Fang Zetao's Summoning, the Yuwen Clan's Killing Intent, Cleansing the Northern

Chapter 70 Fang Zetao's Summoning, the Yuwen Clan's Killing Intent, Cleansing the Northern City [Please Subscribe]

Xiao Douzi and Afu specialized in low grasses and shrubs, while Xiao He, with a brush and a small scraper, focused on removing the clusters of dewdrops from the broad leaves and petals. Their teamwork was excellent, and their efficiency far exceeded Su Yang's expectations.

Su Yang also collected the dew with a porcelain bowl. In less than a quarter of an hour, he had collected more than half a bowl of clear, translucent morning dew with a faint bluish tinge.

He tilted his head back and drank it all. The dew was clear, sweet, and refreshing, and as it entered his stomach, it turned into icy coolness that spread outwards.

[Mysterious Water True Skill Proficiency +1!]

[Mysterious Water True Skill Proficiency +1!]

The notification panel in my mind was flashing rapidly; this half bowl of morning dew had actually increased my proficiency by 156 points!

Su Yang clearly sensed that the Xuan Shui Qi Sea in the Shenque acupoint in his navel was surging slightly, and the Xuan Shui True Qi was steadily growing stronger and more solid, with the edges of the Qi Sea also subtly expanding.

Half an hour later, the five earthenware jars were half full of morning dew, and the clear dewdrops shimmered with tiny halos.

"Drink it directly."

Before Su Yang could finish speaking, Chen Wenyuan had already scooped a bowl full and handed it to him. He took the bowl, tilted his head back, and drank it down, bowl after bowl, downing three small jars in a row. Even with his cultivation of health-preserving techniques and strong internal organs, he felt his stomach heavy and bloated, making it difficult to swallow any more.

[Mysterious Water True Skill Proficiency +1!]

[Mysterious Water True Skill Proficiency +1!]

【Mysterious Water True Skill, Volume 1 (Proficiency 655/5000)】

The moment the panel display froze, Su Yang felt a sudden jolt in his navel, specifically at the Shenque acupoint!

A stream of information appeared in his mind, which was none other than his cultivation insights into the advanced stage of the first volume of the Profound Water True Art.

The cold, dark sea of ​​Xuan Shui Qi suddenly expanded. The Xuan Shui True Qi, which was originally as thick as a toothpick, instantly surged and solidified to the thickness of a finger. It surged and circulated within the sea of ​​Qi, carrying a bone-chilling coldness, yet exuding a warm and lingering aftereffect.

This is no longer the faint airflow at the beginning, but pure true energy with real attack power!

"Wenyuan, take this back to the courtyard. Use it to make ginseng soup instead of water. I'll drink it with every meal."

This time of day is grueling and puts one's mental and physical strength to the test. Your wages will be tripled compared to usual.

"In addition, add a substantial meat meal every day to ensure everyone has the energy and spirit to do this job meticulously."

Su Yang handed the unfinished earthenware jar to Chen Wenyuan and gave him instructions.

He knew in his heart that the morning dew was crucial to the advancement of his Xuan Shui True Skill and was his most important foundation at present. If he could perfect his true qi even a day earlier, he could easily earn not only three times the wages, but even thirty times them.

This small amount of money, rice, and meat is worth it.

Chen Wenyuan's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice strained: "My benefactor—this is far too much of a favor. It's just some dew collected early in the morning—"

"I know whether it's thick or heavy."

Su Yang interrupted him, his gaze sweeping over Chen Wenyuan's knuckles, which were white from being immersed in the river water: "Make sure they keep this a secret, and don't mention it to anyone else. Go!"

"I understand!"

Chen Wenyuan readily agreed and led the four men away.

"It's done!"

Su Yang felt the true energy in his Xuan Shui Qi Sea and was overjoyed.

The finger-thick, silvery Xuan Shui True Qi responded instantly, flowing rapidly along his meridians without any stagnation, and finally converging in the palm of his outstretched right hand.

A thin layer of white frost was visibly forming on my palm, and the chill emanated spontaneously, making the surrounding damp air seem to cool down a bit. The morning breeze along the canal was particularly damp and cold, and at this moment it was even more bone-chillingly cold.

He could clearly feel that this true energy was several times more condensed than when he first entered the sect. Not only was its circulation speed faster, but its control was also much more precise. It could be concentrated at one point, or it could spread across the palm, or it could even extend half an inch along the fingertips, transforming into a cold, nascent form of energy.

When you first start out, the Xuan Shui True Qi can only assist in cultivation and be used for some initial testing. Now that you've reached a proficient level, you can truly apply it in actual combat, which will increase your chances of winning in future battles.

