Drunken Spring House.

Qingning County's Magistrate Lin Guolong held a promotion banquet. In the outer hall, he hosted various martial sects, aristocratic families, wealthy merchants, and numerous government office constables.

In the inner hall, small tables were set up for Li Xian and the household members.

"Brother Li, have a drink."

The beautiful concubine held a silver pot, pouring wine and serving dishes with great attentiveness. Her pair of lovely eyes subtly glanced at Li Xian.

Gentle waves rippling. Qingning County's military officer was indeed as distinguished and handsome as rumored.

"Thank you very much."

Li Xian courteously lifted his wine cup and congratulated, "Congratulations on your promotion, Brother Lin!"

"Hahaha, congratulations to us both." Lin Guolong clinked glasses and drank it all in one go, full of vigor.

As it turns out…

After the Yellow Dragon Army was completely wiped out, tens of thousands of captives were absorbed into the government army. Lin Guolong was rewarded for his merits, able to be promoted by one level.

These past few days, the court was deliberating on official appointments. Just two days ago, an adjustment was made, promoting him to be the magistrate of "Shenglin Prefecture" and "Luoci County."

Don't just see that both are counties.

Shenglin Prefecture is wealthier than Qiong Heavenly Mansion, and Luoci County oversees 800 miles of thriving porcelain trade and accessible waterways.

Far beyond what Qingning County could compare to.

Though nominally a lateral move, it was truly a promotion. Lin Guolong's days became even more prosperous, perhaps needing to add a few more beautiful concubines.

"Speaking of which, Brother Li, although I'm leaving, the magistrate of Qingning County will still be of my Lin Family." Lin Guolong laughed, "By then, I hope Brother Li will offer some support."

"With Qingning County on the rise, the new magistrate will surely be satisfied." Li Xian casually laughed, not making any promises.

"What a pity, what a pity," Lin Guolong said, "It's a pity I can't take that large courtyard. How about I give it to Brother Li?"

"These maidservants and servants will be at your command from now on. And these beautiful concubines, if you fancy any, I can give them to you."

"They have long been clamoring to serve you intimately."

Lin Guolong's tastes were discerning; he would not deprive himself.

Though these concubines were married women, they were quite charming. After years of pampering and proper maintenance, their skin was fair and delicate, each a beauty in her own right.

Although he spoke jokingly, if Li Xian were to express his interest, Lin Guolong would not hesitate. Women can be found again, but it is best to form a connection with this young figure early.

After all, this promotion was brought about by Li Xian.

Truly generous and open-hearted.

The concubines secretly harbored expectations, not feeling the least bit ashamed or annoyed. They scanned up and down; this martial officer was valiant and handsome. In that regard, he was surely not weak. If they could indeed join him, engage fiercely on the bed, and experience the pleasure of it, it would be a worthwhile move in life.

Li Xian smiled and said, "I'll take over the mansion without issue, since Brother Lin is leaving, and no one will manage it. But as for the kindness of beautiful women, I'll pass."

"Is it that the wife does not permit it?" Lin Guolong jokingly inquired.

"Ahem." Li Xian took a sip of wine and did not answer. The wife's thoughts were hard to guess, but she indeed restricted his desires and did not allow him to marry others.

Saying this brought no light to his face. A man of robust character like Li Xian being so constrained naturally brought displeasure, hoping one day to turn the tide. But for now, he still had to succumb to the wife's tyranny.

"Alas, you lot lack the good fortune; you should continue following me," Lin Guolong laughed. The concubines felt greatly disappointed but dared not say more.

"By the way, where's that granny of yours?" Li Xian changed the subject.

"Oh, her," Lin Guolong said, "The mysterious dragon, often seen but its head, has long disappeared to who knows where."

"Come, come, let's have a good drink together; who knows when we'll meet again after I leave."

...

...

The next day, Lin Guolong along with his wives, concubines, servants, and close guards, set off to take office in Luoci County in great fanfare. Firecrackers were lit along the way, and a copper gong was beaten loudly, fearing others wouldn't know he had been promoted.

With Qingning County without a leader, Li Xian, being the Martial Captain, was undoubtedly the first in command.

Li Xian's words carried great weight in the county.

