Chapter 24: Entering Force, Wandering Knights
The autumn wind whistled mournfully, and withered yellow leaves rustled down.
The three corpses lying in the courtyard were all killed by throat slitting. Blood still gurgled from their throats, their faces still showed signs of drunkenness, and they died silently, indicating the killer’s swift blade technique.
These three ruffians were the first to be killed by Hong Yuan, as he had just landed lightly from the roof when he saw them urinating anywhere.
How could this be tolerated?
If they dare to urinate anywhere today, tomorrow they will dare to commit arson, murder, rape, and pillage… Oh! It seems they already do these things regularly, so they deserve to die even more.
*Plink! Plink!*
Hong Yuan, one in each hand, grabbed the corpses on the ground and tossed them into the blood-scented room.
At this moment, the group of ruffians in the house could no longer disturb the peace. They were all sleeping very peacefully, motionless, in perfect sleeping positions.
Hong Yuan saw that the embers in the small stove on the floor were still unextinguished and some rolling embers were burning. He immediately took his wine pot and poured water on them. After confirming that all fire sources were extinguished, he revealed a relieved smile, lightly closed the door, and entered the courtyard where leaves were falling.
He was different from the scoundrels in the house; he was a proper, pure, and honest gentleman who only killed, but did not set fires!
The entire commotion took no more than a quarter of an hour. Killing a few ruffians and even defeating Meng Yue took less than ten breaths. The remaining time was entirely spent on extracting confessions.
Although there was some noise during this time, firstly, the place was secluded, and secondly, the nearby residents knew that this courtyard was occupied by a group of ruffians and scoundrels who always drank and acted wildly, fighting amongst themselves. Ordinary people avoided them like the plague and would never meddle.
Hong Yuan did not leave immediately, contemplating to himself.
Yan Tieshan, many of the hooligans in Yangquan County called him ‘Third Master Yan’ because he controlled the Yangquan County wharf and the livelihoods of many laborers in Fish Market Street. He squeezed them dry and acted ruthlessly, earning him the backhanded moniker ‘King of the Wharf’.
Not to mention that Yang Erhu might have had a grievance with Yan Tieshan, but even if Yan Tieshan accepted the mission to assassinate him, Hong Yuan could not let it go easily.
Moreover, Hong Yuan had also interrogated those ruffians, knowing that Yan Tieshan’s core thugs were only around twenty to thirty men, all of whom had spent years tempering their qi and blood and practiced some martial arts with sabers and spears.
The remaining dozens were hangers-on who ate and drank for free. They were usually ruffians who followed Yan Tieshan’s command to charge and fight. Although they were all young and strong, they could only fight when they had the advantage. When faced with a master, they would likely scatter after killing a few or a dozen.
In total, Yan Tieshan had about a hundred thugs under his command.
Yang Erhu might have killed or injured over a dozen that night, and Hong Yuan had killed nearly twenty before. This was almost half of them. It could be said that this was the weakest Yan Tieshan’s forces had ever been. If not now, then when?
Hong Yuan did not intend to wait.
He also wanted to take this opportunity to assess the extent of his own combat strength.
Three days ago, after he had gained control of his qi and blood, he found Yang Erhu that night for a real fight. Yang Erhu did not use his killing moves, and Hong Yuan did not unleash his full power, but within a few breaths of combat, he made Yang Erhu miserable, who then bitterly admitted defeat with a wry smile.
In Yang Erhu’s words, even in his prime, his skills might not have surpassed Hong Yuan’s current level.
This statement held weight.
In the Great Yin World, across the thirty-six prefectures, Yang Erhu had traveled through seven of them in his youth, fighting many renowned masters. Truly, very few could defeat him.
It couldn’t be that outside these seven prefectures, it was another world where demons and monsters ran rampant, flying and earth-shattering, could it?
That made no sense; it wasn’t like the world had changed.
