A few days later, all was quiet on the Water Snake Gang’s front. Cao Bin’s death was like a stone tossed into a deep pool—it didn’t even make a ripple.

Until Luo Yuan paid him a visit.

In Su Yu’s room at the White Ape Martial Arts Hall.

Luo Yuan, beaming, pushed a specially made wooden box over. He then chuckled as he accepted the black porcelain bottle from Su Yu.

Opening the stopper and seeing the splash of black inside, a flash of greed and fear crossed his eyes before he quickly put it away.

"Brother Su, you’re a straightforward man. But..."

Luo Yuan lowered his voice, adopting a confidential tone. "Let this old brother offer a piece of advice. That bastard Cao Bin might have been a nobody in the gang, but he had an adoptive father named Cao Yuanshan, and he’s not someone to be trifled with. He’s a Hall Master in the gang, a Flesh Refining Realm expert, and his methods are vicious. By killing Cao Bin, you’ve made a powerful enemy. Be extremely careful!"

Su Yu took a sip of his tea, his expression calm. "Thank you for the warning, Brother Luo. I’ll deal with it when it happens."

’It’s unexpected that Cao Bin had an adoptive father, but I don’t need to worry too much. If he really wants to avenge Cao Bin, so be it. After all, I have the White Ape Martial Arts Hall backing me now.’

’This is the benefit of joining a martial arts hall. Having a circle and a faction provides both opportunities to grow stronger and protection.’

Su Yu got up and opened the wooden box. A scorching heat immediately washed over him, as if the box contained a ball of fire.

"Younger Brother Su, this Red Oil Fish King is best eaten the same day. It’s a great tonic for Qi and Blood! Well then, I’ll be taking my leave..."

After Luo Yuan left, Su Yu once again examined the Red Oil Fish King closely.

The fish was about three feet long, its entire body covered in dark red, blood-jade scales with edges as sharp as knives. The most mystical part was the tall, fleshy crest on its spine, so vividly red it looked like it might drip. A flowing halo was faintly visible within it, as if magma were surging beneath its skin.

’Good stuff!’

’No wonder this fish king is also called the ’Crimsonflame Blood-Fiend.’ A regular Red Oil Fish can’t even compare.’

’But this treasure fish is extremely valuable. It’s hard to prosper by hoarding treasures, so I should build some goodwill.’

After some thought, he went to get Senior Brother Xu.

Senior Brother Xu initially wanted to refuse, but he couldn’t say no to Su Yu’s enthusiastic invitation and finally agreed to come over.

In the backyard kitchen, smoke and the aroma of cooking filled the air.

Aunt Liu personally took charge of the cooking. She prepared the finest meat from the fish king’s back as sashimi, simmered the remaining head and bones into a rich, creamy white soup tinged with red, and stir-fried a few side dishes.

"Auntie, I’ve set aside this fish meat for you. You should take it home and eat it while it’s hot."

"You’re a good boy, so thoughtful. But this fish is too valuable. Just this little bit for me to taste is more than enough." In the end, Aunt Liu only took a small piece of the treasure fish before leaving.

Su Yu and Senior Brother Xu began to enjoy the rest, trading cups as they feasted.

The moment the fish entered his mouth, it was smooth, tender, yet firm. It instantly transformed into a searing hot current that rushed straight to his stomach.

Su Yu felt every pore on his body open as his Qi and Blood churned like boiling water. The fatigue from days of arduous training was completely swept away.

[Breakthrough Point Progress +1%]

’So powerful! This Red Oil Fish King not only increased my Qi and Blood substantially, but the overflowing energy directly added to my Breakthrough Point progress.’

"Senior Brother Xu, let’s eat!"

Xu Feng nodded and picked up his chopsticks to join in.

...

After they had eaten and drunk their fill.

Senior Brother Xu had left the majority of the treasure fish for Su Yu.

At this moment, Su Yu’s Qi and Blood were surging, and his face was flushed red.

"Junior Su, go and practice your martial arts. I’ll be heading home now."

Su Yu saw Senior Brother Xu off. Unable to suppress the Qi and Blood in his body any longer, he hurried to the Martial Arts Arena to begin his training.

[White Ape Fist Skill Level +20]

[White Ape Fist Skill Level +20]

...

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, another month had passed.

Nourished by both the treasure fish and medicinal pills, Su Yu’s progress this past month had accelerated significantly.

On the Martial Arts Arena, Su Yu finished a set of White Ape Fist and pulled back into a ready stance, then summoned his panel.

[Martial Arts]: White Ape Fist (First Layer) (entry-level 2000/5000)

[Martial Arts]: Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber (First Layer) (entry-level 1800/3000)

[Martial Arts]: White Ape Six Changes (1 Breaking Limit)

[Martial Arts]: Bibo Fishbone Skill (Skilled 1/300)

[Martial Arts]: Coin Toss (Perfection)

[Breakthrough Point]: 0 points (Progress 75%)

’My White Ape Fist has already passed 2000 Skill Level. In less than two months, I’ll be able to break through to the next realm!’

’The Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber is also approaching 2000. My saber technique has clearly improved compared to a month ago. If I could get more real combat experience, my progress would be even faster!’

Su Yu’s gaze fell on the last entry in his Martial Arts list.

[Martial Arts]: Coin Toss (Perfection)

With a flick of his wrist, an ordinary Flying Locust Stone appeared between his fingertips.

BUZZ!

The stone spun at high speed between his fingers, emitting a piercing, wind-breaking sound.

’Square, Spiral, Wind-Listening, and Through-the-Back—four types of Power combined into one.’

