The group got up and walked to the window to look outside.
In the courtyard of the Ministry of Justice, in front of the other small buildings, First Squad people dressed in mourning clothes were slowly taking out their belongings and leaving in formation.
The crying was coming from these groups.
"It's Eighth Squad Sixth Squad," Liu Han said softly.
"Of the teams that went up earlier, only three are still alive. The rest are all gone." Chen Hansheng was no longer in the mood for jokes. His face was grave, tinged with lingering fear.
If it weren't for Captain Zhang Rongfang's solution, not many of the members of Ninth Squad would have survived.
Huang Yuzhen's movements were extremely fast, and he had too many tricks up his sleeve.
This operation has likely resulted in over a hundred casualties.
Especially in the forest, where it is impossible to form an effective encirclement, there are too many things to hide behind.
"Stop looking at it, just rest and recover," Zhang Rongfang sighed softly.
Suddenly he remembered the metal part hidden inside the hilt of the Moon Chasing Blade.
That Mysterious Part seems to be part of something. You need to collect all five to find some clues.
He used to think that the world was just as he saw it.
But now, it seems that the Ling Ting is hiding some special secret.
"Let's go, let's go out too. We're colleagues, let's see them off," Zhang Rongfang said softly.
This encirclement and pursuit resulted in too many deaths and injuries.
Human life is treated like it's worthless; it can be gone in an instant.
The three of them went downstairs, and together with the remaining Ninth Squad of members in the building, they went out to silently see off the families of the injured and deceased.
The other surviving Captain of the Ministry of Justice, the Minister Xing, the warden, and even the Chief of the Ministry of Justice Li Ran all came forward.
Of those who died, only a portion came from the Ministry of Justice.
Inside and outside Tanyang City, and in many other places, white silk ribbons were hung everywhere.
The funeral music could be heard almost every few blocks away.
Over the next few days, Zhang Rongfang returned home and took a month's leave to rest.
Aside from recuperating from his injuries and attending the funeral, he also took the opportunity to quietly practice the remaining three Talisman Art at home.
The Returning Spring Purifying Time Talisman Classic contains seven Talisman Art Martial Skills. He has practiced four of them to Breaking Limits, leaving three remaining: the Primordial Mixed Origin Talisman, the Soul Fixing Talisman, and the Gathering Spirit Talisman.
During his breaks, Zhang Rongfang accumulated Attribute Points while trying to cultivate the three Talisman Art.
In a full month, he accumulated three more Attribute Points.
All of it was added to the Mixed Origin Talisman, elevating it to perfection.
However, once it reaches perfection, the Mixed Origin Talisman can no longer be improved.
Even the act of cultivating can cause excruciating pain, as if one's internal organs are being torn apart.
Martial arts are generally divided into training methods and fighting methods.
There are two different approaches.
The meaning of "cannot continue practicing" is already quite clear.
That was his body, truly reaching its limit, just as Ye Bai had said.
Whoosh! A handful of fallen leaves were stirred up by the force of the punch and scattered in all directions.
Inside the courtyard, Zhang Rongfang patted the surroundings with his hands in an arc, sometimes clenching his fists and sometimes opening his palms.
After completing a set of forty-nine moves of the Mixed Origin Talisman, he had just finished turning a complete circle in the courtyard.
Finally, he stood up straight, his face slightly flushed. He could still feel a slight tearing pain within his body.
He immediately let out a soft sigh.
'Is the Eighth Grade truly my limit?'
Unconsciously, his gaze fell on the Life Attribute in the Attribute Panel, which had been significantly reduced.
The situation with the Mixed Origin Talisman allowed him to truly experience what it feels like to reach the limit.
"In fact, as long as I don't break through the limit level of martial arts, it won't affect my body. I can even practice an unlimited number of martial arts techniques until I reach perfection."
Even a mere perfect result can have significant effects.
Martial arts do not only become lethal after Breaking Limits.
