Chapter 313: Fourth Rank! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 313: Fourth Rank! (Please Vote for the Moon Ticket)

In these two days, Xiao Jinghong had been hiding within the capital city of Shu Zhou, while Chen Yi was unable to cultivate the Four Symbols Technique. Yet the Xuanwu Suppression Technique he had been continuously employing still allowed him to steadily draw upon the profound mysteries of the Martial Way—Body. Through this practice, he achieved a comprehensive understanding and elevated his mastery of the three major techniques: the Four Symbols Technique, the Xuanwu Suppression Technique, and the Great Spear Pillar Technique.

Especially the Xuanwu Suppression Technique and the Four Symbols Technique had reached a perfect, ultimate level. The concealment of his cultivation was even more effective.

Though Chen Yi could not be certain whether he could withstand the scrutiny of high-level immortals, he was certainly sufficient to evade the detection of ordinary third-tier martial artists of the fourth rank.

Next was the Four Symbols Technique. In line with Chen Yi's expectations, the cultivation speed of the perfect ultimate Four Symbols Technique had increased by nearly double compared to before. Even as he practiced, the subtle energies of the world poured into his body, rapidly filling his spiritual sea with true essence, subtly making him feel that he was on the verge of a breakthrough.

The third was the Great Spear Pillar Technique. Due to Chen Yi's lack of cultivation in recent days, his body continued to grow stronger. His strength had reached the sixth rank, and his defense was even more remarkable. He estimated that, relying solely on his physical strength, he could withstand a single blow from a martial artist of the middle third rank of the fourth tier. Of course, the condition was that the opponent's technique was no higher than a minor completion, without the enhancement of worldly vigor.

In addition to the most direct improvements in the three major cultivation techniques, the effects of the Xuanwu Suppression Technique on his body and spirit were also significantly enhanced. Under the Golden Spirit's blessing, his Falling Dragon Spear's sharpness and power had increased by nearly two points compared to before.

The improvements in his other techniques—Crashing Peak Fist, Embroidered Spring Blade Art, Hundred Flowers Palm, and Soaring Dragon Playing with Phoenix—were roughly equivalent, though the spiritual might varied.

As Chen Yi cultivated, he also used the flowing true essence to refine his spiritual sea, meridians, and divine seat, sorting through his own gains. Time passed unnoticed.

Approximately an hour and a half later, Chen Yi suddenly opened his eyes, their brilliance sparkling. The "Divine" point within his palate connected with the world's vigor. In a moment, the room he was in transformed—beds, tables, and stones expanded and shifted, becoming a continuous landscape of mountains and forests. Rushing rivers flowed down through the valleys and gorges.

Then, a massive chessboard rotated upward, overshadowing the sky and concealing everything. And upon the chessboard, Chen Yi sat cross-legged on the clouds, surveying the board's situation from above, each hand holding a single piece—one black, one white.

It was as if he were a divine sovereign overseeing all living beings.

Chen Yi glanced around, then cast his pieces onto the board, placing them at the two diagonal positions. Immediately, smoke rose from the board, spreading across the entire mountains and rivers. After a moment, even Chen Yi's figure vanished along with it.

—This was the true might of the Way of Chess perfected.

Before this, Chen Yi had realized that cultivating the Way of Chess's divine essence was not the "divine seat" spoken of in the Four Symbols Technique, but rather his own "Divine Intention." It was also the "Divine" within the spirit and essence mentioned in the Medical Way.

In fact, cultivating the Way of Chess, Calligraphy, Painting, and Music to the completion stage each had their own unique might.

For example, in the Way of Calligraphy, the "characters" evolved into "meaning," directly penetrating the calligrapher's heart. In the Way of Painting, the "creation of a painting" could make depicted objects seem real, deceiving, stirring emotions, memories, and awe.

As for the Way of Music, Chen Yi had cultivated it only slightly, remaining at a minor completion, and could not yet discern any divine might. Perhaps it could, like the Huan Yin Sect and other demonic paths, kill through sound waves.

But the might of the Way of Chess was to cultivate the "Divine."

