Chapter 18: Parting Ways

In this world, cultivation was indeed possible, as Chen Luo had learned from his master Cripple Ma quite early.

However, Cripple Ma’s knowledge on the subject was limited, and his descriptions of cultivators mostly consisted of abstract legends, such as transcending earthly realms or achieving immortality. When pieced together, there was hardly any useful information. The only feasible approach mentioned was to refine one’s martial arts to its pinnacle, thereby entering the path of cultivation through martial mastery.

This was the plan outlined by Cripple Ma.

Chen Luo didn’t fully understand it, but that didn’t deter him from striving towards this goal. Naturally, if there were a better shortcut, he wouldn’t hesitate to pursue it. Yet, he wondered whether the cultivators in this world followed similar stages like Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, and so forth, as described in the novels he used to read back home.

Bringing his thoughts back, Chen Luo assessed his current state.

His strength remained within the realm of inner training, but with a noticeable improvement. He had progressed from the initial stage to the advanced stage, effectively jumping one whole level. The inner qi circulating within him also felt more robust; previously thin like a thread, it now flowed with the thickness of a thumb. When channeling his inner qi, he could clearly sense a significant increase in power.

Based on Junior Sister He Min’s strength as a reference, he now estimated he could take on around three hundred opponents.

“I wonder how Junior Sister He is doing.”

Thinking about her, Chen Luo couldn’t help feeling somewhat melancholic.

Qingya County was now completely chaotic, and he fervently hoped that his master and junior sister would survive this ordeal. Once his divine arts reached their pinnacle, he vowed to return and slaughter those corrupt officials who had wronged them.

Creak.

The door opened, revealing Third Uncle, exhausted with dark circles under his eyes after a sleepless night.

“I’m going out to see if I can gather any news. Help yourself with some food here.”

Handing a roasted sweet potato from last night to his nephew Chen Luo, Third Uncle set off alone. Having escaped to this place, they were relatively safe now. However, Third Uncle urgently needed to know the situation in Qingya County. He had several mistresses there, particularly Widow Wang in the alleyways. The escape had been hasty, leaving him worried about their well-being.

At the thought of not being able to engage in strenuous activities with Widow Wang anymore, his mood turned somber.

“Be careful on your way.”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

With a wave, Third Uncle left without looking back.

“The flavor is quite decent.”

Picking up a roasted sweet potato from the table, Chen Luo had a simple meal before beginning his daily practice routine.

After last night’s experience, he felt as if aided by divine intervention.

As he executed a series of Black Tiger Fist moves, Chen Luo distinctly sensed his improvement. Such noticeable progress would have been unimaginable before; even combining the minds of over a hundred jianghu wanderers couldn’t conceive it. However, with the royal brain guiding him, Chen Luo now understood the true meaning of ‘genius.’

A hundred ordinary pig brains combined could not match the effectiveness of one genius mind! While a hundred pig brains might devise numerous comfortable sleeping methods, they would never conjure a way to make pigs fly. The jianghu brains he had previously acquired were all average caliber, akin to gray-tier qualities in a game. But the royal brain was different, clearly superior - more like purple with golden undertones. Just obtaining this one brought about a significant transformation for Chen Luo.

This realization further solidified his direction.

When the opportunity arose next, he must undoubtedly acquire the head of an immortal, no matter what it takes.

After a brief rest, Chen Luo resumed practicing his boxing.

Strength was the foundation upon which one could rely. Having embarked on this path with great effort, he must not falter or become complacent.

Three days passed swiftly.

During these three days, Third Uncle left early each morning and returned late at night. Through Yanhu County’s information brokers, he gathered numerous details about Qingya County. However, most of it turned out to be false. The official announcement from the imperial court claimed that rebels had assassinated officials in Qingya County, implicating remnants of the previous dynasty, and even members of the royal bloodline were said to have been killed by these traitors.

“There are no rebels! It’s all the work of those deranged corrupt officials!” Third Uncle slammed his fist angrily on the table and gulped down a large bowl of water.

The news he’d received over the past few days largely echoed this narrative. Compared to ordinary rumors, the residents of Yanhu County placed more trust in the announcements posted by the local government. Fuming yet unable to voice his anger publicly, Third Uncle could only vent once back home.

“Third Uncle, you should head to Chen Village right away,” Chen Luo suggested. “Now that word has spread, I’m worried my father might rush to Qingya County seeking news about us.”

After three days, the area was largely sealed off. Once the situation stabilizes, given Chen Laoda’s nature, he would undoubtedly be the first to rush towards Qingya County. With his son and younger brother there, whether it be due to military chaos or even falling blades, he would still go.

To prevent this from happening, Chen Luo decided to send Third Uncle ahead specifically to intercept their father.

“Alright!”

Without wasting any time, Third Uncle agreed promptly.

In truth, he had been eager to leave for some time now. Unlike Chen Luo, who practiced martial arts, Third Uncle found staying cooped up here immensely frustrating. He preferred returning to the village and discussing matters with fellow villagers.

“Be careful, and if things get dire, come back with me,” Chen Luo advised.

“I won’t return just yet. I’ll wait until matters here are settled before going back.” Chen Luo didn’t elaborate on his reasons.

Over these past few days, his martial training had reached a critical juncture. The cultivation method provided by the Imperial brain allowed him to glimpse an opportunity for breakthrough. He needed to seize this chance and surge forward, aiming to reach the Bone Tempering Realm in one swift move. Once he achieved the third realm, the challenges he faced would drastically change.

Despite the imperial court’s immense power, even within it, experts of the Bone Tempering Realm held significant influence. The previously slain Wei-gonggong was merely at the inner training stage, highlighting the prestige of those in the Bone Tempering Realm.

Chen Luo had already decided that once he breaks through to the Bone Tempering Realm, he would return to Qingya County. Before, his lack of strength forced him to endure silently, waiting for the tables to turn as the saying goes, “Fortune shifts every thirty years.” Now with sufficient power, he intends to confront them about the ‘beef incident.’

“I’m not sure if bringing you here to learn martial arts was the right decision.”

Third Uncle hesitated, still feeling uneasy and concerned.

Seeing Chen Luo’s determined gaze, however, his unspoken worries transformed into words of care.

“Out there, don’t recklessly venture into unknown situations. The world is vast, teeming with countless skilled warriors, more numerous than fish crossing a river. During my years as a grave digger, I’ve buried many such jianghu masters. Some were younger than you, filled with ambition just like yourself, yet they all ended up as cold corpses. Their loved ones might never even know where they perished.”

As Third Uncle spoke, he placed a hand on Chen Luo’s shoulder, imparting his heartfelt advice sincerely.

“Only by staying alive does your future exist! Everything else is utter nonsense.”

“I understand,” Chen Luo nodded, acknowledging his uncle’s words.

After sharing another meal with Third Uncle, they eventually parted ways.

Third Uncle purchased a mule; there was still a considerable distance back to Chen Village, but thankfully it was along the official road, ensuring their safety.

Looking at the money pouch left on the table by Third Uncle, Chen Luo sighed softly.

“It’s not much, just consider it my heartfelt gesture. Spend it wisely and don’t go chasing after women in those alleys. You’re young; don’t follow in my footsteps. Otherwise, when we return, your grandfather will surely break both my legs,” echoed Third Uncle’s nagging advice in Chen Luo’s ears.

This money was originally intended for finding Chen Luo a wife, but since that didn’t happen, he naturally left it behind.

Lords, please spare some votes. Seeking survival here, new books aren’t easy~