Coercion

Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "Let's not demonstrate it today."

What are you afraid of?

Elder Han laughed, "Are you afraid of making a fool of yourself while practicing? If you make a mistake, I'll point it out for you. If you're afraid of even that, what's the point of practicing? Come, come, quickly step down and show me."

Unable to refuse, Deng Qing walked to the center of the field. After standing still, he turned and a leaf flew up, and he was already on the other side of the courtyard. With another turn, he seemed to flash around the stone bench and returned to his original position.

This journey, with its advances and retreats, its twists and turns, possessed a certain elegance reminiscent of the bright moon and flowing wind, and with each step, it drew a circle with a diameter of seven or eight zhang.

Clearly, Deng Qing had held back.

It's meant to demonstrate to senior colleagues, not to show off in front of them.

Otherwise, with his current abilities, drawing a circle with a diameter of fifteen zhang would not be difficult for him if he exerted his full strength.

Elder Han nodded repeatedly, "Not bad, you've made progress. It seems you haven't been slacking off these past few days."

However, I have a feeling you're just fooling me, not using your full strength."

Before he finished speaking, he moved swiftly and appeared in front of Deng Qing, his five fingers gripping Deng Qing's shoulder.

Deng Qing's heart skipped a beat, and her feet moved first.

Elder Han wiped the corner of his clothes, while Deng Qing had already moved to the other side of the stone table.

"Good lad! You've certainly hidden a sharp edge. I'll have to test your mettle."

Elder Han let out a soft whistle, spun around, and grabbed at it again.

Deng Qing shifted his body slightly, and he darted out from under the shadow of the tree.

Both of them naturally used the Collapse Step, one in front of the other, transforming into two afterimages that swirled around the courtyard.

"Not bad, not bad, it's getting quite good."

Elder Han repeatedly missed his target, yet he still stubbornly offered his comments.

"Senior, is that enough?"

"What's the rush? Let's go again! I refuse to believe I can't catch you!"

As they were talking, Elder Han suddenly changed direction, no longer chasing after Deng Qing's figure. Instead, he cut off Deng Qing 'Deng Qing path and was about to grab him when Deng Qing paused, swept across the courtyard, and stopped behind an old tree.

Elder Han turned around and chased after him again, his eyes deep, because Deng Qing's step just now had already covered more than ten feet.

"You little rascal, still daring to hide your talents!"

With a shout, Elder Han transformed into a streak of light and chased after Deng Qing.

However, no matter how fast he sped up or changed his moves, Deng Qing was like an elusive streak of light, impossible to catch.

Finally, Elder Han jumped away and stood still.

Deng Qing also stopped his practice and bowed respectfully from a distance.

He never intended to hide his abilities; he was simply trying to gradually pique Elder Han's curiosity, getting him to use his full strength so that he could then reveal his own skills.

The reason is simple: at this juncture, there's no point in him hiding his abilities.

On the contrary, those who display talent are more likely to receive preferential treatment in terms of resources from these senior figures.

The courtyard, which had been bustling for a while, quieted down, with a few fallen leaves that the two had stirred up still swirling in the air.

Elder Han glared at Deng Qing for a long time before finally saying, "You brat, you're absolutely infuriating! You've only been practicing for a short time, and you've already surpassed me! Is there no justice in this world?"

Deng Qing cupped his hands in greeting, "Junior..."

"Shut up!"

Elder Han pointed to the courtyard gate, "I don't want to hear your boasting. Go, get out of here quickly, I want some peace and quiet."

Deng Qing thought to himself, "I told you I wouldn't practice, but you insisted. Now that I'm practicing, you're going to break through my defenses again."

He said, "Senior, why are you, a great scholar, getting angry with someone as insignificant as me? I've only benefited from my hard work and diligent study."

"You need to study divination and ponder the profound principles of the universe; where do you find the time to practice this all day?"

Elder Han's tightly furrowed brows smoothed slightly. "That makes more sense."

