In front of Li Xian were more than twenty kinds of elixirs.

"Little brother, take a look for yourself."

"The effects and prices are all marked. If you fancy any pill, just tell me."

The man selling the elixirs lacked enthusiasm.

Just now, a woman passed by him, and he caught a whiff of her fragrance, losing his soul and heart to it.

Most of the elixirs sold in the market are "mundane miscellaneous pills." Despite their humble name, the prices are not low.

These pills have no grade or rank. However, differences in quality exist and need to be discerned by oneself.

The Tiger Blood Pill, Deer Blood Pill, and Bear Gall Pill previously consumed all belonged to mundane miscellaneous pills. Due to the scarcity and expense of the materials, they are considered "good pills" or "excellent pills."

However, the "Tiger Red Pill" is a typical "inferior pill." Although its effects can help martial artists in training, its toxins attack the five viscera, harming the body.

"Sure, you go ahead."

Li Xian ignored the clerk's indifference.

Most of the more than twenty types of elixirs were aids for martial arts training.

There was the "Continuous Qi Pill," allowing a seamless flow of qi and making martial arts practice smoother, and the "Body Manipulation Pill," which enhanced physical perception.

Pills like the Tiger Red Pill, Tiger Blood Pill, and Bear Blood Pill, commonly seen in the manor, were also available here.

Only the prices were slightly higher.

"By the way... What level is Madam's alchemy skill?"

Li Xian thought to himself.

In terms of mystery and allure, Madam is undoubtedly top-tier.

Her mastery in martial arts is unfathomable, and she's formidable in alchemy, decocting medicine, and cooking.

"Right now, I urgently need elixirs that can directly boost combat power."

Li Xian pulled his thoughts back.

There were quite a few such elixirs.

The "Strengthening Pill" increases strength by thirty percent when consumed, but the specific effects vary from person to person. The "Rejuvenation Pill" makes the body flexible and light, enhancing agility...

These one-time use elixirs were relatively cheap, with prices fluctuating around six hundred coins.

Li Xian waved his hand. He bought ten Strengthening Pills, ten Rejuvenation Pills, and ten Qi Extension Pills.

Then he went to the black market to purchase poison powder, gunpowder, darts, and other items.

The black market was crowded and bustling. Before entering, Li Xian intentionally smeared wall ash on his face.

Aside from losing more than winning in bargaining, the process went smoothly enough.

"Goodness, this trip cost over thirty taels of silver."

By evening time.

Li Xian confirmed that he had bought everything he needed. He touched his chest pocket, feeling that more than half of his money was gone. Saying he wasn't distressed would be a lie.

Just as he was about to leave, his gaze fell on a small stall to his right. The stall was deserted, with only one item displayed.

"How much for this?" Li Xian bent down to pick it up and inspected it carefully.

It was a piece of fish scale chest armor, light and delicate in craftsmanship, though slightly damaged.

"Ten taels."

The seller was a woman. One side of her face was burnt and fierce-looking, but the other side was fair and proud.

"Could it be cheaper?" Li Xian liked it a lot. Gently comparing it to his chest, the size was a bit small, but the chest armor was stretchable and could be worn well.

"Just ten taels."

The woman sneered. If she couldn't even sell it for ten taels, it would be too humiliating. Though she was down and out, forcing her to sell her armor, she couldn't swallow her pride.

Ten taels... not a cent less!

Li Xian gritted his teeth. "Alright, ten taels it is!" He took out his money, handing it in exchange for the armor.

The "fish scale chest armor" looked ancient, but as Li Xian's hand brushed over it, it felt icy, reflecting its unique material. Moreover, the armor's joints and scale arrangement...

The craftsmanship was phenomenal.

The black market was frequented by martial artists, commoners, and merchants, including some from wealthy families, but without exception, they were all local to the county.

They couldn't appreciate the intricacy of this item.

With his knowledge from two lifetimes, Li Xian realized its significance, feeling strongly that this armor did not belong in the county.

At ten taels of silver, it was an absolute steal!

"Consider yourself lucky; it's a bargain for you."

The woman spat lightly, took the silver, and turned to leave the black market. Her tall and heroic figure suggested she wasn't a local either.

"Definitely has character."

Li Xian tugged at the chest armor, growing increasingly satisfied. Those ten taels of silver weren't wasted, as he wore the armor close to his body.

It was as if his chest was covered in a layer of scales.

The armor was thin and light, and with another layer of clothing over it, it was completely inconspicuous.

Li Xian thought:

"Today in Ziyun County, it's indeed full of hidden talents and quite fascinating."

Earlier there was the noble lady seeking elixirs, now there was the disfigured woman selling armor.

But all these happenings had nothing to do with his insignificant self.

...

...

At Mountain Wind Pass.

Beside a riverbank.

The relentless river flowed, driving the wooden waterwheel, directing the water through the channel to a water pit within the forest.

Nearby was a mountain cavern.

Inside the cave stood a black tripod half the height of a person. The fire roared fiercely beneath it, causing the soup inside to boil rapidly and evaporate, necessitating constant replenishment.

"Hmm, a letter?"

Mountain Wind Stronghold leader Ma Daozi, with a fierce scar on his left cheek, appeared robust, carrying two short knives under his armpits.

A homing pigeon flew in.

He picked up a stone and flicked it lightly, knocking the pigeon to the ground. Opening the envelope, he saw a letter from his third brother, Peng Fox.

After reading the letter, Ma Daozi frowned, "Second brother, fifth brother, have a look." He handed the letter to the two men.

Ma Daozi was once a fugitive swordsman.

