My Martial Arts Level Never Drops

Chapter 280: Chapter 149: Inner City

He shook his head repeatedly.

’...I’m just an Outer Steward for the Wan Tong Commerce Association. My information network might be decent, but... but who is Wu Xueci? If I dare to ask about Wu Xueci, I’ll probably wake up tomorrow either in the Heavenly Gang Prison or a Lanyang City jail cell! This Brother Qin looks so honest and decent, but don’t you go getting me killed!’

Qian Ruhai was utterly speechless.

When Qin Fang saw his expression, a flicker of understanding crossed his eyes... He realized he’d been a bit too hasty.

’Right. This man came here to have a casual chat with me. There’s no way he’d know anything about a Quasi-True Inheritor of the Heavenly Gang Wuji Sect.’

’But still...’

’A True Inheritance of a Supreme Elder from the Heavenly Gang Wuji Sect!’

Qin Fang subconsciously glanced out the window. Below, the streets were wide and flat, bustling with a steady stream of carriages and pedestrians. Tall buildings and countless shops lined the roads, painting a picture of a flourishing mortal world.

This was the ”great city” he had only set foot in yesterday, a place he was now striving to understand.

’And what about Senior Sister?’

’She might be cultivating on a Suspended Immortal Mountain, a place where Vitality congeals into mist and Spiritual Birds dance in the air.’

’She might be listening to sermons in the core halls of the Celestial Spirit Sect, a place protected by heavy guards and powerful Arrays.’

’She might be in seclusion within a legendary Grotto Heaven Secret Mansion, a place said to exist outside this world, pushing to break through to a higher Realm...’

’...Wait a second.’

Qin Fang suddenly froze.

’In seclusion?’

’Could it be? The lack of response to those five letters... was it because Senior Sister... is in seclusion?’

He blinked.

’That’s very likely!’

’...Just because something unexpected happened, it doesn’t automatically have to be a ’bad thing,’ right?’

Qin Fang muttered to himself.

He suddenly remembered something and turned to ask Qian Ruhai.

But the words died on his lips...

’...He wanted to ask Qian Ruhai if he knew what had happened with True Martial.’

’Or if anything major had happened in the Prefecture City lately...’

’But even though Qian Ruhai had told him a lot, they were still strangers. It was best not to ask too many questions that might reveal his true origins.’

’...The man was far more clever than he let on.’

’If he were misunderstood and linked to the Blood Luo Sect again... it would be a huge hassle.’

’...Senior Sister’s position was much higher than he had imagined.’

’And the politics involved were likely far more complex, too.’

’Her being in seclusion was just an optimistic guess. He had no way of knowing the truth.’

’...But in all likelihood, nothing terrible had happened to her.’

’Otherwise, with Senior Sister’s status, any incident involving her would be momentous enough to rock Lanyang City to its core!’

’A man as well-informed as Qian Ruhai would almost certainly know about it...’

’...right?’

Qin Fang was so lost in thought that he didn’t even notice Qian Ruhai trying to speak to him several times.

When he noticed a flicker in Qian Ruhai’s eyes, as if the man was observing him, Qin Fang took a deep breath. He knew he couldn’t stay any longer.

’...The news about his Senior Sister was staggering. He needed time to process it.’

”Brother Qian.” Qin Fang set down his teacup, his expression once again serene. ”Thank you for your hospitality and for answering my questions today. I still need to get familiar with the city, so I won’t impose on you any further.”

”Of course, Brother Qin. Please, don’t let me keep you.” Qian Ruhai rose with a smile. ”It’s been a true pleasure meeting you, Brother Qin. I feel like we’re old friends already. We must do this again soon.”

”Your words today have also been of great benefit to me, Brother Qian. Thank you,” Qin Fang said, giving a slight bow with clasped hands.

”Nonsense, it was just some common knowledge. Hardly worth mentioning. You’re too kind, Brother Qin.” Qian Ruhai waved his hand dismissively, then paused. ”However... there is one thing. I’ve been debating whether to say it, but I feel I should give you a reminder, Brother Qin.”

”Oh? Please, Brother Qian, go on,” Qin Fang said, surprised.

Qian Ruhai leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear. ”Inside the Post House, iron-clad rules keep everyone in line. No one would dare act recklessly. But once you step outside that door...”

Qin Fang’s eyes narrowed. He watched as Qian Ruhai glanced meaningfully out the window in the direction of the Post House.

”There are quite a few people in the Post House who have been fighting for one of those twelve positions for years. A number of them are... nearing the age limit. This year is likely their final attempt.”

He looked at Qin Fang. ”Brother Qin, you’ve appeared out of nowhere with an extraordinary Cultivation and a connection to Tributor Yun... In the eyes of some, that makes you a powerful new competitor, an unpredictable variable...”

He lowered his voice, his eyes narrowing. ”When profit is the priority, and it’s their last chance, there’s no telling if someone might... resort to desperate measures.”

”Brother Qin, your Talent is exceptional and your future is limitless, but remember the saying: an open attack is easy to dodge, but a hidden arrow is hard to block. While you’re in Lanyang City, you must be... extra careful.”

Qian Ruhai’s words made Qin Fang’s heart clench, and he sank into thought.

After a moment, he exhaled softly and bowed slightly. ”I will remember your warning, Brother Qian. Thank you.”

”Think nothing of it.”

Seeing from Qin Fang’s expression that his words had been heard, Qian Ruhai broke into a smile. He waved his hand and said, ”Go on, then. We can talk again when we have the chance... If you’re free, Brother Qin, feel free to drop by my little courtyard for a visit. I’m also in the Post House, in C Courtyard. Building C, Room 93. You’re welcome anytime.”

Qin Fang let out a soft breath, looked at Qian Ruhai, and nodded.

The two said their goodbyes. Qin Fang descended from Tingyu Pavilion and stepped out onto the noisy street.

’...Qian Ruhai’s warning made him realize that his current situation was, in fact, rather dangerous.’

’Martial Arts Examination...’

’Inner Sect...’

’Candidates...’

’Opportunity...’

He walked at a steady pace, these keywords swirling in his mind.

Finally, his thoughts returned to his Senior Sister, and he glanced in the direction of the Inner City.

He let out a final, soft breath, his gaze hardening with resolve.

’No matter what, the first step is to find out Master’s whereabouts. At the very least, I need to figure out what the Inner City is and how a normal person can get inside...’

After composing himself, he raised his head and scanned his surroundings.