"what?"

He looked down at the fine white frost falling from his palm, landing on the wet mud of the riverbank and instantly freezing into a thin layer of ice. Remembering the recently acquired "Snow-Treading Without a Trace" light-foot technique, whose simplified description was "Treading Snow," a thought suddenly struck him: "Frost is the beginning of snow—Treading Snow?"

Immediately, the Xuan Shui True Qi circulated again, and the white frost on his palms grew thicker and thicker, eventually piling up into a small clump of fluffy ice crystals, just like newly fallen snow.

Su Yang stepped on it, stomping on it several times.

[Snowflake-Treading Skill Level +1!]

"It really works!"

Seeing the proficiency level of "Treading Snow Without Leaving a Trace" appear on the panel, Su Yang was overjoyed. This was wonderful! He had originally thought he would have to wait another month and a half for heavy snow to be transported from the north, but unexpectedly, his Xuan Shui True Qi could condense frost and snow after he became proficient!

Increase your proficiency in the "Leave No Footprints in Snow" skill.

"Again!"

Su Yang's eyes showed anticipation as he continued to condense frost and snow, threw it on the ground, stepped on it, and gained more than thirty points of proficiency.

"I still need to improve the level of my Profound Water True Skill!"

Su Yang activated his Xuan Shui True Qi to condense snow for the fifth time, but after gathering only half a handful of ice crystals, he felt the Xuan Shui Qi Sea in his Shenque acupoint in his navel become slightly empty—although the Xuan Shui True Qi at the proficient level is solid, its total amount is still limited. The energy-consuming action of making snow caused his True Qi to be depleted by nearly half in a short time.

He quickly calmed down.

While snowmaking can increase proficiency, it consumes too much internal energy. Right now, there are important matters to attend to, such as clearing out the northern city and contacting the canal gang. I can't afford to exhaust my internal energy to deal with any unforeseen circumstances.

He immediately withdrew his true energy, already having a plan in mind: "Once the Profound Water True Skill advances to minor or major completion, the total amount of true energy will double, and the solidity will increase further. At that time, the snowmaking efficiency will be even higher, and the proficiency of walking on snow without leaving a trace will naturally increase rapidly."

At 3:45 AM, at the new camp of the Ruifeng Battalion in the canal warehouse, five hundred soldiers had lined up.

After a night of preparation, the camp looked even more desolate: thorns were added to the walls, watchtowers were erected, and lookout posts were set up along the canal.

Su Yang, clad in light armor, stood on the command platform, his gaze sweeping across the area below with a cold, piercing intensity. The soldiers' scrutinizing and hesitant eyes had lessened, replaced by a solemnity and excitement born from the camp's new atmosphere and yesterday's strict orders.

"The camp is now firmly established, but the battle of the northern city cannot be won simply by setting up camp."

Su Yang's voice wasn't loud, but it overwhelmed the wind and waves of the canal. After a pause, he decisively ordered, "From today onwards, the Sharp Vanguard Battalion will be divided into three shifts, patrolling the entire area from Iron Spear Lane to Earth Jar Workshop continuously for twelve hours a day!"

"Wang Tiezhu, your team is responsible for guarding the dock area and the warehouses and berths along the shore! Anyone found illegally occupying, extorting, or setting up checkpoints..."

Anyone who obstructs the transport, regardless of who they are, shall be arrested; those who disobey orders shall be treated as wartime disruptors of the rear!

"Yes!" Wang Tiezhu replied with a fist and a fist salute, his voice booming.

"Zhao Daqi, your second team is to thoroughly search all alleys, shacks, and markets! Gambling dens, secret doors, underground banks, and salt smuggling operations—anyone without official credentials, involved in crimes, or forcing innocent people into evil—must be raided, their operations destroyed, and their inmates detained. If they encounter armed resistance, kill them without mercy!"

"Understood!" A fierce glint flashed in Zhao Daqi's eyes.

"Sun Wang, your personal guard will accompany me to the central command, responsible for coordination, logistics, and military law!"

Sun Wang straightened his chest and agreed.

Su Yang's voice suddenly rose, carrying a chilling, iron-blooded aura: "General Fang has given me five days to reorganize this area! After five days, I will ensure that no evil spirit or monster can hide in the North City, and that all snakes, rats, and insects are wiped out! The knives in your hands are not firewood sticks; when it's time to draw blood, draw blood fiercely! The reputation of the Sharp Edge Battalion will be etched with the blood and achievements of the enemy! Do you understand?!"

"clear!!!"

Five hundred people roared in unison, the sound shaking the warehouse roof and causing ripples to spread across the canal.