"I'm just too easily distracted. If I could concentrate on practicing this movement Movement Technique, how could I possibly lose to you?"

"That's natural."

Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "I was purely taking advantage of the situation."

Elder Han glared at him again, then turned and called down the corridor, "Someone, bring tea!"

Before long, tea and fruit were placed on the stone table.

Elder Han sat down again, then suddenly laughed, "That's true, but you are indeed quite capable, lad."

Deng Qing was about to speak modestly when Elder Han waved his hand and said, "No need for such nonsense. To reach this level in the Collapse Step, one cannot achieve it simply by being willing to endure hardship."

This proves that you do have a talent for divination. Since you have talent, don't waste it."

As he spoke, he instructed a servant to fetch a square package from his study and present it to Deng Qing.

Deng Qing took it and was about to open it when Elder Han said, "There's no need to look at it now. It's just some classic Numerical Arts texts with my annotations inside."

Take it back and look through it whenever you feel like it; it will only do you good, not harm.

Deng Qing quickly tied the package and thanked him sincerely.

Elder Han waved his hand, "I'm not giving this away for nothing. I'm counting on you to do further research and see if you can come up with any more ingenious ideas."

As he spoke, Elder Han pointed to the pastries on the table, inviting him to help himself. He then addressed Deng Qing's concerns, saying, "Speaking of which, the Martial Dao Institute encourages competition. I don't know what others think, but I do know the Academy Head's attitude."

Deng Qing put down the snack in her hand and listened attentively.

Elder Han said, "The headmaster doesn't mind the underlings' petty tricks. He often says, 'The world is complex, how can the Martial Dao Institute not be complex? The Martial Dao Institute isn't for training obedient kittens!' What he dislikes are those idiots who try to pull tricks but can never win."

Deng Qing seemed to understand something.

The two chatted for a while longer before Deng Qing took his leave and returned to his cave dwelling.

He had just climbed the last set of stone steps when he saw two people standing on the stone platform in front of his cave.

Both of them were dressed in blue Brocade Robe and were leaning on the railing, gazing at the distant city.

The man on the left was in his thirties, with a short beard under his chin, and his hands were tucked into his sleeves.

The man on the right is younger, with slightly high brow bones, a straight nose, and a jade belt around his waist, making him look very energetic.

Hearing footsteps, the two turned around at the same time.

The older man stepped forward first, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked, "Are you Brother Deng Qing?"

Deng Qing returned the greeting, "It is indeed I. And you two are?"

"My name is Shao Yong, and I, like Brother Deng, am Military Selection Aide."

The older man said.

The young man clasped his hands in greeting and said, "My name is Feng Lin, also Military Selection Aide. I apologize for the intrusion and disturbance to Brother Deng."

Deng Qing smiled and said, "Not at all, it is my honor that you two, who are like-minded, have come to visit me today. I was just out for a walk and kept you waiting. Please forgive me."

We just arrived too.

Shao Yong pointed to the distance, "This place offers a wide view and inspires ambition. Brother Deng has chosen a good spot."

After exchanging pleasantries, he smiled and said, "Actually, I, Shao, have long heard of Brother Deng's reputation."

I've been wanting to make friends with you for a long time, but I've always been busy with other things and haven't had the time.

"Now that Brother Deng has just arrived, he has already topped the Increase Ranking, which truly makes us all feel ashamed."

Deng Qing waved his hands repeatedly, "Brother Shao, you flatter me. I just happened to come across a few suitable tasks and earned some extra Merit Points. I'll have to ask for your continued support in the future."

As he spoke, he used his bracelet to unlock the stone door's protective barrier, invited the two inside to sit down, and then brought them tea.

Deng Qing was polite on the surface, but he already knew what was going on in his mind.

The Increase Ranking had barely been released when these two came knocking, most likely after the right to purchase the True Condensation Pill.

