Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 107 Seeking Merit

His gaze fell on the shocking records in the ledger, and he recalled Song Jing's righteous words on the training ground yesterday, as well as his frank admission of the "heroic feat" of destroying the Blood Lotus Sect branch. He couldn't help but smile, but then shook his head helplessly.

"This kid—he's got guts, and he's got a knack for causing trouble. But he did a really good job too. Even though I didn't do it directly, it was a blessing in disguise, giving me a brilliant resume at the grassroots level!" Lu Beichen muttered to himself.

Although he took the blame for Song Jing, was chased, and was injured, he didn't harbor much resentment. He had also gained a lot himself. On the contrary, he developed a sincere appreciation for this young man who came from a poor background but had a noble heart and decisive methods.

He thought that if he hadn't intervened to save him that day, Song Jing would probably have been able to leave on his own, though perhaps not so easily. It was his intervention that made Song Jing willing to hand over the items to the Commandant's Office, thus earning his trust.

His good deeds back then have brought about this good result. It seems that Brother Song is indeed a kind and righteous person, a man of great integrity.

"It's time to go back." Lu Beichen closed the file. According to the rules, he had two opportunities a year to return to the inner city to report on his work, collect supplies, and take a short rest.

Thanks to Song Jing's "active" efforts, the Blood Lotus Sect in the outer city has made breakthroughs one after another.

Although the method was somewhat unusual—the Zhang family fell, the Black Tiger Gang went into hiding, and Li Wei fled—although there are still many mysteries and potential threats, bringing these "good news" and important intelligence back to the inner city and reporting them to Commander Chen Yanzhou would surely please him and garner more support for the subsequent pursuit and suppression operations.

More importantly————

Lu Beichen touched the hilt of the goose-feather saber at his waist, his eyes sharpening.

"After fighting Song Jing, I realized my own shortcomings. Although my Gale Blade Technique has been perfected and is fierce and sharp, it is somewhat inadequate against opponents with unpredictable movements and extremely fast speed. Whether it is Song Jing's unpredictable leg techniques and body movements or Qin Yue's fist and palm techniques that combine strength and softness and are swift and ruthless, I have suffered from the speed disadvantage."

"If I want to defeat them personally and avenge my defeat at the hands of Qin Yue and Song Jing, I must address my weaknesses in speed and agility!"

He had already found out that the Scripture Pavilion of the Mad Wind Martial Arts School, located in the inner city, contained a superior movement technique called Shadow Chasing Step, which originated from the same source as the Mad Wind Blade Technique. If he could learn it and combine it with the blade technique, he would be even more powerful, and his speed and offensive capabilities would experience a qualitative leap.

However, this movement technique is extremely difficult to master, requiring high aptitude, comprehension, and even contributions.

He had been unable to exchange his cultivation points for other benefits due to insufficient contributions.

"Bringing back crucial intelligence and evidence about the Blood Lotus Sect this time is a great achievement. With this merit, plus the evaluation from my two years of training in the outer city, I should be qualified to learn the Shadow Chasing Step. But it's all thanks to Song Jing that I've been able to enjoy this!" Lu Beichen's eyes blazed with fighting spirit. "Once I master the Shadow Chasing Step, my speed will increase dramatically, and the power of my swordsmanship will be fully unleashed—Song Jing, Qin Yue, you just wait! Next time we meet, I, Lu Beichen, will personally defeat you!"

He could almost see himself becoming a blur, his blade flashing like a storm, completely overwhelming his opponent.

"And those Li Wujiu, Han Sha, and Li Wei—these remnants of the Blood Lotus Sect, these scoundrels who collude with evil sects, none of them will escape!"

Before leaving, Lu Beichen made a special trip to the Zhuifeng Martial Arts School to say goodbye to Song Jing.

The two sat facing each other in a quiet room in the backyard of the martial arts school.

"Brother Song, I will set off back to the inner city today to report this matter to the Commandant and make arrangements for the subsequent suppression." Lu Beichen got straight to the point.

Song Jing nodded: "Brother Lu, you've worked hard. The journey to the inner city is long, so please be careful. The Blood Lotus Sect and the remnants of the Black Tiger Gang might act rashly when cornered."

"Don't worry, they're too busy taking care of themselves right now, they shouldn't dare to ambush government officials on the way." Lu Beichen smiled, then said seriously, "After I leave, Brother Song, you'll have to take good care of things here in the outer city. Li Wei and Qin Yue are colluding with the Blood Lotus Sect, they must be hiding in the shadows, plotting something sinister."

You've repeatedly thwarted their plans; they won't let this go easily. While the martial arts school can offer protection, it's easier to dodge a direct attack than a hidden one. You must be very careful.

"I understand, thank you for reminding me, Brother Lu." Song Jing remembered this concern.

