The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 225 - 159 Divine Fist Association Year-End Party_2

Chapter 225: Chapter 159 Divine Fist Association Year-End Party_2

Zhang Shitong rolled his eyes, "My persuasion failed, and in the end, my dad was still the one getting cursed at, saying you’re hogging the toilet but not taking a dump, and not even as good as Zhou Pan."

Li Yan chuckled, "That sounds about right."

"Let’s not talk about this anymore."

Zhang Shitong shook his head, "This trip to Chang’an is to attend the last gathering of the Divine Fist Association before the New Year."

"This time it’s a bit special. My dad said that although you are with the Mystical Sect, due to your dad’s background, you are also considered part of the pugilistic world. He wanted you to come and see the world, to avoid getting killed by not recognizing some fierce fighter in the future."

You’d be the one getting killed, for sure!

Li Yan muttered in his heart but was also filled with curiosity, "What’s different this time?"

"We’ll talk about it on the way." Zhang Shitong waved his hand impatiently.

"Alright."

Li Yan pondered for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

The headquarters of the Divine Fist Association in Shan State was located in Pingkang Square, not far from the City God Temple in Guangde Square, a perfect way to also shop for Magic Artifacts on the way.

...

Having left Pingkang Square, the two headed west.

This street, right next to the old Imperial Palace from the Tang Dynasty on the right-hand side, now only had a section of the city wall remaining. Outside the gate was a mule and horse market, through which goods from the north entered Chang’an, making the street somewhat crowded.

Li Yan and Zhang Shitong sat in a carriage, slowly moving with the flow of people.

"This time, you’re in for a treat!"

Zhang Shitong also looked excited, "Did you know about the Gao Family in Xianyang City?"

"Of course." Li Yan nodded in response.

The Xianyang Gao Family was once very prominent throughout Shan State, producing several practitioners of Dan Strength successively, even known throughout the pugilistic world of Divine State.

In other words, a true pugilistic aristocracy.

But they were too high-profile and offended some mysterious forces, resulting in their annihilation overnight, which remains an unsolved case to this day.

What is Dan Strength?

Simply put, Force Transformation was about cultivating Hidden Energy to its limits, controlling strength as desired, and mastering the force, whether encountering squares or circles.

For someone with basic Hidden Energy, it was effortless.

However, even then, they would become exhausted after prolonged fighting.

Dan Strength, on the other hand, involved concentrating qi and blood in the Dantian. Normally, they looked like any other person, but in battle, they could suddenly erupt.

Not only was their strength far superior to Hidden Energy, but they could also fight for extended periods.

In ancient military formations, those generals carrying spears weighing dozens of pounds who could fight in and out of hordes of enemies at least belonged to this level.

And beyond that, Astral Force, had an enchanting edge.

They condensed Fist Intent, causing their very presence to form "areas" and "momentum," either immovable like a mountain or displaying terrifying murderous intent.

A roar or a glare could scare the faint-hearted to death.

Facing such experts, even ordinary spirits dared not come close.

Further up is to reverse the Innate and ascend to Grandmaster status.

Human strength has its limits; this was essentially the peak.

For instance, his Three Talents Demon Suppression Coin was refined by the renowned commander Yang Yi of the Demon Blade during the previous dynasty. Yang Yi was an Innate Grandmaster, virtually invincible.

"This event with the Gao family was indeed a wake-up call for fellow peers in the pugilistic world."

Zhang Shitong shook his head sadly, "A practitioner of Dan Strength, huh? With talent, opportunity, and Qi Fortune, just one could be a sect’s pillar, enough to protect the prosperity of more than a decade."

"But despite being so powerful, not a single member of the Gao Family survived."

"Didn’t you notice that the head of the Divine Fist Association in Shan State is always a Force Transformation practitioner? Not a single one with Dan Strength is seen?"

Li Yan’s expression turned grave, "Are they all hiding?"

"It’s not exactly hiding."

Zhang Shitong shook his head, "Anyway, after attaining Dan Strength, they mainly stay out of these worldly matters."

"If they are still young, most will travel around Divine State, seeking opportunities to break through further. If they are older and unlikely to advance further, they tend to stay within their sect to teach disciples, becoming the true backbone of the sects."

"Zhou Pan might seem imposing in Xianyang, but that’s because after the Gao Family was wiped out, there were no significant figures left in Xianyang’s Martial Arts circle."

"Anyone from a family with a Dan Strength practitioner wouldn’t leave the position of head of the Divine Fist Association to him."

"And why is he so desperate to curry favor with Lu Kang?"

"Because only by going through official channels does he have a chance."

At this point, Li Yan suddenly understood, his eyes lighting up, "So there’s a Dan Strength expert appearing this time?"

