Martial Dao: I Can Enhance My Talents

Fang Han tamped down his excitement and walked out of the Cultivation Field.

In the corridor outside, the food box Qiu Lan had left for him that morning was already cold.

Fang Han picked up the food box and headed to the side hall.

After breakfast, Fang Han left his villa and walked along the bluestone path toward the Library Pavilion on the mountainside.

The morning light filtered down, and the trees and grass along the mountain path swayed gently in the breeze. Fang Han walked at a steady, unhurried pace.

The journey to Wangxi County was a long one, at least a month. Before he left, there was one more thing he needed to take care of.

The imposing silhouette of the Library Pavilion came into view. He stepped inside and went straight to the fourth floor.

Elder Mo was still leaning back behind a sandalwood desk, holding an ancient tome and reading with rapt attention.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up. When he saw it was Fang Han, a gentle light flickered in his weathered eyes.

"Elder Mo."

Fang Han stepped forward and paid his respects.

Elder Mo nodded slightly and set down the tome. "Ah, Fang Han. What brings you here today?"

"I’ve come to select the three top-level Cultivation Techniques and ten Top Grade Cultivation Techniques the Sect has awarded my family," Fang Han said.

Elder Mo showed no surprise at his words, having evidently already been informed by the Sect.

He stood up and led Fang Han to make his selection.

"Come with me."

He was clearly prepared. He laid out a dozen or so pre-selected copies of Cultivation Techniques before Fang Han and offered several suggestions tailored to the Fang Family’s current circumstances.

Fang Han carefully perused them, and referencing Elder Mo’s recommendations, made his final choices—

The three top-level Cultivation Techniques were the *Lie Yang Saber*, the *Qingyuan Sword*, and the *Tiangang Fist*. They covered saber, sword, and fist techniques, the three most common types of Martial Techniques. They were all highly practical, ensuring they wouldn’t be too niche for people to practice.

The ten Top Grade Cultivation Techniques covered multiple categories, including Inner Power, Swordsmanship, Saber Technique, Fist and Palm techniques, and Body Techniques. This was enough for the Fang Clan Members to choose according to their needs, ensuring no one’s progress would be hindered by an unsuitable technique.

Elder Mo recorded each of the selected Cultivation Techniques in a ledger.

"These are the rewarded Cultivation Techniques. Keep them safe."

He handed a thick stack of hand-copied Cultivation Techniques to Fang Han and reminded him of the regulations concerning their dissemination.

Fang Han carefully wrapped the Cultivation Techniques in oilcloth and placed them in his satchel.

"Thank you, Elder Mo."

He bowed respectfully, then turned and descended the stairs. Instead of leaving, he headed for the Pill Hall.

’Since I’m returning to my family, I can’t just bring back Cultivation Techniques. Elixirs, which can help raise my clan members’ Cultivation, are absolutely essential.’

A large number of Contribution Points were deposited into his account each month, so he currently had a vast amount. He didn’t hesitate to spend them.

’Peiyuan Pills, Elixirs suitable for the Cultivation of Lower Three Grades Martial Artists. I’ll take them.’

’Bone Marrow Cleansing Pills, to improve one’s constitution. I’ll take them.’

’Detoxification Pills, for healing and counteracting poisons. I’ll take them.’

’And Elixirs to aid in breaking through bottlenecks, Elixirs to replenish Inner Qi, Elixirs to strengthen the body...’

Fang Han redeemed a large bundle filled with all sorts of Elixirs.

Once he was done, Fang Han carried his bulging bundle back to Villa 35.

Qiu Lan was in the courtyard with two Maids, sweeping, when she saw him return with such a huge bundle. She was taken aback.

"Senior Brother, what’s all this...?"

"I’m going on a long trip."

Fang Han set the bundle down on the porch and turned to face Qiu Lan.

"I’ll be gone for about a month. If anyone comes looking for me, just tell them I’ll be away for about that long."

Surprise flickered in Qiu Lan’s eyes. This was the first time Fang Han would be leaving the Sect for so long. She didn’t press for details, however, simply bowing and saying:

"Yes, Senior Brother. Please be careful on your journey."

Fang Han nodded, hoisted the huge bundle, and walked out of the villa.

After leaving the Qingxuan Sect, he traveled for dozens of miles along the main road. Once he confirmed no one was around, with a mere thought, the huge bundle in his hands vanished, stored away in his Storage Ring.

SWOOSH!

Now unburdened, he unleashed Wind God Step. His body became a barely perceptible streak of light as he sped toward Liangshui City.

The scenery on either side flew past, and the wind howled in his ears.

Fang Han’s gaze was fixed ahead, his serene eyes reflecting the soft glow of the clouds on the distant horizon.

’The Fang Family... I haven’t been back for months.’

’I wonder if my parents are still in good health, and if my little sister has grown any taller.’

’And the family... I wonder how it’s faring.’

’With these three top-level and ten Top Grade Cultivation Techniques, the Fang Family’s foundation will be greatly deepened, giving them the footing to become one of the major families in the county.’

A faint smile touched Fang Han’s lips, and he picked up his pace.

’First, I’ll go to the Fang Family and hand over the Cultivation Techniques and Elixirs. Then, it’ll be time to head east and seek out that ancient treasure hidden deep within Wangxi County.’

In just half a day, the familiar silhouette of Liangshui City appeared on the horizon.

Fang Han stood atop a low hill by the main road, gazing at the city bathed in the afternoon sun, and a wave of emotion washed over him.

’In the past, the journey from the Qingxuan Sect to Liangshui City took more than a day, even at full speed. Now that my Wind God Step has reached Minor Achievement, I’ve arrived in just half a day.’

