Half a Month of Peace

After Master Wu's underwear was completely stripped bare by Lin Yi, he also fell into a coma.

In Lu Chengyi's words, his soul was fragile and could not bear the burden. He needed to hibernate within Lin Yi's body and absorb a small portion of Lin Yi's True Qi to recover.

Lin Yi could feel a part of his True Qi flowing towards Lu Chengyi, but it was negligible, not even as fast as Lin Yi's recovery rate. Thus, Lin Yi paid it no mind.

After simply collecting and organizing the intelligence gathered that night.

Lin Yi once again began his cultivation of the Martial Way.

There was no one in the Lin Clan's residence.

Lin Yi had no qualms and directly began cultivating in the courtyard.

[Learned Martial Skill Elixir Release Scripture, Proficiency +1]

[Learned Martial Skill Elixir Release Scripture, Proficiency +1]

"..."

The difficulty of cultivating the Elixir Release Scripture, even with the previous experience of Hu Ma's telepathy, was still much slower than cultivating the Long Rainbow Technique.

Lin Yi cultivated for one night, about three hours, and only gained eleven points of proficiency.

Lin Yi said helplessly, "If only my aptitude were a little stronger."

However, Lin Yi was just thinking about it.

Lin Yi rarely engaged in internal struggles. He was busy enough with his daily martial arts practice and didn't have the mental capacity to dwell on such things.

Returning to his room, he fell asleep.

The next day, Lin Yi went out, walked to the alley, with a saber at his waist, and went to the breakfast stall he had frequented since childhood. He ordered a cage of steamed buns and began to eat. After finishing in three to five bites, he was about to pay.

"Uncle Chen, the bill."

"No need, no need. Today's meal is on me," Uncle Chen said with a smile.

Uncle Chen was a middle-aged man of medium build with a honest face. He was well-liked in the alley and had three sons.

Lin Yi raised his eyebrows and said, "Uncle Chen, have you encountered any good fortune recently?"

Uncle Chen was currently short of money.

All three of his sons were of marriageable age, and he was busy arranging for the betrothal gifts.

Great Yan encouraged early marriage and childbirth. Otherwise, men would be prioritized for military service.

Women of marriageable age who did not marry would have their head tax calculated at five times the usual rate.

To be honest, Lin Yi was also approaching that age and found the matter troublesome.

What a feudal era.

Before Uncle Chen could reply.

Other customers in the shop began to tease him, "Little Yi Zi, just eat. Today is the last time you'll eat your Uncle Chen's cooking here."

"Yes, Old Chen is overjoyed. The boss who bought your shop yesterday was truly generous, buying your shop at ten times the price..."

Although Lin Yi was surprised, he still congratulated him.

Uncle Chen smiled awkwardly amidst the crowd.

Just then, Uncle Chen's expression changed slightly. A hint of commoner's obsequiousness and flattery appeared on his face as he hurried towards the entrance. "Steward Li, why have you come!"

"I came to see how the shop is. After all, I'll be doing business here later, so I came early to take a look and think about how to arrange things..."

It seemed the buyer had arrived.

Lin Yi was also preparing to leave when he caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye.

Under the gaze of [Know Heavenly Fate].

A faint golden light was attached to the person.

This person possessed Aura of Fortune.

Lin Yi took another look but was not surprised.

Those who become rich and prosperous invariably carry some Aura of Fortune.

Leaving the shop, Lin Yi did not delay and sped towards the martial arts school.

Lin Yi's expression was calm along the way. Only when he reached the martial arts school did a hint of coldness finally appear on his face.

"I didn't expect them to come so soon..."

On his way just now, Lin Yi had seen at least ten people wearing Aura of Fortune among the passersby.

People with Aura of Fortune were very rare. Lin Yi considered himself lucky to encounter one or two on a normal day.

Today, he had encountered more than ten in succession.

And the most bizarre thing was.

These ten-odd Aura Wielders, the intensity of their auras was eerily the same.

Heh, if Lin Yi couldn't figure out something so strange and peculiar, he might as well find a block of tofu and smash himself to death.

