Lord Shenxiu

"Primordial Qi Gong may seem complicated, but it's actually just the first step in cultivation, just refining essence into Qi…"

"In the previous world, the elemental energy of the heavens and earth was sparse. Martial Artists could only refine their own essence and could hardly break through the Innate stage. But this world is different, the elemental energy is abundant…"

Zhong Shenxiu felt as if he had shattered some kind of shackle within himself, sensing the outside world and the surging elemental energy stemming from it.

There are distinctions even among the elemental energy of the heavens and earth. A great being once wrote 'Taishang Responsive Chapters,' categorizing the various properties of elemental energy, even meticulously listing tens of thousands of types.

But for a beginner like Zhong Shenxiu, the elemental energy was simply the elemental energy! There was no distinction of clarity or complexity.

If there were, it would pertain to a higher realm.

With his crude method of Primordial Qi Gong, he couldn't distinguish one from another but instead swallowed it all whole like a whale, forcefully refining it.

Gradually, the elemental energy in his Dantian calmed and transformed, becoming a semi-transparent energy.

"Is this…True Qi? The realm I dreamt about in my past world but could never break through."

Zhong Shenxiu, looking at this scene, couldn't help but feel very emotional.

Martial Arts True Qi!

Also known as Innate True Qi, it is an energy that can turn decay into magic.

Acquired Martial Practitioners, no matter how they reach the pinnacle of their skills, will always have limits; their physical energy cannot be inexhaustible, thus, they can be cornered and overwhelmed.

But Innate Martial Practitioners have taken the first step towards transcending the ordinary and becoming extraordinary!

Under severe disruption, Zhong Shenxiu forcibly refined his Qigong to success!

However, before he had time to get familiar with this strand of Innate True Qi, circulating it through his meridians, he suddenly felt a 'black hole.'

This black hole emanated a terrifying suction force, swallowing up that strand of True Qi as if feasting voraciously.

"If you want it, then I'll give it all to you."

With a thought, Zhong Shenxiu continued to meditate and refine Qi, using Innate True Qi to fill the hole within his body.

He didn't know how much time had passed when a trace of dawn lightly emerged in the sky.

Zhong Shenxiu opened his eyes and heaved a long sigh, noticing his body was completely drenched in sweat.

"Using True Qi to replace my own essence to deal with the resentful spirit seems feasible…"

Zhong Shenxiu stood up and noticed his footing was unsteady and his face was pale, looking no different from someone who had just recovered from a serious illness, which made him wryly smile, "And I'm more certain of one thing, ordinary full moons are like this, but if it comes to Blood Moon Night and I haven't found a solution, I will surely be devoured to death by the Headless Earl!"

"As for… why the Headless Earl likes to cause trouble during the full moon and Blood Moon Night, it seems to be related to sacrificial rituals… That great being prefers the time of the Blood Moon, which is why Heisting County often chooses Blood Moon Night for sacrifices…"

Zhong Shenxiu sank into contemplation.

As he continuously controlled the Headless Earl within him, he gradually gained some fragmented memories.

At the very least, he was almost proficient in a certain Western language.

"Blood Moon Night is not fixed in time, but to assume the worst, it might only be a few months away…"

Zhong Shenxiu pondered, gazing at the attribute panel:

[Hundred Refined Martial Arts: Fifth Level]

[Instrument Art: Third Level]

[Chess Skill: Third Level]

[Painting and Calligraphy: Fourth Level]

[Primordial Qi Gong: First Level]

[Profound Yin Soul Fragment: Third Level]

[Heavenly Show Points: 0 (5%)]

"After I returned, the Heavenly Show Points also gradually increased, because individuals like Huang Xie continuously promoted my martial prowess and deeds…"

Zhong Shenxiu had long understood a principle, pretending to be impressive by oneself is not as good as letting others do it for you.

In other words, reputation is also a form of power.

"This, in plain terms, how is it somewhat similar to the power of faith?"

Zhong Shenxiu nodded his head and then shook it, "In the short term, whether enhancing the Innate Qi Gong or the Profound Yin Soul Fragment, handling a regular full moon will not be a problem. However, for the Blood Moon Night, it might be difficult; I'll need to increase my strength by several levels to possibly have some effect. Is this forcing me to create another major incident?"

He thought for a moment and marked this as a backup option.

After all, Zhong Shenxiu always acted prudently and did not like to stand out.

"Besides, mastering some real Daoist skills, or finding other items that could suppress vengeful spirits, might also work. It's just a pity I don't have access to such channels. Perhaps only in the Protector Mansion might there be such rare items…"

He suddenly realized that this goal actually did not contradict his own plans.

He would first linger within the system of the Protector Mansion, perhaps also finding a way to salvage himself.

At the same time, he could also look for opportunities to earn more Heavenly Show Points for emergencies.

As Zhong Shenxiu pondered, he approached the cafeteria, where two dog heads approached him: "Woof… Mr. Su."

"Huang Jun, and Er Ha, good morning."

Zhong Shenxiu responded with a smile.

Huang Xie had originally planned to retire, but then a major event had delayed him.

Furthermore, although he had earned praise and a considerable reward this time, he seemed not ready to retire but was planning to extend his service.

Without asking, it was all because of his nephew Er Ha dragging him down.

Zhong Shenxiu suspected that if Huang Xie left for even a day, Er Ha would be able to tear down the barracks and cause a huge mess.

"Congratulations Mr. Su, I have heard… Regiment Commander Xu Wenling has already announced Tian Bufen's dereliction of duty, dismissed him from his squad leader position, and Xue San has also completed his retirement formalities. Mr. Su's appointment as Squad Leader has already been issued."

Huang Xie spoke obsequiously, "Now that we are in the same squad, please take good care of my nephew."

"Certainly, certainly."

Zhong Shenxiu thought for a moment then said to Er Ha, "You previously asked me for a character, and after thinking it over these past days, I finally came up with a good one, how about 'Shi Qi'?"

"Woof, woof!"

Er Ha, grinning ear to ear, nodded continuously in agreement.

Zhong Shenxiu secretly felt quite pleased with himself, ready to go eat, when suddenly Huang Xie pulled him, "Mr. Su, your place is no longer here."

He was startled for a moment, then suddenly remembered, he was now a Squad Leader, different from the other ordinary soldiers; he could eat while sitting down.

The Second Yan Han Empire had a strict hierarchical system, and it was reflected in every aspect of life.

Zhong Shenxiu had no intention of defiantly opposing it and went to where the Squad Leaders sat at a long wooden table. Looking at the dishes on the table, there were several fresh vegetables, but also a plate of braised pork, tantalizingly red and emanating a fragrant smell, the fat almost dripping off, enough to make those unaccustomed to greasy food salivate.

This was still just the level of the Squad Leaders; the higher ranks, from squad leader to regiment commander, had even better meals.

'After struggling for so long, I've finally reached the level where I can eat meat…'

Zhong Shenxiu picked up a piece of flavorful braised pork and silently reflected, "Back in the day, I too was a significant figure, enjoying only the finest, yet now I've been reduced to this, it's rather sad and lamentable…"