Starting as The Young Master of A Pharmacy, He Trained Swordsmanship in Seclusion For Twenty Years - Chapter 33

The Lu Family

As soon as Lu Xuan returned to the Lu family, he informed his father, Lu Jiahe, before retreating to his courtyard.

Before long, he took out the Purpleblood Spirit Fungus. Without hesitation, he tore it in half and stuffed one piece into his mouth.

Shortly after consuming it, a potent medicinal energy surged through his body.

Within the time it took an incense stick to burn, Lu Xuan had fully absorbed its effects. He then focused his mind, summoning the system panel:

Host: Lu Xuan
Realm: Inner Qi Realm
Techniques:

• Blazing Saber Art (2/9)

• Gale-Chasing Steps (0/9) (Can be deduced)
  Points: 32

*Host, confirm if you wish to spend 20 points to deduce the Gale-Chasing Steps.*

Hm? The points have changed.

Lu Xuan examined the system points on the panel, silently estimating the effects of the Purpleblood Spirit Fungus.

So, half of the fungus gives 15 points—equivalent to that mutated beast from Tongling Peak.

As expected of a tonic dozens of times more potent than Red Essence Ganoderma. Its medicinal power is terrifying!

He then focused on the Gale-Chasing Steps and mentally confirmed the deduction.

Instantly, the system points changed.

A golden silhouette appeared in his mind, its feet gliding as if riding the wind, leaping effortlessly through the air.

The figure moved so swiftly that afterimages trailed behind it, dazzling and disorienting to the eye.

Once the demonstration ended, the golden silhouette dissolved into a streak of light, merging into Lu Xuan’s consciousness.

When he opened his eyes, the profound mysteries of the Gale-Chasing Steps felt as natural as if he had always known them—every movement etched into his memory.

So this is the Gale-Chasing Steps?

He reviewed the techniques embedded in his mind, then stood up and channeled his inner qi. With a single step—

Whoosh!

In the blink of an eye, he found himself at the courtyard’s entrance.

Behind him, a faint afterimage lingered where he had stood, shimmering like a mirage before vanishing a second later.

A flicker of astonishment crossed Lu Xuan’s eyes. This speed is several times faster than before!

Moreover, mastering the Gale-Chasing Steps had further stabilized his Inner Qi Realm, pushing him closer to the next breakthrough.

At this rate, I’ll soon reach the Minor Achievement stage of the Inner Qi Realm.

But a ravenous hunger struck him again.

Without delay, he swallowed the remaining half of the Purpleblood Spirit Fungus, absorbing its energy voraciously before checking the system panel once more:

Host: Lu Xuan
Realm: Inner Qi Realm
Techniques:

• Blazing Saber Art (2/9)

• Gale-Chasing Steps (1/9)
  Points: 22

The residual energy from the absorbed fungus had contributed 10 points, and after deducting the 20 points for the Gale-Chasing Steps, he was left with 12. Combined, he now had 22 points remaining.

Still not enough… Lu Xuan smiled wryly.

A single deduction had drained most of his reserves, and the Blazing Saber Art showed no signs of progress.

His gaze shifted to the remaining medicinal herbs, but after a moment’s thought, he dismissed the idea of consuming them all.

These herbs are just a drop in the bucket for me now.

It seems I’ll have to rely on supernatural anomalies or mutated spirit beasts to gather more points.

I should send some men to investigate any strange occurrences near Qingyun County.

Alternatively, I might head to the prefectural capital soon—there should be more leads on anomalies and mutated beasts there.

…..

The Jagged Ridge Mountains

Deep within the mountain range stood a relatively short peak, its midsection occupied by a crude bandit stronghold.

Two watchtowers flanked the entrance, manned by several figures—the remnants of the bandits Lu Xuan’s group had encountered earlier.

At the heart of the stronghold, a few individuals gathered in the main hall.

Seated at the head was an elderly man draped in black robes, his face lined with deep wrinkles. His skeletal hands rested on the armrests, exuding an eerie aura.

The old man’s sunken eyes gleamed with intensity as he studied the two men standing before him—one tall, the other short—both standing rigidly in deference.

These were the Second and Third Chiefs of the bandits, the same duo who had slain Tiger back then.

The elder suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse yet commanding.

“Time is running short. The stronghold’s medicinal reserves are nearly exhausted.”

“My great work is nearing completion. Once done, my injuries will fully heal, and my martial prowess may even surpass its former peak.”

“But I still need more potent herbs to sustain the process. It seems we must take a risk.”

The two men’s faces lit up with excitement.

If their master recovered—not just from his injuries but regained his former strength—they would no longer have to live like rats hiding in the wilderness.

They knew exactly how formidable their master had once been—a Blood-Refining Realm expert.

Even in the prefectural capital, a warrior of that caliber would command respect and fear.

And their master was no ordinary Blood-Refining Realm fighter—he had reached Great Achievement within that realm.

In the past, their Black Wind Stronghold had dominated the trade routes connecting several counties. Even the magistrates had dared not provoke them—all thanks to their master’s might.

But then, for reasons unknown, the Blackfeather Guards had targeted them.

Their master had been no match, forced to flee with severe injuries.

The Third Chief stepped forward eagerly.

“Master, what do you mean by ‘taking a risk’? My brother and I are willing to brave any danger for you!”

The elder nodded in approval.

“Good. Once I recover, I shall pass down the Black Palm Technique to both of you.”

The Second Chief could no longer contain himself, stepping forward with fervor.

“Thank you, Master!”

The Black Palm Technique was their master’s true legacy—receiving it meant his full endorsement.

“Tomorrow, the two of you will go to Qingyun County.”**

The Second Chief immediately grasped his meaning.

“Master, are you saying we should… procure medicinal herbs from the county?”

“Precisely.”

A cold glint flashed in the Second Chief’s eyes.

They had no silver to buy the herbs—but they still needed them.

If they couldn’t rob travelers outside the city, then they’d have to go inside.

“Rest assured, Master. I already have a plan.”

“Once we enter the county, we’ll first identify which household hoards the most medicinal supplies.”

“Then, under cover of night, we’ll eliminate them quietly and transport the goods out of the city.”

A cruel smile twisted his lips as he spoke, as if the lives of those townsfolk were nothing more than weeds to be trampled.