One Battle Settles Hearts

When Jiang Che first said this, there was an uproar below, and Deng Yan even jumped up to spar with him. But this time, when he said the same thing, the reaction from below was...

Silence.

It was no wonder everyone was stunned and fearful; Jiang Che's displayed strength was simply too formidable.

Who was Deng Yan?

He was a favorite of the former County Lieutenant and the most qualified person to contend for Deputy Commander. His Wind Breaking Saber Technique was sharp and unparalleled, with few who could match him. Even across the vast Yanggu County, he had a considerable reputation.

Various forces within the county all wanted to win him over.

He was undoubtedly a powerhouse.

Yet, such a master, in Jiang Che's hands, couldn't even withstand a single punch.

With just one punch, Deng Yan was forced to kneel and concede.

With such strength, who else would dare to act up?

"Deputy Commander Jiang's words are all reasonable. Your subordinate Jin Dayya has no objections!"

The first to submit was Jin Dayya, who had been clamoring just moments ago. He bowed respectfully to Jiang Che.

"Your subordinate has no objections!"

Hu An also reacted immediately and declared his stance.

When the three most influential figures in the West City Martial Camp submitted, the remaining individuals dared not voice any dissent and all bowed down to Jiang Che.

One battle settled the hearts of the people!

"That last fight was very well done. I underestimated you." After dismissing the crowd, Jiang Che and Liu Zhi met again, their eyes filled with undisguised praise.

"You flatter me, sir. I dare not accept."

Jiang Che gave a slight bow.

"Judging by the power of your punch just now, you must have mastered Savage Bull Strength and entered the Inner Breath Realm, correct?" Liu Zhi stopped walking and stared intently at Jiang Che as he asked.

"You have a keen eye, sir. I have indeed entered the Inner Breath Realm."

Having displayed his strength publicly, Jiang Che had no intention of hiding it. Moreover, without using his full power, he couldn't have decisively defeated Deng Yan. He admitted it openly.

Terrifying!!!

Liu Zhi's clasped hands behind his back tightened subconsciously.

Even though he knew Jiang Che's talent was extraordinary and he had prepared himself mentally, he couldn't help but be shocked when Jiang Che admitted it so directly.

Half a month of martial arts training to enter the Inner Breath Realm.

Such talent, let alone in Tai'an Prefecture, could be considered outstanding even across the entire Yuezhou.

If Jiang Che had a strong background to support him, he couldn't even imagine how far he could go.

Compared to Jiang Che, his own decent talent was simply incomparable.

Therefore, this time, he did not offer any insincere commentary. He simply said solemnly:

"With your talent, you will surely achieve great things in the future, but the prerequisite is that you must remain steady and never become complacent. When I joined the army, a border general said something that I still remember today, and I'll share it with you now.

The path of martial arts is difficult, as hard as climbing to the heavens. Only by sailing against the current with unwavering resolve can one achieve great success."

"Your teachings are deeply etched in my heart, sir."

Jiang Che's expression was solemn. Unlike Zhu Sheng, although Liu Zhi also valued him for his talent, Jiang Che remembered and was grateful for the favor of his promotion.

"The difficulty of martial arts lies not only in one's own talent but also in resources," Liu Zhi said, pausing his tone, his gaze drifting for a moment before he continued after a long while:

"This world is never fair. Some people's starting point might be the endpoint for people like us. Even if their temperament is lacking or their talent isn't enough, as long as they have sufficient cultivation resources, their cultivation can still advance rapidly.

You are not young anymore. If you want to achieve something, you must make plans early and find a solid backer and a reliable source of income for yourself."

Jiang Che remained silent. These words from Liu Zhi were things he already knew in his heart.

His Sacrifice Heavenly Stele couldn't be improved casually; it also required massive resource support.

"I know Captain Zhu has a beloved daughter who is about your age. Captain Zhu also entrusted you with the important task of escorting her, and the meaning behind it is self-evident. You must handle it with discretion."

Liu Zhi continued.

"I understand, sir. It's just... I have no romantic feelings for now, and the Captain's daughter doesn't seem to have any intentions towards me either." Jiang Che might be ruthless in his methods, but he wouldn't agree to this.

The Zhu family's influence was great, but it was temporary.

His ambitions had never been confined to Yanggu County from the start. Marrying a foolish woman would only bring more trouble in the future.

"I'm not advising you by saying this. In fact, I also know the consequences of marrying into the Zhu family, but this is indeed a visible shortcut." Liu Zhi looked at Jiang Che, as if seeing his younger self.

At that time, he was also full of self-importance, but the result was...

"Your subordinate understands."

The two walked on, falling into silence. Neither spoke first until Liu Zhi stopped at the entrance of the yamen. He turned to look at Jiang Che and changed the subject:

"Since you have already achieved Flesh and Blood Life Breath, your next step should be to consider how to strengthen the Qi within your body and step into the Bone Forging Realm."

"I dare to ask for your guidance, sir."

Jiang Che's limited martial arts knowledge was mostly taught by Liu Zhi.

"The four realms and three breakthroughs below the Innate Realm refer to breaking through Flesh and Blood Respiration, Muscle and Bone Refining, and Meridian Unblocking. To step into Bone Forging, the very first condition is that the Qi within your body must be abundant.

This is a process of accumulation, which can enhance your blood and Qi, thereby deriving Inner Breath. When it flows continuously, you can then proceed to Bone Forging."

"Also, Savage Bull Strength is just an ordinary Body Tempering Method and can no longer satisfy your cultivation needs. You need to find a way to obtain a more advanced cultivation technique.

This is also a major hurdle. Cultivating with ordinary techniques will only grant you ordinary strength. Cultivating with a top-tier Body Tempering Method can broaden your meridians and strengthen your bones and muscles.

I can't help you with this, as I only practice an ordinary Body Tempering Method, and it's not suitable for you. It would only be a waste of your talent."

"But I don't even have the most ordinary Body Tempering Method right now," Jiang Che said, looking up at Liu Zhi.

As long as he had enough resources, his cheat could indeed enhance his physique, but if he couldn't obtain a cultivation technique, he would likely have trouble setting a sacrifice target.

"That's why family background is important. Captain Zhu has a decent family-inherited Body Tempering Method. It all depends on whether you want to cultivate it or not. However, you don't need to be too anxious for now.

For the time being, focus on enhancing your Inner Breath. It's not too late to get a Body Tempering Method before Bone Forging. Your most immediate priority is to cultivate a Guardian Skill."

Liu Zhi guided Jiang Che without reservation.

"Guardian Skill?"

"The Savage Bull Fist contained within Savage Bull Strength is too common and only effective at close range. What I'm referring to as a Guardian Skill is a Weapon Art, like the saber techniques that Deng Yan practices.

Mastering a saber technique can most quickly enhance your combat power."

After their previous exchange, he had realized that Jiang Che wasn't deliberately stalling in finishing off Deng Yan, but rather that he simply hadn't practiced any saber or sword techniques and couldn't do so.