A Martial Saint in Chaotic Times: Starting with Grinding Proficiency

Zhou Yuan stared in shock at the white-clad figure before him.

This man was none other than one of the two Liangzhou merchants they had encountered during the inspection at the patrol office that day.

Dong Mo.

The next moment, Zhou Yuan's mind was shaken.

This person leaned back with his sword on his back, his posture seemingly relaxed, but the energy contained within his body was vast and unfathomable, far exceeding the scope of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.

This aura... is exactly the same as the aura that scared the black-robed man in the Marrow Cleansing Realm back in the depths of Blackwater Alley!

A Blood Transformation Realm expert!

This person is the top expert who secretly came to the rescue!

A storm raged in Zhou Yuan's heart.

"Long time no see, Zhou Chatou."

Dong Mo's voice interrupted Zhou Yuan's thoughts. He straightened up, a meaningful smile on his face.

"I was just in Blackwater Alley, and I wanted to tell you that your sister is alright."

"But who knew you'd run so fast."

Zhou Ting, who was standing to the side, quickly explained that she had just left the embroidery building that day when Dong Mo picked her up in advance, so she didn't go home at all and naturally avoided the Wei family's killing trap.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan's tense nerves finally relaxed completely.

He solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute to the young man before him.

"Zhou Yuan, thank you for saving me today, Brother Dong."

"Brother Dong?" Dong Mo raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying, "I'm not necessarily older than you."

Zhou Yuan was taken aback.

This person does indeed look young, but his cultivation level is a genuine Blood Exchange Realm expert. Such talent is nothing short of monstrous.

He can mobilize the patrol battalion and is himself a Blood Exchange Realm expert.

And then there was the middle-aged man, Shen Xuantong, who was traveling with him. His demeanor was even more extraordinary, and he seemed to be the leader of the group.

If Dong Mo has already reached the Blood Exchange Realm, then what realm must Shen Xuantong be at?

Back when I was in the patrol and inspection department, I felt that these two people were not simple, but since I was new here, I didn't want to cause any trouble, so I didn't investigate further.

Now it seems that their origins are even more astonishing than I imagined.

But why would they save themselves?

Just as Zhou Yuan was about to ask a question, Dong Mo seemed to see through his thoughts.

I know you have many questions in your mind.

"However, with your current strength, knowing too much is actually not a good thing."

"Just know that I mean you no harm."

Zhou Yuan listened in silence.

Although he is now strong in combat, his cultivation level is still only at the Bone Forging stage. In front of a Blood Exchange Realm expert, he is indeed nothing.

Since the other party is unwilling to talk, he cannot force them.

"In that case, Zhou Yuan thanks you again. I will definitely repay you if I have the opportunity in the future."

Zhou Yuan bowed again.

He has always been clear about his likes and dislikes. Anyone who offends him will not escape punishment. And those who help him will be remembered with gratitude.

Dong Mo glanced at him with interest, then shook her head slightly.

"Bone Forging Realm cultivation, Tendon Changing Realm combat strength, too weak."

"Let's talk about repaying you when you truly have that ability."

He paused, his expression suddenly turning serious.

"You can probably guess a bit about the identity of that man in black robes."

"His son wanted to kill you, so you killed his son. Now he's seeking revenge. This cause and effect will only end with death."

"Although this person has left today, his hatred for you will not lessen, but will only increase with each passing day."

"Right now, he's intimidated by my strength and won't dare to make any big moves in the short term. But as time goes on, when his hatred reaches its peak, he won't care about anything else."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan felt a chill run down his spine.

The other party actually knew the whole story of the conflict between me and the Wei family!

He was certain that his assassination of Wei Rong was flawless and that no one else could possibly know about it.

But this person saw right through it all.

Zhou Yuan was utterly shocked.

Seeing his drastic change in expression, Dong Mo smiled calmly.

"Don't be surprised. Although this is the second time you've met me, it's not the second time I've met you."

As soon as he finished speaking, he took out a warm and smooth jade pendant from his pocket and tossed it to Zhou Yuan.

