Chapter 114 is very promising!
The general concept of "martial arts" does not involve the underlying principles of Tao.
Or rather, the artistic conception.
Only martial arts techniques can lead to enlightenment, including fists, knives, swords, spears, and even the physical body.
It can manifest artistic conception, just like the beauty of calligraphy, to enhance the power of martial arts cultivators' techniques.
However, it is not easy to elevate technique to the level of mastery.
Especially for martial artists at the lower three ranks, physical body, true essence, and techniques are all in the foundational stage, and it is impossible for them to reach the realm of "technique approaching the Dao".
Even the most exceptionally talented individuals can only enter the Dao through their connection with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth after their cultivation reaches the middle third rank.
However, at this moment, Ning Yu was deeply shocked by the scene before her.
His gaze fell on Liu Si'er, and it wasn't hard to see that the injury on his body was caused by the gun grazing his side.
"It's very faint, but it is definitely 'spear intent,' indicating that the person's spear technique has reached a high level, but his cultivation level..."
Experienced martial artists can use their true essence to detect fluctuations in the surrounding spiritual energy and thus deduce the cultivation level of the person making the move.
It wasn't precise, only a general range, but it was enough for Ning Yu to draw this conclusion.
"His cultivation level is only the lower third rank!"
This conclusion was reached.
Ning Yu leaped onto a rooftop, ignoring the frightened civilians inside, and gazed into the distance.
"The north..."
After thinking for a moment, he stopped pursuing, turned around, took the spear that Chen Yi had used, and retreated straight back the way he came.
He was no match for a martial artist of the lower third rank with exceptional talent in martial arts and spear techniques.
Furthermore, he also needed to inform the young master of this matter as soon as possible.
Before long, several more people arrived.
Upon seeing Liu Si'er and the others lying unconscious on the ground, a loud shout echoed through the alley:
"They're here!"
"Hurry up and send them to the pharmacy for treatment!"
...
About half an hour later.
Chen Yi returned to Chunhe Garden unharmed.
He only breathed a sigh of relief after sitting down at the octagonal table in the side room.
"Today was truly thrilling; I almost didn't escape."
If Chen Yunfan had been more careful, even with the Divine Intoxication Elixir, it would have been useless.
His identity, martial arts cultivation level, and so on will surely be exposed at that time.
Furthermore, even if the officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, the City Guards, and the Xiao Family's armored soldiers outside the Hundred Herbs Hall were stronger, the result would be the same.
His safe return was partly due to luck.
As Chen Yi reflected on everything that had happened that night, he couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"When did Chen Yunfan start practicing martial arts? How come he's so strong?"
After a moment's thought, he couldn't find any relevant memories in his mind.
In this way...
Either Chen Yunfan practiced martial arts in the last five years while the original owner was imprisoned.
Either Chen Yunfan had been secretly cultivating since childhood, or he would have been able to reach his current level.
but,
Regardless of the situation, he could easily deduce that the Chen family of Jiangnan Prefecture was far more mysterious than he had previously known.
Whether it's seeing the big picture from a small part or just getting a glimpse of the whole picture through a tube.
Ultimately, it's only possible that the heir of a family with a history spanning hundreds of years would be arranged by the family to practice martial arts.
"The Chen family of Jiangnan Prefecture, the Cui family of Qinghe..."
After repeating it a few times, Chen Yi suddenly remembered the conversation he had overheard at the restaurant.
Not only was Chen Yunfan acting mysteriously, but Chunying, the maidservant who followed him, also seemed to be quite extraordinary.
"White Robe Manor, are they members of the martial arts world?"
Chen Yi looked at the wind and rain outside the window and shook his head inwardly.
He knows too little right now, so he can only keep these questions to himself for the time being, hoping to find enough clues in the future.
Thinking about this...
After calming down, Chen Yi got up, took off his rain-soaked black robe, removed the disguise from his face, and went to fetch water to wash up.
Fortunately, his haul tonight was decent.
The Four Symbols Technique has been upgraded to the Earth Rank, which is enough to support his cultivation to the Upper Three Ranks.
With another 100 opportunity points, you can upgrade another skill to the highest level.
In addition, the whereabouts of the Liu family in Jingzhou and Shuzhou, as well as the evil forces such as the Huanyin Sect, can also be considered a gain.
