Chapter 62: News
[Name: Lu Yuan]
[Age: 17]
[Cultivation Technique: Second-Grade Cultivation Skill, Five Tigers Array-Breaking Saber (42,351/50,000 Entering the Stance)]
[Third-Grade Cultivation Skill, Tiger Subduing Posture, Heart Refining (10,523/10,000 Great Success, breakthrough available?)]
[Second-Grade Cultivation Skill, Iron Bone Golden Bell Shield (45,180/50,000 Entering the Stance)]
[First-Grade Array, Cloud-Rushing Crane Wing Array (31,416/50,000 Entering the Stance) Bonus Effects: Borrowing Wind, Armor-Piercing]
[First-Grade Cultivation Skill, Wind-Chasing Arrow Skill (30,172/30,000 Perfection, breakthrough available?)]
In one month, Lu Yuan’s strength had increased once again.
His other Cultivation Techniques had also reached the verge of a breakthrough, which satisfied him. Although he was only at Heart Refining, the first stage of Organ Refining, he could hold his own in a real fight even against a third-stage Organ Refining expert.
Moreover, with the enhancement of the Iron Bone Golden Bell Shield, all five of his organs were continuously improving. Even though he was only focused on Heart Refining, his other organs were likely comparable to those of someone at the Minor Achievement stage of Organ Refining.
"Break through."
As he spoke the words, a powerful energy erupted from his heart. The blood in his veins began to circulate faster, and Lu Yuan could even hear the thunderous beat of his own heart.
[Third-Grade Cultivation Skill, Tiger Subduing Posture, Heart Refining (523/30,000 Perfection)]
Heart Refining had reached Perfection. He still had enough Elixirs, so with a little more time, he could soon achieve Refining Heart and Nourishing Spirit.
Then, a change occurred in Lu Yuan’s hands, his fingers in particular becoming much more flexible. A Divine Light seemed to flash in his eyes, capable of locking onto anything.
His Eye Power had grown to an unprecedented degree.
[First-Grade Cultivation Skill, Wind-Chasing Arrow Skill (172/50,000 Entering the Stance)]
His cultivation had now completely broken through. Feeling the surging power within him, Lu Yuan’s heart burned with anticipation.
’In just a few more days, my other Cultivation Techniques will be ready to upgrade.’
’My attack power will increase dramatically then.’
He stood up.
CRACKLE! POP!
A series of crisp cracks echoed from his body.
When he looked outside, the sky had already darkened.
Even though he was at home, he could still feel the oppressive, martial aura spreading through the air.
He had been notified three days ago that the army would set out tomorrow morning. Today was his last day in the border city.
He was just waiting to depart in the morning.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
Just then, a knock came at the door.
Lu Yuan didn’t even have to think; at this hour, it had to be Zhou He.
He walked out of the house and opened the courtyard gate. Sure enough, Zhou He stood outside, grinning and holding several items.
It was all kinds of cooked meat, along with a jar of wine.
"We march tomorrow. Let’s have a drink today," Zhou He said.
Lu Yuan stepped aside to let him in.
After the two entered the house, Zhou He set the things down and looked up at Lu Yuan. "Besides drinking, there’s actually something else I need to tell you."
As he spoke, he expertly grabbed two bowls from the nearby wine cabinet and poured a drink for both himself and Lu Yuan.
"What is it?"
"It’s about Wu Han. In just one month, he’s consolidated his position Beyond the Passes. Word came yesterday that he has over a thousand men under him now," Zhou He said with a grin.
He then added with a sigh, "That guy was so quiet when he was in the city. Who would’ve thought he’d do something so big after leaving? He’s doing better and better for himself."
"That’s it?" Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow. ’This is completely normal in my book. With plenty of iron armor, as long as he doesn’t run into a regular army or a true expert...’
’Dealing with ordinary horse bandits is a piece of cake. This was all within my expectations.’
"If that was all, I wouldn’t have come. Wu Han sent word that a few days ago, he woke up to find his temporary camp surrounded by a troop of Northern Barbarians. He thought they were there to wipe them out."
But unexpectedly, they were there to deliver supplies. Not just food and horses, but also a good amount of armor, weapons, and even many cultivation resources.
"And they also had him bring a letter for you."
As Zhou He spoke, he pulled a letter from his robes and handed it to Lu Yuan.
Lu Yuan tore it open and glanced at it. It was from Xiao Hua. She told him that she and her mother were safe and sound. She also vaguely mentioned that she was tied up with something very important and couldn’t get away, telling Lu Yuan to be sure to wait for her.
There were dried tear stains on the letter. Apparently, the girl had cried while writing it.
After Lu Yuan put the letter away, Zhou He glanced at him and asked softly, "The person we saved last time... her identity isn’t simple, is it?"
"I don’t know her exact identity either. I helped them simply because she’s my friend," Lu Yuan replied, then picked up his wine bowl and drained it in one gulp.
Zhou He nodded and didn’t press the issue, just saying with a grin, "Well, through a strange twist of fate, Wu Han has certainly lucked out. With all those resources and armaments, he can really make a name for himself Beyond the Passes."
Lu Yuan nodded without saying more.
The two drank for a while longer before Zhou He left. His main purpose for coming was to deliver the letter. Besides, with the army moving out tomorrow, he didn’t dare drink too much and risk making a mistake.
Lu Yuan also rested early.
Meanwhile, Zhang Zhe, looking somewhat gaunt and pale, was sitting across from Helian Shang.
Evidently, he had been thoroughly "drained" recently.
However, his status had indeed risen significantly. At the very least, he could now sit at the same table as a Captain.
Moreover, Helian Shang was being quite polite, even personally pouring Zhang Zhe a cup of wine. "On this expedition, stick with me. It’ll be no problem for you to earn some military merit."
"But be careful. Once the fighting starts, remember not to run around aimlessly."
"Mm, as long as I get military merit, that’s all that matters. I’ll listen to you," Zhang Zhe said, waving his hand dismissively.
Although he still didn’t know the identity of the woman he was serving, he had personally seen Helian Tielin act with extreme caution in her presence.
This made him feel secure and fearless.
Seeing his attitude, Helian Shang looked as if he had just eaten shit, but he had no choice but to endure it. The main reason was that the woman Zhang Zhe served had too high a status.
As long as she was still interested in Zhang Zhe, even if the man were to walk all over him, he would have to grit his teeth and bear it. Though he held Zhang Zhe in utter contempt, even finding him disgusting, he had no choice but to put up with him.
"Good. Thank you for your cooperation. As for what happened before, I was a bit impulsive. Please don’t hold it against me. Now that I knew you were coming back, I, your elder brother, have prepared a special gift for you."
After speaking, he clapped his hands.
A servant then walked in, holding a box.
Helian Shang took it, placed it on the table, and opened it. A lustrous Treasure Pearl was revealed.
"This is a Water Spirit Treasure Pearl. When you get to Kidney Refining, you can crush and consume it. It will be of great benefit to your cultivation," Helian Shang said with a friendly expression.
Zhang Zhe nodded and took the box without any ceremony.
Then he said, "I’ll accept the gift. I’ll be counting on you for the military merit, Helian."
Then, Zhang Zhe’s eyes shifted, and he asked in a low voice, "Helian, do you happen to know the true identity of the person backing me?"
He had spent nearly every day with her recently, yet he still didn’t know the woman’s identity.
He was extremely curious.