Chen Dabao stood with his hands clasped behind his back, watching as Little Liu's figure receded into the distance. Snowflakes swirled in the gray winter sky, drifting down to rest lightly on his graying hair. His expression betrayed a hint of distraction, his gaze clouded with complexity.
Sun Changbiao was dead. Yet it wasn't the mere fact of his death that occupied Chen's thoughts. Life was cheap in these times; a single death was hardly worth noting. What truly unsettled him was Li Che's astonishing decisiveness. Moments after learning that Sun Changbiao, a member of the notorious Spirit Infant Sect, had coveted Xixi, Li Che had acted without hesitation. He had taken Sun Changbiao's life—decisively, ruthlessly, and with extraordinary swiftness.
But was it really Li Che who had acted? And if so, where had he gained the strength to kill Sun Changbiao?
Even Chen, despite his experience and insight, found himself dazed and puzzled.
His leisurely stroll took a new direction as he turned toward Sun Changbiao's courtyard. As he approached the compound, the air was filled with heart-wrenching wails that seemed to shake the heavens. A crowd had gathered outside, murmuring in subdued tones, their faces alight with morbid curiosity.
Steward Sun stood at the forefront, his ashen face twisted in grief. His entire body trembled, and his clenched fists betrayed a mixture of rage and sorrow.
"Who? Who could have done this to my son?" Steward Sun's anguished cries rang out. "My son was a peaceful, honest man—always kind to others. Who could be so cruel?"
Beside him, Madam Liu sat slumped in a chair, supported by several attendants. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed uncontrollably, her frail form wracked with grief.
Chen edged closer, his ears pricking up as he listened to the fragmented conversations around him. A peculiar expression crossed his face.
"A figure as massive as a mountain, with hands like fan-shaped leaves, kicked the door down with a single blow and crushed Sun Changbiao…" one voice whispered.
"It must have been a martial artist at the Bone Tempering stage," another speculated. "It couldn't have been Li Che. He's only just reached the initial stage of body refinement—he wouldn't have stood a chance against Sun Changbiao."
"What an odd coincidence," someone muttered.
Chen clicked his tongue in muted wonder. He pushed through the murmuring crowd and stepped inside the courtyard. There, his gaze fell upon Sun Changbiao's lifeless body. It was a gruesome sight: his head had been cleanly severed, his bones shattered, and his internal organs crushed. Chen shook his head slightly, his expression unreadable.
Nearby, Sun Changbiao's four daughters huddled together in a corner. The eldest, her shoulders squared but her face pale, stared at her father's corpse. Her gaze carried no trace of grief; instead, a flicker of satisfaction gleamed in her eyes before she quickly looked away.
The news of Sun Changbiao's brutal demise spread like wildfire through the Xu family Courtyard, causing an uproar. The Third Manager was out of town, leaving the shop without its usual leadership. Such a major incident occurring in his absence sent shockwaves throughout the area.
The following day, Xu family's inner city branch dispatched an investigative team, accompanied by constables from the outer city. Among them was Xu Beihu, who towered above the crowd in his fox-fur cloak. Threads of dense blood energy crackled like arcs of lightning around his massive frame. As he examined Sun Changbiao's body lying in the coffin, a peculiar light flickered in his eyes.
"The attacker struck with tremendous force," Xu Beihu said, his deep voice carrying a hint of grim admiration. "The internal organs were pulverized by a single kick. During the exchange, the attacker shattered his arm bones and utterly overpowered him. The clean cut at the neck suggests an incredibly sharp weapon—likely a sword."
Beside him stood Zhao Chuanxiong, the burly head constable of the outer city. A wide-bladed saber hung at his waist, its hilt worn from years of use. He squinted as he analyzed the scene, his sharp gaze lingering on every detail.
"Head Constable Zhao, we must trouble you to get to the bottom of this matter," Xu Beihu said, clasping his fists in a gesture of respect. "After so many years of stability, someone dares to commit such an atrocity within Xu family's domain?"