Among them, this Shao Yong ranks seventh on the Increase Ranking and thirteenth on the overall ranking, so he must be a Furnace Realm expert.

Shao Yong accepted the tea, thanked him, and first asked Deng Qing if he was comfortable living in the courtyard. Then he talked about some of the ins and outs of Military Selection Aide, and the conversation was quite warm.

Deng Qing wasn't in a hurry; he just kept talking to her.

Feng Lin, however, couldn't contain himself. He put down his teacup and said, "Brother Deng, besides making your acquaintance, we two have come here today for another matter we'd like to ask for your help with."

Deng Qing looked at him, "Brother Feng, please speak."

Feng Lin said, "To be honest, I'm ashamed to say that I originally thought I would be able to get a ranking on this Increase Ranking, but I didn't expect Brother Deng to come up and push me out of the top."

However, there's not much to say about it. I admire Brother Deng's abilities. It's just that the timing of this incident is somewhat awkward.

To be honest, I've already secured a ley line to refine the Earthly Baleful Intent and break through to the Furnace Realm. That ley line was difficult to secure; I had to ask many people for help before finally settling on it, and the rent has already been paid."

At this point, he shook his head, "I've planned everything. Now that I've obtained the True Condensation Pill, I'm going to break through to a higher realm."

Unexpectedly, Brother Deng took the ranking. If I miss this opportunity, all the money and effort I've put in will have been wasted.

As he spoke, Feng Lin stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful bow to Deng Qing, and said, "Therefore, I would like to ask Brother Deng to do me a favor and grant me the authority to purchase the True Condensation Pill this time. I will never forget this kindness."

Deng Qing put down his cup. "Permissions can be transferred? I heard that you have to buy them yourself?"

"Of course, Brother Deng will go and buy it."

Feng Lin said, "Brother Deng, just buy the True Condensation Pill first, then transfer it to me. I'll cover the initial investment of three thousand Merit Voucher, and add another five hundred. I won't let Brother Deng work for nothing."

Shao Yong glanced at him, secretly annoyed that Feng Lin had spoken too hastily and without sufficient build-up.

Deng Qing smiled and asked, "May I ask, Brother Feng, how much does a True Condensation Pill cost on the market?"

Feng Lin was taken aback.

Shao Yong put down his teacup, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Deng Qing, and said, "Brother Deng's question is quite reasonable."

The medicinal properties of the True Condensation Pill are difficult to preserve, making it rare on the market and its price uncertain. Although the Merit Reward Hall prices it at three thousand Merit Voucher, it also represents the value of authority.

In terms of actual value, it naturally far surpasses the three thousand Merit Voucher.

Brother Feng isn't very familiar with the market rates outside, so quoting 3,500 is indeed somewhat inappropriate.

Feng Lin's brow twitched slightly. Clearly, he was aware of the value of the True Condensation Pill, but he didn't want to bleed it dry.

Shao Yong smiled and continued, "How about this, if Brother Deng is willing to concede, then let Brother Feng add another five hundred, making it four thousand Merit Voucher. This price is generally fair. What does Brother Deng think?"

Feng Lin frowned even more. He was somewhat unhappy with the price, feeling that he had been ripped off too much.

He was about to speak when Shao Yong's gaze stopped him.

Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, "Thank you both for your kindness. However, I am also at the Bone Tempering Fourth Layer and urgently need the True Condensation Pill. I really cannot refuse."

Before he could finish speaking, Feng Lin jumped up, nearly knocking his teacup to the ground.

Shao Yong stood up immediately and grabbed his arm. "Brother Deng, why don't you reconsider? If you're not satisfied with the price, we can discuss it further."

Deng Qing said, "I have a question. Brother Shao should be at the Furnace Realm, right? Since that's the case, why don't you relinquish your authority, buy the True Condensation Pill, and resell it to Brother Feng? Wouldn't that kill two birds with one stone?"

