Immortality Begins With Internal Breathing

A few days later, at dawn. The slanted sunlight cast a golden glow.

After staying in the Li Residence for over two months, Lin Zheyu finally stepped outside. Looking at the bustling streets, the passing pedestrians, and the vibrant aura of everyday life, he felt a sense of familiarity he had not experienced in a long time.

Lin Zheyu and Li Mengxi’s group, under Li Guoming’s lead, headed toward the outskirts of Wuling City. The location of the Martial cultivation exchange conference changed every year, chosen by the sect hosting it. This year, the host was the Wuji Sect, and the exchange was set at Wuji Manor, which lay about seven kilometers northeast of Wuling City.

”You are not departing together with the others from the Li Residence?” Lin Zheyu asked curiously.

”No, what meaning is there in going with them? The martial cultivation exchange is something one can attend on their own, and many people do not wish to go anyway.” Li Wensi shook her head as she spoke.

”The Li Residence is huge, so how could everyone go together? Usually, a few acquaintances travel as a group, then gather at Wuji Manor. The Wuji Sect assigns each invited faction its own area,” Li Mengxi said with a smile.

”I see.” Lin Zheyu nodded in understanding.

The group chatted and laughed as they left Wuling City, encountering no incidents along the way.

”Brother Zhao, I heard you have condensed a Dominance true intent seed, so your strength must be extraordinary. When we reach Wuji Manor, you can go up the combat stage for a few bouts. Winning earns excellent rewards,” Li Yanming said with a smile.

He was not originally from the Li Family. His true name was Qiu Yanming, and he changed his surname after joining the Li Family. Yanming had entered the Li Family at a young age, rising above many children and receiving focused cultivation. His strength was decent. Having undergone five transformations of blood qi, he had stepped into the Marrow Refining realm and already condensed a true intent seed. His future achievement as a Force Transformation realm martial artist was nearly guaranteed.

”Brother Yanming jests. I am gentle by nature and do not enjoy fighting and killing,” Lin Zheyu replied with a harmless smile.

”Exactly, Young Master Zhao is right. What meaning is there in fighting and killing? Martial arts are for strengthening the body and protecting oneself. It’s a pursuit in life, not a pursuit of mindless violence,” Li Wensi said.

The girl had been well protected, so she was straightforward and innocent, and she greatly agreed with Lin Zheyu’s viewpoint. The people beside them chuckled softly, though none voiced disagreement.

”Wensi is right. I agree as well,” Li Yunfeng said with a smile.

The two brothers, Li Wensi, Li Mengqi, and Li Mengxi, formed a small clique. Many similar cliques existed within the Li Residence. A great family was never a single iron slab. Its internal relationships were intricate, and internal conflict was commonplace. Such conflict served as a way to preserve the family’s ferocity and vitality, something the family elder and elders tacitly allowed.

However, when a true crisis arose, past grudges were set aside, and everyone united against the outside. That was what defined a family. Only with such unity could an esteemed family remain strong through generations.

”Miss Wensi is not wrong. But the martial cultivation exchange is about befriending others through martial arts and stopping before harm is done, not about killing. Through sparring, one learns from another’s strengths to improve oneself. That is the true principle,” Li Yanming said with a smile.

”Yanming is right. Also, if one can win the bouts, the rewards are quite abundant. Maintaining a streak of one hundred undefeated matches in the arena grants a high-level true technique. Last year, Sister Mengqi nearly succeeded, but unfortunately, she lost to the Luo Family genius, Luo Shaoning,” Li Yunbo added.

”Oh. Who is this Luo Shaoning? Is he very strong?” Lin Zheyu asked with curiosity. He had only recently stepped into this circle and knew little about the talented martial artists of Wuling City.

”Luo Shaoning is a well-known genius of Wuling City. He once attempted to walk the traditional martial cultivation path, tempering his martial will and conviction, and sought to comprehend true intent directly without using a true intent diagram. But after more than ten years, he ultimately failed. By the way, the technique he chose back then was the same one you are cultivating now—the Violet Thunder Dominance Fist.

”The difficulty of comprehending the Violet Thunder true intent is extremely great. Even with a true intent diagram, very few can cultivate it successfully, let alone without one. Later, Luo Shaoning switched to cultivating another Thunder true intent art. Because of his previous foundation, he transformed and produced true intent in just three years. It is said that he is still staying in the Marrow Refining realm, intending to comprehend several types of true intent before advancing into the Force Transformation realm,” Li Mengxi explained.

”Violet Thunder true intent is indeed extremely difficult to comprehend.” Upon hearing this, Lin Zheyu nodded in agreement.

This technique was profound and unfathomable. Despite cultivating it for so long, he did not dare claim he had fully grasped its underlying concepts, much less could he say he had comprehended the core Violet Thunder true intent.

