After returning to his room, Chen Yu first sat cross-legged and circulated his qi for a while.
He had gained quite a bit from Kang Min and Ah Zi today… it needed to be properly digested.
By fulfilling Ah Zi’s Malicious Thought and killing Lion’s Roar, the Star Constellation Sect’s second disciple, he had obtained a new combat technique.
Dual Combat Technique.
In the original story, this was a martial art created by the Old Urchin Zhou Botong while he was trapped on Peach Blossom Island by Huang Yaoshi, one of the Five Greats.
It emphasized dividing the mind into two uses. At Major Achievement, one could use different techniques simultaneously with both hands.
If the practitioner happened to possess multiple supreme techniques, the enhancement brought by Dual Combat would be terrifying. Fighting such a person would feel like facing two opponents at once.
His combat strength would double instantly.
At present, Chen Yu had already brought the Nine Yang Manual, Cold Ice True Qi, and Dual Combat Technique all to Major Achievement. With Phantom Ripple Steps as his movement foundation…
If this were the original novel, this configuration would already be enough to clear the game.
But this was a mixed martial world. Who knew if there were hidden monsters with overwhelming strength?
In any case… he still needed to accumulate power.
Early the next morning, Chen Yu went to the Beggar Sect Headquarters and sought out Chen Guyan, one of the four elders, to ask about relevant information… such as where generals of the Liao, Mongols, or Qing Forces could be found, and which unorthodox sects were nearby.
Chen Guyan was mainly responsible for intelligence within the Beggar Sect. Seeing that Chen Yu had already begun preparing for his promotion task, he naturally answered everything without reservation.
After speaking, he paused thoughtfully and added, “Yesterday, the sect didn’t know you had killed Lion’s Roar, so some people were unconvinced. Now that your deeds have spread, if you were directly promoted to Deputy Branch Leader, I don’t think anyone would object.”
This was the result of discussion among the elders.
Since Chen Yu had defeated a direct disciple of the Star Constellation Old Monster and possessed such a sense of justice, becoming a Deputy Branch Leader was more than justified.
However, to Chen Guyan’s surprise, Chen Yu refused the direct promotion.
“A man’s word, once spoken, cannot be taken back.”
He wanted to use this opportunity to firmly establish himself in front of these experienced elders.
Chen Yu smiled lightly. “Since I accepted the task before all the elders and brothers, there is no reason for me to abandon it.”
“Good! Truly a hero in his youth!”
Chen Guyan’s eyes lit up, his wrinkled face full of approval. “If Sect Master Qiao knew about you, he would surely be delighted.”
From these people’s words, Chen Yu could clearly feel that Qiao Feng held great prestige within the Beggar Sect.
After all, he was constantly being mentioned.
Curious, Chen Yu asked, “May I ask where Sect Master Qiao is now?”
Chen Guyan replied, “He should be near Yanmen Pass. Last month, the Liao and Qing Forces joined together to invade the border. Sect Master Qiao led Elder Lü, Branch Leader Jiang of the Great Righteousness Sub-branch, and many brothers to assist the official army in battle, achieving a great victory. Next month’s Beggar Sect Assembly at Apricot Grove is approaching, so they should already be on their way back.”
So… if he set out north from Luoyang City now, was there a chance he might meet Qiao Feng earlier?
Chen Yu pondered this, though he wasn’t particularly eager to meet the legendary hero just yet.
Ma Dayuan was still alive.
If events followed the original story, Kang Min would first murder her husband, then frame Gusu Murong through Bai Shijing.
After that, Qiao Feng would return to the headquarters and begin investigating, triggering a chain of events.
In any case… their meeting wouldn’t be far off.
He just didn’t know when Kang Min planned to make her move, or how.
After leaving Chen Guyan, Chen Yu was still thinking about this when he encountered two Four-Bag Disciples.
By now, the news of him killing Lion’s Roar had spread. These Beggar Sect disciples no longer treated him as an ordinary One-Bag Disciple. Their expressions were full of admiration, their tone respectful.
They simply said that Madam Ma was looking for him.
Chen Yu was puzzled. At this time, Kang Min should be starting to seduce Bai Shijing and Quan Guanqing.
Though confused, he still quickly made his way to the residence of Ma Dayuan and Kang Min.
Ma Dayuan wasn’t at home.
That made sense. Qiao Feng was often absent, and all matters of the sect fell upon Ma Dayuan. Being busy was only natural.
Kang Min sat inside, sewing an old garment patched many times.
Her expression was focused, her slender hands delicate, smooth like jade.
Suddenly, she looked up, seemingly startled by Chen Yu’s arrival. With a soft cry, the needle pricked her finger.
She frowned slightly, bringing her finger to her lips, gently sucking on it as she spoke, “Chen Yu, you’re here~”
Today, she wore a peach-colored silk blouse, lighter than her usual attire. Her jade-like neck was as white as snow.
Every movement carried a blend of purity and seductive charm… truly a calamity in human form.
Even such a simple action as sucking her finger stirred endless imagination.
She gestured for Chen Yu to sit. Her gaze gradually turned faintly resentful. After a moment, she sighed, “I know… with your ability, having you serve as a guard for a mere woman like me is truly a waste.”
She had clearly heard about his acceptance of the promotion task. Though her words sounded like she didn’t want to hinder his future, her gaze carried a teasing undertone.
A hint of jealousy, a hint of grievance.
[Current Target: Kang Min]
[Malicious Thought 1: Ma Dayuan, can’t you understand human language? Didn’t I tell you not to transfer Chen Yu away! That useless old man refuses to improve himself and keeps going against my wishes… if you don’t die, who should?] Advanced Reward
[Malicious Thought 2: Hmph, look at his expression. Why isn’t there any reluctance? Could it be that his previous fascination with me was fake?] Initial Reward
[Malicious Thought 3: Want him to suck my wound] Intermediate Reward
Again?
