Chapter 891: Strange Art

A night of the full Moon.

Aaron opened the window, facing the moonlight directly.

A cool breeze brushed past his ears, accompanied by weeping and the miserable groans of Yu Qiu.

Hmm... that kid had his leg broken by Yu Laotou; he'll likely be wailing all night before he can settle down.

Aaron didn't bother with him, instead gazing at the Talisman in his palm.

The surface of this Talisman was grey, and a strange symbol was drawn upon it in Scarlet ink with sweeping, dragon-like strokes.

"Jinhu is indeed a major place; you can buy anything here, and besides... what I need isn't exactly obscure."

At this moment, a man walked into the study and whispered a few words into the ear of Lei Long. The expression of this Lei Laoda instantly turned gloomy: "The Black-Clad Guard again... but we can't afford to provoke them. Tell the brothers that since people from Jingcheng have arrived recently, everyone should behave themselves!"

Inside the attic.

Immediately after, Aaron threw a backhand punch, driving the head of the Indian ascetic into his own chest.

After all... knowing something cannot be done and doing it anyway is just stupid!

"The path of martial arts ends here!"

【The Three Laws of Strange Arts: 1. Those who practice Strange Arts must pay a price and become 'non-human'! 2. Every Strange Art has a limit on the number of practitioners, from as few as one to as many as seven; those practicing the same method can sense each other's location! 3. Strange Persons possess Curse Power and must obey the orders of the Diji bloodline of the Great Xuan royal family; this is an effect covered by a Strange Art! (You are exempt)】

Within the mansion, he also had martial arts experts hired at great expense to guard him, which could be described as impregnable!

Inside the study.

Accompanied by the deduction in his mind, sounds like popping beans erupted from Aaron's body!

"In reality, the only options are Hard Qigong and Tiger Crane Double Form Fist... I choose Tiger Crane Double Form Fist!"

At the same time, the two legs of the Indian ascetic, resembling a Python, coiled toward Aaron's lower stance.

"The Tiger is extremely rigid and fierce... but to counter Strange Arts, the Tiger Form Fist is not enough, far from enough!"

Aaron's eyes lit up: "Humanity Overcomes Heaven Method, give me... break!"

He once again unleashed the Tiger-Crane Double Form, his body's bones exploding with sound, like a tiger and crane crying out in unison!

Amidst the active practice, Aaron's inspiration was also spreading.

"The Tiger Form Fist is no longer sufficient. After my years of practice and exploration, I have finally innovated it into—Tiger Demon Body Refining Fist!"

Only then did Aaron look at the Strange Art he had obtained—Humanity Overcomes Heaven Method!

No. 33 Dongping Street.

Another person, with skin like Black Iron and a body like a tower, stood motionless. His Hard Qigong had clearly reached the Peak of Perfection; he was a defector from the Great Buddha Temple—Ming Kun!

The Great Buddha Temple is a major sect in the southern martial arts world with a long history and seventy-two unique skills. This Ming Kun had practiced one of them, the 'Iron Man Indestructible Skill', to the Peak of Perfection, and his Hard Qigong was said to be able to contend with a Tianshu Grandmaster.

His figure was also growing taller, his muscles and bones adjusting to the form best suited for martial arts, even bursting through his clothes!

Beneath his skin, something indescribable was writhing...

Once, a martial arts expert who couldn't stand Lei Long's tyranny tried to sneak into the mansion to teach him a lesson, but he was dealt with by these three experts before he even saw Lei Long's face.

At the same time, his incomplete Golden Finger provided a prompt again:

The next moment, the study door opened, and Aaron walked in leisurely, shaking the blood off his hands: "The upper echelon of Li Gang is finished. After taking you out, there probably won't be anyone left to trouble me... as long as you eliminate the source of the trouble first, the trouble will never catch up to me!"

Not only that!

"A Tianshu Grandmaster? That's somewhat similar to the president of the Jinhu Martial Arts Association who was spying earlier... that person is also said to be a Tianshu Realm expert."

A kerosene Lamp emitted a bright Light.

The next instant, his figure flipped directly out of the window. With a light push of his feet, he leaped over a dozen meters, traversing across the rooftops.

Aaron muttered to himself.

If this were in ancient times, he could be called a Grandmaster of a generation, revered by the world, and would not bow to the Emperor.

The lackeys around the mansion were merely the outermost defense.

As he practiced continuously, one prompt after another appeared in a way he could understand.

Aaron made his choice with his mind.

Yang Tingzhen gave a look, and Ming Kun immediately pounced like a tiger, hands spread wide like iron pincers, intending to give Aaron a bear hug.

But after Strange Persons appeared, everything changed.

In the blink of an eye, the Internal Energy within his body, driven by the fist technique, began to rise and rise uncontrollably... as if there were no end.

Suddenly!

And in reality, it was indeed so.

Immediately, he took this Talisman, which looked like a ghost's scrawl, bowed to the Moon, and then set it on fire.

