Great Dao Lord through Deducing Myriad Arts

In the martial arts, fists and feet are never truly separate.

Whether it was the Wind-Chasing Leg or the Four-Step Fist, they were meant to be practiced as a single, integrated whole—not just punches for the sake of punches, or kicks for the sake of kicks.

That was why Wu Liangchen considered combining these two Cultivation Techniques to see if he could create something even more powerful.

Any other Martial Artist would have been astonished if they knew what Wu Liangchen was attempting.

After all, this was no simple task. It required a profound understanding of both Cultivation Techniques, as well as a powerful aptitude for martial arts.

Yet Wu Liangchen had managed to do it.

Although his Wind-Chasing Leg was only at the proficient level, the Ten Thousand Laws Tripod’s deductions had blessed him with a wealth of advanced insights.

These insights might not seem useful in ordinary times, but their immense value became apparent when they were truly needed.

Suddenly, several lines of text appeared before Wu Liangchen’s eyes.

[Fuseable Cultivation Techniques: Wind-Chasing Leg + Four-Step Fist]

[Estimated Cost: 25 Wisps of Life Fire]

[Consume Life Fire to deduce and fuse?]

Wu Liangchen’s spirits lifted.

’My idea was right after all.’

’Besides helping me master the basics, this Ten Thousand Laws Tripod has all sorts of other amazing uses.’

This Cultivation Technique fusion, for instance, showed Wu Liangchen a completely new path.

’But the Life Fire cost is a bit steep.’

Wu Liangchen currently only had 19 wisps of Life Fire, a fair bit short of the 25 required. Paradoxically, this filled him with even more anticipation.

’The more Life Fire consumed, the more powerful the deduction’s effect. The resulting Cultivation Technique is bound to be stronger, too.’

Wu Liangchen finished his routine, holding his final stance, before returning to the pavilion.

By now, Yang Lian’Er had fallen asleep, leaning against the railing.

She was not a graceful sleeper. Not only was she snoring loud enough to shake the heavens, but a trickle of drool was also running down from the corner of her mouth.

"Miss, wake up!"

He called out a few times, but Yang Lian’Er didn’t stir at all.

Left with no choice, Wu Liangchen reached out and gave her shoulder a gentle push.

The instant he touched her, Wu Liangchen felt an indescribable, icy coldness. The sensation vanished in a flash, and Yang Lian’Er groggily lifted her head.

"Huh? You’re done practicing?"

Wu Liangchen was inwardly alarmed. ’That feeling just now wasn’t an illusion. What on earth was that?’

On the surface, however, Wu Liangchen showed no sign of anything unusual. Instead, he smiled.

"Yep, all done!"

"Oof, I’m starving. Wanna go get a late-night snack?" Yang Lian’Er asked expectantly, patting her stomach.

Wu Liangchen shook his head with great resolve. "We’re not going."

Yang Lian’Er’s face fell instantly. "What? Are you not even going to let me eat now?"

"The kitchen has rice, flour, and oil. Tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll make it. But going out is out of the question," Wu Liangchen said resolutely.

When Aunt Fan left, she made it clear she would be back in two days at most.

During these two days, he was to keep the young lady from going out as much as possible.

Wu Liangchen was carrying out this directive to the letter.

He had no desire to wander around outside with such a clueless and mysteriously-backed young lady.

After all, he had only just succeeded in refining his skin and tempering his muscles. His strength was barely enough for self-preservation.

If something were to happen, he might get dragged down with her.

Besides, there were plenty of people out there eyeing Yang Lian’Er like a prize, including powerful aristocrats like Young Master Yan. Wu Liangchen wasn’t about to risk his life for this.

That was why for the past two days, no matter how Yang Lian’Er wheedled and pestered, Wu Liangchen remained unmoved.

Yang Lian’Er got so angry that she even tried pulling rank as his employer, attempting to command Wu Liangchen by force.

In response, Wu Liangchen’s stance was crystal clear.

