Using the Body as the Pivot, Receiving Yin and Yang; Blue-Heavens Long Dream; the Courtesan's Bearing

Li Xian immediately drew his sword and practiced the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method," mimicking the moves. With the foundation of the "Great Luo Saber Technique," his sword practice was already quite proficient, and he quickly acquired a certain imposing presence. Although the inn was not spacious, he could barely stretch his arms and legs and unleash his swordplay.

They danced with a whooshing sound.

The Heavenly Pivot Saber Method... Although the name contains the words "Heavenly Pivot," it has nothing to do with celestial phenomena. Instead, it refers to the "pivot of Yin and Yang transformation," and its moves emphasize flexibility and versatility. For example, one strike can be as swift as thunder, while the next can be as gentle as still water.

The moves flow seamlessly from top to bottom, leaving no room for gradual transition. In contrast, swordsmanship is either consistently extremely fierce or consistently extremely gentle. The core principles of a martial art are clear, as can be seen from its very name. There is absolutely no other martial art with such complex variations and self-contradictions.

Sometimes, after mastering a powerful and forceful sword stance, one feels a sense of accomplishment and moves on to a more subtle and gentle stance, also feeling successful. However, when connecting the two stances to form a complete move, one finds it clumsy and awkward. It feels like using both hands and feet, yet the two moves are worlds apart, with no transition between them, making the connection extremely difficult, and one's swordsmanship actually regresses!

Thus, advancing and retreating, remaining stagnant, the spirit of martial arts is worn away and frustrated. This is the very essence of the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method.

Li Xian has already achieved some success in martial arts and has his own understanding of it. After practicing several times according to the martial arts manual, he discovered the problem. Although he is destined to Heaven Rewards Diligence and will definitely improve with practice, he will still ponder the principles of martial arts so that he can progress even faster.

He possessed high comprehension, and with the acquisition of the "Sole-Self Heart Technique," he cultivated a unique mind. Combined with the "Observing Heaven and Earth" characteristic he gained from the "Waning Sun Blood-Draining Sword," his perception of things became clearer and his understanding deeper.

Suddenly, it dawned on him. "This sword technique seems to have had its spinal cord removed, its crucial 'pivot' taken away, causing the moves to appear chaotic and unable to flow smoothly and naturally. The changes seem illogical. This move, ' Better Broken Than Whole,' aims to strike without hesitation, the body moving with the blade to unleash maximum killing power. But the next move, ' Returning Swallow Southward, ' is a light, sideways strike. These two moves, one after the other, are truly perplexing."

"Having Better Broken Than Whole, leaving no room for retreat, a typical swordsmanship technique would inevitably follow with an even more ferocious strike, either ' Heaven and Earth Share Longevity ' or 'a fight to the death.' How could it suddenly transform into ' Returning Swallow Southward '?"

"It's like demanding that a raging flood suddenly calm down, or that a collapsed mountain immediately return to its original state. There's no transition in between, they even contradict each other and conflict with one another. But I only need to find the key point myself, so that the transformation is natural, and that what seems incongruous becomes perfectly natural." He tried to strike and retract his sword, slowly exploring and seeking the mystery within.

Suddenly, his eyes flashed, and he slashed out with his sword, the movement shifting instantly from gentle to fierce.

[You Initiation the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method by using your own body as the pivot!]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

Li Xian wielded his sword several times in succession, displaying heroic spirit. What was a problem for others posed no obstacle for him. He performed his demonstration to his heart's content, then sheathed his sword, his expression one of great satisfaction.

turn out to be...

He pondered deeply and suddenly remembered Wen Caishang's "Four Directions Fist." The fist strikes in all directions. Although this fist technique is crude and was inspired by Wen Caishang's momentary inspiration, the underlying principles are extremely profound.

The techniques of boxing, such as "Guard Left, Strike Right," "defending the front and striking the back," and "defending the west and striking the east," may seem like simple changes in the direction of the punch, but they embody the principle of change. By slightly twisting the body, the force of the punch remains the same, but the direction of the strike is greatly altered, thus creating a surprise attack.

Li Xian suddenly thought: The Four Directions Fist strikes left and right, forward and backward. There is no transition between these moves, making it impossible for the opponent to react. If the fist were used as a knife, wouldn't that be the key missing element of the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method"?