Zhao Chuanxiong waved his hand dismissively, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Perhaps this is the work of rival factions, seeking to send a message by targeting the people under the Xu family. But it is curious… Why Sun Changbiao? Of all people, why him?"
Xu Beihu's brows furrowed deeply, but no answers came to him, no matter how he mulled it over.
Zhao Chuanxiong smirked and clapped his hands lightly. "Search the premises. Let's see if we can uncover any evidence."
At his command, the constables began a thorough search of Sun Changbiao's residence. Madam Liu, still weeping in her chair, showed a fleeting look of panic when she noticed the constables fanning out. Her expression quickly shifted to one of despair as she lowered her head.
It wasn't long before one of the constables called out, "Found it!"
He returned carrying an ominous statue: a "Three-Headed, Six-Armed Spirit Infant Idol." The sight of the idol sent a wave of murmurs rippling through the crowd.
"The Spirit Infant Cult?!" Xu Beihu's voice rose in anger, his eyes blazing as he turned to Madam Liu. "You're members of the Spirit Infant Cult?!"
Zhao Chuanxiong's lips curled into a knowing smile as he clapped his hands once more. "Ah, the Spirit Infant Cult. That explains quite a bit."
His gaze flickered to the four little girls huddled in the corner. The youngest, no more than two or three years old, tilted her head, her messy hair framing a face full of innocence. Oblivious to the chaos around her, she looked up at Zhao Chuanxiong with wide, curious eyes.
Xu Beihu's expression darkened further. The discovery of the idol was a significant blow to Xu family's reputation. Though he had long suspected the Spirit Infant Cult's infiltration, having it exposed so brazenly was humiliating.
"The story is clear now," Zhao Chuanxiong declared. "Sun Changbiao was a follower of the Spirit Infant Cult. The sect likely targeted his daughters for sacrifice. Perhaps Sun Changbiao resisted to protect them, and the Cult's enforcers silenced him for it."
"Tsk tsk, truly a tale of heart-wrenching and admirable fatherly love…"
"Madam Liu, would you not agree?"
Seated on the chair and still sobbing, Madam Liu was momentarily stunned, her tear-streaked face filled with confusion. Hidden in the crowd, Li Che couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth as he overheard the constable's analysis.
Indeed, Sun Changbiao had died because of fatherly love, but that was his (Li Che's) fatherly love...
Without lingering to listen further, Li Che quietly slipped away and made his way to the training ground to practice.
The training ground buzzed with activity. The new wood sculptors recruited this year had just received the coveted "Skin tempering Technique." Brimming with enthusiasm, they carried heavy stone locks, training diligently in the hopes of advancing their strength.
Among them stood Zhao Xuan, her long, slender legs taut and poised as she instructed the newcomers. When she caught sight of Li Che arriving, her face lit up with a cheerful smile.
"Master Li, you're here?" she greeted warmly.
Li Che returned her smile, nodding in acknowledgment.
Nearby, Wang Zhengpin, drenched in sweat from his rigorous training, paused to chime in, "Master Li, have you heard? Master Sun died a miserable death—his bones crushed one by one by a villain, tortured to death, and finally decapitated. Horrifying!"
Li Che's mouth twitched again. The rumors surrounding the incident seemed to grow more exaggerated by the day. He wasn't nearly as brutal as the stories made him out to be! Still, he joined the conversation, adopting a look of deep regret.
While the senior members of the group chatted, the newcomers stood by in respectful silence. Soon, Li Che shifted his focus back to his own training.
At present, he outwardly displayed a skill level of "Skin tempering Mastery" an accomplishment that had already earned him considerable envy. Daily training was a routine he adhered to strictly, knowing that the "Dragon Elephant Vajra Technique" demanded unwavering persistence for true progress. Today was no different.
Yet, as his body moved through the familiar motions, Li Che's mind wandered to the next steps in his cultivation journey—the elusive techniques for tendon-muscle strengthening and Inner energy cultivation. The thought lingered, pushing his focus inward.
