Chapter 35: Talent Upgrade, Treading Snow Without a Trace

"I just don’t believe the Embroidered Uniform Guard can guard this place forever."

Clutching the spot where he was just struck, Shi Sheng’s fist had still inflicted quite a bit of damage on Hua Wenxuan, leaving his face gloomy.

He’d stolen into so many places before, never imagined he’d actually get caught this time.

Good thing he possessed unmatched Qinggong.

Hua Wenxuan already had it all figured out: after escaping this round, he’d lay low for a while, heal up, and come back later.

He really didn’t believe these Embroidered Uniform Guard guys could guard Landlord Wang’s estate forever.

Unwilling to accept this result, Hua Wenxuan was already fantasizing about how to deal with Wang Mu’Er the next time he succeeded, to soothe his frustration.

"Wait a second, why is it so hot?"

In the midst of his thoughts, Hua Wenxuan suddenly felt the temperature around him was off; when the weather had been cool just before, why did things turn scorching in an instant?

Just as he turned his head—

What greeted him was a saber aura ablaze with raging fire.

"Innate!"

Just seeing that blade’s aura, Hua Wenxuan couldn’t help blurting out these two words.

What sort of luck had he run into to provoke an Innate Martial Artist to make a move personally—he was toast!

Mid-air, everyone only saw a flash of fire; Hua Wenxuan’s figure, about to leave Landlord Wang’s estate, was split in two in midair, falling straight to the ground.

"Thud!"

Died unexpectedly cleanly.

The house servants and Embroidered Uniform Guard who rushed in all involuntarily sucked in a breath at the sight.

"Sir, your strength is truly awe-inspiring."

Si Nan reacted fastest, immediately turning and praising with admiration.

"Let’s go, see if this flower thief has any leads on him."

Waving his hand, he ignored Si Nan’s flattering and led the way toward where the flower thief Hua Wenxuan landed.

In reality, Ye Liuyun was planning to harvest the Talent Entries.

Greedy Lust was one he didn’t need, but the others, especially that Dragon Essence Tiger Vigor, sounded useful—he’d take it!

However—

As Ye Liuyun left the courtyard, Wang Mu’Er was in her room, peeking through a window crack, watching Ye Liuyun and the others leave.

Wang Mu’Er was a light sleeper; at the sound of trouble, she’d woken up, and everything that had just happened, she’d witnessed firsthand.

,,,

"Talent Entry System!

Host: Ye Liuyun!

Realm: Early-stage Innate!

Martial Arts: Wind-Slaying Saber Skill, Cangyang Force, Pine Wood Saber Skill, Jade-Shattering Hand, Blazing Blade Skill,"

Talent Entries: Luck (purple), Steel-Boned (purple), Man-and-Blade-Unity (purple), Extraordinary Comprehension (purple), Swordsmanship Talent (blue), Extreme Yang Physique (purple), Scent-Detecting Woman (blue), Snow-Stepping No Trace (purple),"

The Scent-Detecting Woman Talent Entry changed to blue-level quality.

What surprised Ye Liuyun was that the Dragon Essence Tiger Vigor talent had great affinity with Extreme Yang Physique and directly converted into experience for Extreme Yang Physique.

If he could harvest a few more, Extreme Yang Physique might be able to upgrade to a gold Talent Entry.

As for Snow-Stepping No Trace—

Ye Liuyun gave it a try and did indeed feel much more nimble. He planned to practice a few more Qinggong techniques later to maximize its effect.

"Sir!"

Since Ye Liuyun’s main goal was Talent Entries, corpse-searching stuff was naturally handed to the others.

Si Nan searched for a while and actually found some silver notes.

"He was loaded!"

It was quite a sum—looks like Hua Wenxuan wasn’t just a flower thief, he moonlighted as a regular burglar too.

Ye Liuyun just took half.

"Split the rest amongst yourselves!"

"Thank you, Sir!"

Si Nan grinned and pocketed the remaining silver notes.

With such a generous boss, all his subordinates were full of enthusiasm about their job.

,,,

The next day.

After a lavish breakfast courtesy of Landlord Wang’s hospitality, Ye Liuyun and the others finally returned to the Imperial City.

Landlord Wang originally wanted them to stay for lunch, but Ye Liuyun clearly wasn’t about to linger. Before they left, Landlord Wang even sent special gifts.

Ye Liuyun checked them and found they were some rare medicinal herbs.

Have to admit—Landlord Wang really knows how to handle relationships, always gifting exactly what people need.

In the end, he waved, mounted his horse, and led everyone out.

"Young prodigy, indeed!"

If it had been a typical Embroidered Uniform Guard squad captain, Landlord Wang would still have sent gifts, but never with such eagerness, almost like he was courting them.

But Ye Liuyun was different: young, powerful, and clearly talented in Martial Arts.

This kind of person was well worth investing in.

"Father!"

At that moment, Wang Mu’Er suddenly walked up.

"Ah, so it’s Mu’Er. You were frightened last night; why not stay in your room and rest?"

Landlord Wang had plenty of children, but for this gentle, quick-witted youngest daughter, he was especially fond.

Thinking of last night’s incident, Landlord Wang was still shaken.

If Ye Liuyun hadn’t discovered the flower thief’s scheme, his precious daughter might very well have been harmed.

"I’m fine, father."

Wang Mu’Er shook her head, showing she was unharmed.

Then, watching Ye Liuyun and the others depart, she softly spoke—

"Father, you said earlier that before long, you’d try expanding the business into the Imperial City, right?"

Landlord Wang had many businesses, but most were outside the Imperial City.

Given the chance, he naturally wanted to bring his ventures inside; it wasn’t just more profit, but a symbol of status.

"You never liked managing these before?"

"I want to give it a try. Just something to do, really."

Wang Mu’Er dropped her gaze and spoke softly.

Seeing his daughter like this, Landlord Wang seemed to realize something and couldn’t help smiling.

"Very well! If it’s Mu’Er’s wish, then go for it."

He was never stingy with this youngest girl; didn’t even hesitate, just agreed outright.

"Thank you, father!"

With such a clear answer, Wang Mu’Er’s face brightened with joy.

,,,

Back in the Imperial City—

Ye Liuyun didn’t head to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but had his men all head home for a proper day’s rest.

Tomorrow, they’d check in at the Guard again.

After a sleepless night, everyone was delighted to have a day off as Ye Liuyun said.

As for Ye Liuyun himself, he went straight home, of course.

"How about grabbing a drink?"

Once Ye Liuyun left, Si Nan bumped Shi Sheng’s shoulder, raised an eyebrow and asked.

After earning so much cash, it didn’t feel right not to spend some.

"You buying?"

"Why don’t you just get lost and go to sleep!"

,,,,,,,