Old Zhangtou's words were quite reasonable.

This gave Bai Yu a clearer understanding of the so-called martial world.

Fortunately, he never intended to roam the martial world.

Isn't it better to live out his days in the charity mortuary?

But Mangzi was different; he liked to follow a path to its end, no matter how dark.

That's how Mangzi got his name.

The next day, he bid farewell to everyone at the charity mortuary and set off on his journey into the martial world without hesitation.

With Mangzi gone, everyone felt a bit out of sorts at first, but they eventually got used to it.

The charity mortuary recruited new people, opening ten spots this time.

As per the old rule, nine were freeloaders, and one actually did the work.

The newcomer this time was surnamed Wang, a rather clever young man, earning the nickname "Little Wang."

Time flowed slowly, passing by the big tree in the yard, as the green leaves on the branches gradually turned yellow.

Unhurried and calm, life was peaceful.

Every day, Bai Yu conducted funeral processions, practiced his fist techniques, and occasionally went to the black market to sell Essence-Nourishing Powder.

He sold only twenty packs a month, earning three to four taels of silver, never greedy for more.

River City was not like Peach Blossom Village, where the strong were as numerous as clouds.

In the village, a first-rank martial artist could be a local tyrant.

In a small county town, martial artists between the third and sixth stages of Qi and Blood were already top experts.

But in a major county city like River City, martial artists above the seventh stage were not uncommon.

A low-level martial artist who earned too much silver could easily disappear without a trace.

A steady stream flows further.

That morning, Bai Yu took a pack of Essence-Nourishing Powder and began practicing his fist techniques.

Orient Loong God Reaches Out!

Rosefinch Spreads Wings!

White Tiger Roars in the Forest!

Basalt Returns to the Sea!

Bai Yu practiced the four forms of the Four Symbols Five Elements Fist repeatedly.

Suddenly, he felt a sense of "when the water reaches, the channel forms," gaining a new understanding of the fist technique.

The Four Symbols Five Elements Fist had finally advanced further.

[Four Symbols Five Elements Fist: Thorough Understanding (0/10000).]

His aptitude also increased by 3 points, rising from 5 to 8.

Even due to the improvement in aptitude, he gained new insights into other cultivation techniques.

Bai Yu was delighted, taking advantage of this insight to continuously practice his fist techniques.

After completing a set of movements, his whole body surged with Qi and Blood, and his pores opened.

His arms glowed with a shimmering luster.

Now, each practice session could increase his Qi and Blood by about 0.1 and his proficiency by 0.5.

Bai Yu exhaled a long breath of turbid air.

Find the original at bit.ly/3iBfjkV.

"The third-grade Skin Tempering Realm, tempering the skin membrane with Qi and Blood, impervious to blades."

"Now that the skin membrane on both arms is fully tempered, it's time to move on to other parts."

Skin Tempering is a slow and meticulous process.

It requires consuming a vast amount of Qi and Blood, continuously washing and tempering to greatly enhance the skin's defensive capabilities.

Typically, other martial artists either choose shortcuts, focusing only on key areas and neglecting others, or they use financial resources to aid with elixirs and special skin-tempering techniques.

For someone like Bai Yu, relying solely on ordinary techniques and abundant Qi and Blood for tempering is almost a fantasy.

Fortunately, Bai Yu had the Record of World Burials and Essence-Nourishing Powder, providing a continuous supply of Qi and Blood.

"If only there were a Skin Tempering technique, it would be perfect."

"But even without it, there's no need to worry. If I gain it, it's my fortune; if not, it's my fate. After all, I have plenty of time."

Bai Yu tidied up, covering his arms thoroughly.

As usual, he headed to the main hall to prepare for a funeral procession, only to find Daoist Lin Jiu already there.

"Uncle Jiu, you're here early today."

Daoist Lin Jiu smiled and said, "I was waiting for you. Today's task will be handled by Little Wang. You're coming with me for a job."

Daoist Lin Jiu was a renowned Yin-Yang Master in River City, often taking on challenging tasks outside.

For instance, when a woman in red committed suicide, a child's resentment lingered after death, or a household was plagued with unrest.

In these matters, Daoist Lin Jiu was a grandmaster-level expert.

It's said that someone once witnessed him dealing with a corpse transformation.

In the past, when he needed an assistant, he would take Mangzi along.

Now that Mangzi was gone, he turned to Bai Yu.