Shao Yong said, "My True Condensation Pill was already reserved; otherwise, we wouldn't have bothered Brother Deng."

With that, Shao Yong cupped his hands in greeting and pulled Feng Lin outside.

Feng Lin was being dragged along by him, and as they reached the door, he turned back and glared at Deng Qing.

Deng Qing pretended not to see them, escorted the two to the door, said "Take care," and then turned back to his cave.

Only after they reached the bottom of the mountain path and turned past a bamboo grove did Feng Lin shake off Shao Yong's hand. "Brother Shao, why did you pull me like that?"

Shao Yong said in a deep voice, "If I don't stop you, will I wait until you have a fit in his room?"

So what if it flares up?

Feng Lin sneered, "I've disliked this Deng guy for a long time. Giving him three thousand five hundred was already being generous, and you even raised it to four thousand. And he doesn't even give me that much face!"

Shao Yong said, "He also needs to break through to a higher realm, so it's understandable that he's reluctant to part with this pill."

"Reluctant to part with it?"

Feng Lin snorted, "You believe him? He's just trying to raise his own price because he sees we're in a hurry."

He grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, "My uncle has been in charge of the overall situation at the Liangshan Frontline and has made great contributions. He has now been promoted to a fourth-rank general. Do you think I'm afraid of some Humble-Born?"

Besides, when he was at Liangshan, he colluded with Jian Ruyu and caused my uncle a lot of trouble. For that alone, I won't let him off the hook!

It turns out that Feng Lin was the nephew of Feng Xiuquan, the commander of the Liangshan Frontline.

Feng Lin had heard a lot about how Jian Ruyu had disrespected Feng Xiuquan at Liangshan, so he naturally remembered the name Deng Qing.

When Jian Ruyu was around, he dared not say anything.

Now that Jian Ruyu has left the Martial Dao Institute, and Deng Qing has been registered as Military Selection Aide, in his opinion, Deng Qing should be more honest and sensible.

I've already given this guy a lot of face by coming to visit him and offering him Merit Voucher.

But this fellow was completely ungrateful.

Especially when Shao Yong raised the price to four thousand, Deng Qing still refused to budge, which made Feng Lin even more convinced that this kid was just putting on airs.

After Feng Lin finished venting, Shao Yong said, "I know you look down on him, and I know you have old grudges. But right now we're the ones who need his help, so we have to talk things out properly."

"Ask him?"

Feng Lin turned his head, his handsome eyebrows raised, "When did I ever beg him? I have plenty of ways to make him obediently send the Medicinal Pills over."

Shao Yong looked at him and sighed softly.

Feng Lin frowned. "What, you don't believe me?"

"Of course I believe you."

Shao Yong said, "Brother Feng has the ability. However, he should always be mindful of his manners. With so many people watching, if things are done too poorly, it will inevitably attract criticism."

Feng Lin snorted coldly, "Don't worry, I'm not that stupid."

As he spoke, he brushed off the wrinkles on his sleeves that Shao Yong had been grabbing. "I come from a distinguished family, after all. How could I disregard my dignity and rush in to snatch food?"

Shao Yong's expression softened slightly.

Feng Lin chuckled and said, " The Martial Dao Institute has rules, so let's follow them. I want to see if this guy is really a blockhead."

The next morning, Deng Qing woke up and the bracelet on her wrist vibrated slightly.

He focused his mind and immediately saw an invitation: Swordsmanship sparring partner.

The person who made the invitation was named Jiang Long, and the time and place were already specified.

Deng Qing sat up, stared at the invitation for a while, and suddenly smiled.

His job at the Martial Dao Institute was to serve as Sword Examiner.

But after so long, no one has shown any interest.

Shao Yong and Feng Lin came by yesterday, and now someone else is showing up at our door today—it's too much of a coincidence.

However, this was his job, and he couldn't just not go because he suspected the other party of having something to hide.