Perfection is also very strong.
For example, in Eagle Claw Skill Fu, the difference between the perfected level and the Breaking Limits level lies only in the hardness of the fingers and the overall improvement of the whole body brought about by the Breaking Limits.
If the power of martial arts after Breaking Limits is 100, then the power of perfection is 60.
Zhang Rongfang was unwilling to accept this outcome and didn't want to take this step.
'I've reached my limit; any enhancements to my body are no longer effective. If I can't improve my strength or speed, perhaps it's time to try improving my life force.'
Zhang Rongfang made a plan in his mind, and then began to allocate points to the Guanxu Skill.
Compared to directly increasing life, improving the Guanxu Skill is more cost-effective.
This was something he had tried before.
Knock knock knock.
A knock on the courtyard gate interrupted his thoughts. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Brother Zhang!"
Li Huoyun's voice rang out loudly from outside.
Zhang Rongfang quickly stepped forward and opened the door.
Then Li Huoyun entered the room quickly with a maid.
"What brings you here? Haven't you been forced by your father to practice martial arts and study scriptures lately?" Zhang Rongfang asked in surprise.
"Sigh, don't even mention it. My dad's in a real mess right now. The whole 'Moon Chasing Blade' thing had a huge impact. People from higher up are coming to investigate again and again to make sure there haven't been any leaks."
Anyway, it's none of my business now. Bro, how's your injury? Are you alright? Come on, let's go out and relax a bit.
Li Huoyun had an encouraging expression on his face, as if he was finally able to get some fresh air.
"Relax? Where do you want to go?" Zhang Rongfang was speechless.
"Brother, you're a regular customer, don't pretend, okay? I know that." Li Huoyun immediately laughed.
What do you know?
"You often go out alone at night, brother, you're so disloyal." Li Huoyun shook his head.
"What's so great about Music Tower venues? They're just a waste of time listening to music, drinking, and watching plays all day," Zhang Rongfang dismissively.
"Hey, brother, you're not being honest," Li Huoyun complained, pointing at him. "Fine, fine, I won't go then. But the day after tomorrow Yaoyuan Book Club. Are you going?"
"Ancient books and old books?" Zhang Rongfang squinted. "Are there any martial arts manuals or the like?"
"Of course there are. They have all sorts of books, and this trade fair hosted by the Yaoyuan Book Club is the largest such exchange in Tanyang."
The key point is that there will be even more sheltered young ladies attending than last time. It's kind of an event we young people organize ourselves, so if you have any books, you can exchange them. Hehehe."
Li Huoyun is becoming more and more open-minded these days.
He emphasized the accent on the last character, and it was obvious that Zhang Rongfang immediately understood what it meant.
Goodness, even erotic books have this Great Ling of open-mindedness.
"Alright, let's go together then." Zhang Rongfang originally didn't want to go, but he thought that if he could find some similar techniques to the Guanxu Skill in those ancient books, that would be pretty good.
Martial arts manuals are, in fact, a kind of resource.
Zhang Rongfang had previously tried some pawnshops, but he couldn't find anyone selling the secret manual.
It was only later that I discovered that these kinds of things are worthless when sold on their own.
Because nobody dares to use it for practice casually.
Many secret techniques require a master to guide you, imparting some knowledge through words and deeds, and then compiling the key points into a book to remind yourself.
In other words, the manual only records a small part of the content. Throughout history, no one has ever heard of anyone mastering martial arts simply by following the manual.
However, Civilian Skill was different.
The Civilian Skill doesn't require many detailed movements; it mainly emphasizes Mind Method. Therefore, secret manuals are still useful.
"It's a deal then. I'll come and call you. You did pretty well last time, didn't you, bro? Make the most of this time." Li Huoyun had a knowing look on his face.
The two chatted for a while about their recent situations, and when they mentioned Ouyang Jianrong, they were both filled with righteous indignation.
