Catching a Steel Blade Barehanded, Squeezing Iron into Mud!

Time flew by, and a month passed in the blink of an eye. Early in the morning, Lu Changsheng was in his courtyard practicing the martial skill Triple Waves, repeating it over and over. The forms of Triple Waves were not complicated, consisting of only three moves, but every move was immensely powerful and flowed seamlessly into the next. It was just that Lu Changsheng had not yet fully mastered Triple Waves, so he could not bring out its true might. *Boom!* Lu Changsheng threw a punch. The force surged like rolling waves, each higher than the last. He had brought forth its martial intent. "It's done." "A full month just to train Triple Waves to the second layer. If I want to reach the third layer, it will probably take quite a while." A faint smile appeared on Lu Changsheng's face. Even with his current comprehension, it had taken a month of hard practice to barely reach the second layer of Triple Waves, showing just how difficult this martial skill was to cultivate. Although Triple Waves was difficult to train, the rewards were substantial. Once the second wave was mastered, it could amplify his strength by fifty percent! This would dramatically enhance Lu Changsheng's prowess. Thus, Lu Changsheng immediately brought up his attribute panel to check his status: Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: 609 (Hidden Dragon in the Depths) Triple Waves: Second Layer Blood Crystal Secret Method: Mastery Ninefold Carp Leaping Dragon Gate Art: First Layer Divine Dragon Transformation: One Transformation Nine-Word Thunder Sound Secret Method: Perfection (Incomplete) Lu Changsheng's comprehension had already surpassed six hundred points, thanks to the third- and fourth-rank martial skills he had cultivated over the past month. His comprehension had finally resumed climbing, which pleased him even more. After all, his comprehension had plateaued for quite some time, leaving him with only 609 points. If his comprehension could reach 1,000 points, he was confident he would have mastered the third layer of Triple Waves within this month, and the Blood Crystal Secret Method might have reached perfection as well. Unfortunately, his comprehension was only at 609 points. Fortunately, the substantial haul of martial arts techniques he had obtained from the Blood Fiend Sect's martial repository should allow his comprehension points to rise considerably. Lu Changsheng finished his exercises, freshened up, and headed out. Over the past month, the streets of Nanyang City had become bustling once more. Because of the specialty known as Ancient Rock Exotic Incense, even though the various major factions of Nanyang Prefecture each had a hand in it, the trade still benefited many ordinary folk. Extraction, manufacturing, and other processes all required local laborers, providing commoners with modest livelihoods. The city seemed even more prosperous than it had been before the Thirteen Desert Riders had caused havoc. Lu Changsheng arrived at Miaoren Hall and had just taken a seat when a woman walked in. "Dr. Lu, I haven't been feeling well these past few days..." The woman was in her thirties and quite attractive. Lu Changsheng was not sure if it was just his imagination, but he felt there was something peculiar about her gaze. Nevertheless, Lu Changsheng sat upright, maintaining an impassive expression. In truth, as his reputation gradually spread—particularly his unique skill in treating women's ailments—many women came seeking his care. As a result, the majority of Lu Changsheng's patients now fell under gynecology. In this regard, he was even more popular than his master, Wu Jing. After all, Wu Jing was advanced in years, and women generally preferred seeing Lu Changsheng. Furthermore, Lu Changsheng's medical skills seemed no worse than Wu Jing's. Lu Changsheng did not mind in the slightest. What was wrong with gynecology? Treating women was still saving lives and curing illness. After being busy all morning, Lu Changsheng was just about to take a break when an apprentice rushed inside. Lu Changsheng recognized him; he was an apprentice from his master Wu Jing's pharmacy. "Dr. Lu, Elder Wu asks that you pay him a visit," the apprentice said respectfully. "Oh? What does Master need me for?" Lu Changsheng asked. "Elder Wu seems to have fallen ill, and he has matters to discuss with you." Lu Changsheng immediately stood up, instructed Zhang Huan to explain things to the waiting patients, and either reassigned them to Wang Ruhai or had them return another day. Soon, Lu Changsheng arrived at Wu Jing's pharmacy. "Master, what happened to you?" The moment Lu Changsheng stepped into the shop, he saw his master reclining in a chair. "Changsheng, I'm fine. It's just old age catching up with me, caught a bit of a chill." *Cough, cough, cough...