Chapter 50

A gentle breeze blew, the sky grew bright; on the concrete platform atop the roof of an abandoned building, three dented cans stood side by side. Zhou Shuo stood at a distance, gazing at the three cans. His right hand was shrouded in a layer of qi invisible to the naked eye. He thrust his palm forward, and a burst of force shot out, tearing through the air. However, the force deviated by three tenths, grazing past the leftmost can as it flew by.

One strike hit empty, the splitting air force already left his hand; this palm seemed destined to miss, like a bullet fired from a gun that cannot turn; however, as Zhou Shuo pulled his right hand, with a bang, that invisible force, in an unimaginable way, turned a corner out of thin air, sweeping away the three soda cans at once; then, as Zhou Shuo gestured, the three soda cans flickered in the air and all flew toward him.

The heart hides the spirit, the spleen hides the intention; when heart and spirit are scattered, the force becomes unsteady; when the intention's horse runs four ways, the power does not obey; this As-You-Wish Strength is interesting, no wonder the Wang family can rank among the four great families. Zhou Shuo caught the three soda cans in his hand, feeling the force controlled by the heart, and couldn't help but praise greatly.

As-You-Wish Strength, a secret art of the Wang family among the four great clans of the Ten Elders in the world of the extraordinary, is a martial art similar to Splitting Air Palm, releasing true qi to strike opponents; yet this art is sufficient to be a hereditary secret of one of the Ten Elders' powers, naturally possessing unique qualities—if the ordinary qi practitioner's Splitting Air Palm is a handgun firing a bullet that cannot turn, then As-You-Wish Strength is a homing bullet, its palm power bending and stretching as desired, wandering at will, appearing and disappearing mysteriously, hence its name.

Indeed impressive, in less than three days you've learned As-You-Wish Strength to this extent! A round of applause accompanied praise, Zhou Shuo slightly turned his head, looking at the teenager seated behind him on the rooftop edge, watching him and clapping approvingly.

Interest is the best teacher. Zhou Shuo, feeling the teenager's genuine praise, gave a somewhat self-satisfied reply.

That makes sense, we of the Wang family—well, I'm included—don't really pay much attention to As-You-Wish Strength, so cultivating it is as hard as climbing to heaven. Lü Liang nodded in agreement; most Wang family disciples are innately endowed with Clear Soul Technique, which restrains qi and soul, and combined with innate influence on later qi cultivation, many Wang family members inevitably lack interest in the difficult-to-practice, difficult-to-master As-You-Wish Strength, lacking interest, so this art naturally remains shallow.

As-You-Wish Strength is not some profound martial art; its most precious aspect lies in the knowledge debate of body, mind, and spirit; ordinary qi cultivators' qi only reaches the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and body, controlling qi to move within, releasing it is the utmost; only by truly grasping mind-spirit consciousness can one follow the heart and achieve As-You-Wish. Zhou Shuo spread his hands, pointing out the core of As-You-Wish Strength for evaluation.

Brother Zhou, you truly live up to being a cultivation maniac! Lü Liang, watching Zhou Shuo critique his family's secret art, couldn't help but his face slightly stiffen, then he felt a mix of laughter and tears; over these days together, he and Zhou Shuo have spent most of their conversation on cultivation.

I said it, just interest; I have this opportunity to enter this world, so naturally I should study it thoroughly, any problem? Zhou Shuo was slightly surprised, does he have some issue?

No problem, not a single one; we of All Nature have always done whatever we want; I'm just surprised Brother Zhou accepted this so quickly, uh, Brother Zhou, could you tell me which master you studied under? Lü Liang naturally had no objection, merely curious where Zhou Shuo came from; he claimed to be born into a prestigious family, his knowledge of the extraordinary world is comprehensive, yet he had never heard of someone like Zhou Shuo.

Me! My master is one called He Wusheng, and I've also traded with many people, learning a mixed of martial arts, all these things are scattered badly; tell you, you wouldn't know!

Zhou Shuo looked at the curiosity-filled teenager, lifted his gaze to the sky, gave a casual perfunctory response; frankly, compared to the notoriously bad conduct of All Nature, he would rather find another place to join, even if it meant working for a government department, but his origins are unclear, so he can only make do; integrating into modern technological society is indeed convenient, yet equally has many inconveniences.