Bai Yu couldn't help but feel a bit curious and asked, "Uncle Jiu, what do I need to do when we get there?"

Daoist Lin Jiu replied with a smile, "Nothing much, just help pass things, lend a hand, and stick some talismans."

"Your Qi and Blood are strong, your Yang energy is abundant, which has a suppressing effect on Sha energy. Just stand there and cooperate."

He sighed, "It's a pity, though. When it comes to abundant Qi and Blood, Mangzi was the best. He was meant for this line of work, but alas."

Daoist Lin Jiu had intended to take Mangzi as a disciple, but Mangzi had already ventured into the martial world during the assessment phase.

Bai Yu laughed and said, "Brother Mang might achieve great things in the martial world."

Lin Jiu replied, "Let's not talk about that. This time, we need to dispel the Sha energy for the Iron Wolf Protector of the Black Wolf Gang. It's said something strange happened after his death, and the reward should be substantial."

"Get ready and come with me."

Bai Yu was overjoyed.

The Black Wolf Gang had four protectors: Gold, Silver, Copper, and Iron, each with a strength above the fifth stage.

Being able to conduct a funeral for a fifth-stage martial artist was something Bai Yu couldn't ask for more.

He quickly nodded, "Alright, I'm ready to go anytime."

And so, the two of them set off for River City.

Every time he arrived in River City, Bai Yu couldn't help but marvel at its prosperity.

The streets were bustling with traffic, and people jostled shoulder to shoulder.

The tavern signs on both sides fluttered in the wind, and the cries of vendors were endless.

Passing by Yanliu Alley, the laughter of women and the fragrance of cosmetics filled the air.

If he weren't short on money, Bai Yu would have liked to go in and offer some criticism.

The two continued on their way, arriving at a spacious courtyard.

Seeing Daoist Lin Jiu arrive, a charming woman in mourning clothes approached, crying.

"Daoist Lin, you're finally here."

"My heartless husband left us, a widow and orphan, just like that."

"Even after he's gone, he doesn't rest in peace. At night, there's the sound of rummaging in the spirit hall, and inexplicable Yin winds blow."

Daoist Lin remained composed and said, "This might be a case of returning Sha. Have you invited anyone else to take a look?"

The woman wiped her tears, "Of course we did. Yesterday, we invited a group of monks from Bailong Temple to chant scriptures."

"While they were chanting, one monk suddenly collapsed, and the others panicked, stopped chanting, and carried him back."

Daoist Lin's expression grew more serious, "It seems the Sha energy is quite strong. Please take me inside to have a look."

The woman quickly agreed and led them into the spirit hall.

As soon as they entered, Bai Yu felt a bone-chilling cold.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, but inside the spirit hall, it was so cold that it gave him goosebumps.

Looking at the deceased, his face was pale, and his eyes were wide open.

Above the deceased's face, a pool of water had gathered on the ceiling.

"Sha energy turning into water!"

Daoist Lin's expression changed slightly as he took out a Yellow Talisman.

With a flick of his fingers, the talisman ignited without wind.

Daoist Lin tossed the talisman, but halfway through burning, it extinguished.

"Madam, the Sha energy of the Iron Wolf Protector is too strong; it won't be easy to resolve."

The woman pleaded tearfully, "Daoist Lin, you must help us, a widow and orphan."

"That heartless man, how are we supposed to live in the future?"

Daoist Lin didn't waste words, giving instructions on the spot to prepare rooster blood, cinnabar, yellow paper, and other items.

He then wrote talismans, chanted incantations, and burned a stack of Yellow Talismans.

Next, he took out a peachwood sword and performed the Gang-Stepping Step in the spirit hall, practicing like martial arts.

Sure enough, after his performance, the spirit hall no longer felt bone-chilling cold.

Bai Yu assisted on the side, secretly admiring Daoist Lin's skills.

He took a moment to glance at the Record of World Burials.

[Funeral Target: Qi Yong.]

[Identity: Iron Wolf Protector of the Black Wolf Gang.]

[Age: 39.]

[Cultivation: Stage Five Martial Artist.]

[Funeral Participation: 8%.]

[Ordinary Reward: Qi and Blood +188, Life Experience +888.]

[Optional Rewards: Blade Technique Experience, Iron Armor Technique, Mad Demon Blade Technique, Monument Crushing Leg, Black Wolf Mind Technique (Incomplete Version)...]