Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint-Chapter 124 - 98: The Swamp

Just as Chen Qing returned to the entrance of his small courtyard, he saw a gaunt-faced old servant in a coarse cloth tunic standing at the door.

"Greetings, Master Chen."

Upon seeing Chen Qing, the old servant hurriedly bowed and presented a plain letter with both hands. "I am here on my master’s orders to deliver a letter. He insisted it must be placed directly in your hands, Master Chen."

Chen Qing asked, "Who is your master?"

The old servant replied respectfully, "My master is Yang Zhicheng."

"Yang Zhicheng?"

Chen Qing’s interest was piqued. He accepted the letter. "Thank you for your trouble."

Yang Zhicheng was one of the failed candidates who had waited with him during the Wutai Sect’s selection process, but he had later chosen to join the Liu Family.

"Then I will not disturb you any longer, Master Chen. I shall take my leave."

The old servant bowed respectfully once more, then quietly departed.

Chen Qing returned to his room and opened the envelope.

The letter was short, but it was brimming with an air of high spirits.

In the letter, Yang Zhicheng mentioned that he had established a firm foothold in the Liu Family, thanks to his uncle’s connections and his own abilities. He was now managing several shops and restaurants. He went on to praise Chen Qing for annihilating the Five River-Flipping Flood Dragons and concluded by expressing his wish for them to get together.

Chen Qing closed the letter.

It seemed that when Yang Zhicheng first arrived in the Prefecture City, his uncle had already laid out two paths for him: if he failed to enter the Wutai Sect, he would join the Liu Family.

Yang Zhicheng hadn’t mentioned it at the time, which Chen Qing understood. They had only been brief acquaintances, and it was taboo to speak too intimately with someone you barely knew.

’If I get the chance, I might as well get in touch with Yang Zhicheng,’ Chen Qing mused.

Knowing more people meant at least one more source of information.

As for the compliments in Yang Zhicheng’s letter, he paid them no mind. That man’s words were seven parts truth and three parts fabrication; one had to stay sharp when dealing with him.

If he hadn’t demonstrated his strength by annihilating the Five River-Flipping Flood Dragons, this letter probably would have never reached him.

The next morning, Chen Qing once again made his way to the Tingchao Armory.

The battle at Black Flood Dragon Beach had made him realize that his skills were still lacking, particularly in the areas of stealth, concealment, and adaptable disguises.

He needed some practical, auxiliary Techniques for unexpected situations.

After arriving at Lake Heart Island, Chen Qing headed straight for the second floor, to the section that housed books on miscellaneous knowledge and unorthodox arts.

His objective was clear, and he began to browse carefully.

Soon, a few booklets caught his eye: the *Hundred Transformations Thousand Faces Manual*, the *Bone Shifting and Muscle Changing Disguise Technique*, the *Turtle Breath Stinging Dragon Skill*, and the *Golden Cicada Transformation Technique*.

The *Turtle Breath Stinging Dragon Skill* could simulate the hibernation of turtles and snakes, drastically reducing one’s energy consumption and allowing one to hold their breath underwater for several hours.

The *Golden Cicada Transformation Technique* was the most ingenious. It used True Qi to soften one’s muscles and bones, and in coordination with unique techniques, allowed the body to slip through narrow gaps like a cicada shedding its shell, or even temporarily alter one’s physical silhouette.

After careful consideration, Chen Qing decided to get an Imprint of the *Hundred Transformations Thousand Faces Manual*, the *Turtle Breath Stinging Dragon Skill*, and the *Golden Cicada Transformation Technique*. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

The latter two Secret Techniques required the aid of True Qi to reach the Transformation Realm, but for now, his priority was to master the fundamentals.

With his [Heaven Rewards Diligence] Fate Plate, he was confident he could master even the most profound skills through sheer effort.

Just as he was about to leave, a dust-covered journal bound in beast hide in a corner caught his attention.

The cover was blank. When he opened it, he was surprised to find that it contained the observations and theories of a certain predecessor who had traveled far and wide, all concerning the improvement of one’s Root Bone!

Improving one’s Root Bone!?

Chen Qing’s spirits lifted, and he immediately focused his attention and began to read intently.

The journal began by stating that while improving one’s Root Bone was incredibly difficult and perilous, it was not impossible—it simply required either a huge price or a rare opportunity.

Using Heavenly and Earthly Treasures to cleanse the marrow and remold the body was the most common and gentlest path.

The journal listed several legendary treasures.

The Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Lotus, the Earth Vein Jade Marrow, and the Centennial Treasure Fish King Pearl.

Some offered a direct boost, while others nourished the body subtly over time. All these treasures were priceless and incredibly rare.

Furthermore, the journal mentioned some heaven-defying Secret Techniques capable of forcibly reshaping one’s tendons and transforming one’s bones!

However, these Techniques were exceptionally dangerous. The slightest misstep could lead to snapped tendons and shattered bones, leaving one a cripple, or even result in death.

