The Python Dragon Emerges from the Shadows

When Zhao Hu arrived at the scene with a group of panting constables, the sight before them left them dumbstruck.

In the dim forest clearing, a burly Monster Wolf lay dead in a pool of blood. Li Yifan, the usually unremarkable young constable, stood silently beside its corpse. His clothes were torn and caked with mud, and several scrapes marked his face, but he stood straight, his gaze calm. He carried a steady air they had never seen in him before. Most striking of all, his eyes gleamed almost fearsomely in the fading light.

The heavy stench of blood and the lingering ferocity of the Monster Wolf turned several inexperienced young constables pale. They instinctively took half a step back.

Zhao Hu was shaken as well. Judging by its size and claws, the Monster Wolf had been at least a First Order Mid Stage Monster Beast, its strength comparable to a human expert in the Bone Refining Realm! Zhao Hu knew that facing it himself would have taken considerable effort, and he might even have been injured. Li Yifan... was only at the Skin Refining Initial Stage. How had he managed it? Had he simply gotten lucky? Had the Monster Wolf already been badly wounded?

"Li Yifan!" Zhao Hu suppressed his doubts and barked sternly, "What happened? Where's the monster? Where's Butcher Zhang's wife?"

Li Yifan pointed to the bushes not far behind the Monster Wolf's corpse. His voice carried just the right trace of fatigue and hoarseness. "Captain Zhao, the monster has been slain. Madam Zhang... is just behind there. She was frightened, but she's unharmed."

A constable hurried over and, sure enough, helped Madam Zhang out from behind the bushes. She was terrified, her clothes torn, but she appeared not to have been violated.

Zhao Hu went to the Monster Wolf's corpse and crouched to examine it. When he saw the shallow cut on the beast's lower back, and the deep, bloodied hole at the site of an old injury on its left hind leg—so deep he could see bone, the flesh and sinew almost completely mangled—his eye twitched.

The cut was nothing to worry about, but that hole... It was clearly made by someone driving a finger into the old wound with tremendous force and pinpoint precision, straight into a vital spot! What kind of keen eyesight and explosive power would that take? No ordinary Skin Refining Realm cultivator could do it!

He jerked his head up and stared at Li Yifan, uncertainty and suspicion in his eyes. "Did... you kill it?"

Li Yifan bowed slightly, his tone humble yet firm. "I was lucky. The beast had an old injury on its left flank. It exposed a weakness when it lunged, and I risked my life to strike. I barely managed to kill it." He held up his right index and middle fingers, still stained with blood. Their tips were swollen and scraped, making his story all the more convincing.

[Skill: Basic Tracking Technique Proficiency +1... Your Minor Accomplishment-level tracking lets you better observe traces and lies. You noticed wariness in Zhao Hu's eyes.]

Lucky? Risked his life? Zhao Hu sneered inwardly. But when he looked at Li Yifan's placid gaze and sensed the aura emanating from him—apparently much stronger than before—the doubts on his tongue died away. Whatever had happened, Li Yifan had killed a Monster Beast comparable to a mid-stage First Order Skin Refining cultivator all by himself and rescued the hostage. With so many witnesses, Zhao Hu couldn't erase that achievement.

"Good! Well done, lad!" Zhao Hu forced out a stiff smile and clapped Li Yifan on the shoulder. "I had no idea you'd been hiding your abilities! You've earned great merit this time. When we get back, I'll petition Prefect Wang to reward you! Men, secure the scene, hoist the Monster Wolf's corpse, and let's return to the city!"

The mood was somewhat peculiar on the way back. The other constables no longer looked at Li Yifan with their usual contempt. Instead, their gazes held a measure of respect and curiosity. In the world of martial arts, strength reigned supreme. With the Monster Wolf's corpse, Li Yifan had earned their respect—at least for now.

Li Yifan silently followed the group, circulating the Basic Breathing Technique, which had reached Minor Accomplishment. He felt wisps of vital energy from heaven and earth seep into his body, slowly but steadily tempering his skin and repairing minute injuries. On the Panel, his Proficiency continued to increase at an extremely slow pace.

He saw things clearly. Zhao Hu's "appreciation" was merely a performance, born of weighing the pros and cons. The potential he had displayed had probably made his immediate superior wary of him. The days ahead would not be peaceful.