Originally, Chen Yi had only used the Way of Chess for predictions, perhaps expanding the range to the city, the prefecture, or even the world. But upon encountering Du Cang, and being ensnared in his secret technique, Chen Yi had drawn upon the profound mysteries of the Way of Chess, obtaining this method.

It allowed him to "transform the Divine" into the worldly chessboard, using the pieces and formations on the board to conceal and wound his enemies. Beneath the chessboard's veil, he was the "Divine" here, controlling everything, and blocking all.

Grand and upright in its might.

Compared to the tyrannical secret technique of Du Cang, the "wolf," it was far more imposing.

"How... I must thank him..."

Chen Yi smiled, glancing around at his surroundings, realizing he no longer needed to worry about external interference, so he freely let go of the concealment of the Xuanwu Suppression Technique. The true essences within his three major spiritual seas and twelve meridians surged like the rivers below, fully displaying his cultivation, while outsiders remained completely unaware.

Those close by, Xiao Wu Ge and Xiao Xiao, lacked the strength to perceive. Even those with sufficient cultivation, like Xie Pingyun and Shen Huatang, could sense a slight movement of worldly vigor, but upon careful examination, found nothing amiss.

They were unaware that beneath their eyelids, Chen Yi was exerting all his strength to break through.

"The Four Symbols... the Azure Dragon..."

As he infused the world's vigor into his body, the gas seas in his lower and middle dantians transformed into true essence. Yet within the divine point's spiritual sea, it was not merely the refinement of worldly vigor to enhance his true essence's cultivation.

Simultaneously, it was refining the Divine into form.

That is, the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Black Tortoise, and Vermilion Bird—four divine entities.

Each divine intention corresponded to different spiritual essences, which were used to empower various techniques, such as the Falling Dragon Spear's sharpness, the Crashing Peak Fist's ferocity, and so forth.

Therefore, for a martial artist of the middle third rank, beyond enhancing true essence's cultivation, the most important was refining the "divine seat," shaping it.

Chen Yi understood this, and his breakthrough was smooth sailing.

As the true essences in his three major spiritual seas surged and cycled, they gradually solidified, thick as quicksilver. The images of the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise on the four divine seats began to appear distinct, their beards and details visible.

[Cultivation Complete. Progress: Fourth Rank, Lower Stage.]

[Four Symbols Technique (Earth Level) Divine Seat Spiritual Essence Perfected, Wood, Water, Fire, and Metal Spiritual Essences' power under divine blessing increased by double.]

In the blink of an eye, Chen Yi's strength had become a world apart from before. Not only had his true essence's cultivation doubled, but the spiritual essence empowered by his divine seats had also made remarkable progress.

The might and effect of the Four Symbols Art, the Falling Dragon Spear, and the Collapse Peak Fist had doubled in their potency.

To put it bluntly:

If Chen Yì were to face Du Cang at this very moment, he could cleave through the latter’s very essence with a spear thrust, even without the Way of Chess.

Without the spirit-severing technique, Du Cang would be unable to withstand a single strike from Chen Yì.

Chen Yì felt the surging qi within his body, consolidated it for a moment, then slowly withdrew his cultivation using the Xuanwu Binding Seal.

Yet the benefits of such cultivation were not innumerable.

For one, his Four Symbols Art had indeed doubled in power, but it could not, like the fifth-rank realm, surmount a single realm within four days’ time.

It was hard to estimate…

It all depended on how much time he could spare for cultivation.

Chen Yì rose, casually dispelled the illusion of the Way of Chess that had conjured rivers and mountains, and gazed upon the dimly lit chamber. A smile touched his lips.

Now, his cultivation had reached the fourth rank. With the aid of various techniques, he could stand against warriors of the upper third rank.

In other words, he had achieved the goal he set upon arriving in this world: a measure of self-defense.

As long as he avoided drawing the attention of beings like the Great Immortal, he could roam freely across the land.

But…

At present, Chen Yì found himself with no desire to wander.

Staying in Shu Zhou wasn’t so bad.

The mountains were clear, the waters tranquil, the scenery exquisite. Women of beauty graced the land… but mostly, it was rare to have such leisure, far from the Emperor’s gaze.

