Does This Door Not Open?

After finishing his practice, Chen Yi realized that the side room was too cramped to properly train the Collapsing Mountain Fist.

Fortunately, this kind of practice that didn't require actual force only demanded his movements be standard to count as completed.

Then he raised "Martial Dao · Fist" to the Entry level, leaving 6 points of Fate.

The next moment, a sudden surge of fist dao profundity appeared in his mind.

Chen Yi stretched his limbs, surveying his surroundings while absorbing the content of that profundity.

In this world's martial dao, aside from one's own cultivation—physical body and true qi—the most important aspect was technique, including fists and feet, body movement, footwork, and all kinds of weapons.

At the same time, physical strength and true qi served as the foundation, techniques manifested external strength, and then came martial dao true intent—such as Fist Intent, Sword Intent, and so on.

"Fist techniques are the art, Fist Intent is the dao. Entering the dao through art, wielding art through the dao... I'm the opposite, taking fist dao first, then cultivating fist techniques."

"All paths lead to the same end. As long as I can improve, that's fine."

"Besides, those so-called Heavenly Prides of martial dao are born with awakened spiritual wisdom, comprehending true intent early, skipping the realm of art and directly entering the Dao Realm."

Additionally, Chen Yi learned from "Martial Dao · Fist" that all techniques require cultivation base support to unleash their full power.

For a Ninth Rank cultivator like him, even if he comprehended true intent, he couldn't casually display it; otherwise, at best his cultivation would regress, and at worst, it would damage his foundation or lifespan.

Understanding this, Chen Yi made a decision and quietly walked out of the Wooden Tower, arriving deep in the bamboo grove by the pond.

At this moment, the second watch drum had passed, and there was less than an hour until Zi Shi, enough time for him to practice the Collapsing Mountain Fist a few times.

"The Collapsing Mountain Fist emphasizes momentum and power, prioritizing ferocity. It excels at close-quarters combat, with fists, feet, elbows, knees, and so on all serving as killing moves, and footwork swift as the wind."

"Starting stance, Supporting the Heavens..."

Chen Yi thought through the general outline of the Collapsing Mountain Fist as he practiced each form.

First, he trained its shape, memorizing the routines, then broke them down one by one, integrating fist techniques, footwork, breathing, and the use of physical strength.

With the guidance of the Entry-level profundity of "Martial Dao · Fist," just like when he had previously practiced calligraphy and stance cultivation, his initial progress was very rapid.

After only an hour, he was already performing the fist technique with some semblance of form.

Combined with his current Ninth Rank · Lower cultivation, the brute strength he displayed was quite intimidating.

Chen Yi practiced the Collapsing Mountain Fist five times before stopping to regulate his breath.

"There's still a long way to go."

The Collapsing Mountain Fist was only at the Initial Glimpse stage, all show and no substance. Anyone with even a bit of martial cultivation wouldn't be fooled by his fist technique; it would be more convenient to just use brute force.

But at least it was a good start.

"Clang!"

Just then, the sound of gongs and drums came from outside the door. Chen Yi knew the hour had reached Zi Shi, so he wiped his sweat and walked toward the Wooden Tower.

As he walked, he called up the system and browsed through it:

Name: Chen Yi Cultivation Base: Ninth Rank · Lower Way of Calligraphy: Major Accomplishment (0/1000) Calligraphy: Wei Qing (Mastery), Running Script (Proficient) Martial Dao · Body: Minor Accomplishment (0/100) Cultivation Technique: Great Spear Stance Cultivation [Mystic Grade] (Proficient) Martial Dao · Fist: Entry (0/10) Fist Technique: Collapsing Mountain [Mystic Grade] (Initial Glimpse) Fate: 6

[Daily Intelligence · Yellow Grade Middle Rank: Just after Mao hour, south of Shuzhou City, Yanhuaxiang, scholar Liu Man was blocked inside Lihong Courtesan House by his wife for not returning home all night. A small amount of Fate can be obtained.]

"South of the City..."

Seeing the content of today's intelligence, Chen Yi curled his lips slightly. The first stop after being released from the mansion was a brothel district, truly...

Tsk. Well, at least he was just going to watch the show.

The next day, just after Chou hour.

Chen Yi was still half-asleep when Wang Lixing called him up to practice stance cultivation.