But he wasn't afraid. With the Proficiency Panel, his rate of growth would surpass everyone's imagination. Zhao Hu? He was nothing more than a whetstone.

By the time they returned to Black Mountain City's County Government, night had fallen.

The Monster Wolf's corpse was carried to the square in front of the government office, drawing crowds of onlookers and cries of astonishment. Slaying a monster that had abducted someone and rescuing a citizen single-handedly was a remarkable achievement. When Prefect Wang heard the news, he even made the rare decision to hold a hearing.

The courtroom was ablaze with light. Prefect Wang sat on the dais, a middle-aged man with a somewhat pale complexion and the air of a heavy drinker. Zhao Hu embellished the story as he recounted what had happened. Naturally, he left out the part where he had sent Li Yifan ahead to risk his life, instead emphasizing his own poised command and Li Yifan's "valiant battle against the monster."

After listening, Prefect Wang looked over Li Yifan, who stood below, and gave a small nod. "Mm, well done. Li Yifan, your bravery is commendable. You rid the people of a menace and brought honor to our government office. I award you twenty taels of silver and one merit. Serve diligently from now on, and don't disappoint Captain Zhao, who has nurtured you."

Twenty taels of silver would have been a fortune to the original owner, but to Li Yifan now, it was little more than a few resources. What mattered more was the merit, which could help him earn a promotion and gain access to better cultivation techniques.

"Thank you for the reward, Your Excellency! Thank you for your support, Captain Zhao!" Li Yifan clasped his hands and bowed, making sure to put on the proper show.

Prefect Wang waved everyone away, evidently not very concerned with such a "minor matter."

After the hearing, Zhao Hu called Li Yifan aside and pressed the twenty taels of silver into his hand. He said with a false smile, "Yifan, you've brought honor to our constable department this time. Keep up the good work. There'll be plenty of opportunities ahead." His words were clearly probing.

Li Yifan accepted the silver, his face wearing just the right mix of "gratitude" and "naivete." "It's all thanks to your guidance, Captain Zhao. I was lucky to survive. From now on, I'll follow your lead."

Zhao Hu studied him for several seconds, as if trying to find a flaw in his expression. In the end, he simply laughed. "Of course, of course! Go on. You've had a hard day. Get some rest."

Watching Li Yifan walk away, Zhao Hu's smile slowly vanished, his expression turning gloomy. He could sense that this once easily controlled young constable was slipping from his grasp. He had to find a way to suppress him—or... find a chance to eliminate this potential threat for good.

Li Yifan didn't return to the old, cramped barracks. Instead, he used his newly earned silver to rent a clean little courtyard in a relatively quiet part of the city. He needed a private place to cultivate and a safe place to stay.

He shut the courtyard gate, cutting off the noise of the outside world. Sitting cross-legged on the simple bed, he first checked what he had gained.

[Name: Li Yifan]

[Realm: Body Tempering · Skin Refining (Mid Stage)]

[Technique: None]

[Skills: Basic Breathing Technique (Minor Accomplishment: 35/500), Five Tiger Severing Gate Saber (Minor Accomplishment: 28/500), Basic Tracking Technique (Minor Accomplishment: 15/500)]

[Status: Lightly Injured (Recovering Quickly)]

The life-and-death battle had not only advanced his realm; all three of his skills had leaped straight to Minor Accomplishment, making progress far faster than ordinary practice. It seemed real combat and pressure were the best catalysts for increasing Proficiency.

He set aside five of the twenty taels for daily expenses and planned to exchange the remaining fifteen for cultivation resources the next day. His most pressing task was to improve his strength as quickly as possible.

He picked up the thin, yellowed book on the Basic Breathing Technique and studied it carefully again. Before, he had only been a beginner, with a shallow understanding of many parts. Now that he had reached Minor Accomplishment, he had many new insights into the technique. The rhythm of his breathing and the subtle pathways for guiding vital energy seemed to contain deeper principles.

[You studied the Basic Breathing Technique in depth and reflected on your Minor Accomplishment-level insights. You gained an epiphany. Proficiency +5]

Just as he'd thought! Practice wasn't the only way to improve Proficiency. Thought and comprehension worked too! The Panel's power was beyond imagination!

He cast aside his distracting thoughts and began circulating the Basic Breathing Technique according to his new insights. At Minor Accomplishment, it was far more effective than it had been at the beginner level. He absorbed vital energy almost twice as fast, and it tempered his body more effectively. Wisps of energy seeped into his skin, like countless tiny, warm streams flowing beneath it—tingling, yet imparting a solid sense of strength.

