A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 70: Dragon Swallows the Pearl, Feast of Mountain Delicacies

Hoo!

Bai Qi completed the last round of Dragon Palm, thoroughly mastering every move, and then slowly withdrew his stance.

Even with the physique he had built up by consuming the Demon Fish Inner Pill day and night, it became somewhat unbearable.

His Qi and blood surged through his body like a mighty river, his breathing hot and fast, as if about to explode at any moment.

His heart beat like a drum, the large muscles contracting and releasing like a tightly drawn bowstring, producing a distinct feeling of soreness and numbness.

"The intensity of this technique is indeed incomparable to regular training. If I were still at the stage of just grasping my Qi and blood, I fear I wouldn't be able to complete a single motion.

No wonder the Instructor said that fighting technique relies on courage first, strength second, and skill third, because martial arts used in real combat consume the most Qi, depleting energy.

Ordinary people's physique can't handle it; practice might instead harm their body."

Bai Qi's chest rose and fell rapidly, like bellows being quickly worked, gradually slowing down with the rhythm of his breathing, finally returning to normal.

Though his brow radiated exhaustion, he also felt a sense of satisfaction, as his entire strength and every muscle relaxed at once. This sense of exhilaration was something that static stance training couldn't provide.

"Have a bowl while it's hot, Young Master Qi."

Uncle Dao brought hot, thick soup to the door, the essence brewed from the Demon Fish Inner Pill, with added medicinal herbs to enhance the effect.

Gulping it down, Bai Qi found the taste not particularly good, like donkey hide gelatin, but knowing it was worth several hundred taels, he was tempted to lick the bowl clean to avoid waste.

The scalding liquid warmed his insides, wrapping his flesh and blood in waves of heat that felt indescribably comfortable.

Of course, this was temporary; soon, the potency of the medicine would rise, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.

"Uncle Dao, did you see my technique just now? How was it?"

Bai Qi handed the bowl back and asked casually.

Perhaps because he was a gatekeeper, akin to a hidden master, Bai Qi often thought Uncle Dao was an unknown expert and frequently sought advice from him.

"For your first practice, being able to perform it fluently is already commendable. Young Master Qi, your understanding is so quick, truly one in a thousand."

Lao Dao didn't hesitate to praise, then added a few words:

"Dragon Palm focuses on explosive power, quick maneuvers, all hinging on a single breath, so it's most vulnerable when someone counterattacks and disrupts your breathing, causing you to lose composure.

There's a technique, as should be written in your cultivation manual, called 'Swallowing like a Dragon Playing with a Pearl, Spitting like a Tiger Crossing a Mountain,' where the breath alternates, resembling swirling water flows that condense into stringed beads, preserving your force."

Bai Qi pondered for a moment and suddenly understood. He assumed his stance again, chest and abdomen expanded, mouth open in a breath, drawing a whirl of air as if swallowing it into his throat. With this, the force behind the Dragon Palm suddenly tightened, adding another layer of ferocity.

Thud!

With a heavy slap, it emitted an intense aura that seemed to resonate in the air.

[Comprehended the technique of exerting force in Dragon Palm, progress increased]

Bai Qi glanced at the flashing ink inscription and clasped his hands, expressing his gratitude:

"Thank you, Uncle Dao, for your guidance."

In martial arts, there's a saying: a single genuine word is worth a thousand scriptures.

Lao Dao's few words saved Bai Qi from spending days comprehending it alone.

This was even with his ink inscription advancing his progress and understanding.

"Uncle Dao, did you practice the Five Grand Captures? How are you so familiar with it?"

Bai Qi curiously inquired.

"I didn't practice it; that's a skill only taught under Tongwen Hall."

Lao Dao shook his head, smiling cheerfully.

Bai Qi didn't pursue the question further and began using the Golden Core Great Strength Skill's stance to dissipate the surging medicinal power of the Demon Fish Inner Pill.

Lao Dao, hands behind his back, walked out of the courtyard, tapping the bottom of the bowl with his knuckles, chuckling to himself:

"Though I never practiced it, I got hit by it many times; an illness that long becomes a good doctor, how could I not recognize its power."

...

...

At late hour of You, He Wenbing set up a feast and invited the chef from Baoqing Tower to his home to prepare a mountain delicacy banquet.

The main dish was "Golden Deer Plum Blossoms," made with roasted venison as the primary ingredient, complemented by matsutake mushrooms, white fungus, and bracken.