Combining this with the clues he'd gotten from Lu Chengyi yesterday.

Master Wu possessed some kind of method for creating clones and transformations.

As well as a method for seizing auras.

Therefore, the group of people he'd encountered on the road today could almost instantly be identified as Master Wu alone.

Thinking of this, Lin Yi couldn't help but let out a light laugh.

If the other party hadn't yet seized Liu Qingnu's aura, it would still be difficult for him to recognize them.

However, now that the other party had exposed themselves so clearly and distinctly.

It actually amused Lin Yi.

Since they wanted to monitor him, let them monitor.

Lin Yi didn't have the strength to stop them anyway.

Accept what comes, and make the best of it.

Lin Yi ignored them and continued to cultivate in the martial arts hall as usual.

Improving his strength was always the top priority.

Now, as a Martial Artist, Lin Yi's cultivation place had become the inner courtyard.

His living quarters were more spacious, and it was a single room.

The wooden stakes and equipment used for cultivation were custom-made from Qi-Sensing Wood, especially when practicing martial skills.

When True Qi struck the wooden stakes, it was very beneficial for confirming the True Qi circuits in the process of martial skill operation.

And, as long as Master Yuan was within the martial arts hall.

He would come to the inner courtyard for a lecture once a day.

After all, now that Lin Yi had become a Martial Artist, he was considered a pillar of the entire martial arts hall.

After finishing his cultivation at noon.

Lin Yi returned to his room, disguised himself simply, avoided Master Wu's surveillance outside, and went to Yu Qinglian's residence.

At this moment, seeing Lin Yi, Yu Qinglian couldn't help but chide him.

"It's been so long, and I haven't seen you. The Flower Insertion Seal I left was also erased. I thought you'd forgotten me?"

"I couldn't even see you when I went to the martial arts hall."

"Cough, cough..." Lin Yi coughed twice. "There were some things happening at home these past few days."

Yu Qinglian raised her eyebrows, and her questioning expression softened slightly.

In fact, Yu Qinglian had also guessed that Lin Yi might have encountered some trouble recently.

After all, it was strange for someone like Lin Yi, who was obsessed with martial arts, to not show up at the martial arts hall for so long.

There are 618 promotional activities recently, with more advertisements. Please forgive us, we will try to reduce the frequency of advertisements!

Lin Yi straightened his expression and said, "Lian Niang, I hope you won't come looking for me actively recently."

"I'm being monitored by someone, and I'm worried that person might make a move against you and find you."

"However, I will come to find you."

"Who?" Yu Qinglian's heart skipped a beat.

"Master Wu."

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Since meeting Yu Qinglian half a month ago and telling her not to come looking for him actively.

Yu Qinglian was also about to break through to the eighth rank of the Infatuation Path, so she needed to go into seclusion for a period.

Lin Yi also took this opportunity to focus on the Martial Way.

During this time, Lin Yi's cultivation technique and martial skill proficiency increased rapidly.

Current cultivation technique.

[Elixir Release Scripture (First Level)]

[Proficiency: 72/100]

At this rate, it wouldn't take long for the Elixir Release Scripture to break through to the second level, and Lin Yi would reach the Houtian Mid-stage Martial Artist.

However, the greater improvement was in his martial skills.

[Reckless Blade (Mastered)]

[Vast Step (Great Accomplishment)]

[Proficiency: 865/1000]

[Mountain Breaking Fist (Minor Accomplishment)]

[Proficiency: 346/500]

[Thread Control Art (Minor Accomplishment)]

[Proficiency: 256/500]

[Wind Forest Fire Mountain (Minor Accomplishment)]

[Proficiency: 134/500]

All martial skills had reached above Minor Accomplishment in proficiency.

At the same time, these past few days, some local influential gentry families had also come knocking, starting to inquire with Lin Yi about taking up official posts.

Many people had come, and the prices they offered were quite reasonable.

However, Lin Yi was somewhat conflicted and had delayed making a decision.

"How is it? Have you considered your recent official post?"

Hearing Liu Lie's familiar voice.

Lin Yi looked up and shook his head helplessly, "I haven't decided yet."

