Sword God Supreme

Chapter 8: The Maiden's Birthday

The presence of Six Yin Absolute Corpses on Ghost Mother Ridge struck Chen Mo immediately. Such creatures demand a Yin Evil Spirit Vein beneath the earth.Only potent Yin energy concentrated in such a vein could trigger the corpse transformation turning ordinary restless dead into Six Yin Absolute Corpses. Commonplace in the Great Desolate Nine Provinces, this resource was a rare treasure within the Spirit Qi-starved borders of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Chen Mo pondered its value as he walked along the Great Cang River towards Linfeng City.

For the Furnace Nurturing Realm, the third stage of the Martial Dao, harnessing this Yin energy to temper the Five Viscera promised exponential results. Additionally, Ghost Mother Peak offered Six Yin Grass and Pure Yang Flowers – invaluable herbs for this crucial cultivation stage. My destination is set. Once Blood Moving Realm Perfection is achieved.His encounter with Xiao Yuanshan and Hong Ling yielded ten thousand silver taels – ample funds for body-tempering herbs – and confirmed the vein's existence.

Approaching Linfeng City's gates, Chen Mo found a contingent of Imperial Guards standing watch. Before them, city dignitaries radiated authority uncommon among ordinary martial artists. Such a display was rare. Passing commoners whispered in awe.

"Isn't that City Governor Fu Shan and his personal guard...?"

Chen Mo noted it indifferently, striding through the gates.

Fragments of conversation drifted:

"...Chen Mo, the Li Family's live-in son-in-law? Former Outer Academy Chief of Bishui Sword Academy..."

"A pity."

"Li Qingyue suffers more. Talent and beauty shackled to him..."

Chen Mo's faint, dismissive smile was the only reaction before he vanished into the streets.

Moments later, Xiao Yuanshan and Hong Ling arrived.

"Your humble servant Fu Shan pays respects to the Old Duke! Pays respects to the Princess!" Governor Fu Shan declared, bowing deeply. His voice echoed. Officials and guards snapped to attention, saluting in unison. Silence fell instantly.

Xiao Yuanshan stood tall, hands clasped behind his back, exuding decades-earned authority. Beside him, Hong Ling was a picture of cool, detached nobility.

"Fu Shan, I am no Duke. Dismiss them immediately. Do not disturb the people!" Xiao Yuanshan commanded.

"As you command!" Fu Shan gestured sharply. The entourage dispersed with swift efficiency.

"Uncle Fu," Hong Ling presented a slip. "Gather these herbs for seven days. Prepare a quiet chamber."

"Your humble servant obeys!" Fu Shan saluted crisply.

Xiao Yuanshan gave a curt nod. He and Hong Ling entered the city, Fu Shan following respectfully. Excited chatter erupted among the commoners about the identities of the Old Duke and Princess.

​Li Family Compound​

Chen Mo sat immersed in a medicinal bath within his room. Eyes closed, his breathing followed the rhythm of the Cloud Crane Tempering Method. Faint wisps of white vapor coiled with each breath. The broth, simmered from over fifty expensive herbs, cost five hundred taels – a fortune illustrating the adage: Martial arts demanded deep pockets. Only the wealthy, like the Li Family, could sustain such costs.

Three hours passed. Suddenly, two streams of pure white vapor shot from Chen Mo's nostrils like arrows, humming faintly – a sign of vital energies reaching their peak. His eyes opened, a sharp gleam flashing within. Solidified. My Blood Moving Realm foundation, unstable this morning by the river, is now rock solid after the bath.He rose, dressed, and stepped into the courtyard bathed in sunset.

Standing by the Vermillion Fruit Tree, Chen Mo savored the vibrant strength within him. His finger shot out like a sword, striking a branch.

Crack!The branch disintegrated into powder, while the delicate leaves fluttered down intact. Control achieved.This finesse surpassed ordinary Blood Moving Realm practitioners, though it remained a mere fraction of his past life's power.

The following days solidified Chen Mo's routine: dawn practice by the river absorbing Spirit Qi, noon medicated baths tempering his body. His strength underwent a profound transformation. During this time, Li Jingxue returned to Qingyun Sword Academy. Before leaving, she reminded Chen Mo of her upcoming sixteenth birthday, expressing her hope he would attend. Chen Mo agreed instantly.

​Blood Moving Realm Initial Stage Perfection!​​

Returning from the river one morning, Chen Mo felt the change. Satisfaction bloomed. The Cloud Crane Tempering Method lives up to its name.In just five days, he'd forged a foundation surpassing even his past life's at this stage. His current physical strength dwarfed any ordinary Blood Moving Realm practitioner. True combat, however, relied on skill as much as cultivation level. With his past life's experience, Blood Moving Realm opponents posed no threat.

"Two thousand five hundred taels... gone in five days," Chen Mo calculated silently. The cost was just the beginning; future stages demanded exponentially more resources. Sustained wealth generation was paramount. Wealth stood foremost among the cultivation essentials – encompassing all resources needed for advancement. While joining a sect offered a solution, leaving Linfeng City wasn't his current plan.

Approaching the Li compound, Chen Mo spotted Li Jingxue waiting by his courtyard. Dressed exquisitely in a deep violet gown, her hair elegantly coiffed, she shone with an ethereal beauty that seemed to dim the sunlight around her.

"Brother-in-law!" She spotted him, waving enthusiastically, her smile radiant.

"Weren't you at the academy?" Chen Mo asked, smiling as he approached.

"Today's my birthday!" she declared, bubbling with excitement. "I've booked the banquet at Immortal Guest Tower! My classmates are waiting. Hurry!" She immediately looped her arm through his, pulling him along.

A pang of guilt struck Chen Mo. Immersed in cultivation, he'd forgotten entirely. Her complete lack of reproach, her bright enthusiasm, only deepened his sense of remorse. She deserves something special,he decided firmly.