Making a Name in Qingzhou Prefecture (2)

Strange, truly strange! Are this man's hands made of iron? He managed to force Situ Lan was wielding a sharp sword, to retreat step by step with just his bare hands.

Everyone was shocked; they had never seen anyone fight in this way before. After a few more moves, Li Wei dodged his opponent's sword, then suddenly took a step forward and thrust out a palm. This palm was fast and urgent, reaching Situ Lan's face in an instant. The latter's expression changed, knowing that she couldn't dodge it. If this palm struck, her brains would probably splatter instantly. But the next second, the palm stopped.

Although the palm strike stopped, the powerful gust of wind still made Situ Lan's bangs flutter. The latter looked terrified, her large eyes filled with fear as she stared at the palm that was less than an inch in size in front of her, her full chest heaving up and down, but she dared not make any more moves.

"I... I lost!" After a long while, Situ Lan blushed and whispered through her teeth. She took a step back, sheathed her sword, and walked straight down. She knew that she had lost completely this time, without any excuses. Her opponent's palm technique contained sword energy, which was many times better than her own, so she was convinced of her defeat.

Clearly, the competition had come to an end, with Li Wei decisively defeating the two chief disciples of the Hunyuan Sect and the Iron Sword Gang. This brought more than just shock to everyone; who could have imagined that this seemingly unremarkable fellow possessed such martial arts prowess?

But no matter how much they disbelieved it, the reality was undeniable. At this moment, no one was willing to step forward for a duel, after all, they didn't believe their skills were superior to Qin Yuan and Situ Lan's. Even these two top experts from Qingzhou Prefecture had been defeated; anyone else going up would only be humiliating themselves.

Thus, the friendly sparring session came to an end. After leaving the arena, Li Wei left the remaining game to Wandering Dragon Hermit, knowing that the old man would handle such matters much better than he would. Taking advantage of the remaining time, Li Wei ignored everyone and returned to his room alone, with no one daring to stop him.

After returning to his room, Li Wei closed the door, and the noise outside abruptly ceased.

Li Wei knew that Wandering Dragon Hermit would definitely come looking for him later, but that would have to wait until after he had dealt with those people outside. Calculating the time, it would take at least half an hour. So he could make good use of this time to carefully plan his next move.

First, the main mission must be completed, and to complete it, improving one's strength is a necessary condition. Li Wei's plan is to cultivate the "Qi Transformation Manual" mentioned in the "Nine Yin Deity Transformation, Upper Volume" as quickly as possible. In addition, the hidden mission must also be completed. Because of his previous performance, he believes that the name of "Wandering Dragon Sect" will soon spread throughout Qingzhou Prefecture. As long as he assists Wandering Dragon Hermit in making this sect famous, that will be enough.

That's all there is to it. Li Wei let out a long sigh of relief, then opened the 'Nine Yin Transformation Scripture' and began cultivating the Qi Transformation Manual within it.

The entire "Qi Transformation Manual has thirty-six lines of mantras, which may seem few, but they contain the foundation of this practice: "Transformation of Qi".

What is 'Qi Transformation'? Li Wei's understanding is that it's somewhat similar to the breathing exercises of martial artists, but also quite different. Ordinary internal energy cultivation involves 'inhaling turbid Qi, then gathering it in the lungs, allowing it to circulate through the internal organs, removing the waste and retaining the essence.' This 'essence' is true Qi, and the power exerted through true Qi is called 'internal force.' Simultaneously, by using true Qi to open up the meridians throughout the body, one can simplify complex matters and achieve martial arts mastery. The more and stronger the true Qi, the more meridians are opened, and the greater the achievement. Therefore, many masters need decades of internal energy cultivation to open up their meridians using the true Qi accumulated within their bodies.

This is ordinary martial arts, something Li Wei already knew. When he first entered Shadow Street, he relied on martial arts to achieve the status of a master, and then he dominated the mission world.

The "Qi Transformation" recorded in the "Nine Yin Transformation Scripture" is different from the true qi in internal cultivation. While ordinary internal cultivation stores true qi by focusing on quantity, this Qi Transformation emphasizes "quality". This is a qualitative transformation. Relying on the formulas of this Qi Transformation Manual, cultivators can refine the "spiritual energy" within the air by breathing in and out.

