Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 272 On the Flesh Field

He was just a mere martial arts master. If Han Yi had struck him unexpectedly, he would have been crippled if not killed.

"Relationship? Why is it none of my business?" Li Chengfeng's face twitched, clearly angered by Han Yi's words. He and Huang Ze were one thing, they were both martial arts masters, so it was normal for them to quarrel.

But what is Han Yi anyway? He's just a lowly Blood Refining Stage cultivator who's done a little good. How dare he talk to him like that?

The killing intent in his eyes grew stronger, and a fire of rage burned within him. But with so many people watching, he could only suppress his anger, his tone carrying a hidden threat: "You should know that I am the elder in charge of discipline. The rules are..." "Stop, stop!" Han Yi's lips curled into a strange smile as he abruptly interrupted Li Chengfeng, "Whether it succeeds or not is up to the sect leader. What right do you have to say?"

“You…” Li Chengfeng stood up, wanting to make a move, but then forced himself to sit down. A strong killing intent gradually emanated from his body.

For so many years, this was the first time someone had pointed their finger at him and called him something, especially a junior like him!

Han Yi ignored Li Chengfeng and bowed to Ao Yang, saying, "Sect Master, as I just said, please reserve the position of Deputy Hall Master for me for the time being. If I can open my meridians and enter the realm of internal strength in a year, I will take on this position. If not, then let this matter be as if it was never mentioned!"

!!!

This time, everyone in the hall was truly shocked.

They could also see the dilemma in Aoyang's heart. They originally thought that the one-year agreement proposed by Han Yi was just a gimmick or an excuse, so they temporarily bypassed the matter, downplayed the impression in everyone's minds, and gave Aoyang a way out.

Then, during that year, he did the work of a deputy hall master. When the time came, it would be a matter of course, or perhaps he would be pre-selected for a few major contributions, which would be a sure thing.

They never expected that Han Yi actually intended to break through to the Jin level and take over as the deputy hall master through a year of cultivation.

After all, the position of deputy hall master in this sect is supposed to be held by martial arts masters who have reached the level of strength, but there are not that many martial arts masters in the sect. Most of them are promoted based on seniority and contributions.

To be honest, this deputy hall master's strength is only sufficient for the late stage of Blood Refinement.

So, after Han Yi finished speaking, everyone was a little dazed, wondering if they were dreaming or had misheard.

From the late stage of Blood Refining to Meridian Opening and Power Entering, they sound like they're on the same level, not much different. But in reality, only a Meridian Opening Martial Master can be considered to have taken the first step on the path of martial arts.

It's important to know that before one reaches the stage of opening the meridians and gaining internal strength, in some prosperous areas where martial arts are prevalent, this stage is called "martial apprentice."

What is a martial arts apprentice? They are nothing more than beginners in martial arts, and they are not martial artists at all. It is only because the strength gap in An Yan City is too great that martial arts apprentices are also called low-level martial artists.

To advance from a martial arts apprentice to a martial arts master, one not only needs to bring one's own qi and blood to their peak, but more importantly, one must comprehend the visualization diagram to transform the power of qi and blood into internal strength.

The first step was manageable; the combination of nourishing herbal formulas, medicinal baths, and other remedies would surely replenish the body's qi and blood. But the next step…....

To comprehend the visualization diagrams and glean the path of energy flow from those seemingly nonsensical drawings is a profound and ethereal art. It cannot be forcibly achieved through external means; it is a state of sudden enlightenment that can only be understood intuitively and cannot be explained in words.

Most people, well past their eighties and nineties, with gray hair and a head full of youthful exuberance, are stuck at this insurmountable chasm until their death...

But Han Yi wanted to complete it in a year?

"Ahem..." Huang Ze immediately couldn't sit still any longer and coughed twice. "Han Yi, rules are rules, but the position of deputy hall master can be discussed in more detail. There's no need to be so serious about it..."

He was genuinely afraid that Han Yi's boastful words at this moment might not come true, and he would be unable to stay in the sect.

"A year?" Li Chengfeng interrupted Huang Ze directly, chuckling, "If you can open your meridians and enter the realm of internal energy in a year, you can become not only the deputy hall master, but also the hall master!"

