Immortality Begins With Internal Breathing

More than ten days had passed, but Songyi City was still pretty much the same, except for how quiet it was now. Many passersby whispered about who had managed to find a way out of the city, their faces filled with envy. Escaping from Songyi City required a great deal of silver—something beyond the reach of most ordinary folk.

Wu Yinghe, the manager of Jade Pill Teahouse, could have left with Lin Zheyu’s help but chose not to. Too many concerns weighed on his mind. Leaving the city where one was born and raised was never a simple decision.

Back at his courtyard, the flowers and grass that were untended for more than ten days had grown wildly after a spring rain. Lin Zheyu checked the hidden compartment inside his room; everything was still there, untouched.

After changing into a clean blue robe, he made his way to Feihong Tower. Leader Xu, having little else to do on most days, usually spent his time there. Lin Zheyu spoke briefly to the guards at the entrance, and within two minutes, one of them led him to the rear courtyard.

”Sit down and have some tea. You’ve been in Daba Mountain for over ten days; it must have been hard on you, ” said Leader Xu with a smile.

”Thank you, Leader. It wasn’t hard work, but I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. The man couldn’t be found. I searched all through Daba Mountain and didn’t see a single soul.” He produced an envelope, a bamboo whistle, and a jade token, handing them over as he said, ”That mountain is utterly desolate. Are you certain that the reclusive elder truly lived there?”

”Indeed. He left a way to contact him long ago, saying that if we ever needed his help, we could find him in Daba Mountain. But it’s been more than 10 years since that promise. It seems the elder has long since departed,” said Xu Jingwu. His tone was composed, showing little disappointment, as though he had already expected this outcome. He had merely exhausted every possible lead; failing to find the reclusive cultivator was within his expectations.

”Has anything major happened while I was gone? The atmosphere in the city feels tense. On my way back from Beast Roar Mountain, I ran into several of Wuding Gang’s informants along the way. Is there something you need my help with?” asked Lin Zheyu.

”You’re thoughtful. But for now, you’re still only at the Bone Forging Realm. Your main task is to focus on training and grow stronger as quickly as possible,” said Xu Jingwu with a smile.

”While hunting outside the city, I happened to see men from the Xing Family entering Lion Valley. Rumor has it that a cult called the Nine Nether Sect has appeared there. Could it be that the Xing Family has joined hands with them?” said Lin Zheyu after a brief pause. Though he suspected Xu Jingwu was already aware, he still mentioned it, just in case.

”Don’t worry, I’m already aware. The rebel army, the Nine Nether Sect, and the Great Wei conflict are not matters our Feihong Gang should involve itself in. The risks are far too great. With one misstep, we’d be doomed. If the Xing Family wants to meddle and chase profits, let them. As for the frontlines, things aren’t looking good. It won’t be long before the fighting reaches Guanning City. Be prepared. If the situation worsens, you should leave Songyi City at once,” replied Xu Jingwu evenly.

After finishing his report on the Daba Mountain mission, Lin Zheyu took his leave. Xu Jingwu was busy; as soon as Lin stepped out, a middle-aged man entered, his expression suggesting urgent business.

Lin Zheyu stopped by Jade Pill Teahouse for a brief chat with Jia Yanyong and a few others before heading home. On the way, he bought some herbs for Blood-Nourishing Bone-Fortifying Decoction just to stock up before prices rose again.

Crackling sounds filled the air as the campfire burned in Lin Zheyu’s courtyard that evening. He and Han Mo sat by the flames, roasting meat on skewers. The rich aroma spread through the night air.

”Senior Brother, the frontlines seem to be going poorly. They’ll probably reach Guanning City soon. You should have your father and wife get ready to leave with the Feihong Gang’s convoy,” said Lin Zheyu between bites of sizzling meat.

”They’re already packed and can leave at any time. Once they reach Bafang City, I’ll have to trouble you to look after them for me,” replied Han Mo.

As a member of the City Guard, Han Mo couldn’t leave himself, and neither could most of his family. The only reason his parents, wife, and children were able to depart was because Lin Zheyu had arranged it through the Chen Family’s connections.

”Not at all. It’s the least I can do for you, Senior Brother,” said Lin Zheyu earnestly. Han Mo had helped him many times before, so watching over his family was hardly a burden.