It was precisely because of Yang Erhu’s assessment that Hong Yuan had the confidence to act alone, without constantly being suspicious and thinking he was unique, believing that the moment he stepped out he would encounter terrifying existences that would shatter his worldview. Wasn’t that a form of arrogance?
If he could open the Yellow Great Year Blessed Land now, Hong Yuan wouldn’t mind hiding in the Blessed Land and cultivating over a long period of time. Wouldn’t that be good?
However, he was merely a blank Yellow Blessed Land Dao Master, with only the title and no actual control over the Blessed Land. Thus, he couldn’t hide. If he were to hide, he feared that by the time he reached the end of his lifespan, his goals of absolute power and martial might would still be far off.
At that point, he would only have endless regret.
Just because he lacked the conditions to hide didn’t mean Hong Yuan would act recklessly.
“Third Master Yan must be killed, but before I go to kill him, I must first enter the True Force stage!”
Three days ago, after he had just grasped his qi and blood, Hong Yuan felt that even if he tried to enter the Force stage then, the chance of success would be very high.
And now, after a battle, although not a thrilling one, he felt a sense of clarity. Hong Yuan vaguely felt that now was the best time to enter the Force stage, and he would surely succeed.
Some novels like to arrange for protagonists to break through realms and overcome difficulties during intense battles; this is to create climaxes and suspense.
Hong Yuan did not need this kind of suspense; he preferred the thrill of crushing the weak.
Pacing to the bottom of a phoenix tree in the courtyard, Hong Yuan closed his eyes slightly and instantly entered his meditation state, sensing the flow of qi and blood around him and guiding it with his will.
Hong Yuan’s breathing rhythm also changed. With each inhale and exhale, his qi was long and sustained, employing the ‘Tiger Roaring Breathing Method’.
His breathing rhythm slowly resonated with the qi and blood flowing around him, like a supremely skilled military commander, unhurried but perfectly ordered in deploying troops.
The qi and blood in a person’s body were originally scattered and disordered, like stray soldiers acting independently. But with the command of the ‘Tiger Roaring Breathing Method’, Hong Yuan’s qi and blood rapidly condensed, moving as he willed.
Suddenly, Hong Yuan opened his eyes, exerting force with his feet. The green bricks underfoot shattered with a ‘crack’, and he leaped up like a fierce tiger. In one movement, he soared over two meters high. While still in mid-air, he naturally assumed the stance of the Tiger Subduing Fist.
The next moment.
Hong Yuan’s fist suddenly transformed into a palm. With an incredibly swift strike, it seemed to stir the air with a whistling sound. He easily pressed his palm against the trunk of a thick phoenix tree nearby.
With a crisp ‘crack’, Hong Yuan’s palm seemed to penetrate the rotten bark, leaving a deep palm print on the phoenix tree, extending to his wrist.
Although the phoenix tree had a relatively soft texture, such a deep palm print from one strike was enough to shock anyone into silence. Such a blow to a person would easily break bones and tear flesh and blood.
Hong Yuan landed steadily on his feet, his breathing and heart rate normal. He assessed his condition and felt no exhaustion or weakness, only a slight stagnation of qi and blood, which would recover in two to three breaths, allowing him to maintain his formidable combat strength.
Hong Yuan clenched his fist and took a slight breath, sensing the flow of qi and blood in his arm, and understood.
‘Once in the Force stage, controlling qi and blood becomes much easier, and my own strength and reaction speed also improve significantly. Setting aside the ultimate move of unleashing True Force, just based on personal strength and reaction speed, the advantage of an Entering Force Martial Artist over ordinary people widens. No wonder they can fight ten or even dozens of people alone.’
Of course, this does not include some monsters with extraordinary talent.
Some people are born different, run fast, jump far, or even possess natural strength. Even without practicing martial arts, they can fight an Entering Force Martial Artist, or even dominate them!
Fortunately, Hong Yuan was also one of these monsters, although he achieved it through an external cheat after birth.