"Mmm."

Zhang Shitong nodded, "It’s all because of the King of Drums Tournament."

"This King of Drums Tournament is a grand event for the Mystical Sect. Some experts from other states have also come, and the Divine Fist Association of Shan State must make an appearance to entertain them."

"Father wants you to go and see, recognize people, as Dan Strength experts are the best at hiding, to prevent you from foolishly engaging with tough opponents in the future."

"Also, during this period of the King of Drums Tournament, it’s best to keep a low profile, and definitely don’t cause any trouble. If some Dan Strength expert kills you, we won’t dare to stand up for you."

Li Yan felt speechless, "Don’t worry, I have no reason to provoke those people."

During their conversation, they had reached the vicinity of Guangde Square.

"Brother Zhang, I need to handle some matters. You go ahead, I’ll come by myself later," Li Yan said and then lifted the curtain to get out of the carriage.

Zhang Shitong rolled his eyes, "Such trouble. I’ll wait for you at the entrance of the Divine Fist Association, otherwise you won’t even be able to get in."

Li Yan smiled, clasped his fists, and headed towards the City God Temple.

As the end of the year approached, the City God Temple was even more bustling.

Li Yan bypassed the front hall and went to the side door of the rear hall.

Having visited a few times, the gatekeeping novice recognized him and without asking, directly said, "Uncle Luo Mingzi has not returned yet, Sir Li, don’t ask, we also have no idea."

Li Yan helplessly said, "Hmm, I also wanted to buy some magic artifacts this time."

After speaking to the novice, Li Yan strode into the courtyard.

Just entering, the area was managed by the Mystical Priest, the old Daoist who had registered him that day was now busy with his head down among several people.

After the court strengthened control, not only did all magicians need to be ranked, but all major rituals had to be reported in advance, or else the Law Enforcement Hall would come knocking to inquire.

As the end of the year approached, rituals were frequent everywhere, and they were naturally busy.

Li Yan glanced once and didn’t disturb them further, continuing on his way.

Upon entering the backyard, he quickly disabled his Divine Skills.

Inside the grand hall of the backyard, the strongest City God Society Order Army of Shan State was enshrined, along with the Mystical Sect experts guarding the altar.

Rashly peeping would be discovered.

At this moment, the grand hall was filled with lingering incense, the sounds of wooden fish and conches chanting sutras, along with Taoists setting up Astral Forces and conducting rituals.

Li Yan felt a surge in his heart.

This was preparation for the deployment of the troops.

The Taixuan Orthodox Sect must be planning a major move!

Looking at another side at the Law Enforcement Hall, it was still empty and tranquil, even the main gate was tightly locked.

Outside the rear hall’s main door, two sword-bearing Taoists coldly glanced over.

Not wanting to provoke trouble, Li Yan withdrew his gaze and entered the opposite side hall.

The atmosphere here was much more relaxed.

In the large step-style magic platform at the center, neatly stacked in layers, were various magic artifacts.

Incense, talisman paper, Soul Suppressing Bell, Soul Summoning Lamp, house-protecting copper mirrors... a variety of types, dazzling to the eyes.

Inside the grand hall, the scent of incense was thick.

This place was the City God Temple’s venue for selling magic artifacts, all items were crafted by Mystical Sect artisans, then consecrated on the altar, refined by incense day and night.

The higher up, the older the item, the higher the price.

Of course, these were all basic magic artifacts, many were single-use. To buy better ones, one had to negotiate with the temple guardian.

The most valuable were naturally the Heavenly Spirit Earth Treasures.

But unless urgently needed, only a fool would buy from here.

With the end of the year nearing, the demand for magic artifacts was also quite robust, and there were seven or eight magicians from the running errands inside, haggling with the temple guardian.

Li Yan, busy with tasks, didn’t bother with idle talk and directly bought Soul Summoning Incense and Lotus Lamp among other items, then hurriedly left.

Watching his departing figure, several magicians whispered among themselves.

"Is that Li Yan?"

"Yes, and that Wang Daoxuan, he’s been quite visible recently, entering and exiting various merchant mansions, even stole one of my deals..."

"What’s the rush, fellow Daoist, let them flaunt their arrogance for now."

"With no roots or foundations, they don’t know the depth of Chang’an City, they’re bound to suffer sooner or later!"

The temple Daoist had a calm expression but a hint of ridicule flashed in his eyes...

...

Li Yan left the building, and to save time, directly hailed a carriage heading from North towards Guangde Square.

The main helm of the Divine Fist Association was quite noticeable, not small in size, with its gate facing the main street, flanked by a pair of stone lions, with towering pines and cypresses in the courtyard.

And at the entrance, Zhang Shitong was cursing and confronting someone...