Chapter 540: Chapter 176: Tian Nan to Southern Land, Blade in Hand—A Martial Fool’s Devoted Heart

Inside Chenxi Manor.

After Li Yuan left his Fourth Grade blood at the Black Market Ghost Realm and handed it personally to Yan Yu, he felt everything was ready.

Now, it was time to study how to set out.

Xue Ning brought over the map and spread it on the table.

The two of them did a little research and figured out two routes:

First, a straight line route where flying from Cloud Mountain Path to Fujiang Path doesn’t require detouring through Mianzhou Path, you only need to head southeast. However, the places along this way are mostly desolate.

With normal flying and necessary caution, half a month would be enough to reach the destination.

The second one follows the usual route: from Cloud Mountain Path to Mianzhou Path, then into Fujiang Path, passing through Long Sleep River Crossing, and continuing south to Shanbao County.

This route would take at least three months.

Xue Ning thought for a while, then suggested: "Husband, if you want to find someone for a duel to strategize breakthroughs, you might choose the second route.

On this path, perhaps you’ll encounter some powerhouses.

You’re now Fifth Grade, and in a war-torn place like Mianzhou Path, surely there’ll be quite a few Fifth Grades."

After speaking, she hesitated a little, seemingly wavering on something.

Li Yuan gently stroked her hair, helping her voice her hesitations: "I could visit Ping’an, and see how the child is doing these days."

A warmth appeared in Xue Ning’s expression, and she said, "Would it be troublesome for you?"

Li Yuan chuckled, "My son, what’s troublesome or not troublesome?

You’ve seen my Human World Transformation skill before; blending into Divine Wood Hall isn’t hard at all."

"Hmm... Our son is already twenty-seven years old. I wonder if he has given us any grandchildren..." Xue Ning’s expression softened, lost in expectation and reminiscence, she murmured, "He must be tall and handsome, with a beautiful and virtuous wife..."

Li Yuan replied, "I just fear the lad is too flirtatious."

Xue Ning laughed, "He takes after you."

Li Yuan was speechless, wanting to retort that besides Lady Yan, each wife he married had to be more than just beautiful; they needed to be useful, otherwise, he wouldn’t pursue them, and this wasn’t flirtatious.

He married Xue Ning for stable economic support and keen eyesight.

He married Cui Huayin to learn Weapon Casting Skill, so upon reaching Fifth Grade, he could quietly forge a Spiritual Artifact for himself without outsiders knowing he became Fifth Grade.

Now he merely trusts Yaojue, just to leave a retreat for the family at Divine Wood Hall, hence slightly exposing that he’s Fifth Grade.

After all, it was nothing; "Fifth Grade" was just the tip of the iceberg of his strength. Although it may bring subsequent troubles, those would only pertain to the "tip of the iceberg," which wasn’t significant.

He married Jing Shuixiang to establish a better, safer footing within the Triple Gate of Divine Wood Hall and gain access to ample information.

He married Zhenyan Xue because knowing that the barbarians on Frozen Soil were very hostile to outsiders, he aimed to knock on the door to the Western Pole.

However, he enjoyed the relationships with these women and willingly bore certain responsibilities, striving to bring them happiness.

Various thoughts flashed by, Li Yuan hugged the beautiful woman beside him, laughed and said, "I am deeply obsessed with Sister Xue, how can Sister Xue say that about me?"

"Hmph."

Xue Ning coyly slapped his arm, and said, "Just know how to say those sweet things to women. Don’t even consider my age now."

Li Yuan said, "In my heart, Sister Xue is forever as young as when she first got married."

Listening to these shameless sweet words, Xue Ning’s face couldn’t help blushing...

...

Several days later.

Li Yuan ultimately chose the second route.

Time wasn’t urgent for him.

On this path, he had three objectives.

First is observing the variety of human life, to better employ "Human World Transformation," avoiding appearing awkward or having mismatched appearance and character, thus being discovered.

True "Human World Transformation" is far from mere appearance change.

Secondly, seeking people for sparring, hoping for breakthroughs. While further observing this world.

Thirdly, swing by to see his son; if possible, he wishes his son to meet Xue Ning.

Once all these are done, he’ll discreetly enter Shanbao County to gather the Talisman Seed.

Now, the youth transformed himself into a hefty bald figure, donned a mask, wrapped himself in a fading gray cloak, pulled down the hood, akin to a giant bat blending into the air, he began flying...

Flies along, observes along, ponders along.

Observing human diversity, pondering different people’s detailed behavior.

Also observing data, understanding external changes.

Yet, most of the data he perceived were "0~9".

Occasionally, some were brilliant, being Ninth Grade and Eighth Grade data.

On this vast land, from the total population perspective, Seventh Grade was indeed scarce. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

More than ten days later, Li Yuan entered Mianzhou Path, he chose to continue flying high.

A Fifth Grade’s perception extends miles, flying in the sky like this, especially through bustling areas, the possibility of encountering another Fifth Grade was still considerable.

After all, whether in Divine Wood Hall or Lotus Sect, he wasn’t considered part of their group, nor was he among the famous Fourth Grade powerhouses. Then... if someone came across him, chances were high they would rise to intercept and question his background.

Over half a month later.

Li Yuan intentionally took out some copper plates, had a simple afternoon tea at a tavern, then rose from the railing, flying away low to the distance.

Initially, he remained at high altitude, but upon realizing that being high up was useless, he opted for lower altitude.