* As he spoke, Wu Jing coughed violently. Lu Changsheng's expression grew solemn. "Master, let me check your pulse." "Changsheng, it's just a mild chill. No need to worry." "Master, a physician cannot treat himself. Let me examine you." Wu Jing finally nodded. Lu Changsheng checked Wu Jing's pulse; it was indeed a wind-cold chill. He then wrote out a prescription. Looking at the prescription Lu Changsheng had drafted, Wu Jing's eyes filled with gratification. "Good. Your command of medicinal proportions is not inferior to mine in the slightest. You even took my advanced age and frail constitution into account, deliberately dialing back the harsher herbs. "Changsheng, your medical skills truly aren't far behind mine anymore. All you lack is a bit more experience and breadth of knowledge." Wu Jing was thoroughly pleased with Lu Changsheng. "Elder Wu, is this the disciple you mentioned, Dr. Lu?" an elder around fifty years old suddenly spoke up. "Indeed. In my current physical condition, I cannot endure a long and exhausting journey. If you trust my word, having my disciple go in my stead will suffice." Having said this, Wu Jing closed his eyes and fell silent. Lu Changsheng glanced at the fifty-something elder, whose clothing and demeanor suggested an extraordinary status. Observing Wu Jing's state, Lu Changsheng had a fair idea of what was going on. The man had most likely come to invite Master Wu Jing for a consultation, but Wu Jing had caught a chill, felt too weak, and had no desire to travel, recommending Lu Changsheng instead. Now it depended on whether the other party trusted him. At that moment, the elder bowed deeply to Lu Changsheng. "This humble old man is the head steward of the Xia Manor in Yancheng. Because our young mistress has contracted a strange illness, I came specifically to request Elder Wu's assistance. "I did not expect Elder Wu to fall ill and be unable to make the journey. However, since Dr. Lu has thoroughly inherited Elder Wu's teachings, your medical expertise must be exceptional as well. I wonder if Dr. Lu would be willing to make a trip to Yancheng? "If Dr. Lu is willing to go and cures our young mistress, there will naturally be a consultation fee of one hundred gold pieces!" Lu Changsheng was somewhat surprised. A consultation fee of one hundred gold was no small sum. Converted into silver, that was one thousand taels! It was definitely an enormous amount. Of course, Lu Changsheng did not lack silver, but it seemed Master Wu Jing had a past connection with the Xia family. Elder Wu spoke up, "Changsheng, it won't hurt to go take a look. Back then, Squire Xia rendered me some assistance. If you can treat her, do so; if not, simply speak the truth." Lu Changsheng had a realization. No wonder his master had called him over specifically; there was this history with the Xia family. "Master has spoken, so how could this disciple refuse? "Steward Xia, may I return home to pack and prepare? After all, Yancheng is quite far." "Please, by all means, Dr. Lu." Thus, Lu Changsheng went home to pack. The trip to Yancheng was indeed quite far; it was not in Nanyang Prefecture, but in Qingshan Prefecture. Traveling at a normal pace would take three to five days. In these times, embarking on a long journey carried considerable risks. Were it not for Wu Jing's past ties with the Xia family, Wu Jing certainly would not have allowed Lu Changsheng to travel to Yancheng. Having packed his belongings, Lu Changsheng returned to Wu Jing's pharmacy. "Dr. Lu, we have prepared a carriage for you. Please board." Lu Changsheng nodded, glanced at the carriage beside them, and climbed in. Steward Xia bid farewell to Wu Jing, then drove the carriage out of the city. In the blink of an eye, three days passed. The carriage rolled slowly into Yancheng. During this journey, Lu Changsheng had learned what the Xia family did. After all, those escorting the carriage were all Tempering Bone martial artists, and their leader was even a Refining Organs expert, which testified to the Xia family's formidable influence. The Xia family were salt merchants—and major ones at that! Yancheng was renowned for well salt, and the Xia family was the largest salt merchant in the city. With immense financial resources, they naturally had the means to nurture and recruit martial artists. Before long, the carriage drove into an immense manor estate. This massive estate was even larger than the entirety of Gao Family Fort. Lu Changsheng was someone who had seen the world; Gao Family Fort had been exceptionally luxurious. Yet compared to the Xia family's manor, Gao Family Fort fell short. By comparison, Gao Family Fort looked almost like the estate of some rustic country squire. The wealth of salt merchants was plain to see. Lu Changsheng was respectfully ushered into the main hall. Squire Xia had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing Lu Changsheng enter, Squire Xia and his wife immediately stood up. "Dr. Lu, you have finally arrived. "Back then, I shared a bond with Elder Wu, and I know he can bring back the dead, a true master of the medical path. For Dr. Lu to carry on Elder Wu's mantle, your medical skill is surely formidable." "Squire Xia, let us see your esteemed daughter first. Whether I can cure her is something I cannot yet say," Lu Changsheng replied calmly. "Very well, let us tend to the illness first." Thereupon, Squire Xia led Lu Changsheng into Miss Xia's boudoir. The boudoir was spacious, filled with the fragrance of floral powder mingled with sandalwood. Several maidservants attended by the bedside. Lying on the bed was a young maiden of fifteen or sixteen. She possessed delicate features and fair skin, but her eyes were dull and unfocused, and her