The hot dish was "Changbai Flying Dragon Fragrant Pot," crafted with Flying Dragon Meat paired with green bok choy and ham, simmered in "top soup."

These two dishes showcased the chef's skills; a slightly less skilled cook would waste the ingredients.

There were also "Orchid Bear Paw Fortune, Luck and Longevity," "Lotus Family Kia Plays Wild Phoenix," "Immortal Longevity Monkey Head Mushroom," "Celestial Pool Snow Clam Red Lotus," all renowned wild game dishes with illustrious names.

One cannot say it wasn't sumptuous!

"Old Yang, have a seat."

He Wenbing took his seat and looked at Yang Meng, who stood awkwardly by the guest seat looking very uneasy.

"I know your preferences; though you're from a fishing background, you don't like fish, but favor mountain delicacies. Come, come, eat while it's hot; it won't taste the same when cold."

Yang Meng, clad in coarse hemp clothes, sat down compliantly but didn't pick up his chopsticks, bowing his head:

"Master, my son's mourning period isn't over, and I'm on a vegetarian diet to pray for his soul, hoping for an early reincarnation."

He Wenbing seemed not to hear, standing up and placing a chopstick of seven or eight medium-rare venison into Yang Meng's bowl.

"Ah Quan's tragic fate pains me deeply; Young Master Tai always admired Ah Quan, intending to train him to take over my position and promote him to Chief Shopkeeper, managing various shops... but alas, who could have expected the heavens to be so unkind, leaving you, Old Yang, to send off a son in his prime."

Yang Meng's mouth moved slightly, his bark-like face trembling, but no voice came out.

"The pain of losing a child is hard to heal; I understand. But vengeance has a source; that Demon Fish has already been slain. Lei Xiong took action personally, and its body was burned to ashes."

He Wenbing sat back down; knowing his master's habits, a maid quickly served a bowl of Flying Dragon Soup.

"If Ah Quan's spirit is aware, he should be at peace. His death had nothing to do with the Liang family father and son, nor with Bai Ahqi. You must realize this in your heart.

Moreover, that young fisherman has already joined the Tongwen Hall as the Instructor's apprentice.

You're aware of Ninghai Zen's methods; how many martial arts halls in Yihai Prefecture have been disrupted by him, to no avail, so let it end here. Don't stir up any more trouble."

Yang Meng's voice was hoarse, like grinding iron against stone:

"Master, I know the importance, no need for deliberate reminders."

He Wenbing placed down his soup bowl and waved his hand:

"Ah, Old Yang, those words are too heavy. While I am a businessman, I'm sentimental; it isn't about reminders. I just don't want to see you act rashly.

The arm can't twist the thigh, an egg can't clash against rock, ten Yang Meng can't match a single one of the Instructor's fingers, why be senseless."

Yang Meng took a deep breath:

"I've promised Ninghai Zen to step aside whenever I see his apprentice."

He Wenbing nodded in satisfaction:

"That's right. In my opinion, you should also let go of your old grudge with Liang Laoshu.

I've recently realized, as people age, they need to gain clarity.

One day, I'll host, set a table with wine, and you apologize to Liang Laoshu, then it would be settled."

Yang Meng's eyelids twitched violently, his cheeks clenched so tightly it seemed to affect his entire face:

"Master, when I went to the mountains, it was you who let slip the news. You told me I was more to your liking than Liang Laoshu, and wanted to promote me to Guard Commander."

He Wenbing took small sips of soup, speaking calmly:

"Times have changed, Old Yang. Liang Sanshui has a close relationship with Bai Ahqi, and the East Market Shop thrives on Bai's Fish Stall.

A 22-jin Golden Rainbow Trout, Deng Yong from the Broken Blade Sect makes a bid of a thousand silver taels, enough for half a year's turnover for a shop. It's a lucrative trade.

One must accept fate; they are now flourishing, have great prospects, and the Liang family hasn't come to step on you; they're being magnanimous. Do you really have to make things worse for yourself? You're of a certain age now; do you want to be like a drowned dog, getting beaten for comfort?"

After finishing his Flying Dragon Soup, He Wenbing picked up a chopstick of bear paw, chewed it deliberately, waiting silently for a response.

Yang Meng's eyes were dazed, remembering when his master favored him, setting a table like this, granting him a house and silver taels.