Buzz! Facing Zhou Shuo's perfunctory reply, Lü Liang had no intention of giving up, but just as he was about to speak, an electronic hum sounded, and a vibration came from the pocket near his thigh; the teenager hurriedly pulled out his crystal-screen phone and glanced at the incoming indication.

It's Liu Yan.

Should I tell her? Zhou Shuo looked at Lü Liang, raising his right eyebrow.

Of course, who made you her acquaintance in the organization! Lü Liang was thinking of that Hunan-west Liu family fellow, knowing the expression after being played.

All right! Zhou Shuo took the phone, answered the call, and Liu Yan's voice came through immediately.

Hey, Lü Liang, is Zhou Shuo there?

I'm here, what's up! Zhou Shuo slightly raised his brows, and it just so happened he was looking for himself.

Come to Nankai this side, I need help.

No problem, where should I go to find you! Zhou Shuo, without further talk, after Liu Yan gave a place name, he hung up on his own and returned the phone to Lü Liang.

You're really quite enthusiastic! Lü Liang took back his phone, smiling.

I owe her a favor, planning to satisfy her little fantasy; she probably thinks the same. Zhou Shuo's eyes flickered; he had no reason not to help Liu Yan, but that Zhang Chulan's strength is unknown, Zhang Xilin's corpse aura is extremely strong; extraordinaries have hereditary theory, logically his grandson should also be an extraordinary, whether innate or acquired, whether he inherited the Qi Body Source Flow!

Hehe! Lü Liang's face showed a smile, calling Liu Yan's wholehearted desire to join All Nature a "fantasy," which seems not problematic either!

Zhou Shuo looked at the boy who was clearly immature yet wore an understanding smile, couldn't help but raise his brows slightly, recalling something; speaking of which, although he understands modern times, he had never come to Tianjin before, and didn't even know where Nankai is…

What's wrong now? Lü Liang, under that direct gaze, saw his understanding smile freeze.

Do you have money? I have none for a taxi, don't know how to get to Nankai... Zhou Shuo instantly found a solution in his mind, thickening his skin to ask; although he doesn't know where Nankai is in Jinmen, finding a taxi driver would solve it, but the topic returning, although he is most non-resistant to this world, integration seems never to have unfolded.

You on you... Lü Liang froze slightly, then examined him up and down, going out without money?

Don't look at me like that; here, I don't even have money, let alone ID or phone—I haven't stayed in a city for years. Zhou Shuo gazed at the towering buildings showing the extraordinary prosperity of Jinmen metropolis, shrugged at the astonished teenager; this is truly the truth, since crossing over two and a half years ago, he's been wandering between a few worlds, rarely going out.

Then how do you contact relatives and friends? Lü Liang somewhat disbelieved; although he is an extraordinary, in this era some life habits and customs must be observed by both extraordinaries and ordinary people; even mountain Daoists have phones.

That's not needed. Zhou Shuo looked at the disbelieving Lü Liang, suddenly turned his head, also feeling a bit unbelievable; he used to never be without his phone, but after these two years of rushing about, he has unconsciously shed phone and computer, things he previously couldn't detach from; he dare not imagine, dare not imagine.

Never mind, anyway surviving here is quite troublesome, little Lü, you won't refuse to lend a hand, right? Zhou Shuo suddenly felt his change, somewhat unbelievable, while looking at Lü Liang, his eyes flashed a meaningful gaze; since phone and computer can be shed, that thick-skinned thing, occasionally tearing it off also doesn't matter.

Uh, of course not. Lü Liang looked at the meaningful Zhou Shuo, instinctively shook his head, while his doubts deepened; no phone, no ID, and his methods show no trace of any sect—what kind of person is this guy!

Then it's good. Zhou Shuo looked at the sensible teenager, nodded firmly, and extended a hand to pat his shoulder; this is a good All Nature youth, my good buddy.

Hehe……! Lü Liang felt the force on his shoulder, laughed very reluctantly, because he felt that this companion before him seemed to have suddenly awakened some tremendous ability.

Hmm, feels like suddenly becoming very comfortable, don't know why! Zhou Shuo looked at Lü Liang's strained smile, unexpectedly felt very comfortable, did a chest-expanding motion, felt his whole body brimming with inexhaustible energy, as if he had shed some heavy burden.

Half an hour later, in a dilapidated residence near Nankai, Zhou Shuo took the phone and money extorted from Lü Liang, met with Liu Yan, and inquired about Zhang Xilin's grandson Zhang Chulan; knowing that digging up Zhang Xilin's grave had his share, and regarding that Qi Body Source Flow, he is now very interested; according to Lü Liang's account, that is a tremendous thing, one of the extraordinary techniques that once caused a great upheaval in the extraordinary world's jianghu.