"Alright, alright." Ao Yang was also startled by Han Yi and only now came to his senses. He first stopped the noisy crowd, put away his frivolous behavior, and said with a serious expression, "Han Yi, I can agree to your request, but you should think carefully. Can you really open your meridians and enter the realm of internal energy in this year? If you can't, you should think carefully about the consequences!"

Han Yi strode forward, his face resolute, his tone firm: "Reporting to the Sect Master, I have thought of something, but I have another request."

"Say!"

"During this year, I want to find a quiet and peaceful place where I can focus on my cultivation without being disturbed," Han Yi said slowly after thinking for a moment.

With a year of peace and quiet, undisturbed progress, and ample resources, mastering the Flying Dragon Skill to perfection would be no problem. If he could deduce a third complementary martial art, he was confident he could catch up with Aoyang.

By then, as long as you have enough strength, you will be in control of whether you stay or leave, no matter what.

"Yes, that's a reasonable request." Aoyang paused to think for a moment, "Peace and tranquility..."

After a moment, he narrowed his eyes slightly and slowly said, "Within the sect, in the Internal Affairs Hall, there happens to be a place... the safest, the quietest, where no one will disturb you, and the resources are plentiful..." Then, his tiger eyes widened, his face solemn, and he shouted in a loud voice, "But, little guy, I'll ask you one last time, are you really sure?"

Nothing is certain yet. If you don't agree, then this matter is off!

You will still receive the reward you are entitled to!

Immediately, all eyes were fixed on Han Yi, waiting to see how he would respond.

Han Yi closed his eyes and pondered for a while, then slowly opened them under everyone's gaze.

"It's settled then. A gentleman's word is as good as his bond!"

A hint of helplessness flickered in Huang Ze's eyes. Even his own initial attempt at opening the meridians and cultivating internal energy was only achieved by chance encountering a strange person who provided guidance, coupled with prolonged observation and contemplation of the diagrams. This troublesome Han Yi, however, actually wanted to succeed in just one year…

"Then it's settled!" Sect Master Aoyang looked at Han Yi and laughed heartily. He then turned to Qu Jingxian and said, "Old Qu, you said a lot about him before, but I didn't take it seriously. Now that I see, it's true. I like this kid!"

"Then I'll consider the bet a win!" Qu Jingxian glanced helplessly at Han Yi. Although he had won the bet, he wasn't happy. This Han kid, what kind of audacity did he have to make such a boast?

But what's done is done, and there's no going back. Since Han Yi has already said that, even as the deputy sect leader, he can't say much.

"You win, you win!" Ao Yang laughed loudly. "Next time we drink, I'll punish myself with three drinks first!"

Then, he smiled and said to Han Yi, "Han Yi, I'll keep the position of deputy hall master for you. One year isn't enough! I'll give you two years. As long as you can open your meridians and reach the level of internal strength within two years, this position will be reserved for you forever!"

Han Yi hurriedly bowed and said, "Thank you, Sect Master!"

Ao Yang looked at Han Yi, who was bowing, with an appreciative gaze and nodded in satisfaction: "Kid, for the next period of time, you can focus on your cultivation at headquarters. Remember, don't let me down!"

He laughed heartily and then waved his hand.

"Yes, Sect Master!" After Han Yi finished bowing, he stepped back and saw Huang Ze beckoning to him, so he went over and stood next to Huang Ze.

Inside the hall, Aoyang began the actual morning meeting.

Han Yi listened for a while. This matter can be divided into three parts.

First, suspend all industries and missions outside the city and focus on withdrawing elite disciples from each branch to defend the city.

Secondly, we will vigorously recruit new people, intensify their training, cultivate loyalty, and replenish our workforce with fresh blood.

Third, keep an eye on the Chiba faction's movements and seek out any possible opportunities.

'These are turbulent times…' Han Yi sensed an impending storm after only listening for a short while. The clash between the Crimson Flame Sect and the Thousand Leaf Sect was bound to cause turmoil, and the strange events occurring in the black market only added to his feeling that danger lurked everywhere…

A bloody storm is likely about to break out in An'yan City...

This city is probably not peaceful anymore...

Fortunately, these three things are temporarily none of his concern; he just needs to focus on his cultivation...

The Crimson Flame Sect's morning meeting ended in about half an hour.

Among the inner disciples, almost all the middle and lower-level leaders were assigned tasks.

These tasks were either to gather weapons for war or to recruit disciples for training, aiming to expand the pool of new talent as much as possible.

