Chapter 104: Liao Yangsu's Plans

Seeing the old black dog deeply asleep, Duan Wenxuan decided to carry it over to Zong Cheng and asked him to keep an eye on it.

Despite being emaciated, the dog exuded a wildness akin to one raised in the untamed wilderness. Curious, Zong Cheng circled around the old black dog several times before questioning Duan Wenxuan about its origin.

“I picked it up. Keep an eye on it, and remember to feed it regularly with either dog food or regular meals - let it choose. However, if it bites people indiscriminately, don’t hesitate to handle it firmly.” After giving some instructions to Zong Cheng, Duan Wenxuan returned to the world of “The Tramps.”

Cuwei Mountain.

Upon revisiting this place, Duan Wenxuan noticed that Cuwei Mountain had undergone a dramatic transformation. Previously, due to rampant banditry, the surrounding paths were seldom traversed by travelers. Now, however, Cuwei Mountain appeared barren, clearly having been thoroughly scoured by Hanming Country’s elected officials.

Although their martial skills might not match those of the local bandits, this world was far simpler compared to realms plagued by monstrous creatures. Given enough time, taking down a group of bandits posed little challenge for them.

Of course, there were still some mountain peaks lush and verdant. This was because these areas contained plants accelerated by Duan Wenxuan, differing from the rest and possessing autonomous defensive capabilities, making it difficult to ‘uproot’ them completely.

Having anticipated such changes, Duan Wenxuan wasn’t surprised. He leisurely walked, his appearance gradually transforming as he moved along.

Sunny Liao enjoyed his meal at Eighteen-Li Town, feeling quite content. Throughout this adventure, he remained filled with extreme joy and curiosity about the new world.

Never did he imagine that one day he would enter a completely foreign realm—a wuxia world, no less! It felt like living out the fantasies from the transmigration novels he used to read.

Despite his curiosity, Sunny Liao’s determination to excel in the path of martial arts grew stronger within him. The thought of people here being essentially controlled by the Hermit Union, akin to livestock, deeply troubled him. Such lack of freedom was unbearable.

As these thoughts occupied his mind, Sunny Liao discreetly weighed the two badges in his pocket.

Apart from those eliminated through death or disqualified due to triggering various events, the remaining participants’ final standings were determined by the number of badges they collected. With only two badges, it wasn’t due to any lack of ability on his part; rather, his goal wasn’t to become a license holder but to find ways to acquire inner strength manuals instead.

Inner strength techniques were rare; even his master had access to just half of the Changchun Inner Strength manual. Other such methods belonged exclusively to the Duan family, and as someone outside their lineage, his master dared not teach them privately despite caring for him greatly.

Liao Yangsu was not ungrateful and would never blame the elderly man who treated him like his own grandson. However, deep inside, he harbored a determination to make his master proud.

He could tell that after dedicating his life to the Duan family, his master held profound affection for them. Yet due to his lowly status, Tang Tianlu received only moderate recognition within the clan. Liao Yangsu yearned to find a high-level cultivation technique so that his master could practice it too, allowing him to gain respect and assert himself within the Duan family.

Logically, at his age, one might expect him to have outgrown such childish aspirations. But with no other means to repay Tang Tianlu’s kindness, this goal gradually took root in Liao Yangsu’s heart.

Unfortunately, in this world, martial secrets were highly valued by all sects and clans, making them difficult to obtain. By his count, he had already spent twelve days in this realm, yet all he’d found were a few charlatans.

Once, he encountered someone smashing rocks with a hammer, then subtly gluing the pieces back together before dramatically breaking them apart again in front of others—a deceptive trick. Surprisingly, it fooled several naive villagers into following him for martial training. Liao Yangsu saw through the ruse instantly.

Additionally, most of the bandits within Cuwei Mountain had been apprehended. It was rumored that their hideout contained some secret martial manuals, but unfortunately, Tan Yibai and his team from Hanming’s official forces seized them all. The scattered fighters like Liao Yangsu didn’t stand a chance to obtain any.

Tan Yibai did try to recruit him, recognizing his unique status. However, Liao Yangsu had no interest in joining such a large group. He valued freedom now; neither the Duan family nor the official authorities appealed to him.

In his lifetime, Liao Yangsu only wished to explore how far he could progress in the path of martial arts.

Suppressing these thoughts, Liao Yangsu recalled what his master had instructed before he set out. According to legend, there was an elderly artist who, in his youth, was a destitute scholar. His family was so impoverished they couldn’t afford food, leading him to venture into Cuwei Mountain for hunting. As a scholarly man, he proved inept at hunting, not only failing to catch anything but also getting lost in the process. Everyone assumed he had perished, yet surprisingly, after two or three years, he returned home. From then on, the scholar abandoned pursuing civil examinations and instead traveled around, making a living by painting portraits for others.

Now, that scholar was quite elderly and had spent years eking out a living near Eighteen-Li Town, closest to Cuwei Mountain. However, Tang Tianlu revealed that despite his seemingly aimless life, this old gentleman had encountered a master on Cuwei Mountain in his youth. He possessed exceptional martial skills, making him an unparalleled yet reclusive expert.

When the Duan family initially partnered with the Hermit Union to develop this world, they had faced off against him. This information was highly confidential within the Duan family; Tang Tianlu had expended considerable effort and resources to obtain it for his disciple’s sake.