It was as if a tiger's roar came from the void; Yang Tingzhen's short staff shattered instantly, followed by his palms, his arms, and his body...

Crash!

'The most pit-like part is the last rule: must obey the orders of the Great Xuan bloodline?... Too much of a trap... However, it seems this is an effect limited by a Strange Art used by some Strange Person? It seems the person who wrote this rule must have come from the Great Xuan royal family! Perhaps it was the founding Emperor!'

For example, that president was attracted by 'Wukong', but after Aaron saw the other party, he directly abandoned his plan to challenge the gym that day.

Every time experience increased, it was like practicing fist techniques for a year in a paradise, with a focused mind!

This kind of progress was simply visible to the naked eye!

There were constables carrying firelocks standing guard at the entrance, and even more gang members patrolling near the villa, making the place as strict as a fortress.

He had long known that practicing Strange Arts would come with a price.

Because this was the residence of Lei Long, the head of the Four Great Constables of Jinhu!

Alas, when one is under the eaves, one must bow one's head.

"After diligent practice, you have upgraded Crane Form to 'Feathered Ascension Immortal Art'!"

Infinite inspiration and infinite realization emerged in Aaron's heart, and he felt completely satisfied.

Aaron smiled and drank the Talisman Water in one gulp!

Aaron took a deep breath and set his fighting stance.

After all, Strange Arts were controlled by the Profound Court; being a local tycoon was fine, but if he dared to meddle in this, he would surely face certain death!

This was crafted at great expense by the master artisan—Qianjizi; it was exquisitely made and possessed immense power.

"Now, I suppose I count as a Strange Person, right? I just don't know what level I am among Strange Persons."

Subconsciously, his hand reached under the desk, and when it reappeared, it held an exquisitely designed Flintlock!

"What kind of scam ability is this?"

A fierce tiger seemed to emerge within Aaron's mind.

Amidst the urgent ringing of bells, several figures lunged in first.

"Humanity Overcomes Heaven Method... as long as one works hard, one can reap rewards... so, does one still have to work hard first?"

In Aaron's inspiration, he saw a white crane feathering and undergoing Ascension, and it kept expanding, expanding... transforming into a black Shadow that blotted out the sky!

Merely by observing this figure that blotted out the sky, Aaron's spirit began to soar, soar... easily crossing the boundaries of a mortal.

Even a Tianshu Grandmaster might not be able to withstand this shot!

With the gun in hand, Lei Long instantly felt much more secure and pressed the bell on the table hard.

But at this moment, the tiger in Aaron's heart roared fiercely, and layers of bone spurs began to grow on its body; its entire hide turned pitch black, and it began to expand and grow giant...

【Tiger Crane Double Form Fist experience +1!】

Heavenly Jade and Heavenly Pivot passed in the blink of an eye.

Lei Long screamed in terror.

He retreated several steps, his eyes actually emitting a faint green glow under the moonlight, looking quite terrifying!

Aaron, however, paid no mind to these things.

With these three joining forces, it was said that even a Grandmaster would have to drink the cup of regret!

Amidst a spark of Light, the talisman turned to ash and fell entirely into the large ceramic bowl.

Therefore, he continued to practice martial arts and began to train in the Crane Form Fist!

Accompanied by the exhaling of mist, his expression gradually became leisurely and comfortable.

Even that favored eunuch, the Sixth Rank Head, dared to bark orders at him!

In fact, among the scattered news Aaron had received, there were quite a few strange Strange Arts.

He had been very discerning when challenging other schools before, only seeking opponents among martial arts circles where the skill levels were not too far apart.

This was an era where martial artists were incredibly desperate, and martial arts were gradually declining!

"Fortunately, I am not an ordinary Martial Artist."

And at this moment, just as Aaron set his fighting stance, a small prompt seemed to appear before his eyes: 【Crane Form experience +1!】

As for those that truly exceeded him by too much, or those with a Tianshu Grandmaster sitting in command, he only dared to peek from within the crowd.

'Judging from the information, my "Humanity Overcomes Heaven Method" is of the type with the fewest practitioners; there is only one cultivation quota, and now that I have obtained it, as long as I don't die, no one else can cultivate it... what a scam!'

【You have obtained the Strange Art—Humanity Overcomes Heaven Method!】

It could be said that after this bit of trouble, in his own inspiration, the anomaly of this bowl of Talisman Water was now similar to the wax oil teardrops from that day.

Aaron sighed, feeling somewhat melancholy; this was the limit of the martial artists of this world—Tianshu!

Essence, Qi, and Spirit were perfectly integrated, harmonious as one, with nowhere left to advance!

Aaron clenched his fists, feeling the power within them far exceeding that of yesterday, and muttered to himself.

Aaron glanced at it and was instantly speechless.

Don't think that having merit means having rewards; the Profound Court had done its fair share of burning bridges after crossing them.

Immediately, he felt that this martial art of his seemed to have become slightly different.

Boom—!

It was not just for use in combat.

【Currently selectable skills: Hard Qigong, Tiger Crane Double Form Fist, Plum Blossom Stakes, Cooking, Medicine...】

"Strange Art? I'd like to see what exactly it is."