Using the body as the pivot, one can adapt to any situation. No matter how the sword techniques or moves change, how far apart they are, or how contradictory they are... one can do as one pleases. The sword's power can suddenly transform from fierce and ruthless to gentle and yielding. The pivot is in the body, not in the sword. By borrowing from the Four Directions Fist, Li Xian instantly resolved and mastered the most difficult aspect of the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method.

Instant Initiation! Smooth swordplay. And because it involves the principles of "Four Directions Fist," practice will be twice as effective, leading to rapid progress!

Li Xian was full of energy, and the room was filled with the gleam of blades.

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Heavenly Pivot Saber Method]

[Proficiency: 24/500 (Initiation)]

[Description: Taking the body as the pivot, connecting Yin and Yang.]

Li Xian's grasping and striking were precise, and although his swordsmanship was somewhat rough, it was gradually developing a unique charm. The fierceness, softness, hardness, spiciness, speed, slowness, trickiness, and dominance of the sword techniques... all these variations were contained within it. Although this "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method" was a basic martial art, it was actually extremely complete and refined, and its swordsmanship power was also quite remarkable!

However, most of the Gold-Seeking Guard Minor Accomplishment arts expert) failed to grasp the key points. Although they managed to achieve some level of skill, they could not unleash its true power. Yan (another martial arts expert) consistently only used the "fierce" sword technique. The first strike was extremely powerful and intimidating. However, the second, third, and so on gradually became insufficient, turning this sword technique into an unstoppable, relentless advance with no retreat.

It is only used against enemies significantly weaker than oneself. For various reasons, the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method" is greatly underestimated. In reality, the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method" is far superior to ordinary Lower Vehicle sword techniques!

Li Xian thought to himself, "Even if I can't join the Gold-Seeking Guard, gaining this sword technique for free will make the trip worthwhile! Now that I've made progress in the sword technique, let's see how the Stone-Pushing Palm Method next!"

He sheathed his sword and instead took out the "Stone-Pushing Palm Method" to study. He first followed the martial arts manual, comparing the palm techniques, and then performed them all. This palm technique was slow and wooden in its execution. It had no variation whatsoever, and the only thing about the palm was its "sinking" force.

If one were to exchange blows with an opponent in a straightforward, direct exchange, the "Stone-Pushing Palm Method" might have some merit. The weight of the palm strike could overwhelm the opponent's power. However, in a normal, unpredictable fight, relying solely on the "Stone-Pushing Palm Method" would inevitably result in slow movements, making it difficult to defeat the enemy.

The essence of this palm technique lies in the "visualization" contained within the palm. The moves are simple, but one must visualize the action before striking. Imagine pushing a boulder in front of your palm. At first, you may not grasp the key point. Although the palm strike is heavy, the strike itself is effortless. As your martial arts skills improve, the visualization becomes more and more vivid, and it will seem as if there is a real "visualized boulder" in front of you. Each strike will feel like pushing the boulder forward.

It takes a tremendous amount of effort!

The deeper one's skill, the heavier the stone appears when one uses the Stone-Pushing Palm Method! But the moment one successfully pushes the boulder aside and delivers the palm strike, there is an indescribable sense of exhilaration.

Furthermore, prolonged "pushing of the stone" can temper the body and increase strength! The origin of this palm technique is so great that it even surpasses the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method." Li Xian cultivates the "Sole-Self Heart Technique," making his mind more intuitive than ordinary people, and his comprehension is extremely high. He will soon be able to grasp the mystery of this "visualization." Visualize a huge stone blocking his path. Extend your palm to push the stone, as if using "physical strength" and "mental strength" to compete against each other. The two forces, one real and one illusory, resist and generate each other.

Li Xian was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Stone-Pushing Palm Method could train "pure physical strength" and also had a remarkable effect on the cultivation of "The Sole-Self Heart Technique". It could make the mind concentrated and possess the power of "heavy weight".

He sighed, "Jade City truly lives up to its Jade City. This martial art, though only basic, contains profound principles. Yet, in Yu Hai's mouth, such powerful martial arts are utterly disdainful, considered useless."

He loved martial arts as if it were his life. Whenever he learned a martial art, he would not just blindly Appraisal Insight the principles behind it, feel the profound mysteries of the world, and the thoughts of his predecessors. He practiced and comprehended at the same time, feeling and learning at the same time. He treated one part of martial arts as ten parts of practice, and what he gained was naturally far beyond that of others.