Spiritual energy is the foundation of all cultivation. Cultivating spells, Daoist arts, and even ghost arts all require the support of spiritual energy. For example, Li Wei had cultivated the basic immortal techniques of Penglai Island, so he naturally knew how to refine spiritual energy. As for unorthodox masters like the Ghost King, they simply rely on special techniques to transform spiritual energy into ghost energy for their own use.

Therefore, the 'Qi Transformation Manual' in Li Wei's hands is actually a very basic introductory cultivation technique for cultivators. However, due to the limitations of the Rule Codex, it has become the strongest cultivation technique that Li Wei and his companions can currently practice.

After silently reciting the thirty-six lines of the mantra several times, Li Wei memorized them firmly. Then, he relaxed his mind and began to cultivate according to the mantra.

At this moment, Li Wei was like someone who had already graduated from university but had returned to learn elementary school courses. He was progressing very quickly, and in less than half an hour, he had captured a trace of 'spiritual energy'.

Without any hesitation, Li Wei made a hand seal and simultaneously closed all the major acupoints on his body according to the incantation. Then he inhaled a breath of ordinary, turbid air. As the air passed through his throat and into his lungs, Li Wei immediately pressed two acupoints on his 'Xuanji' and 'Zhongting' points with two fingers, temporarily sealing the turbid air in his lungs. Then, following the incantation, he began to slowly separate the turbid air. This process seemed complicated, but it was actually extremely simple. In the blink of an eye, Li Wei released the sealed acupoints, and the turbid air immediately split in two, with the dregs rising and the essence sinking.

Exhaling the dregs, Li Wei inhaled again, repeating the previous action. However, the 'essence' that had sunk into his abdomen continued to differentiate, splitting into two once more. This time, the separated essence resembled white mist, which was the 'true qi' in traditional martial arts.

Normally, cultivating internal energy only requires gathering this true energy in the dantian to complete the process. However, Li Wei is currently cultivating the Qi Transformation Manual, so it's not finished yet. In fact, the true spiritual energy is within this ball of true energy. Generally speaking, extracting even a trace of spiritual energy from it is not an easy task. Li Wei, for example, had previously tried to refine the spiritual energy within his internal energy using the incantations from the Penglai Basic Immortal Art, but each time he failed. Not only did he not succeed, but he also wasted a lot of true energy. This was all because the power of the rules prohibited Li Wei from using any of his previous cultivation techniques or secret manuals.

However, since the Nine Yin Transformation Scripture was found in this mission world, it was not subject to any restrictions. Therefore, Li Wei's process of differentiating spiritual energy was exceptionally smooth this time.

Guided by the incantation, the true energy circulated several times in the dantian. As more true energy was expelled, only a wisp of blue gas remained, which was more condensed than the previous true energy.

"It's done!" Li Wei knew that this wisp of blue light was spiritual energy. There's a saying in the cultivation world, "One wisp of spiritual energy is worth a thousand energies." This spiritual energy is much more powerful than true energy. Don't underestimate this wisp of energy. If Li Wei were to use this wisp of spiritual energy to perform the Soaring Wandering Dragon Palm, it would probably be twice as strong as before.

After stabilizing the wisp of spiritual energy within his dantian, Li Wei let out a long breath and slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were now much brighter than before, and even possessed a touch of otherworldly refinement. This was the effect of spiritual energy; one only needs to consider those cultivators who practice deep in the mountains—aren't they all elegant and otherworldly beings?

Li Wei stopped his cultivation technique because he sensed footsteps outside the door. Judging from the sound, it was undoubtedly Wandering Dragon Hermit. He hadn't expected him to arrive so quickly. Li Wei stood up, walked to the door, pulled off the bolt, and opened the wooden door.

Outside the door stood Wandering Dragon Hermit, looking utterly astonished.

The old man was indeed very surprised. He had come here slowly, holding his breath and concentrating, so as not to disturb Li Wei in advance, without making a sound. But the other party seemed to have known he was coming all along, opening the door as soon as he arrived. If this was a coincidence, Wandering Dragon Hermit would be the first to disbelieve it.

