Starting with Mingyu Gong, the Soul-Chasing and Life-Stealing Technique

Lu Chen thought for a moment and said, "I'm not interested in investigating their background, but killing them is something we can discuss."

Lu Chen thought, "Just give me a target, I'll kill him. There's no need for an investigation. That's the Bureau of Investigation's job. What does it have to do with me, an assassin?"

Madam Wang said, "I always felt that they had someone backing them up. If we can't find out the truth, even if we kill them, it will be useless if the future troubles can't be eliminated."

The implication is that killing two people won't solve her problem unless the person behind it is found and dealt with.

Lu Chen chuckled lightly, "That makes sense, but investigating the person behind it all is far more time-consuming and dangerous than killing someone. So what makes you think you can win me over?"

Madam Wang extended her right arm and suddenly pulled it from her waist. A soft belt snapped straight with a whoosh, like a startled snake, its purple light piercing the eye.

In an instant, the chilling air rushed straight to Lu Chen, who was three feet away.

Lu Chen was startled and unconsciously took several steps back, his true energy permeating his entire body.

Madam Wang said, "This Ziwei sword can cut through iron like mud, yet it is as soft as a belt. When it is usually wrapped around the waist, it looks like a black belt. No one would know that it is a divine weapon. When paired with your swift and fierce swordsmanship, it will surely be even more powerful."

"This is just a deposit. If things go smoothly, I'm willing to offer five thousand taels of gold. If you value martial arts, I can also give you an internal energy cultivation technique, or a fist technique, palm technique, or sword technique—anything is acceptable."

Lu Chen was shocked: "Five thousand taels of gold and a martial arts manual? That's incredibly extravagant! What kind of family does this belong to?"

Lady Wang casually tossed the sword at Lu Chen.

Under the twinkling starlight, the sword appeared like a long purple rainbow, drifting towards them.

Lu Chen reached out and grasped the sword hilt. Looking closer, he saw two seal characters, "Ziwei," inlaid in gold thread. He thought, "The Ziwei Soft Sword... Could it be that I've obtained the script for Dugu Qiubai, destined to be invincible under heaven?"

Thinking of channeling the Mingyu Skill into the longsword, its sharpness suddenly increased, and for a moment, a wisp of purple mist rose from the forest.

Lu Chen saw that as soon as he infused the soft sword with internal energy, it snapped like a taut string and made a humming sound.

He lightly touched the blade with his index finger, causing it to tremble as if a snake were flicking its tongue, dazzling and vibrant. With a casual flick of his wrist, Lu Chen unleashed a hissing sound, and purple light flowed around the blade. Without much effort, a tree as thick as a man's waist was cleaved in two.

"A fine sword, a fine sword." Lu Chen flicked his finger, producing a resounding clang that echoed through the treetops like a dragon's roar, lingering long after. He said, "Madam, you are truly showing your sincerity!"

Madam Wang said, "This Purple Rose Soft Sword is priceless, but it cannot express my sincerity. It is only what I can give you now."

Lu Chen's lips twitched slightly: "Is this Versailles? And this is extremely limited?" He then asked, "What is the strength level of this steward and that concubine?"

After a moment's thought, Madam Wang said, "They are all experts of the fourth realm. Although their strength is not as great as mine in the past, they are still quite formidable."

Lu Chen's heart skipped a beat. There are nine realms of martial arts in this world.

The three realms of the mortal world are nothing more than tempering muscles, bones, skin, and flesh, drawing qi into the dantian, and circulating internal energy through the meridians.

However, those who reach the fourth realm, where true qi transforms into qi, are all powerful individuals with profound internal strength, who can control force with qi and whose palm strikes can injure people from several feet away.

Some people even have internal strength as refined as steel, which protects them from enemies, making them impervious to swords and blades, and killing enemies from ten feet away is as easy as pie.

Having reached this stage, they have already mastered martial arts to a high level, beyond what ordinary methods can withstand. To say that they can fight against a thousand troops is simply an empty boast.

However, reaching that point is as difficult as ascending to heaven.

A true martial artist is less than half a percent complete.

