Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

[You have entered the Qi Refining Realm.]

[You have entered the Mercury Realm.]

In Xiaochun Courtyard, feeling the changes within his body, Xu Ming let out a long breath.

After both the Martial Artist's True Qi and Spiritual Power coursed through his entire body, Xu Ming opened his eyes and clenched his fists slightly.

Ever since he returned from the banquet, Xu Ming had felt a strong urge to break through his current realm.

Thus, he continued to practice the Heaven-Cleaving Fist and Bingyang Sword Technique in the courtyard.

And today, he broke through both realms simultaneously.

Xu Ming wasn't entirely sure about his current combat strength. Judging by the standards of Qi Refining practitioners, the fact that he hadn't even entered the Qingyun Ranking suggested that he was still not particularly strong.

Xu Ming took off his clothes and applied the Hundred Flower Ointment sent over by the Xu family's matriarch, then washed himself clean with well water.

The name Hundred Flower Ointment might sound effeminate, but in truth, it was highly beneficial for body tempering at lower Martial Artist realms.

Before entering the fourth Martial Artist realm, Xu Ming would have to undergo a body tempering process, so he had to prepare well.

The fact that the Xu family's matriarch gifted him something as suitable as Hundred Flower Ointment suggested that she had likely consulted Wang Feng for advice on what to send.

Apart from that, Xiaochun Courtyard also contained some spiritual stones, silks, and other rewards granted by the Martial Emperor.

Initially, many officials who attended the banquet had come to present gifts to Xu Ming, but all of them were politely declined by Chen Suya.

Now, Xu Ming had become a sensation in Wudu.

Even though he was a concubine's son, no servant in the Xu family dared to look down on him.

On the contrary, their gazes carried a hint of admiration.

Xu Ming had already made a name for himself across the capital.

Meanwhile, on the imperial court in the capital, the Reformist faction, using Xu Ming as an example, leveraged the will of the common people to request reforms to the imperial examination system. They demanded that all citizens of Wu Kingdom, regardless of birth—noble or common—should be allowed to participate! They also called for restoring the status of concubines' sons to what it had been 150 years ago, granting them partial inheritance rights.

Now, the entire capital knew that political storms were brewing in the court, and with the Reformist faction holding the upper hand, it seemed highly likely that the imperial examination system would indeed be amended.

But revising the imperial examination system was merely the beginning.

A greater storm loomed on the horizon.

When a wolf tears through the scales of a pangolin, it won't stop at just one piece of meat.

Reflecting on the events of the imperial court and recalling how the scholars of Wu Kingdom had been suppressed at the banquet, Xu Ming began to see the bigger picture—he had likely been drawn into a scheme.

As for hating Xiao Mochi, it hadn't come to that point yet.

It was just that scholars' hearts were truly dark. He needed to be more vigilant in the future.

Especially those scholars who dedicated themselves wholly to a particular belief—such individuals were the most terrifying.

"Come, let's have a fight."

The first thing Xu Ming did after his breakthrough was spar with the courtyard's 'dog-goose'.

The Tianxuan Goose Xiao Bai was very obliging, letting out a loud "Honk!" before charging straight at Xu Ming.

A quarter of an hour later, after Xu Ming and the Tianxuan Goose clashed—a punch against a wing—they once again distanced themselves, ending in a draw.

The Tianxuan Goose panted heavily.

It was baffled.

How could this kid improve so quickly? It hasn't even been that long, yet I can't seem to deal with him anymore!

Xu Ming was equally puzzled.

Even though both his Martial Artist and Qi Cultivation realms had improved, Xu Ming still couldn't defeat that 'dog-goose'?

Just as the Tianxuan Goose was about to charge forward again to assert its dominance as the big sister of the courtyard, it suddenly sensed Chen Suya's presence approaching. Instantly, it tucked its wings, let out a soft whoosh, and dashed back into its nest.

Xu Ming turned toward the courtyard gate and saw his mother walking in with a smile on her face. Beside her was a little girl who looked as delicate as a porcelain doll.

"Mother, Miss Zhu," Xu Ming greeted as he stepped forward.

"Forgive me for visiting so abruptly," Zhu Cici said with a slight bow, her manners impeccable.

Chen Suya smiled warmly and said, "Ming'er, Cici came here specifically to play with you. Do you have time to accompany her today?"

Hearing his mother's words, Xu Ming looked at Zhu Cici. The little girl blinked her eyes expectantly.

"Of course," Xu Ming nodded.

"I'll leave little Cici in your care, then," Chen Suya said, ruffling her son's hair. "A lady from the Ning family invited me over, so I must go attend to it."

"Don't worry, Mother. I'll take good care of Cici," Xu Ming answered earnestly.

Noticing his mother's somewhat tired expression, Xu Ming couldn't help but feel guilty.

His mother preferred a quiet life.

But ever since he rose to fame, many visitors had come to pay respects or invite her to various tea gatherings with noble ladies. Unable to refuse such invitations, his mother had been quite busy lately.

Once Chen Suya left, only Zhu Cici, Xu Ming, and Zhu Cici's maid remained in the courtyard.

"How about I show Miss Cici around the Xu estate?" Xu Ming suggested.

"Every noble family's residence is more or less the same. How about we go explore Wudu instead?" Zhu Cici shook her head with a smile, adding, "Also, I'll call you Xu Ming and you call me Cici. There's no need to add 'Miss.' What do you think?"

Xu Ming was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and nodded. "Alright."

There was something about this little girl. While she carried the innocence of her age, she also exuded a maturity beyond her years.

She felt somewhat familiar, though not overly so.

Perhaps it was because Zhu Cici had read too many books and, being a natural literary prodigy, had awakened to wisdom earlier than others.

Xu Ming led Zhu Cici out of the Xu estate and began wandering around Wudu under the protection of Zhu Cici's maid.

Though Xu Ming often trained in his courtyard, as someone born and raised in Wudu, he was still perfectly capable of playing the role of a small tour guide.

"This is the largest bookshop in Wudu. It houses books from all the schools of thought, as well as some basic techniques and martial arts manuals."

"This tavern is called Drunken Immortal Tavern. The wine brewed here is said to be unparalleled, and the dishes are exceptional—though the prices are quite impressive as well."

"This place is—"

"I know!" Zhu Cici interrupted excitedly, raising her hand. "This is Hundred Flowers Pavilion, the largest brothel in Wudu."

"…" Xu Ming's brow twitched slightly. "I was going to say that the shop next to Hundred Flowers Pavilion is called Agarwood Pavilion. They sell excellent rouge and cosmetics."

Zhu Cici: "…"

The two of them strolled through the bustling streets.

Before long, a middle-aged man leading three dogs approached from the other direction, walking toward Xu Ming and Zhu Cici.

Xu Ming and the others paid little attention to the man.

However, just as he brushed past them, the corners of the man's lips curled into a slight smirk.

"Miss!"

Suddenly, the maid, Xiao Ye, tensed up and lunged toward Zhu Cici in alarm.