He was always on the run, never in one place, and without a settled heart. One day, passing through here, he had a great encounter and discovered the treasure tripod inside a cave.

It should be known that for martial artists... a reborn martial artist, the symbol of establishing one's domain is possessing a "tripod."

With a tripod, one can boil a decent Essence Treasure.

And this Treasure Tripod is not far from the river vein.

This is indeed a "treasure land"!

The tripod material is thick and heavy, connected with the earth's energy; it's best not to move it. Some ancient tripods are entangled with the earth's energy, as if glued to the ground.

Even a reborn Martial Artist finds it hard to lift.

This opportunity cannot be wasted, so Madaozi turned to banditry. He established a stronghold on a perilous mountain in the distance, amassing strength.

If there is "Essence Food", it will be secretly cooked here. Only the trusted people in the stronghold know the location.

"The nursing home of Yihetang Manor?" Second-in-command Hong Kai frowned after reading the letter.

"What's going on with the third brother, can't he even deal with one nursing home? And now he's asking me to return to help." Fifth-in-command Lu Xuefeng said displeasedly.

With the essence food about to be cooked, he is reluctant to leave. Staying here, maybe he could get an extra sip of the soup.

Madaozi said, "Since there are situations in the stronghold. Fifth brother, go back and take a look. If you can solve it, do so effortlessly."

"We are using smokeless charcoal. This charcoal doesn't emit smoke, but the firepower is weaker. Within these few days or half a month, it may not be possible to cook it into soup."

"You'll make it in time even if you make a round trip. Rest assured, you'll get your share of this essence soup and essence meat."

Lu Xuefeng was pleased, "With big brother's word, I'll head back immediately."

He set off at once.

Since Mountain Wind Pass is a secret place and close to the river vein, there's no need for manpower to fetch water. The three did not ride horses to minimize noise as they came.

Therefore, they need to return on foot.

Hong Kai looked at Lu Xuefeng's retreating figure with envy, "Big brother, fifth brother's talent is truly remarkable. If placed elsewhere, would he also be called a prodigy?"

"He's someone favored by heaven." Madaozi seemed slightly envious, "But to say a prodigy, ha, far from it."

...

...

[Skill Level +1]

[Skill Level +1]

Martial strength comes from hardship, force arises from grinding. The more imminent the crisis, the more composed one must be.

Li Xian practices several martial arts concurrently. The Clear Wind Leg has achieved "Perfection", and the Four Directions Fist is nearing "Peak".

Just a thousand skill points short.

Another slight boost, and he can reach it.

So he stays up for intense practice…

"Bang!"

Suddenly.

Li Xian's entire body trembled, with Qi and blood surging up and down, naturally closing all his pores, blood stopping solidly.

After "Qi Circulation", "Blood Solidification and Aperture Closure" is completely mastered!

"Boiling essence food now, the effect will be even better!"

For ordinary clay embryos, achieving "Qi Circulation" and "Blood Solidification and Aperture Closure" is the limit.

Now the inner Qi is powerful, Qi and blood locked within, breath is long, spirit is vigorous, body feels light, bones and muscles strong.

With such characteristics…

How could ordinary people untrained in martial arts resist?

Li Xian consumes animal spirit food, making his muscles and bones more robust than ordinary people.

Further advancements require consuming "Essence Treasures", subtly departing from the clay state, stepping into the "Essence Food" realm.

Li Xian does not rest, taking advantage of his strong body, continuously striking with punches. His blows are thick and robust, capturing the spark of intuition.

The body's blood sometimes slow, sometimes swift…

Using blood as a carrier to transport inner Qi. When the blood is rapid, the Qi rushes like a wild river; when slow, the Qi flows like a spring breeze brushing the earth.

Though blood solidification and closed pores are for "retaining essence" and "digesting essence treasures", they are also extremely effective in combat for a martial artist.

Relaxation with moderation.

If mastered, even ordinary martial arts, common moves, or just a simple direct punch, become difficult for others to block when coming straight at them.

[You comprehend the principle of blood flow, harmonizing with your fist technique, boosting its power to a higher level.]

[Skill Level +21]

The Four Directions Fist was created by the lady.

Its original intent was simple "diversionary tactics", "point left hit right", and how to skillfully resolve and escape when surrounded from all sides.

Exterior square, interior round, plain and simple, mighty yet smooth.

As practiced to the later stages.

The principles of fist transformations become deeper…

And at this moment, Li Xian adds the variability of relaxation, swift-slow alterations to the transformation principles.

A qualitative change occurs, conjuring countless transformations out of thin air.

[Skill Level +10]

Taking advantage of numerous sparks of insight, Li Xian seizes the moment, punching continuously.

Heaven rewards diligence, the mastery of his fist technique deepens further.

In a daze, Li Xian recalls when he was in the desolate house pulling weeds, staying up late to practice, just to smash through the fate's opportunity with his fists.

Times have changed.

What Li Xian can rely on remains only the fists in his hands.

But this time…

He breathes deeply, even staying up all night practicing fists, he doesn't feel tired.

"My martial intent is pure, strike, strike again!"

A night passes.

Li Xian exudes heat all over, generating warmth within, and he dares not close pores to lock it in, lest he scalds his body.

Last night, the snow fell endlessly.

But in that courtyard, not a single snowflake is seen, only a ground of watery texture.

Li Xian is drenched, unable to tell whether it is sweat or melted snow.

Only when his final punch is thrown, with eyes gleaming, a ripple goes through his body, and a strange sound echoes from within.

[Heaven rewards diligence]

[Four Directions Fist...]

[Peak!]

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