"Raise Yin-Yang Guiding Force to the first level." Lu Sheng muttered inwardly.
The modifier trembled slightly. The Yin-Yang Guiding Force column flickered—transitioning from "Uninitiated" to "Initiated," and then to "First Level."
A clear sensation bloomed in Lu Sheng’s lower abdomen. The breath there became more distinct, but aside from that, no other changes occurred. Without hesitation, he continued:
"Raise Yin-Yang Guiding Force to the highest second level!"
The modifier shimmered again. The displayed level of Yin-Yang Guiding Force advanced swiftly from First Level to Second—its current peak.
At the moment of this breakthrough, Lu Sheng suddenly sensed a drastic reduction in the internal energy circulating from the Black Tiger Jade Crane Art within him. In its place, a gentle and calming breath slowly surged through his body along a third meridian path.
Now, three internal techniques flowed within him. Three distinct types of internal energy intersected, forming a spherical cross-shaped pattern that moved at varying speeds but never ceased.
With Yin-Yang Guiding Force at 10%, Lu Sheng could clearly feel a shift in his physical state. The dryness in his throat vanished, and the burning sensation in his chest faded completely.
A newfound sense of harmony spread through his being—balanced, whole.
"It seems the Yin-Yang Guiding Force is capable of neutralizing the side effects of the Black Fiend Art. This technique holds an incredibly refined intent..." Lu Sheng narrowed his eyes as a thought took shape. "Perhaps I can use Yin-Yang Guiding Force as the core cultivation method, with Black Tiger Jade Crane Art serving as its support."
Acting immediately, he settled his mind. With Yin Qi still abundant, and the Yin-Yang Guiding Force's growth seemingly placing little strain on his body, he prepared for the next step.
"Deduce the next level of Yin-Yang Guiding Force." he whispered inwardly.
Suddenly, the modifier's interface began to flash and blur—its form rippling like the surface of disturbed water.
In just a few breaths, the interface cleared once more. The displayed level of Yin-Yang Guiding Force had advanced from the second to the third level.
Upon entering the third level, Lu Sheng noticed a subtle but clear shift—the flow of Black Fiend Art within him began to slow. The once blazing-hot internal energy gradually cooled, settling into a steady, moderate rhythm.
He exhaled slowly, a sense of relief washing over him. His gaze shifted to the next technique—the Black Fiend Art.
"With the Black Tiger Jade Crane Art and the Yin-Yang internal energy as my foundation, it’s finally time to deduce the Black Fiend Art..."
His eyes narrowed on the interface options listed under Black Fiend Art. But then, his breath caught. The deduction button was still active.
"What's going on?"
Puzzled, Lu Sheng paused to consider. Then, realization struck him.
"It must be that the Yin energy in the jade hairpin is far greater than what was in the previous powder. After deducing a basic low-level martial art, there’s still energy left—enough to deduce a second one. Yes, that must be it!"
Having worked it out, Lu Sheng’s mood brightened. Although he had lost some hair, his money pouch, and a few other belongings in the process, the rewards far outweighed the sacrifices.
"Start deducing the Black Fiend Art!"
He activated the deduction button with a focused thought.
Hiss...
The modifier flashed and became hazy once more.
Roughly ten breaths later, the screen steadied. The Black Fiend Art had advanced—directly jumping from the third to the fourth level. The updated display now read: "Unknown Fire Poison Technique: Fourth Level."
Suddenly, a stream of fire surged up from Lu Sheng’s perineum, coursing through his abdomen, chest, and neck before shooting into his face. The instant it entered his brain, it exploded into countless warm, radiant currents, washing over his mind like a spring breeze and gentle rain.
"Mm..."
A moan of pure comfort escaped Lu Sheng’s lips. The sensation was overwhelming—strange, soothing, and utterly exhilarating.
He gently opened his shirt and was startled to see a blood-red line running vertically across his chest and abdomen, as if slicing his body into two distinct halves. The mark was vivid—strikingly visible against his skin.
"This... is it the special effect of the fourth level of Black Fiend Art?"
Lu Sheng closed his eyes and carefully traced the internal flow of energy from the fourth level of the technique. As he followed the route, something became increasingly clear.
"There’s a sense of Yin and Yang here... and even elements from the Heart-Rending Palm’s mental method. This technique doesn’t feel like the original version of Black Fiend Art. It seems to be a fusion—essences of other internal skills merged together to create a new internal realm. It shouldn’t even be called Black Fiend Art anymore... I should rename it."
His gaze fell once more on the blood-red line on his body, and a thought surfaced.
"This color is as red as blood... Since its foundation is still the Black Fiend Art, let’s call it the Blood Fiend Art."
The moment his heart settled on the new name, the modifier interface responded instantly. The column labeled Black Fiend Art shifted, updating to Blood Fiend Art in bold text.
Satisfied, Lu Sheng checked the remaining martial arts to see if he could continue deducing—but this time, the deduction button had vanished. Clearly, all the Yin Qi had been exhausted.
"Let’s test its power."
He extended his right hand, channeling the internal energy of the Blood Fiend Art. Dark, searing energy surged through his meridians and gathered in his palm. Without much force, he pressed his palm lightly against a nearby tree trunk.
Hiss...
A white mist of smoke instantly curled up from the bark. The acrid scent of scorched wood filled the air as a blackened, concave palm print burned itself deep into the trunk.
Lu Sheng’s eyes widened in shock.
"This... This isn’t just a martial art anymore," he thought in disbelief. "If this palm touches someone, won’t they be scorched alive within seconds? This is no different from a branding iron!"