Gold-Seeking Guard are mostly scions of prominent families who have been exposed to martial arts since childhood and have mastered all of them. However, they are unaware of the difficulties of martial arts and how rare it is to acquire true skill. Although they are young and Intent-Qi, with impressive martial arts skills and strength, they lack respect, awe, and reverence for martial arts.

Unable to uncover the profound principles of martial arts, one inevitably adopts a superficial and perfunctory approach to martial arts practice. Treating techniques like the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method" and the "Stone-Pushing Palm Method" as mere tasks deviates from the Martial True Intent.

They ignored and disregarded the good intentions behind the three martial arts techniques.

Li Xian delved into the profound principles of martial arts, feeling a sense of joy and satisfaction, his mind and spirit at ease. He was truly immersed in this path.

After practicing for an hour, Li Xian's palm strike suddenly became heavy. He had entered the "Initiation" stage of the Stone-Pushing Palm Method, and the visualized stone had been formed.

[You've practiced the stone-pushing meditation, strengthened your body and refined your spirit, and Initiation of the Stone-Pushing Palm Method!]

[Proficiency +1]

[Stone-Pushing Palm Method]

[Proficiency: 2/500]

Li Xian mastered two martial arts techniques in one night. Initiation, he stopped and moved on to practice a third martial art, "The Body of Suffering".

Li Xian thought to himself, "The first two martial arts techniques are not as simple as they seem. This ' Body of Suffering must also have something to be explored. It's still early, so I need to study it diligently. If all goes well, I can figure it out tonight, and then I'll only need to put in the hard work!"

Greatly interested and excited, he exhaled a breath of fresh air to cleanse himself, then lay on the bed and carefully studied the annotations in the martial arts manual. The manual, titled "The Suffering Body Scripture Body of Suffering," was named for the excruciating pain and acupuncture needles that pierced his body during its practice.

Li Xian had already skimmed through it once, and now he was reading it carefully word by word, while trying to circulate the "Suffering Body Scripture" and personally experience its various mysteries. Gradually, he realized that the Suffering Body Scripture was a "method of mastery"!

The human body has eight extraordinary meridians, complex and as magnificent as the heavens and earth. Martial arts training cultivates internal Inner Steam, which is then Heavenly Cycle Circulation, locking in Qi and Blood, and solidifying the body. Only then does one begin to qualify to compete with the Heaven and Earth Essence.

The body resembles heaven and earth. Bones are like mountains, blood is like rivers. Acupoints can be seen as fortified cities.

Just as there are places rich in water resources and places that suffer from drought and fail to harvest, so too are the meridians that circulate throughout the body. When practicing martial arts, the body's Inner Steam is activated and circulated through acupoints and meridians.

However, after practicing martial arts for a long time, it gradually became a habit. The route of transportation became singular. It was like a caravan of merchants who traveled between Qingning County and the prefectural city for many years. After figuring out the route of merchants, they rarely changed their way.

Practicing martial arts and cultivating exceptional skills becomes a habit. When executing a martial art, the internal energy flows naturally through acupoints and meridians without conscious thought, resulting in smooth execution of moves. However, if other acupoints and meridians are not properly Inner Steam, they easily become stagnant and overgrown with weeds. Furthermore, during combat, if several key acupoints are sealed, the internal energy flow immediately ceases, significantly reducing strength. The "Suffering Body Scripture" is essentially a method of internal energy cultivation, forcing exceptional skills to traverse these stagnant meridians.

He became familiar with the intricate pathways within his body, and with his physical constitution. The process was painful, with throbbing pain in his meridians and a pricking sensation throughout his body. However, the benefits were immense! It was said that all three martial arts techniques were extraordinary!

The benefits of practicing it are immeasurable.

Li Xian's gaze was firm. He knew that although he was confident, one month was still too short to learn three martial arts techniques! Moreover, he had to be on duty and do his studies during the day, leaving him no time to practice martial arts.

Only at night could he stay up all night practicing martial arts. Li Xian thought to himself, "These three martial arts are all difficult in themselves, and mastering them is not easy. I am destined to Heaven Rewards Diligence by Heaven, making progress step by step. If I had enough time, even mastering them to Major Accomplishment, or even reaching Perfection and the Peak Mastery, wouldn't be difficult. But I only have one month; I can't reach the sky in one step. So I can only use more time and go further!"