Although Zhou Shuo came with full interest, the news he got from Liu Yan was both beyond his expectation and within his expectation.

That Zhang Chulan, I checked his school records and consulted his classmates; from various indications, he seems to be an ordinary person, never having shown any extraordinary ability!

So, what do you need my help with? Zhou Shuo pondered a moment, then gave a meaningful look to Liu Yan; not speaking of Zhang Chulan's matter, that kid bears a heaven-shaking secret yet lived obscurity for over ten years, definitely not that simple; but Liu Yan's attitude is quite thought-provoking—if Zhang Chulan truly is just an ordinary person, why would she come fetch me instead of directly seizing Zhang Chulan, using him to complete the mission, entering All Nature to achieve the goal—wouldn't that be better?

You couldn't possibly be uninterested in the Qi Body Source Flow? Liu Yan raised her delicate brows; help? Dealing with Zhang Chulan might be a bit troublesome, but she doesn't yet need people's help; she sought Zhou Shuo entirely because of the Qi Body Source Flow.

Yes! Zhou Shuo nodded; his interest in the Qi Body Source Flow is naturally present, and very great.

Then what else is doubtful? Liu Yan spread her hands.

Then you don't want to join All Nature? Zhou Shuo countered; investigating the Qi Body Source Flow from Zhang Chulan, setting aside Lü Liang and Xia He's side, will inevitably delay her task progress of joining All Nature.

Hmph, I certainly want to join All Nature, but All Nature is currently seeking the Qi Body Source Flow; if I could obtain that flow, relying on this merit, not only could I join All Nature, but also possibly secure a position within it. Liu Yan's face showed a triumphant smile.

You've become clever all of a sudden! Zhou Shuo was a bit surprised; hey, this little girl instantly became clever.

That's only natural, what do you mean by that? Liu Yan was pleased with herself, but after coming to her senses, she felt it was a bit off—what does "become clever" mean?

Too bad it's only little cleverness; do you think All Nature would let you dig up Zhang Xilin's bones without noticing there's a Zhang Chulan? Zhou Shuo looked at the self-satisfied girl, solemnly criticizing her; her thoughts and actions show her interest in All Nature beginning to fade, which is good, but her rebellious nature smoothed over, her reasoning somewhat self-assured; yet this also proves she's merely having a temporary brain fever toward All Nature, unsuited to stay within it.

This... Liu Yan felt uncomfortable with Zhou Shuo's "became clever" remark, but hearing the analysis, she couldn't help but blink slightly; she truly hadn't considered that point.

If you can think of it, others can too; never assume you're that clever, got it? When you're most self-satisfied, your appearance might be fully exposed to others in some form, like a character in a TV show or anime.

Zhou Shuo's words left Liu Yan's expression slightly dazed; she couldn't imagine the feeling of being manipulated like a puppet.

Then what do you say we should do? Liu Yan, after a brief dazed moment, asked.

Quite simple, grab Zhang Chulan, then toss him to Lü Liang; that kid has Clear Soul Technique, should be able to find the info we want; I think those watching Zhang Chulan later will surely be others, how many unknown, but relying just on you and me we'd likely be unable to handle it; to gain benefits, we must first achieve our primary goal. Zhou Shuo guided step by step, don't try to run before you can walk.

Mm! Liu Yan listened to Zhou Shuo's words; despite many gloomy aspects, she nonetheless had to nod in agreement, then suddenly lifted her head to look at him.

What's up? Zhou Shuo looked at the girl who suddenly lifted her head to look at him.

Um, we're basically partners now, right? Liu Yan asked earnestly.

Of course. Zhou Shuo had no hesitation; hearing his words, Liu Yan showed a smile, the idea of joining All Nature suddenly surged again.

Then I need to join All Nature quickly; by then we ought to watch out for each other; I was too naive before.

Mm, then for dealing with Zhang Chulan, you don't need my help anymore, right? Zhou Shuo, while giving a perfunctory nod, covertly glanced at the girl who had begun to feel her own 'naivety', feeling quite amused; since she already knows she's naive, yet still wants mutual watchfulness in All Nature, girl, how many hearts are you missing?

"Not needed." Liu Yan Yan waved her arm.