After washing up, Deng Qing slung the Desolate Iron Sword over his shoulder and followed the directions in his bracelet to leave the house.

The Martial Arts Ground for the sparring partners was located in the east of the city. The Martial Arts Ground was surrounded by a low wall and covered an area of more than half an acre. It was paved with thick Bluestone, which bore many marks of being cleaved by swords and knives.

Several rows of weapon racks were placed along the wall, and there was a small pavilion next to it for people to rest.

When Deng Qing arrived, there were already two people standing in the room.

One of them was in his twenties, tall and slender, wearing a tight-fitting outfit with narrow sleeves, his wrists tightly bound, and carrying a long sword in his hand.

The other man, around thirty years old, stood beside the weapon rack, one hand on the hilt of a sword, his back ramrod straight.

Deng Qing recognized the second person's face and was somewhat surprised to find it was Chen Xiaotian, an old acquaintance of his.

The Desolate Iron Sword he carried was the very one he had won from this man.

Chen Xiaotian glanced at Deng Qing, his gaze fixed on the Desolate Iron Sword on Deng Qing's back, and cupped his hands, saying, "After all this time, you've finally come, Brother Deng. It's been a long time."

Deng Qing smiled and said, "Long time no see, I've missed you terribly, Brother Xiaotian."

Chen Xiaotian snorted, "Stop talking nonsense. Back then, you relied on your higher cultivation level and used some tricks to win against me by chance. So what? Two years later, I still became a registered Sword Examiner."

Although Chen is only at the Bone Tempering Third Layer, his Swordsmanship is so refined that few can rival him.

Jiang Long chimed in, "Chen is indeed a highly respected Gold Sword Examiner; we all admire him greatly."

Chen Xiaotian stared at Deng Qing and said, "I wonder how much skill Brother Deng has acquired in the past two years."

Deng Qing said, "What, Brother Chen, do you want to fight me again?"

Chen Xiaotian snorted coldly, "We'll settle our score later. Today, Brother Jiang invited you to Sword Examiner Selection, Brother Deng, you should focus on doing your job well first."

After saying that, he stepped aside, clearly wanting to see what Deng Qing was capable of.

Jiang Long bowed to Deng Qing and said, "I've recently been studying a Swordsmanship, but there are some parts I'm unsure about. I'd like to find someone to spar with. Someone recommended you, Deng Qing, saying your Swordsmanship is quite good, so I'm taking the liberty of inviting you."

Deng Qing glanced at Chen Xiaotian.

Chen Xiaotian stood with his arms crossed beside the weapon rack, his expression calm.

Now, Deng Qing was a little confused.

Was Chen Xiaotian harboring old grudges and seeking revenge, or were Feng Lin and Shao Yong pulling strings behind the scenes?

Well, since we're here, we might as well make the best of it.

He unsheathed the Desolate Iron Sword from his back, drew it, and gestured to Jiang Long, "Please."

Jiang Long didn't stand on ceremony, bowed with his sword in hand, and then stepped forward.

The sword light had barely appeared when it aimed straight at Deng Qing's chest.

This person was also at the Bone Tempering Fourth Layer, yet his swordplay was quite methodical.

For a moment, swords flashed across the arena, but Deng Qing was firmly on the defensive.

There was no other way; the Swordsmanship he was using was still the same Seven Forms of Settling Solitude.

Even though he had mastered this Swordsmanship to Perfected Mastery, it was simply not enough in the Bone-Forging Realm, especially when fighting against a Bone Tempering Fourth Layer Realm expert.

Several times when he encountered danger, Deng Qing dodged with his Movement Technique and then used his unparalleled strength to forcefully suppress the opponent's Sword Momentum.

The Sword Technique practice in front of him was different from a free-for-all fight, which limited Deng Qing's abilities.

Thus, as swords flashed across the arena, Deng Qing consistently responded with the Seven Forms of Settling Solitude.

After a sparring session, Deng Qing was in grave danger.