Slime Immortal.

Chapter 174 Knights and Martial Arts

Beside the fluorescent fields of the demi-human town, a log cabin that looks quite old stands quietly.

The wooden house was surrounded by a low fence. At this moment, several figures were sneaking around behind the fence, peeking out and cautiously observing the situation inside the courtyard.

In the clean courtyard, Arno sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, his breathing long and steady. His strong chest rose and fell slightly with his breath, and an indescribable calm aura seemed to surround him.

Behind the fence, one of the figures, who was noticeably smaller, lowered his voice and asked with a hint of doubt, "That's strange. What's this guy doing sitting there motionless? Is he meditating? I've never seen a warrior meditate like that."

A slightly muscular figure next to him hesitated for a moment before answering uncertainly, "I heard Kahn mention that he's going to participate in the Knight Trial and the Shadow Trial soon. He's probably preparing for the trials now."

"A knight participating in the Shadow Trial? Hopefully, he won't get completely outmaneuvered by those guys who are good at stealth and trickery." The petite figure chuckled.

"Shhh-keep it down!"

"He looks like he's about to wake up, let's get out of here."

Three figures nimbly withdrew from behind the fence and quickly disappeared into the shadows around the street corner.

If the light were brighter, their faces would be clearly visible; they were none other than Leon, Ella, and Musk, the three who had previously escorted Arno back to the Stone Castle.

They were both surprised and curious when they learned from their aunt Nelly that Arno was also going to participate in the upcoming "Shadow Trial".

According to the traditions of the Stoneborn, the Trials of the Shadows are important occasions for the younger generation to demonstrate courage, wisdom, and affinity with shadow creatures, which usually differs from the path of chivalry that emphasizes frontal charges and glorious duels.

Driven by curiosity about this "outsider" competitor and a touch of youthful competitive spirit, they decided to come and find out.

Leon admitted that Arno was indeed very strong, and if they passed the Knight Trial, the three of them combined wouldn't be enough to beat Arno.

But the rules of the Shadow Trials are completely different.

In the trials, finding and successfully contracting a suitable shadow creature requires more than just brute force.

A participant who only knows how to swing his fists may not even see the shadow creature before being led astray by other, more cunning competitors who are more familiar with the trial rules, and may even be the first to be eliminated.

After confirming that Arno seemed to be undergoing some kind of knightly physical coordination training that they didn't quite understand, they were finally relieved and left with a light heart.

Walking along the increasingly bustling streets of the town, Musk said, "Ella, we're friends with that old man, so next time we should probably go through the main entrance."

"Hmph, what do you know? We and Uncle Arno are now competitors, and so are we. Starting tomorrow, don't you two come looking for me before the trial officially ends."

Musk scratched his head, somewhat puzzled: "Why? Wouldn't training together be more motivating?"

Ella raised her chin. "From now on, I, Ella, will secretly undergo grueling training, and then amaze everyone. Maybe...maybe I can even become the first female Grand Duchess in the history of the Stoneborn!"

Musk honestly reminded him, "But you've already said it, so it's not exactly a secret anymore."

Ella blushed and glared at him reproachfully: "Mind your own business. Anyway... just don't bother me."

After saying that, she quickened her pace and left her two companions behind.

Leon watched Ella's retreating figure, smiled helplessly, and said to Musk, "Never mind, let her be. We need to prepare ourselves properly; this trial doesn't look like it'll be easy..."

The sounds of their conversation and footsteps gradually blended into the hustle and bustle of the town in the early morning, eventually disappearing at the end of the winding street.

In the courtyard, Arno opened his eyes, feeling lighter and more refreshed than ever before. He stood up, stretched, and then threw a punch at the air.

"call--!"

The force of the punch was so fierce that it even produced a whooshing sound.

The sound wasn't like the dull thud of a normal punch; it was more like two invisible swords cutting through the air.

Arno himself was stunned, staring incredulously at his fist.

He could feel an aura different from the past lingering around his fist, giving each punch a unique penetrating power.

"Huh? This...this is done?" he muttered to himself, his face filled with confusion and surprise.

He picked up the mysterious book called "Sword Scripture," turned to the chapter on the second realm, "Sword Echo," and began to read it carefully.

The book clearly states: To reach this level, one must use the intent of the fist to stimulate the blood and qi within the body, simulating the subtle vibrations of a sword, so that the fist strikes with the wind, and the wind carries the sound of a sword blade cutting through the air... Without more than five years of arduous practice, it is difficult to even begin to grasp its essence.

