The Widow

Translator: CinderTL

"The Ginseng Gang controls the city's medicinal supply. Their ginseng gatherers are a ruthless bunch, risking their lives every time they venture into the mountains. They're fierce, and no one dares to provoke them."

Xu Sanyan's gaze shifted from her chest to her face. "Where do they go to gather ginseng?"

Madam Wu unconsciously straightened her posture, making her chest appear even more prominent. "About thirty miles south of the city, there's a mountain range called the Dragon's Abode. It stretches for hundreds of miles, filled with dangerous beasts. Rumor has it that even monsters lurk in its deepest parts."

Xu Sanyan nodded, and the three of them sat down in the hall. "Tell me more about the other three gangs."

Madam Wu poured a cup of tea, her eyes flickering as if she were contemplating something. She spoke slowly, "The White Horse Gang oversees the city's horse and transportation businesses. They're extremely wealthy. The late master once said that the leader of the White Horse Gang is on the verge of reaching the Celestial Being Realm. He's likely one of the most powerful figures in the city."

The Celestial Being Realm—the final stage of mortal cultivation. Xu Sanyan had yet to encounter such a master.

"As for the Moon Gazing Pavilion, they manage the brothels and gambling dens in the city. They rake in a fortune daily. Overall, they're the weakest in terms of strength, but it's said that they have backing from the government, so no one dares to mess with them."

Brothels and gambling dens have always been money pits throughout history, and it's no surprise they have powerful patrons.

"Lastly, there's the Guanshan Blade Association. It seems to have emerged just a couple of years ago. Initially, it was just a group of swordsmen from the northwest banding together for survival, but they've gradually grown in strength."

Madam Wu took a sip of tea. "These people are the most reckless. They'll kill at the slightest provocation. The government prefers to turn a blind eye, letting the martial world handle its own affairs as long as civilians aren't involved."

Xu Sanyan glanced at Big Yellow Tooth. The Guanshan Blade Association seemed to be made up of exactly that kind of people. Curious, he asked, "How do they make a living?"

"They do everything, but their main focus is on gray market activities."

Xu Sanyan frowned. "Gray market activities?"

Madam Wu, perhaps feeling a bit stifled, gently undid a button on her chest. Her eyes unconsciously drifted toward Xu Sanyan as she spoke softly, "For example... assassinations, settling vendettas, debt collection, and even government bounties. The Guanshan Blade Association hasn't been around long enough to establish more legitimate businesses."

After her explanation, Xu Sanyan gained a clearer understanding of the city's various factions.

"What about the government? Are there soldiers stationed in the city?"

"Of course, but Taian City isn't near the border, and there hasn't been any conflict for years, so the garrison is small—only a few thousand soldiers."

Madam Wu's eyes flickered as she asked softly, "Does Fourth Master plan to stay in Taian City and make a name for himself here?"

Xu Sanyan looked at her. "What's your opinion, Madam?"

Madam Wu's expression darkened. "I was thinking... if Fourth Master decides to stay, why not reside in our manor? The late master left behind plenty of wealth, which you're free to use. All we ask is that you protect me and my child."

Xu Sanyan smirked. "Heh... I noticed that old gentleman is quite skilled in martial arts. Protecting the two of you shouldn't be a problem. Why do you still want me to stay?"

Madam Wu shook her head. "He's getting old, after all..."

There was one thing she didn't say: if she and her child were to fall under that old man's control, wouldn't she have to submit to him?

Between a young, strong, handsome man and an old, decaying, foul-smelling man on the verge of death, the choice was obvious.

If she had to offer herself, why not choose someone who could make her comfortable?

Xu Sanyan thought for a moment. For now, he didn't have a better place to go, so staying here might not be a bad idea. "Very well. Since Madam has extended such a gracious invitation, I'll gladly accept."

Madam Wu's eyes carried a hint of shyness. "I'll arrange a room for Fourth Master right away."

...

In his room, Xu Sanyan placed three precious medicinal herbs in front of him. He picked one up and took a big bite. Instantly, a surge of vitality spread from his lungs throughout his entire body.

In no time, he had devoured all three herbs. With a thought, a panel appeared before his eyes:

[Xu Sanyan]

[Age: 18/82]

[Realm: Qi Refinement]

[Cultivation Method: Supreme Truth and Absolute Stillness Sutra (Not Yet Mastered) +]

[Art: Blood Demon Corpse Refining Method (Not Yet Mastered) +]

[Techniques: Perfect Circle Stance (Peak Stage). Three Tigers Subduing Dragon Blade (Mid Stage) +. Horse Appraisal Technique (Mid Stage). Excavator Maintenance & Repair (Initial Stage)...]

[Vitality: 4]

The plus sign next to the cultivation method had appeared, indicating that he could now consume "Vitality" to upgrade.

Xu Sanyan didn't hesitate. He tapped firmly on the plus sign next to the cultivation method.

Instantly, the vitality coursing through his body seemed to freeze for a moment, and then his blood began to flow rapidly. He could almost hear the rushing sound within his veins.

His muscles and bones itched unbearably. Xu Sanyan couldn't help but let out a low groan as he instinctively reached for the longsword beside him.

Clang—

The blade unsheathed, and Xu Sanyan began to swing the Three Tigers Subduing Dragon Saber, as if only this could relieve the itch in his bones.

Whoosh—

The blade flashed. Although the tip of the sword was still half an inch away from the wooden table, the table silently split in two.

It was as if there was an invisible, razor-sharp edge extending half an inch beyond the blade.

After some time, Xu Sanyan felt the itch in his body fade. He noticed a strand of Qi had appeared in his meridians. With a thought, he guided this Qi through his meridians.

As he slowly pushed his palms forward, a vase half an inch away suddenly exploded with a bang.

"Inner Qi Realm, Initial Stage!"

Xu Sanyan smiled faintly. He had successfully broken through to the Inner Qi Realm, catching up to Wu Jue's cultivation level.

A glance at the panel showed that his realm had changed:

[Realm: Inner Qi]

His lifespan had also increased from eighty-two to eighty-seven, adding five more years to his life.

The four points of "Vitality" he had painstakingly accumulated were now gone, but it was all worth it.

Quietly sensing the changes in his body, the most significant was, of course, the Inner Qi. It could extend half an inch beyond his body to harm others and could also be infused into his blade, increasing the power of his sword techniques.

Second were the physical changes—his body had become more compact, his strength had increased significantly, and his speed had likely improved as well.

This was the Inner Qi Realm!

Xu Sanyan felt that he could now take on five Tang Huanhuan's!

If he had broken through to the Inner Qi Realm earlier, he was confident he could have killed Tang Huanhuan before she could retrieve the manual.

Knock knock knock.

There was a knock at the door, followed by a woman's voice. "Fourth Master, are you asleep?"

Xu Sanyan finally noticed the room. He hadn't realized it before, but the sky had already darkened.

"Madam. Come in," Xu Sanyan recognized the voice as Madam Wu's.

Creak—

The door opened, and Madam Wu waddled in, her ample hips swaying. She closed the door behind her.

"Oh my, Fourth Master, what happened here?" Madam Wu exclaimed, looking at the mess in the room.

"Nothing, just accidentally broke some things while practicing," Xu Sanyan waved it off, his eyes lighting up.

Before him stood a woman dressed in a loose, plain nightgown, her waist cinched with a sash that accentuated her full chest.

Her broad hips were wider than her shoulders, swaying as she walked. Her face was lightly powdered, her cheeks slightly flushed, her lips full, and her eyes carrying a hint of timidity.

What a shy and timid widow she was!

(End of the Chapter)

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