Cultivation: Start From Simplifying Martial Arts Techniques

Chen Fei expressed his disbelief, “How could Elder Zeng have been seriously injured?”

Zhao Xia responded, frustration evident in his voice, “A group of individuals forcibly entered Elder Zeng’s residence. Despite the presence of guards, they managed to harm Elder Zeng in the end!”

Zhao Xia clenched his fists, expressing his anger and determination to find the culprits. The Zhao family was intensifying their investigation, and if they discovered any leads, they would undoubtedly seek revenge.

Chen Fei remained silent, thoughts of Zhang Sinan and the others crossing his mind.

Chen Fei was taken aback by the severity of Zeng Defang’s injuries. He hadn’t anticipated that those individuals would go so far as to harm him. The news that they intended to kill him was even more disturbing.

Various thoughts raced through Chen Fei’s mind. Was this a case of using extreme measures to intimidate others by setting an example, or was there no limit to their actions? Perhaps their goal was to hinder the Zhao family’s production of medicinal pills and disrupt their mission, leading to blame being placed on the rebel army.

“I’ve heard that the residence possesses the remnants of the Eternal Floating Pill recipe. Would it be possible for me to take a look at it?” Chen Fei inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Chen Fei understood the limitations of making requests to the Zhao family. Although they had increased their workloads and said that they could make requests, he knew that asking for a significant favor would likely be met with resistance. Even obtaining an inner strength cultivation technique or the complete pill formula for the Light-hearted Spirit Pill was out of the question. The Zhao family was reluctant to share valuable resources, fearing they might go to waste.

However, Chen Fei saw potential value in the incomplete recipe of the Eternal Floating Pill. Though he couldn’t discern much from it currently, he believed it held some significance.

Zhao Xia appeared slightly taken aback by Chen Fei’s request, but he agreed nonetheless. He assured Chen Fei that he would report it to Pill Master Chen and emphasize the importance of Chen Fei’s safety. Additionally, two guards would be assigned to protect him. In two days’ time, the Zhao family would rent a courtyard and arrange accommodations for all the pill refiners.

Most of the pill refiners who knew how to refine the Light Spirit Pill were arranged to enter Zhao’s residence. Since they all had families, the Zhao residence quickly became filled to capacity.

However, there were a few who were unwilling to be confined. In response, the Zhao family assigned individuals to protect them. They had already organized people to attack, such as Zeng Defang, but the assailants possessed formidable strength that proved insurmountable.

“Thankyou!” Chen Fei expressed his gratitude, cupping his hands as Zhao Xia departed. The two guards from the Zhao Family accompanied Chen Fei back to the courtyard. He had arranged a room for them, and they would typically stay in the courtyard to serve as guards.

The presence of the guards outside slightly hindered Chen Fei’s movements. If he were to move into the Zhao residence later, this influence would become even more pronounced. Luckily, Chen Fei was planning to depart from Pingyin County soon, so this impact would only last for a few more days.

Chen Fei cast a glance at the mark on his wrist, noting that the gangrene’s activity was intensifying. Feeling a sense of urgency, he made up his mind to seize an opportunity in the upcoming days to inquire with Chi Defeng about the team’s departure schedule.

The feeling of being pressed for time was tormenting him.

The fragrant aroma of medicine wafted through the pill room as Chen Fei finished refining a few batches of pills. Just as he was in the midst of his work, Zhao Xia returned and handed him a pill formula. Simultaneously, he provided him with the necessary additional herbs for the day.

Chen Fei examined the remaining recipe in his hand, pleasantly surprised by the Zhao family’s efficiency. They had promised to provide it to him, and they did so promptly.

Curiosity sparked within him as he contemplated the potential benefits he would gain from simplifying the formula. After an entire morning dedicated to refining medicinal pills, Chen Fei decided to pause. He had successfully processed all the required medicinal herbs.

Chen Fei carefully placed the medicinal pills designated for submission into one drawer of the wooden cabinet while storing the remaining pills in another drawer. He then stowed the wooden cabinet inside his space grid.

The thought of the items filling the wooden cabinet brought a smile to Chen Fei’s face. Initially, he had believed that he wouldn’t be able to carry many belongings when leaving Pingyin County. However, with the addition of the space grid, Chen Fei could now bring various medicinal pills and herbs with him. This newfound capability gave him a sense of reassurance, knowing that he had the means to address unforeseen situations in the wilderness.

Unbeknownst to him, this arrangement would ensure Chen Fei’s safety during his ventures in the wild. As night descended, he spent his time cultivating his inner strength and practicing his martial arts techniques.

Chen Fei’s concentration on archery techniques in the pill room was abruptly disrupted by faint sounds emanating from outside the door. His expression shifted, and he swiftly exited the room, clutching his long sword. In the courtyard, a black figure stood while the two Zhao family guards lay lifeless beside them, blood streaming from their necks.

