Immortal Refiner

After defeating two renowned Martial Hall Masters in succession, Li Qing’s name spread throughout Shengtian City like wildfire.

Though Li Qing had intended to keep a low profile, this outcome was unavoidable. It was an inevitable step on the path to the Grandmaster Realm, requiring him to challenge more powerful opponents. Fame was simply an unavoidable consequence.

This was precisely why the Martial World never remained stagnant. Each generation brought forth new prodigies, and now it was Li Qing’s turn to shine.

Interestingly, the moniker ”Fierce Tiger” was once again bestowed upon Li Qing.

”What a prodigy! At such a young age, he’s already defeated two veteran Inner Strength experts!”

”I heard this Fierce Tiger actually keeps a fierce tiger by his side. Truly, his skill matches his audacity.”

”Who would have thought even Hong Zhentian of the Raging Wind School couldn’t defeat him? How had we never heard of him before?”

Not only did those involved in the Jianghu hear of Li Qing’s exploits, but even the storytellers in the city’s taverns and teahouses began recounting his deeds.

At the Drunken Moon Pavilion, one such storyteller was holding court:

”In the second Chapter,” the storyteller began, ”the Fierce Tiger, eight feet tall and eight feet long, brought a peerlessly ferocious tiger to the Raging Wind School. Before they even entered the gate, every disciple in the Martial Hall turned pale with fear.”

Meanwhile, the tall and upright Li Qing sat at a table in the corner, listening to the storyteller’s exaggerated account with a black line across his forehead.

Eight feet tall and eight feet long? What kind of square-shaped physique was that!

Of course, Li Qing wasn’t petty enough to make trouble for a storyteller.

After finishing his cup of peach blossom wine, he left the tavern, leaving behind the payment. His destination: the Flying Cloud School!

Several days had passed since his battle with Hong Zhentian. Having suffered no injuries, Li Qing had naturally fully recovered.

At this moment, Maple Guard, who had been swamped with work recently, finally found time to pay attention to Li Qing’s exploits.

”The Fierce Tiger... Li Qing also keeps a tiger as a pet? Isn’t that Master Li!”

Commander Qian Hong, stationed in Shengtian, read the intelligence report sent by her subordinates, her beautiful eyes gleaming with interest.

She vaguely remembered that last summer, Li Qing had come to her asking how to advance to the Inner Strength realm, and she had recommended him to Guo Zhentong.

Who would have thought that in just over half a year, Li Qing would have already reached the Inner Strength realm, and with such formidable power, defeating two Martial Hall Masters in a row?

Even she couldn’t confidently say she could beat Hong Zhentian, and that was truly astonishing.

Most importantly, she knew Li Qing’s background. When Wu Li Army first met him, he was just an honest blacksmith apprentice, still a world away from even Outer Strength.

”No wonder Master Gu took him as a disciple. This guy isn’t just skilled at blacksmithing; his Martial Path talent is terrifying!” Qian Hong murmured.

She set aside the information on Li Qing, her thoughts surprisingly calm.

The current Li Qing was not only a renowned craftsman capable of forging magical weapons, but also a formidable Inner Strength expert. Either alone would warrant her respect and friendship.

On Chiming Street, the Liangzhou Brothers wore expressions of utter shock.

Boss Fang’s mouth hung wide open, his face a mask of disbelief.

”This... Master Li is already an Inner Strength expert?”

”Whew! It seems Master Li’s journey has brought him more than just travel. He’s actually reached the Inner Strength realm!”

After a long moment, Boss Fang finally managed to calm his shock.

But then he remembered Li Qing’s exceptional blacksmithing skills, his ability to forge magical weapons. His newly calmed emotions surged again.

Boss Fang warned seriously, ”All of you, listen carefully! No matter what happens, you are not to provoke Master Li. Understood?!”

His subordinates nodded repeatedly. ”Don’t worry, Boss. We’re not fools.”

