After the destruction of the Yan family and the rise of the Yi Gang, the situation in Obsidian City quickly stabilized.
Li Qing, who had become a venerator of the Yi Gang's martial artists, did not divert his attention to the affairs within the gang but instead immersed himself in the path of martial arts. The Yan family's armory had naturally been claimed by the Yi Gang, and many martial arts manuals inside had accumulated a thick layer of dust. As one of the greatest contributors to the downfall of the Yan family, this armory was naturally open to Li Qing, allowing him to choose from its martial arts heritage.
The martial arts heritage within the armory rarely utilized written text as a medium; most were patterns engraved by the martial arts powerhouses who had created these techniques, merging their martial will and qi into intricate designs. This method of inheritance was quite challenging for beginners, as the true essence of the martial arts was often obscure to those just starting out. However, once one reached the later stages of practice, progress would begin to accelerate. Observing the patterns of martial truths daily was nearly equivalent to having a master imparting knowledge through both words and actions.
As Li Qing entered the former Yan family's armory, he found many martial arts manuals scattered across the floor. Judging by the dust piled on the shelves, these items had not been perused in a long time.
"Now that I possess four martial arts techniques, if I were to be greedy and try to learn more, I simply wouldn't be able to practice them all. However, I can still browse through these Yan family's collections to broaden my knowledge. If I find a technique that truly suits me, I might as well practice it," Li Qing mused as he picked up an old animal skin scroll. He dusted it off and unfurled it.
On it was a pattern of a palm, and just by observing, Li Qing could feel the martial will emanating from it.
"Shattering Stone Palm, when practiced to great success, can crush stubborn stones with bare hands."
From the name alone, it was clear that this was a palm technique, and its description hinted at considerable power. However, Li Qing was not particularly interested. With the four martial arts techniques he currently possessed, adding another palm technique would not significantly enhance his strength. Thus, he merely glanced at it before returning it to its original place.
Afterward, Li Qing quickly flipped through the various martial arts in the armory.
"Taiyi Sword Classic," "Eight Desolation Fist," "Black Tiger Blade Technique," "Thunder Finger."
One could not help but admire the Yan family's impressive collection of martial arts. Among them were numerous superior techniques that made Li Qing feel somewhat tempted to abandon his current practices in favor of these higher-level martial arts. However, this thought was quickly dismissed. Superior martial arts were indeed alluring, but they also had high requirements for comprehension and talent.
For instance, the "Taiyi Sword Classic" contained exceedingly complex sword techniques. For someone like Li Qing, who had hardly touched a sword throughout his life, it would be difficult to even begin. Compared to the flashy sword techniques, the straightforward and powerful hammer techniques were more suitable for him, which is why many of his current martial arts leaned towards brute force.
After flipping through for a while, Li Qing let out a slight sigh, putting down the martial arts manual as he prepared to leave. However, he soon noticed a dark golden scroll partially unfurled at the bottom of a shelf, propping up the shelf's leg.
At first, Li Qing thought it was a piece of gold, which would be quite valuable if taken to the Maple Kingdom. But once he pulled out the dark golden scroll, he could clearly see the text on it; it was actually a martial art recorded in written form.
"Golden Body Technique!"
"I didn't expect the Yan family to actually use a martial arts inheritance to prop up a table leg. How much do they look down on this technique?" Li Qing chuckled in disbelief, then curiously began to read the text.
However, the first sentence made Li Qing's expression change dramatically.
"When this technique is practiced to great success, blades and spears cannot penetrate, sharp weapons are ineffective, and the body is as if forged from gold and iron."
The opening description was captivating, and Li Qing was puzzled as to why such a powerful martial art was treated with such disdain by the Yan family. After reading the subsequent content, he couldn't help but chuckle bitterly.
The "Golden Body Technique" was exceedingly difficult to master, exaggeratedly divided into seven levels! Generally speaking, martial arts were divided into three levels, corresponding to External Strength Masters, Internal Strength Masters, and Transformation Masters! Yet for the "Golden Body Technique," the first level was merely an entry-level, the third level was considered minor success, and the sixth level was regarded as great success. The seventh level had not even been achieved by the person who created this technique, as they lacked sufficient lifespan!
Yes, it was indeed a matter of insufficient lifespan.
Because practicing this technique required an immense amount of time, three years merely to reach the entry-level, followed by ten years to achieve minor success. As for reaching the great success realm, it would take thirty years. Li Qing strongly suspected that only the creator of this technique had ever succeeded in mastering it.
