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

The back hall of the inn.

In a room with the window open, a handsome young man wearing a silver-gray scholar's cap and a silver-flowered robe sat by the window. A chessboard was set up on the table, and he was engrossed in watching the black and white pieces locked in a fierce battle.

A young girl, who looked like a maid, was refilling his tea.

Just then, heavy footsteps sounded outside the door. The maid turned around and opened the door. The innkeeper, who had just entered the room, stopped six feet away and bowed, saying, "Young master, a strange man has come to the inn."

The young master's gaze never left the chessboard; he simply picked up a chess piece.

The shopkeeper continued, "This man is no more than twenty years old, yet he comes looking for a target. He's quite arrogant, and I can't fathom his true nature."

Just as the young master was about to make his move, he turned to look at the shopkeeper and said softly, "Uncle Zhang, you are a master of the Prajna Realm in Buddhism. What kind of young man would make you say such a thing?"

In this world, martial arts flourish, and the strongest beings merge with the Great Void, becoming indestructible and undiminished, their physical bodies reforged, and standing shoulder to shoulder with immortals and gods.

The top powers are Buddhism, Taoism, and Demonism, and the struggle for orthodoxy has a long history, with none willing to submit to the other.

For example, at the beginning of martial arts, strengthening muscles and bones and cultivating strength are the basic skills.

Buddhists believe that while disciples hone themselves through upright martial arts like Arhat Fist, they should also practice basic Zen meditation to clarify their minds and maintain oneness, hence the name "First Zen Realm".

The Taoist school believes that our Taoist school follows the will of Heaven and the needs of humanity, and harmonizes Yin and Yang. At the beginning of cultivation, one should start from the inside out. The initial stage should be the basic breathing exercises to guide Qi into the body. The use of fists and feet as an auxiliary means is only to open up the meridians and activate the body, so as to refine Qi into essence and solidify the foundation. Therefore, the initial stage is the Qi-guiding stage.

The demonic path, on the other hand, believes that doing whatever one pleases and being the only one who is supreme is the true path, and takes killing as its power.

The first step in cultivation is to make yourself unafraid of killing, enjoy killing, and like killing. This is called cultivating a demonic state.

The three religions of Buddhism, Taoism, and Demonism have a long history, and each sect has produced an invincible master who dominated his era and reached the ninth realm.

However, outside of these three religions, there are naturally extraordinary talents who have reached the pinnacle of the ninth realm.

Although they had various opportunities, their initial cultivation path was naturally different from those with orthodox systems. They had already reached an invincible position in their time.

Why should we take your Buddhist, Taoist, and demonic systems as the standard?

I feel even more that you are too proud of your own possessions and cannot reach that karmic connection, which is why many people are unable to cultivate themselves.

So even if you don't have internal energy cultivation methods when you first start learning martial arts, you can still practice.

One can also hone one's muscles, bones, and skin without relying on internal energy, by using techniques to temper one's muscles and bones. One can still fight a tiger with one's physical strength. When one reaches one's personal limit, internal energy will naturally be generated and the meridians will be opened. Therefore, this first stage is called the Body Tempering or Bone Sharpening Realm.

However it may be called, the first three realms of cultivation are merely the three realms of the mortal world. Only when the Ren and Du meridians are opened and internal energy is condensed into Qi Gang can one be considered to have entered the inner sanctum of martial arts.

Therefore, the Condensing Qi Realm is the beginning of the Middle Three Realms. In Buddhism, it is called the Prajna Realm, which is to observe one's own freedom and to attain profound and mysterious power.

In Taoism, it's called the Primordial Spirit Realm, where the body moves with the mind, and victory is achieved through sheer willpower. The Demonic Sect has a different interpretation: reaching this realm allows one to devour souls and steal spirits, possessing inexhaustible demonic energy.