But it seems he's only practiced for one day, so how come he can already hear the sword's cry?

The Sword Manual has four realms.

It emphasizes using fists to transform swordsmanship and wielding swords like fists. It is a mortal martial art born from battlefield combat. It involves practicing fist and sword techniques externally and cultivating the internal organs internally. After mastering the four realms, one becomes a master of top-notch internal strength, wielding the sword as if it were second nature, and reaching the point of returning to simplicity.

It is a martial art that emphasizes practicality and is most suitable for knights.

"So fast... Could it be that I practiced it wrong?" Arno's heart immediately became uneasy.

He quickly put down the book and began to carefully examine his body.

Press here, touch there, and feel for any discomfort in your body.

At that moment, the little slime inside his chest suddenly moved and opened its eyes.

Chen Yu asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"

"Boss, are you awake?"

Arno realized what was happening and quickly explained his problem.

Uh……

Chen Yu felt that it was most likely not that he was the problem, but rather that the author of the Sword Manual had not expected that a knight from another world would practice the martial arts he had written.

This is equivalent to a martial arts genius who only practices basic internal skills and is almost a master, but then turns around and goes to study sword manuals.

That would inevitably lead to rapid progress.

"Calm down, calm down, this is perfectly normal," Chen Yu said.

Arno breathed a sigh of relief and couldn't contain his excitement, saying, "I've never encountered such mysterious knowledge before. It's different from the power granted by trials and combat skills. It's more like... more like the knowledge that Hans, that old drunkard in Ironboot Town who's always drunk and can't even hold a sword properly, can master."

"Moreover, this power is magical, very coordinated, and easier to control..."

Arno tried his best to describe everything he had experienced in his own words. After the excitement subsided, he said regretfully, "What a pity. If I had more time, I was confident that I could have cultivated to the fourth realm. At that time, my agility would not be much worse than those assassins, and I would be more confident in passing the trial."

Chen Yu patted him with his gel-like hand, "Don't worry, the pills to aid your cultivation are on their way."

“However, there are gargoyles around Gore, so I feel that the little slime might not be able to get in. You'll have to go get it yourself.”

"Pills? Are they similar to those magical potions concocted by alchemists that can temporarily boost energy or enhance concentration?" Arno asked curiously, scratching his head.

"More or less," Chen Yu thought.

"My aunt should be able to help me."

After saying that, Arno stood up, straightened his clothes, and went out.

But when he reached the door, he hesitated. He first peeked around at both sides of the street, then pulled out a gray cloth from somewhere and tried to cover most of his face.

Arno whispered quietly, "I don't know who spread the word that I stripped people in the Gray Mist Lake Underground City. Now the whole town knows that a perverted Stoneborn has arrived."

"Damn it, don't let me find that guy."

Chen Yu was immediately delighted.

"Isn't that great? You became a big celebrity as soon as you arrived here."

Arno looked embarrassed. "Boss, please don't tease me." He adjusted his face mask to make sure it covered him properly, then took a deep breath and stepped onto the street.

However, his pretense seemed to be completely futile.

He had only taken a few steps when a caveman shopkeeper, who was sweeping the steps in front of his shop, looked up, waved to him in a friendly manner, and greeted him:

Good morning, Clothing Raider. May the darkness of today make way for you. Have a wonderful day.

Arno: "..."

Well, this disguise was completely useless; I was still recognized.

He stopped, nodded to the enthusiastic caveman shopkeeper, and mumbled a reply: "Good...good morning."

Then he quickened his pace and fled the spot.

However, the awkward situation had only just begun.

As dawn broke, more and more townspeople and Stone nobles walked the streets, greeting him warmly.

"Isn't this our Mr. Arno? Good morning."

"Lord Arno, the weather is nice today. I hope you can find some new clothes that fit well and look presentable."

"Need a recommendation for a tailor shop, Mr. 'Clothes Raider'? Haha, just kidding."

Arno had no choice but to grit his teeth and nod in response the whole way.

Just when I was about to leave the busiest part of the street and could finally breathe a sigh of relief, someone gently patted me on the back.

Arno looked back and around, but didn't see anyone. Just as he was wondering, he subconsciously looked down and found that his aunt Nelly was standing in front of him at some point.

It's just that she's a bit short, so they didn't notice it right away.