Reading this, realization dawned on Chen Qing!

He suddenly recalled his experience cultivating the *Fishing Toad Force*.

When this skill was cultivated to the Third Realm, "Thunder Sound Marrow Cleansing," it had the effect of refining one’s muscles and bones, bringing about a complete metamorphosis!

Back at the Zhou Institute, his Root Bone had only been below average. But after undergoing Thunder Sound Marrow Cleansing, he was assessed as having Four Forms during the Wutai Sect’s testing.

More tellingly, his subsequent Cultivation of a Superior Hard Skill like the *Eight Extremes Vajra Body*, despite being exceptionally profound, progressed much faster than expected. He reached the Third Realm, Steel Bone, in just half a year, all without consuming any rare Body Refining Treasure Medicine or Treasure Fish!

"So that’s how it is!"

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Qing’s eyes. ’*Fishing Toad Force*’s Third Realm, "Thunder Sound Marrow Cleansing," is in itself a gentle and subtle method for reshaping tendons and transforming bones!’

Although the degree of improvement was limited, far inferior to Heavenly and Earthly Treasures or heaven-defying Secret Techniques, it had definitely happened.

’If my Root Bone can continuously improve, my Cultivation progress will also accelerate.’

The thought made Chen Qing’s heart race.

The end of the journal mentioned that the Secret Technique manuals for reshaping tendons and transforming bones, as well as the ancient texts recording specific clues about Heavenly and Earthly Treasures, were all considered great treasures by the Wutai Sect and stored on the Fourth Layer of the Tingchao Armory.

"The Fourth Layer..."

Chen Qing looked up, his gaze turning toward that mysterious, highest level.

According to the Armory’s rules, to step onto the Fourth Layer, one’s Cultivation had to reach the Embracing Pill Force, and one must also possess a handwritten order from the Sect Leader himself.

’I’ll worry about that when the time comes,’

Chen Qing thought to himself and walked straight to the Steward’s Platform in charge of registration.

After his Wooden Token was verified and he paid five hundred taels of silver, he soon had the Imprints of the three Secret Techniques in hand.

Returning to his courtyard, Chen Qing eagerly opened the Secret Technique booklets.

As he sank his Intention into them, the Fate Plate’s light screen clearly appeared:

[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success is Inevitable]

[Hundred Transformations Thousand Faces Manual, entry-level (1/100)]

[Turtle Breath Stinging Dragon Skill, entry-level (1/100)]

[Golden Cicada Transformation Technique, entry-level (1/100)]

’My Spear Technique still needs refinement.’

Chen Qing took a deep breath and once again picked up the long spear in the courtyard.

The spear’s shaft trembled slightly, letting out a low hum.

’If I can reach the Great Success stage sooner, the power of my Spear Technique will increase severalfold.’

The shadow of the spear danced, and a fierce wind howled as he stabbed at the specially made hardwood dummy, sending wood splinters flying.

He hadn’t even finished one routine of his Spear Technique when a knock suddenly sounded at the door.

"Junior Brother Chen, are you home? It’s me, Bai Ming," a voice called from outside.

Bai Ming!?

’What does he want with me?’

Puzzled, Chen Qing opened the door.

He saw Bai Ming dressed in the Martial Attire of the Geng Metal Institute, an eager smile on his face. He was like a completely different person from the cold, perfunctory man he had been before.

"Brother Bai, please come in." Chen Qing stepped aside to let him pass.

Bai Ming stepped into the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the spear-scarred training dummy. A flicker of surprise, hard to notice, crossed his eyes. "Junior Brother Chen, you are truly diligent! No wonder you possess such strength at such a young age, taking on the Five River-Flipping Flood Dragons single-handedly. I’m impressed, truly impressed!"

"You flatter me, Brother Bai."

Chen Qing’s tone was level as he asked directly, "May I ask why you’ve come today, Brother Bai?"

Bai Ming didn’t beat around the bush either. He lowered his voice, his tone tinged with excitement. "Junior Brother Chen, I came today to discuss a wonderful opportunity with you. Have you heard of the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp?"

Chen Qing nodded. "I’ve heard of it. A place overrun with venomous creatures and poisonous miasma, infamous for its dangers."

It was one of the six great forbidden lands of Qiu Long Path and Fenghua Path; who didn’t know of its terrible reputation?

"Exactly!"

Bai Ming’s eyes lit up. "But the greater the risk, the greater the reward! That place is rich in Treasure Medicine. A single ten-year-old Treasure Medicine is worth more than one hundred thousand taels of silver! If we’re lucky enough to find a rarity like a Seven-Heart Lotus, it would be worth a fortune!"

He took a deep breath and continued, "This time, three senior brothers at the Embracing Pill Force level are leading the expedition! One is Brother Zhang Heng from the Kun Earth Institute, another is Senior Brother Zhao Chenggang from the Li Fire Institute, and the last is our very own Geng Metal Institute’s Brother Liu Rui. With these three protecting us, we’ll only be operating in the safe outer region. The danger won’t be that great!"

