Hunting Ground No. C-7, deacon's residence.
Chen Jianghe was sitting cross-legged in a quiet room, the rain was pattering outside the window, it was already the third day.
The autumn rain continued, shrouding the entire Hunting Grounds in mist.
Since the deaths of Feng Yan and Song Qi, Hunting Ground No. C-7 has basically calmed down.
Three people, Wang Tiesheng, Li Yumei, and Zhou Xiaowei, took turns to watch the night and performed their duties without any abnormality.
This is exactly the quiet Chen Jianghe wants.
There were two thin volumes in front of him - <Nine Heavens Flame Prison Art> and <Mystic Sea Return to Origin Art>.
In the past seven days, he had studied these two exercises from beginning to end no less than twenty times, studying them word by word, until he was thoroughly familiar with the method of exercising energy and the routes of meridians.
[Current skill: Nine Heavens Flame Prison Art(Return to Origin 9%)]
[Current skill: Mystic Sea Return to Origin Art(Return to Origin 8%)]
The progress is not very fast.
But Chen Jianghe is not in a hurry. He knows that you can't bite off more than you can chew, especially this kind of technique that was obtained from the dead, so you need to be careful and proceed step by step.
In the dantian, the light blue wood attribute Gang Qi flows slowly, like spring water, warm and long.
This is the foundation cultivated by "The Secret of Straw Before Spring", which is responsible for vitality, recovery and durability.
After a year and a half of hard training, this foundation has become like the roots of an old tree, firmly rooted deep in his body.
Wood generates fire, this is the common principle of the five elements.
The wood attribute Gang Qi can be converted into fire attribute power, but there must be losses during the conversion process and it is difficult to last.
And what about water? Water and fire are in conflict with each other. If they are forcibly merged, conflict will occur.
But what if the purpose is not to integrate, but to use wood as a bridge, so that water and fire can flow alternately and complement each other under the support of wood?
This idea has been lingering in Chen Jianghe's mind for three days.
He slowly opened his eyes, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes.
Always gotta try it.
Chen Jianghe Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and sink into your Dantian.
In the dantian, the light blue wood attribute Gang Qi flows slowly, like spring water, warm and long. This is the foundation cultivated by the third layer of <Withered Wood Meets Spring Art> Mysterious Insight", and it is the proof that he has truly stepped into Gangjin.
Chen Jianghe did not touch this stock Gang Qi.
What he wants to do is to use this Gang Qi as a furnace, and condense the energy of fire and water attributes on its periphery. It is not Gang Qi, but just force, a power at the level of energy, but with the characteristics of specific attributes.
This is much easier than practicing Gang Qi directly, but it is also much more dangerous.
Because it is necessary to gather strength under the cover of Gang Qi. If you are not careful, water and fire will conflict, and the strength will backfire.
Chen Jianghe calmed down and slowly operated <Withered Wood Meets Spring Art>, letting the light blue Gang Qi fill the meridians all over the body, like building a solid dam.
After the meridians were stabilized by the warmth of Gang Qi, he separated a ray of his mind and began to try to condense the fire attribute power according to the first level of <Nine Heavens Flame Prison Art>.
That power does not originate from the Dantian, but is extracted from the Qi and blood, condensed from the meridians, and finally gathers at the periphery of the Dantian, attached to the edge of Gang Qi.
This is an extremely slow process.
A very faint red color slowly emerged from the depths of the meridians.
The red color is very light and light, like the mist in the morning, fleeting.
But Chen Jianghe can clearly sense that there is a fiery aura in that ray of red, which is the prototype of the fire attribute and the first ray of strength that <Nine Heavens Flame Prison Art> has cultivated.
He carefully guided that ray of red power to run slowly along the specific meridian route for a week.
Wherever it passes, the meridians tingle slightly, as if there is a burning flame.
Chen Jianghe frowned, resisting the stinging pain, and guided this red power to finally sink to the edge of the Dantian, attaching to the periphery of the light cyan Gang Qi.
