Chapter 60: Leaping Abyss Step

Chapter60: Leaping Abyss Step

"So anyone who clinches the title of Top Scholar is not merely a Sequence Seven Confucian adept, but their aptitude in the Six Arts is truly one in ten thousand."

As he spoke, Yu Kou extended a finger to press against his brow, dragging it downward like a blade.

"Slice the brain tissue of such a man, culture it, implant it back into their own skulls—even if they cannot perfectly inherit that Top Scholar’s genius, absorbing thirty or forty percent should pose no issue."

"Review the old to know the new, and you may become a teacher. Those are the words of their scholarly forefathers. The 'old' here need not refer to old knowledge—it could just as well be another’s 'old brain.'"

Yu Kou’s words left Li Jun thunderstruck, rooted to the spot. A long moment passed before he murmured, "Patch the lack, fill the void—scholars are the most ruthless of all."

"If they weren’t ruthless, how could they keep the Daoist and Buddhist sects pinned beneath them?"

Yu Kou let out a cold laugh, then rose slowly from the steam-cushion, hands folded in his sleeves, pacing the lecture dais.

"If it truly is the brain tissue of that Martial Emperor-era Top Scholar, then the Gu and Wu clans won't be the only ones making a move this time."

"The lords of the Chengdu Prefecture yamen who already hold rank may stay their hands, but the clerks beneath them hungry for office will not let this chance slip."

"The Mohist Tianzhi Association bandits will likely rear their heads as well—this item could make their artifact spirits significantly sharper."

Yu Kou halted, a sharp glint igniting in his eyes. "Too many wolves, too little meat—a melee is inevitable. A perfect chance to pour oil on the fire!"

Li Jun watched the muttering Yu Kou in silence, yet his mind was clear—these words were meant for his ears.

Sure enough, Yu Kou turned to him with a smile. "Li Jun, your chance to distinguish yourself has arrived."

Li Jun cupped his fists. "Sir, your command."

"The factions diving in for this fortune won't be few. Chaos will reign—a muddy pool perfect for us to fish in troubled waters!"

Yu Kou’s voice rose, each word distinct. "Which is why I need you to seize the chaos and kill Wu Jinfeng, the helmsman of Tianfu Heavy Industry!"

Li Jun pondered briefly, the whys and wherefores of Yu Kou’s order clicking into place.

Wu Jinfeng, much like Gu Yong, was a scion of a great clan whose limited talent barred him from the celestial ladder of officialdom, yet whose personal ability was formidable.

Thus they were dispatched by their clans to helm the core industries.

In the black argot of the underworld, such men are known as "Li Zi"—the core.

Though in gangs the term usually denotes the deadliest fighter. But all things spring from profit, and official advancement is no exception—it runs on coin.

To helm a clan industry means a "Li Zi" like Wu Jinfeng holds status not far below those "face" scholar-seeds paraded on stage—he is not to be trifled with.

If Li Jun killed Wu Jinfeng on the eve of the recommendation, it would deal Tianfu Heavy Industry a crippling blow, and jeopardize the Wu scions' entry into office.

Without coin to grease palms, what would they offer the lords above?

Wu Jinfeng’s death would be the spark that sets the Gu and Wu clans at each other’s throats. And the Embroidered Uniform Guard would sit back and reap the fisherman’s reward.

"The Commander commands, the subordinate obeys," Li Jun said, a flicker of difficulty crossing his face. "However..."

Yu Kou’s smile didn't reach his eyes. "However what?"

Li Jun ignored the cold light spilling from Yu Kou’s gaze, his voice level. "I’ve just reached Sequence Eight, yet my martial arts linger at Grade Nine. Killing Wu Jinfeng... the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

"Speak plainly."

"I humbly request a Grade Eight movement technique, Sir."

Yu Kou plucked the cigarette from his lip, flicked it into the swirling mist—it vanished with a tiny spark against some unseen cultivator.

"So you’re bargaining with me?"

Li Jun’s face didn't change. "This lowly one dares not. I merely seek a better guarantee of success."

Yu Kou stared, face blank. The silence stretched. Li Jun held his salute, unmoving.

The study fell silent, save for the susurrus of flowing white mist.

Suddenly, Yu Kou grinned. "Bargaining is fair. If you pull this off, the Department won't be stingy."

"Advancing the reward now is well within regulations."

Li Jun’s eyes brightened. "Many thanks for your understanding, Sir."

"We are comrades in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. No need for such formality."

Yu Kou paused, a flicker of doubt crossing his plump features. "Why only a movement art? Do you already possess other Grade Eight techniques?"

Li Jun cursed the fat fox inwardly. "Gu Jia intends to use me as cannon fodder this time, so they sold me a Grade Eight saber art."

Yu Kou’s face cleared with disdain. "Shu Dao Logistics is damn stingy—making their own people pay?"

His right thumb drummed against his fingers. A moment later, he spoke to the air: "Fetch me a Grade Eight movement technique."

A damn unique way to make a call, Li Jun thought.

But he had to admit, the Second Department’s efficiency was terrifying. The silence hadn't lingered long before a pocket-sized briefcase was set at the study door.

Yu Kou flicked his sleeve. A cold flash shot out, snared the case, and whipped it back.

As the flash retreated into his sleeve, Li Jun caught its true form.

A miniature longsword, finger-length, its hilt trailing a nerve-thread finer than hair.

"A flying sword? And it’s damn wired?!"

Yu Kou tossed the case to Li Jun. "Grade Eight movement art: Leaping Abyss Step. Derived from the Ninth Line of the Qian Hexagram in the *Book of Changes*. Same root as your Eight Trigrams Swimming Step—you should master it quickly."

Li Jun stared at the injector in the case, a stern chill flashing in his eyes.

With this art, he could chase the wind and kill—tear the Wind Lord Mechanic Heart from Fei Baiju’s chest!

He remembered clearly the Muddy Water Pao Ge brothers who died wretchedly in the Chengdu suburbs that day—some had shared wine and rice with him.

This debt would be paid.

...................

【Leaping Abyss Step (Grade 8 Movement) Mastered. Replaced Eight Trigrams Swimming Step (Grade 9 Perfection).】

【Leaping Abyss Step advanced to Grade 8 Mid (0/100).】

【Expended 100 Proficiency Points. Po Lu Saber advanced to Grade 8 Late (0/100).】

【Expended 100 Proficiency Points. Leaping Abyss Step advanced to Grade 8 Late (0/100).】

【Expended 100 Proficiency Points. Golden Bell Shield advanced to Grade 8 Late (0/100).】

【Remaining Proficiency Points: 2.】

Yu Kou watched the liquid in the injector drain, a pang striking his chest—this came from his own purse. If Li Jun failed, the loss would be his.

Yu Kou’s voice was low. "Can you kill Wu Jinfeng now?"

Blood surged in Li Jun’s veins, a fierce joy rising. He suppressed a smile, cupping his fists. "He is as good as dead!"