If she insisted on being the employer and wanted to go out, fine. She could fire him first. He would go home, and then she could go wherever she pleased. It wouldn’t be his problem anymore.

Defeated, Yang Lian’Er had no choice but to back down and stay cooped up at home for two days.

Now, seeing her scheme fail once again, Yang Lian’Er was so furious she could grind her teeth to dust.

"You’re a grown man, how can you be so timid? It’s just for a meal! We won’t even go far, just to Jufude for some roasted duck. You don’t even dare to do that?"

Completely unfazed, Wu Liangchen nodded crisply and said, "I don’t. And you’re right, Miss. I am indeed very timid."

"I must have been blind to hire you as a driver in the first place! When Aunt Fan gets back, I’m having her fire you!" Yang Lian’Er shrieked, at her wits’ end.

"Alright!" Wu Liangchen nodded cheerfully. "By the way, Miss, what would you like to eat?"

"I’ll eat your head!"

"The kitchen has cow heads, pig heads, and fish heads, but not my head. So I’m sorry, you’ll have to pick something else," Wu Liangchen said with a slight smile.

Yang Lian’Er: "..."

After a moment of silence, she said listlessly, "Whatever. As long as it fills my stomach."

"You got it!"

Of course, Wu Liangchen was no match for Aunt Fan in the kitchen. He went to the pantry and whipped up a simple bowl of hot noodle soup, which he then placed in front of Yang Lian’Er.

"Eat up."

Yang Lian’Er’s eyes widened. She pointed at the noodles before her. "I said ’whatever,’ but did you have to be so casual about it?"

"What else?"

Aunt Fan had long since spoiled Yang Lian’Er’s palate. How could she possibly be satisfied with a bowl of bland, watery noodles? She tilted her head back, fixing Wu Liangchen with her foxy eyes.

"I’m not eating it!"

"Not eating, huh? I guess that means you’re not hungry, Miss."

With that, Wu Liangchen picked up the bowl and, with a great SLURP, finished the noodles himself.

"Mm! Not bad." After finishing, Wu Liangchen even patted his stomach, clearly satisfied with his own cooking.

Yang Lian’Er shot Wu Liangchen a look of pure indignation, then stood up and walked away.

"Where are you off to, Miss?"

"What, do I need to ask your permission to go back to my room and sleep now, Uncle Wu?" Yang Lian’Er retorted, turning back to enunciate every word.

Wu Liangchen chuckled. "Of course not. Sleep well, Miss!"

"Hmph!" Yang Lian’Er stormed off in a huff.

Watching her departing figure, Wu Liangchen couldn’t help but sigh softly.

After spending some time with her, he had gotten a good read on Yang Lian’Er’s personality.

Despite being a wildly popular opera star, she carried an air of innocence, as if she knew nothing of the world’s harsh realities.

It was a feeling Wu Liangchen had only encountered in his previous life, on those well-protected young ladies from extremely wealthy families.

’But the world of the Blue Star in my past life was one thing; this current environment is something else entirely.’

As such, Yang Lian’Er seemed completely out of place in this treacherous world.

’So this Yang Lian’Er is no ordinary person.’

He shook his head, pushing these thoughts aside. He turned, about to patrol the courtyard, when he saw Aunt Fan standing under a nearby tree, watching him.

"Aunt Fan, when did you get back?"

"I’ve been back for a little while." As she spoke, Aunt Fan stepped out of the shadows, a faint smile on her face.

"Did anything happen these past two days?"

"Everything was peaceful," Wu Liangchen replied.

Aunt Fan nodded. "Well done."

"Alright, it’s getting late. You can go get some rest."

"Yes!"

Wu Liangchen felt a wave of relief. He was just about to leave when Aunt Fan suddenly spoke again.

"Have you finished that bottle of Qi Blood Pills I gave you before?"

"I have," Wu Liangchen said, pausing in his tracks.

"Here, this is for you." With that, Aunt Fan tossed him another small porcelain bottle.