”It’s been a while since we last sparred,” said Han Mo, rising to his feet after their meal. ”Let’s see how your Sixfold Saber has come along.”

”Very well. Senior brother, please guide me,” replied Lin Zheyu, lifting a practice saber and taking the Sixfold Saber stance.

”Go on and use your full strength. I’ve already advanced to the Blood Qi Realm, so you won’t hurt me,” said Han Mo confidently.

Lin Zheyu smiled faintly and made no reply. If he struck with full force, not even his master, Liang Song, could withstand a single Mountain Shattering Palm, much less Han Mo. But he had no intention of using his full strength.

He pushed off the ground with his right foot, charging forward without employing any leg technique. Ever since mastering the Mountain Shattering Palm, the Sixfold Saber technique had become almost redundant, yet he had no intention of abandoning it. Once he reached Perfection in the saber technique, mastering any stronger saber techniques in the future would come far more easily.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sound of clashing metal rang through the courtyard. Lin Zheyu restrained his strength to the peak of the Bone Forging Realm, matching Han Mo blow for blow through superior combat sense and martial insight. When power and speed were evenly matched, it was one’s awareness and technique that determined victory.

Junior brother’s comprehension is terrifying; his mastery of the saber is almost catching up to mine! His battle instincts are incredible and even frightening. I’ve been using the strength of the Organ Forging Realm, yet I still can’t overpower him.

Though Han Mo kept a calm expression, inwardly, he was shaken. Despite using strength beyond his opponent’s realm, he found himself struggling to keep up with Lin Zheyu’s relentless offense.

After sparring for more than an hour, Lin Zheyu withdrew his saber and stepped back.

”I concede, Senior Brother,” he said with a courteous bow and an easy smile.

Han Mo’s Sixfold Saber had already reached Advanced Mastery, so crossing blades with him had taught Lin Zheyu many subtleties of the technique—insights that would greatly refine his own saber skill.

”Your saber technique has improved so fast you’ll probably catch up to me within a few months. Such talent and comprehension... truly enviable. Compared to you, I feel like I’ve wasted the last 20 years,” said Han Mo with a wry smile.

”Senior brother, don’t belittle yourself. Your talent and comprehension are exceptional, just slightly below mine. By the way, when you used the Ten Thousand Troop Steps earlier, your exertion was slightly off. For example, when I swung my saber horizontally, you pivoted on your right toes and released the power from your calf. That motion was incorrect, causing...” He began explaining in detail, patiently pointing out the flaws in Han Mo’s technique.

Upon hearing this, Han Mo’s expression grew solemn. In martial practice, the capable were teachers; he felt no discomfort at all in being guided by his junior. Under Lin Zheyu’s guidance, Han Mo followed his instructions carefully and began practicing the Ten Thousand Troop Steps in the courtyard.

Senior brother... I hope you make it out alive, thought Lin Zheyu as he watched Han Mo immerse himself in practice.

If the rebel army truly attacked, Han Mo would have to go to war. Though a Blood Qi Realm expert was formidable within Songyi City, on the battlefield, he was merely a stronger ant. Mastering the Ten Thousand Troop Steps might give him a better chance at surviving.

As time passed, the situation in Songyi City grew more and more strained. The Feihong Gang’s territories outside the city saw frequent skirmishes, with many casualties. Jia Yanyong, Xie Jiang, and Ning Hui were all reassigned to the front lines, while Lin Zheyu remained in the city, overseeing Feihong Gang’s holdings within the walls.

Xu Jingwu took great care of Lin Zheyu, never allowing him to take unnecessary risks. In his eyes, a genius like this was worth protecting. Whether Lin Zheyu eventually joined the Xu Family or not, helping him in his early days would one day yield immense rewards. A small favor now cost the Xu Family almost nothing; after all, they had no shortage of peak Bone Forging Realm warriors. Xu Jingwu understood people well.

Lin Zheyu acknowledged the man’s kindness. If the Xu Family ever faced danger, he would not stand idly by.

The growing tension in Songyi City had little to do with Lin Zheyu. The Xing Family had once sent people to tail him, many of whom ended up dead, but they seemed to believe he was merely a Bone Forging Realm martial artist, incapable of stirring up real trouble. Since those deaths were tied to the Feihong Gang and the Xu Family, the Xing Family had chosen to retaliate against the Feihong Gang’s outer territories instead of targeting Lin Zheyu directly.