Looking at the young yet composed face before him, Wandering Dragon Hermit felt a sudden pang of guilt. But remembering that he was, after all, the other's master, he forced a confident cough and said, "Uh... I heard you came back to rest after your match. It must be from the series of battles. I've come to visit you."

As soon as Youlong and the other two opened their mouths, they suddenly realized that they didn't even know the servant's name. Fortunately, he was thick-skinned enough not to care at all.

"Perhaps from the series of battles, I was somewhat exhausted, so I returned to rest without asking my master's permission. My master even came to visit me, which made Li Wei feel apprehensive!" Following the other person's words, Li Wei even revealed his name. After all, the mission was for him to Revitalize Soaring Dragon, which meant he was to help Wandering Dragon Hermit, so he still had to play his part.

Upon hearing the other party's name, Wandering Dragon Hermit quickly memorized it, but revealed a 'kind' smile, "It's alright, it's alright. There was a reason for this. How could I blame you for being impolite? This time you defeated those renowned masters single-handedly, which is a great achievement. I was worried about your health. I've already given the order to have the cook prepare a chicken tonight to reward you. You should get some rest!"

As he spoke, he patted Li Wei's shoulder with a smile and was about to leave when he suddenly turned back, as if he had remembered something. "By the way," he said, "I have observed your martial arts today, and you have indeed mastered all my teachings. Your Wandering Dragon Palm and mental cultivation methods are already highly accomplished. I am very pleased... Furthermore, I have decided to establish a sect called 'Wandering Dragon Sect,' and you will be the chief disciple of my Wandering Dragon Sect..."

"Master!" Li Wei looked terrified, but his expression was very natural. It was thanks to the long time he had spent with the fat man that he had learned some of the guy's acting skills; otherwise, he really wouldn't have been able to handle this situation.

"Say no more. My mind is made up. Your martial arts skills are more than enough to qualify you for the position of chief disciple. Li Wei, rest assured. I need to go and arrange the ceremony. The day after tomorrow is an auspicious day, and it will be the day that my Wandering Dragon Sect establishes itself in Qingzhou Prefecture. You'll be very busy then!" With that, Wandering Dragon Hermit laughed and turned to leave.

After closing the door again, Li Wei knew he had taken the first step in his hidden mission of 'Revitalize Soaring Dragon'. However, this didn't mean everything was settled. Li Wei knew that at the founding ceremony of a newly established sect, there was usually a 'sparring' session. If he were defeated by a renowned expert, the sect would be unable to open. It seemed troublesome, but it was the rule since ancient times. Obviously, if he relied on the old man Wandering Dragon Hermit, the Wandering Dragon Sect would probably never be established even in another 100 years, and he would have to step in himself then.

"I hope the reward isn't too bad when the mission is completed, otherwise it will be a thankless task!" Li Wei shook his head with a wry smile. There were still a few hours before sunset, which was a good time to continue cultivating the 'Qi Transformation Manual'.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and two days passed in the blink of an eye. Early in the morning, Li Wei sat in his room, surrounded by new furniture he had just acquired two days prior. His room had been moved from the small hut to the spacious and bright Duli Mansion. To be fair, Wandering Dragon Hermit, that old fellow, still had a considerable fortune. His family had been in business for generations, but in his generation, he had become obsessed with martial arts, so he hadn't focused on business or expanding the family business. However, the wealth left by his ancestors was quite substantial, enough for him to manage as he pleased.

Because of his mastery of martial arts, Li Wei earned enough face for Wandering Dragon Hermit, and his status rose accordingly. Now all the servants in the manor know that he has been internally designated as the chief disciple. Fortunately, no one is jealous, after all, Li Wei's powerful martial arts left a deep impression on everyone that day.

In the past few days, Li Wei only interacted with the fat man briefly, telling him about the situation here. After that, he hid in that big house to cultivate the 'Qi Transformation Manual'.

In just two days, Li Wei cultivated the Qi Transformation Manual and produced a second strand of spiritual energy. Don't underestimate this second strand; in terms of combat power, Li Wei is three to four times stronger than before. However, even so, he still cannot cultivate the spells recorded in the 'Nine Yin Deity Transformation, Upper Volume', but he can cultivate a technique recorded in the Nine Yin Deity Transformation, Upper Volume 1' called 'Great Strength Divine Demon Art'.