In short, the extinguishing of the black market fire was not the end, but only the beginning. With a command from Ao Yang, the massive war machine of the Crimson Flame Sect roared into action.

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The next morning.

"Mr. Han, how was the food today?"

Shen San wiped away his sweat and diligently ran back and forth between the kitchen and the dining table.

"Hmm, it tastes good, but it's not spicy enough. Add more chili next time." Han Yi nodded approvingly, picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks—it was spicy stir-fried twice-cooked pork.

The combination of green chili peppers and fatty but not greasy pork belly is quite delicious.

"But the doctor said...Sir, you need to eat a light diet to avoid spicy food..." Shen San said hesitantly.

"You said you can't eat spicy food, so you won't put any chili peppers in?" Han Yi gave him a flick on the forehead. "I told you to practice martial arts properly, why are you still trying to fool me every day?"

Shen San's face fell, and he fell silent. What could he do? He was just a pitiful, weak, and helpless working man.

"Alright, alright, stop looking so gloomy. Once you reach the Bone Refining stage, I'll let you be a little boss for fun." Han Yi patted his belly, got up, and left.

Although Shen San wasn't particularly strong, he was very loyal to Han Yi. Furthermore, Han Yi discovered that Shen San was a skilled cook, so he kept him on as a servant and errand boy. Shen San's life was far more comfortable than before.

In other people's eyes, Shen San was Han Yi's trusted confidant!

Crimson Flame Sect, Headquarters, Library.

"Hey, why hasn't Master Tian arrived yet?"

Han Yi stood at the entrance of the library, muttering to himself.

Yesterday, at the end of the morning meeting, Aoyang specifically kept him behind to explain the training grounds for the next two years.

At the same time, Huang Ze and Tian Jing, the head of the Internal Affairs Hall, also stayed behind with him...

"You've arrived?" At that moment, a gentle voice rang out.

Upon hearing this, Han Yi looked over, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Hall Master!"

"Alright, there's no need for formalities between us. I was also trained by Elder Huang Ze, so we can treat each other as equals. Just call me Senior Brother Tian." Tian Jing smiled, her attitude towards Han Yi very friendly, and her words were somewhat intimate. "A dragon lies dormant in the abyss, but will soar to the heavens. In two years, you will surely achieve great things in the Crimson Flame Sect."

For some reason, while everyone else, including Huang Ze, was pessimistic about Han Yi's chances of success, he was convinced that Han Yi would definitely succeed.

Perhaps it was because they saw the confident look on Han Yi's face.

"Senior Brother Tian, ​​you flatter me. I just had a sudden realization and was just trying to prove myself." Han Yi touched his nose and said with a wry smile, "I hope you will take good care of me in the future."

The Internal Affairs Hall was originally headed by Huang Ze, and Tian Jing was Huang Ze's protégé, whom he discovered and nurtured during his time there. Han Yi was also Huang Ze's nephew, so the two naturally spoke with a touch of closeness.

"You're too kind, junior brother. We're fellow disciples, and we'll be working together for years, even decades. It's only right that we do this." Tian Jing patted Han Yi's shoulder. "Junior brother, you've already done a remarkable job. The fact that you've gained some insight means you're only one step away from opening your meridians and entering the realm of internal strength. I have high hopes for you."

"We're just one step away, and who knows how many resources we'll need? The few kilograms of Crimson Blood Tiger meat that the sect distributes each month is simply not enough..."

Han Yi sighed. The lack of monster meat and other resources was his biggest problem right now.

Although yesterday, in order to facilitate his cultivation, Aoyang had already increased his monthly salary and benefits to the same level as the deputy hall master, which was equivalent to letting him enjoy the benefits ahead of time.

But this only adds up to a dozen or so kilograms of Crimson Blood Tiger meat per month. It might be more than enough for a Blood Refining stage cultivator, but considering Han Yi's consumption as a Second-Level Martial Master, it's just a drop in the ocean and not nearly enough to eat.

"Haha, junior brother, don't worry, there will definitely be enough Crimson Blood Tiger meat for you to eat in the future!"

At this moment, Tian Jing smiled mysteriously, but did not explain directly, and walked straight forward.

Han Yi's heart stirred, and he wanted to ask, but then he remembered something, suppressed his curiosity, and followed.

Soon, the two passed through a small door behind the library and walked towards a large open space behind it.