Chapter 21 - Marquis’ Mansion
A single martial artist at the first level of the True Aperture Realm was worth 5,000 contribution points.
Someone like Mo Luo was worth as much as 10,000.
Luo Mu tallied it all up. This trip had already earned him nearly 70,000 contribution points.
“Truly, killing and arson bring wealth.”
In addition to the contribution points, these demonic martial artists also carried some resources, an unexpected gain.
Since the number of heads was too large and unsightly when tied to his waist, he placed them all in Cheng Qingman’s storage ring.
This was also Luo Mu’s first time seeing a storage artifact.
In the cultivation world, even the smallest-capacity storage artifact was extremely expensive and not something ordinary people could afford.
Due to Jiang Hai’s injury, they couldn’t travel for long stretches and had to stop every half-hour to rest.
Luo Mu didn’t waste this downtime.
A short distance away.
He began practicing his blade technique repeatedly.
By killing Mo Luo, he had received a massive reward, a three-hundredfold gain.
Among it was an enormous amount of insight into blade techniques.
He had already set one foot inside the doorway of mastering Blade Momentum.
As long as he kept practicing, he was bound to comprehend the legendary Blade Momentum!
This was the mysterious power that all martial artists dreamt of!
Any martial artist who possessed Blade Momentum would undergo a complete qualitative transformation in strength.
To put it simply.
Their strength would increase by at least tenfold!
However, comprehending Blade Momentum was incredibly difficult. In all of Changle Academy, only a few top geniuses could possibly have it.
The sun set in the west.
The afterglow of the sunset shone on Luo Mu’s body.
He was fully focused, completely immersed in his blade technique, without any distractions.
Cheng Qingman and the others were already stunned, staring at him in awe.
“I think I can understand why Junior Brother Luo has been able to master the ‘Life-devoid Blade Sutra’ in such a short time.”
Jiang Hai said softly, “Aside from his natural talent, he is also… incredibly diligent and hardworking!”
“Indeed.”
Lin Rufeng nodded in agreement.
Ever since they left the demonic stronghold, during every rest break, Luo Mu would practice his blade technique alone in the distance.
He never sat down to rest.
“There are many geniuses in this world, but the ones most to be feared are those who are not only talented but also unbelievably hardworking!”
Cheng Qingman propped her chin on her hands.
In her bright, beautiful eyes, the tall and agile figure of Luo Mu was reflected.
Her father had once told her.
A genius who doesn’t work hard will eventually lose their talent, but only a genius who puts in the effort can reach the pinnacle of martial arts!
Ding!
“You have diligently practiced, completing a full cycle of the ‘Life-devoid Blade Sutra,’ triggering a critical hit and receiving a thirtyfold reward!”
In his mind, the system notification rang.
Luo Mu’s lips curled slightly.
This might just be the most wonderful sound in the world.
As the sun completely set.
And the full moon rose in the east.
The group finally arrived at Xunyang City.
The largest ancient city in the Fengdu County!
The city walls soared nearly a hundred meters high, with grayish-blue bricks that radiated the weight of time.
A sense of ancient history and grandeur.
The existence of Xunyang City could be traced back to the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and its history was long and rich.
Throughout the ages, countless heroes and legends had been born here.
Thus, Xunyang City’s heritage was extremely deep.
Within it were many aristocratic families of marquises and nobles.
Such as the now-renowned Blood Courage Marquis Cheng family.
Even though it was already night, Xunyang City was still brightly lit, bustling with activity.
As Cheng Qingman put it.
This was a city that never sleeps.
Lanterns were everywhere, and a long river flowed through the center of the city, filled with floating water lamps. On both sides were ordinary people and martial artists who came to join the lively atmosphere.
“This is a big city.”
Luo Mu nodded slightly.
As a humble cultivator, he naturally had never been to such a large city.
But despite the excitement.
He wasn’t interested in sightseeing or entertainment.
He just wanted to find a quiet place to continue his cultivation.
Cheng Qingman noticed Luo Mu’s lack of interest and immediately led the way toward the Cheng family.
It wasn’t as luxurious as one might imagine.
Just an ordinary Marquis’ Mansion.
“The young lady has returned!”
Very quickly, voices echoed within the Marquis’ Mansion.
Then came the sound of hurried footsteps.
Servants and attendants lined up in the courtyard, waiting to greet her.
“Welcome back, young lady!”
The steward, an old man, although his hair was white, his eyes were bright and clear.
His body appeared strong and sturdy.
His face bore several deep scars, likely from battles, and he now served as the steward of the Marquis’ Mansion.
“Uncle Gong, has my father returned?”
Cheng Qingman asked.
“The Marquis hasn’t returned for three years. He’s been out handling affairs, and recently, the imperial capital assigned him another task to take care of.”
Uncle Gong shook his head.
“The imperial capital again.”
Cheng Qingman frowned.
There were so many marquises in the imperial court. Why was her father always the one being called upon?
She hadn’t seen him in almost four years.
“Forget it.”
Cheng Qingman sighed helplessly, “By the way, these three are my good friends. Uncle Gong, please make sure they are well taken care of.”
“Understood.”
Uncle Gong nodded.
He then glanced at Luo Mu and the others.
Each of them was covered in blood, clearly having experienced a fierce battle recently.
And it seemed like a rather brutal one.
What puzzled him was that the young man with a blade at his waist, despite being only at the second level of the True Aperture Realm, appeared to be in the best condition.
Although his body was soaked in blood, there were no visible injuries.
It was obviously the blood of his enemies.
“Rest for tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll show you around Xunyang City!”
Cheng Qingman said with a smile.
Then she turned and left.
“Come with me, the three of you.”
Uncle Gong said.
“Thank you for your trouble.”
Luo Mu nodded.
Although this old man seemed like an ordinary person, devoid of any martial aura, in Luo Mu’s perception, he felt like a dormant tiger, exuding an intimidating presence.
Clearly, he had intentionally concealed his strength.
Who knows what his true cultivation level was?