The God of the Human Realm!

Chapter 91 'The Heavenly Demon Disintegrates', Xiyue plays the zither
This "earth vein listening to force" is a fairly sophisticated method of deflecting force.

One can sense the earth's energy fluctuations through the soles of one's feet, guiding and aligning with the earth's energy flow to partially neutralize the enemy's offensive through the earth's veins.

However, it pales in comparison to the "unpredictable force of flowing clouds," whose force is not only ever-changing, but also as elusive as a gentle breeze or flowing clouds.

When applied to the body's surface, it can flow freely like a liquid to dissipate force, and can even deflect the opponent's attack, causing the enemy to suffer the consequences.

As Hong Yuan read, he compared his understanding with the "Flowing Clouds Without Fixed Force". After reading all the secrets of "Listening to the Earth Vein Force", he pondered for a while and had already grasped most of it.

After a day or two of practice, you'll be able to use it proficiently.

He picked up the book "Extreme Hardship and Destructive Spirit" again, and after reading only the beginning, Hong Yuan raised an eyebrow.

The entire text was only about five pages long. Hong Yuan read it quickly, skimming through it in a flash, and then closed his eyes to ponder its secrets.

After a moment, Hong Yuan smiled and shook his head.

"Lao Song is a real scoundrel. I thought he was broad-minded, but I didn't expect him to be so petty. From now on, Lao Song will only be Xiao Song in my eyes!"

Tao Xiyue asked softly, "My lord, is there a problem with this internal energy technique?"

"I didn't tamper with the key points, but as for the method... take a look for yourself!" With that, Hong Yuan casually tossed the booklet over.

Tao Xiyue hurriedly took it, but did not open it immediately.

The Subtle Level of Force Technique is extremely precious; even the Tao family doesn't possess it. It can be considered a true treasure of a great clan.

With such a legacy in hand, even if the family falls into decline for a time, as long as one of the descendants achieves something remarkable, the family can be restored to its former glory immediately.

Tao Xiyue's eyes sparkled as she looked at Hong Yuan with her bright and lively gaze.

Hong Yuan nodded again, and only then did she solemnly bow in thanks, her expression becoming serious as she opened the booklet.

Hong Yuan took a wine glass in his hand, and as the clear wine went down his throat, he squinted his eyes slightly, savoring its taste.

As a prominent family that has been rooted in the city for over a century, the Tao family's wines are of even higher quality than those of the Canal Gang.

Although the Cao Gang was much stronger than the Tao family, it was ultimately a group of martial artists, and the position of leader was not a fixed bloodline. Therefore, in terms of enjoying life, it could not compare with the powerful clans.

The so-called "Liver-Exploding and Heart-Destroying Strength" is essentially self-damaging of internal organs in exchange for a burst of power exceeding peak strength in a short period of time.

'The Heavenly Demon disintegrates?' Hong Yuan thought to himself.

It can't be said that Lao Song wanted to harm him, after all, whether or not Hong Yuan cultivated the method was entirely his own choice.

Yes, it might also have a threatening connotation.

Lao Song is implying that although he was at a disadvantage in the previous battle, Hong Yuan shouldn't be too aggressive, or he might resort to this method if pushed too far.

Hong Yuan downed the wine in his cup in one gulp, then suddenly paused in his hand, which had been toying with the glass.

No, this "Liver-Exploding Heart-Destroying Strength" is called "Heavenly Demon Disintegration" when used by others, but his physique is powerful in every way.

While the body's surface is impervious to blades and spears, the internal organs certainly cannot reach that level. However, with repeated increases in bone density, its resilience is beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

For him, the "Liver-Exploding and Heart-Destroying Strength" was like the Seven Injury Fist to Zhang Wuji after he had mastered the Nine Yang Divine Skill—it could be used as a regular technique.

Perhaps I can try one or two later.

Hong Yuan remained indifferent, showing no particular joy. Even if his guess was correct, it would simply mean having another means of dealing with enemies.

He then brought out six more books on common internal strength techniques, which Hong Yuan quickly reviewed.

What Song Yinglong sent was purely perfunctory; however, the three volumes of Tao family's methods, though not the subtle methods, were still top-tier in terms of both hardness and softness.