"Call"
He slowly exhaled a breath, opened his eyes, and wiped the fine beads of sweat on his forehead.
One-third successful.
He adjusted his breath for a moment and closed his eyes again.
This time, he will try to condense the water attribute power.
According to the first-level method of <Mystic Sea Return to Origin Art>, Chen Jianghe once again extracted Qi and blood, condensed it from the meridians, and tried to generate that faint blue power.
But unlike the blazing fire attribute, the condensation process of the water attribute is a completely different experience.
That force was cold and pliable. Wherever it passed, the meridians not only did not sting, but instead had a comfortable feeling as if they had been washed by clean water.
It is not as restless as fire, but continuous and seemingly endless.
Chen Jianghe was overjoyed and guided this faint blue power to slowly run along the route of <Mystic Sea Return to Origin Art> for a week, and finally sank to the edge of the Dantian and attached to the other side of Gang Qi.
Then, he activated the two strands of strength at the same time, letting them slowly move up along the meridians. "Chi!"
A very subtle sound came from within the body!
When the two forces reached Jianjing Acupoint, they suddenly collided!
The dark blue and crimson are like incompatible enemies, they start biting each other crazily as soon as they come into contact!
Although the force was not as violent as the collision of Gang Qi, it still caused his meridians to tremble and his blood to surge!
Chen Jianghe's face changed slightly, but he didn't panic.
He concentrated his mind, and based on the light blue Gang Qi in his dantian, he forcibly separated two strands and went up along the meridians, wrapping, comforting, and suppressing the two rampant powers layer by layer!
The wood attribute Gang Qi has become the strongest dam at this moment, firmly separating the two incompatible forces!
The whole process lasted about a hundred breaths.
After the two strands of energy finally calmed down and returned to their respective positions, Chen Jianghe slowly opened his eyes and let out a long breath.
It worked.
He raised his right hand and opened his palm.
A wisp of light cyan wood attribute Gang Qi surged out from the palm of his hand, and immediately, a ray of very light red power separated from it, and then, a wisp of very light blue power slowly emerged.
The three are parallel in the palm of the hand without interfering with each other, just like a still painting.
Chen Jianghe stared at the three rays of power in his palm and remained silent for a long time.
Then, with a slight movement of his mind, he tried to make them blend.
"Boom"
A muffled sound!
The moment the three forces merged, a completely different force burst out!
The power showed a strange lavender color, so intense that it almost ignited the air, but it also contained endless vitality and endless flexibility!
Chen Jianghe clenched five fingers and punched out!
"Bang!"
Three feet away, a hole as big as a bowl suddenly appeared in the wall of the quiet room!
On the edge of the broken hole, there are faint traces of burning, wet marks soaked by water, and traces of greenness. These are the marks left by the vitality of the wood attribute!
Chen Jianghe looked at the hole and his pupils shrank.
The power of this punch is infinitely close to Minor Mastery of Gang Force!
And he is just Initiation of Gang Force.
What's even more frightening is that after that punch, although the Gang Qi in his body was not consumed too much, the two wisps of water and fire power were consumed by more than 70%!
Chen Jianghe closed his eyes, feeling the weakness in his body, and slowly shook his head.
After all, the power of water and fire is not Gang Qi. The stock is limited and the recovery is slow.
After a full blow, it takes at least several hours of breath adjustment to regroup.
With his current state, he can only punch two punches at most.
After two punches, you need to wait for the strength to recover.
But this is enough.
Chen Jianghe opened his eyes, raised the corners of his lips slightly, revealing a faint smile.
Two punches are enough to kill the enemy.
However, that smile only lasted for a moment before he suppressed it.
Chen Jianghe lowered his head and looked at the two blood-stained martial arts books in front of him, with a complicated light flashing in his eyes.
These two skills were learned from Feng Yan and Song Qi.