Therefore, such a master is enough to dominate a region.

As Madam Wang said, when she broke through to the fifth realm, which is the realm of profound understanding, at that time, the mind and qi are in harmony, and all flaws are only a matter of a thought. The body follows the intention, and the moves are exquisite and subtle.

Some powerful individuals can remain completely still, defeating their enemies solely through divine sense; their methods are truly incredible.

So here's the question: does being able to become Madam Wang's housekeeper mean that one is at least a fifth-level expert?

So, is it a bit too arrogant for a weakling like myself, who hasn't even fully mastered the twelve regular levels, to match up against such an opponent?

Seeing Lu Chen remain silent and his expression constantly shifting, Madam Wang knew what he was thinking. She sighed and said, "I know this matter is extremely dangerous for you, but the martial world is treacherous. Your master didn't personally descend the mountain, nor did he assign you any protectors?"

It turns out that Lu Chen killed Tang Tianlong in Liangzhou City, and everyone was saying that he had a powerful backer, otherwise how could he dare to do such a thing?

Lu Chen thought to himself, "So, while she seemed to be inviting me, she actually thought I was incompetent and useless, and that she valued my powerful backer."

In a flash, he thought, "Who cares? I'll take the benefits first." He couldn't help but laugh loudly, giving Madam Wang a playful look, and said, "Since you've said that these two are not easy to deal with, let alone the person behind them, I am indeed somewhat tempted by these divine weapons and external possessions, but how could a true master possibly care about them?"

Madam Wang smiled bitterly and said, "I have witnessed the destruction of my family and the loss of my loved ones, and I am all alone. I have done everything I can. I know that this matter has been very difficult for you. If you feel that the reward is not enough, then as long as you are willing to swear to heaven that you will not tell anyone about what happened today, I can give you this sword. You can leave immediately, and we can pretend that we never met today."

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen gazed at Madam Wang for a moment before slowly saying, "Since Madam has put it that way, even though I am not talented, I will do my best. But could you please remove your veil and let me see your face clearly, so that I may know what kind of person I am employed by, and not mistake someone for someone else?"

Madam Wang asked, "You really agreed?"

Lu Chen nodded and said, "Of course, since Madam is so sincere, I have no reason not to agree, and I am confident that you won't feel like you've lost out."

[Accept the mission from Madam Wang, Jiang Xingyun.]

Prepaid reward: Ten years of pure internal energy.

The Star Absorbing Technique (Beginner): You can improve your skill by utilizing the source point.

Note: This technique originates from the Beiming Divine Skill of the Xiaoyao Sect. It uses the "empty" dantian to actively draw in the opponent's internal energy and distribute it to the eight extraordinary meridians.

For those who have achieved great mastery of cultivation, please refer to Ren Woxing, the leader of the Sun Moon Sect.

Shaolin Vajra Fist (Beginner): Mastery can be improved by utilizing the Source Point.

Note: One of the Seventy-Two Shaolin Arts, the fist is extremely powerful. With a single blow, Qiao Feng lost his footing, his knees went weak, and he fell off the roof.

This boxing style is extremely difficult to master; even top-tier masters of Shaolin Temple are often limited by their aptitude and unable to complete it.

Lightness Skill: Treading the Moon and Leaving Fragrance (Beginner) Note: Chu Liuxiang's unparalleled lightness skill.

Those with profound skills, like Chu Liuxiang, move with fluid grace and lightness, stepping silently on tiles and turning in mid-air. They can traverse towering buildings and deep ravines as if strolling in a leisurely courtyard, leaving only a lingering fragrance in their fleeting moments. Hence the name "Leaving Fragrance by the Moon".

Completion reward: Unknown.

Lu Chen smirked: "Star Absorbing Technique, Vajra Fist, Chu Liuxiang's Lightness Skill—these can actually be paired together?"

Then he thought, "Damn, such a good reward for just a deposit? This must be even more dangerous than killing Tang Tianlong. Could I have accidentally walked into a scam and gotten myself kicked?"

"Brother Tong, I want to accept the mission. What if I don't do it?"

