Chapter 39 of 100

Chapter 39

16 min read4,067 words

In the following months, Wang Yue spent his time either reading books or studying the methods of mental strength cultivation.

Wang Yue was waiting, waiting for another merchant to appear in the market selling soy sauce and five-spice seasonings.

After Wang He returned with the tax silver, he learned of Wang Shan's death and cried out loudly, "Village Chief, you must avenge Shan Brother. I never thought the murderer would be so bold, daring to kill even someone from our martial arts hall."

Wang Yue said, "Wang He, the martial arts hall is now in your hands. Although your martial arts are a bit lacking, I believe you will soon reach the middle stage of hidden strength. I will avenge Shan Brother, so rest assured."

A servant came in, anxiously saying, "Village Chief, it has appeared. Another merchant is selling soy sauce and five-spice seasonings in the market."

A flash of killing intent crossed Wang Yue's eyes, and he asked, "Oh? I didn't expect it to really appear. The fox has finally shown its tail. Have you found out which merchant it is?"

The servant shook his head, "No, but according to the information from our people, this merchant should be in the north, likely not within the borders of the Song Dynasty, but in the heart of the Liao Empire."

Wang Yue sneered, "In the heart of the Liao Empire? Hmph, no matter where he is, I can find him. Alright, you may leave."

"Yes, Village Chief," the servant left.

Wang He said loudly, "Village Chief, I will go with you to the Liao Empire. When we find the murderer, I will tear him to pieces."

Wang Yue shook his head, "No, if both of us leave, there will be no one to take care of the village and the martial arts hall. Moreover, your martial arts are far inferior to the murderer's. You won't be of much help. I will go alone. Even if I am not a match, I can still escape. There are few in this world who can stop me."

Wang Yue's martial arts had already reached the late stage of transformation, making him one of the most powerful experts in the martial arts world, on par with figures like Wuyazi, Li Qiu Shui, and Tian Shan Tong Lao.

The only expert who could possibly stop Wang Yue now, he estimated, was the old monk who swept the floor at Shaolin Temple.

"Yes, Village Chief."

Wang He said reluctantly, "If you find the murderer, Village Chief, you must bring his head back. Hmph, I want to see who this murderer really is."

...

When Abi saw Azhu packing her things, she said, "Azhu Sister, your injuries have just healed. You should rest for a few more days. Leaving now seems too hasty. Besides, we haven't heard from Brother Xiaofeng. Even if you leave Wang Family Village, you won't know where to find him."

Azhu smiled, "Abi, don't worry about me. My injuries have been treated by Brother Wang Yue and Doctor Xue, and I have fully recovered. There's no need to rest further. I need to find Brother Xiaofeng. Although I don't know where he is, if I have the determination, I believe I can find him."

The bond between Azhu and Xiaofeng was very deep. Now that Azhu had decided to leave, no one could persuade her otherwise.

Abi sighed, "Azhu, since you're determined to go, I'll let Xiao Huan go with you. This will make your journey safer. Xiao Huan's martial arts are excellent; she reached the hidden strength stage last month. With her, you will surely find Brother Xiaofeng."

Xiao Huan was Abi's personal maid. She had also practiced boxing with Abi and Wang Yue. Although Xiao Huan was not yet twenty, her talent for cultivation was extremely high. In just a few years, she had become a hidden strength martial artist, making her a top-tier expert in the martial arts world.

Xiao Huan practiced Bagua Palm, and her Bagua Saber technique was highly refined.

Azhu nodded, "Abi, thank you, Sister."

"Abi," Wang Yue's voice came.

Abi, seeing Wang Yue, said happily, "Brother Wang Yue, why are you here? Weren't you reading a book?"

Wang Yue smiled, "I have a lead on the murderer. I plan to go out and hope to find him this time. Azhu, what are you doing? Are you leaving too?"

Wang Yue saw that Azhu had packed her luggage and asked.

Azhu nodded, "Yes, Brother Wang Yue, my injuries have healed. I'm going to find Brother Xiaofeng. I can't bear to leave him alone outside."

Wang Yue didn't stop Azhu and agreed, "Alright, that's good. If you're going to find Xiaofeng, you should head north. I think he should be in that area. Also, Azi is with Xiaofeng. If you see her, give her this Shenmu Wang Ding."

Although Wang Yue would snatch good treasures, he wouldn't take Azi's Shenmu Wang Ding. Now that the Shenmu Wang Ding was useless to him, he naturally wanted to return it to its rightful owner.

Wang Yue wrapped the Shenmu Wang Ding and handed it to Azhu.

Azhu said, "Brother Wang Yue, rest assured, I will definitely deliver the Shenmu Wang Ding to my sister."

Azhu put on her luggage.

Abi said to Xiao Huan, "Xiao Huan, take plenty of silver. Don't neglect yourself outside. Also, make sure to protect Azhu Sister."

Xiao Huan, dressed in white, holding a single saber, nodded, "Yes, Lady."

Azhu and Xiao Huan left Wang Family Village.

Abi looked at Wang Yue and asked, "Brother Wang Yue, Azhu Sister has left, and now you're leaving too? I'll be alone at home. Why don't I go with you?"

Wang Yue shook his head, "Not this time. The murderer's cultivation is extremely high, and I might not be a match. Moreover, Father's health has just improved and needs more time to rest, requiring your care. Stay at home. I'll be back soon after I finish my business."

