Chapter 258: Chapter 210 ’Blood-Handed Man Slaughter’ Dai Xiong!
He lifted the curtain and looked out the carriage, where hundreds of robust men stood, each radiating a murderous aura.
They appeared to be elites.
But in Chen Jichuan’s eyes, these people were not cultivators. Even though their physiques were strong, it was merely the result of the most basic form of physical training.
It didn’t qualify as cultivation.
Their abilities were at best comparable to the first or second layer of Ming Strength.
They were not worth noting.
"The so-called elite of the Northern Border, yet they are all ordinary folk?"
Chen Jichuan’s heart stirred but quickly understood.
Early-stage cultivation—
Whether it involved inner strength or external skills—required copious amounts of grain and meat to replenish Essence Qi, and medicinal herbs to nourish the body. These impoverished soldiers barely earned enough through their military stipends to feed their families, much less support their own cultivation.
"Cultivation."
"First relies on perseverance and determination."
"Second relies on financial resources and family wealth."
Clearly—
These rank-and-file soldiers might have sufficient perseverance and determination, but without money, it all amounts to nothing.
As for Dai Xiong—
"Transforming Strength Ninth Layer!"
Chen Jichuan gazed toward the front of the carriage, eyeing the general astride a tall horse.
Name: Dai Xiong
Age: 48
Level: 9
Cultivation: Transforming Strength Third Layer
Cultivation Technique: Great Vajra Fist (Ninth Layer)
Magic Techniques: Great Vajra Fist, Gate Guarding Saber, Blood Flame
...
"Dai Xiong hailed from a poor background, fathered a child at the age of thirty, and joined the army at thirty-six."
"He spent twelve years without any news."
"Now he’s returned, not only promoted to Assistant General but also reaching Transforming Strength Third Layer in cultivation—a rarity among commoners."
"What talent! What fate!"
Chen Jichuan watched and nodded quietly.
His gaze lingered a moment on ’Blood Flame,’ and with a brief observation, he roughly deduced the origins of Dai Xiong’s cultivation.
He surveyed the surroundings.
Idly speculating.
Soon, they reached the Prefecture City.
...
Since Da Chao unified the realm over two hundred years ago, the territory has been divided into twenty-two circuits and 248 prefectures. Despite some adjustments over the years, this structure has remained constant.
However, the borders have significantly expanded.
Some prefectures were merged inland, while new counties were established along the boundaries.
Five Spirits Prefecture was formed by merging the former East Spirit, West Spirit, North Spirit, South Spirit, and Central Spirit prefectures. It now stands as the foremost major prefecture in the Southern Border, governing 21 counties and 2 subsidiary districts, encompassing a vast territory with a sizable population.
Dai Xiong, as the Assistant General of Five Spirits Prefecture, ranked as the chief military officer of the prefecture, second in authority only to the Prefecture Governor.
Not only does he have an Assistant General Mansion in the Prefecture City, but upon taking office, he also received mansions and lands as gifts from numerous officials and merchants.
"The Dai Mansion."
Chen Jichuan followed Dai Xiong into the household, glanced around, and couldn’t help but laugh, "Just upon assuming office, you already have such a spacious residence. It seems Dai Xiong is neither unworldly nor overly upright."
That’s for the better.
It was convenient for him to stay with the Dai family, both to cultivate and to learn more about this world.
...
"’Great Vajra Fist’ is a rare and advanced martial art of this age. Its techniques are ancient, vigorous, fierce, and unwavering."
"It emphasizes, ’Every strike has momentum, every momentum has form, and every form has utility.’"
"The overall technique consists of four sections, 81 momentum movements—powerful, swift, steady, firm, and thorough. The moves are concise, quick, interchanging fists and feet, combining offense and defense, targeting weaknesses, and blending hardness with softness."
"Your body is highly debilitated and unsuitable for intense training. Begin by balancing yourself through medicine baths and medicinal meals. Practice one or two rounds daily to flex your blood channels, harmonize your Qi flow, cultivate spirit, adjust breath, enhance strength, and harmonize meridians."
"When the time comes, you can dive into more advanced training."
The Dai Mansion.
Dai Xiong stood in the courtyard, dressed in vigorous attire, imparting the Great Vajra Fist to Chen Jichuan.
Chen Jichuan listened intently.
He had spent nearly half a month here. During this time, his focus had been on adjusting his body through medicine baths and medicinal meals. His current identity was ’Dai Zong,’ but in actuality, it was his own 18-year-old body—
Subjected to six years in the Black Prison, the body had been excessively drained and severely weakened.
Before engaging in martial arts, proper care and restoration were indeed necessary.
Half a month passed.
His body recovered slightly, and today Dai Xiong came to instruct him in martial arts.