[A person without integrity is worthless. You don't need to be a human being anymore.]

Lu Chen thought to himself, "What kind of person am I if I'm an assassin without feelings or a sense of right and wrong?"

[You've deceived the system; you'll die, a gruesome death. Want to learn about the Ten Greatest Tortures?]

"No, no, Brother Tong, but what if I couldn't do it because I lack the ability?"

Since a deposit has been collected and the project was not completed, the commission will naturally be returned double, even if the employer is deceased. As an intermediary, this system will still be responsible for collecting the commission.

Lu Chen's face turned pale and then red. With such a generous reward, how could he possibly offer double compensation? Wasn't this going to kill him?

Seeing that Lu Chen's expression was not good, Madam Wang coughed lightly and said, "Since the young master has agreed, let's be frank and have a proper discussion." She then removed her veil.

Lu Chen's eyes lit up. Although the woman was pale and haggard, seemingly ill, her beauty was undeniable. That mature charm amidst her weariness only made her more pitiful. He couldn't help but think, "No wonder the steward rebelled. With a wife like that, who wouldn't want to be the master? If I were given that opportunity, I'd rebel too! It's just human nature!"

Seeing the gleam in Lu Chen's eyes, Madam Wang curtsied and said slowly, "My concubine is also a stunning beauty. Young master, you must not let her bewitch you." She then put her veil back on.

Lu Chen composed himself: "Since I've already accepted this mission, let's go for the toughest one! Let's do it!" He smiled sheepishly and said, "I've already vaguely guessed the truth, so perhaps we don't need to investigate further."

Madam Wang frowned slightly and asked, "What is it?"

Lu Chen said in a serious tone, "Madam is so beautiful, possesses remarkable martial arts skills, and comes from an extremely wealthy family. Whether it's the steward or someone behind the scenes, they've probably seen an opportunity to gain both wealth and beauty, which is why they've harbored such wicked intentions. Think about it, who has ever coveted you? A woman should be able to sense when a man has lustful thoughts towards her."

Madam Wang's beautiful face showed a hint of reproach, and a thought flashed through her mind: "This boy really speaks without restraint. I think you've fallen for me. Could it be you?" She slowly said, "Now that we've alerted them, to prevent them from taking desperate measures, you should do this and this..."

After hearing Madam Wang's arrangements, Lu Chen hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, I will do my best." Then, a thought crossed his mind, and he said, "I heard from you that you have two daughters. Could it be that someone has designs on them? Or do you have any sons? Have you offended anyone? Do you have any suspects in mind?"

Madam Wang sighed softly and said, "I have three children. My son likes to travel the world. I recently received news that he has disappeared without a trace, neither alive nor dead."

The eldest daughter is obsessed with martial arts and rarely leaves the house, while the younger daughter dislikes martial arts and is also young.

It is precisely because of this strangeness that these changes have suddenly occurred in the family. If we cannot be sure whether someone is manipulating things behind the scenes, even if we kill the steward and that bitch, we can simply leave. The world is vast, and there is nowhere we cannot find a place to live. How can we, as women, cope with such a situation?

"If it weren't for your kind heart and courageous spirit, young master, I wouldn't have dared to ask for your help so easily."

Lu Chen sighed, intending to say a few words of modesty, but then said, "Now that you say so, I understand."

Parents who love their children should plan far ahead for them. I will certainly find out who is behind them first, so that you can make a choice.

Lu Chen is practically an idiot when it comes to martial arts and culture, but he is quite shrewd when it comes to understanding human nature.

Seeing how beautiful Madam Wang is, her daughter must be just as beautiful. What man wouldn't love such a beautiful mother and daughter?

Asking for help might just be like escaping one danger only to fall into another.

Lu Chen wondered why this woman trusted him so much. Didn't he think he could do the same?

Yeah, it must be because I'm too handsome.

Lady Wang felt that even if she had such intentions, she and her daughter would not suffer any loss, which is why she felt so at ease!

Lu Chen felt he had figured out the truth.

If I were to follow Chu Liuxiang's example and wear a sachet, wouldn't I be irresistibly charming to women?

