Fan Sheng continued to raise his voice to gather momentum, "Can't you see the imposing presence of the monument the Imperial Court erected for my junior brother?"
The officials from Yanshan Prefecture, and all the gentlemen from the county who accompanied him, are they all here? That was a merit earned by my junior brother with his life on the line! Now that my junior brother is incredibly lucky and has survived a great calamity, you've all picked a perfect time to come and show off your power!
As he spoke, he pointed towards Deng Qing, "This is my Junior Brother Deng Qing! Before he went to Liangshan, few of the younger generation in Everjoy County dared to lay a hand on him. Wasn't Monk Tang formidable? And who killed him in the end?"
The young man, whose face was swollen on one side, who had been glaring, unconsciously took two steps back.
The people in the Shared Joy Hall also looked at Deng Qing Deng Qing, as they had naturally heard of his name.
Martial arts schools always love to talk about famous local Martial Artist when teaching students. Celebration Hall has produced such a figure, so Shared Joy Hall can't avoid the topic even if they want to.
Moreover, the matter of the Imperial Court erecting a monument was known throughout the city at the time.
"Isn't this person too thin? Is he practicing some kind of evil magic?"
Many people began to have doubts.
Seeing everyone's reactions, Fan Sheng felt a surge of pent-up frustration finally dissipate. "Now that he's returned from Liangshan, I don't even know how much he's Senior Brother. If you think you're good enough, feel free to come up and try!"
The room fell silent.
The group of the Shared Joy Hall members who had previously blocked the courtyard gate had quietly made way for each other.
The short-bearded man leading the Shared Joy Hall was named Cao Yan. He scrutinized Deng Qing's face for a while, then suddenly stared at Fan Sheng and said loudly, " Fan Sheng, are you trying to fool me? This brother is so thin, and you're telling me he's a master?"
Fan Sheng glared at him. "Would I be so bored as to try and trick you with something like this? Whether you're lying or not, go up and ask me for a few tips!"
Fan Sheng knew that Deng Qing's condition was not good, so he didn't expect him to fight. He just wanted to use Deng Qing's reputation to quell the situation.
Cao Yan snorted coldly, not daring to accept the challenge. After all, he had heard of Deng Qing's reputation and knew he was a formidable character.
Deng Qing understood the deeper meaning behind Fan Sheng's bluff, shook off Jiang Jie and Yang Tong, and strode forward.
Although he was thin and dressed in tattered clothes, his bright eyes held a hidden brilliance that made people dare not underestimate him.
Deng Qing faced the group of Martial Artist from the Shared Joy Hall directly, neither questioning nor making any gestures. His gaze swept across their faces, finally settling on Cao Yan.
Cao Yan felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze and was about to speak when Deng Qing put his hands behind his back. "The matter Shared Joy Hall and my Celebration Hall is just a few words of argument, why make such a fuss?"
I'm tired of fighting at Liangshan, I don't want to fight anymore. Let's call it a day, everyone, go home."
Cao Yan frowned deeply.
He came here today intending to stir up trouble and bolster Shared Joy Hall's reputation once again, but little did he expect to run into this guy whose name was inscribed on a monument by the Imperial Court.
He couldn't tell what level of cultivation Deng Qing had, but he had seen the huge monument outside the city.
After a moment's thought, Cao Yan clasped his hands and said, "We have long heard of Brother Deng's illustrious reputation. Since Brother Deng has spoken, we will not disturb you any longer."
Having said that, he waved his hand behind him and prepared to lead his team back.
Fan Sheng could barely contain his grin. My junior brother is invincible!
Deng Qing also breathed a sigh of relief.
Just then, a voice suddenly shouted, "Where are you going?"
A Burly Man squeezed out from the crowd.
This man had a short, thick neck, broad shoulders and back, and his arms swung around, giving him a rather imposing air.
He shoved aside his fellow disciples blocking his way, his face full of indignation. " Senior Brother Cao, our people were beaten by the Celebration Hall, and you think you can just say a few words and call it a day?"
The speaker, nicknamed Hao Dadanr, was the most straightforward person in the Shared Joy Hall.
Cao Yan frowned. " Hao Dadanr, take it back."
Hao Dadan didn't move, staring at Deng Qing and said, "We both have two shoulders and one head. You're so skinny, how could I not beat you? Go ahead and take me down if you dare!"
Deng Qing frowned. Just when he was about to successfully steal the winnings in the card game, this guy suddenly appeared!
Fan Sheng was also shocked and stared at Cao Yan, saying, " Cao Yan, if you're going to go, go yourself. What are you doing here with a lowly soldier causing trouble?"
" Hao Dadan!"
Cao Yan's voice turned stern, "You have no right to speak here. Come back with me!"