He lost track of time as he cultivated. Only when the sky outside the window began to brighten did Li Yifan slowly stop. Though he had gone without sleep all night, he felt more energetic than ever. His minor injuries had healed, and his skin seemed to gleam with an almost imperceptible sheen.

[Skill: Basic Breathing Technique Proficiency +10]

[Realm: Body Tempering · Skin Refining (Mid Stage: 15/100)]

At this rate, as long as he had enough resources and time, the path of cultivation in the Skin Refining Realm would be smooth sailing!

Early the next morning, Li Yifan went to the only Hundred Herbs Hall in Black Mountain City. He spent ten taels of silver on three sets of ingredients for the most basic Body Tempering Powder. This was the most commonly used supplementary medicine for the Skin Refining Realm, and it could accelerate the absorption of vital energy and the tempering of the skin. With his remaining five taels, he bought some dried food and meat that would keep well.

Back at the courtyard, he immediately brewed a dose of Body Tempering Powder. The black, murky liquid gave off a pungent smell. He held his breath and drank it in one gulp. The medicine's power spread, erupting inside him like a hot current and resonating with the vital energy guided by the Basic Breathing Technique. The tempering effect immediately increased by a large margin!

[Using "Body Tempering Powder." Cultivation efficiency increased. Basic Breathing Technique Proficiency +15. Realm experience +5]

"Good stuff!" Li Yifan was delighted. The importance of resources was undeniable. Without them, progress through cultivation alone would ultimately be limited. He would have to find a way to earn more silver and exchange it for cultivation resources.

Over the next few days, Li Yifan settled into a highly regular routine. During the day, he reported for duty on time, handled minor administrative tasks, or patrolled the city with Zhao Hu. He deliberately kept a low profile, obeying Zhao Hu's orders without question, as if he had returned to being that quiet, taciturn young constable. But while patrolling and handling cases, he consciously used the Basic Tracking Technique to observe details and train his eye. In his spare moments, he silently rehearsed the moves and transitions of the Five Tiger Severing Gate Saber.

[Skill: Basic Tracking Technique Proficiency +1... +1...]

[Skill: Five Tiger Severing Gate Saber Proficiency +1... (Rehearsing in your mind is less efficient)]

At night, he cultivated without fail. A dose of Body Tempering Powder combined with the Minor Accomplishment-level Basic Breathing Technique steadily advanced his cultivation.

Five days later.

[Realm: Body Tempering · Skin Refining (Late Stage)!]

A stronger sense of power than before filled his whole body. His skin was noticeably tougher; a strike from an ordinary wooden club would probably leave only a white mark. He felt that if he faced the Monster Wolf again, he wouldn't be nearly as battered.

However, the tree longed for stillness, but the wind would not cease.

That day, Zhao Hu called Li Yifan and two other constables over. His expression was grave as he said, "Shopkeeper Liu from the south-side warehouse reported that several hundred taels' worth of medicinal herbs were stolen from his storeroom last night. The worker on guard was knocked unconscious, and the scene was left without any obvious traces. Yifan, you did well tracking the Monster Wolf last time. Take Xiao Wang and Xiao Zhang to investigate this. Solve the case as quickly as possible and recover the losses!"

A thought stirred in Li Yifan's mind. Several hundred taels' worth of medicinal herbs had been stolen; this was no minor case. Zhao Hu had assigned it to him under the guise of "recognizing his ability," but he probably had ulterior motives. If Li Yifan failed to solve it, he would naturally be punished. If he succeeded, he might draw trouble from the criminals behind it. And Zhao Hu had only given him the two least experienced constables, clearly hoping to see him make a fool of himself.

"Understood, sir," Li Yifan replied, betraying nothing. Every crisis held an opportunity. This was the perfect chance to test what he had learned and build up his resources.

With the two young constables, Li Yifan went to the warehouse in the south of the city. Shopkeeper Liu was like an ant on a hot pan. The moment he saw the government officers, he hurried over, his face full of misery, and lamented his losses.

Li Yifan didn't rush to ask questions. He first had his two subordinates comfort Shopkeeper Liu and question the workers. Then he activated the Minor Accomplishment-level Basic Tracking Technique and carefully examined the scene.