If he couldn’t see through these evil women’s thoughts, Chen Yu would never have imagined this.
Kang Min held her finger near her lips, her almond-shaped eyes fixed on him, her expression calm.
“Truth be told, I don’t wish to leave Madam either. But yesterday’s matter was sudden. I already agreed to the elders. To go back on my word today wouldn’t be appropriate.”
Chen Yu explained, speaking of gratitude, reluctance, and how he would complete the task quickly and return to see her.
Kang Min felt much better. She smiled softly. “Good brother, you’re a young hero. It’s only natural for you to forge your future with your own strength. If you had no ambition at all, I would truly look down on you…”
Yes… just like that useless old man Ma Dayuan.
She had urged him more than once to reveal Wang Jiantong’s letter, expose Qiao Feng, and fight for the position of Sect Master.
But that stubborn old fool always refused. At times, he had even grown angry and struck her.
Though he later begged for forgiveness, the seed of hatred had already been planted.
In her eyes… Ma Dayuan was already as good as dead.
If that old fool had even a fraction of Chen Yu’s qualities…
Kang Min’s eyes flashed with disdain. Compared to a young hero like Chen Yu, her husband was nothing.
Her gaze shifted slightly. Realizing that only the two of them were in the room, a strange thrill rose within her… a sense of forbidden excitement.
The way she sucked her injured finger became subtly suggestive. As she tended to it, she smiled faintly at Chen Yu.
“…”
It’s just a tiny prick from a needle… is this really necessary?
Chen Yu complained inwardly, though his face remained composed. Clearing his throat, he said seriously, “Madam, does it hurt badly? I know a method that can help your finger heal faster.”
“Oh? And what method would that be?”
Kang Min’s eyes shimmered. Her voice was soft and coy, as if she didn’t understand.
Before she could react, Chen Yu leaned closer, grabbed her slender hand, and brought it to his mouth.
Kang Min’s chest rose and fell rapidly. Instinctively, she glanced outside to see if anyone was there. Though surprised by his boldness, she felt a surge of excitement and delight.
“That is… let someone else suck it. I’ve heard it helps wounds heal faster.”
Chen Yu said without the slightest embarrassment, only releasing her hand after a long moment.
Though Kang Min clearly enjoyed it, she put on a shy and pure expression, complaining softly, “You boy… I know you’re concerned about me, but how could you forget propriety between men and women? I’m a married woman… if someone saw this, what would we do?”
“A man acts openly and uprightly. I was treating your wound. Why should I fear being seen?”
His words were righteous and confident. Even Chen Yu himself admired his shamelessness.
Kang Min burst into laughter, her body swaying. She teased, “Whether you’re truly upright or not… you know that best yourself.”
[Malicious Thought 2: Show reluctance] Completed
[Malicious Thought 3: Suck the wound] Completed
[Initial Reward Granted: Inner Strength Growth Rate x1.15]
[Intermediate Reward Granted: Martial Arts Realm Upgrade Card (can raise Minor Achievement to Major Achievement), Critical Reward Bonus: Additional one year of Pure Inner Strength]
Whether he was upright or not… he didn’t care. The rewards were what mattered.
Chen Yu immediately used the upgrade card to raise Phantom Ripple Steps from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement.
Now, all the techniques he possessed had reached Major Achievement.
Naturally, he felt delighted.
Listening to Kang Min’s teasing complaints, he simply nodded as if accepting them.
After a while, he asked, “Madam called me here… there must be something else you wish to discuss?”
This woman had countless schemes. Even with only three Malicious Thoughts visible each time, it wasn’t enough to fully grasp her intentions.
Hearing this, Kang Min smiled sweetly, her tone tinged with ambiguity. “It’s all for you.”
Only after she explained did he understand.
Knowing that Chen Yu’s task required killing foreign enemies or unorthodox sect members, she had made inquiries on his behalf.
She didn’t want him going too far away… such a useful tool wasn’t something she would give up easily.
Coincidentally, she had heard from a disciple that about 25 kilometers west of Luoyang City lay a Broken Ravine Valley, where over a dozen bandits resided.
These bandits were cruel and vicious, wreaking havoc in the area.
They frequently robbed homes… killing men on sight, and after violating women, killing them as well.
The authorities had tried to deal with them, but the group was cunning. When troops came in large numbers, they would flee. Once the troops left, they would return.
However, it was said that their martial arts were mediocre… making them perfect targets for Chen Yu’s task.
Thus, Kang Min had remembered this information and told him.
“You must have gathered some information from Elder Chen, but most of it is far away. What I told you is much closer.”
Her watery eyes gazed at him as she spoke in a suggestive tone. “Too far is no good. If you don’t return for days, I’ll miss you terribly. And though you’re strong, the martial world is full of hidden dangers. If some blind fool were to hurt you… I would feel distressed.”
As she spoke, she even dabbed at the corner of her eye with a handkerchief, as if holding back tears.
Keep acting…
Chen Yu didn’t care much for her fake concern, but he was genuinely interested in the bandits of Broken Ravine Valley.
She wasn’t wrong… among Chen Guyan’s information, there wasn’t anything this close.
For now, his main goal was to grow stronger through these evil women. He couldn’t afford to waste too much time traveling.
So he thanked her.
Just as he was about to leave, Kang Min called out to stop him.
The beautiful woman slowly walked up to him, raised her slender hands, and adjusted his collar, complaining softly, “Why are you in such a hurry? When traveling the martial world, you must be careful. If you don’t return… my heart will ache.”
She looked up, shyly tapping his shoulder.
Lowering her voice, she spoke in a slightly seductive tone, “If you come back early… I’ll give you a great reward.”