Chapter 42: The Hideous Old Woman and the Exquisite Young Girl

Name: Divine Steps of a Hundred Transformations.
Type: Lightness Skill and Body Technique.
Level: One-star, Third-rate Superior.
Annotation: This technique was created by Daoist Musang of the Iron Sword Sect. It is divided into three layers, each exceedingly profound.

Among the one-star techniques, there are not many lightness and body techniques. Compared to others of the same rank, the Divine Steps of a Hundred Transformations stands out as an exceptional art. Not only does it encompass footwork, but it also comes with a unique method of channeling energy.

The first layer, "Oiled Soles," enhances one's ability to dash and pursue. The second layer, "Gecko Scaling the Wall," allows practitioners to traverse walls and rooftops as if walking on level ground. The most critical aspect lies in the third layer, "Eel Burrowing Through the Earth." This layer utilizes internal energy to create a rotating vibration throughout the body, thereby deflecting external forces. Even with Ning Xiu's current insight, the method of neutralizing force within this layer was worth learning from.

However, Divine Steps of a Hundred Transformations emphasizes evasion and adaptability rather than explosive speed, so Ning Xiu chose "Eight Steps to Catch the Cicada" as a supplementary technique.

Name: Eight Steps to Catch the Cicada.
Type: Lightness Skill and Body Technique.
Level: One-star, Third-rate Superior.
Annotation: Every master of lightness skill is known for executing the dazzling Eight Steps to Catch the Cicada. Legend holds that by mastering this art, one can seize a flying cicada within eight steps, as easily as reaching into a bag.

As for the body-forging technique, Ning Xiu selected the Golden Bell Shield because it could be advanced further. A quick glance through the system revealed that this art could progress from a one-star, third-rate technique all the way to a four-star extraordinary technique. This was virtually unheard of among low-level techniques.

Yet, for Ning Xiu at this moment, such prospects were matters for the future.

With the system's infusion, all three techniques instantly reached the entry level. With the Nine Yang Divine Art as the foundation, Ning Xiu was confident he could master both lightness skills to perfection before his upcoming mission, though the Golden Bell Shield would have to wait for further cultivation.

His greatest protection for this journey, however, would still be the "Blood Ignition Secret Art," a secret technique rated two stars by the Martial God System. Though not a conventional art, but rather a unique method of channeling energy, it was not difficult to master. Despite the severe aftereffects of its use, the benefits it provided were well worth the risk.

After bidding farewell to Elder Zhang and leaving the Library Pavilion, Ning Xiu made his way to the Medicine Hall and the Armory, where he exchanged the merits earned from the Shanxi Town incident for basic healing medicines and weapons.

Thus, on the third day after all preparations were complete, Ning Xiu finally embarked on the road to Fengshuixi.

At the Bamboo Grove Society, atop the Thousand Bamboo Pavilion.

Two men sat opposite each other, gazing from the high terrace, from which Ning Xiu's solitary figure could be seen riding off into the distance. On the table was a pot of clear wine, its fragrance wafting through the air.

One of the men was refined in appearance, dressed in a greenish-blue robe, carrying the aura of a cultured gentleman. This was none other than Xiao Wanli, the leader of the Bamboo Grove Society.

Watching Ning Xiu's distant figure, Xiao Wanli narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled, "What is Elder Wei's opinion of Ning Xiu?"

Within the Bamboo Grove Society, there were only two people who stood on equal footing with Xiao Wanli, and the man before him was Vice Leader Wei Junkun. In truth, Wei Junkun was not much older than Xiao Wanli, but due to his cultivation level and the limitations of his technique, he appeared more like an old drunkard.

"The Leader wishes to know whether he can resolve the dispute at Fengshuixi, is that right?" Elder Wei took a sip of wine and spoke.

"And what does Elder Wei think?" Xiao Wanli asked with a smile.

"This very question was asked of me by Zhou Qun, that stone-faced fellow," Elder Wei chuckled. "I made a wager with him—betting on whether this lad Ning Xiu would return alive. Which side would the Leader care to bet on?"

"But in your eyes, this boy's life or death no longer matters. Whatever the outcome, Zhou Qun's nephew will not be able to take the position of Elder of the Gale Hall."

"Elder Wei jests. Naturally, I hope Officer Ning returns alive," Xiao Wanli replied, his face still adorned with a smile, though his heart was devoid of mirth.

To be unmasked face-to-face is never a pleasant experience.

Though Xiao Wanli was one of the four great masters of Lingnan, within the Bamboo Grove Society he did not have absolute authority. Both Wei Junkun and Zhou Qun commanded his respect. After all, these two possessed deeper seniority and their cultivation was not far beneath his own. Though the three factions maintained a wary balance due to external threats, peace was fragile and could be shattered at any moment.

Thus, Xiao Wanli was determined to prevent Zhou Qun's nephew from becoming the elder of the Gale Hall.

"How coincidental," Elder Wei smiled softly, lifted the wine jug, stood up, and departed. "I, too, bet that the lad will survive and return."

Only Xiao Wanli remained, sitting alone, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

...

Su Lie held Ning Xiu in high regard. All the information regarding Fengshuixi had long been prepared and delivered into Ning Xiu's hands.

Seated atop his horse, Ning Xiu leafed through the documents, his brow furrowing deeper with each page.

Fengshuixi was located at the border between the Iron Sword Sect and the Bamboo Grove Society. Previously, the two sides coexisted in peace. Yet, half a month ago, the residents of the towns flanking Fengshuixi suddenly discovered gold sand flowing in the creek. After panning for a time, it was confirmed to be genuine gold.

From that day on, Fengshuixi, once an obscure little river, was transformed overnight into a veritable goldmine—a tree that bore money. Naturally, it became a coveted prize for both the Bamboo Grove Society and the Iron Sword Sect.

Since then, their conflict had not ceased for a single day. The fighting escalated rapidly, reaching a climax when both sides dispatched elder-level experts. Yet on that very day, both the Bamboo Grove Society and the Iron Sword Sect’s top fighters died under mysterious circumstances.

Each side naturally accused the other, but both found the coincidence far too strange for comfort. After all, the bodies of the experts from each side were found within their own territory.

With the Shanxi Town incident still fresh in his mind, Ning Xiu refrained from jumping to conclusions. Whether the cause was man-made or a calamity of darkness, this mission was certain to be fraught with peril.

Ning Xiu rode southward, glancing up at the dimming sky; dusk was settling in.

Not far ahead lay Fengshuixi.

In the moonlight, a river boat approached slowly from afar, immediately drawing Ning Xiu's attention. Not for its ornate decoration, but because the passengers were so striking.

An elderly woman with snow-white hair sat upright in the center of the cabin on a rosewood chair. Her face was covered in scars, and she was exceedingly ugly. Flanking her stood two beautiful young girls.

...