" Senior Brother Cao, you may be afraid of him, but I'm not."
Hao Dadan patted his chest and said, "My father plays Three Kings. People say that surrendering can reduce the losses, but even if my hand is bad, I will fight to the end. I don't believe that a skinny guy who can be blown away by the wind has any amazing skills."
At worst, I'll lose this bet and get beaten so badly I'll be bedridden for ten days or half a month.
Cao Yan was so angry that his face turned pale. He thought to himself, "I should have known better than to bring this blockhead along."
The onlookers started making a fuss, all hoping that Deng Qing would take action.
After all, Deng Qing's reputation has risen too fast in the past year, almost to the point of being legendary, yet very few people have actually seen him in action.
Deng Qing remained unmoved, displaying the demeanor of a superior man, and stared at Hao Dadan, saying, "Young man, don't be so arrogant. If I make a move, I will surely kill someone. I have no grudge against you, so why would I want your life?"
If you're not satisfied, I'll lend you this thing for a few days. Take it back and find out its story.
As she spoke, Deng Qing reached into her collar and took out the pendant from her neck.
The talisman hung on the rope, and as he gently swayed it, the patterns and characters on it were clearly discernible.
Hao Dadan was baffled. "Why are you showing this? What story could there be? Are you trying to fool me?"
"Step back!"
A sharp shout exploded in Hao Dadan's ears.
Cao Yan suddenly took a step forward and Hao Dadan back.
Before Hao Dadan could speak, Cao Yan slammed him to the ground, sending him sprawling face-first into the mud.
Cao Yan solemnly cupped his hands to Deng Qing, "We were presumptuous. Brother Deng, please be magnanimous and don't take offense at this fool. We have troubled you greatly today, so we will take our leave now."
" Senior Brother Cao, what's wrong with you...?"
Hao Dadan had just gotten up when Cao Yan grabbed him by the collar and dragged him outside. "Shut up, come back with me!"
The disciples of the Shared Joy Hall hurriedly followed, and in the blink of an eye, the once noisy courtyard became quiet.
The boys from the Celebration Hall looked at each other, and when they looked at Deng Qing again, their eyes were filled with more respect.
After leaving Celebration Hall and walking down a street, Cao Yan finally let go of Hao Dadan.
Hao Dadan swung his arm, his face full of resentment.
Someone couldn't help but ask, " Senior Brother Cao, what exactly is that thing? Why did you react so strongly the moment you saw it...?"
Cao Yan glared at Hao Dadan, who looked defiant, and said, "That's the token of Eighth-Rank Commandant!"
Everyone was taken aback.
" Eighth-Rank Commandant?"
"Good."
Cao Yan said, "With such a status, even when meeting the county magistrate, one only needs to bow, and the magistrate will have to return the greeting. Do you really think he's just an ordinary martial arts school disciple?"
Everyone was stunned.
They practiced martial arts all day long in the martial arts school, and they would always be polite to the County Yamen Runner when they encountered them.
As for the high-ranking officials in the county, they were people who were extremely rare to meet.
As for the county magistrate, he was a powerful figure who wielded considerable influence in the region.
That young man, so thin his clothes couldn't even fill out, actually possessed an eighth-grade talisman.
One of them swallowed hard and asked, " Senior Brother Cao, is this talisman really that rare?"
It depends on the person.
Cao Yan said, "For the sons of wealthy and powerful families, it's not too difficult. But what is Deng Qing's background? Haven't you heard of him?"
The others had naturally heard of it.
Celebration Hall uses Deng Qing as its flagship brand, and what it loves to talk about most is his humble origins.
"For someone so poor they can't even get enough to eat to receive Imperial Court honor and this token, they must have gone through countless trials and tribulations."
Cao Yan looked at Hao Dadan and said, "You may not believe the reputation others spread, but surely the Imperial Court's seal couldn't have been carved by Fan Sheng in the Back Courtyard?"
Hao Dadan's face flushed red, but he still stubbornly insisted, "Just because someone holds an official position doesn't mean they have real skills. I just wanted to spar with him, I didn't..."
Before he could finish speaking, he was kicked in the back of the knee.
Cao Yan kicked him, making him stumble, and pointed at him, cursing, "If you're looking for death, next time go sneakily! Don't drag everyone down with you!"
Hao Dadan rubbed his sore spot and finally stopped arguing.
Someone else asked, "But the orders from above were to bankrupt Celebration Hall. Given the current situation, how should we respond?"
Cao Yan snorted coldly, "We've done all we can. Now that an Eighth-Rank Commandant has returned, this matter is beyond our control."
If the higher-ups still want it done, they'll naturally send someone else. Whoever has the ability can handle it; we're not going to risk it.