‘Combining the Tiger Subduing Fist with the breathing method, what is unleashed is the Tiger Subduing Force. My teacher said that after entering the Force stage, one seeks the transformation of force.’
‘There are three types of transformation. The first level is just entering the Force, which is my current level. Because True Force is violent and difficult to control, once a punch is thrown, it’s like opening the gate of a dam filled with water. Closing it again is beyond human power.’
‘Therefore, martial artists who have just entered the Force stage often have only one punch’s worth of power when they unleash True Force. After one punch, their qi and blood are completely depleted, and they themselves will be exhausted.’
‘Such martial artists rarely use True Force in actual combat, only resorting to a life-and-death strike in the most critical moments.’
Entering Force Martial Artists can only, through prolonged training, gradually learn to control the gate, allowing them to unleash True Force multiple times: three times, nine times, twelve times, or even more.
In Yang Erhu’s description, in the path of martial arts, this is called the Three-Stage Wave, Nine Layer Mountain, Twelve-Story Building…
As for anything beyond twelve, it was no longer necessary to describe.
Being able to unleash True Force twelve times in a short period without exhaustion indicates that the control over True Force has reached an extremely high level, gradually entering the second level of force transformation – Freely Control!
Yang Erhu was once a master at the ‘Freely Control’ level, but as he grew older and his stamina declined, his control over force decreased. Now he had regressed to the initial Entering Force level, still able to manage his qi and blood for a single strike.
In a few more years, he might not even be able to manage his qi and blood.
It was precisely because Yang Erhu served as a “role model” that Hong Yuan knew even better that he couldn’t hide; he couldn’t afford to hide!
‘However, I used True Force in my palm strike just now, and I only feel slightly uncomfortable. It feels like I could still strike three times, nine times, or twelve times without issue. There’s absolutely no ‘weakness period’ of difficult control and opening the floodgates!’
Hong Yuan knew this was due to his excellent root bone talent.
Upon first entering this world, he had undergone a transformation through the ‘Transmigration Benefit’, which was already top-tier talent in the world at that time.
And this was just his initial state.
From the ‘Biwu Immortal Realm’ until now, he had gained four more strands of root bone. It seemed that each additional strand did not offer a linear improvement.
Whether it was root bone or comprehension, Hong Yuan had long been extraordinary.
“If I cultivate for a while longer, I might be able to reach the ‘Freely Control’ level. As for the third level of force transformation, ‘Microscopic Level’, it’s a bit difficult…”
Before reaching the Microscopic Level, regardless of the martial arts practiced, the essence of True Force manifested as changes in hardness and softness.
Therefore, martial artists at this level could fight dozens, or even hundreds, of strong men. However, upon encountering some elite armored soldiers, even ten of them would require cautious handling, either through rapid footwork and kiting, or a direct retreat.
Because hardness and softness in force cannot penetrate armor!
After reaching ‘Microscopic Level’, things are different. Martial artists at this level have their force control refined to the minutest detail, and they can perform many tricks with their force, thus deriving techniques like Spiral Force, Bone Penetrating Force, and Air Transmitting Force.
Many wondrous applications of force were even developed by Microscopic Level masters specifically to deal with armored soldiers.
For this reason, many prominent families and influential clans, upon discovering a solitary Microscopic Level martial artist, would offer immense wealth, beauty, and power to lure them into joining their side.
Even if such masters couldn’t be recruited, they would not be easily made enemies.
Microscopic Level masters have powerful stamina and move at extreme speeds. Mobilizing an army to surround and kill one person is simply unrealistic; the opponent would flee at the first sign of danger. If only a few dozen people were used, there would be no deterrent, and they might even be killed by the opponent.
Moreover, such enemies hide in the dark like poisonous snakes, striking when the opportunity arises. Unless the high-ranking officials and nobles never left their homes, everyone would be wary.
The reason Hong Yuan felt ‘Microscopic Level’ was difficult was primarily that he lacked corresponding Secret Techniques for force.