He gazed at the full moon outside his window, his heart at peace.

He had grown accustomed to this place, tore people and things he held dear, and found it hard to venture far.

After all, a man as idle as he would end up hiding in a ditch if not for Little Butterfly’s care, Xiao Wan’er’s concern, and Lady Xiao Jinghong’s constant exhortations.

Better to remain in the Spring Lotus Garden.

As he pondered this, golden light flickered into view—

[Daily Intel Report (High-Grade Yellow): At the time of Hai, in the Lane of Joy, Yuan Liu’er diagnosed her brother’s illness. A faint thread of opportunity could be obtained.]

Chen Yì glanced at the message and let out a soft sigh.

“That girl Liu, she’s only just begun studying the Way of Medicine, yet she dares to diagnose someone?”

“Or perhaps her brother?”

Chen Yì mused silently, noting the time, waiting until night fell to visit her tomorrow.

Yuan Liu’er was a disciple he prized highly—gifted beyond measure. He owed it to him to give her some attention.

Besides, medicine differed from other arts; reckless diagnosis and treatment could yield dire consequences.

“To visit her is my duty as a teacher… father.”

Chen Yì couldn’t help but recall his wayward elder disciple, Ma Liang-cai, and scoffed softly.

“After all this time following me, he’s still only at the threshold of medicine. A rotten piece of wood cannot be carved into a tablet.”

“But… never mind.”

Though Ma Liang-cai came from humble beginnings, he could now sit solemnly in the Bureau of Healing, a testament to his efforts.

Moreover, his character was commendable, his work efficient—if not perfect, he was tolerable as a companion.

Chen Yì glanced at the sky outside, withdrew his bedding, donned black robes, affixed a mask, and silently departed the Spring Lotus Garden.

He first went to a residence in the western outskirts of Chengdu, finding it still, then hurried to the Bunch of Grass Pavilion.

Night lay thick and hazy.

A cool breeze stirred.

Few pedestrians wandered the streets—only wandering souls seeking rest upon the earth.

Occasionally, laughter and chatter drifted from nearby alleys, recounting recent events.

In the deeper shadows of the lanes, fewer souls lingered.

Fortunately, the alleys between the two markets were frequented by those of status, rarely marred by darkness.

Chen Yì moved silently through the streets, evading guards at residences and patrols of city watch and magistrates, until he reached the Bunch of Grass Pavilion.

As he neared, voices drifted from within—low and strained.

Likely from the inner chamber.

“…That’s the gist of it.”

“General Huo Hong isn’t just a top-tier master in Shu Zhou—when I sought her, she had already pressed her sword to my neck before I’d even drawn near.”

“Jeez, and she’s that powerful?”

“Indeed.”

“You think I’m lying? If she weren’t so formidable, I’d never have heeded her advice.”

“You say that, but back then, you didn’t even let out a fart when you were stuck in that ditch.”

“Heh… Liu Da Ge was ahead of me. How could I dare show my face?”

Between the two, Wang Ji asked from the side: “Since you’ve returned to the capital, what next?”

Liu Liang replied, “We’re selling the remaining grain at Ling Zhuang.”

Zhang Daobao thought a moment, then said, “The master hasn’t issued further orders, so I’ll take the Hanaflame clan’s elder brothers and sisters and hide for a while.”

Liu Liang nodded in agreement.

“This time, you’ve done a great service, I originally thought the boss wanted you to steal chickens and spy around, but…”

Before he could finish, Chen Yì pushed the door open.

“What’s to be done?”

“The boss?”

Liu Liang startled, then bowed and smiled. “I’ve completed what you instructed.”

Since their last defeat in battle against Chen Yì, he had grown even more arrogant, yet no longer dared to be discourteous.

Wang Ji and Zhang Daobao bowed in turn, addressing him as “Master.”

Chen Yì closed the door, sat in the foremost seat, gestured for them to sit.

“Daobao, this time’s affair was handled well.”

Zhang Daobao’s flushed face brightened. “All thanks to Master’s guidance.”

“In fact, there were some missteps, but the clever elders of the Hanaflame clan quickly corrected them, preventing things from going awry.”