[Cultivation Technique: Great Vajra Fist]
[Level: Beginner]
[Description: A fierce boxing style created by Buddhist monks three hundred years ago.]
It was only a beginner-level cultivation technique, and Chen Jichuan didn’t think much of it.
While Dai Xiong imparted lessons, Chen Jichuan divided his focus—on one hand, practicing the punches as instructed, and on the other, organizing the information he had stolen and overheard over the past half-month using ’Thousand-mile Eye’ and ’Sharp-Hearing Ear.’
"Da Chao truly has supernatural occurrences."
"Incidents of monsters and evil spirits eating people happen from time to time. Jianghu heroes, Martial Arts giants, and Da Chao’s Demon Suppression Department all take it upon themselves to eliminate demons and suppress evil, standing as opposing forces to specters and monsters. Over the past two centuries, countless legends and stirring tales have emerged."
"Yet Immortals remain mere folklore, with no sign of cultivators appearing."
Within Five Spirits Prefecture City, Chen Jichuan discovered that the most powerful person in the city was his nominal father—Dai Xiong.
Below him.
Cultivators at the Transforming Strength or Innate levels were scarce.
For a major prefecture like Five Spirits Prefecture, whose Prefecture City gathered the crème de la crème of the region, there were only a few minor players, which made him wonder how few truly remarkable individuals resided in Da Chao.
"Judging by the local environment, achieving Qi Refinement is indeed impossible."
Cultivators cannot progress without spiritual energy.
The spiritual energy in Five Spirits Prefecture was thin, and cultivation was extraordinarily challenging. Most ordinary people could not even sense Qi; achieving Postnatal cultivation alone meant they were considered regional experts.
To achieve Qi Refinement?
It was harder than reaching the heavens!
"This world is at least of second-order; it shouldn’t be this low-level."
"It must be a matter of geography."
Chen Jichuan mused inwardly, contemplating the idea of "seeking Immortals and pursuing the Dao."
But—
Seeking Immortals and the Dao requires direction.
At the moment, Chen Jichuan was completely in the dark, unsure which path to take. If he chose the wrong direction, it might cause significant delays.
"I should investigate thoroughly before proceeding."
Chen Jichuan resolved to stay in the Dai Mansion for now.
Rather than wandering aimlessly, it was better to start with Dai Xiong. His nominal father seemed to harbor many secrets.
Time moved forward.
In the blink of an eye, another half-month passed.
...
On this day.
The moon hung high.
Dai Xiong summoned Chen Jichuan.
"Father."
"Uncle Song."
Present there were not only Dai Xiong but also his trusted associate and loyal subordinate, Song Dazhi.
Arriving before them, Chen Jichuan offered greetings to both men.
Having taken up the identity of ’Dai Zong,’ Chen Jichuan wasn’t hesitant about behaving accordingly—calling his father, "Father," and his uncle, "Uncle," without much thought.
He didn’t take such names to heart.
"Zong’er."
Dai Xiong looked at his son, filled with deep guilt.
Even a hardened soldier harbors affection. He stepped forward to pat Chen Jichuan on the shoulder, his expression revealing an attachment.
But soon after, he restrained his emotions and spoke solemnly, "I came to Five Spirits Prefecture not just in the role of Assistant General but as an imperial envoy on a sacred mission, secretly investigating Five Spirits Prefecture’s officialdom. Given how sensitive the situation is, I must focus fully on my tasks and cannot afford distractions. Therefore, I want your Uncle Song to escort you east to Golden Water Prefecture for a temporary stay, and once Five Spirits Prefecture’s disputes are settled, I will bring you back. How does that sound to you?"
"I’ll follow Father’s arrangements."
Chen Jichuan’s thoughts turned, and he readily agreed.
After observing Dai Xiong for nearly a month, he had already uncovered most of his secrets.
A few fortunate circumstances—
Though they might be earth-shaking for a commoner—they held no interest for Chen Jichuan.
Recently, he had been planning to find an excuse to leave Five Spirits Prefecture and search elsewhere for clues regarding the whereabouts of this world’s Immortal Cultivation Realm.
Dai Xiong taking the initiative made things easier; it saved him from having to make up complex excuses.
As for Five Spirits Prefecture’s official disputes—
With Dai Xiong’s unparalleled martial strength and an army of several thousand under his command, Chen Jichuan believed his father was more than capable of safeguarding himself.
"..."
Dai Xiong saw how readily his son agreed and couldn’t help feeling a pang of disappointment. Forcing a smile, he said, "Good. Since that’s the case, to avoid any delays, you’ll set off with your Uncle Song tonight under the cover of darkness."
"Alright."
Chen Jichuan acted as though he were entirely compliant, responding affirmatively to everything.
Song Dazhi, standing nearby, maintained a stoic expression on his dark-skinned face. After bowing to Dai Xiong, he packed their luggage and led Chen Jichuan out of the city.