With his comprehension, he could likely deduce similar force techniques with some effort. But since there were ready-made ones to acquire, why waste time figuring it out himself?
Once he had gathered a sufficient number of Microscopic Level force Secret Techniques, wouldn’t it be better to synthesize the strengths of each?
It was still a bit far-fetched to consider these things now. Hong Yuan cast aside his distracting thoughts, took a few large strides, leaped onto the wall, and exited the small courtyard.
He didn’t go directly to the Yangquan County wharf but walked through the county town’s streets. When he passed a tavern, he bought a pot of wine, took a sip, felt the slightly spicy taste in his throat, licked his lips, took another sip, and then hung the wine pot at his waist.
With a long saber slung on his right and a wine pot on his left, wearing a conical hat and a dark, fitted outfit, his slightly messy hair cascaded down, perfectly embodying the image of a lone swordsman wandering the Jianghu.
Hong Yuan continued his journey and arrived at the riverside several miles upstream from the Yangquan County wharf.
At this time, the willow branches along the shore had lost their vibrant green, and yellow leaves swayed in the wind. A flock of white egrets played in the middle of the lake, and several black-canopied boats shuttled on the Jade Belt River, with fishermen dressed in straw capes standing on them.
Several black-canopied boats were also moored along the riverbank. The boat owners were not dressed as fishermen. A few young men, seemingly tourists, were discussing boat prices with one of the owners.
Hong Yuan walked towards a black-canopied boat, drawing the attention of the men who were haggling with the boat owner. One of them said, “My dear young master, are you also looking for a boat trip? Why don’t we go together? We can save some expenses.”
As he spoke, his companion subtly tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to look at the saber hanging at Hong Yuan’s waist.
In this era, although the style of wandering knights was prevalent, ordinary people really didn’t want to deal with them.
Hong Yuan smiled and waved his hand, “No need, I prefer to travel alone!”
Saying this, he scanned the area and then called out to a boat owner lying on the riverside grass, his legs crossed, “Boatman, I’ll charter your boat for today.”
What he was about to do was kill someone, and he didn’t want to implicate others. Although after he killed Yan Tieshan, if there were any survivors, they might not care whose boat he took, but since it could be avoided, it was fine to be a little careful.
He had glanced around the riverbank from a distance and noticed that this boat owner had a shifty look in his eyes, constantly glancing at the waist pouches of those young men, his pupils darting around, clearly with ill intentions.
The boat owner who had been crossing his legs scrambled to his feet. He was a thin man in his thirties. Seeing Hong Yuan’s extraordinary clothing and demeanor, his eyes lit up, but then he saw the saber, and those thoughts immediately vanished. He chuckled and said, “Alright, honored guest, please board the boat.”
Hong Yuan boarded the boat at a leisurely pace. As the boat swayed, the boat owner rowed with his wooden oar and said with a smile, “Where does the honored guest wish to go sightseeing?”
“Just the scenery along this stretch of river, all the way down to Yangquan County wharf.”
Killing also requires strategy.
Hong Yuan wouldn’t be foolish enough to storm Yan Tieshan’s lair directly.
Yan Tieshan was not Wei Zhenzhu. Although Wei Zhenzhu looked disheveled, she came from a prominent family. Her ‘Biwu Immortal Realm’ likely wouldn’t have many traps and mechanisms.
Yan Tieshan was different. According to Hong Yuan’s understanding, this person came from the wharf laborer background. He made his fortune by relying on his great strength, daring to fight and kill, catching the eye of the then wharf boss.
Yan Tieshan came from the bottom. In his gambling den, if one were to fight their way from the outside to Yan Tieshan, they would encounter countless ambushes and traps. Those ruffians and thugs wouldn’t fight opponents head-on.
If one barged in rashly, setting aside the Hidden Weapons and mechanisms, what if a basin of feces was thrown at you? Would you dodge or not?