"From this day forward, for the next month, I will remain sleepless, thoroughly practicing the three martial arts techniques, and serving in the field during the day. In this way, I will do my utmost to achieve my goals! Tonight, I will rest well and recharge my energy!"

Li Xian cleared his mind and stopped his martial arts practice. He exhaled a breath of pure air, cleansing himself of all impurities. Five Organs Turbidity Circulation and training his mind for a while, he emptied his thoughts and fell into a deep sleep. He slept soundly and deeply that night.

The next day, before dawn, Li Xian woke up on time and saw that it was still dark. But the market vendors were already setting up their stalls and working to make a living. He was shaken, washed his face with a basin of cold water, and shook himself awake.

Li Xian clenched his fists, his focus now set on perfect concentration. He would train diligently in martial arts until he achieved mastery!

After a quick shower and donning a bronze mask, Li Xian headed to Marquis Wu Station. The Gold-Seeking Guard had already assembled at the drill ground, and Li Xian followed them, standing at the very back. Among the Gold-Seeking Guard, the Cavalier, numbering about three thousand, mainly responsible for city defense and guard duties, and obeying orders. Further up were the "Gold Steward," who had more freedom and had begun to have the authority to lead troops.

In yesterday's polo match, both the black-clad and red-clad teams held the position of "Gold Steward." Yu Hai was also in this position.

Above Jin Chang is the "Lang Jiang" (郎将). Already a figure of considerable stature, even within Yucheng, he is a significant figure. The "Lei Chong" we encountered that day held this position. Moving further up is Xu Shaoqian's "Zhong Lang Jiang" (中郎将). He can freely deploy a section of the Jianjin Guard, wielding considerable power of life and death. Anyone threatening the safety of Yucheng can be eliminated first. Yucheng is vast, and the Jianjin Guard's "Wuhoupu" (武侯铺) serves as a garrison. The "Twenty-One" market districts beside Xifeng Street comprise three "Da Wuhoupu" (大武侯铺), fifteen "Zhong Wuhoupu" (中武侯铺), and thirty-four "Xiao Wuhoupu" (小武侯铺).

The Grand Marquis Wu Station has 3,000 troops, the Mid-Marquis Wu Station has 400 troops, and the Small Marquis Wu Station has dozens of troops.

Li Xian's Marquis Wu Station, was officially named "Westwind Street-End Marquis Wu Station," one of the three Grand Marquis Wu Station. The Cavalier were responsible for patrolling the streets, guarding the city gates, patrolling the fields, and dispatching constables...

It's very simple.

And so began the first day of duty. Li Xian, who Bodyless and no particular assignments, followed a group of guards to patrol the "Wildwood Mountain" of Gold Ingot Ward. The Gold-Seeking Guard accompanying him were all dressed in python and tiger robes, looking imposing and distinguished, with swords on their left and orders hanging on their right.

His patrols were like a tiger among sheep. The mere sight of him drew the attention of the people, who quickly gave him a wide berth. As he passed shops, shopkeepers came out, bowing and greeting him obsequiously, addressing him as "Official" and "Soldier" with utmost flattery.

The Gold-Seeking Guard Cavalier, Li Jian, noticed an extra person at the back of the group. The man was of impressive build, wore a mask, and remained silent. He had been leading the group, but suddenly stepped aside, letting the second person lead the way. Reaching the back of the group, he asked, "Newcomer?"

Li Xian said, "That's right." Li Jian asked, "Why aren't you wearing armor? What's your name?"

Li Xian told him the truth. Upon learning that Li Jian also shared the surname "Li," Li Xian's expression brightened considerably, and he exclaimed, "How rare! You also share the surname Li! The Li surname is quite uncommon among the Gold-Seeking Guard."

Li Xian knew that there was no "prominent Li family" in Jade City, so there were very few people with the Gold-Seeking Guard. Li Jian came from an ordinary background and barely made it into Gold-Seeking Guard after going through a tough selection process. He rarely encountered anyone with the surname "Li". This sudden encounter, although it was just a simple case of sharing the same surname, made him feel especially close to them.

Li Jian's gaze fell on the bronze mask, and he curiously asked why Li Xian wore it. Li Xian remembered Yao Yin's instructions to conceal his face to reduce trouble, but he was getting annoyed by the constant questioning. He thought, "I need to think of a way to stop people from asking why I wear a mask." He replied, "I have a facial ailment that makes me ugly, and I'm ashamed to show myself."

