Shen Qing''s gaze swept across the faces of Shen Xiaoshan and the other two, saying, "I have three martial arts here, and each of you will learn one."


    Shen Qing planned to teach them the martial arts he had extracted from the old coach''s mouth, the essence of three books from the Martial Arts Hall: Burning Sky Technique, Three Elements Body Refining Technique, and Mixed Element True Technique.


    After the old coach''s reminder, he examined these three martial arts carefully several times and found them indeed extraordinary.


    The Burning Sky Technique was a mental method. When cultivated to a deep level, it could absorb the fire element of heaven and earth into the body, forming the Burning Sky Intense Flame Palm. With a single strike, everything could turn to ash, an incredible power. However, this cultivation technique was known for its ferocity; the practitioner needed an indomitable will to master it.


    The Three Elements Body Refining Technique, on the other hand, was a body refining skill. It integrated the principles of heaven, earth, and human, using Qi, blood, and bone as the foundation, tempering the physical body to the state of being indestructible like diamond. After cultivation, one would possess copper tendons and iron bones, with Qi-blood flowing abundantly like rushing rivers, endlessly sustaining life. When Qi, blood, and bone combined as one, it could form a strong inner strength, suitable for both offense and defense, making it a flawless martial art.


    The last one, Mixed Element True Technique, originated from the internal cultivation methods of the Taoist sect. It emphasized the balance of yin and yang and the harmony of the Five Elements, using the universe as the furnace and oneself as the elixir, aligning with the Dao and forming the mixed element Qi. When cultivated to profound levels, the True Qi within the body became pure and flawless, encompassing all things, capable of simulating opponents'' attacks and dissolving any external forces. It advocated for governance through inaction.


    Shen Qing introduced each of the three martial arts in detail, making the three people''s eyes light up.


    "Which one do you want to learn?"


    "I''ll learn the Burning Sky Technique. I''m a cook, and learning such martial arts suits me just right. Even in the kitchen, I can practice while cooking and won''t delay my work." Xiao Zhi laughed heartily as he spoke.


    Tian Xiaohu said, "I''ll learn the Mixed Element True Technique." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shen Xiaoshan looked around and said, "I... I guess I''ll learn the Three Elements Body Refining Technique."


    "Once you get the cultivation techniques, just focus on your practice. Don''t worry about your bone issues," Shen Qing said. "Certainly, bone is important, but since we are backed by the court, the Zhou Country Court''s resources are enough to transform a mediocre person. Your job is to practice diligently and wait for the opportunities to come."


    Upon hearing Shen Qing''s words, their expressions were filled with excitement, and they all nodded one after another, awaiting further instructions.


    "Next, remember what I''m going to tell you. Do not leave any traces."


    Shen Qing sat in the main seat, possessing the ability to speak eloquently. In front of the three of them, he recited all the cultivation techniques verbatim.


    Such astonishing memory left the three stunned, momentarily taking him for a prodigy.


    The content covered by the three martial arts was extensive. It was only past midnight when the three had grasped the basics.


    Shen Qing waved his hand and said, "You remembered most of it. The rest is up to your practice. If there''s anything you don''t understand, come and ask me."


    Reluctantly, the three got up without lingering and left one after another.


    As they left, their eyes on Shen Qing bore more respect.


    Shen Qing, whose mouth was parched, picked up his cup and took a sip of water to moisten his throat.


    With days of observation and interaction, he had already recognized that Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu were not on the same path as him. Keeping them around would only be a burden.


    In the future, when a suitable opportunity arose, he would eventually expel them.


    Currently, he had already carved out a situation in the county town. In order to gain a foothold within this county town dominated by the thirteen high-ranking families, relying solely on himself was insufficient. He needed reliable people by his side.


    Tian Xiaohu and the others were brought along by him, enough to be trusted.


    Only their strength was lacking.


    He just hoped that the martial arts from the Martial Arts Hall wouldn''t disappoint him, so that the three of them could make significant progress in their skills.


    Outside a civilian house in Yongzhou.


    Uncle Shu walked to the door and knocked.


