Chapter 10

Wang Fobao came and went in a hurry, but Yang Yu was unable to calm his mind for a long time.

Yang Laopo wiped her hands and walked into the house, scolding slightly, "Why didn't you keep Warden Wang here?"

"Where could I have kept him?"

Yang Yu forced a smile.

After several ups and downs in a single day, he felt physically drained. Taking advantage of Laopo's inattention, he ate several pebbles to feel better.

"The old man's fate is uncertain, and we don't know if he will return. You're just a child without support; how can you stay in the yamen..."

The old woman rambled on, her face full of worry.

"Laopo."

Yang Yu felt warmth in his heart, took the old woman's hand, and said, "Warden Wang brought the compensation..."

"Compensation..."

The old woman was stunned, her hand trembling as she held the money bag.

Seeing Laopo saddened again, Yang Yu quickly changed the subject, "Laopo, Warden Wang said the outer city is not peaceful and suggested we move to the inner city..."

"Move?"

The old woman nodded blankly, "We have to move. The two brothers at the end of the alley are both seriously ill; they may not survive the summer..."

Yang Yu was silent.

Only half the year had passed, but more people had died of illness in the outer city than in the previous few years combined.

Recalling Hu Wan's words from that day, he felt a sense of urgency.

"These times are getting harder and harder to endure."

The old woman sighed sadly.

"Then, when the rain stops, I'll go find a real estate agent to rent a house?"

Yang Yu was cautious, afraid of upsetting Laopo.

The old woman was old and not in good health; another shock might make her ill.

"As you wish."

The old woman was not in high spirits.

The rain had lasted all morning, and it only cleared up near noon. Yang Yu hastily ate a few bites of food, took the silver, and went to the old courtyard.

"Just a flick, and it's embedded so deeply? This Warden Wang must be a blood-replaced expert..."

Yang Yu was drenched in sweat from digging through the hard yellow soil before he saw the broken sword with the hilt buried deep.

He was somewhat amazed.

After more effort, he dug out the broken sword, washed it, and then set out for the inner city.

The real estate agency was located on South Street, the most prosperous street in the inner city and even in Black Mountain City.

This street was bustling with various facilities like taverns, teahouses, and medical clinics, and the street vendors lined up one after another.

The crowd was something never seen in the outer city.

"It's like two different worlds..."

Looking at the well-dressed passersby, Yang Yu exhaled heavily and began to wander the streets.

After days of effort, he was not far from completely refining the broken sword. He came here hoping to find other 'ingredients' by chance.

After much exploration, he knew that what the Cauldron of Gluttony 'refined' was the spirit left on objects.

In such a large city like Black Mountain, there should be similar things, right?

Unfortunately, after two rounds of searching, Yang Yu still couldn't find even one possible 'ingredient' with a spirit.

There were no antiques on South Street...

"I came to the wrong place; I should go to North Street..."

Yang Yu shook his head helplessly. Turning around, he was startled by a cold sweat.

A tall, thin man in white was staring at him coldly from the end of the street. When he turned his head, the man disappeared into the crowd.

"Is he following me? White clothes, is he from the Life-Pity Sect?"

Yang Yu's heart tightened, but he was also puzzled.

He had never provoked anyone from the Life-Pity Sect; why would they follow him?

If it was for money, he had no extra wealth. The old man's compensation was a considerable sum for others, but the Life-Pity Sect wouldn't care.

Strange, strange...

Yang Yu's mind raced. He turned and left the real estate agency, not going to North Street, but walking slowly to Old Man Wei's alley.

He knocked on the door.

"Chirp, chirp, chirp~"

Old monkey Wangcai opened the door with a cry.

Yang Yu entered the courtyard, which was unusually quiet today. The training ground was empty, with only Old Man Wei lying in a rocking chair, half asleep.

"Do you know why I asked you to kill someone?"

Old Man Wei's voice drifted over before Yang Yu even stepped onto the training ground.

"No."

Yang Yu shook his head.

"It seems you haven't noticed."

Old Man Wei half-closed his eyes and rocked the chair. "Any martial art created is for defeating enemies, even for killing!"

Yang Yu took a few steps forward, picked up a small stool, and sat down, knowing he had truly passed the test.

"Every martial art contains the spirit and temperament of its creator. When learned, it subtly changes one's character."

Old Man Wei spoke calmly, "A year ago, you were timid, like a stray dog on the street. You wouldn't dare to approach it. But now, a year later, you dare to kill at night."

"Is this change just because you drank some horse urine?"

"Change in character..."

Yang Yu was startled, suddenly understanding.

In his previous life, he had heard that introverted and timid children who learned fitness, kickboxing, or boxing would become more courageous.

Thinking about it now, it was like 'having a sharp weapon, the killing intent arises.'

"I've killed many people in my life, and the skills I know are not gentle. You're a good seed, and I don't want to ruin you, so I tested you."

Wei He stretched and yawned, nonchalantly.

Yang Yu was silent for a moment before asking, "But what if I was killed or arrested by the constables?"

"Ha ha~"

Wei He sat up, looking at Yang Yu, and said calmly, "It would have nothing to do with me."

Yang Yu smiled bitterly.

In his heart, he was more convinced that this old man was not a good person.

"Ask what you want to know."

Wei He yawned.

Yang Yu steadied his mind and asked the question he most wanted to know: "Disciple wants to know how to 'change blood.'"

"Since you've passed this test, you're my disciple. Fine, I'll tell you a bit more..."

Old Man Wei pondered for a moment, then called out, "Wangcai."

The old monkey chirped and darted into the house.

"Learning martial arts involves practicing techniques, strengthening the body, and increasing strength, but there are limits. Even someone as talented as Hu Wan can only have the strength of a water buffalo."

Wei He took the yellow paper from the monkey's hand and shook it.

"Changing blood is different; it's a true transformation! After this, you'll be a true martial artist, and you can mix in both the inner and outer cities."

"Transformation."

Yang Yu's eyes lit up, guessing, "How do you change the blood? Could it be a medicinal bath?!"

"Exactly."

Wei He was somewhat surprised, nodding, "Ordinary methods can't reach the bone marrow. To change blood, you need medicinal assistance."

Swish~

He shook the yellow paper in his hand.

"This is the formula for 'changing blood.' I can give you a copy, but where will you get the money to buy the herbs?"

"Eating dirt won't change your blood!"