Observing the scene, it was evident that the guards had met their demise.

Zhang Xianping, perched above, fixed his gaze on Chen Fei. “You must be Chen Fei,” he remarked.

Curiosity mingled with suspicion, Chen Fei furrowed his brow. “Who are you? Did Zhang Sinan send you?”

A sinister smile crept across Zhang Xianping’s face. “You’re quite astute. However, you failed to appreciate the opportunity I granted you.”

Zhang Xianping brandished the dagger in his hand, still stained with traces of blood, and advanced toward Chen Fei with deliberate steps.

Witnessing Zhang Xianping’s admission of guilt, Chen Fei couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration. Merely because he had refused to comply with Zhang Sinan’s demands, the latter had resorted to killing, starting with the people from the medical center.

The Zhao family members were still alive for now, but the medical center staff had fallen victim first. If he chose not to help, would he meet the same fate? On the other hand, if the Zhao family discovered his assistance, he would face dire consequences.

Survival in this world was indeed an arduous task.

“Now you understand fear?” Zhang Xianping jeered, his laughter filled with madness. “Don’t worry, you’ll be the fourth. There will be others who shall join you.”

In the next instant, Zhang Xianping abruptly materialized in front of Chen Fei, launching a ferocious slash aimed at his neck.

“Clang!”

A muffled clash resounded as Chen Fei’s long sword successfully intercepted Zhang Xianping’s dagger. Zhang Xianping’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Wasn’t Chen Fei merely an ordinary martial artist in the Skin Toughening realm? How could he block his attack?

Just as Zhang Xianping contemplated changing his tactics, a sense of alarm surged within him. A white light materialized before his eyes.

“Ding!”

The tip of Chen Fei’s long sword made contact with the dagger, sending a shiver of fear down Zhang Xianping’s spine. Had it not been for his exceptional teacher and his accomplished movement technique, he would have been unable to dodge that sword strike just moments ago.

Zhang Xianping stared at Chen Fei, a lingering fear in his eyes. How could a rogue cultivator possess such a remarkable sword technique? Even in Pingyin County, there shouldn’t be such a lineage of sword technique inheritance.

Recognizing the formidable nature of his opponent, Zhang Xianping swiftly planted his right foot on the ground and propelled himself backward, akin to a floating willow catkin.

In response, Chen Fei’s sword technique underwent a sudden transformation. Flames seemed to burst forth as his swordsmanship enveloped Zhang Xianping entirely.

With his movement technique neutralized, Zhang Xianping had no choice but to defend against the imminent attack. After a brief moment, he breathed a sigh of relief. While this sword technique was extraordinary, it remained within the realm of what he could handle.

Now, he only needed to remain vigilant against the previous aerial sword strike, and he believed he would be safe.

In the blink of an eye, the two of them exchanged dozens of moves, allowing Chen Fei to gain a more comprehensive understanding of his current strength.

Immortal Way undeniably possessed immense killing power, but against a true expert of the Bone Tempering realm, a failed sneak attack would leave one vulnerable and easily countered. With only one move at their disposal, without any follow-up, it was all too easy to end up in the same situation as Zhang Xianping—blocking a single sword strike.

Although the Fire Sword was also remarkable, its effectiveness was limited by Chen Fei’s current cultivation realm, making it challenging for him to deliver a fatal blow.

Observing Zhang Xianping, who was on the verge of escaping, Chen Fei chose to cease his pursuit. Instead, he employed the Clear Heart Formula, preparing for the Three Immortal Swords technique.

Zhang Xianping, who had been dealing with the situation effortlessly, suddenly noticed the disappearance of the surrounding sword energy. In the next moment, he caught sight of a white light hurtling toward him.

“I’ve been waiting for this very move of yours!” Chen Fei declared.

Believing that Chen Fei was reaching his limits, Zhang Xianping shouted and hastily blocked the incoming sword with his dagger. If he could successfully parry this strike, Zhang Xianping intended to utilize the force of the collision to make his escape. Furthermore, having witnessed Chen Fei’s previous three moves, he even began to entertain the notion that if he continued to stall, victory would be within his grasp.

In the next instant, the white light vanished, leaving Chen Fei standing in place. Zhang Xianping, holding his dagger, gazed at Chen Fei in bewilderment. Suddenly, his body staggered backward. Without warning, a massive hole appeared in his chest.

His dagger had failed to block Chen Fei’s sword.

“Excellent swordsmanship,” Zhang Xianping murmured softly as he looked at Chen Fei. Then, in the blink of an eye, he collapsed to the ground. The soil beneath him quickly became saturated with his blood..