Unable to command High Grade military officers, Ouyang Jianrong used mid- to low-ranking soldiers Official Messenger as cannon fodder to fill Huang Yuzhen cards.
At first Li Huoyun's father stubbornly resisted, preventing the personnel from the Ministry of Justice from being transferred there.
But then orders came from higher authorities, requiring local authorities to mobilize all available manpower and follow Ouyang Jianrong's instructions.
Zhang Rongfang expressed his understanding, saying that he had no choice but to comply in the end. In fact, he had seen Ouyang's Messenger Officer being turned away by Lord Li at the beginning.
Later, she was transferred there again. Everyone knew that Li Ran probably couldn't handle the pressure.
This also indirectly shows that the secrets involved in the Moon Chasing Blade have a huge impact.
After chatting for a while, Li Huoyun got up to say goodbye.
After leaving the Zhang Family, he returned to his carriage.
"Let's go to Gathering Fragrance Shop."
"Young Master, didn't you say you were going to change to Music Tower?" Feng Shan, the driver and also his bodyguard, asked in a simple and honest manner.
"That was before. Now go to Gathering Fragrance Shop! Just go, why are you talking so much nonsense?" Li Huoyun said impatiently.
He did intend to go to the Music Tower. Because he came here, he originally thought it was unlikely that Brother Zhang Ying would go to the Exchange Meeting.
To my surprise, Brother Zhang actually agreed.
Since it's all for Brother Zhang's lifelong happiness, he'd better make proper preparations this time.
Brother Zhang is getting on in years. Helping him find a suitable wife would be a way to repay the kindness he showed me when he saved my life.
Li Huoyun pondered this in his mind, and there was no movement in the carriage the whole way.
He didn't get off the car until they Gathering Fragrance Shop. He bought some fruit by the roadside and carried it with him.
Gathering Fragrance Shop is the most cutting-edge fragrance and cosmetics shop in the entire Tanyang.
It often carries new products of various Scented Powder, fragrances, and rouges from all over the world and even abroad.
Most importantly, members of the Yaoyuan Book Club often gather here.
And the president, Sun Chaoyue, is a frequent visitor here.
Soon, Li Huoyun arrived at the gate of a courtyard that resembled a large mansion.
The gate was wide open, with pink and silver-edged flower petal lanterns hanging on both sides, and guards standing in front of the gate.
Li Huoyun stepped forward, tossed a few large coins to the garrison commander, and strode inside carrying the fruit.
An old servant with a face full of wrinkles was already waiting at the entrance of the main hall.
"Greetings, Young Master Li."
"Cao Bo, is Miss Sun still here?"
"Inside, admire the newly arrived incense vase," the old servant replied respectfully.
Thanks.
Li Huoyun quickly entered the room and turned left into a side hall.
Then they saw Sun Chaoyue wearing a bright red long dress with rose Ruyi cloud patterns embroidered on the shoulders, a slender waist, and a high chest.
She was beautiful and had a striking figure; her temperament was the most radiant and captivating in the entire hall.
There were several young ladies from Tanyang in the side hall, but they were completely overshadowed by her at this moment.
"Li Huoyun, what are you doing here? This is not a place for young masters like you."
Sun Chaoyue casually put down the incense bottle in her hand and glanced at Li Huoyun.
"If it weren't for Xiao He pleading for you, do you think I would even bother with you?" She said coldly, not bothering to pretend in front of her childhood friends.
If it were a stranger, she would show her gentle and proper side, but in front of someone like Li Huoyun... "Sister Da Yue, I just wanted to find a good sister-in-law for my older brother, didn't I?" Li Huoyun with a forced smile.
"Your Yaoyuan Book Club has the widest connections in Tanyang. Everyone knows that those young ladies from secluded families trust you the most."
"You can tell a young lady's temperament and character as easily as reading the lines on her palm."
Li Huoyun is going all out to find a good match for his elder brother.