If people knew that he had practiced these two techniques, especially if he had touched them from dead people----
Chen Jianghe Closed his eyes, Flame Chen Court Great Elder Huo Changkong, Cangming Court Law Enforcing Elder Mo Wujiu, he had already remembered the names of those two people.
If they were to know that their disciple died at the hands of Chen Jianghe and that their skills were taken away----
Chen Jianghe slowly opened his eyes, and his eyes had returned to calm.
This trick should never be used unless absolutely necessary.
Never be exposed until a life or death situation arises.
This is his trump card and his talisman.
If you use it well, you can kill the enemy and save your life. If you use it wrongly, it can set you on fire.
What concerned him even more was another hidden worry.
Now <Nine Heavens Flame Prison Art> and <Mystic Sea Return to Origin Art> have only cultivated to the "Return to Origin" stage, and what they produce is only strength, not Gang Qi.
Relying on the foundation of the wood attribute Gang Qi, it is still possible to use strong pressure to suppress and appease these two forces of water and fire, and barely allow them to coexist.
But what if one day, these two skills also reach the "Mysterious Insight" stage of cultivation, and Gang Qi can truly produce fire and water attributes?
At that time, with the three strands of Gang Qi coexisting in the body, can the wood attribute still be able to suppress fire and water?
Water and fire are in conflict with each other, and they are sworn enemies. If they all become Gang Qi and have their own foundations, then if they want to merge, it may not be as simple as a backlash.
I'm afraid that by then, the three Gang Qi will directly start a war in his body, and the first one to be torn apart will be himself.
What would it be like if we could obtain the internal training methods of Thick Earth Court and Golden Pivot Court and then integrate them with the Five Elements?
Chen Jianghe shook his head, raising the corners of his lips slightly, revealing a self-deprecating smile.
It's still too early to think about it.
The Way of the Five Elements is so difficult and profound.
Not to mention gathering all five internal training techniques, it would take an unknown amount of time just to cultivate the two at hand to the "Mysterious Insight" level.
What's more, the unity of the five elements requires opportunity, understanding, and foundation, and each one is indispensable.
"Deacon Chen."
Wang Tiesheng's voice came from outside the courtyard gate, interrupting Chen Jianghe's thoughts.
Chen Jianghe put on his outer robe, opened the door and walked out.
In the rain curtain, Wang Tiesheng was holding an oil-paper umbrella, and there was another person standing beside him.
The man was about in his early thirties, tall and tall, wearing a Thick Earth Court outfit, with a resolute face, but his eyes revealed a bit of shrewdness that was inconsistent with his rough appearance.
Seeing Chen Jianghe come out, the man clasped his fists and saluted, his posture was respectful but not humble. "My Excellency Thick Earth Court Shi Ming, the new deacon Grade C-5 Hunting Grounds, came to visit you."
Chen Jianghe cupped his fists and returned the greeting. "Senior Brother Shi, you're welcome. Please come in."
Shi Ming nodded, followed Chen Jianghe into the hospital, and sat down in the main hall.
Wang Tiesheng stepped back knowingly and closed the door behind him.
"Junior Brother Chen," he said straight to the point, "Brother Yu took the liberty of visiting because he has an opportunity that he wants to share with his junior brother."
Chen Jianghe sat still, with a calm expression. "Brother Shi, please speak."
Shi Ming smiled, took out a half-palm-sized sapphire token from his arms, and placed it gently on the table.
The token is all blue and green, with the characters "Rain Listening" engraved on the front, and the relief of a flying eaves pavilion on the back. The carving is exquisite and lifelike.
"Junior Brother Chen, have you ever heard of "Rain Listening Pavilion"?"
Chen Jianghe shook his head.
Shi Ming was not surprised. He stroked his short beard under his chin and said slowly, "Rain Listening Pavilion is not a sect or a gang, but a place for casual conversation in Changxi Prefecture City. On Wednesdays every ten days, young talents from various sects in the city will gather in the building to drink tea, discuss martial arts, and talk about everything."