This technique is similar to martial arts, but it requires spiritual energy to cultivate, making it far more powerful than ordinary martial arts. After studying it for a day, Li Wei began to practice it.

This 'Great Strength Divine Demon Art' is divided into five levels. After reaching the fifth level, one's physique can be greatly improved, which is no exaggeration to say that it can transform one's body. However, Li Wei has not been practicing for long and has only mastered the first level. Even so, it is still quite extraordinary.

Exhaling a breath of stale air, Li Wei sighed deeply. He had just tried to condense his third wisp of spiritual energy, but failed at the last moment. The reason was that the spiritual energy content in the air nearby was too low. If he were in the deep mountains, it would probably be better. However, today was the day for hanging the plaque of "Wandering Dragon Sect" and opening the gate to accept disciples, so Li Wei could not go to the mountains to cultivate.

It was already morning, and there were less than two hours until the ceremony. Li Wei didn't plan to continue cultivating. Instead, he got up, washed up, ate, and left his room.

Li Wei wanted to test the power of his 'Great Strength Divine Demon Art', so he went alone to the courtyard where he usually practiced, only to find it deserted. He inquired and learned that all the servants had changed into new disciple robes and gone to the main gate to greet guests. Because of Li Wei's special status, none of the Dragon Wandering Hermits had summoned him; they would only call him back for the formal ceremony.

Having understood this, Li Wei felt genuinely grateful to the Wandering Dragon Hermit. After all, the master had gone to such lengths for him, so how could he, as the disciple, not show some filial piety in return?

Fortunately, no one was nearby, allowing Li Wei to unleash his full power without restraint and test the might of the 'Great Strength Divine Demon Art'. Thinking this, Li Wei took a deep breath, activating the two streams of spiritual energy within his dantian, and simultaneously unleashed the first level of the Great Strength Divine Demon Art Technique. Instantly, a faint, crimson heat emanated from Li Wei's skin. Strangely, this heat did not dissipate into the air but instead continued to circulate across Li Wei skin. This was a unique phenomenon when using the Great Strength Divine Demon Art, referred to in the Nine Yin Transformation Scripture as the 'Divine Demon Body'. Of course, Li Wei was still far from achieving the true 'Divine Demon Body'. If he mastered the 'Qi Transformation Manual' to its peak and reached the fifth level of the 'Great Strength Divine Demon Art' at its peak, he could be enveloped in a layer of blood-red mist, impenetrable by ordinary swords and blades, and it would also enhance his attack power—truly formidable.

Li Wei swiftly covered nearly ten meters in a single stride, instantly arriving in front of the bluestone slab he used for training. He then raised his hand and delivered a palm strike.

This palm strike was clearly different from the previous ones. Not only was it mixed with a trace of blood energy, but it also seemed to be accompanied by a series of ear-piercing wails and howls. Then, the palm struck the bluestone slab, easily leaving a three-inch-deep handprint. Not only that, the stone around the handprint began to be slowly eroded by the blood energy, and then it cracked rapidly. Finally, the entire bluestone slab collapsed with a loud crash, shattering into pieces.

With a single palm strike, he shattered a bluestone slab taller than a person. If anyone were to witness this, it would surely cause a huge uproar. Even the leader of the Hunyuan Sect, who was known as the number one person in Qingzhou, did not possess such skill.

With a crash, stones scattered across the ground. The blood on Li Wei's palm gradually faded, but his face showed joy. Undoubtedly, Li Wei was very satisfied with this attack power. If he were to face the Black Bear Spirit now, Li Wei was confident he could kill it alone. After all, no matter how thick the black Black Bear Spirit was, it couldn't withstand this bluestone slab, could it?

"This cultivator's technique is indeed much more powerful than ordinary martial arts. It would take grandmasters more than ten years of hard study to achieve this level, while ordinary cultivators only need to cultivate for a year or two to reach this realm. With this Nine Yin Transformation Scripture, killing the remaining five demonic beasts should not be a problem!" Li Wei was full of confidence. He returned to his room, put on the robes of the Wandering Dragon Sect disciple that the servants had brought him the night before, and then walked out of the room.