Zhu Yuanzhang's face showed a hint of disgust upon seeing this, but he seemed to be pondering something.
Upon seeing this scene, Liu Bowen's expression turned somewhat strange, and he seemed to be deep in thought.
Li Boyang snorted coldly and left. As for the money Shen Rong spent, since it was Shen Rong's money, it was fine for her to pay it. Liu Bowen followed closely behind and left.
Shen Rong watched Li Boyang leave, muttering to herself:
"Songyang Academy, huh?"
Free novels, ad-free novel website, TXT downloads, please remember Ant Reading Network
------------
Chapter 85 Under Zhongnan Mountain
Two days after Li Boyang and Liu Bowen left, Shi Le, the Grand Preceptor of the Yuan Dynasty, arrived at Huangjue Temple.
I learned about Ba Chi'er's death and everything that had happened from the abbot of Huangjue Temple. After a short stay of one day, I left Huangjue Temple.
Five days later, Zhu Yuanzhang was expelled from Huangjue Temple because it was discovered that he had carved the words "exiled three thousand miles away" on the back of the statue of the Bodhisattva of the Temple.
After leaving Huangjue Temple, Zhu Yuanzhang witnessed the devastation of the land for the first time. He then joined Guo Zixing's entourage, becoming a squad leader and beginning his extraordinary life.
After leaving Huangjue Temple, Li Boyang and Liu Bowen traveled for two days before finally arriving at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain.
Li Boyang benefited greatly from his battle with Jueyuan. It can be said that the fighting style of the Qi Refining Realm has become very different from that of the Acquired Realm.
In the Acquired Realm and Transformation Realm, combat relies more on a strong body and consciousness. However, upon entering the Qi Refining Realm, combat methods become more diverse.
With the amplification of innate true qi, martial artists in the Qi Refining Realm have the ability to engage in prolonged battles of attrition. In duels between martial artists in the Qi Refining Realm, unless the gap is particularly large, the outcome is no longer decided within a few moves.
Moreover, in a duel between martial artists at the Qi Refining Realm, every move is amplified by innate true qi, making their destructive power a hundred times greater than that of those at the Acquired Realm. In addition, innate true qi can easily pass through the body, making their long-range attack capabilities extremely powerful.
Furthermore, the aura he comprehends when he reaches the Transformation Realm can directly influence the mind of his enemies. Now, against weaker opponents, Li Boyang doesn't even need to make a move; his aura alone can suppress them, rendering them unable to resist.
However, not everyone in the Qi Refining Realm can comprehend aura. In the Wudang world, people enter the Qi Refining Realm through the Acquired Realm. Usually, they enter the Qi Refining Realm without comprehending their own unique aura. Only a minority can comprehend aura.
"Selling red dates! Fresh red dates."
"Don't miss out on the best Zhongnan Mountain tea!"
At the foot of Zhongnan Mountain is a small town. As night falls, it becomes very lively. A long street runs through the town, and vendors set up stalls everywhere.
On both sides of the street were rows of shops, some were inns, some were brothels, and some sold clothes and jewelry. Crowds of people were coming and going in the shops, bustling and lively.
The news of the Quanzhen Sect's prayer ceremony was released three months ago, and as the ceremony approaches, the influence of the Quanzhen Sect has begun to emerge in this small town at the foot of the mountain.
Among the people wandering the long street, many were carrying all sorts of weapons; these were dressed as wandering knights from all corners of the world.
These chivalrous figures from the martial arts world have all come to participate in the blessing ceremony and to wish Changchunzi Qiu Chuji a happy birthday.
"Have you heard? Bai Yujing, the leader of the Beggars' Sect, has arrived at the Quanzhen Sect. Bai Yujing's Dragon Subduing Palm technique is incredibly powerful and unparalleled. He is a figure who commands respect throughout the martial arts world."
"Not only that, the leader of the Kongtong Sect, Qixiazi, has also arrived. Leader Qixiazi's Seven Injury Fist has reached a state of perfection, no less than Bai Yujing's."
"There's also Abbess Wuyun, the head of Emei Sect; Yue Tianling, the head of Huashan Sect; and Master Jueyuan of Shaolin. They are all renowned figures in the martial arts world. Master Qiu of Quanzhen Sect must have quite a lot of influence."
Walking along the bustling street, the noise was incessant, and those talking about these things were definitely people from the martial arts world, who had come for the blessing ceremony.
However, these people were clearly just small fry in the martial arts world, not qualified to be entertained by the Quanzhen Sect. They could only wait until the day of the prayer ceremony to go to the Quanzhen Sect to see what was going on.
People like these, who are not from the martial arts world, actually make up 80% of the participants in the prayer meeting. These small fry from the martial arts world arrive early and stay temporarily at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain.
Besides these江湖人士 (jianghu figures), Li Boyang also saw many Mongolians, who all walked with a guarded air, keeping people at arm's length.
"Would you like to stay somewhere, sir? I can tell you're here to attend the Quanzhen Sect's blessing ceremony. I have a secluded house here, perfect for people like you."
A servant boy had his eye on Li Boyang. As he passed by, he deliberately bumped into him and asked in a low voice.
"unnecessary."
Li Boyang coldly refused, saying it would be better to find an inn, which would be more convenient for him to gather information.
It's rather awkward. Although Li Boyang is highly skilled in martial arts, it's basically impossible for him to settle down at the Quanzhen Sect ahead of time.
Those who went up the mountain to stay at this time were either local heroes, important figures from various sects, or at the very least, renowned swordsmen.
Li Boyang had neither a reputation nor the head of any power, so he was not qualified to be entertained by the Quanzhen Sect. He could only stay at the foot of the mountain like these wandering swordsmen.
Liu Bowen has been acting strangely these past two days, ever since he left Huangjue Temple.
He was completely absorbed in his own world the whole way, not saying a word. He didn't even notice the rice grains stuck to his lips while eating, as if he had entered his own world and didn't want to come out.
Those who don't know him might think Liu Bowen is crazy, but only those who understand him know that Liu Bowen is thinking.
"This will do."
Li Boyang, who was walking on the long street, stopped and looked up to see the four characters "Youjian Inn" hanging on the three-story building in front of him.
"Objectively speaking, should we grab a bite or stay overnight?"
As soon as I entered, a waiter from the inn greeted me and asked politely.
The term "打尖" (dǎ jiān) originated from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and is short for "打发舌尖" (dǎ fā shé jiān), which means to satisfy hunger or quench thirst. The servant's question was naturally an attempt to ascertain whether Li Boyang wanted a simple meal or lodging.
Li Boyang glanced around the hall. Most of the dozen or so square tables were occupied by guests. The food on the tables was of fairly fresh quality, and most of the guests were martial arts practitioners. He nodded to himself, thinking that this place suited him.
"Two superior rooms."