Chapter 304: Many Hands Make Light Work

In the secret chamber.

Li Rui sat cross-legged with eyes closed, expression calm; faint golden light pulsed in his dantian, violet mist drifted, aura of immortality thickened.

Plop~

As if hearing the pop of a water bubble breaking.

Spirit root enhanced!

Li Rui slowly opened his eyes.

Full of joy.

It was an elusive sensation—as if he had grown closer to heaven and earth, intangible yet undeniably real, greatly aiding his cultivation.

At the very moment his spirit root improved.

His internal qi sea expanded by more than thirty percent.

He looked inward at his dantian.

He was now not far from the Ocean-Viewing, Rising-Moon realm.

Roughly estimated, within two or three years, Li Rui could reach Rising-Moon—and then, primordial cultivation was within reach!

'Just under three to five years from breaking through Ocean-Viewing, and now primordial cultivation is in sight.'

Even Li Rui himself thought it too fast.

Perhaps this was just the daily life of a genius.

Looking across Yunzhou.

It truly proved Jiang Lin's words: in Yunzhou's martial path, only he and Li Rui remained.

With this pace of advancement, only Jiang Lin could match Li Rui; all others lagged a full tier behind.

Li Rui's heart burned with heat.

Originally, he had enhanced his spirit root for nothing more than a vague hope—after all, the system had said immortals existed; perhaps one day he truly could walk the immortal path, so preparation was essential.

But he never expected enhancing his spirit root would benefit his xianxuan qi.

Instantly, his spirit lifted.

Unfortunately, this method of using a spirit-test stone to enhance spirit roots was sheer luck; the hard part wasn't finding the spirit-test stone, but obtaining xian qi.

It was just luck.

If Li Rui hadn't possessed xianxuan qi, this step would have become the hardest.

But the other eight methods recorded in the Ten Thousand Spirits Scripture were far from simple.

Just pick one.

The fourth method.

Bathe in Ten Thousand Ages Spring Qi, and circulate the qi circulation incantation from the Ten Thousand Spirits Scripture for fifteen minutes.

Never mind that the incantation was obscure and difficult to comprehend—even Li Rui's insight couldn't grasp it in a short while.

What kind of existence was Ten Thousand Ages Spring Qi?

A single strand could become a sect's most treasured secret; a few years ago, the Governor of Haizhou obtained one strand and presented it to the Emperor, who was overjoyed.

Bathing in Ten Thousand Ages Spring Qi? That was pure fantasy.

And even this was the simplest among them.

The other methods were even more outrageous.

Only after his dantian's qi sea stabilized did Li Rui step out of the secret chamber.

He gazed at the morning dawn outside the window.

Unaware, another night had passed.

Fortunately, Li Rui was now an Ocean-Viewing martial cultivator; one night without sleep had almost no effect.

"Master, you're awake."

As he stepped out.

He saw Wang Zhao grinning broadly at himself.

So cheerful.

Li Rui would never tell his disciple that his master hadn't slept at all—he'd stayed up all night.

Though he hadn't really "stayed up," since enhancing his spirit root felt quite pleasant.

"Hmm?"

"Xiao Zhao, you've made progress again."

Living side by side with Wang Zhao, Li Rui could instantly tell—his disciple had already reached Golden Bone realm, not far from Willow Tendon.

This pace was impressive.

Though still behind his master, he was no worse than other geniuses outside.

Moreover, Wang Zhao was the lowest-ranked among his three disciples.

Liang He and Liu Tiezhu had long since reached Seventh Rank martial cultivator.

Of course, Wang Zhao's path was different; he couldn't be judged solely by realm.

"Master, mighty as ever—you can see it at a glance."

Li Rui chuckled: "There's something wrong with the air in this room—everyone's turned into sycophants. Even Xiao Zhao's been infected."

At that moment,

Yang Yong walked over: "It's because the top is crooked, so the bottom follows—look at Xiao Zhao, Xiao He, Tiezhu; such good kids, once so simple and honest, now all slick and smooth-tongued."

Li Rui fell silent.

He couldn't deny it—it seemed true.