Chen Yì smiled. “A complete outcome is all that matters.”

It was, in truth, a most complete outcome.

Zhang Daobao and others, posing as bandits, spies, and barbarian scouts, had not only driven up the cost of grain for Ling Zhengong, but also unexpectedly captured Li Sanyuan of the Ji Zhou merchant guild.

“Tell me, what did Li Sanyuan intend to do?”

In his speculations, he had been speculating. Chen Yi was curious to learn what the Ji Zhou Trading House had been up to.

Zhang Daobao hastened to recount the entire tale.

"The man was cunning—even when Liu Da’s elder brother interrogated him, he only revealed a fraction of his schemes."

"If it hadn’t been for the arrival of General Xiao Hong, who pressed him for the other plans, I never would have known he’d sent someone to seize Liu Tao-Fang’s fief."

"Liu Tao-Fang…"

Chen Yi slightly lowered his head, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the chair back.

The situation was largely as he had guessed—Li San-Yuan had dared to gamble on a deal with the King of Lan Du, hoping to preserve the silver he’d earned from the grain trade.

But he underestimated Li San-Yuan’s resolve.

The man, upon realizing he couldn’t drag Liu Hong into it, immediately thought of Liu Tao-Fang.

"If his plans were as he claimed, then Liu Hong’s side had a glaring flaw."

Chen Yi mused, his gaze drifting northward—which explained why the mistress was so eager to head to Guangyuan.

Li San-Yuan possessed only Zhu Hao’s proof of collusion with the Lan Du King through the Ji Zhou Trading House, with no connection to Liu Hong.

At most, it was mere speculation.

In such a scenario, Xiao Hong could only proceed to Guangyuan County, lest Liu Hong detect him in the capital.

"Thus, the mistress would not seize Zhu Hao immediately."

Chen Yi would not have done so either.

The best course was to keep a close watch on Zhu Hao, to see if he could be linked to Liu Hong.

"There’s a chance for my elder brother to claim the credit…"

Yet as he pondered, Chen Yi furrowed his brow.

"They shouldn’t have killed Lü Jiu-Nan."

"From the old master and mistress’s careful treatment of Liu Hong, it’s clear Liu Hong still harbored secrets—or had connections."

"Which is why they couldn’t act without full preparation."

"If Lü Jiu-Nan had lived, the outcome would have been different."

"He could’ve served as a witness, pinning the matter of A Su-Tai’s escape from Shu Zhou squarely on Liu Hong."

After a moment of thought, Chen Yi formed a plan.

He then gave his orders to Liu Lang and Zhang Daobao.

Zhang Daobao listened, his mouth opening wide: "My lord, you want me to impersonate Li San-Yuan?"

Chen Yi arched an eyebrow: "Can’t you do it?"

"I can do it—it’s just that I… I fear I’ll mess it up and delay your affairs. After all, those grain supplies…"

A million sheng of grain.

Thinking of that sum, Zhang Daobao’s heart trembled.

Not to mention the present day, but even at the prices before the grain prices rose, it was worth a million taels of silver.

If he ruined it, he’d never repay the debt in his lifetime.

Chen Yi smiled faintly: "Perfect if it works, and if not, at least we’ll get them to move the grain out of the city."

"When that happens…"

Liu Lang brightened, gripping his dagger’s hilt and grinning: "That’ll be my doing."

He’d handled several burglaries through the Bright Moon Tower in the northern desert before, trading in such ventures.

He was well-versed in the art.

This time, it was merely a matter of more goods and more hands needed—essentially, killing people and taking their possessions to store.

Simple enough.

Chen Yi nodded. "Remember to hide the grain well. If it fails, take it to Tonglin Town."

"Tonglin? Xiao family’s domain?"

"The boss had thought of everything."

Seeing that Liu Lang and Zhang Daobao understood, Chen Yi turned to Wang Ji, barking an order:

"You, too, do something for me."

"The master may command."

"Tomorrow, go to the Xiao family. Guangyuan County’s Bai Caotang is about to open, and you’ll need the Xiao family’s assistance…"

(Chapter End)