Abi knew that going with Wang Yue wasn't practical, "Brother Wang Yue, be careful."

At this moment, a white figure entered Wang Family Village, moving as fast as a ghost.

"Who? Daring to cause trouble in my Wang Family Village!" Wang Yue shouted, his body darting out like a leopard, tearing through the air and creating a sonic boom.

"Internal Family Fist?"

A woman's voice came, and a silver-white palm force struck Wang Yue.

Wang Yue dodged, but the palm force could follow his movements. Wang Yue punched the palm force.

"Boom!"

True Qi and Inner Qi exploded, shaking the surrounding rock formations.

Wang Yue and the white-clad woman each took a step back, their powers evenly matched.

"Flexible and adaptable, White Rainbow Palm Force!"

Wang Yue looked at the white-clad woman in surprise, "Are you Li Qiu Shui?"

The woman wore a veil, her face hidden, only her eyes visible. But Wang Yue still guessed her identity.

There were few female grandmasters in the martial arts world, and the only one who could use White Rainbow Palm Force was the Empress Dowager of Western Xia, Li Qiu Shui.

Li Qiu Shui was surprised, "Oh, you know me? You must be Wang Yue. Your martial arts are indeed impressive. The power of your Internal Family Fist is much purer than Li Yan Zong's."

Wang Yue's martial arts were stronger than Li Yan Zong's. Li Qiu Shui could kill Li Yan Zong when he was severely injured, but she had no confidence against Wang Yue.

Li Yan Zong could escape from Li Qiu Shui last time partly because of his excellent lightness skills and partly because Li Qiu Shui didn't want to kill him. After all, Li Yan Zong was a general of Western Xia, and his presence provided some security for the empire.

Li Qiu Shui didn't yet know that Li Yan Zong was Murong Fu.

Wang Yue looked at Li Qiu Shui with caution and asked, "What brings you to Wang Family Village, Senior Li?"

Li Qiu Shui's Small Unparalleled Skill and White Rainbow Palm Force were too powerful, and Wang Yue had to be cautious.

Li Qiu Shui smiled, "Why, Wang Yue, don't you want to invite me in for a chat? That's not very hospitable."

Wang Yue nodded, "Senior Li, please come in. Abi, bring tea."

After Li Qiu Shui sat down, Wang Yue asked again, "Senior Li, can you now explain your purpose?"

Li Qiu Shui smiled, "The Internal Family Fist is indeed as miraculous as the rumors. When we exchanged palm forces, I noticed a powerful energy in your punch, but this energy is different from true qi. Can you, Young Hero Wang Yue, explain this to me?"

The innate inner qi of the Internal Family Fist was not a secret. Once one reached the transformation stage in the Internal Family Fist, innate inner qi would naturally be generated.

Wang Yue smiled, "Of course. I used the innate inner qi of the Internal Family Fist. Although both innate inner qi and innate true qi are energies cultivated by martial artists, they have significant differences. Innate inner qi is gentler inside the body, making it better for nurturing the body. When released outside the body, it is very violent and destructive, but it lacks the adaptability of innate true qi. For example, your White Rainbow Palm Force can be flexible and unpredictable, but my innate inner qi can only move in a straight line."

Li Qiu Shui nodded, "After hearing your explanation, I have a deeper understanding of the Internal Family Fist. I am also very interested in it. I want to exchange the Small Unparalleled Skill for the Internal Family Fist technique. Are you willing, Young Hero Wang Yue?"

Wang Yue thought for a moment and nodded, "Sure! The Small Unparalleled Skill is incredibly powerful, not only making one youthful but also able to simulate all martial arts. I am very curious."

Li Qiu Shui smiled, "Hehe, it seems you know a lot about our sect's Small Unparalleled Skill. Since that's the case, let's exchange."

Li Qiu Shui took out a secret manual, the Small Unparalleled Skill.

Wang Yue also handed over the Internal Family Fist manual.

Li Qiu Shui flipped through the manual and asked, "Young Hero Wang Yue, I gave you the complete Small Unparalleled Skill, but you only gave me the techniques for manifest and hidden strength. This is not very fair."

Li Qiu Shui's voice had a hint of coldness; she was truly angry.

Wang Yue quickly said, "Senior Li, don't misunderstand. The Internal Family Fist really only has manifest and hidden strength. There is a transformation stage, but once you master manifest and hidden strength, the two energies can transform into each other at will, naturally leading to the transformation stage."

Li Qiu Shui felt this made sense and said, "I hope you're not deceiving me. Otherwise, I will come back for you. Goodbye."

Li Qiu Shui used the Lingbo Weibu, leaving a trail of afterimages and quickly disappearing.

Li Qiu Shui's Lingbo Weibu was much more powerful than Duan Yu's. Her movements were like a ghost, far surpassing Duan Yu's half-hearted skills.

Abi asked, "Brother Wang Yue, she is the Empress Dowager of Western Xia, Li Qiu Shui? She's so powerful!"

Wang Yue nodded, "She is very powerful, but after she cultivates the Internal Family Fist, she will be even more formidable."

Wang Yue was concerned whether Tian Shan Tong Lao and Xuzhu could withstand Li Qiu Shui after she cultivated the Internal Family Fist.

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