Starting as The Young Master of A Pharmacy, He Trained Swordsmanship in Seclusion For Twenty Years - Chapter 9

“Moreover, that young man we just saw—his martial prowess is nothing to scoff at.”

“Judging by his aura, his skill level is likely on par with yours, young miss.”

Hearing the two men’s praise for Lu Xuan, the young woman’s eyes flickered with astonishment.

What?!

She had sensed something extraordinary about that young man, but she never expected his martial arts to rival hers!

After all, she had already reached the peak of the Muscle-Forging Stage, just one step away from the Bone-Tempering Stage. With such talent, even in the prefectural city, she was considered a genius.

Yet today, in this small rural town, she had encountered another young prodigy nearly her equal.

Truly, as her father had said—the world was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, and geniuses were as numerous as fish in a river.

“Young Miss, it’s getting late. You should rest soon—we have a long journey to Qingyun County tomorrow.”

“I’m sure the master has been waiting for your return.”

While this group was quietly discussing Lu Xuan, another scene was unfolding in a dim corner of the inn.

Four rough-looking men sat around a table, their eyes fixed on the direction Lu Xuan had left.

They wore plain cloth garments, and beside their food and wine lay four battered broadswords.

One of them leaned toward a tall, burly man and whispered:

“Boss, that kid earlier seemed like he’s from a wealthy family—probably some young master.”

The burly man turned to another man and asked:

“Third Brother, you went out to scout earlier. What did you find?”

The addressed man immediately understood and reported:

“Boss, that kid’s a bit strange…”

The burly man frowned, his tone turning serious.

“Huh? What do you mean? How many men does he have with him?”

“No, Boss, you’re overthinking it.”

“He only has two attendants. I even tested them—bumped into that big oaf watching the horses.”

“The guy had no stance at all, just a useless lump of muscle. No martial training whatsoever.”

Hearing this, the other three exchanged glances.

The thin, previously silent man finally spoke up:

“So, the only real threat is that one guard running around for him.”

“But we don’t know how strong he is. Boss, I think we should still be careful.”

“Ah, Second Brother, you worry too much!” the first man cut in, grinning eagerly.

“The kid’s only got one guard. There are four of us—if we plan it right, this is in the bag!”

“Haven’t we dealt with fools like this before? Rich brats with weak bodyguards—all ended up dead in the end!”

The burly leader listened to their debate in silence before finally speaking in a low voice:

“We’ve finally found a target worth hitting. I say we take this chance.”

The truth was, they had been scouting this town for days.

Most travelers either traveled in large, well-armed groups or were penniless drifters—neither worth the risk.

The only tempting prey had been that group across the room—especially the veiled woman.

Though her face was hidden, no one was fooled. Even an idiot could tell she was stunning.

If not for her dozen fierce-looking guards and their fine weapons, the four would’ve already made their move.

“Then we’ll follow your lead, Boss.”

Seeing their leader’s decision, the other three dropped their objections.

After all, their boss was the strongest among them—a Skin-Tempering Stage expert.

Besides, they were desperate. If they didn’t strike soon, they’d starve.

A perfect target like this was worth the risk.

“Good. Third Brother, go feed our horses—keep them strong.”

“Once that kid leaves town tomorrow, we strike.”

Originally, they had four horses, but extreme poverty had forced them to slaughter two for food on the road. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have made it here alive.

“Wait, Boss!” The thin man suddenly pulled out a small cloth pouch.

“I’ve got something here that can deal with that guard.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Poison powder. Toss it in the guard’s face during the fight, and he’ll be helpless.”

“Heh heh heh…”

The burly man chuckled darkly.

“Good. With this, that brat won’t escape even if he grows wings.”

Late Night

In a quiet, modest guest room, Lu Xuan sat at a wooden table.

Before him lay several meat dishes—enough to feed five or six people.

Yet in moments, he devoured it all.

Even so, he was only 80% full.

No wonder the old saying went: “Scholars may be poor, but martial artists must be rich!”

Without substantial wealth, a warrior wouldn’t even afford meals.

With a thought, Lu Xuan summoned his system panel:

[Host: Lu Xuan]
[Realm: Blood-Forging Stage (Peak)]
[Technique: Blazing Saber Art (1/9)]
[Points: 1]

Seeing that lone point, Lu Xuan smiled bitterly.

As his strength grew, so did the demand for points.

This single point came from residual medicinal effects of the Blood Ginseng he’d consumed earlier.

Now, his only hope lay in that legendary treasure—otherwise, earning points would be harder than climbing to heaven.

Lost in thought, Lu Xuan remained unaware that he had been marked.

Not that he would’ve cared.

To him, those men were nothing but ants.

The Next Morning

Lu Xuan’s carriage slowly departed Shili Town, vanishing into the horizon.

Not long after, two horses galloped out in pursuit, kicking up a trail of dust as they raced along the carriage’s tracks.