Realm-Hopping Martial Master

Zhao Yuanchang stood outside the door, a whip lying in his outstretched hands.

He could distinctly feel the gazes from the surrounding crowd constantly watching him. Many Martial Artists recognized his identity.

He gritted his teeth and lowered his head, his mind filled with the day Jiang Shu had come to pay his respects. If Jiang Shu were just an ordinary practitioner at the Blood Exchange Realm, even one at its Peak, it wouldn't be like this. After all, the Zhao Family had a profound foundation, having once boasted members at the Acupoint Passage Realm. Their current direct-line genius, Zhao Zhongming, had even ascended the Little Dragon Tiger List and was just one step away from the Acupoint Passage Realm. As a direct descendant of the Zhao Family, even though he was only at the Refining Internal Realm, he could normally speak with confidence before those at the Blood Exchange Realm. However, after the battle with the Zhang Family, Jiang Shu's martial arts talent became known to all. A genius destined for the Little Dragon Tiger List, with a future minimum cultivation at the Acupoint Passage Realm—even the Zhao Family did not wish to antagonize such an individual. Zhao Chengxuan was a genius, with prospects of ascending the Little Dragon Tiger List in the future. A fight involving him could be excused as a factional dispute, a case of 'no fight, no friendship,' and not necessarily a bad thing. But his own situation was different. When Jiang Shu had arrived with the letter of introduction, he had not even granted him an audience and had instead arranged for a Gold Medal Worshipper to dismiss him. To ordinary Martial Artists, a Gold Medal Worshipper was a boon. But to a genius like Jiang Shu, such a gesture was an insult! This news was currently unknown. Once it truly got out, all the Martial Artists in the County City would mock their Zhao Family for being blind to talent. Even as a direct descendant, he would have to go to the Punishment Hall to accept the clan's punishment!

"I will not see him."

"He owes my master a life. Since he's here to apologize, why the pretense? A life for a life will suffice."

Jiang Shu snorted coldly, his words carrying clearly.

After the battle, Zhao Yuanchang had actually sent several invitations, arranging lavish banquets and preparing generous gifts. But without exception, Jiang Shu had ignored them all.

His personal appearance this time probably means he arranged spies outside my courtyard. Knowing that Master Chou has returned to the County City, he realizes this matter can no longer be easily concealed. He wants to obtain my forgiveness before the news spreads. A good idea, but why should I forgive him?

Manager Zhang's words were not deliberately concealed from Chou Hai and Qi Yuan.

Chou Hai looked back at the now-closed courtyard gate, then at Jiang Shu. His pupils trembled violently, a storm of revelation raging through his mind. To make a direct descendant of the Zhao Family come bearing a whip to ask for forgiveness… My disciple, surely, this isn't just a simple breakthrough to the Blood Exchange Realm!

「One month later.」

The setting sun, partially hidden by leaves, cast its light on the water, stirring gentle waves that stretched out for miles.

On the deck, Jiang Shu stood facing the wind.

His blood flowed with utmost serenity. At his current Realm, he could completely control its circulation. His Dan Energy constantly stimulated the hidden acupoints in his body, bringing significant improvement each day.

After leaving Yongning County, he had not rushed to Yunzhou City. Instead, he had continually stopped in various county cities, researching the secret records collected by the commerce guilds, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the world he inhabited.

"According to the map, this should be Tianqing County City, the county city nearest to Yunzhou City. Compared to other major county cities, Tianqing County City is vast due to its proximity to Yunzhou City—three times the size of Yongning County City. It hosts branches of three commerce guilds, and an auction with abundant martial resources is held almost every month. Especially Flame Tripod Commerce, which has even auctioned pseudo-Treasures!" Jiang Shu muttered, his gaze fixed on the distance as an extremely large county city gradually came into view.

After a month of cultivation, he had completely stabilized his Middle Stage Blood Exchange Realm. His True Force had begun to temper his ribs, and ordinary geniuses on the Little Dragon Tiger List were no longer his match.

His Four Symbols True Strength had achieved Great Success through daily, unremitting cultivation. Perhaps due to his time spent traveling on water, his Xuanwu True Force was even approaching Perfection.

"Brother Jiang, the quality of the elixirs you refine is truly getting better and better! The efficacy of this Marrow Washing Pill is much higher than the ones I bought from the commerce guild in the County City. It's just a pity that you are only a Middle Grade Alchemist. If you were a Top-Grade Alchemist, upon reaching Yunzhou City, any prominent family would undoubtedly treat you as an honored guest."

The giant ship gradually docked.

Jiang Shu circulated his True Force, and a huge parcel at his feet clung to his palm as if it were a feather.

A familiar voice sounded from behind him.

"Brother Chu, you flatter me. A Top-Grade Alchemist? How could it be so easy? Without reaching the Acupoint Passage Realm, one's understanding and control over the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi are insufficient. Even with superb Alchemy proficiency, the elixir would be ruined, and the furnace might explode."

Jiang Shu smiled, not rushing to turn around. He naturally knew who the speaker was.

Chu Xisheng, a genius from Yunzhou City, had advanced to the Late Stage of the Blood Exchange Realm before the age of twenty. His entire body was as robust as a dragon or an elephant, his blood like viscous mercury. His weapon was a long spear crafted from Purple Gold Soft Steel, which ensured hardness while maintaining flexibility.

The spear tip was made of extremely rare Red Flame Gold, found only in volcanoes inhabited by Fifth Rank Mutant Beasts. The hardness of this metal surpassed Jiang Shu's understanding; even the alloy steel knife in his hand was far inferior.

Moreover, according to Chu Xisheng himself, using Red Flame Gold for a spear tip was a considerable waste. In the hands of a true Artifact Refiner, Red Flame Gold could even be used as material for a Treasure.

Treasures, containing Treasure Patterns—any single one could serve as the heirloom of a prestigious noble family!