He carefully took out a golden incense bottle from his sleeve.
"Well, having heard that you like aromatherapy, I spent a lot of money and went to great lengths to find this Mystic Aroma!"
He carefully handed the golden incense bottle to the nearby maid.
The maidservant carried it with both hands, returned to Sun Chaoyue's side, and gently presented it.
"Mystic Aroma??" Sun Chaoyue took the small bottle, gently opened the stopper, and smelled it. A hint of appreciation immediately appeared on her face.
"This small bottle is worth more than a hundred taels of silver. You've really put your heart into it."
Li Huoyun forced a smile, though it pained him.
"What about my older brother?"
"You've run away more than once or twice for your brother's sake," Sun Chaoyue said casually, putting away the Mystic Aroma.
"But even though your elder brother is an official, he still started from a lower position in our circle."
She remembered that Li Huoyun's older brother was Zhang Ying. He was a martial artist, and already twenty-six years old, which was a bit low for his potential. Most importantly, he came from a wealthy family.
Zhang Ying came from a family of hunters in the village, which was a very low starting point.
If you want a good match, you must be well-matched in terms of social status and background.
Therefore, the most suitable match for him would be the head maids or servants of various families in the circle.
"How about this, Xiao Yu, why don't you give it a try?" Sun Chaoyue casually pointed to a maid beside her.
"Oh? Miss, this Xiao Yu doesn't want to leave you!" The maid waved her hands repeatedly.
"Sister Da Yue, how about we arrange for someone in the industry to join us?" Li Huoyun was immediately displeased upon seeing this.
He didn't spend so much effort and money just to find a maid or servant for his brother Zhang.
Although in families like theirs, many of the personal maids and servants are like sisters and are extremely close to their masters.
Quite a few men are actually willing to take the initiative to marry these women.
"What? You're still not happy?" Sun Chaoyue shook her head speechlessly. "Do you think Xiao Yu is bad? There are countless minor officials who admire her."
Li Huoyun naturally understood this principle.
Many minor officials would pursue high-ranking maids and servants like Xiao Yu, hoping to use this opportunity to climb the social ladder.
In addition, these women are often beautiful and talented, so such unions are common throughout the Great Ling World.
"Sister Da Yue, please stop teasing me. I just want to find a virtuous sister-in-law for me in this circle. Please, have mercy and help me out," Li Huoyun said, bowing repeatedly.
"My elder brother is honest and kind. He spends all his time practicing martial arts. He is a thoughtful and caring person. Now that he has an official position, he wants to find a good sister-in-law who can settle down and live a peaceful life," he quickly introduced.
Sun Chaoyue was helpless. She wasn't afraid of this kid's tough tactics before, but now that he was using a softer approach, she felt a little reluctant. After all, they were childhood friends who had fought since they were young.
In the end, she thought about it.
"How about this, I'll introduce your brother's situation to the industry and see who's willing to help. Then I'll give you some advice."
Li Huoyun was overjoyed.
"In that case, thank you very much, Sister Da Yue. With Sister Da Yue words, this matter will surely succeed!"
"Don't get too excited yet." Sun Chaoyue said speechlessly, "If no one in the circle takes a liking to you, don't blame me for not putting in any effort. After all, these kinds of matters can't be forced."
"Of course, of course," Li Huoyun said with a smile, bowing repeatedly. "In that case, I'll take my leave now."
"Go ahead, go ahead," Sun Chaoyue said helplessly, waving her hand.
Thank you all for your generous donations last week... Here's a list of those who donated over 10,000 points; the rest are too numerous to count for now. Thank you all! Let's focus on the higher-level players first.
The Love of Many Dew
Xiao Feidu
The Drunk in Qingfeng Illusion
Difan Sanbao Ai Bama
Forget Not the First Xin 1+1=3
A Scene Every Ten Steps, Involuntary.
Spear of Longinus