Elderly Martial Saint: Sixty Times the Cultivation Speed ​​at the Start

Yi Yang stepped across the threshold and entered the director's office, looking around.

The public housing was small and simply furnished, with a long black wooden table in the center and Qi Shujian sitting behind it.

Two other people stood on either side of him: Chen Wuyai on his left and Song Tiecheng on his right.

Three experts at the Inner Qi Realm were in the same room. With their qi clashing, the air was filled with a suffocating, oppressive feeling.

It can be said that the strongest fighting force of the entire Yunlin County Sky Patrol Division has gathered together at this moment.

The moment Yi Yang entered the room, he suppressed his aura to a minimum, taking small, hurried steps, looking exactly like an old subordinate who was a little uneasy after being summoned by his boss.

He walked three steps away from the desk, bowed, clasped his hands, and said, "This humble servant, Yi Yang, greets the Director and the two Deputy Directors."

His voice was still a little hoarse and tired, as if he had been through a lot last night.

Standing on the left, Chen Wuyai scrutinized him without any attempt to conceal his gaze, looking him up and down. Although he also thought highly of Yi Yang, and Yi Yang had done well on the two tasks he had previously assigned him, he didn't think such a performance would warrant a private audience with his elder brother.

Qin Ju, who was standing outside the door requesting an audience, also performed admirably, didn't he? In fact, his talent was top-notch, but his elder brother was unwilling to pay him any attention. After all, in the eyes of someone at the Inner Qi Realm, someone at the Blood Qi Realm was not worth mentioning, let alone his elder brother, who was at the third level of Inner Qi.

Therefore, Chen Wuyai looked at Yi Yang with curiosity and scrutiny.

Song Tiecheng, standing to the other side, remained silent, arms crossed, leaning against the wall with an indifferent expression. However, his gaze never left Yi Yang's shoulders and hips—the two areas most exposed when a martial artist exerts force.

Qi Shujian, sitting in the main seat, gently blew on his teacup and looked at Yi Yang with a calm expression.

On that resolute, iron-like face, not a trace of the sharpness he had displayed during their confrontation on the rooftop the previous night could be found; the iron-blooded ruthlessness that had swept everything away had vanished.

It's as if the incident of the sword being stuck in the tile never happened.

"sit."

Qi Shujian raised his chin, gesturing to the wooden chair next to him.

Yi Yang didn't sit down, but instead bowed his head more respectfully. The other two deputy directors, who held higher positions, didn't sit either, and he felt embarrassed to do so either, so he simply stood and said:

"Your subordinate may speak while standing."

Qi Shujian didn't refuse any further. He put down his teacup and said approvingly, "You did a good job during the riot in the South City prison last night."

The tone was very soft, as if talking about a trivial matter.

But the following part is much more substantial.

"First, you noticed the unusual activity at the prison post in advance and sent a message to Deputy Director Chen by carrier pigeon, allowing the Sky Patrol to prepare in advance. That shows your keen observation skills."

Chen Wuyai nodded slightly in agreement, acknowledging Yi Yang's contribution. Although they were prepared, Yi Yang's reminder still made him aware that the other side's operation had begun.

"Secondly, when the riot broke out, you did not abandon the prison and run away. Instead, you guarded the high-prison area alone, killed Feng Haiyuan, the chief deacon of the Nine Evil Cults, and the other villains, and prevented the high-prisoners from escaping. You fulfilled your duty."

After finishing his sentence, Qi Shujian picked up his teacup and took another sip, as if that was all he had to say, and did not continue speaking.

Yi Yang lowered his eyes, but felt a sense of relief.

Qi Shujian confined all the credit to the "South City Prison," without mentioning Wang Gongqin or Zhang Bonian.

It didn't even mention his cultivation level in the Inner Qi Realm.

What does this tell us?

Is it that the other party genuinely doesn't know, or is it that they are unwilling to expose themselves?

"You flatter me, Director. I am humbled." Although Yi Yang said this, there was still some pride in his expression. After all, he really did these things, and there was nothing wrong with admitting it.

Qi Shujian ignored his polite formalities and went straight to the point about why he had called him here: "Those who have rendered meritorious service should be rewarded; this is the rule of the Sky Patrol Division."

Having said that, he reached for a document bearing a red seal on the table and read its contents aloud:

"The first reward is that you are promoted to the position of Chief Supervisor of the Yunlin County Astronomical Bureau, in charge of daily affairs, and ranked below me and the two deputy chief supervisors. You will also be awarded one thousand taels of silver, plus a ten-month supply of elixirs, which will be drawn from the Hall of Contributions."

As the contents of the official document were laid out in the room, the office was quiet for a couple of breaths.

Chief Inspector of Yunlin County.

He can be considered the fourth most important figure in the Yunlin County Astronomical Bureau.

He commands hundreds of people, wielding immense power and possessing abundant resources.

Six months ago, Yi Yang would never have dreamed that he could get to this point, but at this moment, his mindset is completely different, and he even looks down on this position a little.