’The increase in speed is obvious.’

He strode down the low hill and headed toward the city gate.

The city guards had been replaced several times over, but the portrait of the Fang Family’s Celestial Pride True Inheritance was something everyone in Liangshui City recognized.

The captain of the guards on duty at the city gate recognized the figure in blue robes from afar. He hastily ordered his men to clear a path while he himself trotted forward to greet him, bowing deeply, his voice laced with both nervousness and sycophancy.

"Young Master Fang, you’re back!"

Fang Han gave a slight nod and walked straight through the city gate without breaking his stride.

Behind him, the guard captain straightened up. Watching the retreating figure, he let out a long sigh of relief, only then realizing his back was already covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

A young recruit beside him whispered:

"Cap’, was that Young Master Han of the Fang Family?"

"Who else could it be?"

The guard captain wiped the sweat from his forehead, his tone holding a hint of vicarious pride.

"Number one on the Celestial Pride List. He’s from our very own Liangshui City. The strongest Martial Artist under thirty in all of Qingyang County."

Fang Han walked along the city’s main street toward the Fang Mansion. Shops lined both sides of the street, which was bustling with pedestrians. It seemed even more prosperous than it had been a few months ago.

Along the way, people would occasionally recognize him. Their eyes would widen in surprise, and they would quickly step aside, bowing or clasping their fists as calls of "Young Master Fang" echoed around him.

Fang Han acknowledged each of them with a calm nod, his pace unhurried.

After turning down a couple of side streets, the stately entrance of the Fang Mansion came into view.

The large, vermilion-lacquered gates stood open, flanked by two imposing stone lions baring their fangs.

Eight guards were lined up on either side, weapons at their waists. Their auras were sharp and formidable, a far cry from the ordinary guards of the past.

One of the guards was boredly scanning the street when his gaze landed on an approaching figure in blue robes. He froze for a moment, and then his eyes shot wide open.

"Young Master Han!"

He shouted with such a mixture of shock and joy that his voice cracked.

The other guards whipped their heads around. Upon seeing the newcomer’s face, their once-stern expressions broke into wide smiles. They all bowed, their voices overlapping but filled with genuine excitement.

"Young Master Han is back!"

Fang Han stepped onto the stone stairs. His gaze swept over the guards. He couldn’t recall their names, so he simply gave them a slight nod.

This simple gesture brought even wider smiles to the guards’ faces.

Passing through the main gate into the estate, Fang Han found the Fang Mansion vastly different from how it was months ago.

Another courtyard had been added, featuring tastefully arranged rockeries and streams. Rare and expensive flowers and trees were planted along the turns of the winding corridors.

Servants and Maids hurried to and fro. Upon seeing Fang Han, they all respectfully stepped aside and bowed, their eyes shining with a mixture of awe and pride.

Their gazes held curiosity, admiration, and a sincere, heartfelt affection.

As Fang Han walked along a bluestone path deeper into the estate, the Fang Clan Members he encountered all stopped in their tracks. Some bowed and called out, "Young Master Han," while others were too emotional to speak coherently.

A white-haired elder leaning on a cane, his eyes rimmed with red, said in a trembling voice:

"Young Master Han, you’ve brought honor to our Fang Family yet again! Number one on the Celestial Pride List... In all my life, I never dreamed our Fang Family could produce someone like you..."

Fang Han stopped and steadied the elder’s arm, speaking gently.

"Seventh Grand-uncle, you’re too kind. Are you keeping well?"

The old man nodded repeatedly. He seemed to want to say more but was too choked with emotion, so he just firmly patted the back of Fang Han’s hand.

After many such stops along the way, Fang Han bypassed Tingyu Pavilion, where his parents lived, and instead headed toward Songtao Pavilion, the residence of the Patriarch, Fang Lingyuan.

Songtao Pavilion was a three-story wooden building located in the deepest part of the Fang Mansion. It was named for the pine forest behind it; when the wind blew, the sound of the rustling pines resembled the crashing of waves.

As Fang Han approached the pavilion, the two attendants guarding the entrance hurriedly bowed.

"Is the Patriarch inside?" Fang Han asked.

"He is," the attendant said respectfully.

Fang Han nodded slightly and stepped into the pavilion.

The study in Songtao Pavilion was on the second floor. As Fang Han ascended the stairs, even before he reached the door, he heard a low sigh from within.

The sigh was so faint that it would have been almost imperceptible had his hearing not been far superior to an ordinary person’s.

Fang Han raised his hand and knocked three times on the study door.

"Come in."

Fang Lingyuan’s voice came from within, tinged with an unconcealable exhaustion.

Fang Han pushed the door open and entered.

The study was brightly lit. A thick stack of files was piled on the desk by the window, where Fang Lingyuan was bent over, writing something.

Fang Lingyuan finished the last few characters, set down his brush, and looked up, rubbing his brow.

When his gaze fell upon the blue-robed figure standing at the door, he froze.

Then he shot to his feet, a smile of irrepressible joy blooming across his face, which was weary from days of hard work.

"Fang Han? What brings you back? Has something happened?"

Fang Han strode into the study and sat down opposite Fang Lingyuan.

"I’ve returned to give you something, Patriarch."

He undid the bundle he was carrying—which he had retrieved from his Storage Ring earlier—and placed it on the desk.

He didn’t rush to open it, however. His gaze rested on Fang Lingyuan’s face for a moment as he asked,

"Patriarch, you seemed troubled a moment ago. Has the family run into some kind of difficulty?"