But when tasted carefully, it felt as if there was nothing there.

"You... what kind of monster are you?"

For the Crane Form Fist to be cultivated to such a fist intent of riding the wind as if in a void, it was definitely at the Furnace Fire Pure Green and Peak of Perfection level.

"Strange Art... Strange Person... Qiankun Society..."

"Lei Laoda..."

The last person had a high nose and deep-set eyes; he was actually a Westerner, a wandering ascetic from India!

Bang!

A gunshot rang out!

Aaron lowered his head and looked at his chest, only to see the flesh there writhing for a moment before quickly stopping the bleeding and spitting out a few lead pellets.

This kind of forced-allegiance Strange Art was equivalent to casting an Incantation on all Strange Persons!

'However, since it is a Strange Art, I feel it can be broken... but ultimately, one must find a way from within the Strange Art itself... only a Strange Person can oppose a Strange Person, after all!'

He knew instantly that he had reached the limit of an ordinary martial artist in this world!

【Humanity Overcomes Heaven Method: Select one of your own skills; once selected, it cannot be changed. As long as you work hard, you can make that skill continuously break through!】

He felt a bit tempted, but after a long while, he revealed a bitter smile.

"Who are you?" Lei Long aimed his pistol at the opponent, while Yang Tingzhen and the other two had already formed a triangular formation, surrounding Aaron tightly.

The short staff in Yang Tingzhen's hand moved with the Plucking Grass and Seeking Snake technique, wondrous and boundless, striking toward Aaron's eyes!

Aaron laughed aloud, his body strained, and a surging, immense force erupted; Ming Kun's hands twisted unnaturally, and his entire body was sent flying by the shock!

For example, greatly enhancing digestive ability, or modifying others' memories, or even changing the weather in a certain place, and so on and so forth...

And tonight was also the night of the full moon that Aaron had been waiting for.

Although he dared to call himself the local Emperor of Jinhu, he also knew that compared to the true Emperor of Great Xuan, he was nothing but a pile of stinking dog shit!

Therefore, Lei Long did not even pay attention to having his underlings help look for the Qiankun Society rebels, fearing that if he knew too much, he would eventually be silenced!

Roar!

The leader, with long arms and legs like an ape, held a golden short staff in his hand and possessed the aura of a Grandmaster; he was the famous Xichuan staff technique expert—Yang Tingzhen, whose martial arts skills had entered the Heavenly Pivot Realm years ago, and it was unknown what level he was at now.

Lei Long, who was over fifty years old but very well-maintained, was sitting on the sofa, holding a cigar and red wine brought over from the foreigners.

He pursed his lips, fetched a large ceramic bowl, and poured clear water into it.

But he did not understand why Strange Art would have a "seat-occupying" restriction just like a latrine.

【You have obtained information related to the three laws of Strange Art!】

After drinking the Talisman Water, he felt a Weird power rise from his abdomen, eroding his limbs and bones.

Aaron opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them; he had stunningly reached the realm of "a white room producing light"!

By using this mental state to govern his physical body, he could completely control the alienation brought about by the Tiger Demon Body Refining Fist, allowing him to maintain a normal human physique.

Aaron looked calmly at this bowl of Talisman Water.

The power of Strange Art is quite miraculous!

The next moment, he appeared in front of Yang Tingzhen and pressed down with a tiger claw.

He set up a Crane Fist stance, one foot on the ground, hands like a white crane spreading its wings; although he stood still, it was as if he were flying along with the breeze...

For a Strange Person to slaughter a Grandmaster is just like an adult killing a chicken!

And it is even more so after gunpowder and firearms were developed.

When it reached midnight, Aaron stopped his fist techniques, feeling the Qi in his body harmonious and unified, with no room for further progress.

Just as he was deep in thought, a muffled groan suddenly came from outside the door!

Although this groan was faint, to Lei Long, it sounded like a thunderclap!

Lei Long dismissed the people, went behind his desk, and began to ponder.

The next moment, clusters of complex information exploded in Aaron's mind.

This scene was extremely terrifying!

Aaron, however, did not care, knowing this was a side effect caused by his body being too powerful while his spirit was still at the Tianshu Realm, unable to control his body with micro-precision!

Even those who handled it did not have a good end.

When the Tiger Form Fist is cultivated to the extreme, one's walking, sitting, and lying down are all like those of a real tiger!

There are even stories of Tiger Form Grandmasters imitating a tiger's movements and scaring people to death!

This Talisman was precisely made by Aaron using a copy of the Jingshi Book.

Lei Long came from a gang background, later joined the government, and climbed his way up; having experienced countless assassinations, he placed extreme importance on his personal safety.

"Can't you tell, you idiot? This is Wu, it's Wu!" Aaron replied with a serious face.

Ming Kun, who only had half a life left, looked at Aaron's wound, which had recovered as if nothing had happened, with a speechless expression: "You call this Wu???"

(End of this chapter)