...
A month later.
Golden Water Prefecture.
In a modest courtyard, Chen Jichuan was practicing his martial arts.
Suddenly—
Bang!
The gate swung open, and Song Dazhi rushed inside, his dark face looking even more grim.
"Uncle Song."
"What’s the matter?"
Chen Jichuan turned his gaze to Song Dazhi.
"There’s no time to explain."
"Get on the carriage!"
Song Dazhi hurriedly entered, grabbed the luggage, then pulled Chen Jichuan out of the courtyard. Outside was a carriage; Song Dazhi pushed him aboard, donned a bamboo hat, and drove the carriage straight out of the city.
Thud-thud-thud!
Thud-thud-thud!
The horse’s hooves echoed urgently as the carriage sped onward.
"Uncle Song, what’s going on?"
Chen Jichuan remained silent for a while.
Finally, as the carriage left the city, he poked his head out and questioned Song Dazhi.
Song Dazhi had been Dai Xiong’s comrade in battle.
Even after Dai Xiong rose to prominence, Song Dazhi remained by his side. Upon arriving in Five Spirits Prefecture, he was entrusted to command Dai Xiong’s personal guard.
A month ago, Dai Xiong handed over his long-separated son to Song Dazhi.
It reflected their deep bond.
Now, seeing Song Dazhi panicked like this, Chen Jichuan couldn’t help but speculate that it was likely connected to Dai Xiong.
"Did the purge of the officialdom fail? Was he counterattacked?"
"Or perhaps his cultivation in demon techniques has been exposed and is being condemned?"
Chen Jichuan’s mind raced.
"This place isn’t safe."
"I’ll explain everything shortly."
Song Dazhi still refused to offer an immediate explanation.
Chen Jichuan wasn’t overly anxious; he simply waited calmly.
The carriage galloped forward.
The surroundings grew eerie and quiet.
After traveling for about an hour, Song Dazhi slowed the carriage slightly and finally spoke to Chen Jichuan, "Little Zong, your father has committed an offense. He is currently being pursued across the territory by the Six Gates Bureau and the Demon Suppression Department from the court. Various Jianghu figures are also after him. You and I are also now wanted by the court. Golden Water Prefecture and Da Chao as a whole are unsafe; I’m taking you out of Da Chao now. Once it’s safe, we’ll find a chance to reunite with your father."
"Wanted?"
Chen Jichuan mentally exclaimed, "As expected," yet remained curious. "How did things come to this?"
Song Dazhi, intent on driving the carriage, didn’t notice Chen Jichuan’s expression. He replied in an attempt to assuage the younger man, "Don’t worry. Your father is unparalleled in courage and martial prowess, comparable to the finest heroes of Jianghu. Even if the Six Gates Bureau and Demon Suppression Department combine forces, they won’t be able to touch a single hair on his head."
After a moment of pause—
And seeing that Chen Jichuan hadn’t responded—
Song Dazhi thought for a moment, then added with a laugh, "It’s just some official infighting. Your father, born of humble stock and forged in the army, has no knowledge of political machinations. During his investigation of Five Spirits Prefecture’s officials, his measures were too severe and he fell into a trap. That’s why he’s facing this crisis. But he anticipated this and made preparations in advance. Given his skills, his life is in no danger. You can relax."
While his words made sense—
Based on the brief interactions Chen Jichuan had with Dai Xiong in the last month, the man hardly seemed like a simple-minded brute; he wasn’t likely to be so easily ensnared.
It was probably related to the cultivation of demon techniques.
But such dishonorable matters were unlikely to be disclosed by Song Dazhi.
"Alright."
Chen Jichuan didn’t press further.
He casually affirmed Song Dazhi’s words while sharpening his focus, attuning his ears to the developments in Golden Water Prefecture City.
The carriage raced onward.
Sounds from multiple directions filtered into his ears.
Song Dazhi never imagined that Chen Jichuan possessed the talent of ’Sharp-Hearing Ear.’ Despite his haste to flee Golden Water Prefecture City before word of the situation spread, Chen Jichuan still managed to catch wind of the matter—
"Assistant General Dai Xiong of Five Spirits Prefecture slaughtered 322 members of his own clan, young and old alike, staining the entire prefecture in blood and sparking nationwide outrage. The Capital issued a decree commanding the Six Gates Bureau and Demon Suppression Department to unite and capture Dai Xiong by any means necessary."
"The Jianghu is in upheaval. Heroes and renowned Martial Arts masters have publicly vowed to kill Dai Xiong to restore order."
"Due to the severity of his actions, the extent of his slaughters, and the enormity of their impact, some have begun calling Dai Xiong—"
...
"The Blood-Handed Man Slaughter!"
Chen Jichuan’s brow furrowed deeply in surprise.
...