In chaotic times, one can become a martial immortal.

After traveling for another day and night, the weary group finally saw a small town appear in the distance ahead.

And this was their destination: Anding County.

"We've finally arrived!"

Wu Yu, Chen Pi, and the others couldn't help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

From last night until now, they have been on high alert, constantly on guard against attacks from bandits.

Fortunately, they did not encounter any more bandits on the rest of the journey.

Upon entering the city, the group discovered that Anding County was not only much larger than their Qinghe County, but also appeared to be much more prosperous.

Of course, there were also many more refugees lying on the roadside.

As the convoy entered the city, many refugees cast hopeful glances their way.

To their disappointment, the convoy did not stop.

The convoy finally stopped when it arrived at a grand mansion with red gates.

The task of moving the goods was naturally left to the porters.

At this moment, everyone finally met the mysterious employer who had been the subject of their curiosity.

A middle-aged couple dressed in fine clothes stepped down from the luxurious carriage.

They were also holding a little boy who looked about five or six years old.

The middle-aged man, dressed in a blue brocade robe and possessing a refined demeanor, exchanged a few polite words with Master Song before handing him several silver notes.

Master Song clasped his hands in a slight fist salute, then turned and led everyone away.

They first went to a carriage rental shop, rented three carriages, and then immediately left Anding County.

They traveled swiftly, heading towards Qinghe County at top speed.

Before resting for the night, everyone still made the most of their time.

Not only will he continue to practice the Wind-Breaking Saber Technique, but he will also not slacken in his practice of the Five Animal Fist.

In addition to continuing to practice the Five Animal Fist once a day, Lu Yuan also devoted the remaining time to the Wind-Breaking Saber Technique and the Finger Flicking Skill.

When practicing the Finger Flicking Skill, he naturally wouldn't use that small bag of iron beads; a handful of pebbles from the ground would suffice.

Time flies, and three days have passed quickly.

The journey home was much faster than the journey there.

Before nightfall, the group returned safely to Qinghe County.

"You all performed very well on this escort mission, and you've all experienced life and death together. This will greatly benefit your future growth. However, you still need to calm down and train even harder!"

Everyone gathered at Song Courtyard. After giving a brief word of encouragement, Master Song returned to the inner courtyard on his own.

Hong Lei and Fang Chang then took out some silver and gave each person five taels.

"Great! Finally, I can eat my fill every meal, and have meat at every meal!"

"I want to eat meat! I want to eat lots of meat!"

Looking at the heavy five taels of silver in their hands, Wu Yu, Chen Pi, Gu Ming and the others couldn't help but cheer excitedly.

It's easy to imagine that with these five taels of silver, their cultivation will be much smoother from now on.

Even the progress of the first Qi and Blood tempering can be accelerated considerably.

Lu Yuan appeared quite calm. Even without the five taels of reward, he had already gained more than six taels of windfall.

Moreover, the value of the finger-flicking skill is far more than a few taels of silver.

"Lu Yuan, do you dare to compete with me and see who can successfully undergo their first Qi and Blood Tempering and become a Ming Jin martial artist first?"

At this moment, Chen Yong suddenly turned to Lu Yuan and said.

He couldn't feel at ease unless he beat this guy at least once.

"Not interested!"

Lu Yuan merely glanced at Chen Yong before turning and walking out of Song Courtyard.

If all goes well, he should be able to begin his second Qi and Blood Tempering in the next day or two to break through to the Dark Force level.

If successful, he can basically leave Song Academy and plan a better way to make money.

To be honest, even for him now, coming back to Song Academy to practice with these people would feel like playing house with children, and it wouldn't be very meaningful.

A free meal of meat every day was no longer a temptation for him.

After becoming a master of internal energy, he could enjoy better treatment no matter where he took up a post.

Moreover, given his cultivation speed, even becoming a Transformation Realm martial artist would only take a month or two at most, so there's absolutely no need for him to confine himself to the small Song Academy.

……

"Oh... Brother's back!"

The little girl was overjoyed to see her beloved older brother return.

Not only did she snuggle directly into Lu Yuan's arms, but she also kept chattering away.

"It's good that you're back!"

After carefully examining Lu Yuan, Yang Shi saw that he was unharmed and a happy smile appeared on her face.

Before long, a table full of steaming hot food was served.

The family of three sat around the table, not exchanging much, yet the atmosphere was still warm and cozy.

It is clear that after these days of recuperation, both Yang and Nannan have not only regained a rosy complexion, but their physical condition has also basically returned to normal.

As for Lu Yuan himself, he had become much more muscular. Although he could not be considered burly and strong, he was full of power.

Holding the baby girl, Madam Yang fed her while looking up at Lu Yuan and asking, "Ah Yuan, how's your martial arts practice going?"

"Not bad. I should be considered a minor expert now. Soon, I should be able to pass the martial arts examination and have an official title!"

Lu Yuan smiled and replied.

There are still two and a half months until the martial arts exam, which is enough time for him to attempt the third Qi and Blood Tempering and become a Transformation Realm martial artist.

With the addition of the Wind-Breaking Saber Technique and the Finger Flicking Skill, he should be able to pass the martial arts examination with flying colors and obtain the title of Martial Arts Scholar.

It's not impossible that one could even become a martial arts champion.

"Good...good, my son has made something of himself!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Yang couldn't help but get excited and even raised her hand to wipe her eyes.

Although she didn't know exactly how skilled the "little expert" A Yuan was talking about was, she did know what having an official title meant.

Since the day A-Yuan came back to life, everything seems to have gotten better.

Not only were they able to eat their fill, but they were also able to eat meat, and they all wore new padded jackets.

Now, A Yuan is even more likely to pass the imperial examination and gain official rank. Could it be that his ancestors have blessed him?

At the end of the year, we must offer more incense to our ancestors!

……

The next day, in the morning.

Lu Yuan opened his eyes and felt that the fatigue he had accumulated over the past few days had completely dissipated, and he was full of energy.

After a quick wash, he ate two large bowls of meat, filling himself up to about 70% full.

He greeted Madam Yang, and then went straight out to Song Courtyard.

Lu Yuan was still the last to arrive; Wu Yu, Chen Pi, and the others were already diligently cultivating.

"Did you know that not only did they each receive five taels of silver for this escort mission, but they also learned a sword technique? I'm so envious!"

"What's the use of envy? The right path is to master the Five Animal Fist as soon as possible!"

Those martial arts apprentices who were unable to participate in this escort mission all looked at Wu Yu, Chen Pi, Lu Yuan, and about ten others with envious eyes.

Lu Yuan ignored the stares and comments, and immediately assumed a posture to begin practicing the Five Animal Fist.

If this is completed just once, it should be perfect.

He was also curious whether he would still have proficiency after mastering the Five Animal Fist.

……