of annoyance.

It was because the meat tasted too bad.

"It seems the Vajra Scepter's demon-subduing power not only destroys the physical body but also eliminates the Malevolent Qi and demonic thoughts."

"In that case, my plan to get two benefits from one action won't work."

Li Cunxiao mused as he picked up the demon meat from another bowl, feeling a bit disappointed.

After all, if he could "make good use of waste," his charging time would be greatly reduced, potentially doubling its efficiency.

"No Malevolent Qi, only pure Blood Qi... Only pure Blood Qi?"

The chopsticks he had raised lowered, tapping against the porcelain bowl, and the demon meat rolled back into the bowl.

Without Malevolent Qi, pure flesh and blood – wasn't that the ultimate tonic sought by the martial artists in this city?

Li Cunxiao's expression became incredibly complex for a moment. Several methods of getting rich flashed through his mind, and the tantalizing prospects made him uncharacteristically lose focus.

But in the end, all his thoughts dissipated.

"I'm just a small escort right now. Carrying gold through a crowded market as a child – isn't that courting death?"

Having witnessed the frenzied martial artist in the Black Market, Li Cunxiao was acutely aware of how tempting demon meat, which didn't drive one mad and could be consumed without repercussions, was to a martial artist.

If this news were to be exposed now, he would instantly become fish on a chopping board, and his younger brother, Mucha, might also be in danger.

Even the righteous and generous Zhang Lishi, faced with such temptation, could remain unshaken?

Who could guarantee they would always be a welcomed guest, rather than controlled by some wicked technique, wishing for death over life?

He hadn't forgotten that the martial artists in this world were a group of demons.

Li Cunxiao wouldn't gamble with human hearts to ensure his and his family's safety. Until he possessed sufficient strength, he would only use this secret to empower himself.

The chaotic times were approaching, and in the future, it would surely have a greater role to play.

Li Cunxiao exhaled forcefully. Sometimes he truly felt that compared to using his brain, practicing martial arts was much simpler and purer.

You could fight when you wanted, kill when you wanted. Even if your head became pointed, as long as you had strength, no one would dare to look down on you.

But wouldn't that be like being an animal?

Shaking his head, he picked up the demon meat again and put it in his mouth. Before Li Cunxiao could continue contemplating the meaning of life, a long-lost violent emotion erupted in his mind like a volcano, and his expression instantly changed.

The original product was this potent? This pure?

"Damn it!"

He roared, forcefully adopting the boxing stance of the Tiger Form Eight Styles. His fists and feet struck out with a whooshing sound. Amidst the changing winds, the Vajra Scepter promptly exerted its effect, swallowing the Malevolent Qi wave after wave.

Li Cunxiao felt as if he had glaciers above his head and a volcano below, putting him in a state of icy fire. Fortunately, he hadn't eaten much meat, and within two minutes, the medicinal effect quickly subsided.

"Unprocessed demon meat is this potent?"

Li Cunxiao looked at the remaining strips of meat in the first bowl, feeling a lingering fear.

He felt that even a weakling would instantly become a super-macho man after eating this meat, let alone a martial artist who was already prone to fighting.

"The Great Clans and the Great Buddhist and Daoist Sects must have better processing methods, perhaps reducing the Malevolent Qi to a negligible level."

"But ordinary martial artists don't have these. If they want to cultivate martial arts, they can only gamble with their willpower, risking the consumption of this unprocessed 'pure meat,' greatly increasing the chance of going mad and becoming a demon."

"No wonder there were rogue soldiers killing people for food. Their minds were probably twisted by the Malevolent Qi in the demon meat."

Thinking of this, Li Cunxiao couldn't help but recall the escort missions that had been plagued by accidents:

Demons are born from eating people and crave the flesh and blood of martial artists even more when breaking through. Was the raid on the post station a coincidence?

Wang Balang had gathered forces on Iron Horn Mountain for years, only remaining somewhat compliant due to fear of the imperial army. Now that various regions were gradually becoming fragmented and expanding outwards, wasn't it natural?

During the two escort missions, the local gentry and powerful families were all building fortified villages and hoarding food and medicine. Once war broke out and trade routes were cut off, the future of the escort agency...

And the rising grain prices in the city, the increasing difficulty of finding work, the growing rampantness of gangs – crises were brewing in secret within and outside Chuqiu City.

Li Cunxiao grabbed the strips of meat from both bowls, his sharp white teeth forcefully tearing through the fibers and sinews, until he swallowed this dog-like world into his stomach, brewing the flames that were about to erupt.

After eating for another two to three days, he would have enough to fully charge the Vajra Scepter. Regardless of how the outside world changed, he would only do two things—

Eat meat, practice martial arts!

"Esteemed fellow disciples, behold, this is the Plum Terrace of my Shen family."

"It is still early days. Wait until the heart of winter, when the green bamboo is verdant and the red plum blossoms are brilliant, their colors complementing each other, and then it will truly be a magnificent sight."