”Yeah, even Hong Zhentian couldn’t beat him. Who would dare provoke someone like that?”

”Besides, hasn’t Master Li always been on good terms with us? Why would we want to ruin that?”

Having spent years navigating the Jianghu, these rough-and-tumble men knew who to avoid and who to respect. Though a bit brash, they weren’t stupid. They understood the gravity of the situation.

In a dark alley in Shengtian City, a slender young man looked up at the sky with a joyful expression.

”Master Li is already an Inner Strength expert? That’s incredible!”

”I thought I’d reach Inner Strength faster after mastering the Life Sapping Art.”

Who else could this young man, who had recently stirred up endless storms in Shengtian City, be but Qi Kang?

With that, Qi Kang leaped up like an agile monkey, his feet pressing against the wall in a series of light, swift steps. Grabbing the eaves for leverage, he vanished from sight in a few flashes.

Meanwhile, on Lianyue Street...

Those discussing Master Li’s exploits had no idea that at this very moment, he had just defeated another Martial Hall Master!

Inside the Flying Cloud School, a shirtless Li Qing had his powerful, muscular arm locked in a death grip around the neck of a middle-aged man in a white training uniform, whose demeanor was as ethereal as a cloud.

”I surrender,” Song Yunting choked out, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions as he looked at Li Qing.

How terrifying... This young man possessed not only astonishing strength but also exceptional agility.

At the start of the fight, Song Yunting had managed to toy with Li Qing slightly using his Lightness Technique. However, once Li Qing had grown accustomed to his rhythm, his advantage in nimble footwork vanished completely.

Li Qing could fail countless times, but if he seized even a single opportunity, the outcome would be like this—his life held in his opponent’s grasp.

Hearing Song Yunting’s concession, Li Qing smiled, released his throat, and clasped his hands in a bow. ”Hall Master Song, I concede!”

”Impressive, young man. From today on, your name will be forever etched in the annals of Shengtian’s Three Great Martial Halls,” Song Yunting said, a hint of bitterness in his voice.

Li Qing shook his head. ”These are mere empty titles. My true aspiration lies in advancing further along the Martial Path, to experience the legendary Grandmaster Realm and witness its true splendor.”

Young, yet so passionate about the Martial Path—each Martial Hall Master Li Qing defeated couldn’t help but recall their own youthful selves.

Alas, becoming a Grandmaster was no easy feat.

The entire Jianghu could barely produce a handful of Grandmaster-level experts, a testament to the difficulty of achieving such mastery.

”Transformed Strength... It’s such an elusive realm. It’s not easy to enter!” Song Yunting sighed.

Li Qing didn’t want to argue further. He clasped his hands again.

”I apologize for any offense I may have caused, Hall Master Song. Farewell!”

With that, Li Qing turned and left under the watchful gaze of the Flying Cloud School disciples.

From this day forward, the Three Great Martial Halls of the Imperial Capital were completely conquered by him!

The three renowned Inner Strength experts of the Jianghu were all left beneath his feet.

And the Martial World seemed to have entered a brand new era from this moment on, turning a new page in its history.

Li Qing, carrying the Peerless Hammer on his back, walked down the street with a relaxed and carefree air.

”I’ve defeated all three Martial Hall Masters. Let me think... who should I challenge next?”

”Wu Li Army is out of the question. The border is too far from Shengtian. Nine Lotus Sect? I wonder if their Grandmaster will be protective of his disciples...”

After careful consideration, it seemed his only option was to head to Qingzhou.

(End of the Chapter)

📚 Read [IR] on Patreon.com/AnubisTL – Up to c160. [+2/+4.5k]

☕ Support me and Read Ahead for just $5/mo.

🎯 Translated [2] Novels [745k+] Words and counting!

This story is 100%Free! If you are enoying it, then please support my efforts by engaging with it in the form of comments,reviews, power stones and recommendations as much as possible.