Even more impressively, one could say, "Tonight at midnight, I will come under the moon to take your head." Wouldn't that be incredibly classy?

As Lu Chen thought about it, a smug look appeared on his face.

Seeing Lu Chen become cheerful, Madam Wang had no idea what he was thinking. Instead, she thought that the young man's continued happiness after hearing about this matter meant he must have some powerful backing. Perhaps he could really get someone behind him to help her and her daughter solve their problems. Making him her son-in-law wasn't out of the question. She steeled herself and said, "A good person like you, young master, is rare in this world. How about this: if this matter can be resolved perfectly, half of everything in my household will be yours!"

"No need to be so polite." Lu Chen wasn't exactly a saint; he was only after the system rewards and didn't care about the material things Madam Wang mentioned. He casually replied, "You said it yourself, I'm the kind of person who likes to help those in need, so don't worry. However, I need to take care of some things tomorrow, and I should arrive the day after tomorrow if nothing unexpected happens."

Madam Wang took out a jade pendant from her bosom and said, "Alright, after you arrive, go to the 'Youjian Inn' in Bali Town and give it to the innkeeper. Then, discuss your plans with him."

Lu Chen nodded and clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Understood."

Lady Wang curtsied, then turned and walked away through the woods.

Lu Chen also returned to the Zhou family's thatched cottage. Both his brother and sister asked him what had happened, and Lu Chen selectively told them what Madam Wang had said.

When the two siblings learned that something had happened to the Wang family and that they were merely victims of the family's power struggle, they were filled with grief.

Lu Chen sighed, "In this world, when the city gates catch fire, the fish in the moat suffer. Your elder brother is currently imprisoned, and since he will be executed in the autumn, he probably won't be free before then. Tomorrow I'll take you to see someone; perhaps they can get your elder brother out."

The brother and sister were so moved that they wanted to kowtow to Lu Chen again.

Lu Chen helped him up, saying, "There's no need for such formalities. I'm the kind of person who kills for personal gain. It's fate that we met."

After saying that, he ended the conversation and left the room.

We arrived at another room.

"Brother Tong, the Mingyu Skill can also absorb internal energy, right? What would I need the Star Absorbing Technique for? Can't I get something like the Nine Yang Divine Skill instead? I'm not picky."

[Drip, only at the ninth level of the Bright Jade Skill can one absorb the internal energy of others for one's own use.]

"So what? Do you think I can't cultivate to the ninth level with your help?"

【…】

Lu Chen asked, "What do you mean?"

The ninth level of the Bright Jade Skill differs from the previous eight levels of the Heavenly Roar Skill.

Lu Chen thought to himself, "That's true. When will the Ninefold Jade Cultivation technique ever be completed?"

"Alright, give me the Star Absorbing Technique."

[Drip, the first step in cultivating the Star Absorbing Technique is to keep the dantian as empty as a box and as deep as a valley, so that it can store things and hold water.]

In layman's terms: it means dispersing all internal energy throughout the body and channeling it into the eight extraordinary meridians, leaving the dantian completely empty.

"System, why are you bringing this up? Dispersing your power is such a difficult thing, do you think I can handle it myself?"

[Drip, if one's internal energy is not fully depleted when dispersing one's internal energy, or if the wrong acupoints are activated, one will immediately suffer a qi deviation. At best, this will result in complete paralysis, rendering one a cripple; at worst, it will cause the meridians to reverse, leading to death from bleeding from all seven orifices. Therefore, only those of exceptional intelligence can master the Northern Darkness Divine Art and the Star Absorbing Technique.]

The host's aptitude is extremely limited. If you were to cultivate on your own, it might take fifty years to dissipate your cultivation. Therefore, this system will guide your body to dissipate your cultivation. You only need to act as if you are dead and not resist.

Lu Chen's lips twitched: "Brother Tongzi, is this interesting?"

I admit I'm a loser, I'm a loser, because in my past life I was a laborer, that's the truth, I don't deny it!

But why are you asking me?

"Can't we just get straight to it?!"