He paused, and looked at Chen Jianghe with a more profound look. "Those who can enter Rain Listening Pavilion are all elite disciples of various sects, at least Initiation of Gang Force. Junior brother, you have only been a member of Minor Completion of Transforming Force for a year and a half, and you have entered Gangjin from Minor Completion of Transforming Force. With this advancement, you are already at the top among the younger generation of Changxi Prefecture."
Chen Jianghe listened quietly without interrupting.
Shi Ming continued, "Brother Fool is not talented. He has registered his name with the Rain Listening Pavilion, and he is one of Thirteen Guests of Rain Listening. This visit is to invite his junior brother into the building."
He took out a thin book from his sleeve and pushed it over together with the token.
"This is <Record of Jianghu Affairs>, Changxi Prefecture and the surrounding affairs of the three prefectures and eighteen counties, which are all recorded in it. Junior brother has just entered Gangjin, and he must not know much about the distribution of forces in the prefecture, the masters of various factions, and the sources of natural materials and treasures. This booklet should be regarded as a meeting gift for Brother Yu."
Chen Jianghe lowered his eyes and landed on the thin book.
Shi Ming's voice continued, "As for the benefits of entering the building -
He counted on his fingers and said, "First, become famous. Heavenly Pride and Earthly Hero Rankings will be recommended to the major forces in the city every six months." If junior brother can make a name for himself in the building and get on these two lists, then Xingyi Sect Chen Jianghe "These six words can be spread in Changxi Prefecture. By then, those wealthy families and wealthy businesses will hold gold and silver treasures in their hands and ask the junior brother to bear the name of "enshrinement"."
"Second, connections. Among the Rain Listening Pavilion, there are people from all factions and families. Blazing Sun Sect, Xingyi Sect, Taiji Sect, Wind Chaser Sect, Iron Fist Sect and the geniuses of the two Martial Dao families may sit across from you and have tea. These people are usually invisible to you, but at the Rain Listening Pavilion, you can discuss things at the same table."
"Third -"
Shi Ming paused, and the corner of his lips raised a smile that all men know, "Those ladies in the city and those from small families often come to the Rain Listening Pavilion to meet them by chance in the name of admiring flowers and drinking tea. "There are heroes from all factions. Junior brother, you are handsome and nineteen years old. If you can board "Heavenly Pride and Earthly Hero Rankings", the girl who wants to kiss you can be lined up from the Rain Listening Pavilion to the city gate."
After he finished speaking, he looked at Chen Jianghe with a smile, waiting for his reply.
Chen Jianghe was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Junior brother Shi understands his kindness. It's just that he is busy practicing now and has no time to distract him. Rain Listening Pavilion, I can't go for the time being."
The smile on Shi Ming's face faltered slightly.
He seemed not to have expected that Chen Jianghe would refuse so simply.
"Junior Brother Chen," he said carefully, "Brother Yu knows that you like peace and quiet and don't like to socialize. But Martial Dao practice is not something that can come to an end just by practicing hard in seclusion. Resources, connections, and opportunities are all indispensable. Rain Listening Pavilion These are what junior brother lacks most now." "Senior Brother Shi." Chen Jianghe interrupted him, his eyes calm, "Junior brother understands senior brother's good intentions. It's just that junior brother has other plans, so I can't say more for the time being. I hope senior brother can forgive me."
Shi Ming looked at him, a complicated light flashed in those shrewd eyes.
After a long time, he suddenly smiled.
There was no anger or disappointment in that smile, but a bit more appreciation.
"Okay." He stood up, cupping his fists and said, "Junior Brother has his own plans, so Brother Yu can't force me. This Rain Listening Token and this book <Record of Jianghu Affairs> are just Brother Yu's intention to make friends with Junior Brother. If Junior Brother doesn't dislike it, then accept it. If you change your mind in the future, you can come to the Rain Listening Pavilion to find me at any time with the order."
