Cultivation through Skin Making

Another ordinary morning.

With the help of two hired lads, Song Yan slaughtered a pig and began selling meat as usual.

From a distance, an elderly man ran over, smiling as he said, "Boss Li, two pounds of ribs!"

Song Yan recognized the old man and smiled, "Made a fortune today?"

The old man was elated, "My son is no longer a slave! It was the decree of King Xixiang! Besides that, there are many other things. Even the rent for the Spirit Field has been clearly priced!"

Song Yan smiled and said, "That is indeed good news."

Under King Xixiang's rule, slave status was different from other places; people with slave status here were like livestock, even eligible for slaughter in sacrifices. Previously, there weren't many slaves, so those in power would provoke and cause trouble, pinning someone with a crime, and then turning them into a slave.

As for renting Spirit Fields, it used to be full of shady dealings due to a lack of transparency. In the past, people were okay with having cattle and sheep for grazing, but in recent years, livestock fever has become more severe, and it costs a lot to treat. Switching to Spirit Field farming has become a better option.

The land here is mostly sandy and unsuitable for planting, except for the Spirit Fields.

But the Spirit Fields are mostly held by nobility and the government, with varying rent prices and terms for each field and individual. Loans are hard to come by, and the interest rates are high. Now, having standard prices and interest rates is indeed a great cause for celebration. No wonder this old man is happy; it offers hope for a better life and survival.

...

...

"Witch! Flame Witch! How are we supposed to live now?! How can she price the Spirit Fields? On what grounds?"

"That's right, big brother, we helped her rise to power back then, and now? She's grown wings and doesn't even respect us. This isn't the abolition of slavery; it's a slap in your face."

"Big brother!"

"Big brother!"

In a luxurious room, a group of nobles gathered around a general, each speaking their mind.

This general, mighty and majestic, was the Grand General known for his loyalty to King Xixiang — Ding Guangzan. He is now the Grand General of Xixiang Kingdom.

Ding Guangzan listened to his old comrades grumbling, frowning as he said, "Setting a price? That's not enough to make a living? Just forgo a concubine."

The person beside him lamented, "It's not just pricing; there are plenty of measures with it. They're out to get us."

"Big brother, she doesn't allow our human sacrifices anymore, but we're used to those. The ancestors in the ground still await servants, and now there's no one to sacrifice; that's... that's unfilial!"

"Yes, big brother!"

Ding Guangzan, annoyed, said, "Enough bickering! The Flame Commandery Princess does have considerable talent and vision; she consulted with me on her reforms. Honestly, which of your families lacks money or grain? As for the ancestors, just replace them with paper figures in the future."

The air fell silent for a moment.

Some quietly left, exchanging glances.

In a secluded spot, one coldly said, "General Ding has been enchanted by that witch."

Another asked, "What should we do now?"

Yet another said, "You probably don't know, that witch has turned against the Holy Fire Sect."

"So what if she's turned? She holds great power now, has military control."

"Heh... Military control? If it comes to a real fight, what use is a large army? Against ferocious ones, they crumble at first touch; no numbers matter," a man with a sinister look gestured.

Others gathered around.

The man said, "I found an envoy from the Holy Fire Sect outside. With that Flame Witch having turned against them, we... can join."

Their eyes darted around, tension in the air, until one stroked his beard and smiled, "Brilliant!"

They all laughed, praising the idea.

The Holy Fire may be fearsome, but when it comes to self-interest, what does a little fear matter?

...

...

Years later...

In his sleep, a wet cloth suddenly covered Grand General Ding Guangzan's face.

Ding Guangzan groaned, but he felt numerous people pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe.

Slowly, he stopped struggling, and just before he died, he heard a familiar voice.

"Big brother, don't blame us; blame yourself for being enchanted by that witch."

...

...

In King Xixiang's land, the death of the Grand General was significant news. Many forensic doctors investigated and confirmed that the Grand General died naturally in his sleep, likely due to old war injuries.

The Sovereign supported the coffin, the Commandery Princess accompanied it, bringing it to a Feng Shui Treasure Land in the suburbs for a grand burial...

But just as the coffin was buried, the Flame Commandery Princess sensed something amiss. Her gaze swept around, seeing shadows emerging from the hills—a group of black-cloaked, masked figures.

Even though those individuals were masked, their eyes were fierce, and a chilling aura surrounded them.

The Flame Commandery Princess had many guards, and she calmly issued commands.

However... the troops were swiftly defeated like a landslide.

...

...

In Cold Smoke Town, another swift horse arrived.

The rider beat drums and shouted, "The witch has been captured; execution in seven days! Spirit Field Demon Technique, defying nature, hence abolished!"

"The witch has been captured; execution in seven days! Spirit Field Demon Technique, defying nature, hence abolished!"

In the town, the people were bewildered, and a spirited youth rushed out, roaring, "The Spirit Field Technique is not a Demon Technique!!"

Immediately, officials and soldiers moved in to suppress.

But soon after, more citizens surged into the streets.

When one street is a foot high, the magic is ten feet.

As the crowd on the street grew, more armored soldiers appeared in the distance.

The Iron Armor gleamed coldly and forbiddingly under the sun, striking fear!

Leading them was the general assigned in recent years to protect the Flame Commandery Princess, that general bellowed, "Do not cause trouble, do not cause trouble!!"

He waved his sword, and the crowd quickly scattered.

And this general led the way to the Cold Smoke Meat Shop, stopping as he saw the old man still chopping bones in front of the shop, saluting, and saying, "Mr. Li, known as the butcher, but truly a bright and principled man, you should know why I've come now, right?"