Chapter 36: Treasure and Ultimate Move!

The green-robed swordsman expressed no surprise at Li Chang'an's skepticism.

After all, not long ago, the two of them had been after his head, yet now they had turned around to claim credit; had Li Chang'an believed them so easily, it would have instead suggested a flaw in his intellect.

A look of profound resentment washed over the swordsman's face as he gnashed his teeth and said, "The Demon Qing court treats the common folk of our Central Plains as mere beasts and slaves, trying every means to snap the spine of our martial arts heritage... Among us martial artists, so long as one possesses even a shred of hot blood, who would not wish to grind those beasts to bone and ash?"

Li Chang'an nodded, yet remained noncommittal.

Seeing this, the green-robed swordsman pressed on, "The reason we became bounty hunters, aside from a lack of silver, is mostly because we were driven into a corner and had to practice the cultivation methods provided to us by the Demon Qing court!"

At this point, his face grew flush with anger as he said resentfully, "They clearly plundered our Central Plains cultivation methods, yet now they treat what rightfully belongs to us as a reward. If we want the subsequent techniques, we have no choice but to act as their hounds and do their bidding..."

"This time, the Demon Qing court not only promised ten thousand taels of silver but also privately guaranteed a cultivation method of the Martial King realm. That is the true reason everyone came swarming here!"

The Demon Qing court used cultivation methods and martial resources to control martial artists, a grievance that left the entire Central Plains underworld gnashing their teeth in hatred, yet they dared not resist due to the court's overwhelming power...

Only then did Li Chang'an nod and say, "So that is how it is!"

"This news would only rot and gather dust if kept in the hands of us two brothers, so it is better to inform you, Senior," the green-robed swordsman continued. "You possess far more backbone than broken-backed dogs like us, and you carry yourself with such benevolence. If you can reconnect the path forward for martial arts, then the Central Plains martial arts and the billions of common folk... might truly be saved!"

Although Li Chang'an appeared to be only about ten years old.

In the world of martial arts, mastery took precedence, and the green-robed swordsman had already subconsciously come to regard Li Chang'an as one of those legendary senior masters who had achieved the realm of 'rejuvenating youth.'

The combat prowess Li Chang'an had displayed previously only served to corroborate this belief.

When speaking of the Central Plains martial arts and its people, the green-robed swordsman's voice choked slightly, appearing quite genuine and sincere.

Adopting the mindset that it was better to believe it than not, Li Chang'an immediately nodded and said, "Where exactly is the location? Lead the way!"

He still retained a measure of caution.

Only if these two dared to lead the way would he truly believe them; if they faltered, then the veracity of this news would be marked with a massive question mark!

The green-robed swordsman did not hesitate: "No problem. It is currently January, and Lake Tai is in its dry season, so going during this period should be the most suitable. When do you plan to depart, Senior?!"

Li Chang'an stroked his chin, pondering for a moment before replying, "I need a few days to prepare!"

...

Over the next few days, Li Chang'an handled some matters within the rebel army, informed Wang Su and Lyu Changning of his impending temporary departure, and then began his journey southward.

The Lake Tai water system was located on the lower reaches of the Three Yellow Rivers. Li Chang'an took a boat down the river, spending nearly half a month before arriving at the hiding place of the cultivation techniques mentioned by the green-robed swordsman.

It was called a hiding place.

Yet from the surface, it actually looked like an ordinary, featureless expanse of vast water and marshland.

The green-robed swordsman, Liu Shuan, traced a rough circle on the water'