Chapter 013: Lord Wan

External projection relies on two prerequisites. First is sufficient internal strength; without enough, it cannot be condensed into a single force, nor manipulated at will. Second is specialized martial arts—essentially, the method of exertion, which must possess offensive properties. Defensive, speed, or support styles are not unsuitable, but simply not appropriate; these techniques inherently do not require internal strength to be projected externally.

Thus, martial artists of the eighth rank typically cultivate at least two martial arts. Su Jingxing lacked neither internal strength nor technique—he had the "Seven-Step Fist." To achieve external projection, all he needed was repeated attempts. With the Seven-Step Fist able to take five steps in one go, and mastery at a consummate level, projecting internal strength externally could be accomplished in as little as half a month, or at most, half a year.

Simply put, it was a matter of persistence. With Vitality Pills to eliminate fatigue and replenish energy, Su Jingxing could go days without sleeping. Yet his space for practice was limited. Although the hill behind the crematorium was rarely visited, it still posed risks. The dormitory, with Kong Dabao as a roommate, was even less suitable. Moving was imperative.

...

That night, Su Jingxing, carrying a bag containing three hundred Vitality Pills, made his way to the black market. The black market of Qinghe City was situated at the intersection of the central, western, and southern districts, in a former old town that had been specially redeveloped into a hidden street. It operated only at night. Of course, “hidden” was merely tacit understanding; the black market had existed for decades and developed its own comprehensive industry chain.

Behind it, all major factions, no matter how fiercely they competed elsewhere, excluded the black market from their conflicts by mutual agreement—this treasure trove belonged to everyone, including official authorities. Anyone entering must pay a hundred Dayu coins as admission. If selling goods, one must also pay a stall fee—one hundred Dayu coins per square meter, not expensive. Once a transaction is completed, for secure payment transfer, the black market has its own banking interface, charging only five percent commission.

In short, as long as no murders occur, the black market committee ensures attentive service so both buyer and seller leave satisfied. Of course, the market is “black” because some people and things must not be exposed. For safety and protection, everyone who enters disguises themselves. Su Jingxing did likewise, purchasing a black cloak and mask separately, donning them before approaching one of the three entrances, handing over the hundred Dayu coin admission, and entering.

Vibrant! That was Su Jingxing’s first impression upon walking the black market street. If not for the masked faces all around, it would be no different from a night market on Earth.

Only, the goods traded were anything but ordinary. Items forbidden by explicit law were everywhere: firearms, pills, martial arts manuals, weapons—everything imaginable. It was Su Jingxing’s first visit, so he didn’t rush to set up a stall, but strolled through the street, taking in the bustling scene before finally heading to the committee office to pay for a stall.

Curiously, while everyone in the market wore masks or face coverings to conceal their identities, the committee staff worked openly, faces uncovered, exactly as they would outside. When idle, they gathered to chat.

During Su Jingxing’s application for a temporary stall permit, he happened to overhear conversation from an open office nearby.

“I never expected it—such a quick breakthrough.”

“Indeed, so many fall at the threshold from seventh to sixth rank, but Wan Rong succeeded.”

“Ha! Now we must call him Master Wan—he’s a true power.”

“Tsk, tsk, once you reach sixth rank, your status skyrockets—now even our black market profits. Strength really is satisfying.”

“I heard our share here was personally given to Wan Rong by the boss’s boss.”

“What, are you envious?”

“Like you’re not?”

“Haha...”

Those in the office chatted freely, unconcerned. Yet the news they revealed made Su Jingxing tense for a moment. He quickly regained composure, but couldn’t help silently complaining.

Wan Rong!

Hearing this name again, a subconscious reaction stirred from his predecessor’s obsession. Su Jingxing felt helpless toward such involuntary behavior.

It must be eliminated! The sooner, the better! As long as he remained affected, comfort would elude him.

But...

“Wan Rong reached sixth rank?”

Leaving the committee office, Su Jingxing frowned. His predecessor only knew Wan Rong was a formidable martial artist, but not his precise level. Su Jingxing had previously guessed eighth or seventh rank. After all, martial artists above seventh rank belonged to another echelon, rarely interacting with ordinary people or engaging in conflict.

Originally, Su Jingxing planned to seek revenge against Wan Rong after advancing to seventh rank. Now, unexpectedly, Wan Rong had broken through to sixth rank—plans would have to change.

A sixth-rank martial artist is a far cry from seventh rank. Even ten seventh-rank martial artists together would not be a match for one sixth-rank. Since ancient times, the nine ranks of martial artists have three thresholds: from ordinary person to ninth rank, from seventh to sixth, and from fourth to third.

Of these, the ninth-rank threshold is relatively easier to cross; with martial arts knowledge and some resources, it can be done. The challenge from seventh to sixth, however, demands talent and perseverance—many seventh-rank martial artists never make it in their lifetime. But once crossed, a new stratum is reached; status and wealth soar instantly.

Take Wan Rong: upon advancing to sixth rank, he received a share in the black market—delivered to him personally. Meanwhile, Wu Anxun could only remain at the forest town.

Wan Rong’s breakthrough had doubled, if not more, the difficulty of Su Jingxing’s quest for revenge. Without absolute confidence, the predecessor’s obsession would have to be endured!

...

Exhaling slowly to calm his restless thoughts, Su Jingxing forced himself not to dwell on Wan Rong and found his assigned stall. Upon arrival, he took out a large prepared card and wrote the product name and price.

High-grade Vitality Pills, three hundred Dayu coins each!

During his earlier stroll, Su Jingxing noticed others selling Vitality Pills, prices ranging from two hundred fifty to three hundred fifty. As for quality, that was up to individual discernment. Su Jingxing chose the median price for convenience.

After writing, he placed the card before him and poured out one pill from the ceramic bottle for sampling. The Vitality Pills obtained via Vitality Cards were of unsurpassed quality—any expert could judge at a glance.

Within minutes of setting up, a masked, short, and stout man approached, picked up the sample pill, sniffed it closely, and his eyes lit up. He lowered his voice, excited, “How many of these high-quality Vitality Pills do you have?”

“Three hundred,” Su Jingxing replied.

“I’ll take them all!”