The first member of the patrol, Gold-Seeking Guard Bai Zhenglong, said, "I guessed it was the same. If it weren't for the unspeakable ugliness, people would probably laugh at me. Who would wear a mask while patrolling the streets?"

Li Jian patted Li Xian on the shoulder and said, "We men value strength and responsibility. What does it matter if we're ugly? When we achieve success, wealth and beauty will be plentiful."

Li Xian agreed, saying, "Brother Li Jian is absolutely right!"

The purpose of the Gold-Seeking Guard's street patrols was to exert deterrence. Local affairs, both large and small, were managed by the Fangzheng Office. Above that, the county government governed, and the Gold-Seeking Guard had no responsibility for those matters.

Today's duty was easy. After arriving at Wildwood Mountain, I patrolled the area along the way. If there was no threat to Jade City's safety, I returned to rest and head back. If I felt thirsty while passing by a shop, I could go in for a drink. The shop owners would be extremely grateful and welcoming.

Occasionally, one might even encounter a woman throwing herself into his arms. The Gold-Seeking Guard, men of exceptional stature, their armor gleaming against their bodies, walked the streets with an imposing air, naturally attracting the attention of women. Furthermore, if one were to Gold-Seeking Guard and become their lover, the local constables and yamen runners would never dare to deceive them.

Gold-Seeking Guard does not have jurisdiction over the neighborhood constables or yamen runners, they can still arrest anyone who "threatens the safety of Jade City." With a little punishment, even if they don't die, they will be severely punished.

Therefore, the local constables and yamen runners feared him like a tiger, while the common people admired and flattered him.

It was nearly noon, Gold-Seeking Guard's duty was drawing to a close. He hurried back to Marquis Wu Station, crossing a street along the way.

In the middle of the street, a second-floor window suddenly opened. A red silk ribbon slowly floated down. Bai Zhenglong leaped up, snatched the ribbon, and sniffed it. The woman's fragrance was overwhelming.

Bai Zhenglong's expression faltered. A soft giggle came from the second floor of the pavilion.

A woman in a red dress, her shoulders bare, dressed alluringly, her face meticulously made up with powder and rouge, beckoned to Bai Zhenglong and called out in a sweet voice, "Bai Lang, you rascal, passing by my place, why don't you come in and sit down?"

Bai Zhenglong laughed and scolded, "...", then tucked the silk into his chest and glanced sideways at Li Jian.

Li Jian said, "Everyone must be tired after patrolling this far. Take a break and do some light exercise! But we still have lessons to do at noon, so we can't be late." Bai Zhenglong laughed heartily, cupped his hands to Li Jian, then looked at the pretty young woman on the second floor and said, "You little brat, let's see how I teach you a lesson." He quickly went upstairs.

This building houses a flower shop, which makes money by selling flowers and plants. The owner of the flower shop is a beautiful woman, whom the neighbors call "Flower Lady," and her beauty is renowned throughout the neighborhood.

Li Jian sighed softly, sat down with Li Xian on a stone bench by the street, and said, "As you've seen, the Gold-Seeking Guard has no shortage of women throwing themselves at you." He then added thoughtfully, "Although you are ugly and dare not show your face, your figure is exceptionally beautiful. After patrolling the streets a few times, women will surely offer you advances, but the closer you get to that point, the more you must resist."

A "Wang Gold-Seeking Guard" said, "That sounds nice, but Captain Li, you've always kept yourself pure and upright. You're probably just waiting to be noticed by some Lineage lady so she'll take you in as a son-in-law, aren't you?"

Li Jian frowned but did not answer. It turned out that Gold-Seeking Guard who patrolled the streets were highly sought after, and if they wanted, they would never lack beautiful lovers. That Flower Lady, who ran a flower shop, was quite wealthy, yet she still willingly became Bai Zhenglong's lover.

Some admired his physique and bearing, while others sought his protection. Li Jian, of ordinary background, did indeed harbor thoughts of marrying into his family. Seeing that Li Xian's situation was similar to his own, he advised her to maintain her integrity so that she could still strive for advancement.

