The winter snow piled atop the locust tree, draping everything in silvery white.
The figure in the wheelchair remained motionless, like a sculpture, not a single snowflake touching his body.
Su Mu had entered a profound realm, as if wholly integrated with this residence; in his tightly closed eyes, shadows flitted and danced ceaselessly.
The Inference—one of the Dragon-and-Phoenix Level talents—was pushed to its utmost, and with the terrifying support of a comprehension as high as one hundred and seven, one and a half months of relentless inference had turned that wild, astonishing thod from illusion into reality in this mont.
Though his physical body could not bear the strain of martial practice, under this talent for inference, Su Mu was as a sovereign—if he but moved a thought, not only could he practice fisticuffs, he could shrink the earth to a single stride, split mountains and sever rivers!
All five shifting shadows now fused as one.
The shadow spread its arms wide; scarlet patterns began to circulate through every inch of its flesh and bones, and then the shadow transford into a demon crane, soaring up to the azure sky.
The Crane Play from Five Animals Qigong was thus transford, turning mortals into demons!
After an unknown length of ti, the crane's call faded. As dusk settled, Su Mu withdrew from that abstruse, selfless state; he slowly opened his eyes, his breathing heavy.
Other than the ceaseless pain gnawing at his entire body, a tide of exhaustion surged through him, and in this deep winter, his clothing was soaked through, with a trace of white sweat seeping from his back.
As taut nerves relaxed, mind and body were instantly spent, yet Su Mu felt an exhilarating sense of release.
His eyes were brighter than ever before, devoid of any confusion or hesitation.
"This thod is workable. Next, I must seek out demon beast blood from birds—the more powerful and pure the demon blood, the greater my chance to master this thod…"
A comprehension panel appeared before Su Mu's eyes, and the first skill, Five Animals Qigong, which had already reached the Realm of Perfection, began to tremble violently; those three words were crumbling piece by piece, ready to break through to the next realm at any mont.
"Sir, you're awake?"
Qinghe's anxious voice drifted over. Su Mu looked at Qinghe and nodded gently; next, he planned to leave Qingshui Town for a trip to Baihe Town—it was ti to use that White Jade Order.
Now that his ridians were severed, this journey would surely be fraught with danger; bringing Qinghe along would make many things inconvenient.
But before he pondered these matters, Su Mu cast his gaze outside the courtyard, sharply detecting the breaths of several people beyond the yard.
Just as expected.
Soon, the wooden door was knocked, and a voice full of vigor rang out.
"Li Lishi of Iron Fist Martial Arts Hall seeks audience with Mr. Lin."
Li Lishi?
A sweep of Su Mu's spiritual power across his brow revealed that the person outside held the Eighth Grade breath; it must be that so-called Iron Fist Martial Arts Hall's Gang Leader.
Su Mu sat in his wheelchair, placid as still waters; Qinghe, upon hearing the na, paled in fright—wasn't Li Lishi the Gang Leader of Iron Fist Martial Arts Hall, one of Qingshui Town's two great powers?!
Would such a figure co here to stir up trouble?
For a mont, Qinghe grew nervous.
"Qinghe, let them in."
Qinghe instinctively glanced at Su Mu; seeing the master's steady expression, she gathered herself and promptly went to open the gate. Outside stood three n, the leader clad in a black martial robe, long saber at his waist, features stern and resolute.
Their presence marked them as martial artists; the two disciples behind Li Lishi, both of Iron Fist Martial Arts Hall, wore impatient expressions, having waited outside for ages—for if not for the Gang Leader's restraint, they'd have torn down this residence.
As the gate opened, the two glared fiercely at Qinghe, but Qinghe, emboldened by Su Mu's permission, faced them fearlessly. In her mind, to show fear was to sha her master.
Li Lishi took note, quietly surprised; he'd heard this kid was rely a beggar picked up by Mr. Lin, yet in just over a month, her courage had transford so—truly remarkable.
Li Lishi gestured.
"You two remain outside the courtyard; I'll go in alone."
Li Lishi entered the house, secretly scrutinizing the figure in the wheelchair beneath the locust tree. Most striking were those profound eyes; upon seeing them, he imdiately clasped his fists and bowed.
"Mr. Lin, I've co this day to request a favor of you."
Su Mu glanced at Li Lishi, and at once Li Lishi shuddered all over, as though a humanoid demon beast had fixed its gaze upon him; beads of cold sweat sprang up on his brow.
"May I ask what matter brings Gang Leader Li to seek my help?"
"Three days from now, my Iron Fist Martial Arts Hall will duel with the Cangying Gang; each side will send five n to decide the future ownership of Qingshui Town's nine streets."
"If we are outmatched, I, Li, will submit, but lately I've found the Cangying Gang has grown close with the town's governnt office. Thus, I wish to ask Mr. Lin to preside and ensure fairness that day. If outsiders interfere, I hope sir will act as you see fit."
With these words, Su Mu understood Li Lishi's intent; the man feared the governnt would favor Cangying Gang, suspecting so trickery, and thus sought to have Su Mu oversee the duel and prevent anything untoward.
This request was both for arbitration, and as a shield should danger arise.
Ordinarily, Su Mu was uninterested in such trivial disputes, but given Li Lishi commanded one of Qingshui Town's key forces, he might guard Qinghe while Su Mu went in search of demon blood.
Thinking thus, Su Mu looked again at Li Lishi, who, feeling Su Mu's gaze, bowed even lower.
"Very well, I, Lin, accept. But I will not act without compensation."
Li Lishi was overjoyed at these words, hurriedly reaching into his coat for so silver notes, but Su Mu waved his hand to decline.
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