Bai Ming looked at Chen Qing, his gaze fervent. "This is a great opportunity! Three Embracing Pill Force experts, plus seven or eight of us brothers at the Transmutation Force—our chances of finding Treasure Medicine will be much higher! Any spoils will be divided based on contribution. It’s a guaranteed windfall! So? You want in?"

It was common for fellow disciples to team up for treasure hunts.

Compared to outsiders, fellow sect members were naturally much more reliable.

With three Embracing Pill experts leading the way, the expedition was quite a big deal. If the trip went smoothly, they might even form a permanent team in the future.

Bai Ming valued Chen Qing’s strength and invited him along so they could look out for each other.

Chen Qing was silent for a moment.

The infamous reputation of the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp was well-earned. Venomous creatures, poisonous miasma, bizarre terrain, and unknown Exotic Beasts—no one knew what other crises lurked within.

Although the outer region was relatively safe, the very concept of "safety" was highly suspect in a place like that.

He preferred a slow and steady approach, relying on [Heaven Rewards Diligence] to improve at a stable pace, and was unwilling to take risks lightly.

"Thank you for the generous offer, Brother Bai."

Chen Qing slowly shook his head. "It’s just that my Cultivation has recently reached a critical juncture. I’ve had some insights into both my Heart Method and Spear Technique, so I really can’t spare the time."

Bai Ming’s brow furrowed slightly. "Junior Brother Chen, this is a rare opportunity! With three senior brothers from the Embracing Pill realm leading the team and staying in the outer region, the risk is truly manageable! Think of the value of that Treasure Medicine—it’s worth years of resources from bitter cultivation! Besides, this is also a great chance to befriend those three senior brothers. Why don’t you reconsider, Junior Brother?"

Chen Qing remained unmoved and refused once more. "Brother Bai, I appreciate the thought. I wish you and your party a smooth journey and a bountiful harvest."

Hearing this, Bai Ming simply felt that Chen Qing was too timid and risk-averse. "To each his own," he said. "I won’t force you. In that case, I won’t disturb your quiet Cultivation any longer. Farewell!"

With that, he turned and left the courtyard.

Chen Qing shook his head. He still hadn’t dealt with the bundle from the Five River-Flipping Flood Dragons, so he wasn’t short on silver. There was no need to put himself in harm’s way.

The thought passed, and he once again raised his long spear. The sound of the spear cutting through the air rose in the courtyard once more.

News that three disciples at the Embracing Pill Force level were leading a trip to the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp quickly spread through the surrounding streets.

Many disciples were stirred by the news, and a group quickly assembled, heading for the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp in a grand procession.

Chen Qing’s life temporarily returned to its usual routine.

「Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.」

The team that had ventured into the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp finally returned, travel-worn and weary.

The news spread as if it had grown wings.

Although the returning disciples looked exhausted, some with torn clothes, every one of their faces was flushed with irrepressible excitement.

The baskets on their backs and their bags were visibly bulging. Some were even carrying Exotic Beast Meat slung over crude wooden poles.

"I heard Brother Mao found a four-year-old ’Red Flame Grass,’ supposedly worth thirty thousand taels of silver."

"That’s nothing! I heard they also killed an adult ’Poison-Horned Deer’! Its horns are a real treasure, and the meat is rich with Essence Qi and vitality—an incredible tonic."

...

Looking at the triumphant appearance of Bai Ming and the others,

Those disciples who had hesitated and decided to wait and see were now kicking themselves with regret.

The resources that the Treasure Medicine and Exotic Beast Meat could be exchanged for were equivalent to several months of savings from bitter cultivation.

Their original fear of the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp began to waver in the face of such tempting profits.

Many people’s eyes grew fervent. They began to whisper amongst themselves, calculating whether they should join next time, or how they could get connected with these senior brothers of the Embracing Pill realm.

After lunch, Chen Qing heard Bai Ming’s laughter coming from the adjacent courtyard.

The courtyard, which had been quiet for half a month, was finally lively again. Bai Ming was currently celebrating with his friends, and from the sound of his laughter, his gains must have been substantial.

Chen Qing shook his head and turned to enter his Quiet Chamber to cultivate his Heart Method.

In the following days, Chen Qing happened to catch a glimpse of Zheng Xiuhong.

She was like a different person from before. Now, a genuine smile played on her lips, and her steps were much lighter.

Her entire being radiated a brilliance that had been absent for a long time.

She even took the initiative to greet Chen Qing.

According to her, everyone in the team had reaped great rewards. They had even worked together to hunt an Exotic Beast, a ’Poison-Horned Deer,’ and everyone had received a good portion of the Exotic Beast Meat.

Her words were filled with joy, and they also revealed a sense of security, as if her future was now guaranteed.

Hearing this, Chen Qing’s heart remained as calm as still water.

Other people’s opportunities were, in the end, their own. He had his own path to walk.