Su Yang waved his hand, and the team scattered with a roar, rushing to their respective posts as if guided by an extension of their own limbs.

Deep in Iron Spear Alley, in the main hall of Golden Bell Martial Arts School.

Morning light streamed through the high window, illuminating the gilded bronze bell and reflecting a cold, hard gleam.

Zhao Jinzhong, dressed in a brocade robe, sat on a tiger-skin chair, holding a piece of straw paper. His knuckles were white, and the bluish-black marks on his palms looked increasingly eerie.

The hastily written list on the paper, seemingly a miscellaneous inventory, actually contained hidden notes: "Newcomers in the north city, best to treat them with indifference. The dockside warehouses may offer temporary respite. Do not provoke them, lest you dull your edge."

The letter, without a signature or origin, weighed heavily on his chest like a death knell.

He rubbed the paper between his fingers, turning it into dust, but the chill still spread along the bruises to his limbs.

Three months ago, he drank "Qianji Dew" to save his only son. The blue marks on his palm became the trigger for the poison, and he needed to take "Antidote Dew" every month to suppress it. Since then, he has been controlled by the forces behind the secret.

The order given to Su Yang this time was both a forced obedience and in line with his wishes... Su Yang was too ambitious, and if he was allowed to take root in Beicheng, he would sooner or later threaten the core interests of Jinzhong Martial Arts School.

"Zhou Tong".

Zhao Jinzhong called out to the door in a deep voice, his tone slightly tense.

"Master!"

The eldest disciple, Zhou Tong, entered in response and bowed respectfully.

Zhao Jinzhong said in a deep voice: "The two berths at the dock, as well as the warehouses and storage facilities under the martial arts school, will all cease operations and close down starting today."

Zhou Tong was taken aback: "Master, thousands of brothers rely on this for their livelihood. If the warehouse closes, the merchants will definitely cause trouble—"

"What are you afraid of?" Zhao Jinzhong slightly raised his eyelids, the bruises on his palms burning hot, his tone becoming stern: "Just say that things aren't peaceful on the river, that we need to check the laborers to prevent spies, and inspect the warehouses to clear out contraband, all for the sake of the stability and defense of the northern city. Who can object?"

Zhou Tong's eyes lit up; he immediately understood. He then asked, "What if the merchants cause a disturbance, or if the Sharp Edge Battalion sends men to question us?"

"Let them make a scene. They won't be able to unload the goods or get paid. They're the ones who will be anxious."

Zhao Jinzhong leaned forward, half his face hidden in shadow, his voice cold and hard: "The Ruifeng Battalion is new here, what do they know about dock rules? If they really ask, just have the accountant politely explain that it's to cooperate with defense and conduct self-examination and self-correction, be respectful and reasonable, but never open the door."

Zhou Tong understood immediately and was about to leave when Zhao Jinzhong suddenly called him back, rubbing the blue marks on his palm: "Have your disciples bring iron sandbags. Don't actually fight during the standoff at the dock, but show them what you've got. Our Golden Bell Shield technique isn't something you can learn for nothing."

"Master, rest assured! Your disciples have just finished practicing with wooden hammers; ordinary swords and spears won't harm them. They'll definitely be able to intimidate those soldiers!"

Zhou Tong's eyes lit up.

Zhao Jinzhong did not respond, gazing at the morning light outside the window, a bitter taste rising in his throat.

If it weren't for the monthly disturbance of his internal energy caused by the "Pulling the Machine" technique, his Golden Bell Shield would have already broken through the sixth level. Why would he need to rely on his disciple's half-baked skills to maintain appearances?

Just after Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the North City Wharf was bustling with noise.

Wang Tiezhu led a squad of elite soldiers to line up at the entrance. Their armor was gleaming, their swords and spears stood in a forest, and a chilling aura of killing intent was palpable.

On the dock, disciples of the Golden Bell Martial Arts School stood with their hands on their hips, blocking the berth. Leading them was Zhou Tong, the school's top disciple, followed by dozens of disciples, all with their chests out and stomachs in, their auras deep and focused—clearly, they had all practiced the Golden Bell Shield technique, their chests and arms concealing...

Thick calluses left from years of playing can be seen.

"By order of Su Yingzheng, a city-wide investigation is underway to identify any spies within the Jianghuai Army!"

Wang Tiezhu stepped forward, his voice booming: "The dock is a strategic military location, a place teeming with people and prone to harboring traitors! From this moment forward, all berths and warehouses shall cease operations and be subject to inspection! Anyone who obstructs official business or harbors spies shall be treated as a traitor in wartime and executed without exception!"