face was devoid of color, bearing a frail and sickly look. Lu Changsheng asked, "Miss Xia, where do you feel unwell?" Miss Xia glanced at Lu Changsheng, a hint of surprise flitting through her eyes. Recently, the Xia family had summoned famous physicians from all around, virtually all of whom were old men. Someone as young as Lu Changsheng being permitted by the Xia family to treat her was exceedingly rare. Miss Xia spoke up, "I keep having nightmares. Every night is filled with them. During the day, my head feels groggy and muddled, and I often confuse reality with dreams." Hearing this, Lu Changsheng knitted his brows slightly. This affliction clearly looked complicated. He then checked Miss Xia's pulse. "How is it, Dr. Lu?" Squire Xia asked anxiously. Lu Changsheng did not answer immediately, instead gesturing for Squire Xia to step outside with him. "Squire Xia, if I am not mistaken, Miss Xia is suffering from a nightmare affliction." "A nightmare affliction?" Squire Xia was taken aback. "Yes. A nightmare affliction is not inherently fatal, but it causes mental languor and plagues the victim with constant nightmares. "However, to my knowledge, a nightmare affliction is often induced deliberately." Squire Xia asked, "What do you mean?" "Bewitching incense! Miss Xia must have been exposed to bewitching incense, and for quite some time. Remaining exposed to such incense for an extended period leads to unending nightmares at night, thereby causing a nightmare affliction!" Lu Changsheng's words caused Squire Xia's face to change drastically. Bewitching incense! He knew full well what that implied. Someone was plotting against his daughter! "Dr. Lu, is there a way to treat this nightmare affliction?" Squire Xia asked in a low voice. "Of course it can be treated. I will prescribe a formula first, to be adjusted every three days. After three changes of the prescription, over the course of about ten days, her constitution should be regulated and restored. Miss Xia will naturally make a full recovery. "However, during treatment and afterward, Miss Xia must never come into contact with that bewitching incense again. Otherwise, even if cured, the affliction will recur." Squire Xia appeared deep in thought, a fierce glint flashing across his eyes. Someone had dared to use bewitching incense on his daughter; Squire Xia was hardly a gentle soul. Someone was bound to suffer now. Yet that had nothing to do with Lu Changsheng. He was merely a physician focused on treating patients and saving lives; he had no wish to get involved in other matters. "I understand. I will deal with the matter of the incense. Thank you for your trouble, Dr. Lu." Lu Changsheng then wrote down the prescription and instructed the Xia family servants to prepare the medicine accordingly. Afterward, Lu Changsheng was invited to rest in a guest room. Regulating Miss Xia's constitution would take roughly ten days. During this period, he had to stay at the Xia Manor to prevent any unexpected turns in her condition. Time passed, and three days slipped by. Miss Xia had finished the first course of medicine, and it was time to adjust the prescription. After three days of treatment, her condition had noticeably improved. Word was that she no longer suffered nightmares at night, and her spirits were much higher. However, to achieve a complete recovery, she still needed to continue the regimen to nourish her body. While staying at the Xia Manor, Lu Changsheng also caught wind of some rumors. Squire Xia had apparently beaten several servants to death within the manor. Furthermore, he had dispatched the manor's Refining Organs martial artists, stirring up quite a commotion. This certainly pertained to Miss Xia's personal affairs. Her illness most likely harbored hidden truths. Yet because it touched upon the young mistress's secrets, no one dared wag their tongues. Lu Changsheng had no interest in prying into her personal affairs either. Having stayed at the Xia Manor for three days with nothing to do, he decided to take a stroll outside. Yancheng was rich in well salt, serving as a merchant hub with many traveling traders coming and going. Lu Changsheng strolled along the bustling street when suddenly, rapid hoofbeats echoed from up ahead. "Out of the way! Get the hell out of the way!" Two fast horses galloped through the crowded street. Several inattentive pedestrians were knocked to the ground. A child of four or five stood in the middle of the street, perhaps separated from his parents. The speeding horses charged forward without the slightest intention of slowing down. Lu Changsheng frowned slightly. Suddenly, a burly man darted out from the roadside, swept the child into his arms, and struck the oncoming horse with a palm. *Bang!