"Thank you, Senior Brother Shi."
Shi Ming waved his hand. "Junior Brother Chen, Brother Yu has taken the liberty of making trouble today. If you need anything in the future, just come to Grade C-5 and look for me. Between our neighbors, there are many friends and many paths, don't you think?"
Chen Jianghe stood up and solemnly clasped his fists. "Senior Brother Shi gave me a generous gift, and Chen has written it down. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will repay it."
Shi Ming waved his hand and strode towards the courtyard gate.
When he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned around, looked at Chen Jianghe, and grinned. "Deacon Chen, Brother Yu has been in Thick Earth Court for more than ten years and has met all kinds of people. Some people are very talented and wish that the whole world would know about them; some people make a fortune in silence without showing off, but at critical moments, they can always surprise people."
He paused and smiled even deeper, "Deacon Chen is the latter type of person. Brother Yu admires him."
After that, he pushed open the door and disappeared into the rain.
Chen Jianghe stood by the door, watching the burly back fading away.
He lowered his head and looked at the token in his hand.
Rain Listening Pavilion.
Heavenly Pride and Earthly Hero Rankings.
The beauty of a beautiful relationship among all the ladies.
These things are really tempting.
But he knows better what he needs most now.
It's not fame, it's not connections, it's not love between children.
It's strength.
The next day, the rain stopped.
Chen Jianghe was practicing shooting in the courtyard when the sound of horse hooves was heard outside the courtyard gate.
After a while, a messenger in gray clothes was ushered in by Wang Tiesheng.
"Deacon Chen, letter from Qian Family Trading Firm."
Chen Jianghe took the letter and opened it.
The letter paper still has Qian Shouyi's upright and powerful handwriting. "Jianghe: Seeing each other is like seeing each other. I have been at Changxi Prefecture for many days, and the three trading routes have been completely stabilized. Since the news of your entry into Gangjin spread, the gangsters who coveted the trading route disappeared overnight. I finally slept peacefully for a few nights in the past few days."
Chen Jianghe The corners of his lips raised slightly and he continued to look down.
"There is something else that I feel I need to tell you. I was at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion the day before yesterday Changxi Prefecture drank tea with a deacon in a separate room and mentioned Master Li's injury during the chat. The deacon said, Hundred Treasures Pavilion recently received a batch of rare medicinal materials, including Pulse-Renewing Spirit Marrow", has a miraculous effect on repairing damaged meridians. I immediately asked him to check the warehouse, but was told that this item has been prepared for auction, and will be publicly bid at a small auction held by the Hundred Treasures Pavilion three days later."
"I know that you have been concerned about Master Li's injury, so I am writing a letter to inform you. If you are interested, you can come to Changxi Prefecture City South Hundred Treasures Pavilion in three days to make a report. The deacon's surname is Zhou, and he is an old friend of mine. He will be able to recommend it to you at that time."
At the end of the letter, Qian Shouyi added a line of small words, "Master Li has been getting better recently and can get out of bed and walk around for half an hour every day. Physician Qin said, if you can find If you get Pulse-Renewing Spirit Marrow to warm and nourish your meridians, you may be able to live longer. I know that you are busy with your practice. If you can't get away, I can bid on your behalf. However, the item is rare and the price may be high. You still need to decide for yourself."
Chen Jianghe's hand holding the letter tightened slightly.
Pulse-Renewing Spirit Marrow.
Repair damaged meridians.
Even if you live a little longer, it's worth it!
Then, he stood up, raised his gun, and pushed out the door.
"Wang Tiesheng."
"The disciple is here!"
"I'm going to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion Changxi Prefecture Branch Pavilion. I will report it to the sect. If there is any change, report it to me Message Transmission Talisman."
Wang Tiesheng was startled, then solemnly nodded. "Disciple, obey!"