Lu Sheng withdrew his internal energy and examined the palm print left on the tree trunk. Upon closer inspection, he realized the charred mark wasn’t caused by heat alone. A significant part of the damage appeared to stem from a corrosive toxin—one that both burned and eroded the wood, leaving behind that distinct, blackened imprint.
Even so, the result was astonishing.
"I wonder how my current strength compares to those renowned masters," Lu Sheng mused. He was pleased with his progress, but without a clear benchmark, he couldn’t gauge his true level.
His thoughts soon turned practical.
"There’s not much money left at home... I already asked my family for a large sum. This is a critical time for their relocation—I can’t put more pressure on Father. I need to find another way."
He considered his options, reflecting on his circumstances, and soon, an idea formed. It was a good plan, but it required waiting until the annual test. That event was just three days away.
"The annual test is in three days. Once it’s over, I’ll begin executing my plan. If I delay, we may run out of money entirely, and even basic tonic herbs won’t be guaranteed."
Lately, he had felt the herbs were insufficient. Though he still had some reserves of health-nurturing internal energy, their recovery rate had clearly slowed. Any further delay could start impacting his martial arts training.
"And Yin Qi... must I always suffer some disaster before I can find more?" Lu Sheng frowned at the thought. Suddenly, the image of the jade pendant on Chen Jiaorong came to mind, and a spark of possibility lit up within him.
But he quickly shook it off.
"Forget it. I should go back and review first, and think about everything again after the New Year’s exam. I may not care much about an official position, but it’s still something Father and Second Mother are hoping for."
With that, Lu Sheng composed himself, suppressing his restless thoughts as he turned toward more immediate priorities.
…………
Three days later, Dongshan College.
The early morning sky was pale and cool, casting a soft light over the growing crowd at the academy gates. A sea of scholars—dressed in long gowns of gray, white, and blue—had already gathered, their voices forming a constant hum as they speculated about the upcoming exam questions.
Here and there, carriages lined the roadside and tucked into corners. Through the parted curtains, faces both young and aged peeked out. Some were family members accompanying hopeful candidates. Others, clearly from wealthy households, chose to remain seated inside—unwilling to mingle with the common scholars outside. Instead, they rested or read, insulated by luxury and pride.
Amid the crowd, Lu Sheng stood silently off to the side, leaning against a shaded wall near the academy entrance. Lu Sheng was clad in a moon-white robe, his head covered entirely by a tall black hat reminiscent of those worn by the Imperial Guards, revealing only the faintest hint of his hairless temples at the sides of his face.
He said nothing, eyes closed, calmly waiting for the examination to begin.
Soon, a white carriage rolled slowly into view. Two people stepped down: a rotund man in bright yellow robes, his belly round and bouncing; and beside him, a graceful young woman whose refined appearance drew more than a few glances.
The moment they stepped down, they began scanning the crowd. The fat man’s eyes lit up the moment he spotted Lu Sheng in the shadows.
"Brother Sheng!" he called out joyfully, raising a hand and jogging over with unexpected energy.
Lu Sheng opened his eyes, casting a sideways glance at the approaching figure.
"Zheng Xiangui..." he sighed. "Can you at least lower your voice in public and try to act like a decent person?"
"What the hell, This fatty was born this way! If anyone has a problem with me, they can come fight me!" Zheng Xiangui replied without a hint of shame, already referring to himself as “Fatty” like it was a badge of honor.
Lu Sheng couldn’t help but ask, "How is it? Feeling confident?"
"Not bad, not bad..." Zheng Xiangui grinned awkwardly, stepping closer and glancing around before lowering his voice like a thief whispering a secret. "To be honest, this whole thing depends on my sister... Fatty here’s hopeless."
Just then, the graceful young woman approached with a polite smile.
"Hello, Brother Sheng," Zheng Yuer greeted softly. Dressed in a refined long gown, her demeanor was both delicate and scholarly, with a faint air of literary charm.
Lu Sheng turned back to her brother with a sigh. "Three sections—classics, policy essays, and military strategy. Which one are you actually prepared for?"
"I still remember a little from school," Zheng Xiangui said sheepishly, scratching his head. "But now... hehe, it’s all gone. Completely forgotten..."
Lu Sheng could only shake his head in silence. To him, passing the exam was straightforward—memorize the key points from the textbooks, understand them thoroughly, and then supplement with his own analysis. That alone would be enough to pass. But ranking high? That would take more effort. Regardless, all he really needed was to get through it and satisfy his family’s expectations.
"It seems Brother Sheng is quite confident," Zheng Yuer said with a soft smile. "Why don’t you take my brother under your wing? He won’t pass at this rate."
"Not quite," Lu Sheng chuckled. "It's more about detachment bringing strength. This time, the exam venue is our Dongshan College—how convenient that we don’t even need to step outside. Just wait for it to begin right here."
At that moment, a luxurious carriage pulled up nearby. Chen Jiaorong stepped down and immediately spotted the group. With a warm smile, he approached.
"Brother Lu, long time no see," he greeted. "I really owe you for last time. If it weren’t for you, I probably wouldn’t be standing here right now." His smile turned a bit bitter.
"It was nothing. Don’t keep bringing it up," Lu Sheng waved his hand dismissively. Then he asked, "By the way, why haven’t I seen Brother Zhenguo around for this year’s exam?"
Chen Jiaorong shook his head.
"He was selected as a candidate for inspection and has been in confinement for some time. But strangely enough, something must have stirred him—he’s become extremely diligent in his study of the classics and policy essays. I wouldn’t be surprised if he passed this time."
"Really?" Lu Sheng raised his brows in mild surprise. He had assumed Song Zhenguo would spiral into despair after the incident with Jun’er, but it seemed the man had managed to turn things around.46Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmQDeUAVMG
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