Zhou Tong crossed his arms and sneered. His disciples behind him quickly assumed a horse stance, their inner energy circulating and a faint layer of yellowish-brown aura rising from their bodies. "Captain Wang's words are far too domineering! My Golden Bell Martial Arts School has been operating the docks for many years. Our disciples have protected this area with their Golden Bell Shield, so where would we find spies? Your mobilization is clearly a pretext for seizing territory under the guise of an investigation!"

"Whether it was land grabbing or not, an investigation will tell!"

Wang Tiezhu's eyes sharpened, and he shouted, "In wartime city defense, military orders are absolute! The Su camp has ordered a thorough search of the entire northern city for spies, with the docks being the first to be inspected! Those who know what's good for them should cooperate immediately and open the warehouses and berths for inspection, or don't blame the swords for being merciless!"

"Want to investigate? You'll have to get past me first!"

A fierce glint flashed in Zhou Tong's eyes. He suddenly shouted, placed his hands on his dantian, and his chest and abdomen bulged instantly. He charged forward to meet the soldier's knife!

"clang!"

The steel blade struck his shoulder, but was deflected by the gas membrane formed by his internal energy, leaving only a white mark. He had been in the martial arts school for twenty years and had practiced the Golden Bell Cover technique for fifteen years. He had already reached the peak of the middle level, and his "qi covering the surface of his body" hard skill was enough to withstand ordinary weapons!

"Hahaha! The blades of the Sharp Edge Battalion are nothing special!"

Zhou Tong laughed wildly, and his disciples behind him channeled their energy into their bodies, each stepping forward like an iron tower, assuming the starting stance of the Golden Bell Cover. The dock instantly fell into a stalemate.

The soldiers' swords either deflected the disciples' attacks or left only shallow marks, failing to cause any real harm.

Wang Tiezhu's expression changed, and he was about to order the arrows to be fired when a green shadow suddenly flashed by—Su Yang's figure was as fast as a ghost. He had just finished drinking the morning dew ginseng soup at the Tangyuan, four miles away from the camp, and rushed over immediately after receiving the news.

"stop!"

Su Yang let out a low shout, the sound wave carrying the bone-chilling coldness of Xuan Shui True Qi, causing the people fighting in the melee to subconsciously stop.

His gaze swept across the arena, finally settling on Zhou Tong, a cold smirk playing on his lips: "The Golden Bell Shield of the Golden Bell Martial Arts School, after fifteen years of practice, certainly has some skill, but unfortunately—it's met its match in me!"

Upon seeing Su Yang arrive, Zhou Tong's heart skipped a beat, but he forced a tough stance: "Commander Su, you're accusing me! My martial arts school is merely protecting its own property; how can you say it's obstruction? Your mobilization is clearly a deliberate attempt to make things difficult!"

"Making things difficult?"

Su Yang stepped forward, his powerful senses spreading out. His Xuan Shui True Qi circulated silently, and a thin layer of frost condensed on his fingertips. He said, "The Golden Bell Shield may be hard, but in front of me, your half-baked Golden Bell Shield, which you've practiced for fifteen years, is nothing but a piece of broken copper and scrap iron!"

Before he finished speaking, he had already moved, using his lightness skill to move swiftly like lightning, instantly closing in on Zhou Tong.

"Arrogant!"

Zhou Tong's pupils contracted sharply, and he quickly circulated his qi to protect himself, instantly solidifying the air membrane in his chest.

He swung his fist at Su Yang's face, the force of the punch fierce and carrying the hard power honed through fifteen years of training with the Golden Bell Shield. Su Yang, however, neither dodged nor evaded. His right hand formed a claw, and Xuan Shui True Qi condensed at his fingertips, aiming straight for Zhou Tong's ribs—a vital point that Zhou Tong, despite years of training with the Golden Bell Shield, had not yet fully mastered!

This weakness was detected by Su Yang's powerful senses.

"puff!"

The moment the fingertips touched Zhou Tong's ribs, the Xuan Shui True Qi suddenly erupted, and visible white frost spread along Zhou Tong's meridians.

Zhou Tong felt his blood and qi freeze instantly under his ribs, and his protective internal energy shattered with a "pop." He felt as if his bones had been removed, and he collapsed to the ground. The spot on his shoulder where he had been slashed by the knife was now covered with a thin layer of ice, and the bone-chilling cold spread throughout his body along his meridians.

"This—this is impossible!"

Zhou Tong was horrified. He had been in the academy for twenty years and had been practicing the Golden Bell Cover for fifteen years. Although his ribs were not a fatal wound, no one had ever been able to break through the gas membrane formed by his internal energy with a single finger, or freeze his meridians!

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