Every day, an unending number of people came to visit, hoping to establish connections or present gifts. If they could establish any link with the Martial Captain, who in Qingning County would dare to bully them?

Li Xian found it tiring to deal with, so he outright declined visitors and focused on practicing martial arts.

Receiving outside gifts, although indeed lucrative, even more than running a clothing shop, came with endless troubles and social obligations.

It was far less stable and convenient than the earnings from the clothing business. Thus, besides practicing martial arts daily, Li Xian paid attention to the status of the clothing shop.

They expanded with several more stores.

The income was considerable.

[Skill Level +3]

...

[Setting Sun Bloodsword]

[Skill Level: 9199/12000 Great Success]

[Iron Copper Body]

[Skill Level: 2689/3000 Great Success]

Li Xian practiced diligently every day, and Heaven rewarded his diligence, allowing his martial arts to continuously improve.

On this day, as he gathered qi in his dantian, his qi lake surged, accumulating water into a deep pool, where finally all rivers flowed into the sea. He eventually amassed a fifteen-zhang qi lake, where quantitative change led to qualitative change.

The qi lake churned, mist rising, creating a scene of wonder. Li Xian's clear qi soared into the sky, making him feel light as if bathing in the clouds.

After a while.

The mist in the qi lake receded and transformed into colorful lights floating in suspension.

The Inner Qi of a martial artist cannot be retained outside the body for long.

Once outside the body, it quickly dissipates. But after the qi lake's qualitative change, the quality of inner qi increased to a higher level, merging with the universe.

There were even more mysterious aspects.

Because strictly speaking, inner qi comes from martial arts, and martial arts come from the universe. When the qi lake accumulates to a certain extent, it precisely shows that the martial artist, through practicing martial arts, has gained some insights into the universe.

This further enables the inner qi to stay longer within the realm of heaven and earth.

Li Xian struck the air with his palm, maneuvering ample inner qi.

In the past, when inner qi left the body beyond a zhang, it would inevitably dissipate, no matter how exquisite the qi manipulation technique was, it couldn't reverse this trend.

Today's palm power extended even further, reaching nearly twenty feet!

The difference from before is like… a bookworm who once shut himself away behind closed doors, dedicated to reading and writing poetry, because he was not good with words and had an introverted personality. Unable to travel far, when he left home, he would invariably find himself flustered in various situations.

Now he's transformed into an open-minded, knowledgeable Grand Scholar, skilled in conversation, eloquent and engaging. He has delved into various fields, adapting well to external environments, coming and going freely.

Thus, he can now go farther.

In the future, if he advances further, he might become so eloquent, he could even charm beauties and treasures back.

"My strength has grown slightly. Good… it's this way, accumulating bit by bit! Progressing bit by bit!"

"I heard from my wife that the next qualitative change in the Qi Lake will be at thirty-two feet. I still need to work hard! Strive to take another step forward!"

"Now, my internal qi-blood is fully mobilized, and this is the time to devour the essence treasure for the best results!" Li Xian felt his inner qi overflowing, his strength formidable, his energy vibrant.

He opened the Heaven-Hiding Box and sliced off one gram of essence meat.

Devouring the essence treasure and digesting the essence of heaven and earth.

Different martial artists have different speeds in digesting the essence of heaven and earth. Li Xian, having just entered the Food Essence Realm, can nurture fifteen strands of the essence of heaven and earth from one gram of essence meat.

After strengthening, it becomes more than twenty strands.

Usually, three strands are left; if lucky, four or five strands.

These few strands of the essence of heaven and earth require two or three days to digest. Fighting with others, understanding heaven and earth, practicing martial arts, and tempering oneself can increase the speed of digestion.

Li Xian has his wife supplying him, so [essence treasure] is temporarily not lacking. His wife sometimes starts the cauldron only once every half-month or so, not because there isn't enough essence treasure, but because digestion takes time. Frequent starts of the cauldron are indeed a waste!

Focusing on cultivation, his progress increased again.

[You have accumulated and digested six strands of the essence of heaven and earth, Food Essence Realm skill level +1]

[Skill Level: 3/100]

...

...