But unlike before, because he had worked too hard the previous night, he looked drowsy the moment he raised his hands.

"Son-in-law," Wang Lixing frowned, speaking earnestly and with good intentions, "I know some words are unpleasant to hear, but I have to say them."

"Although you are a son-in-law married into the Marquis's mansion, you are indeed a member of the Marquis's household, and moreover, the husband of the Second Miss."

"If you remain so unmotivated, word will spread and make people laugh, and it might even make them think the Marquis's mansion's family rules are lax."

Chen Yi yawned and rubbed the corner of his eye. "I know, but last night, well... I was kept awake by the Young Marquis's noise. I didn't sleep well, so don't blame me, don't blame me."

Wang Lixing was stunned. "Young Marquis?"

He looked toward the wooden tower. "The Young Marquis is in Chunhe Garden?"

"You didn't know?"

"This Humble One is not certain. Yesterday, the Eldest Miss received a letter from the Second Miss, so she ordered us to stop guarding Chunhe Garden."

"I see," Chen Yi said with more confidence. "You have no idea how much the Young Marquis was grinding his teeth last night..."

"Second brother-in-law, was I grinding my teeth last night?"

Just then, Xiao Wuge walked over, fully dressed, and asked.

Seeing him approach, Wang Lixing immediately knelt on one knee and bowed. "Your subordinate Wang Lixing greets the Young Marquis."

"No need, no need," Xiao Wuge waved his hand, then looked at Chen Yi with a bashful expression. "I didn't hear the Wet Nurse mention it before. Brother-in-law, please forgive me."

"It's nothing. Perhaps I'm just not used to it yet. It'll be fine tonight."

Seeing the main party arrive, Chen Yi quickly changed the subject and stood even more attentively in his stance.

On the other side, however, Xiao Die was full of confusion.

How had she not heard the Young Marquis grinding his teeth last night?

Morning Training ended, and the group had Breakfast.

Chen Yi said he wanted to go out for a stroll. But no sooner had he walked a short distance from Chunhe Garden than he sensed movement behind him.

He turned to look.

It wasn't just Xiao Die following—the Young Marquis Xiao Wuge and several Armored Soldiers were also trailing closely behind him.

Chen Yi pressed a hand to his forehead. "My fault for not being clear. You don't need to follow me. I'll just go out alone for a walk."

If so many people went with him to gawk at the brothel entrance, what caution would he even need?

Xiao Die covered her mouth with a smile. "Son-in-law, have you forgotten? The Eldest Miss instructed me earlier to make sure I follow you."

Xiao Wuge nodded as well. "Big Sister also told me to follow you, no matter where brother-in-law goes."

"Even leaving the mansion?" Chen Yi looked at him. "You're the Young Marquis of the Marquis's mansion. If you go out so casually, what if you run into danger?"

Even he, a live-in son-in-law, had to be careful—let alone the direct grandson of Marquis Dingyuan.

"No fear, I have them." Xiao Wuge pointed at the Armored Soldiers behind him and grinned. "Brother-in-law, I used to go out often too."

Chen Yi glanced at the Armored Soldiers. "Just... dressed like this?"

To be fair, it did give a strong sense of security. In the territory of Shuzhou, few would dare openly provoke Marquis Dingyuan's people.

"Go change into Casual Clothes." Xiao Wuge immediately understood his meaning and gave orders like a little adult.

"Yes, Young Marquis!"

Seeing this, Chen Yi had no choice but to accept it.

"Xiao Die, bring more Fruits and Pastries. We'll eat them on the way."

"Alright, Son-in-law."

Before long.

A group left the Marquis's mansion discreetly in a Carriage flying a Marquis of Military Banner.

"Son-in-law, where are you planning to go?"

"South of the City."

Xiao Die's smile froze. She looked at him, then at Xiao Wuge's eager, curious face, and finally forced out a sentence:

"Son-in-law, can we not leave the mansion today?"

Chen Yi knew she was thinking the wrong thing. He grinned, showing two rows of gleaming teeth:

"I'm taking you to see some excitement. Don't worry."

How could she not worry, Son-in-law?

The Young Marquis was still so young... what if... heavens, Xiao Die would be punished!

New book sets sail—begging for follows, monthly tickets, investments, and all kinds of support. Thank you to all the great ones who have read this far!