”Young Master Zhao, you should not waste too much time on the Violet Thunder Dominance Fist. This technique is extremely difficult to cultivate. Without a true intent diagram, almost no one can succeed. At this martial cultivation exchange, complete true techniques will also be available for purchase. You can see whether there is a technique suitable for you. If you do not have enough money, just speak up,” Li Mengqi said softly. She rarely spoke and mostly just listened, only occasionally adding a few words.

”My thanks to Miss Mengqi. Then I shall not stand on ceremony,” Lin Zheyu said with a smile.

Though Li Mengqi spoke little and gave off a cold impression, her disposition was not bad. At least she was generous toward him. The group conversed and laughed as they exited Wuling City. For martial artists, seven and a half kilometers was not far at all, and they arrived quickly.

”Brother Zhao, walk beside sixth uncle,” Li Mengxi suddenly said after they left the city.

Lin Zheyu was still listed on the Soulcall Tower’s assassination list. Soulcall Tower assassins were far more likely to strike outside the city, so they had to remain alert.

”Alright.”

Lin Zheyu did not fuss and simply moved closer to Li Guoming. He remained vigilant, aware of the slightest disturbance around them. After cultivating the Tortoise Breath True Technique to the sixth stage, his perception had increased significantly, far surpassing what it used to be. Two months ago, he could already detect assassins before they struck, let alone now.

”What a coincidence. Brother Guoming, you’re also heading to Wuji Manor?” A familiar voice called out.

Tang Zhentao approached with several young men. Among them were familiar figures. The three young masters who previously hunted Lin Zheyu—Lu Junyu, Tang Ziqiu, Ji Qiming—were all present, and Tang Weizhong was there as well.

”Be careful,” Li Mengxi whispered.

Even without the reminder, Lin Zheyu felt something was wrong. Their appearance was too coincidental.

”It’s none of your business,” Li Guoming said bluntly, showing no regard for the other party.

Tang Zhentao’s expression stiffened, a shadow flashing across his eyes, though he still forced a smile.

”Brother Guoming, there is no need for such an attitude. Though the Tang Family and the Li Family compete in business, there is no true enmity. In this world, there are no eternal enemies nor eternal friends, only eternal interests. Perhaps one day, our two families may even cooperate,” Tang Zhentao said with a smile.

He slowly walked toward Li Guoming, smiling warmly, appearing extremely cordial. Not only him, but even Tang Weizhong and the others also approached.

”Get lost. If you do not, do not blame me for where my fist lands,” Li Guoming said coldly.

He pulled Lin Zheyu back a step, staring coldly at Tang Zhentao’s group. How could he not see through their intentions? The Tang Family would never openly strike against the Li Family, but stopping him from acting while letting Soulcall Tower assassins do the killing posed no issue. As long as the attackers were not Tang Family members, the Li Family would not tear their relationship apart over an outsider.

”Brother Guoming, must you really push others away so harshly? I sincerely wish to...” Tang Zhentao said slowly, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

Mid-sentence, he stopped and looked past Li Guoming. Li Guoming also sensed something was wrong. A terrifying momentum surged from him, heat radiating off his body. He spun around, throwing a fierce punch, his blood qi vibrating as invisible red currents exploded outward. The terrifying fist momentum, accompanied by rolling heat waves, blasted toward the newcomer.

Bang!

A dull explosion rang out. The newcomer clashed fists with Li Guoming, their momentum surprisingly equal. Li Guoming stepped back, dispersing the immense force transmitted through the punch.

”Haha. Brother Guoming, your strength has grown even fiercer over the years. Again. Last time we fought, I lost a few exchanges. This time, I have made a breakthrough, so I came specifically to seek guidance.”

The burly man laughed as he stomped forward, exploding off the ground and charging at Li Guoming.

Li Guoming’s expression tightened as he retreated two steps.

Bang, bang, bang!

Their fists collided rapidly, neither gaining the upper hand. Li Guoming did not fight with full strength. He kept close to Li Mengxi’s group, constantly paying attention to the surroundings.

Bang!

”Pei Yuchun, I do not wish to fight you now. If you do not stop, do not blame me for being discourteous,” Li Guoming blasted Pei Yuchun back with a punch and said coldly.

He had promised Li Mengxi that he would protect Zhao Hao and not allow him to die to Soulcall Tower assassins. Pei Yuchun and Tang Zhentao’s appearance clearly aimed to prevent him from acting.

”Hmph. What use is your courtesy? That Zhao brat killed Pei Yuqiu of my Pei Family and Tang Weiqiang of the Tang Family. He must pay with his life,” Pei Yuchun said coldly. ”As long as you hand him over, I will stop immediately.”

”Bullshit. If you dare touch him, I will immediately bring men and wipe out every Pei Family member stationed in Wuling City,” Li Guoming said with vicious fury.

This was no empty threat. If Pei Yuchun truly dared to act, Li Guoming would carry it out. The same applied to Tang Zhentao. If the other side dared to strike, it would be a provocation against the Li Family, giving Li Guoming full justification to retaliate violently.