Additionally, the end of this "Golden Body Technique" scroll had a special note, which likely was the reason the Yan family completely abandoned this martial art.
"Note: This technique can only be practiced after reaching the age of sixteen; otherwise, the body's bones will become fixed, and growth will be impossible!"
Upon reading this line, Li Qing couldn't help but twitch his lips. "What a trap! I can only start practicing at sixteen, which means by the time I reach entry-level, I'll be nineteen, and to achieve great success... fifty-nine!"
Achieving great success in the Golden Body Technique at fifty-nine could indeed be said to make one a formidable presence among Internal Strength Masters. However, at that age, one's vitality would wane, and competing with others would be quite disadvantageous.
"No wonder it was used by the Yan family to prop up a table leg; it really is quite useless."
Li Qing grumbled several times but ultimately decided to take this technique for himself. This technique, akin to a turtle, was still quite suitable for him, as it could encompass martial arts throughout the body, which was rare.
As for time, with over a hundred years left to live, Li Qing feared not the passage of time; slowly grinding away at it was no issue. If he could truly master this technique to great success, then below the level of a master, there would be few who could threaten his life.
In the following days, Li Qing began to pack his belongings. The jade stones he had bought in the market, along with the gold and silver he had scavenged from the Yan family, were all carefully packed up and slung over his back as he sought out Tianlong.
"Leader Tianlong, indeed, I can't stop thinking about those two wine recipes, so I plan to travel for a while. The date of my return is still uncertain," Li Qing said, clasping his fists.
Tianlong, who had been busy for days, was momentarily stunned. He quickly spoke up, "Brother Li Qing, why are you leaving so suddenly? If you're looking for brewing materials, I can have someone from the gang help you gather them; there's no need for you to leave personally!"
After all, they had fought together for their cause, and with Li Qing wanting to leave, Tianlong felt somewhat reluctant. Of course, the key concern was Master Mo Nan from the gang; he worried that after Li Qing left, he wouldn't be able to handle that old man who practiced Internal Strength.
"Hahaha, Leader, please don't try to keep me. I'm not leaving for good; I will return eventually," Li Qing replied with a hearty laugh.
Tianlong sighed repeatedly, pondering for a long time, unsure of what conditions could persuade Li Qing to stay, especially since Li Qing didn't even value the second-in-command position of the Yi Gang.
"Since you've made up your mind, I won't say more," Tianlong said regretfully.
Li Qing smiled and continued, "However, before I leave, I have one more thing to trouble you with, Leader."
"Speak freely; as long as I can do it, I will do my utmost!" Tianlong vowed, patting his chest.
"It's not a difficult matter. I previously stayed across from the house of a man named An on Zhengming Street, who had taken good care of me. I hope that after I leave, Leader Tianlong can look after this grandfather and granddaughter for me, as a way to repay this kindness."
Upon hearing this, Tianlong immediately recalled the little girl and the old man who had stood up for Li Qing that day.
"Hahahaha, this is a small matter! Rest assured, as long as the Yi Gang exists, no one in Obsidian City will bully them!" Tianlong readily agreed.
"Then I thank you in advance, Leader!" Li Qing said sincerely, and before turning to leave, he reminded, "Leader, I still want to say one more thing before I go; please don't blame me for meddling."
"We destroyed the Yan family, and the Seven Killers played an indispensable role. Now that it's the Yi Gang's turn to govern Obsidian City, I hope you won't forget the origins of those from the Seven Killers!"
After all, they had fought together, and Li Qing did not wish for Tianlong to follow the old path of the Yan family. He offered this heartfelt advice, hoping he would treat the citizens of Obsidian City well.
Upon hearing this, Tianlong understood Li Qing's intentions and realized that Li Qing truly regarded him as an ally; otherwise, he wouldn't have given such advice.
Tianlong's expression turned serious as he said, "Good brother, I will remember your words. I too have fought my way out of the wilderness and understand the suffering of the common people. You can rest easy."
Li Qing nodded and turned away.
"No need to see me off; farewell!"
In front of the luxurious and grand residence, Li Qing walked onto the dark street with his luggage, his figure gradually fading under the blood-red moonlight.
Tianlong stood beneath the Yi Gang's plaque, firmly watching Li Qing's departing back.
Once Li Qing was no longer visible, Tianlong shouted in a deep voice, "Get a skilled painter to capture Brother Li's likeness and hang it in the gang. Even if I'm no longer around, when Brother Li returns to the Yi Gang, everyone must follow his lead!"
"And also, bring that grandfather and granddaughter from Zhengming Street to the gang and treat them well from now on!"
(End of Chapter)