Is the position of general manager good? Of course it is.

But what happens after you sit down?

The daily routine can be overwhelming, and all the eyes and ears of various forces are on you. Every move you make is under the watchful eyes of others. For someone who still wants to hide their strength and cultivate in a low-key manner, what's the difference between this and being tied to a fire and roasted?

Moreover, as the fourth-ranking figure in the Sky Patrol Division, he didn't have many resources left, and most of them were only useful for those in the Qi and Blood Realm. He had no chance of getting his hands on precious pills that greatly improved his Inner Qi Realm.

Therefore, this position can be considered a waste for Yi Yang, whose hidden strength is at the Inner Qi Realm.

Therefore, Yi Yang did not rush to answer.

He looked up, appearing both flattered and somewhat embarrassed, and rubbed his hands together, saying, "Director, your kindness is immense; I am deeply grateful. However… you mentioned the first item, is there a second item?"

"I dare to ask, but I would like to hear the whole thing first before making a decision."

Upon hearing this, Qi Shujian put down his teacup.

His lips twitched, not in a smile, but with a hint of approval. This old man was indeed quite astute.

Most people would kneel down to thank the "general manager" for the promotion, but this old man remained calm and even dared to ask about the second item. It must be his strength that gave him the confidence.

"Interesting. If I'm not mistaken, there is indeed a second reward."

After saying that, Qi Shujian took out another item from the table. It wasn't an official document, but a letter.

The envelope was stamped with a dark gold seal, the private seal of the Director of the Yunlin County Astronomical Bureau. Although it was not equivalent to an official document, it represented Qi Shujian's personal intentions.

"The second thing is that I will write a letter of recommendation and recommend you to the Suining Prefecture Astronomical Bureau to undergo the assessment of the deputy director."

Upon hearing this, Chen Wuyai raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected his elder brother to value the other party so much.

Song Tiecheng relaxed his arms and turned to look at Qi Shujian.

Deputy Director.

That's no longer a county-level concept; it's at the prefectural city level, a higher level than the threshold of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau.

Upon hearing this, Yi Yang curled his fingers slightly, feeling quite surprised. He hadn't expected Qi Shujian to give him such a big gift.

Qi Shujian placed the letter on the corner of the table and continued, "This is just a recommendation opportunity, not a direct appointment. Once you arrive in Suining Prefecture, you will have to pass a physical examination, assessment, and background check. Only if you pass all of them will you be considered. Even if you pass, your subsequent arrangements will be handled by the prefectural city, and you may not be able to return to Yunlin County."

He leaned back in his chair, relaxed, and looked at Yi Yang, asking with amusement:

"Two paths are laid out before you, which one will you choose?"

The public housing fell silent again, and everyone wanted to know Yi Yang's choice.

Yi Yang ignored the three people's gazes, his head lowered, his mind racing.

The first path is the most stable: stay in Yunlin County, hold the position of governor, have power and resources, and live a very comfortable life, but the improvement of cultivation is very limited.

After all, the ceiling is there—Yunlin County is only so big, and there are only a few channels for obtaining pills. They will definitely prioritize supplying the three deputy directors who are at the Inner Qi Realm, so it's not going to be their turn.

He's currently at the first level of internal energy cultivation, and the resources he needs to break through the second stage, "Returning to the Origin of Purity and Turbidity," are something he doesn't know how long it will take to gather in Yunlin County.

Moreover, Qi Shujian had already noticed him.

If we continue to hide under their noses, we'll be exposed sooner or later.

The second path is treacherous. Suining Prefecture is a deep and dangerous place, teeming with experts. Reaching the Inner Qi Realm might just be the starting point.

But there are higher-level elixirs, more complete cultivation techniques, and broader information channels there.

After thinking for a moment, Yi Yang raised his head and said:

"I will choose the second option."

His voice wasn't loud, but it was very firm.

"At my age, sitting in the manager's position handling daily chores will probably make me senile in less than three months. I might as well take advantage of my remaining mobility to see a wider world."

After Yi Yang made his decision, Qi Shujian stopped looking at him, his gaze deep for a moment, then pushed the letter towards him and said:

"Here you go."

Yi Yang accepted the envelope with both hands. It felt heavy in his hands, not because of the weight of the paper, but because of the significance of this letter within the entire Sky Patrol Bureau system.

He tucked the letter into his pocket, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Director, I have another request."

Upon hearing this, Qi Shujian continued serving tea without stopping: "Speak."

"The cultivation method I practice is called 'Yi Wood Nourishing Life Technique.' According to old records, this technique was passed down by Daoist Songqing three hundred years ago, and later a complete copy was preserved in the hands of Pang Qing, a grain shop owner in Yunlin County."

Yi Yang carefully considered his words.

"I have only mastered the first six levels of the cultivation technique, and the subsequent levels are missing. I would like to ask the Director to help me investigate the clues about this Pang Qing and his descendants, whether it is the case files of the Sky Patrol Bureau or the household registration records in the city, any information would be helpful."