* The speeding horse collapsed on the spot. The rider hurriedly sprang into the air and leaped down. "Damn it, who hurt my horse?" "Do you know who I am?" The rider immediately glared furiously at the burly man. Putting the child down, the burly man sneered, "I don't care who you are. Galloping horses through a crowded street deserves a beating!" "You—" At that moment, the rider on the other horse reined in his enraged companion. After looking the burly man over carefully, he cupped his fists. "So it is Hero Lei Xiong, the Single Saber of Mount Ba. "My brother and I were in a hurry and offended Hero Lei. We hope Hero Lei can forgive us." Lei Xiong sneered, "Heh heh, you didn't offend me, but you scared this child. "Judging by your attire, you must be from Yancheng's Black Water Gang. "In Yancheng, many fear your Black Water Gang, but Lei does not! "And another thing—go back and tell your gang leader that if the Black Water Gang thinks it can monopolize the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure all by itself, keep dreaming!" The faces of the two Black Water Gang members changed drastically in an instant. "Let's go." Not daring to linger, the two mounted the remaining horse together and sped away. "Thank you, Hero! I kowtow to you, Hero!" By then, the child's mother had rushed over, catching her son and immediately kneeling to kowtow to Lei Xiong. Lei Xiong quickly helped the mother and child up, shaking his head. "Keep a closer eye on your child in the future. All right, leave quickly. You live in Yancheng; if those two from the Black Water Gang target you, you'll be in trouble." Lei Xiong waved his hand, urging the mother and child to leave. He was not afraid of the Black Water Gang, but a mother and child living in Yancheng could not afford to offend them. Afterward, Lei Xiong departed briskly as well. Witnessing this, a gleam flashed through Lu Changsheng's eyes. *Four-Eyed Toad Treasure?* *Among the seven secret treasures needed for the Qiantian Treasure Transformation Secret Method, one of them is the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure.* *What a coincidence that the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure has appeared in Yancheng!* Lu Changsheng gazed thoughtfully at the direction in which Lei Xiong had vanished. Lei Xiong made several looping detours before finally returning to the temporary courtyard he had rented. Clearly, he was not as reckless as his gruff exterior suggested; rather, he was exceptionally cautious. He had traveled thousands of li from Mount Ba to Yancheng specifically for the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure. He had received word that the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure had surfaced in Yancheng. Consuming the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure granted immunity to all poisons. More importantly for a Refining Organs martial artist, it strengthened the physical body. With the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure, Lei Xiong would even dare to attempt breaking through to the Divine Strength Realm. Many martial artists had come to Yancheng to vie for the treasure. Over the past few days, he had crossed paths with numerous renowned figures of the pugilistic world, none of whom were weaker than him. To obtain the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure, he had to plan carefully. Today, he had merely bluffed to test the Black Water Gang; he had no idea whether they had actually obtained the treasure. Still, the Black Water Gang was Yancheng's local tyrant. If the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure had truly appeared in Yancheng, there was a high likelihood it would fall into their hands. "How much do you know about the Four-Eyed Toad Treasure?" Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice rang in Lei Xiong's ears. Lei Xiong's face changed dramatically. "Who's there?" At the same time, Lei Xiong drew his saber in an instant. *Clang!* Known throughout the pugilistic world as the Single Saber of Mount Ba, Lei Xiong certainly had not earned his reputation on hollow boasts. Even with his back turned, he drew his saber from its sheath and swept it horizontally backward. The movement was seamless and blindingly fast. Moreover, the strike was immensely heavy; even a peak Refining Organs martial artist would find it difficult to take head-on. Turning around, he saw a young man gazing at him calmly. His saber's edge was already three inches from the man's throat. In the next instant, it seemed set to sever the head! *Whoosh!* Like lightning, the young man reached out, using his flesh-and-blood hand to barehandedly seize the razor-sharp blade. *Screech!* With a soft scrape, Lei Xiong's eyes went wide. His usually invincible slash had been caught barehanded! What was more, the young man appeared to have done it effortlessly. The hand gripping the saber remained utterly motionless; no matter how hard Lei Xiong pulled, he could not wrest the weapon free. *Snap!* With a squeeze of the young man's hand, the saber crumpled like paper, reduced to a mangled lump of scrap iron in the blink of an eye. "A decent saber, but your saber technique is far too weak." The visitor was naturally Lu Changsheng. While Lei Xiong's saber technique was heavy, forceful, and relentlessly fierce, in terms of pure technique, it fell a step behind Zhao Qilei's. "Barehanding a steel blade, squeezing iron into mud... D-Divine Strength Realm?!" A shockwave ripped through Lei Xiong's mind, his face instantly draining of color. To catch his saber with a single hand, and even crush his weapon of hundred-refined steel with effortless ease—only a Divine Strength Realm martial artist could achieve such a feat. Evidently, this seemingly young man before him was an exalted Divine Strength martial artist!