On the third day after Lin Guolong's departure,

the new county magistrate arrived. Eight men carried his sedan, accompanied by several hundred servants and dozens of guards. What a strong presence.

Cao Yun lifted the carriage curtain, seeing the gate of "Qingning County," and frowned: "So, this is Qingning County, indeed quite impoverished."

He jumped out of the sedan chair and tidied up his attire. Gold bracelets, a jade belt, brocade clothes, and leather boots, exuding extraordinary wealth.

He strolled casually toward the city.

"Why is there no one to greet me? I, the county magistrate, have arrived, and no one is here to guide me. What is the meaning of this?" Cao Yun frowned as he saw no one at the city gate.

"We probably came too quickly, and the county people didn't know," said the guard beside Cao Yun.

"Then notify them!" Cao Yun said with dissatisfaction, "This is truly improper. Even though I didn't notify them in advance, they should've had the sense to know that the magistrate would take office within a few days. Shouldn't they have prepared to welcome me, just in case?"

"With such disordered county management, can they truly fend off the Yellow Dragon Army?"

The guard, hearing this, immediately ran into the city. He had a quick pace, showcasing decent lightweight skills.

Officials of various ranks in the county government office, upon hearing the county magistrate's arrival, rushed here to welcome him. Their attitude was sincere, while Cao Yun spoke sarcastically, his words dripping with criticism.

He wouldn't rest.

Until a guard reminded him: "Master, we are new to Qingning, still in need of people. It's best to collect yourself."

Only then did Cao Yun relent.

Amid the throng, Cao Yun headed to the government office. Along the way, citizens gathered to watch, and local powerhouses from Qingning County also sent people to observe.

The county was bustling with activity.

"Captain Zhang, I heard that our county has some Martial Officer? Is this true?" Cao Yun asked nonchalantly.

"It's true."

The captain of Qingning County was surnamed Zhang, named Yiheng.

"Have him come to see me," Cao Yun said casually.

"He… he…" Zhang Yiheng glanced at the ushering officials, looking taken aback and said, "He is not here."

"Not here? Then where is he?" Cao Yun stopped, frowned, and straightened his hat, "I, the county magistrate, take office today as his superior. He doesn't even show up. Is he looking down on me, the county magistrate?!"

"No… shouldn't be," Zhang Yiheng wiped his sweat, "Perhaps this Martial Officer is overly engrossed in martial arts. I will send someone to call him right away."

"Humph!" Cao Yun said, "From here to the government office, it's still two miles. If he hasn't appeared before me by the time I arrive at the office, then he needn't come!"

"Even if he comes, I won't meet him!"

With a flourish of his sleeves, he strode away.

Zhang Yiheng glanced at his trusted aide beside him.

That aide, being a constable, was swift and nimble, quickly went to notify Li Xian. Upon reaching the Martial Captain Hall and inquiring, he found that Li Xian wasn't there.

That constable immediately returned to report. Zhang Yiheng, receiving the news, was troubled and said, "County Magistrate Cao… I'm afraid Li the Martial Officer won't be able to come…"

Cao Yun narrowed his eyes, "Oh? Won't be able to come?"

"He, he's currently not at the Martial Captain Hall," Zhang Yiheng said.

"I see..." Cao Yun smiled and said, "A fine Martial Officer indeed. Even at this initial meeting, he dares to give me a hard time."

"County Magistrate, you've misunderstood," Zhang Yiheng hurriedly said. "Li the Martial Officer likely didn't mean it. You also know, dealing with Jianghu matters, much traveling is unavoidable."

"Not being in the hall is honestly quite normal."

Cao Yun said, "Are you making excuses for him?"

"I wouldn't dare." Zhang Yiheng quickly shook his head.

"No need to say more," Cao Yun coldly replied, "I have been an official for twenty years, and I've seen all kinds of people. Those who have some power and then become conceited, I've seen many."

"Today, in front of everyone, he gave me a hard time; everyone saw it."

He strode into the government office.

Raising a hand, all the items inside the office were moved out.

"These things are too old. Since I'm taking office, it should have a new atmosphere. Replace them, replace them, replace them all."

Cao Yun pointed at the old items in the office and spoke in veiled criticism.

Zhang Yiheng could see it; this county magistrate… came looking for trouble!

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