Li Xian bowed and thanked him. Li Jian nodded slightly. Bai Zhenglong went upstairs to meet his lover, while the guards waited idly in the street. However, because Bai Zhenglong came from a distinguished family, they dared not offend him.

Half an hour later, Bai Zhenglong's cheeks were smeared with rouge, and there were red marks on his neck. His clothes and armor were slightly disheveled as he hurriedly left the brothel. The Flower Lady giggled and leaned against the side railing to see him off.

Due to the delay, they returned to Marquis Wu Station a little late. At noon, the class began, and the Gold-Seeking Guard set up the "Four-Four Killing Formation" to hone their formation skills and teamwork. Because of his special status, Li Xian did not participate in the formation practice.

During this time, Li Xian finally had some free time. He chose a secluded spot to practice his "Stone-Pushing Palm Method." He visualized a huge rock blocking his way, and with a powerful push of his arms, a loud "bang" was heard. He visualized the rock being pushed over, and the force of his palm strike in that instant was astonishing!

[Sole-Self Heart Technique Proficiency +1]

[Stone-Pushing Palm Method Proficiency +1]

Li Xian struck out again, visualizing the boulder sinking a little more, requiring even greater force to push it. He practiced this repeatedly, under the scorching midday sun, pushing down the boulder "fifteen times," increasing his proficiency by [23] points.

Both strength and willpower have been tempered; the progress, though small, is tangible and visible!

Li Xian studied diligently, making the most of every spare moment. He accumulated knowledge bit by bit, like water dripping on a stone.

And so, the first day passed. Li Xian made his first public appearance and was gradually noticed by the Gold-Seeking Guard. However, because they had little interaction, no trouble ensued. Li Xian used his spare time to practice martial arts. His proficiency in the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method Technique increased[59], his proficiency in the Stone-Pushing Palm Method increased[42], and his proficiency in the Suffering Body Scripture increased[31].

The harvest was plentiful, and by evening, each person could receive a portion of "Essence Soup." Li Xian drank the Essence Soup, which originally contained "fourteen strands" of Heaven and Earth Essence, but after Consumption, it was strengthened to twenty-six strands. Seven strands dissipated, and nineteen strands were retained.

Li Xian was starving, but nourished by the "Heaven and Earth Essence," he digested it extremely quickly. Several strands had already been absorbed. The Heaven and Earth Essence seeped into his bones, slowly transforming his body.

A cool sensation spread throughout my body, an indescribable feeling of comfort.

After finishing his shift, Li Xian returned to the inn. He closed the door and immediately began practicing the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method," "Stone-Pushing Palm Method," and "Suffering Body Scripture," determined not to sleep again.

Such intense training of martial arts lasted for three days in the blink of an eye. Although Li Xian was full of energy, he was gradually becoming somewhat fatigued. Fortunately, the results were remarkable, and his three martial arts skills made steady progress.

Li Xian drank a bowl of Essence Soup every day, and the benefits were truly boundless. He diligently practiced three martial arts techniques daily, and the Heaven and Earth Essence was digested very quickly. He drank the soup in the evening, and by noon the next day, it was all digested.

He practiced martial arts daily and drank Essence Soup, which aided his digestion. The month passed by in this meticulous, gradual manner, day after day.

By the fifth day, Li Xian had Proficiency the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method," "Suffering Body Scripture," and "Stone-Pushing Palm Method"! He felt deeply benefited, his spirits were lifted, and he was even more determined to move forward.

The sixth day, the seventh day, the eighth day...

As time went on, the Gold-Seeking Guard) gradually took notice of Li Xian. Knowing his special identity and that he wasn't a true Gold-Seeking Guard, they couldn't help but mock and despise him. Rumors of Li Xian's strange ailment and ugly appearance somehow began to circulate. Several unruly Gold-Seeking Guard used this to ridicule and tease him. Li Xian ignored them completely, even enjoying the spread of the rumors, and resolutely continued on his path.

The tenth day, the twelfth day... without rest, making progress every day!

Now, on the seventeenth day...

As soon as Li Xian entered the training ground, he noticed something amiss. Gold-Seeking Guard and the others were excited, exchanging pleasantries, their conversation revealing that Marquis Wu Station was suddenly hosting a polo tournament that day. Central Lang General Xu Shaoqian would be personally participating, and the most beautiful courtesan from Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower had been invited to watch the match! Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower, a wonder of the world. And its most beautiful courtesan—such a sight to behold!