While Li Che was deep in training, Xu Beihu arrived at the training ground, his presence commanding immediate attention.
"Second Manager," everyone greeted in unison, halting their actions to clasp their fists and bow respectfully.
Xu Beihu's stern expression softened slightly as he addressed the group. "I came to the Outer City today to investigate Sun Changbiao's death. Since I'm here, I might as well offer some pointers on your training."
His gaze swept over the group before settling on Li Che, his expression showing satisfaction.
"Reaching Skin tempering Mastery in just a year—your body-tempering talent is impressive. Keep up the hard work, and don't slack off. If you have any requests, feel free to speak," he said with approval.
Li Che cupped his fists respectfully and responded, "Second Manager, I have indeed achieved Skin tempering Mastery. Might I request a copy of the Tendon-Muscle Strengthening Technique and an Internal Energy Manual?"
He paused briefly, adding with sincerity, "I passed by Master Sun's courtyard today and witnessed the aftermath of his tragic death. It left me deeply unsettled. I've heard that Master Sun was a mountain of fatherly love, dying to protect his daughter. I… I'm afraid."
His words carried a mix of earnestness and apprehension, perfectly masking his true intentions.
Xu Beihu fell silent, his brow furrowed in thought. He was well aware of Li Che's circumstances. Previously, Li Che had joined Xu's establishment out of fear of the Ling Ying Sect. Now, Sun Changbiao's death had undoubtedly shaken the Outer City, casting a shadow on the Xu family's authority.
However, rules were rules. After a moment, Xu Beihu shook his head, his face showing regret.
"The rules of Xu's establishment are clear. You must reach Skin Tempering Perfection before you can be taught the Tendon-Muscle Strengthening Technique and Inner Energy Manual," he explained. "You need to lay a solid foundation before moving forward. Otherwise, your cultivation may suffer setbacks, and your progress could collapse prematurely. If I gave it to you early, you might succumb to temptation, practice prematurely, and harm your body. This is for your own good."
Hearing this, Li Che's expression reflected disappointment, though inwardly, he remained calm and calculating.
Xu Beihu hesitated before pulling out a porcelain bottle and handing it to Li Che. "How about this… Inside are six 'Skin tempering Pills.' Consider it a reward for reaching Skin tempering Mastery. Take one pill every five days. With your talent, within just over a month, you should be able to achieve Skin tempering Perfection."
He paused, his tone firm but encouraging. "At that time, you can come to me for the Tendon-Muscle Strengthening Technique and Inner Energy Manual."
Though he felt a slight sense of regret, Li Che's expression brightened as he accepted the Skin Tempering Pills. In his heart, however, he had already resolved to visit the marketplace to procure an Inner Energy Manual through other means.
Old Chen had once mentioned that the tendon-Muscle strengthening and inner energy techniques available to non-Xu members were mediocre at best—hardly different from what could be found in the marketplace. But for Li Che, such techniques were sufficient for now.
Xu Beihu, seeing Li Che accept the pills, smiled faintly. "Li Che, I have another job for you."
Li Che straightened, giving his full attention.
"Knowing that your wood carvings are full of crafting intent, the son of the Si family from the Inner City approached me. He wants to commission you to carve a sculpture for five gold leaves," Xu Beihu explained.
Li Che's heart skipped a beat. "Five gold leaves?" he thought, stunned. That was five hundred taels! A major client… but also a clear sign that the task ahead would be no simple feat.
"May I ask what this young master from the Si family wishes to have carved?" Li Che asked cautiously, cupping his fists solemnly.
Xu Beihu chuckled, seeing the seriousness in Li Che's demeanor.
"The Weeping Guanyin subduing Nine-Headed Demon Statue"
Li Che's mind reeled at the sheer complexity of the request. It was no ordinary commission; the requirements for such a sculpture would undoubtedly push his skills to their limits. Yet, he quickly steadied himself, determination flickering in his eyes.