Chapter 047 – A Toad Ascends to the Heavenly Gate, Breath as Heavy as a Mountain
The next day.
As usual, Li Yuan made his way to the little nameless pavilion by the north gate of the black market. He stood beside Senior Li, continuing to listen to his teachings.
Merchants, martial artists, associates, and porters passed by in a steady stream. Each of them would greet Senior Li respectfully, and then throw a curious glance at the young man. They were clearly wondering what qualifications he had to become Senior Li’s disciple.
Suddenly, Senior Li asked, “So many people are staring at you, memorizing your face. How do you feel about that?”
Li Yuan replied, “They know I’m your student, so they’re taking note of me as such. But the only thing they truly remember is that I’m Senior Li’s direct disciple.
“In the future, if they run into me again, they’ll pause to think. Either don’t offend me at all, or...get rid of me completely, leaving no trace.”
Senior Li let out a small laugh. “You really are a worthy successor.”
Li Yuan flattered him in return. “And you, my master, are an excellent teacher.”
Senior Li went on, “Being my student is actually quite safe. Although I’m stationed here, I only enforce the rules. I don’t get mixed up in profit.
“I’m an enforcer, but I know when to show leniency. After all, when the water is too clear, no fish can survive. As long as people don’t cross the Blood Blade Sect’s bottom line, I’ll grant them a bit of leeway and show mercy when necessary.”
As he spoke, Senior Li took out a neat-looking booklet from inside his robe and handed it to Li Yuan. “Read it here, right next to me.”
Li Yuan opened it. The cover was blank, but inside were page after page of illustrated stances marked with tiny red dots—guides to key pressure points for channeling force. Beneath each illustration were lines of text, presumably the accompanying mental mnemonic.