Because their cultivation systems differ in emphasis—Buddhism and Taoism seek a solid foundation, while demonic martial arts are self-serving and harmful, easy to learn and progress rapidly—within ten years, a disciple of the demonic sect will undoubtedly surpass the Buddhist or Taoist master in skill.

It will take at least ten years for Buddhist and Taoist disciples to gradually catch up with the demonic sects.

However, the early stages of Buddhist and Taoist studies are relatively stable. If one does not die, one will inevitably achieve something as one ages. Therefore, Buddhists and Taoists will not easily descend the mountain unless they have achieved something, which makes the mid-level combat force extremely large.

Because each has its own path to advancement, in order to avoid unnecessary trouble, martial arts practitioners, despite knowing that there are different levels of cultivation, never discuss these levels at all.

Because everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses in their respective realms, no one can convince anyone else of their own realm.

Even if you're the best in the world, it won't work!

Because your claim of being the best in the world is just that—yourself.

Therefore, a master of the Prajna realm in Buddhism can observe whether he is at ease and can also perceive those who are inferior to him.

Manager Zhang has cultivated for sixty years, and the young master greatly admires his cultivation.

The shopkeeper bowed slightly and said, "Judging from this person's breathing, it seems that he has only just begun to cultivate his breath. His true energy has not yet been fully integrated into the twelve meridians, and his internal strength is not particularly remarkable. However, he has a kind of aloofness about him, as if he has experienced the cycle of life and death. This is a feeling that only our sect's seniors possess."

I heard Xiao Li say that he could twist a wooden table with his fingers as if digging out rotten wood. I specifically looked at the inscription, and it looked as if it had been carved with a knife or sword. Such skillful and powerful technique is indeed very rare for someone his age, and his internal strength is absolutely extraordinary.

Moreover, this person gives off a sharp and incisive aura; his most formidable skill is undoubtedly his swordsmanship, whose mastery is certainly no less than that of any true disciple of Buddhism, Taoism, or the Demonic path.

The handsome young man extended two jade-white fingers, gently pinched the corner of the table, and crushed two pieces of powder. He slowly said, "Interesting. I was already a genius when I was eighteen, having mastered all twelve meridians. It took me five years, and only the Ren and Du meridians were not yet open, but my internal energy flowed through the meridians and could be controlled at will. Now, someone who has only just begun to cultivate their inner energy can do the same?"

The maidservant opened her mouth slightly in surprise and said, "Uncle Zhang, could you be mistaken?"

Her own young master… well, what kind of person is he? He's only waiting to open his Ren and Du meridians, allowing Yin and Yang to flow together, all his meridians to be unobstructed, and his internal energy to surge, so he'll condense his Qi into a powerful force, making him a minor expert in the entire Great Qian Dynasty. Now, hearing about someone even younger than her, she's somewhat skeptical.

Manager Zhang didn't say anything.

The young man also looked out the window. After a while, as if remembering something, he said, "You said he came here to find a target?"

Shopkeeper Zhang said, "Yes, he has no bloodthirsty aura, yet he offered to pay money to find a customer to buy his life and even wanted to meet with him in person. It's really strange."

The young master's expression was also somewhat strange. He chuckled and said, "This is indeed a strange person. Well, didn't the young master of the Tang family invite all the outstanding talents of Xiliang to set up a arena and make a name for himself? Then it wouldn't hurt to make things lively for the Tang family."

Shopkeeper Zhang was taken aback for a moment before realizing what he meant and said, "You mean Zhou Qianqian?"

"Hmm!" The woman nodded slightly. "Qianqian is determined to take revenge, but the Tang family is powerful. If we do something, it will have far-reaching consequences. We can't afford to make a move. Since this strange man has come looking for us, let him give it a try."

Manager Zhang frowned slightly.

The first three realms of the nine ranks of martial arts are merely the three realms of the mortal world. Only by opening the Ren and Du meridians and condensing true qi into qi qi can one be considered to have entered the inner sanctum of martial arts. The Tang family is a prominent clan in Liangzhou, with three experts who have been immersed in the Qi Condensation Realm for many years. Not to mention, they also have a combined attack formation, their minds are in perfect harmony, and many experts in the Profound Realm might not be able to defeat them! Sending that person to stir up a hornet's nest is simply courting death.