    Moments later, the door opened a crack.


    Uncle Shu whispered, "It''s me."


    The door opened, allowing Guan Yunjian to let him in, asking, "Did you get everything done on your side?"


    Uncle Shu nodded, saying, "Almost. I''ve visited the twelve Martial Arts Halls in the Outer City one by one, and a total of nine hall masters are willing to lend a hand. How about you?"


    "I found three old undyings on my side, and one is willing to meddle in our affair."


    Uncle Shu clapped his hands, saying, "That''s great. So we have nine martial masters in the Qi Cultivation Realm and one in the Qi Hai Realm, a total of ten people. Even if that Shen fellow had three heads and six arms, he wouldn''t escape doom. When should we make our move?"


    "Tomorrow will do. There''s wolf demon activity spotted around Changqiao Town. We can lead him there and act. Then we can lay the blame on the wolf demon and approach Dong Chasi, ensuring no one will suspect."


    Uncle Shu nodded with excitement, "Even though our sacrifices might be a bit too big now, it will all be worth it if we can eliminate that Shen fellow. His tavern will also be ours."


    "Ha-ha, indeed, that''s exactly what I''m thinking."


    ...


    "Shen Chasi, a message came from the Capital City just now. Your registration is now recorded in the Ministry of Personnel. It''s not time to distribute the Yuan Stones yet, but this Linked Pearl Technique can be given to you first."


    Just about to leave, Shen Qing received the message from the Military Department Office and hurried over. Seeing it was the Refining Pearl Technique intended for him, even his usually steady nature couldn''t help but feel somewhat excited.


    Zhao Guanglu handed over a wooden box with a smile, saying, "This box contains the Refining Pearl Technique, for your eyes only. Please have a look."


    Shen Qing accepted the wooden box and opened it to find a jade token lying quietly inside.


    "May I ask Mr. Zhao how to use this?"


    Zhao Guanglu looked at Shen Qing, smiling without saying a word.


    Shen Qing immediately caught on, "Oh, my memory! Mr. Zhao lost his purse, and I found it but forgot to return it."


    As he spoke, he pulled out his own purse and placed it in Zhao Guanglu''s hand.


    Zhao Guanglu felt its weight in his palm, extremely surprised.


    He promptly changed his demeanor, smiling warmly, "This item is simple to use. Just place it over your Dantian, and you''ll know the specifics of the Pearl Linking Method. Once a person uses this jade token for the first time, it will be exclusively theirs thereafter. When you refine the Wish Power Pearl later, you''ll find out."


    "Thank you, sir, for the guidance."


    "It''s nothing. If there''s nothing else, Shen Chasi, you may go. That''s all I have here."


    Shen Qing closed the wooden box and said, "Thank you, sir. Goodbye."


    With that, he quickly walked out of the Military Department, his expression showing a bit of impatience.


    He had been stuck at the Qi Cultivation Realm for a long time, like a balloon inflated to its limit, just one step away from breaking through.


    Luckily, he had a Wish Power Pearl at hand, obtained from the Taiping County Magistrate, which had not been used. Now, with the Linked Pearl Technique, he could use it to advance to the Qi Hai Realm.


    Just then, as Shen Qing reached the door, he saw a familiar silhouette and stopped promptly, cupping his hands and bowing: "Greetings, Lord Huangfu."


    In front of him stood a beautiful woman, entering from outside.


    This was no other than Huang Furo, the General of the Army.


    Upon seeing Shen Qing, Huang Furo glanced at him up and down, softly acknowledging him, and brushed past without any pause.


    Shen Qing didn''t mind.


    She was the General of the Army, from a high-ranking family with formidable cultivation, whereas he was merely a foreigner newly post-ed as an officer in the county town. Such demeanor was perfectly normal.


    Watching Huang Furo''s graceful figure disappear at the doorway, Shen Qing mounted his horse and headed straight home.


    With all the accumulated Qi-blood and strength over time, Shen Qing couldn''t help but feel eager anticipation for this breakthrough to the Qi Hai Realm.