If you didn’t dodge, you’d be doused in feces, so disgusted you’d vomit up your last meal, losing at least half your combat strength. If you dodged, you might step into other traps.
Although Hong Yuan was confident in his own strength, he wouldn’t underestimate everything; that would be too stupid.
Zhou Botong, a master of the Five Greats level, could still fall into the net formation of Passionless Valley.
Yan Nantian, known as the Divine Sword, whose sword wind could be felt ten miles away – never mind if it was an exaggeration, he was a top master of the current era, yet in the Valley of Villains, he fell victim to various poisons, Hidden Weapons, and traps.
There were too many precedents; Hong Yuan had to be careful.
Fortunately, he didn’t need to storm Yan Tieshan’s lair himself. There were many ways to lure the opponent out. With a thought, Hong Yuan could think of at least nine methods!
The black-canopied boat drifted downstream leisurely. Even though the boat owner wasn’t rowing much, the speed was not slow.
Hong Yuan stood with his hands behind his back at the bow of the boat, his posture as straight as a pine tree. The river wind ruffled his robes, giving him the appearance of a proud, aspiring wandering knight just starting out.
Only the brim of his conical hat was lowered, obscuring half his face; otherwise, he might have attracted the attention of the young ladies sightseeing by the shore.
As the wharf gradually came into view, a salty, fishy smell wafted towards him, accompanied by sounds of clamor and noise. Four cargo ships were docked at the wharf, and a large ship was slowly approaching, about to reach the wharf.
That large ship was flying a flag with the character ‘Tao’ on it. It cut through the waves and approached. People on the wharf saw it from afar and many exclaimed immediately, clearly indicating its significant status.
“The Tao family’s ship has arrived! Hurry up and make way, damn it, move the cargo faster, all of you!” a man with a fat face but unusually thick arms jumped up and shouted loudly.
This man was a foreman sent by Yan Tieshan to the wharf. Following his shouts, more than ten agile thugs in short outfits wielded clubs and yelled, “Faster, faster, you dogs! What are you dawdling for? Want to slack off? Then you won’t get paid today!”
*Crack!*
A thug swung his stick and struck a laborer on the back. The laborer trembled but gritted his teeth, not daring to cry out.
On the other side, a dark-skinned, thin laborer in his fifties, panting, lost his footing on the slippery wharf. The cargo box he was carrying on his back instantly fell.
This box contained cloth. When it hit the hard ground, the box cracked, and the cloth immediately rolled out, getting stained with the salty smell.
The old laborer’s face turned ashen, his legs trembling in fear. He quickly knelt to pick it up, but several thugs had already seen this. Two of them immediately surrounded him with grim expressions.
The old laborer quickly pleaded, “Sir, I was wrong. My hands weren’t steady. I’ll pick it up right away!”
“Hands not steady? Go to hell! Didn’t you eat? Why don’t you go eat shit?” a thug cursed and kicked him to the ground, then swung his wooden stick, aiming for the old laborer’s arm.
“Stop!”
Just then, a clear shout rang out. Following it, a piece of green stone flew from the river from a distance, landing precisely on the back of the hand of the thug swinging the stick. With a ‘crack’ of bone breaking, the thug let out a scream.
The black-canopied boat slowly docked. The shifty-eyed boat owner stared dumbfounded as Hong Yuan threw a stone he used to weigh down the boat, then leaped onto the wharf, shouting righteously, “In broad daylight, under the bright sky! How dare you bully the old and weak like this? Is there no justice or law?”
Both Body Strengthening and Blood Nourishment are processes of tempering qi and strength and fortifying the physique and filling qi and blood. They are carried out together. After that comes Entering Force, where scattered qi and blood are condensed into a single, real and tangible force. True Force, not some superficial or hidden transformation…
The first stage of this book is temporarily only these two levels. In low martial arts, although there are differences after Entering Force, they are all just transformations of force. In reality, it’s still this level.