One of the manuals, "Flying Crane Strength," was quite ingenious and could be incorporated into "Flowing Clouds Without Fixed Force." Hong Yuan glanced at Tao Xiyue, who was frowning and reading carefully, and guessed that this woman must have practiced "Flying Crane Strength."

Tao Xiyue certainly possessed martial arts skills.

By this time, Hong Yuan was no longer as shallow as he had been before, thinking that women who practiced martial arts would all become tall and strong, turning into muscular giants.

While men practice martial arts to achieve power and dominance, there are also techniques suitable for women.

For example, the "Flying Crane Strength" begins with the "Moon Gazing Stance," where the movements are slow and smooth, like a maiden weaving clouds. Then, one progresses to guiding and breathing techniques. Once mastered, one becomes light and agile, with swift and graceful movements.

Of course, in places like 'Biwu Wonderland', the strong women under Wei Zhenzhu's command, who are even more robust than strong men, follow the path of fierceness and strength.

Tao Xiyue noticed Hong Yuan's gaze, her cheeks flushed, and she became slightly nervous. She put down the booklet, her tone revealing a hint of anger: "This man surnamed Song has ill intentions. My lord, this method must never be practiced."

The Tao family had already pledged allegiance to Hong Yuan, so naturally they did not want anything to happen to him.

Hong Yuan waved his hand, neither confirming nor denying, then changed the subject, asking, "Miss Tao, can you play the piano?"

Tao Xiyue was taken aback, then replied, "I know a little, but compared to those masters, I can't be considered an expert..."

Hong Yuan smiled and said, "Reading and drinking alone is not very enjoyable. Miss Tao, could you play a tune for me?"

"My lord, you may call me Xiyue."

Tao Xiyue said, "It is my honor that Your Majesty wishes to hear me play the zither. However, my skills are rudimentary. If I disturb Your Majesty's ears, please do not take offense."

As they spoke, Tao Xiyue poured Hong Yuan another cup of wine, then gave a graceful curtsy: "Please wait a moment, my lord, I will go and make the preparations."

He immediately stepped out the door, his footsteps quickly fading into the distance.

Hong Yuan picked up another book, but before he could read it for long, he heard several footsteps approaching.

Tao Xiyue changed into a gorgeous dress. Although she did not wear any makeup, her hair was as white as clouds, and her radiance complemented the dress, making her even more beautiful and elegant.

Behind Tao Xiyue followed four maids, all young and beautiful. The two maids in the lead carried a zither inlaid with gold and mother-of-pearl.

"My lord, I have made a fool of myself!"

After exchanging greetings, the door to Hongyuan's room opened, and Tao Xiyue sat down on a futon in the courtyard. She slightly adjusted the strings of her zither, and soon, a clear and melodious zither tune filled the garden.

The negotiations between Tao Gongwang, Xie Yansheng, and Song Yinglong regarding the demarcation of Linjiang Prefecture proceeded quickly, and by noon the next day, an agreement had been reached.

Divided by the main north-south streets, markets, and rivers within the city, Song Yinglong controlled the eastern and northern areas of the city, while Hong Yuan controlled the western and southern areas.

After Tao Gongwang and Xie Yansheng reported to Hong Yuan, Hong Yuan glanced at it and nodded.

He himself didn't care much, but he could imagine Song Yinglong's frustration.

The reason is simple: the territory controlled by Song Yinglong includes the core area of ​​the former Wei family and Xiang family's power, which is home to a large number of government offices and powerful figures.

This is certainly important; if Song Yinglong could control these people, he could take over the entire Linjiang Prefecture in one fell swoop.

However, Hong Yuan was right next to the emperor, and his territory included several of the largest wharves in the prefectural city, most of the commercial district, and even the most important canal gate, Nanshuimen.

In other words, Song Yinglong seized power, and Hong Yuan controlled most of the finances and taxes!

To make up for this tax shortfall, it's likely that Song Yinglong will have to target the powerful clans within his territory.

The agreement was reached at noon, and by the afternoon, notices had been posted all over the city.

Things have changed!
(End of this chapter)