Lu Beichen pondered for a moment, then said, "In addition, when I return to the inner city this time, besides reporting, I will also go to the martial arts school to try to exchange for a movement technique to make up for my own shortcomings."

I'm only able to exchange for this movement technique thanks to you, because you've accomplished most of the Blood Lotus Sect's progress, while I've only followed along and had a few sips of soup. Don't worry, once I learn this movement technique, I will definitely treat you well!

"Next time we meet, I might have to ask Brother Song for a few more tips. Brother Song, you'd better watch out then, I'll definitely avenge you!" he said, half-jokingly and half-seriously.

Upon hearing this, Song Jing's eyes revealed a smile and a fighting spirit: "If Brother Lu achieves anything, I, Song, will be waiting at any time. It will also be a good opportunity to test my own progress."

"Alright! It's a deal!" Lu Beichen laughed, then lowered his voice, "There's one more thing. After I leave, the Outer City Commandery will be temporarily managed by Deputy Commander Wang. He's quite capable, but his personality is a bit conservative. If you need the Outer City Commandery's assistance, you can go directly to him with the token I gave you. He should be willing to do some favors out of respect for me. But if it involves major or secret operations, it's best to wait for me to return, or—you can decide for yourself."

He spoke cryptically, but Song Jing understood.

Deputy Lieutenant Wang may not have the same sense of justice and courage as Lu Beichen, and there are some things that the Commandant's Office might not be able to help.

"I understand," Song Jing nodded.

Lu Beichen stood up, patted Song Jing on the shoulder, and said solemnly, "Brother Song, take care! Evil spirits and heretics should be punished by everyone. I'll keep this in mind. I hope that when we meet again, the outer city will be peaceful, and we can both make further progress!"

"Brother Lu, have a safe journey! I, Song, am here, awaiting good news." Song Jing also stood up and clasped his hands in farewell.

The two shook hands firmly, everything understood without words.

That afternoon, Lu Beichen, accompanied by several trusted yamen runners, rode away from the outer city of Tianshui City and sped towards the inner city.

On horseback, Lu Beichen glanced back at the receding outline of the city wall, a hint of reluctance flashing in his eyes, but more so, determination and anticipation.

His two years of experience in the outer city allowed him to witness the hardships and resilience of ordinary people, and he also personally experienced life-and-death battles with evil sorcerers. He lost some of his former naivety and arrogance, but he forged a more resilient and responsible heart.

The uprightness and decisiveness of Captain Chen Yanzhou deeply influenced him, while the appearance and actions of Song Jing showed him another possibility and power to practice martial arts and safeguard justice.

"The Commandant will be very happy to see this—finally, a decent person has emerged from the outer city." Lu Beichen thought, a slight smile playing on his lips.

He could almost imagine the look of satisfaction and admiration on the face of Commandant Chen, who was always serious and deeply abhorred evil ways, when he heard about Song Jing's deeds and saw the irrefutable evidence.

He will tell the truth, because that way he will also have a great deal of credit.

Because of this glory, Lu Beichen will never enjoy it alone!

"And the Shadow Chasing Step—" Lu Beichen's eyes burned with fervor, as if he could already see the manual for that profound movement technique laid out before him. "Soon, very soon—once I master it, my speed weakness will be overcome, and the power of the Gale Blade Technique will truly be unleashed—it seems my strength will increase significantly. Then, when I encounter Qin Yue, I certainly won't be beaten so badly, fleeing in panic and losing face for the Commandant's Mansion!"

He could almost see himself moving like a ghost, his blade flashing like a whirlwind, completely suppressing Qin Yue's insidious palm techniques and breaking through Song Jing's fierce leg techniques one by one.

"Song Jing, you are indeed very strong. Your talent, temperament, and opportunities are all top-notch. It is my honor to know you and fight alongside you. But it is precisely because of this that I am even more determined to surpass you! On the path of martial arts, one must have opponents to avoid loneliness!"

"Qin Yue, Li Wei, Li Wujiu, Han Sha—you cowardly scum who have been harming the people, wash your necks and wait! When I return, it will be the day you are all executed!"

The sound of horses' hooves was rapid, and dust flew everywhere.

Lu Beichen's figure gradually disappeared at the end of the official road.

Carrying the spoils and intelligence from the outer city, a thirst for more agile movements, and a determination to surpass his powerful enemies, he embarked on his journey back to the inner city.

However, the undercurrents in the outer city did not subside after his departure.

Song Jing stood on the high point of the martial arts hall, looking in the direction Lu Beichen had left. His eyes were calm, but a cold glint was hidden in them.

Li Wei, Qin Yue, the Blood Lotus Cult—and the hidden mastermind deep within—

The calm before the storm seems to be coming to an end.