"This is a specially made communication jade pendant. Once you drip your own blood on it, you can establish a connection with me. In times of crisis, someone will come to your rescue."

Zhou Yuan took the jade pendant, which felt slightly cool to the touch.

Giving this jade pendant to himself was clearly an attempt to protect his life.

But what exactly is the other party's purpose?

"However, this jade pendant has limitations on time and usage."

Dong Mo's next words made Zhou Yuan's heart leap into his throat.

"It can only be used twice within a month. After a month, the jade pendant will shatter on its own."

He turned to leave, but then seemed to remember something and turned back to add a sentence.

Oh, I forgot to tell you.

"Tonight, that counts as one time already."

After saying that, Dong Mo's figure swayed slightly and then completely disappeared from Zhou Yuan's sight.

Is there only one chance left?

Zhou Yuan looked in the direction Dong Mo had left, his hand gripping the jade pendant tightening unconsciously, a bitter smile appearing on his face.

However, something is better than nothing.

At least, there's no need to worry about the Wei family coming to kill us right away.

He carefully put the jade pendant into his pocket, his mind racing.

With Dong Mo and Shen Xuantong's strength, killing Wei Tianhe would be a piece of cake.

But all they did was scare the people away and give themselves a jade pendant with many restrictions to protect their lives.

These actions left him somewhat puzzled about the other party's intentions.

Is it...

Is he trying to use Wei Tianhe as a whetstone to test his own worth?

Zhou Yuan murmured to himself.

The restrictions on this jade token were clearly meant to force him to improve his strength to a level sufficient to protect himself and even be unafraid of Wei Tianhe within a month.

Otherwise, the jade pendant will expire after a month, and you'll have to fend for yourself.

By then, the other party probably won't waste any more time on me.

Having figured this out, Zhou Yuan let out a long breath.

Having a one-month grace period is already quite good.

Wei Tianhe, the Wei family.

Now that the two sides are locked in a life-or-death struggle, he must improve his strength as soon as possible!

Alternatively, one can cultivate the Six Harmonies Stance Technique to a minor level and formally enter the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Realm).

Alternatively, one could break through to the second level of the Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill, gaining the strength of six thousand jin in both arms!

If both can be achieved, that would be even better!

But before that, there is one more thing.

Zhou Yuan turned around and looked at his older sister, Zhou Ting, behind him.

Zhou Ting had clearly heard everything that had just happened, and her face was pale. She knew that her younger brother was facing an unprecedented crisis.

But she just bit her thin lips tightly, her eyes revealing a stubborn tenacity.

Having gone through so much, she was no longer the weak and helpless little girl she once was. She knew that the Zhou family's success today was entirely due to her younger brother's hard work and determination.

"Sister, we can't stay in this muddy alley any longer."

Zhou Yuan spoke in a deep voice.

"We'll leave tomorrow and head to the inner city."

"The inner city?" Zhou Ting was slightly taken aback. "But... there are still so many things at home that haven't been packed yet."

"No, I don't want any of it." Zhou Yuan's voice was resolute. "Once we get to the inner city and settle down, we'll get all new stuff."

Looking at her younger brother's determined expression, Zhou Ting nodded vigorously.

Half an hour later.

Zhou Yuan stood at the gate of the courtyard, carrying a few simple bundles on his back.

Besides a few changes of clothes, the rest of the bundle contained the ancient medicinal herbs that had been gathered.

The Wei family did not search thoroughly, presumably because they found no one at home, and after venting their anger by vandalizing the house, they hurriedly left.

A moment later, Zhou Ting finished getting ready and walked to the door.

"Motoko, are we just leaving like this?"

Zhou Ting gazed at the old house where she had lived since childhood, her eyes filled with reluctance.

"Let's go."

Zhou Yuan didn't say much, but stepped forward and locked the large lock on the courtyard gate with a "click".

He took one last look at the familiar alley, then turned and disappeared into the deep darkness of the muddy alley.

......