Chapter 454 - 436: Advancing by Leaps and Bounds

The morning mist was heavy, and dew clung to the grass and trees.

Beneath the Iron Locust Tree in the rear courtyard, Su Yu poured a glittering golden Pill from an exquisite White Jade Porcelain Bottle and held it in his palm, examining it closely.

The Pill was as round as a longan fruit. Its body was a translucent, brilliant gold, like amber. On its surface, profound, crimson-gold patterns, like Dragon Tendons, seemed to flow endlessly.

A single glance was enough to know that this was an astonishing Treasure Pill.

This was none other than the Jiao Tendon Pill, worth at least eight hundred taels apiece on the Black Stone. Not only were its raw materials extremely rare, but its refinement method was also quite difficult.

Like the Tiger Sinew Pill, the Jiao Tendon Pill’s main ingredient was the Great Tendons of an Exotic Beast. While not a true Jiao Tendon, it required the spinal Great Tendons from a Demon Beast over thirty years old!

A thirty-year-old Demon Beast was far from an ordinary fierce animal. Its strength was comparable to the Flesh Refining Realm. In fact, given the innate physical power of Demon Beasts, it would be even stronger than a human martial artist of the same Realm!

After hunting such a terrifying thirty-year-old Demon Beast, the entire extracted Great Tendon, when repeatedly tempered by a High-tier Alchemist, would only yield a mere three to five Jiao Tendon Pills. This alone spoke volumes of their immense value.

Su Yu picked up the golden, amber-like Spirit Pill with his fingertips and brought it to his nose, taking a light sniff. A strange medicinal fragrance, a mixture of sweet and savory, instantly shot into his nostrils.

He hesitated no longer and swallowed it directly.

The moment the Jiao Tendon Pill entered his stomach, it was instantly digested by his furnace-like insides. A searing torrent of Qi and Blood, hot as magma, surged through his limbs and bones.

The essence of the Exotic Beast’s Great Tendons contained within the medicinal power flowed like a golden torrent. It circulated madly along with the rushing river of Qi and Blood in his body, completely merging into his own Great Tendons.

"Shadow Ape’s Branch Exploration pierces the void, green vines hang from corners to encircle blind spots..."

Su Yu began to practice the Greenwood Shadow Ape Fist methodically. With the aid of the Jiao Tendon Pill, every time he performed a Tiger Tendon Roar, a thread of the golden tendon essence would merge with and strengthen his own Great Tendons.

Soon, he finished a set of the Greenwood Shadow Ape Fist, and text indicating an increase in Skill Level appeared before his eyes.

[Greenwood Shadow Ape Fist Skill Level +22]

...

[Greenwood Shadow Ape Fist Skill Level +21]

[Greenwood Shadow Ape Fist Skill Level +23]

[Martial Arts]: Greenwood Shadow Ape Fist (Minor Achievement 300/3000)

Su Yu stopped his Fist Stance and let out a long, turbid breath. Feeling the soreness throughout his body, he stretched lazily.

’I’ve pretty much reached my limit for today,’ Su Yu thought. ’By my calculations, with the help of the Jiao Tendon Pill, I can increase my Skill Level by about one hundred points a day. In just over twenty days, I’ll be able to break through to the Great Success Realm and step into the Jiao Tendon Realm in one fell swoop!’

This speed was simply advancing by leaps and bounds. If word got out, it would surely make jaws drop all across the Outer City of Black Stone City.

The former number one genius, Cui Wanhe, had yet to even step into the Ape Tendon Realm. He might only have a chance to attempt a breakthrough in another month.

By then, Su Yu would have already broken through to the Jiao Tendon Realm!

Going from chasing from behind to being so far in the lead, Su Yu couldn’t help but feel a little wistful.

However, his sights were no longer set on the Outer City, but on the Inner City!

’That Li Muyan must be one of the top-tier geniuses in the Inner City. Their cultivation is already at the Divine Storage Realm. I’m still two major Realms behind them... quite a long way to go.’

In the past, Su Yu wouldn’t have been too concerned. He could just take his time catching up.

But now, with chaotic times upon them, the situation waited for no one. His enemies wouldn’t care about his age, only his Realm!

’Next, I’ll enter the Inner City and see if I can get my hands on more good things. Maybe my cultivation speed can increase again!’

Su Yu was no longer worried about being seen as a freak of nature. After all, there were all sorts of heaven-favored individuals with astonishing talent. At least on the surface, many of them appeared far more monstrously talented than he did now.

...

「Afternoon. The sun blazed fiercely.」

In the sweltering summer heat, cicadas chirped tirelessly from deep within the green shade.

"CHIRP, CHIRP..."

Public Security Headquarters, Main Affairs Hall.

Pang Xuan was in a good mood. He had summoned several of the Great Commanders.

"Everyone, regarding the matter of the Inner and Outer Cities’ merger and the structural reorganization, the Inner City’s City Lord’s Mansion sent over the latest approval this morning. The results are quite favorable for us," Pang Xuan said with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

Su Yu and the others stared intently at Pang Xuan, awaiting his news.

"The merger of the Public Security Bureau and the Inspection Bureau is now set in stone. The two bureaus will be completely integrated under the direct jurisdiction of the City Lord’s Mansion. Henceforth, they will be restructured as the Public Security Bureau and the Inspection Bureau. As for your official posts, they will remain consistent. Your status and authority as Great Commanders will not change."

Pang Xuan paused, then continued, "However, above the rank of Commander, the higher-ups have decided to create a new position: Grand Director. Its authority will rank below that of a Mansion Master. My own title of Mansion Master will be changed to Grand Director of Public Security."