Shen He held his wine cup, pointing at the scenery below the pavilion with a proud expression.

It wasn't for anything else, but for the elegance of these ten acres of land, which even families in the inner city couldn't afford to maintain.

"Interesting. Senior Brother Shen is also like this garden, with green bamboo turning yellow and winter plum yet to bloom. Is it a difficult time?"

As soon as Xiao Mei spoke, Shen He's expression froze, nearly crushing the celadon wine cup in his hand.

Ye Chengxiao, with his shallow composure, almost burst out laughing when teased by the beautiful senior sister.

Even Jiang Qi, who was usually on good terms with Shen He, couldn't help but stifle a chuckle.

"Senior Brother Shen has worked hard for the escort agency, and his contributions are great. He should stand tall like green bamboo, without needing red plum blossoms for adornment."

Seeing this, Zhang Yuelu had to step in to smooth things over, naturally understanding what was going on.

Ever since Shen He returned from his escort mission two days ago, the news of Li Cheng's severed arm had spread like wildfire. The details of the escort mission naturally couldn't be hidden from Zhang Lishi, the Chief Escort.

Escort missions were only glamorous in the eyes of the starving poor. But those who truly worked in this profession knew that injury and even death were the ultimate fate of men who lived by the blade.

Getting injured on an escort mission was normal, but if it was due to the escort leader breaking rules and acting recklessly, causing unforeseen complications, then Zhang Lishi, who had built his foundation through hard work and struggle, would absolutely not forgive it.

Therefore, although he couldn't impose any substantial punishment on Shen He out of consideration for the Shen family, as a master, showing some indifference to his disciple was enough to make one uneasy.

It was precisely for this reason that Shen He had specifically invited several fellow disciples today. Ye Chengxiao was also considered a fellow disciple in his eyes, just with the difference of half a month or a month.

He invited them to tour together to foster better relationships, and most importantly, to find a way to have Zhang Yuelu, this Third Lady, speak a good word for him.

He just hadn't expected this woman, Xiao Mei, to be so sharp-tongued, poking him in the sensitive spot as soon as she opened her mouth.

Shen He, unwilling to lose his composure, responded with a natural bitter smile and cupped his hands towards Zhang Yuelu:

"I made a mistake on the escort mission, failing Master Zhang's trust, and also letting down my fellow brothers. I already know my fault."

"If it's convenient, Junior Sister, please speak a good word for me to Master Zhang. Your brother will be eternally grateful."

After saying this, he even seemed about to bow. Zhang Yuelu quickly supported his arm, saying some pleasant words, but her dislike for Shen He grew even stronger.

Although she was a woman, she had always had a straightforward personality. She possessed wisdom but disliked showing it off.

Only her closest family knew how much Zhang Lishi relied on this daughter, while the outside world only saw the Chief Escort's usual doting on his daughter.

A true man takes responsibility for his own actions. To be evasive and cover up mistakes in front of Zhang Lishi, and then to act upright and repentant in front of her.

Shen He's obsequious behavior truly displeased her.

If she had known this would be the scene today, she would have preferred to stay home and listen to Que'er and Mucha bickering!

"Senior Brother Shen's actions this time aren't really a major mistake, after all, the person was saved."

Xiao Mei, for some unknown reason, suddenly shifted her tone, but her next sentence made both Shen He and Ye Chengxiao frown.

"...However, I heard that this time it was largely thanks to someone named Li Cunxiao, who saved them from the jaws of death. Otherwise, another household would be hanging white mourning banners."

She said this with a look of distress, as if she were genuinely worried about the safety of others. Jiang Qi, who couldn't stand this bitch's feigned sincerity, sneered:

"Junior Sister Xiao is truly kind-hearted. Do you know the name of this escort? As disciples of our Master, we should set an example and pay our respects?"

"Alas, I was so caught up in my own sadness that I forgot this."

Xiao Mei gently turned her head. Ye Chengxiao, through the light veil of her silk scarf that she inadvertently pulled, couldn't see her expression, only her jade-like wrists and the red makeup at the corner of her eyes. His heart warmed:

"Senior Sister is indeed benevolent. However, providing comfort to escorts is the escort agency's responsibility; it's not appropriate for us disciples to overstep. As for rescuing colleagues, that is a matter of course. That Li Cunxiao... is good."

He said it so casually, but Ye Chengxiao felt a bit displeased. This was because Li Cunxiao's name had been frequently mentioned by escorts these past two days, overshadowing even the news of him, a genius, receiving the true teachings of the Chief Escort.

At today's gathering of fellow disciples, even Senior Sister Xiao was mentioning this Li Sanlang. Being young and competitive, he couldn't help but feel a bit jealous.

Shen He had no particular opinion about Li Cunxiao. In fact, he should be grateful that the escort mission didn't result in any deaths, thus preserving his reputation.

But hadn't he already given the jade pendant?