’Now that my hidden weapon technique has reached perfection, even a flower or a leaf could be a deadly weapon in my hands. In a fight against another person, it would be impossible to guard against, significantly boosting my combat power. I can use this as a trump card!’

Su Yu was very satisfied with his progress. His Martial Arts cultivation was finally on the right track, no longer the struggle it used to be.

He spent two hours a day practicing White Ape Fist to raise his realm, and most of the remaining time was spent on the Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber. Now that Coin Toss was at Perfection, he could probably take on another martial art.

’Should I learn that Black Tiger Breaking Gate Saber?’

’That saber technique is a Middle-tier Martial Arts at best, far inferior to the Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber. It’s not worth investing time in.’

’I should see if I can get another martial art! Preferably something for defense or a Body Technique for speed, to cover my weaknesses!’

’Counting the days... that Treasure Saber should be ready by now!’

At this thought, a fresh wave of excitement hit Su Yu. ’With my current Demon-Slaying Saber Technique, paired with a suitable Treasure Saber, my strength among those below the First Acupoint will leap to the top tier!’

...

「Ironhoof Alley, Wang’s Blacksmith Shop.」

Su Yu’s gaze fell upon a long saber resting on the table before him.

The saber was still in its scabbard. It was pitch-black and lay there quietly, yet it emanated a heart-pounding sharpness.

"Take a look, Younger Brother Su."

Su Yu eagerly stepped forward and gripped the hilt with one hand.

"Up!"

He exerted a bit of force, but his eyebrows shot up in surprise.

’Heavy!’

The saber didn’t look particularly thick or bulky, but it was far heavier in his hand than he had imagined!

If he weren’t already a Martial Artist with Qi and Blood flowing through his limbs, he probably wouldn’t have even been able to lift it.

CLANG!

The long saber left its sheath, and a chilling aura instantly filled the entire shop.

The blade was long and straight, its body a deep, pure, abyssal black. Across this dark background flowed countless extremely fine silver threads, like lightning on a stormy night.

’Hundred-refined cloud patterns, silver threads on a black base!’

The cutting edge, carburized and crystallized with Iron Bone Shuttle Bone Powder, had taken on a translucent, diamond-like texture. It was so bone-chillingly cold that just looking at it made one’s eyes ache.

"A fine saber!"

Su Yu couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

"This saber is three feet and seven inches long, and it weighs one hundred and eight jin!" Wang Tieyan explained from the side, his voice full of pride. "I used a full hundred jin of black refined iron, smelting it thousands of times, then layered and folded it a thousand times with Snow Line Silver Threads to forge it! This saber is exceptionally sharp and extremely dense. Only a Martial Artist with powerful Qi and Blood can wield it!"

’Three feet, seven inches... one hundred and eight jin!’

Each of these numbers was far beyond what an ordinary person could handle, but for Su Yu, who practiced the Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber, it was a perfect match.

Su Yu took a deep breath, gripped the hilt with both hands, and his Qi and Blood erupted.

"Hah!"

He swung it forcefully.

VMMMM!

The abyssal black blade tore through the air, letting out a low hum like distant thunder.

This saber possessed both a nimble sharpness and the overwhelming, domineering will to subdue demons!

’It truly is perfect for the Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber!’

"Younger Brother Su, you should give this saber a name."

Su Yu caressed the cold blade, unable to put it down. After a moment of thought, he said, "This saber is as black as ink and as sharp as the abyss. Let’s call it Mo Yuan!"

"Mo Yuan... A fine name!"

Wang Tieyan praised it, then handed over the pitch-black scabbard.

"This scabbard is made from ten-year-old Aged Iron Wood and Black Water Flood Dragon Skin. The handguard, scabbard throat, and Blade Darts are all part of the set, making it the most fitting companion for Mo Yuan."

Su Yu took it and found the scabbard’s surface was covered in a tough layer of skin, making it feel solid, cool, and non-slip in his hand. The dark bronze fittings at both ends were simple and heavy, with no extra patterns, exuding only a murderous aura!

With a flick of his wrist, he spun the long saber in a flourish.

CLANG!

The long saber returned to its sheath.

Su Yu slung it diagonally at his waist, and his confidence instantly grew.

"Uncle Wang, your craftsmanship is astounding! I have one more thing to trouble you with."

Instead of leaving right away, Su Yu took out a hundred-tael silver note and placed it on the table. "I need you to forge a special type of hidden weapon for me."

’Now that my Coin Toss has reached Perfection, I can finally have its matching hidden weapon, the coin darts, forged!’

"Oh? Tell me about it!" Wang Tieyan was a little curious.

After they discussed it for a while, Wang Tieyan fell silent for a moment before speaking.

"I’ve forged these coin darts a few times before, always with ordinary iron. But based on your requirements, these will be quite expensive and will require a powerful hidden weapon technique to use effectively."

Wang Tieyan added a word of caution. Many people had used coin darts before, but their techniques were all unremarkable. They were perhaps even less powerful than flying daggers.

Usually, people just used scrap metal to make a few ordinary ones.

If he were to follow Su Yu’s request, he would be forging heavy water tungsten gold coins. The cost would be high, and they would be difficult to make. A single finished coin would cost at least ten-odd taels of silver.

Although their power would indeed be greater, they would also be quite difficult to use.

"Let’s go with that, Uncle Wang. Please take this silver note for now. I’ll make up the difference when you’re done."

Wang Tieyan glanced at Su Yu, and seeing that his mind was made up, he said no more and accepted the silver note.

"Alright! Since you’re willing to spend the money, I’ll give it my all! Come back to pick them up in two months!"