The storeroom's door lock was intact, so the thief hadn't forced entry. The window had faint pry marks; the culprit was skilled. The ground had been cleaned, but with his Minor Accomplishment-level tracking, Li Yifan still found, in a corner, a nearly imperceptible smear of earth with a peculiar, rank odor, along with several gray-black animal hairs.

Not human footprints? Li Yifan crouched down, touched the soil with a finger and sniffed it, then examined the hairs closely.

[Skill: Basic Tracking Technique Proficiency +3... From the rank odor of the soil and the shape of the hairs, you deduced that this might involve a kind of Monster Beast rodent skilled at burrowing and fond of medicinal herbs.]

A Monster Beast rodent? Stealing medicinal herbs? A name flashed through Li Yifan's mind: the Medicine-Seeking Rat! It was a low-rank Monster Beast with a keen sense of smell and a fondness for spirit plants and medicinal herbs. Thieves often trained them to locate and steal valuable herbs.

That explained why the doors and windows were undamaged and so few traces had been left behind! The thief had used a Medicine-Seeking Rat to sneak in from underground or through a ventilation shaft!

He immediately focused on the floor near the walls and corners of the storeroom. At last, in a corner filled with miscellaneous items, he found a floor tile that was slightly loose. After prying it up, he discovered a narrow hole beneath it, just large enough for a rodent to pass through. The rim still bore traces of the same rank-smelling earth and rat fur!

"The thief used a trained Monster Beast!" Li Yifan stood and addressed his two subordinates. "Find out who in Black Mountain City is good at training animals, especially rats! Also, find out who's recently sold a large quantity of herbs, or who's suddenly in need of money!"

With a clear direction to follow, the investigation proceeded smoothly. Before long, the clues pointed to a village outside the city, known for training hunting dogs and a few low-rank Monster Beasts, and to a local ruffian named Hou San. He had some cultivation, but was a gambler who had recently run up a large gambling debt—and had suddenly started spending lavishly.

Li Yifan acted at once and took the two constables straight to the village outside the city. Guided by the Basic Tracking Technique, they soon found Hou San in a secluded cave behind the village. He was feeding medicinal herbs to a fat gray rat. They caught him red-handed!

Seeing that he had been exposed, Hou San bared his fangs and lunged with a dagger. He was also at the mid-stage of Skin Refining, and was no weakling.

But Li Yifan had already reached the late stage of Skin Refining! And his Five Tiger Severing Gate Saber had reached Minor Accomplishment!

Facing Hou San's attack, Li Yifan neither dodged nor retreated. He struck first with the simple yet powerful move, Fierce Tiger Splits Mountain! His blade flashed, carrying a fierce, cutting force!

"Clang!"

Hou San's dagger was knocked flying. His thumb and forefinger split open, and the immense force sent him staggering backward, his face filled with shock!

Li Yifan stepped forward and slammed the back of his blade into Hou San's neck, knocking him unconscious. The whole thing was clean and swift, taking no more than two or three moves.

[Skill: Five Tiger Severing Gate Saber Proficiency +10... Practical use deepened your understanding of the saber art.]

[You successfully solved a theft case. Your understanding of the Basic Tracking Technique and investigative procedures improved. The skill "Criminal Investigation" has been unlocked. Current level: Beginner (1/100)]

He'd unlocked a new skill! Li Yifan was delighted. The Panel really was closely tied to his experiences.

Li Yifan brought Hou San, the stolen goods, and the Medicine-Seeking Rat back to the County Government to report in. With the stolen property in hand, Hou San confessed to his crimes.

The news spread, causing another stir inside and outside the government office. In only a few days, Li Yifan had killed a Monster Wolf and solved a theft case. His abilities had already exceeded everyone's expectations. Prefect Wang awarded him another thirty taels of silver and praised him publicly.

This time, Zhao Hu could barely keep smiling. As he watched Li Yifan stand below, unruffled and as steady as a mountain, the wariness and killing intent in his heart became impossible to hide.

He knew the pond of Black Mountain City was too small to contain this python, soon to transform into a dragon. He would either have to strangle it before it truly rose—or watch it soar, perhaps only to turn around and devour him.

In the night, Zhao Hu's gaze grew dark and icy.

Back at his courtyard, Li Yifan counted the reward he had just received and felt the strength growing within him, along with the Proficiency continually ticking upward on the Panel. He was already prepared for the storm to come.