Liu Lie sat down beside Lin Yi and asked doubtfully, "Are there any satisfactory ones?"

"Many people have come these days, but most are looking for Full-Mounted Martial Artists. There aren't many who want someone like me, who is Half-Mounted."

The difference between Full-Mounted and Half-Mounted is.

In modern terms, one is full-time, and the other is part-time.

Full-time work involves more tasks and higher pay, but also more requirements.

Half-Mounted is more relaxed, with fewer restrictions. You can choose not to work if you don't want to, which leads to very few people seeking Half-Mounted Martial Artists.

Lin Yi did not want to sacrifice his time for practicing martial arts just to earn some silver.

He earned money in order to practice martial arts; if he sacrificed his practice time for money, it would be putting the cart before the horse.

Lin Yi smiled helplessly, pulled out three contracts, and placed them in front of Liu Lie.

"If nothing unexpected happens, I will likely choose one of these three Half-Mounted contracts to take up an official post."

Liu Lie raised an eyebrow and began to read them carefully.

[As an executive of the Green Wood Gang, stationed in Black Water Alley south of Chen City, monthly salary twenty taels of silver...]

[Ning Manor north of the city needs a Martial Artist to help the younger generation of the manor lay a good foundation in the Martial Way, monthly salary thirty taels of silver...]

[Within the Peace Guard, a group of Martial Artists is needed for sparring, to cooperate with the daily training of Peace Guard members, monthly salary twenty-five taels of silver...]

The more he read, the deeper Liu Lie's frown became.

Gang stationing.

There were only two gangs in Jiaqing County.

The Black Wind Gang and the Green Wood Gang.

Behind each gang stood one of the two factions in Jiaqing County's officialdom.

The intensity of their daily skirmishes was severe.

Even a Martial Artist could not guarantee emerging unscathed.

Peace Guard sparring.

Those who could become Peace Guard reserves were all exceptional individuals.

While called sparring partners, in reality, they would be used as punching bags.

The only seemingly normal one, becoming a teacher at Ning Manor, was actually the most abnormal.

Ning Manor had made its fortune in its early years through human trafficking, smuggling, and operating in gray areas...

It was rumored that they were still engaged in some less-than-legal businesses in secret.

Getting involved with them would likely lead to no good end.

What were these all about!

Liu Lie's expression was complicated, and he was momentarily speechless, "This..."

He had originally intended to come and advise Lin Yi.

But now, it was three fiery pits.

What was there to advise on...

Lin Yi also gave a helpless wry smile, "These three are considered the better options, which is why I've been hesitating for so long."

Liu Lie asked, "Then what will you do?"

Lin Yi replied, "I will definitely prioritize excluding the Green Wood Gang's recruitment. Gang disputes involve the machinations of powerful figures above; entering would inevitably make me a pawn."

"Secondly, I've looked into this Ning Manor. Since last year, they've recruited quite a few Martial Artists. Initially, the contracts stated Half-Mounted, but for some reason, they all changed to Full-Mounted later... it's too strange."

"So, that only leaves the Peace Guard."

Liu Lie said irritably, "Go to the Peace Guard to be a sandbag?"

Lin Yi smiled.

Liu Lie said, "Why don't you come work for my Escort Agency?"

"Before, I thought you might find something better. My family doesn't offer much salary, and I was afraid it would hold you back."

"Now it seems, heh, everywhere outside is a pit of fire. It's better to come to my place!"

Lin Yi was touched, but he still waved his hand, "Senior Brother, thank you, but I want to try applying for a position with the Peace Guard."

"Training in the martial arts hall for too long, after all, lacks practical combat experience. Going to the Peace Guard would be good for honing my Martial Way skills."

Liu Lie wanted to persuade him further.

But seeing Lin Yi's determined expression, he gave up.

"Alright, if you want to try, then go try. I'll see if I can put in a word with the Eldest Senior Brother later. But, remember, if you can't stick it out, be sure to come work for me in a timely manner. Although the salary isn't high, it'll definitely be fine for your Martial Way cultivation!"

Lin Yi nodded heavily.