Late at night, in the secluded quarters of the palace eunuchs...
Xiao Wuchen sat cross-legged on a simple wooden couch, his aura steady. He focused all his attention on his dantian, guiding the surging internal energy that had emerged following his breakthrough.
After reaching the mid-stage of the Qi Refining Realm, not only had the quantity of his Purple Qi energy increased significantly, but its quality had also changed — becoming more refined and condensed, and giving him stronger control over his body. His recent success in subduing Fang Xiong with a single precise acupoint strike outside the palace was due to the accumulation of internal energy before his breakthrough and his understanding of the 'soft' force.
'Softness is not weakness, but ultimate control.'
Xiao Wuchen summarised the battle in his mind. His finger strikes could instantly penetrate Fang Xiong's hard defences and reach his meridians — not through brute force, but through the penetrating power of the 'Purple Qi Comes from the East' internal energy, concentrated to its extreme. This was closely related to his long-term environment as a palace eunuch, where he was constantly in a state of forbearance and restraint.
He knew that reaching number 450 on the list would greatly enhance his reputation, but it would also expose him to the scrutiny of the martial arts world. His peaceful life within the palace walls was about to be shattered.
Although news of Xiao Wuchen's rise to fame had spread widely throughout the martial arts world, it would still take time to reach the Inner Palace.
In a secret room within the Directorate of Ceremonial, an elderly eunuch was reviewing a copy of Human Ranking Weekly, which had been delivered via special channels. Wearing reading glasses, he lingered on the name 'Roufeng' for a long time.
'Roufeng, number 450... Purple Qi Comes from the East, Yin-soft acupoint striking.'
The old eunuch put down the magazine, his eyes as deep as an ancient well. Those who could cultivate Purple Qi Comes from the East within the palace were few and far between. To possess the strength to subdue an enemy with a single strike at the early stage of Qi Refining, coupled with such a Yin-soft movement technique, was a rare feat. He already had someone in mind.
'Looks like this kid is eager for merit points. Very good — courageous and capable.' He muttered to himself, then burned the magazine.
This indicated that, while risky, Xiao Wuchen's first action had received the tacit approval and even appreciation of the palace's higher-ups. Ironically, his 'fame' had become his capital for acquiring more resources and tasks in the future.
At the same time, in a quiet residence in the capital...
Liu Feiyan removed her veil to reveal a stunningly beautiful face. She held a weekly magazine, her gaze lingering on the words 'Gentle Breeze'.
'Purple Qi Comes from the East' is rumoured to be a secret martial arts technique passed down within the imperial palace. This person's sudden appearance and rapid rise to fame in such a covert manner is definitely not for show.'
Hailing from a family closely connected to the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, Liu Feiyan possessed an exceptionally high sensitivity to information within the martial arts world.
She pulled up a map of the capital and compared the locations of the markets and the residences of the eunuchs in the Eastern District.
'The restraint and vigilance he displayed during the conflict don't seem like those of a martial arts world outlaw. He subdued Fang Xiong to earn merit, but he didn't want any trouble and escaped quickly… His purpose is too clear.'
She smiled slightly, her eyes holding the excitement of a hunter spotting its prey.
'The ranking on the Human Ranking is just a cover. Roufeng, I want to see if you're actually a disciple of a high-ranking imperial guard or a long-buried genius..."
She immediately gave orders to those around her: 'Investigate. Find out Roufeng's place of residence, his daily routine, and the exact time of his next departure from the palace.'