Death is inevitable, it's not a big deal. The world is vast, and warriors die every day.

But he knew that such a person couldn't possibly be without a mentor. If the news leaked out…

Shopkeeper Zhang hesitated for a moment before saying, "Young master, do you perhaps dislike this person?"

The young master glanced at him: "What do you think?"

The shopkeeper was taken aback and said, "I don't know."

"Then don't ask!" The young master's voice was gentle, but his tone left no room for argument.

"Yes!" The shopkeeper immediately and respectfully left the room.

"Young master, do you think that person might know you're here and is doing this on purpose to get your attention?"

The maid said disdainfully.

The young master smiled slightly: "Who knows? Let's wait and see."

……

As night fell, the sound of the night watchman's gong rang out in the street, waking Lu Chen immediately. He thought to himself, "Damn it, I slept so soundly, I wonder what kind of customer will come?"

He lit a candle, washed his face, poured himself a cup of tea, and then thought, "I've never been an assassin before, so how can I act like a respectable one?"

Lu Chen recalled the movies and TV shows he had watched in his previous life, wondering what those cool assassins were like.

After all, being an assassin.

Without a certain imposing presence, it wouldn't be worth a good price.

This first deal can't be taken lightly!

Just as Lu Chen was getting ready, he heard the tinkling of jade pendants and a knock on the door.

"Come in!" Lu Chen sat at the table, staring at the doorway.

"Click..." The door opened, and a person wearing a black cloak walked in.

As soon as she entered, she lifted her cloak, revealing a woman who looked to be about twenty-three or twenty-four years old.

Lu Chen noticed that she had arched eyebrows and a graceful figure, and was quite attractive.

The woman saw Lu Chen by the lamplight and was delighted. This young man was so handsome and extraordinary, with bright eyes and a smile that seemed to precede any words. He walked gracefully toward Lu Chen.

Lu Chen was overwhelmed by the rich fragrance and immediately held his breath. With a swift movement, the bamboo stick struck the woman's chest. His eyes flashed with cold light, and his lips were tightly pressed together. He thought to himself, "This woman is pouncing on me. Could it be that I've practiced the Mingyu Kung Fu and it's too cool?"

Lu Chen had no experience with this and dared not be careless, fearing he might make a mistake. The woman, however, felt a sharp pain in her chest as if a bamboo tip had pierced her, and tears were already rolling down her cheeks.

When a woman sheds tears, especially a beautiful one, it's normal for a man to offer comfort. But Lu Chen coldly replied, "Girl, put away your magic. This world doesn't believe in tears!"

Upon hearing Lu Chen's words, the woman cried out, "Great hero, I have a favor to ask of you!"

Lu Chen raised his hand and said, "Don't call me a hero, please call me boss. I like that title."

The woman said, "I've heard that you, young master, are a man of great ability, which is why I've come to ask for your help."

Lu Chen frowned and said, "Don't call me 'Young Master' either. A person's ability depends on their abilities. I'm just a small business owner who risks his life to make a living."

If you have any issues that are inconvenient for you to handle, I'm willing to help you at any cost, do you understand?

"Thank you so much, boss!" The woman immediately knelt down and kowtowed to Lu Chen.

Lu Chen seemed not to notice, simply putting the bamboo stick back on the table, pouring himself a cup of wine, and asking, "Who do you want to kill?"

The woman said, "Tang Tianlong, the eldest son of the Tang family in Liangzhou."

Lu Chen said, "Tell me the details, including the cause and effect, and your identity."

The woman was stunned. She had come to the inn because she had heard there was a highly skilled young man there. She had also heard of the rules for assassins: only discuss the price, never the right or wrong. She never expected this man to not only inquire about the background but also ask about her identity.