He cleared his throat: "Xiao Zhao, I've arranged for someone to bring the Demon-Subduing Master examination method from Wu Country; you'll know soon enough."

Wang Zhao's eyes lit up:

"Demon-Subduing Master."

Though he still worked as a stable boy, his horizons had long surpassed his past.

He well knew the power of a Demon-Subduing Master.

In Wu Country, they held exalted status and formidable strength; not long ago, a single Demon-Subduing Master manipulated beasts to trigger a beast tide and leveled an entire city.

Not fierce enough?

He had no intention of massacring cities, but which boy didn't dream of being a hero?

Li Rui saw his pep talk had worked perfectly.

A faint smile curled his lips.

He didn't even need to test it—he knew Wang Zhao would become a Demon-Subduing Master.

No reason other than:

His master possessed the Immortal Form and had opened the Western Heaven Gate.

He was just that confident.

He'd only mentioned it now because the Demon-Subduing Master cultivation methods were exceedingly rare; only recently had Dao Mo found scattered fragments of their legacy.

Li Rui wasn't the type to promise empty dreams.

When he spoke, it was already nearly certain.

If his guess was right, the Demon-Subduing Master methods were already en route to Qinghe with the Heaven's Alliance caravan.

"Call Tiezhu. Time to eat."

As the four were eating—

Liang He rushed in, face anxious.

"Master, something's happened."

Li Rui paused his wooden spoon, frowned: "What happened?"

"We just received word—the caravan was attacked by a beast tide. Lord Ning and Lord Huang were separated by beasts and have been unaccounted for since."

Li Rui set down his bowl and stood up:

"Understood."

Lately, caravans had frequently been attacked by beasts; at Yan Zhongxing's request, he'd sent Ning Zhongtian with a hundred soldiers to patrol the official road.

Now both were missing.

Seeing Liang He about to follow, he waved him off: "Stay in the city."

Then, walking out, he called to Tan Hu, who was yawning at the gate: "Come on, Huizi. Let's ride out."

Hearing Li Rui's words,

Tan Hu perked up instantly, summoned a few riders of the Running Tiger Cavalry, mounted their steeds, and galloped out of the city behind Li Rui.

In the mountains—swish swish

The rustle of clothing brushing leaves echoed as two figures darted swiftly through the thorny thicket.

"Fourth brother, you run ahead—I'll hold them off!"

"Bullshit! We leave together!"

Ning Zhongtian shouted as Huang Chui slowed his pace.

Huang Chui's face was pale, a massive wound gaped on his waist and abdomen—he was clearly at his last strength.

He was about to speak—

Suddenly, his expression changed.

Just then, a burly man blocked their path ahead:

"Stop here."

At the same time,

two figures behind them also halted, watching the two with ill intent.

Not a single mistake in word, gesture, or intent!

Ning Zhongtian's face turned ashen; he stole a glance at the two behind him.

He had been escorting a Heaven and Earth Alliance caravan with a hundred Anning Guards, never expecting a demonic tide—yet even a demonic tide alone wouldn't have frightened him. But he'd discovered two Ocean-View cultivators lurking in the shadows.

Without hesitation, he fled into the mountains with his second brother, Huang Chui.

But one was sixth-rank, the other seventh-rank—how could they stand against two fifth-rank masters?

During their escape, Huang Chui was struck by a hidden weapon.

Now they were surrounded.

From the attitude of the two behind them, it was clear the middle-aged man before them was the strongest of the three.

Perhaps even Primordial!

Ning Zhongtian's heart sank like ice.

Two Ocean-View, one Primordial—why go to such lengths to target just a sixth-rank? What had he done to deserve this?

But he quickly calmed.

A man who rose from a peasant to Garrison Commander of the Anning Guards couldn't be an ordinary fool.

'Those two are Ocean-View. If they wanted to kill me and my brother, they could've struck with hidden weapons long ago. Yet they've held back—clearly they intend to capture us alive.'

'If they want us alive, they must have some plan—or intend to use our lives to threaten someone.'

'Big brother!'

His pupils shrank sharply.

In an instant, he understood the truth.

Though he didn't know what grudge Li Rui had with these three, if Li Rui came, he'd be dead for sure.

