In the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, snow flew halfway across the sky.

Li Yuan, wearing a black robe with white edges, stood at the bow of a black canopy boat.

A poem says: At the top, seeing all mountains small.

Are the mountains smaller?

The mountains aren't actually smaller; it's just that one feels they are because of standing high.

At this moment, Li Yuan felt the same way. In Shanbao County, he had never seen anyone stronger than him, at least in terms of strength values. Those "small mountains" that once were oppressive now posed no significant threat to him.

As a result, he felt an unintended lightness and joy.

With a better weapon, he could become even stronger.

Next, it was time to establish his own influence.

He wasn't establishing power to stay on top or out of boredom, but because he needed it.

Now, his cultivation had reached its limit. If he wanted to advance further, he had only three choices: first, to comprehend the "Life Atlas" of the "Soul-Throwing Technique"; second, to find other Cultivation Skills with a "Life Atlas"; third, to create a completely new Cultivation Skill with a "Life Atlas".

Option three was unrealistic, and even option one wasn't reliable, at least not in the short term.

The only choice was to seek new Cultivation Skills.

There are two ways to obtain new Cultivation Skills. One is through the upper power of the Blood Saber Sect, but this is elusive; only the Sect Leader and Vice Sect Leader seem to know about them. He'd need to speak with Tie Sha, and build a certain level of relationship to delve into it.

The other is to acquire them from elsewhere. This is also why he is attempting to establish power.

Instead of going to an unfamiliar, completely unknown place, placing hopes on fortune, roaming and risking his life, navigating various complex political alliances to seek new Cultivation Skills,

it's better to establish a small power in an area where he is, at least on the surface, the strongest.

Then, through the small power, establish various channels, and through the safest "trade", acquire Cultivation Skills.

He has plenty of time to wait for this trade.

Even if it fails or problems arise, he won't find himself in a dangerous situation.

Besides, with power, he can do many things.

Exploring new maps – he can't expect to scout everything himself. Exploring strange places – he can't go alone. Protecting family and friends – he can't be at home every day. Information channels – he needs someone to investigate for him. Trading and commerce – he needs money, resources, connections, and the conveniences those connections bring. Relocating to another city – he needs someone to set up a place of refuge in advance.

Of course, power may also bring trouble and calamity. So, how to build it, how to position it, is also an issue.

With these thoughts, the bow of the boat touched the shore with a 'thud'.

Li Yuan tapped the deck, leaping onto the shore, and amidst the calls of "Young Master Li" all the way, he arrived in North City.

Master Li was still rocking on his recliner, with floating numbers beside him still showing "145(200)~150(210)".

The fact that he hadn't recovered for so long indicated that Master Li had suffered irreversible injuries, which is why he was in a hurry to find a disciple to pass on his teachings.

"Teacher."

A calm and composed voice rang out.

Master Li didn't open his eyes, saying, "Here so early today? The records haven't arrived yet."

Then, he thought for a moment, laughing: "Coming so early, are you looking to drink with this old man?"

"Wedding wine."

The voice carried a smile.

Following these words, the 'creak, creak' of the rocking chair suddenly stopped.

After a few seconds, it started up again.

Master Li laughed: "Did Shadow Blood change? So you're here to remind the old man to host your wedding feast?"

"Teacher, I've broken through to the Eighth Grade."

The laughter within the voice became even clearer.

Among the laughter, the rocking chair came to a complete stop.

Master Li sat up suddenly, staring with wide eyes: "What?!"

The young man stood amidst the flying snow, respectful and courteous, saying calmly: "Teacher, I've broken through to the Eighth Grade."

Master Li was stunned for a moment, then said: "So soon? Not only did you change Shadow Blood, but you also broke through to the Eighth Grade?"

"Yes."

Li Yuan was very forthright. Having achieved Seventh Grade Perfection, admitting that he was now at the Eighth Grade Early Stage wasn't difficult.

But hearing this, Master Li was overjoyed, and for a moment, his facial expressions underwent a rich and layered transformation, finally settling into a composed excitement.

"Give it a try."

Li Yuan looked towards the nearby weapon rack, ready to find a long blade.

After all, carrying a long blade around was inconvenient; normally, the saber at his waist was sufficient.

Upon seeing his gaze, Master Li asked: "Trying the blade?"

"Yes."

"You only need a faint layer of Blood Shirt on the surface of your body to enter the Eighth Grade. No need to try the blade."

"But I want to have Teacher appreciate my blade technique."

"Which blade?"

"Jingzhe."

Master Li was taken aback for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, give it a try."

But then, he suddenly pointed to the long blade plugged beside him, saying: "Use this blade to try."

Li Yuan didn't hesitate, immediately stepping forward to grab Master Li's long blade. As soon as it was in his hand, it felt exceptionally cold, quite different from any blade he's seen on the market. Looking closely, he noticed rust and micro-cracks on the blade, which surprised him slightly. A quick glance at his data made him even more surprised.

While carrying the Sleeve Blade, his value was "180~278".

But now, it had directly become "255~370".

Just a single change of blade... had increased his overall strength so much.

The 370 value was, of course, due to the "Blood Fusion" and "Exhale" bonuses.

Yet the 255 value, in fact, was very close to Sect Leader Tie's 235, at least at the same level.

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