Chapter 515: Ransom

“The martial arts of the Divine Martial World can perhaps be named Divine Demon Martial Dao!”

As his research deepened, Wu Ming’s understanding of the Divine Martial World became increasingly profound.

“Fundamentally… all martial arts, divine manuals, and internal techniques aim to unlock the martial artist’s own physical potential and bloodline power… This becomes especially evident after reaching the fourth level!”

“Since the people of the Divine Martial World are descendants of divine demons, their bloodlines are mixed, and traces of almost every divine beast and wild beast can be found within them, making cultivation effortless…”

“But I am different. However, by improving the Xuan Ming Divine Art into the Xuan Water True Method, I circumvented this issue from the very beginning… Of course, the path beyond the fourth level still requires minor adjustments. Ideally, I could compare it with a local Celestial-level martial artist…”

To resolve the issue of subsequent cultivation methods, there were only two options.

The first was to implant divine demon bloodlines into himself. This method was the simplest, considering the abundance of divine demon descendants in the world, making extraction convenient and easy to purify, allowing him to continue down the path of the divine demon body.

However, Wu Ming was quite content being fully human, even if it was just a clone!

He decided to abandon this path but considered adding it later as an option for the Reincarnators’ exchange system, curious to see what surprises it might bring.

The second approach, which Wu Ming had chosen for himself, was to continue developing the Xuan Water True Method, creating a martial Dao adaptable to the widest range of circumstances.

Previously, he had only simulated the Xuan Water True Method up to the Earth Origin Realm (Di Yuan Jing), but now, advancing to the Celestial Realm (Tian Xiang Jing), he immediately needed a reference.

“Pity… the Celestial Realm martial artists in the Divine Martial World are all like hermits, elusive like dragons showing only their heads…”

“Master…”

As Wu Ming was deep in thought, Lin Xinlan entered, pushing the door open: “People have come to ransom Elder She and Madame Baihua!”

“Hmm?”

Wu Ming slightly furrowed his brow and calculated briefly, nodding in understanding: “Has it already been a month? Any recent developments?”

“Yu Jiansheng and Miaoyu Niangzi were originally the top leaders, so with them around, the underlings dare not act out. Moreover, Elder She and Madame Baihua are also quite sensible, making Black Tiger Mountain even more peaceful than before… However…”

Lin Xinlan continued: “The Earth Origin Rankings have been updated for you, placing you third… Master clearly possesses Celestial-level strength…”

She stuck out her tongue, as if resentful on Wu Ming’s behalf, then suddenly realized: “Wait… Master has never claimed to be a Celestial-level martial artist… As for Ding Jiao, he never confirmed it either. But regardless of whether Master is a Celestial martial artist or not, destroying the Three Yang Sect posed no issue, so his decision was indeed correct…”

“Just empty fame…”

Wu Ming looked at Lin Xinlan, feeling that after avenging her family, her personality had become much more cheerful, perhaps revealing her true youthful nature.

“There’s more…”

Lin Xinlan bit her lip: “Since Master’s name has spread, many people have gathered near Black Tiger Mountain, wanting to establish connections, seeking apprenticeships, and even kneeling at the foot of the mountain without moving, not to mention those who heard of Master’s noble deeds and have come specially to ask for your help in avenging them…”

“Are they taking me for a fool or some kind of benevolent hero?”

Wu Ming sneered: “Refuse them all. Let them kneel until they die. Do they really think the world revolves around them and that others must help them unconditionally?”

As for Lin Xinlan herself, had she not had a destined connection and presented the ‘Ten Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains’ map, Wu Ming might have ignored her fate altogether.

“Not everyone is here for empty gains…”

Lin Xinlan continued: “Some families have indeed brought generous gifts and promised to grant any request Master might have once their matters are resolved!”

“This is somewhat more reasonable, showing they understand etiquette… Unfortunately, what I desire, they likely do not possess…”

Wu Ming paused, then thought: “Although this world has been in chaos for five hundred years without a unified dynasty, some noble families and sects have histories spanning thousands of years. Perhaps they possess some hidden treasures or intelligence!”

“Although collectively they may not rival the Eight Sacred Lands, there’s still hope…”

Wu Ming stroked his chin and said immediately: “Spread the word for me—I have no interest in worldly gold or treasures, only in the history of the Wu Dynasty, especially Emperor Wu himself. If anyone possesses such treasures, perhaps I might grant them an audience…”

“This condition will likely prove difficult!” Lin Xinlan mused inwardly.

Emperor Wu lived over a thousand years ago and was directly linked to the Divine Martial inheritance, leaving behind eight martial arts manuals, each a world-shaking divine technique!

Each item left by such a figure is a treasure among treasures. Even if some families possess them, who would willingly hand them over?

After all, just look at how Wu Ming obtained the ‘Xuan Ming Divine Art’ from the ‘Ten Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains’ map to understand the potential!

Who knows if other relics might also contain Emperor Wu’s true teachings?

Unless they face a calamity like Lin Xinlan’s family, they would never part with such treasures.

Wu Ming was merely trying his luck, letting Lin Xinlan give it a shot since there was nothing to lose.