Lu Chen said, "As long as I am entrusted with a task, I will do my best to complete it."

But you need to understand that before accepting a task, I also need to consider whether the effort and reward are proportional, based on the difficulty of the task, and more importantly, whether you have the ability to provide the compensation I require. Do you agree?

Unlike the other assassins, Lu Chen hoped to get off to a good start so he could take advantage of "Brother Tongzi's" rewards. Therefore, he would not easily accept missions and waste the opportunity to get off to a good start.

If we don't do it now, we might miss this opportunity.

The woman looked up at Lu Chen and said, "My name is Zhou Qianqian. I am from Qinzhou. My family has four generations living together. We live a peaceful and happy life."

Eight years ago, my older sister was seen by a beast in human form on Chang'an Avenue...

Later, my sister was raped, and all 138 members of my family were killed. Our 100-acre estate was reduced to ashes. Only my eldest brother escaped. I was at my aunt's house at the time, which is considered a life spared.

Later, after my elder brother and I investigated further, we learned that the culprit was actually Tang Qinghe, the head of the Tang family in Liangzhou.

Lu Chen frowned slightly: "Tang Qinghe? What is his relationship with Tang Tianlong that you mentioned?"

Zhou Qianqian said, "Tang Qinghe is Tang Tianlong's father."

Lu Chen thought to himself, "You're not going to kill the culprit, but instead you're going to kill his own son?"

Then Zhou Qianqian said, "My brother and I found out the truth five years ago. We also asked our old acquaintances for help, but Tang Qinghe is highly skilled in martial arts and is known for his upright conduct in Liangzhou. He has always taken it upon himself to eliminate evil and uphold justice, and he has a good reputation. No one was willing to help us. Going to the authorities would not have any substantial evidence, so we could only find a way ourselves."

My elder brother and I felt that the lives of over a hundred members of our Zhou family could not be compensated by the life of Tang Qinghe, that hypocrite. Naturally, we should also ensure that his family line ends.

Tang Tianlong was his most valued son, and my elder brother wanted to assassinate him to make that old scoundrel suffer the pain of losing his son. Unfortunately, he ultimately failed and met a tragic end himself.

Now, only I remain of the Zhou family. To avenge this blood feud, I have tried every possible means, even resorting to prostitution, hoping to meet more people and thus avenge this deep-seated hatred.

Lu Chen immediately sensed that the plan was full of flaws and suspicious, defying all common sense. A sly smile appeared on his face as he said, "Miss, your move is quite clever. It seems like you're only killing Tang Tianlong, but in reality, you're aiming to wipe out the entire Tang family!"

Zhou Qianqian was indeed thinking the same thing, and said, "That's right. Of course, I want to wipe out the entire Tang family, but unfortunately, Tang Qinghe is highly skilled in martial arts and has a good reputation, so conventional methods won't work. I also don't have the reward to hire a top assassin, so I can only kill Tang Tianlong." As she spoke, she buried her head deeply in the ground.

Lu Chen glanced at the woman kneeling on the ground and said calmly, "As long as Tang Tianlong is killed, how could Tang Qinghe not avenge his son?"

Ultimately, either the assassin will be killed, or Tang Qinghe will be killed. Once the Tang family's weakness is exposed, hehe, there will be no shortage of cats drawn by the smell of blood. You've really got a clever plan.

Zhou Qianqian looked up and stared directly at Lu Chen. She hadn't expected this young man to be so intelligent.

Lu Chen said, "You want to get big results with little money? Tell me, how many suckers have I been swindling you out of? Or rather, how many times has this shopkeeper found people for you?"

Zhou Qianqian knew that no normal person would care about her request, so she had no choice but to gamble.

Gambling again and again.

If I win the bet, I can avenge my family.

If you lose the bet, it's just a life.

So, steeling himself, he said, "You are the sixth person I found, but besides Uncle Zhang, you are the first to hear me tell you the truth."