At this, Pang Xuan showed no sign of disappointment. Instead, he looked relieved, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

He knew full well that the Public Security Bureau’s strength was far inferior to that of the Inspection Bureau. Even he felt his title of Mansion Master was a bit undeserved.

After all, people often compared him to Pavilion Master Qian, which put him under immense pressure.

One had to understand that Pavilion Master Qian Zhiyuan was an expert at the Perfection level of the Divine Storage Realm. A master of that caliber, just one step away from becoming a Grandmaster, was not someone a Profound Bone Realm cultivator like himself could compare to.

"Mansion Master, what about the division of jurisdiction in the Inner City? And what about our merit points and all that?" Ye Xiaohong chimed in.

"This is what I meant when I said the results were good. Although many from the Inspection Bureau were promoted to Great Commander and Grand Director, our Public Security Bureau also secured a portion of the Inner City’s jurisdiction. Based on the participation and results of the previous arena tournament..."

Here, his gaze fell on Su Yu, and he nodded in appreciation. "Commander Su is our greatest contributor. As promised, he will have priority in choosing his jurisdiction!"

Hearing this, the other Great Commanders looked at Su Yu with a hint of envy.

A jurisdiction in the Inner City was a real cash cow. It could bring Su Yu a considerable income.

Zhao Sen’s expression turned ugly; he was clearly struggling to maintain his composure. His conflict with Su Yu was already public knowledge, and within the Public Security Bureau, the two were like fire and water.

Their subordinates followed their example; if they met and didn’t exchange a few barbs, they would be seen as dishonoring their respective Commanders.

And this was exactly the kind of situation Pang Xuan liked to see, as it made it easier for him to control the two of them.

"Commander Zhao fought to a draw, which is also a great contribution. He will choose after Commander Su."

"Commander Ye, although defeated, faced a powerful opponent and also has merit. He will be third in line..."

Pang Xuan quickly arranged the order for choosing jurisdictions and then briefly discussed merit points and other matters.

"Commander Su is awarded ten thousand new merit points. These new points are highly valuable. The Inner City’s treasury has many good things, so don’t waste your points. As for the old merit points, they will be converted according to a set ratio."

"..."

"Seven days from now, representatives from the Public Security Bureau and the major families of the Outer City will enter the Inner City together for the gate-opening ceremony. After the ceremony, the gates between the Inner and Outer Cities will be permanently open. As long as you hold a pass Token issued by the City Lord’s Mansion, you can travel freely between them!"

"Time is short, and there are many handover matters to attend to. All of you, get to it!"

With a wave of Pang Xuan’s hand, everyone clasped their fists and dismissed the meeting.

"Commander Su, please stay for a moment."

Pang Xuan singled out Su Yu, who was about to leave, and amiably gestured for him to sit down for tea.

Su Yu’s expression was calm. He returned to his seat, took a sip of tea, and waited for Pang Xuan to continue.

"Commander Su, that proposal you submitted about providing work as relief and building up the city wall’s fortifications... the officials at the City Lord’s Mansion were very impressed after reviewing it. It was stamped and approved this morning. From now on, this task will be handled entirely by your West District Flying Feather Guard."

A flicker of emotion crossed Su Yu’s face, and a genuine look of joy finally appeared in his eyes.

’If this work-for-relief program is really implemented, the public order in my West District will improve significantly!’

’More importantly, I’ll have truly done something good for the people. Especially for the common folk outside the city. Many of them are already finding it hard to survive. A job that provides a full meal means they can finally make a living.’

"There’s one more thing. In three days, come with me to the Pang family estate again. Some of the younger members of my family heard that you defeated Tiemu Chuan and are very impressed. They’re clamoring to meet you."

"Especially a few of the young ladies from my generation of the Pang family. They hold you in very high regard!"

But upon hearing this, Su Yu’s brow furrowed. He instantly guessed Pang Xuan’s intention.

’Is he trying to set me up on a blind date with the Pang family again?’

’The last time I went, the Pang family barely gave me the time of day. The young woman looked down on me and didn’t even show her face.’

’Won’t this just be another awkward situation?’

Even if it wasn’t awkward, Su Yu didn’t want to go. He already had Zhen’Er. He didn’t want to rely on a marriage alliance with the Pang family to gain so-called support.

He didn’t need it. His own peerless talent was enough. There was no need to compromise himself for a marriage alliance just to get more "support."

Besides, these major clans were rife with tangled interests. Many times, one’s hands would be tied. It wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

"Mansion Master Pang, in three days, I plan to break through to the Tiger Tendon Realm. Forgive me, but I won’t be able to go to the Pang family estate."

As soon as he said this, Pang Xuan’s brow furrowed.

He naturally caught the evasive tone in Su Yu’s words. The boy didn’t want a marriage alliance with the Pang family!

’What a brat! How dare he look down on my Pang family?’

He felt a flicker of anger in his heart. He had genuinely admired Su Yu and had specifically given him a chance to climb higher, only to be rejected.

But Pang Xuan’s thoughts revealed that he still viewed Su Yu with a condescending, charitable attitude. After all, he came from a prominent Inner City clan and was Su Yu’s superior.

Seeing Su Yu’s calm expression, Pang Xuan suppressed the anger in his heart.

’The talent this kid has shown is indeed impressive. He’s already planning to break through to the Tiger Tendon Realm so soon. In the future, breaking through to the Profound Bone Realm will be a certainty.’

’He was indeed given the cold shoulder the last time he visited the family. It’s normal for a genius like him to have some pride.’

Pang Xuan thought for a moment, then explained patiently, "Su Yu, my Pang family is a first-rate clan in the Inner City. Aside from the three great families, we are second to no other power."

"If you were to form a marriage alliance with my Pang family, your future in Black Stone City would be incredibly bright!"