Liao Yangsu spent two days wandering around Eighteen-Li Town, not because he couldn’t endure hardship but because his primary goal was to find this elder.

The badges in his pocket were of lesser importance, though he unexpectedly acquired two more during his stay. Knowing Tan Yibai would pay handsomely for them, Liao Yangsu planned to sell these badges once his journey concluded.

“Sir, what can I get for you?”

As Liao Yangsu strolled and pondered, he entered a restaurant called Qing Lou. This “Qing Lou” was not to be confused with a brothel; it was a legitimate establishment known for its delicious cuisine. The owner had reportedly hired a chef from the imperial capital, and she herself, being both beautiful and adept at socializing, enjoyed considerable influence in Eighteen-Li Town.

“I’ll have some roasted chicken and other meats, along with side dishes like peanuts and pickled beans for drinking accompaniments. Please wrap them in oilpaper for takeaway.”

The waiter cheerfully acknowledged the order and hurried off.

Liao Yangsu smiled, knowing that this ancient world resembled Xuanlan Star’s past, so he had prepared silver coins for unforeseen needs. Additionally, during his recent dealings with bandits, he found some money, ensuring he wasn’t short on funds. With the one-kilogram limit for items he could bring, aside from silver coins, Liao Yangsu carried fine wines from Xuanlan Star.

Tang Tianlu had mentioned that the old artist had a particular fondness for wine, above all else.

Liao Yangsu came well-prepared.

The packed meal arrived swiftly. Carrying the wrapped dishes, Liao Yangsu left the inn and headed towards a residence in Eighteen-Li Town, carrying a bottle of excellent wine with him.

Over the past few days, Liao Yangsu had gathered information and learned that the elderly artist frequented Eighteen-Li Town, making it relatively easy for many locals to recognize him. However, with no family or relatives, he occasionally disappeared without notice, raising concerns about finding him.

Having pinpointed the artist’s residence yesterday, Liao Yangsu eagerly rushed over today.

Upon arrival, he discovered that the house was located in a mixed neighborhood, teeming with diverse individuals from all walks of life. As soon as the children playing nearby saw him, they stopped, their eyes fixated on the food he carried. The aroma of roasted chicken seeping through, with its enticing scent, drew their attention irresistibly.

Reaching his destination, Liao Yangsu gazed at the weather-beaten wooden door and promptly knocked.

“Who is it?” A robust and somewhat coarse voice echoed from inside. Despite Liao Yangsu’s response, the person within couldn’t quite hear clearly until the door opened.

Liao Yangsu then beheld an elderly man, slightly plump, with a head full of white hair casually tied back in a bun secured by a wooden pin. His attire was drab and grayish, appearing long overdue for washing. However, despite this, the old man’s complexion was remarkably rosy, indicating good health and vitality.

“Senior, I’ve come specifically to visit you,” Liao Yangsu bowed politely and began.

Unexpectedly, the elderly woman furrowed her brow and spoke loudly, “My…ears aren’t so good anymore. Speak up, please.”

Liao Yangsu strained his voice, raising it significantly to explain his purpose for visiting.

The old woman suddenly shot him a sharp glance. Liao Yangsu felt as if an intense scrutiny was probing him, making him uncomfortable, with the sensation of being completely seen through.

However, the gaze quickly vanished, and the elderly woman leaned forward slightly, speaking loudly again, “I’m not skilled in much else. Are you asking me to draw something for you? Let me tell you, drawing is fine, but you must provide me with food and wine. One painting per sip of wine, no exceptions, remember that!”

Taken aback momentarily, Liao Yangsu swiftly responded, “Yes, indeed, Senior, I am here seeking your artwork.”

“Drawing, ah, I’ve spent my whole life doing it! Especially those little fighting figures, they’re my specialty. Come, come inside, hurry in.”

Liao Yangsu promptly followed her into the courtyard.

It wasn’t large, containing only two rooms at most. One room housed a stove along with stacks of firewood and various odds and ends, while the other appeared equally modest.

Once inside, the old man eagerly unpacked everything Liao Yangsu brought. With his head lowered, he sniffed the items, exclaiming, “Wonderful, wonderful! The food from that high-class establishment, I’ve only ever smelled it but couldn’t afford to taste.” Then, turning to the wine, the old man slapped his thigh, his face flushing instantly as he repeatedly praised its quality.

After taking a few sips, the intoxicated old man munched on peanuts and gnawed at a chicken leg before squinting and speaking slowly, “Alright, tell me, what kind of drawing do you need? I’m proficient in sword techniques, fist forms, and leg combat - which one interests you?”

Liao Yangsu took a deep breath, suppressing her excitement. “Senior, I’m seeking a set of palm techniques suitable for me, along with corresponding inner strength cultivation.”

“Inner strength techniques too? Young lady, don’t be too greedy. As an old man, my specialty lies in illustrating fighting figures; those written scripts aren’t really my forte.”

“Senior, I have two more bottles of this fine wine back home. I’ll bring them over for you shortly.”

Upon hearing this, the old artist smiled broadly. “Ah, truly divine nectar, fitting compensation for a heart technique indeed. Very well, today I shall create it for you.” Without further ado, the elderly man dipped his brush into ink and began painting and writing.