Chapter 13: I Hope You Will Stay Alive
Inside the small house in the deep alley.
Qiao Mu held a small booklet just written by Qiao Canxue and read out the title:
"Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method？"
"Correct. This is one of the martial arts secrets collected by my Qiao family. It is a desperate survival technique that brings one to the brink of death." Qiao Canxue explained.
"This secret technique is quite mysterious. It allows you to unleash the hidden potential of your body in an instant, at the cost of self-harm, and make your internal strength double or more in an instant."
"Of course, first you have to cultivate your internal strength in order to use this Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method."
"I am teaching you this Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method because I know you are about to enter the Lord's Manor, which is a very dangerous journey."
"Oh, you think I have extraordinary aptitude and can cultivate internal strength at any time, so you taught me in advance?" Qiao Mu became excited.
Qiao Canxue remained silent for a moment.
"That is irrelevant to aptitude," Qiao Canxue remembered the incident that happened outside the teahouse in the inner city.
Although she was present, she could only hear various noises and discussions. She could only learn about the whole incident from Qiao Mu afterwards.
"Qiao Mu, your actions resemble the chivalrous spirit of ancient times. This kind of mindset is in line with martial arts, so it is likely that you will progress in martial arts faster than others," Qiao Canxue only said half of the sentence.
The remaining half of the sentence is: Such people often die faster than others.
Of course, if she said it, Qiao Mu would probably be even happier.
Qiao Canxue let out a soft sigh:
"The so-called chivalry is actually an ancient remnant."
"Ever since that year when the Martial Saint suffered a disastrous defeat in the war against the inhuman beings, the fortunes of the entire Great Yan Imperial Court have shifted from prosperity to decline, and the backbone of the warriors has been shattered."
"In today's martial arts world, people only know about killing for treasures, frequently wiping out entire families... The so-called chivalry has become a thing of the past."
"So if you have recently developed internal strength, I won't be too surprised."
"Of course, this 'Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method' is ultimately a self-destructive secret technique and should not be used. Once used, you may not only lose your life, but also suffer severe damage to your meridians."
Is there such a good thing?
Qiao Mu was instantly overjoyed upon hearing this.
As long as he masters the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method with only a little internal strength, his efficiency in bringing death will definitely be high!
However, at this moment, Qiao Canxue frowned slightly, sensing that Qiao Mu's emotions were different from what she expected.
"Qiao Mu, I am giving you this 'Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method' not for you to risk your life, but to use this secret technique to seek survival."
"This is a secret technique that seeks life in the face of death, not self-mutilation or risking one's life."
"I hope that you can stay alive," Qiao Canxue said solemnly, with her eyes closed.
Qiao Canxue, as the sole survivor of the Qiao family's massacre, understood the value of life.
Wuji Association may slaughter others for their martial arts, but in the eyes of the survivor of the massacre like her, human life is much more important than any martial arts.
This is also one of the reasons why she imparted her family's martial arts to Qiao Mu.
"I understand," Qiao Mu nodded, suppressing the excitement in his heart. Suddenly, he thought of something and said:
"Otherwise, it would be better for you to leave this Yan City. I slapped City Lord's son in the street and provoked the city's master. I think it's a dead end."
"If you stay in this Yan City, you might be affected by it."
Qiao Canxue felt a tremor in her heart. Qiao Mu didn't care about her life and death, but spoke up for a stranger. Now he was worried that she would be affected?
Qiao Canxue said seriously, "Don't mention this matter again. At this point, how could I leave this Yan City alone and let you face the city master's anger?"
Qiao Mu said a few more words, but seeing Qiao Canxue stubbornly refusing to listen to him, he had no other choice. This issue could only be discussed later.
Then he silently memorized this secret technique, and soon new words appeared beside the Ouroboros Long Life Lock in his mind.
In the skill column, next to the lonely "Long Life Fist," there was a new addition called the "Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method."
This secret technique appeared in a gray, unusable state. It could only be used after Qiao Mu cultivated internal strength.
In the next half day, Qiao Mu silently practiced, but he still didn't feel any sensation of energy.
Early the next day.
Just as the east was starting to turn pale, Qiao Mu got up and prepared to leave.
As he walked to the mouth of the alley, he heard footsteps behind him. It was Qiao Canxue walking with a cane.
"Decided to go to the Lord's mansion?" she asked.
"Yes," nodded Qiao Mu.
Qiao Canxue didn't say anything. She stood at the mouth of the alley, closing her eyes and watching Qiao Mu step by step as he walked away.
It was still early morning, and on the mossy green corners of the deep alley, there were dewdrops. There was a damp smell in the air.
She heard Qiao Mu's footsteps getting farther and farther away, occasionally stepping on the moss, causing tiny droplets to splash.
But this sound gradually faded away, eventually disappearing completely, leaving only silence in the quiet alley of the morning.
Qiao Canxue stood still for a long time, then leaned on her cane and turned back to the house.
..............
Qiao Mu walked step by step, walked out of the deep alley, and walked to the street outside, where the sound of bustling chatter filled his ears.
"Young Hero Qiao, are you really going towards the inner city to join the Yan City Garrison?" The unfamiliar uncle selling pancakes on the street asked with a smile.
The news of what happened yesterday has already spread throughout half of Yan City.
"Young Hero Qiao is extraordinary brave. Joining the military and gaining the favor of the city lord, you will surely make a name for yourself soon."
Make a name for yourself?
Qiao Mu still prefers it when heads roll.
He nodded in greeting to the stranger who struck up a conversation and walked step by step towards the city lord's mansion.
Other people thought that he was highly regarded by the lord of the city, and they believed he could easily become a military officer. But they didn't know that his occupation was extremely dangerous.
Of course, if it really was a life or death situation, Qiao Mu would ignore the slim chance of survival and forcefully change it to zero chance of survival.
As they walked towards the inner city, many strangers greeted them along the way, and even young children followed closely behind him. Qiao Mu felt a bit overwhelmed by their enthusiasm.
However, when they reached the area near the City Lord's mansion, all the previous commotion disappeared.
The City Lord's son had a reputation for being spoiled, and even the children knew better than to come near this place.
The City Lord's mansion was magnificent, with two imposing stone lions guarding the bright red gate. Several guards brightened up upon seeing Qiao Mu.
"Are you Qiao Mu? You actually came today."
Shortly after, a guard entered the mansion and soon an elderly man in grey robes walked out.
"Qiao Mu? Your courage is truly remarkable." The corners of the elderly man's mouth curled upward.
He is the person who was following the Lord in the street yesterday, and suddenly caught Qiao Mu.
"Come with me, let's go to the military camp in the city."
As the old man in gray clothes walked into the army camp, many soldiers looked up.
Among these soldiers, some of them were among the one hundred riders who followed Lord Mah Taji along the long street yesterday. And now, they also recognize Qiao Mu as a famous person in Yan City with the nickname "Little Qiao".
"Qiao Mu, with your bravery, you can become a centurion in our Yan City defense army. In the past, only martial artists with the strength of a 9th rank internal strength could hold such a position."
"Work hard at your martial arts training, the Lord values you very much." The elderly man in gray clothes patted Qiao Mu's shoulder and then left.
He was the only one left standing there, facing the gazes of many soldiers.