If the Xiao family seizes the opportunity, they can resolve the crisis at the medicine hall by using the clues they discovered tonight.
As for whether the old master will intervene...
He had no idea.
After washing up, Chen Yi changed into clean clothes and went to the window to look outside.
With a single breath-containment movement of the Xuanwu Concealing Breath Technique, the situation within the Spring Lotus Garden became clear to him.
No abnormalities were found.
Chen Yi felt relieved and sat on the bed to begin practicing the Four Symbols Technique.
After his battle with Liu Si'er and his group, he gained a clear understanding of his own strength.
He should be comparable to a seventh-grade martial artist whose skills have not yet reached the Dao.
Such progress in cultivation in just over two months is truly remarkable.
However, compared to Xie Tingyun, Jia Laomo, and others he had met tonight, his martial arts were still much weaker.
"Cultivation, cultivation... cultivation!"
He is now only one step away from reaching the seventh rank, which is to open up his Ren and Du meridians.
I estimate that a few more days should be enough.
If he then elevates his spear and fist techniques to the highest level, he should be able to contend with sixth-rank martial artists with his Falling Dragon Spear Technique and Mountain Collapse Fist.
There's hope even if you don't say it.
...
Just past midnight, a fine drizzle was still falling.
The Xiao family home was brightly lit once again.
The events outside Baicaotang not only alarmed the Shuzhou government, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the city guards, but also the Xiao family.
Xiao Xuanshuo hurriedly returned and headed straight for the quiet house.
The second master, Xiao Wang, and the third master, Xiao Shen, arrived one after another, seemingly to discuss the matter overnight.
During this period, soldiers from the Xiao family, the Shuzhou city guards, and the judicial officers all came to visit the old master at the Xiao family.
Even Xiao Wan'er, who had just fallen asleep, was startled awake by Shen Huatang's return.
Without thinking twice, Xiao Wan'er dressed herself neatly and asked, "Have you captured anyone from the Illusionary Sound Sect?"
Shen Huatang nodded, then shook her head: "Tonight, five people from the Illusionary Sound Sect came. Senior Sister killed four of them, and there's still one left..."
She paused, then changed her words, saying, "No, six people escaped."
Among the six who escaped, one was Jia Laomo from the Huanyin Sect.
However, Xie Tingyun has not returned yet; he is probably still tracking him.
The second one was the man in black who injured Liu Si'er and the others.
The remaining four were several martial arts practitioners who were more skilled in martial arts.
Shen Huatang regretted not following them; otherwise, she might have been able to catch one or two of them.
After reporting, Shen Huatang continued, "Second Master has captured several martial arts practitioners, and they are currently being interrogated in the Punishment Hall prison."
Xiao Wan'er knew she was referring to Xiao Xuanshuo, and then asked, "Have you found out who's behind them?"
Shen Huatang shook her head. "We still need to wait for the results of the interrogation."
Xiao Wan'er thought for a moment, then nodded gently and said, "It's good that Baicaotang is safe and sound."
Now that the Xiao family's pharmacies are just starting to do well, she no longer needs to worry about the monthly allowance from the manor next month.
What she least wanted to see was something happening to Baicaotang.
As long as the current situation can be maintained, and with the money sent by Wang Ji, not only can the Xiao family survive until the end of the year, but she may also have extra money to send to her second sister to support the "mutual trade".
Xiao Wan'er pulled her cloak tighter around herself. "You've had a long day, go and rest."
"We can talk about it tomorrow."
Shen Huatang responded with a "yes," bowed, and left the room.
Xiao Wan'er watched her go to the next room, then looked thoughtfully at the rain falling outside the window.
Although the old man was vague, she knew that some powerful families in Shu Prefecture were involved in the theft of the medicinal herbs.
Now that the Illusionary Sound Sect has made its appearance, the Punishment Hall should be able to find clues about the person behind it.
Thinking about all this, Xiao Wan'er smiled and said, "This matter has finally come to a conclusion."
The next day she will write a letter to tell her second sister the good news.
I wonder if my second sister received the letter she and her brother-in-law sent earlier.
Judging by the time, her reply should have arrived by now.
Xiao Wan'er glanced out the window and then turned her gaze towards Chunhe Garden, the smile on her face slowly fading.
"Tomorrow, I'll have my brother-in-law write a letter and send it along with the letter..."
(End of this chapter)
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