Back in the Back Courtyard of the Celebration Hall, Fan Sheng wiped his sweat and let out a long breath. "Junior brother, we owe you a lot this time, otherwise we wouldn't have made it through this."
As he spoke, his gaze fell on Deng Qing's collar, and he held out his hand, "Bring me that talisman from earlier, let your Senior Brother take a look."
Deng Qing took off the pendant and handed it over.
Fan Sheng held the item in his palm, examining it several times before exclaiming in amazement, "Eighth rank? I remember Master only reached the ninth rank. Yours is truly remarkable."
He glanced at Fu Xin, then at Deng Qing, feeling rather proud.
Deng Qing took the pendant and put it back on. " Senior Brother, let's not talk about that now. What happened to the thing I asked you to inquire about? Where are the supplies stored at the Front Line now, and how can we retrieve them?"
Fan Sheng looked embarrassed. "We've made some progress. The item is in the Honored Soldiers Hall in Yanshan Prefecture."
Deng Qing's spirits lifted. "Then what are we waiting for?"
"Let me finish speaking first."
Fan Sheng pulled up a stool and sat down opposite him. " The Honored Soldiers Hall has regulations; for the deceased, you need a cancellation certificate and Blood Token."
Those who are alive can obtain it by presenting their household registration certificate and Blood Token.
Now that you're back to life and have reappeared, trying to retrieve your inventory with the account closure document could easily cause you big trouble.
So, we need to reinstate your household registration first; I'm already working on that."
Deng Qing frowned. "Why are you still running? I'm back now, shouldn't it be easy to reinstate my household registration?"
"The person is back, but we still have to go through the procedures."
Fan Sheng spoke, he also felt frustrated, "In the past, we could have easily gotten things done by simply making a call. But now that Celebration Hall has gone downhill, all sorts of monsters and demons have emerged."
As the saying goes, "It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings."
Deng Qing frowned as she listened, knowing that the thing she couldn't afford to delay right now was recuperating.
"I can't wait any longer."
Deng Qing waved his hand and said, "Let's take it two ways. My Senior Brother will continue to help me with the county government housing, and we'll find another way to get some money to recover first."
Fan Sheng spread his hands, "At most, I can only scrape together two or three taels. I really can't come up with any more."
Deng Qing understood Fan Sheng's difficulties perfectly. After a moment's thought, he said, " Song Que, shall we go find Song Que of the Golden Saber Sect in Dongting County?"
Aren't you mortal enemies?
Fan Sheng was completely baffled.
Deng Qing said, "That's ancient history. We got along well in the Desolate Soil, and Sect Leader Song of the Golden Saber Sect thinks highly of me. If you pass on a message for me, borrowing a few hundred taels won't be difficult."
Fan Sheng sighed and said, " The Golden Saber Sect has closed."
What happened?
Deng Qing felt that it was right for her to stay home lately; how could she have relied on mountains only to have them crumble and houses to collapse?
Fan Sheng said, "The True Yang Martial Sect True Yang Martial Sect has been reprimanded, and the martial arts schools under its system are having a hard time. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing for the Song Family."
After Song Que and his companions made contributions at Liangshan, True Yang Martial Sect took Song Que, Song Que Chen Kong, and others into his fold.
With the leader gone, the subordinates naturally went their separate ways. The Golden Saber Sect has now vanished like smoke.
Deng Qing thought of Li Cheng again; their parting in the Desolate Soil last time had been somewhat unpleasant.
But he believed that Li Cheng wouldn't be so petty.
Before he could speak, Fan Sheng cut off his own words. " Li Cheng is no longer in Everjoy County either."
The Li Family's mansion in Everjoy County has been locked up for more than half a year. Don't be fooled by the fact that their ancestral home is in Yanshan Prefecture and they still have businesses here; they've already expanded outwards long ago."
Deng Qing frowned and said, " Xiao Jinglin, the young master of the Xiao Family of Maoling, is a friend I made in Liangshan. Senior Brother, please send a letter to Maoling for me as soon as possible. I'll write the letter; you find a safe way to get it out quickly."
Fan Sheng nodded, "Okay, I'll take care of it."
Before he could finish speaking, Deng Qing's stomach rumbled. "Look at me, I just woke up and you dragged me out. I haven't eaten yet."
Fan Sheng quickly got up and went out to call for help.
Before long, a large plate of cornbread was brought in, along with a bowl of hot soup.
Deng Qing grabbed one and popped it into her mouth, eating it very quickly.
After finishing more than a dozen cornbread buns, Deng Qing picked up the soup bowl and drank it all.
He put down the bowl and glanced at the empty plate again.