Today's purpose was to have Zhang Yuelu help him plead his case. It was fine to chat about minor characters, but he didn't want it to interfere with his main objective.

"Why are we, fellow disciples, always talking about outsiders during our outings and gatherings? Come, come, everyone, let me show you more of the Jade Bamboo Residence. This was built by my great-grandfather when he served as County Lieutenant."

"Back then, Song Prefecture was plagued by famine everywhere, and Chuqiu was also suffering. My great-grandfather, being kind-hearted, bought this land and had the villagers work on it locally, providing work relief..."

Zhang Yuelu was still listening to Shen He's lengthy account of his family's history, but her thoughts drifted to Li Cunxiao, whom everyone had mentioned earlier.

His various deeds demonstrated loyalty and bravery. If his talent were even better, he might become his father's right-hand man in the future...

She couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle.

Shen He, unaware of her thoughts, assumed his story was amusing and had touched the young lady's heart. He became even more animated. Although his primary goal was to plead his case, since the Third Lady was not yet married, he felt he might have a chance, right?

Zhang Yuelu snapped back to attention and glanced at Ye Chengxiao, who was occasionally chatting with Xiao Mei. She sighed inwardly.

'It took me two and a half years from starting martial arts to reaching Blood Qi Perfection. This speed is about the same as Shen He and Jiang Qi.'

'Although Ye Chengxiao is not very bright, his talent is extraordinary. He reached Blood Qi Perfection in less than a year and is almost certainly going to be taken in as a disciple by my father.'

'Li Cunxiao's talent cannot compare to Ye Chengxiao's. He'll likely need at least three or four years to reach Blood Qi Perfection.'

'But the world is becoming more chaotic, and the inner city families are in a constant struggle with our escort agency. By the time three or four years pass...'

Zhang Yuelu endured the morning with complex emotions. Thinking of all these things, even the most exquisite delicacies tasted like cardboard.

As dusk approached, he took his leave and drove back.

Jiang Qi and the others had quite enjoyed themselves. After all, the Shen family, being a prominent clan in Chuqiu, possessed a dazzling array of treasures in their vaults. Shen He, eager to show off, ensured a pleasant time for both host and guests.

It wasn't until the fifth watch drum signaled the hour of Xu Shi, that everyone returned to their respective residences.

Watching Ye Chengxiao's carriage, driven by Xiao Mei, gradually recede into the distance, Shen He's drunken haze dissipated, leaving his face expressionless.

"Is Senior Brother Shen drunk?"

Jiang Qi also watched the carriage depart. Without waiting for a reply, he continued, "I think Junior Brother Ye seemed genuinely drunk. That slut Xiao Mei..."

Shen He waved his sleeve, interrupting him. "When one is few, they admire their parents; when they know lust, they admire the young and beautiful. Junior Brother Ye is experiencing his first love, and Junior Sister Xiao is as stunning as a peony. It's difficult to control oneself; it's only natural."

"However, though the peony is a national beauty, it is not a flower of autumn."

"If the one who plucks the flower fails to see the bleakness of the autumn wind, I fear... he will stumble."

"Finally, finally, the Vajra Scepter is full again."

Li Cunxiao envisioned the golden treasure scepter in his mind, filled with a sense of accomplishment, yet his stomach churned with nausea.

These past few days, he had been eating so much Demon Meat that he was about to vomit.

In order to accumulate Malevolent Qi as quickly as possible, Li Cunxiao hadn't eaten ordinary food for days. For all three meals, it was Demon Meat and nothing but Demon Meat, increasing his intake from half a jin to nearly a jin per day.

Even a jin of Demon Meat, which didn't seem like much, was a potent supplement for Blood Qi once it entered the stomach.

If he didn't practice his fists to expend this energy, his spear would remain erect all day.

Fortunately, he had a few extra days of leave after this escort mission. Otherwise, Li Cunxiao truly didn't know how he would face people.

But, all the hard work had paid off.

Vajra Scepter, it's time for you to show me your strength again!

Li Cunxiao calmed his mind and prepared to go all out. Just then, an excited shout came from outside the house:

"Big Brother! Big Brother!"

Mucha?

Li Cunxiao's heart skipped a beat. He quickly put away the Demon Meat on the table, afraid his younger brother would accidentally eat it and damage his young mind with Malevolent Qi.

Mucha: "Big Brother, why is your head so pointy?"

The door knocked twice. Once he heard his brother's voice from inside, Mucha pushed the door open.

Without a word, he pulled out a small bag of candied meat jerky and stuffed it into his elder brother's mouth.

As he stuffed the jerky in, he chattered on about what he had been doing these past few days and peppered Li Cunxiao with questions about his escort mission.

When Li Cunxiao could no longer eat, Mucha finally extended his small hand. While chewing on the jerky, he seemed to recall something and said, ".Right, I heard the older sisters in the mansion today saying that someone named Ye Chengxiao had his hand cut off."

"Big Brother, who is Ye Chengxiao? Do you know him?"