Chapter 13

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Chapter 13: I Hope You Will Stay Alive

Inside a small house in a deep alley, Qiao Mu held a small booklet recently written by Qiao Canxue and read its title:

“Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method?”

“Correct. This is one of the martial arts secrets preserved by my Qiao family. It’s 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 your body’s hidden potential in an instant at the cost of self-harm, doubling or further multiplying your internal strength momentarily. Of course, you must first cultivate internal strength to use the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method.”

“I’m teaching you this technique because I know you’re about to enter the Lord’s Manor, which will be a dangerous journey.”

“Oh, you think I have extraordinary aptitude and can cultivate internal strength at will, so you’re teaching me in advance?” Qiao Mu asked excitedly.

Qiao Canxue remained silent for a moment.

“This isn’t about aptitude,” she said, recalling the incident outside the teahouse in the inner city. Though present, she had only heard various noises and discussions, learning the full details from Qiao Mu afterward.

“Qiao Mu, your actions embody the chivalrous spirit of ancient times. Such a mindset aligns with martial arts, suggesting you might progress faster than others,” Qiao Canxue said, leaving half her thought unspoken: Such people often die faster than others.

Of course, had she said this, Qiao Mu would probably have been even more pleased.

Qiao Canxue released a soft sigh. “The notion of chivalry is truly an ancient remnant. Ever since that year when the Martial Saint suffered a disastrous defeat against the inhuman beings, the fortunes of the entire Great Yan Imperial Court have shifted from prosperity to decline, and the warriors’ backbone has been shattered. In today’s martial arts world, people only know about killing for treasures and wiping out entire families… Chivalry has become a thing of the past.”

“So if you’ve recently developed internal strength, I wouldn’t be too surprised. However, this Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method is ultimately a self-destructive technique and shouldn’t be used lightly. Once employed, you risk not only your life but severe damage to your meridians.”

Is there such a wonderful thing? Qiao Mu was instantly overjoyed upon hearing this. With just a little internal strength and mastery of the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method, his efficiency in dealing death would certainly increase!

However, Qiao Canxue frowned slightly, sensing that Qiao Mu’s reaction differed from what she’d expected.

“Qiao Mu, I’m giving you this technique not for you to risk your life, but to use it for survival. This is a secret technique meant to seek life in the face of death, not for self-mutilation or reckless endangerment.”

“I hope that you will stay alive,” Qiao Canxue said solemnly, her eyes closed.

As the sole survivor of the Qiao family’s massacre, Qiao Canxue understood the value of life. While the Wuji Association might slaughter others for their martial arts, in her eyes as a massacre survivor, human life held far more importance than any martial technique. This was partly why she had chosen to impart her family’s martial arts to Qiao Mu.

“I understand,” Qiao Mu nodded, suppressing his excitement. Suddenly remembering something, he added, “Perhaps you should leave Yan City. I slapped the City Lord’s son in the street and provoked the city’s master. It’s likely a dead end for me. If you stay in Yan City, you might be caught in the aftermath.”

Qiao Canxue felt her heart tremble. Qiao Mu showed no concern for his own fate yet worried about a stranger’s safety?

“Don’t mention this again,” she said firmly. “How could I possibly leave Yan City alone and let you face the city master’s anger by yourself?”

Qiao Mu tried to persuade her further, but seeing her stubborn refusal, he let the matter rest for now.

He silently memorized the secret technique, and soon new text appeared beside the Ouroboros Long Life Lock in his mind. In the skill column, next to the solitary “Long Life Fist,” appeared the “Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method.” The technique showed up in a gray, unusable state, requiring internal strength cultivation before it could be employed.

Over the next half day, Qiao Mu practiced silently, yet still felt no sensation of energy.

Early the next morning, as the east began to pale, Qiao Mu rose and prepared to leave. At the alley’s entrance, he heard footsteps behind him—Qiao Canxue approaching with her cane.

“Decided to go to the Lord’s mansion?” she asked.

“Yes,” Qiao Mu nodded.

Qiao Canxue remained silent, standing at the alley’s mouth with closed eyes as she listened to Qiao Mu’s departing footsteps.

In the early morning, dewdrops clung to the mossy green corners of the deep alley, filling the air with dampness. She heard his footsteps growing fainter, occasionally splashing tiny droplets as they struck the moss. The sound gradually faded until only silence remained in the quiet morning alley.

After standing motionless for a long while, Qiao Canxue turned and made her way back to the house, leaning on her cane.

Qiao Mu walked steadily out of the deep alley onto the street, where bustling chatter filled his ears.

“Young Hero Qiao, are you really heading to the inner city to join the Yan City Garrison?” asked an unfamiliar uncle selling pancakes, smiling.

News of yesterday’s events had already spread throughout half of Yan City.

“Young Hero Qiao is extraordinarily brave. Join the military and gain the city lord’s favor, and you’ll surely make a name for yourself soon.”

Make a name for himself? Qiao Mu still preferred when heads rolled.

He nodded politely to the stranger and continued toward the city lord’s mansion. Others believed he had earned the lord’s high regard and could easily become a military officer, unaware of how dangerous his actual position was.

Of course, in a true life-or-death situation, Qiao Mu would ignore the slim chance of survival and forcefully reduce it to zero.

As he approached the inner city, many strangers greeted him, and even young children followed closely behind. Qiao Mu felt somewhat overwhelmed by their enthusiasm.

However, when they neared the City Lord’s mansion, all previous commotion ceased. The City Lord’s son’s reputation for being spoiled was well-known, and even children knew to avoid this area.

The City Lord’s mansion stood magnificent, with two imposing stone lions guarding its bright red gate. Several guards brightened 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 emerged.

“Qiao Mu? Your courage is truly remarkable,” the elderly man said, his mouth curling into a smile.

He was the same person who had followed the Lord in the street yesterday and suddenly caught Qiao Mu.

“Come with me to the military camp in the city.”

As the grey-robed elder led the way into the army camp, many soldiers looked up. Some had been among the hundred riders who had followed Lord Mah Taji along the street yesterday. They now recognized Qiao Mu as a notable figure in Yan City, known as “Little Qiao.”

“Qiao Mu, with your bravery, you can become a centurion in our Yan City defense army. Previously, only martial artists with ninth-rank internal strength could hold such a position.”

“Work hard at your martial arts training; the Lord values you greatly.” The elderly man in grey clothes patted Qiao Mu’s shoulder before departing.

Qiao Mu remained standing alone, facing the gazes of many soldiers.