Fan Sheng knew he wasn't full. "Junior brother, just make do for now. Go back to your room and lie down. I'll figure out how to get you a full meal."
Deng Qing waved his hand and went back to his room. At this moment, he really didn't dare to practice boxing, as it would be a waste of calories.
He practiced his Wasteland Baleful Intent for a while in the room, cleaned up the filth, and then lay down to sleep.
Deng Qing didn't know how long she had slept, but suddenly she moved her nose, and a fishy smell entered her nasal cavity.
Deng Qing opened her eyes. There was the sound of chopping wood outside, and Fan Sheng coughing.
He put on his shoes, got out of bed, and went out the door.
A large pot had been set up in the yard at some point, with several stones piled underneath and dry firewood stacked on top.
Flames licked the bottom of the pot, crackling and popping, as billowing steam rose.
Fan Sheng squatted in front of the stove, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and was using a twig to stir the fire.
Deng Qing took a few more steps forward and saw the soup boiling in the pot, with sections of white intestines floating to the surface, several pieces of pig liver sandwiched among them, and a large piece of lung squeezed around the edge of the pot.
It turned out to be a huge pot of Pig Offal.
Deng Qing's eyes widened immediately.
Fan Sheng looked up and saw his expression, then smiled bitterly, "I really had no other choice, so I went to find Wu Yun. The two or three taels of silver we have aren't enough to buy any good tonics. But we could buy a whole bunch of Pig Offal."
He placed the wooden spoon on the rim of the pot. "Junior brother, this is the way you came. You won't mind, will you?"
Deng Qing stared at the bubbling Offal in the pot, almost wanting to look up to the sky and sigh.
God the hell came from here!
Before I mastered martial arts, I ate this. Now that Grand Mastery mastered it, am I still going to eat this? Wouldn't all my martial arts training have been for nothing?
Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, Fan Sheng frowned. "Are you going to eat or not? If you really don't want to eat, I'll have someone carry it to the Land God Temple and divide it up. We can't let it go to waste."
Even a dog wouldn't eat this stuff.
Fan Sheng sighed.
Deng Qing gritted his teeth. "If the dog won't eat it, I'll eat it."
After saying that, he went to find a bowl.
Fan Sheng was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and scolded, "You're just going to keep your mouth shut."
Before long, a steaming pot of Pig Offal was placed in front of Deng Qing.
He didn't care about the way he came, and buried his head in his food. After only a couple of bites, he looked up and glared at Fan Sheng, "Please, Senior Brother, you can rest from now on. I'll cook my Offal."
And so, Deng Qing resumed his life of eating Pig Offal and practicing martial arts.
In the past, these things would have been of little help to him at the Bone-Forging Realm. Even if he ate until his belly was round, it wouldn't be as good as a single good Medicinal Pills.
But his current body is severely depleted.
Pig Offal doesn't have any miraculous effects, but it's full of fat and calories.
If you eat it in big gulps, and then have it processed and refined by the Devour Heaven Scripture, at least this emaciated body can be restored to normal.
After making up for three days in a row, that evening, as usual, he closed the door and sat cross-legged on the bed.
The heat in his stomach had not yet dissipated, so Deng Qing calmed his mind and continued to circulate the Devour Heaven Scripture to refine the food.
After completing one Heavenly Cycle cultivation, a clear ray of Clear Radiance flashed before his eyes.
Deng Qing shuddered, nearly dissipating the little bit of Qi-Blood he had just gathered.
He quickly calmed himself down and looked closely; the long-lost lines of text finally reappeared.
Heaven Helps Those Who Help Themselves; No Effort Is Wasted.
[Realm: Bone Tempering Third Layer (68%)]
[ The Devour Heaven Scripture: Grand Mastery (62%)]
[ Elephant-Throwing Method: Perfected Mastery (80%)]
[ Collapse Step: Grand Mastery (62%)]
[ Mystic Wasteland Baleful Blood: Baleful Intent Condensation (17%)]
Deng Qing looked at the text almost greedily, reading it from top to bottom, item by item, and then from bottom to top again.
When her gaze fell on the last line again, Deng Qing could not hide her joy.
Baleful Intent Condensation!
Huang Changhe's Mystic Wasteland Baleful Blood was indeed not absorbed in vain.
Just as he was about to take a closer look, the writing on the panel suddenly flashed.
The originally clear text gradually faded, with some parts even disappearing halfway, before slowly reappearing.
Deng Qing's heart tightened, and she quickly composed herself and steadied her breathing.
After a moment, he seemed to realize that it was probably due to his poor physical condition.
Since that's the case, what else is there to say? Just keep eating!
For the next few days, the pot in the Back Courtyard of the Celebration Hall was almost never cold.