No matter how strong he was, could he fight three peers at once?

The scar-faced man behind him sneered: "Don't worry—we won't kill you yet. When your big brother arrives, we'll let you three reunite. The journey to the netherworld won't be lonely."

Ning Zhongtian's eyes narrowed slightly.

Just as I thought.

He spoke slowly: "You're wrong about one thing—my big brother's always cold-blooded. This trick won't work. We're all men of the Jianghu. Kill us if you must. Why all this dragging on?"

"Oh?"

Ma Lie grinned, rolled up his sleeves, and drew his blade, ready to strike.

But Ke Qi spoke slowly:

"You're a real man—trying to provoke my brother into killing you so your big brother won't have to die."

"Righteous."

"I admire you. Join me—I'll make you a fifth-rank official."

Ning Zhongtian's plan was exposed, yet his expression didn't change: "Fengsha Three Wolves?"

Hearing their names, Ke Qi found it more amusing: "You know us?"

"Northwest Yu accent, Wu Kingdom attire, all Ocean-View—there can't be many like you."

Ke Qi laughed:

"You're sharp."

Of course.

He was interested in Ning Zhongtian—but if Ning truly pledged loyalty, he'd kill him without hesitation.

He hated traitors above all.

So no matter what Ning said today, he'd die anyway.

Since they had to wait for Li Rui anyway, and they'd met such an interesting Jianghu man, a little chat wouldn't hurt.

But just as Ke Qi was about to speak again,

a figure stepped slowly out of the darkness.

Seeing him appear, Ning Zhongtian's face changed: "Big brother, run!"

The man who arrived—

was Li Rui.

Li Rui first glanced at Ning Zhongtian and Huang Chui, then turned to Ke Qi. The other two, he didn't even look at.

"Ke Qi, you've got guts. Do you really think your survival despite the imperial bounty proves your strength?"

Ke Qi's brow twitched:

"Li Da-ren, don't scare us. If the court had real power, we'd be dead already."

Li Rui smiled and shook his head:

"You don't know shit."

At this insult, Ma Lie flew into a rage.

But Li Rui continued: "You're still alive only because of Marquis Yuan—he spoke for you. Otherwise, your graves would be over ten feet high with grass."

At these words, Ke Qi and the others paled.

The youngest screamed: "You're full of shit—obviously lying!"

Li Rui smiled faintly at Ke Qi: "You have two choices: leave now, and I'll pretend none of this happened. Or wait for the Marquis's bounty—your corpses will hang on the city wall in a few days."

Ke Qi narrowed his eyes, staring fixedly at Li Rui.

His gaze flickered with conflict.

Then He Yang's voice cut in: "Big brother, what are you waiting for? It's too late now. Kill these three, head to Giant Rock City for the reward, live well—haven't you had enough of this dog's life?"

Ke Qi's eyes turned razor-sharp in an instant.

Yes!

It was too late now—they had no retreat.

No matter what had happened before, the three of them were lost souls. He would never endure this life again. To live well, he must take the head of the man before him.

"Die!"

Ke Qi lunged, slapping his palm toward Li Rui, unleashing the full force of his Primordial realm.

A gale erupted, rustling the leaves around them violently.

Li Rui reacted instantly, swinging his scabbarded blade at Ke Qi.

Blade met palm in midair.

Ke Qi's palm strike was shattered; Li Rui staggered back several steps, his chest tight with stifled qi.

Li Rui grinned:

"I wondered why you dared strike—turns out you've entered Primordial. Good."

Ke Qi walked toward Li Rui, expressionless:

"Since you know, then offer your neck. I'll make your death quick."

Li Rui laughed sharply: "Do you know the difference between soldiers and Jianghu brutes?"

Ke Qi had no interest in listening—he drew his waist blade, ready to slash.

Li Rui's blade was already raised overhead, yet he still smiled as he spoke: "It's numbers."

Numbers?

Ke Qi frowned slightly.

The moment Li Rui finished speaking, fire erupted all around, turning the entire hilltop crimson.

A voice, as mighty as a tiger's roar, rang out:

"I'll chop you to pieces and feed you to the dogs."

(End of Chapter)