Nelly, hands on her hips and head tilted back, said lazily, "Not knowing how to look down isn't a good habit. Danger doesn't just come from afar; it can also come from your own shadow."

She looked Arno up and down, scrutinizing his furtive attire.

"Junior, what are you trying to do, wearing a mask and acting so timidly?"

"Could it be that you are actually a high-ranking spy sent by the vampires, disguised as a Stoneborn, and now you're finally going to take action and steal some secret treasure from our Stone Fortress?"

"Auntie, this isn't funny at all..."

Arno told her about his plan to leave Gore and go to collect supplies.

Nelly raised an eyebrow, glancing thoughtfully at the little slime perched on Arno's shoulder, blinking its innocent little eyes.

She shrugged, her face showing an expression that said, "I really can't do anything with you."

"Sigh, what can I do? Your aunt is just naturally kind-hearted and helpful. You focus on preparing for the trial, I'll go get that thing for you, I guarantee it won't take half a day."

After saying that, she patted her chest, trying to make herself seem reliable enough.

But Chen Yu suspected that this guy actually wanted to peek at what he was sending to Arno.

Upon hearing this, Arno instinctively glanced at Chen Yu on his shoulder, seeking his opinion with his eyes.

Chen Yu shook the gel up and down to indicate his agreement.

He then told Nelly the bat slime's approximate location and detailed information such as the agreed handover markers.

"Alright, I've noted down the location. It's a piece of cake. Just wait for my good news."

With a deft wave of her hand, Nellie's figure swayed slightly and instantly disappeared into the shadows of the buildings beside the street, vanishing without a trace.

After watching her leave, Arno patted his stomach and said to the slime on his shoulder, "Boss, I haven't had breakfast yet. What would you like to eat? I'll buy it for you."

Chen Yu's interest was instantly piqued at the mention of food.

"Of course, we have to eat local specialties; anything delicious is fine."

Upon hearing this, Arno subconsciously touched his money pouch.

Luckily, he brought enough money with him before leaving home, otherwise he really wouldn't be able to support his boss.

He looked up to check the direction and said, "There seems to be a caveman-style restaurant in a quiet alley next to the cabin... You should be interested."

"Let's go try it." Chen Yu was eager to give it a shot.

Having made up his mind, Arno started walking back the way he came, found the restaurant that looked clean, and went in with Chen Yu full of anticipation.

Not long after sitting down, Arno stared at the bloody meat and vegetable salad that had been served, along with the eerie blue soup with insects floating in it, and his face froze completely.

"Boss...why don't you eat first?"

Chen Yu asked, "Arno, are you trying to poison me?"

"No, absolutely not, let me try it for you first."

His fingers stiffly picked up the spoon, stirred the dead, lifeless insects floating on the surface of the soup, and his last bit of appetite vanished instantly.

Just as he was considering how to persuade his boss to switch restaurants, the caveman chef brought out another plate of hot, toasted black bread.

Then she said happily, "Sir, you are the first Shi Yi to step into our restaurant. I have specially sprinkled a lot of delicious insects on the soup. I hope you will like it."

Arno forced a smile. "Actually, you don't have to be so enthusiastic."

The caveman cook, thinking he was being modest, excitedly continued, "How could that be? To entertain our distinguished guests, I've added several smoked black blind worms to the bread..."

"Haha...you're too kind." Arno said this through gritted teeth.

"You're welcome," the caveman cook said hastily, waving his hand before standing aside.

"Aren't you leaving?" Arno was planning to dump everything after he left.

"No, no need. You were the only guest this morning, so I'll be here serving you."

After he finished speaking, he remained standing obediently, his eyes revealing anticipation and a longing for others to praise his cooking skills.

"..."

Arno finally understood why the restaurant was in such a remote location.

After dawdling for a while and barely managing to eat a few bites of bread with unknown ingredients, Nelly suddenly returned.

"what?"

She passed by the restaurant, saw Arno inside, and swaggered in, pulling out the chair opposite her and sitting down.

"Junior, did you have such unique tastes?"

When Arno saw Nelly, it was as if he had seen a savior. He quickly pulled her out, shouting that he had something important to do, and threw down a silver coin before running away.

"Stop, stop."

Back in the cabin, Nelly tossed the bag of pills into Arno's arms.

"This is what you wanted, a few glowing glass balls, nothing special."

(End of this chapter)