“Go ahead and meet those two families!”

He waved his hand and strode out of the courtyard, heading to the former meeting hall of the Black Tiger Gang.

“Respected Senior Wu!”

There, two groups were already waiting, their leaders respectfully bowing, their foreheads slightly sweating, expressions filled with fear and unease.

“Alright, go fetch Elder She and Madame Baihua!”

Seeing the large chests carried by servants behind them, Wu Ming slightly nodded and ordered Miaoyu Niangzi to go out.

Soon after, Elder She and Madame Baihua entered together, looking quite refreshed in spirit and appearance.

After all, Wu Ming had not imprisoned them specifically and even allowed them freedom of movement. These two dared not leave the Black Tiger Mountain area and even helped handle some affairs, using their Earth Origin-level martial artist status to command the Black Tiger Gang members, who obediently followed orders without resistance, establishing a subtle tacit understanding with Wu Ming.

“Head of the Family!”

“Grand Elder!”

…

The two groups beamed with joy and ordered the chests to be opened. Madame Baihua personally carried several ancient scrolls and presented them before Wu Ming: “The Hua family treasures three volumes of ‘Secret History of the Wu Dynasty,’ all rare editions worth a fortune. Also included are ‘The Collected Anecdotes of the Laughing Hero,’ ‘The Ancient Scrolls of Canghai,’ and more… Although these are unofficial historical records written by elders in the past, their credibility is quite high… These are all original copies!”

In fact, Wu Ming would accept any ancient records, even hand-copied manuscripts.

Of course, to gain his trust, each family dared not be so careless, presenting their unique and authentic copies.

“Additionally, my Snake Sect… although our collection isn’t as extensive as the Hua family’s, we have borrowed from all major forces in Cangwu City, gathering a total of seventy-two rare volumes. The complete ‘Secret History of the Wu Dynasty’ has thirty volumes, of which we have five here. Although these are copies made by later generations, they are ancient copies from the end of the Wu Dynasty… If Senior feels these are insufficient, I will return and strive to gather more for you!”

Under the circumstances, one must bow one’s head when under another’s roof. After becoming a prisoner, at least before Wu Ming, Elder She maintained a very respectful posture.

“Hmm?”

Wu Ming briefly examined the scrolls and showed a delighted expression: “Eight volumes of secret history, excluding duplicates and those held by the Three Yang Sect, there are five I haven’t seen yet… Indeed, Cangwu Commandery, as a strategic geographical location, is home to numerous noble families and sects!”

“These are acceptable; the transaction is settled. However, I have one more request for all of you…”

Elder She and Madame Baihua, how could they dare to act arrogantly? They immediately replied: “We dare not! Senior, please speak freely!”

“Alright… I have a great interest in historical sites or perilous locations. Please return and gather information on such places, then bring it to me. If it satisfies me, naturally, I will not let you down…”

“Historical sites? Perilous locations?”

Elder She and Madame Baihua exchanged glances, both showing confusion but refraining from questioning further: “We understand.”

“Excellent, feel free to take your leave!”

Wu Ming picked up his teacup, adopting a dismissive posture.

Seeing this, Elder She and Madame Baihua immediately departed with their subordinates, repeatedly bowing before finally leaving.

Initially, their steps were quite slow, like ordinary people strolling leisurely. However, once they exited the Black Tiger Hall, their pace suddenly quickened. By the foot of Black Tiger Mountain, they were running like the wind, as if some fierce beast lurked on the mountain, causing their followers to chase after them, panting and complaining bitterly.

“Even a Celestial-level martial artist would struggle to escape my detection here…”

After traveling several miles, Elder She reached a vast plain and spoke calmly.

“So, does this mean we have truly escaped danger this time?”

Madame Baihua’s face bloomed with a smile, showing a relaxed expression.

After all, despite the agreement, staying in the presence of a former enemy, a supreme expert capable of killing them at a whim, was extremely stressful.

“This time, our escape was sheer luck. I wonder where this freak came from. It’s a pity for Brother Yu Wenlong…”

Elder She said calmly: “The mountains remain unchanged, and the waters flow long. We shall meet again!”

“Wait a moment!”

Madame Baihua suddenly called Elder She back: “Elder She, you noble people often forget many things. Regarding the matter of the ‘Heavenly Alliance Token,’ shouldn’t you explain a bit to prevent me from unknowingly violating any taboos?”

Elder She’s expression remained unchanged: “I have already said, I know nothing about this object. Madame Baihua, you’ve asked the wrong person! I have been away for nearly a month, and there are many affairs within my sect needing attention. I must take my leave first!”

Without waiting for his followers, he immediately employed his lightness skill and vanished in an instant.

“Hmph! What a slippery old fox!”

Madame Baihua sneered: “Luckily, I’m not without my own connections. As for the Heavenly Alliance Token, if you don’t know, I’ll find out from others like Feijianzi or the people of the Ten Thousand Flowers Palace. I refuse to believe they all know nothing like you…”

Unbeknownst to both her and Elder She, a thread of divine consciousness clung to them, lingering without dispersing.