On the morning after breaking through to the Qi-Blood Fifth Level, Yi Yang practiced the Yi Wood Longevity Stance several times as usual.
The circulation of blood and qi in the Organ Refining Realm was on an entirely different level from before.
All his internal organs heated up together. That warmth seeped outward through their walls and flowed along his meridians into every limb and bone. He was like an old broth simmering over a gentle flame, churning within yet tranquil on the surface.
When he finished, Yi Yang clenched his fists.
He exerted no force, but the swelling fullness between flesh and bone eased his brow a little.
The fifth level.
That would do.
At least within this little patch of territory called Cloud Pattern Town, no one could put him at a disadvantage in a head-on confrontation except Fang Yue, the Patrol Chief.
He changed into his official uniform, went out, and locked the courtyard.
When he reached the Heaven Patrol Office's gates, the atmosphere was different from usual.
A large crowd surrounded the edge of the drill ground, laughter, applause, and flattery bubbling together into a pot of porridge. At its center stood Tang Hao with his hands behind his back. He wore new clothes with subtle patterns embroidered on the collar and looked considerably sharper than usual.
"Brother Tang, the third level! Your promotion to Acting Patrol Commander is nailed down for sure!"
"Why stop at provisional? With Brother Tang's connections, even hall master is within reach! Didn't Du Qinghe take charge of the Contribution Hall at the Qi-Blood Third Level?"
"That's a hall master, in charge of everything coming into and going out of the Contribution Hall. The pickings... ahem, the status is leagues above us patrol captains."
Tang Hao wore a modest smile and