Finally, Qi Shujian, who had been calm and confident all along, put down his teacup.

When he heard the words "Yi Wood Health Preservation Exercise," something flickered in his eyes. The doubts in his heart completely dissipated, and his eyes became clear and bright.

He understood; it was this very technique.

Three hundred years ago, Songqing Daoren appeared in the martial arts world and created the "Yimu Health Preservation Technique" with the intention of prolonging life, but unintentionally opened up an alternative path of martial arts.

This path is impassable for ordinary geniuses, because it requires the passage of time and experience.

This explains why Yi Yang, at the age of sixty, has been able to reach this point today.

"Can."

Qi Shujian did not press for the secrets of the technique, but simply agreed readily.

"I will have someone check the case files of the Sky Patrol Division and the household registration office of Yunlin County together."

"Thank you, Director Xie."

Yi Yang bowed again, and then slowly withdrew from the public room.

……

Outside, the air remained heavy and oppressive.

As Yi Yang stepped out of the doorway, he saw Qin Ju still standing by the door.

The newly appointed deputy commander was still in his armor, with his gun in hand, and stood as straight as a pine tree. However, the fatigue and anxiety in his eyes were even more pronounced than before.

How long has he been standing here?

From the time I entered Yiyang until now, it's probably been the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Qin Ju had obviously seen Yi Yang as well, and his gaze was fixed on him.

There was inquiry, confusion, and a hint of tension in his eyes.

He wanted to ask, but now was not the time.

Yi Yang understood and decided to give him the chance.

He nodded slightly, as if addressing an ordinary colleague, and calmly uttered a sentence:

"Vice Chief Steward Qin, you've worked hard. I heard you made a great contribution last night. We can exchange ideas sometime."

After saying that, he started walking slowly towards the outside of the courtyard.

Pass by.

There were no unnecessary explanations, not a single boastful word.

But these words warmed Qin Ju's heart. He never expected that Yi Yang, with whom he had only met once before, would actually intend to help him.

It seems I need to find an opportunity to meet him.

……

Inside the public housing.

After Yi Yang left, Chen Wuyai finally couldn't hold back any longer; he was now extremely curious.

He walked to the desk, frowning in confusion, and said, "Brother, aren't you giving Yi Yang too much credit? Although he did make a contribution, isn't a recommendation letter as a deputy director a bit too much of a reward?"

Song Tiecheng, who was standing next to him, also looked at him with a puzzled expression, somewhat confused about his elder brother's decision.

If Yi Yang succeeds, he will be on equal footing with the two of them.

In response to his two brothers' questions, Qi Shujian picked up his teacup, slowly took a sip of hot tea, and then explained in a nonchalant tone:

"This Yi Yang is not as simple as you see him."

He put down his teacup and looked at the two of them.

"I'll just say one thing."

"Last night, it was Yi Yang who killed Zhang Bonian of the Zhang family."

The words fell.

Chen Wuyai's puzzled expression froze, and Song Tiecheng's perpetually unchanging icy face also showed a rare twitch of his eyebrows.

Zhang Bonian!

That's the Zhang family's Grand Elder, and they're experts at the first level of inner energy!

However, the other party was more skilled and experienced.

He was killed just like that by that seemingly ordinary old man?

Qi Shujian ignored their shock and continued, "I had the guards investigate his background. Interestingly, he first revealed his cultivation level more than half a year ago."

This news is even more surprising than the last one.

In just half a year, he went from an unknown old woodcutter to someone capable of killing someone at the first level of inner energy cultivation.

How is that possible!

Seeing the shocked looks on his two brothers' faces, Qi Shujian was quite satisfied. In fact, he had been just as shocked last night. He continued, "..."

"I thought he was hiding a huge secret and wanted to take over the task from the Prefectural City Astronomical Bureau to help investigate it."

"His mention of the 'Yi Wood Health Preservation Exercise' just now explains everything." Qi Shujian tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"This skill, coupled with the fact that he only showed signs of talent after half a year, suggests that Yi Yang has only one possibility—a destiny of late bloomer."

"This birth chart is a perfect match for the 'Yi Wood Nourishing Life Exercise'."

Qi Shujian's eyes revealed a kind of appreciation. He knew about the "Yi Mu Health Preservation Technique" and knew how many geniuses had tried it, only to give up because of its tortoise-like slowness.

"In that case, the secret behind him isn't so big after all. Why wouldn't someone with talent, destiny, and a sense of gratitude lend a helping hand?"

"Sending this letter of recommendation to him is a favor I'm doing him. Once he's established himself in Suining Prefecture, this favor will naturally be repaid to us."

Chen Wuyai and Song Tiecheng exchanged a glance, both seeing two words in each other's eyes.

admire.

What they saw was Yi Yang's meritorious service, but what Qi Shujian saw was the immense value hidden behind Yi Yang and how to maximize that value.

They still have a long way to go in terms of vision.

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Please give me a gift!!! The next chapter might be a little late, but I'll try to write it today. It's all because of family matters.