Evergreen Immortal-Chapter 9: Entering the Ranks

"I... I actually broke through?!"

Li Rui stared in disbelief at the changes happening within him.

There was no mistaking it, every sign pointed to the fact that he had stepped into the Stone Skin Stage.

Jade-like skin, blood surging to the peak!

For the past month, he had buried himself in rigorous training, diligently practicing the Eight Pieces of Brocade. He never expected that, without even realizing it, he would naturally achieve a breakthrough.

In Qinghe County's martial arts circles, there was an old saying:

"Three years for skin, ten years for bones, a lifetime for tendons."

It meant that for an average person, stepping into the Stone Skin Stage required at least three years of dedicated training.

Yet, Li Rui had done it in just one month!

This speed was nothing short of monstrous.

Compared to the so-called prodigies of great sects, he might be even more talented.

Well, considering his Perfect Life, it wouldn't be too much to be a little exceptional, would it?

But precisely because of this, he needed to be even more cautious.

He was already seventy years old. Before this, he had never trained in martial arts, yet now, he had suddenly entered the ranks. Any sharp-eyed person would immediately notice that something was off.

If word got out that he possessed the Martial Bones talent, trouble would surely follow.

He absolutely could not grow arrogant or careless.

"If you have ten parts of strength, only reveal three or four. That is merely the foundation. If you can be like that one infamous Old Demon Han, then you’ve truly mastered the art of survival."

Now that he had stepped into the ranks of martial artists, the paths available to him had significantly widened.

The Great Yu Empire was founded on martial strength and held warriors in the highest regard.

The best path forward was, of course, taking the imperial martial exam.

"One studies the arts of war and literature, all to serve the imperial family."

In order to recruit talented individuals, the founding emperor of Great Yu had established imperial examinations for both scholars and warriors.

The status of a martial examination graduate was equal to that of a civil scholar.

As long as one obtained the grade of Martial Juren, they could at minimum serve as a registrar officer—an official position formally recorded in the Ministry of Personnel.

A government post meant endless wealth and privilege.

And with official status, he would have much more time to pursue the path of immortality.

Otherwise, even with stunning martial bones, in ten more years, he would still turn into nothing but a pile of dust.

"I’ll wait until spring, then request my master’s permission to leave."

In three months, he would turn seventy years old.

According to Great Yu’s laws, any slave over seventy was allowed to become a free citizen, as an act of filial piety from the empire.

Of course, now that he had entered the martial ranks, he could simply demonstrate his strength and gain his freedom.

But the problem was, he was already an old man.

If word got out that a seventy-year-old had suddenly become a Martial Master, it would be far too shocking.

Someone would suspect he had gained some great fortune.

And when greedy eyes set their sights on him, trouble would surely follow.

"It’s not the thieves that steal from you that are scary, but the ones who constantly think about stealing from you."

Li Rui did not want to sleep with a dagger under his pillow every night.

Even as a Martial Master, he was still a mortal being. A well-placed stab in the dark would still end his life.

So no matter how careful he was, it would never be too much.

"I’ve endured for decades, what’s another three months?"

After so many years of hardship, the last thing Li Rui lacked was patience.

"What fine horses!"

Li Rui ran his hand along the sleek flanks of the four newly arrived chestnut-red stallions in the stable, quietly marveling to himself.

Their coats were pure and flawless, not a single stray hair—a sign of excellent lineage. Purebred Ferghana steeds... tsk, tsk. Each one easily worth a thousand gold.

They were better known by another, more famous name.

"Sweatblood Horses!"

"As expected of a disciple from the Splendid Purity Sect, truly extravagant."

Li Rui had been tending horses for years, yet he only ever saw such fine beasts when Young Master Zhu returned home for family visits.

But the next moment—

A clear and pleasant voice rang out behind him.

"Strange… my little Red here has always been temperamental, never allowing strangers near. How is it that he’s grown so friendly toward a mere stable hand?"

"Junior Brother Zhu, your household truly has no shortage of capable people."

Li Rui turned around to see Zhu Yue, the eldest young master of the Zhu family, approaching with three disciples of the Splendid Purity Sect.

"Young Master."

Li Rui bowed respectfully.

Hearing Han Qin’s casual praise, Zhu Yue’s mood instantly improved.

"Old Li, you've done well. If I recall correctly, you’ll be turning seventy in a few months?"

"Yes, Young Master."

Zhu Yue, secretly pleased with his own sharp memory, said with a grin, “In a few days, I’ll mention it to Father and have your stipend increased"

"Many thanks, Young Master."

Li Rui put on a fawning smile.

These wealthy young masters were all the same—foolish yet generous.

As long as they were in a good mood, they threw money around like water.

All it took was a few casual words of praise from a Splendid Purity Sect disciple, and his wages, which hadn’t been raised in over a decade, had just increased out of nowhere.

The more powerful a family, the more they cared about appearances.

At the side, Zhou Hu grew impatient.

"Senior Brother, we should hurry. We can’t let that traitor escape."

"Indeed."

Han Qin nodded, unhurried.

"Junior Brother Zhu, why not have this old stable hand accompany us? We’ll need someone to watch over the horses."

The moment Li Rui heard the word "traitor," his heart tightened.

It was obvious, these people were on a hunt.

And before he could refuse—

Zhu Yue had already agreed.

"Senior Brother Han, your consideration is impeccable. Old Li, come along with us."

"Yes."

Li Rui had no choice but to comply.

At this moment, he was still just a humble stable hand of the Zhu family.

He had no right to refuse.

If Zhu Yue became angry, the punishment wouldn’t just be a beating—it could very well be death.

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Besides, he was only watching over the horses.

It shouldn't be too dangerous.

Outside the city in the mountain forest.

A middle-aged man in an official blue uniform strode forward as Zhu Yue and the others arrived on horseback.

"Sirs of the esteemed sect."

He took a few quick steps forward in greeting.

"Head Constable Liu, we appreciate your efforts."

Zhu Yue dismounted with a graceful leap, moving as light as a swallow.

The Zhu family held great influence in Qinghe County, and their ties with the government ran deep.

That was why they could mobilize over a dozen constables to assist in the search.

"No trouble at all. Some herbalists reported seeing the fugitive hiding in an abandoned temple halfway up the mountain."

Liu the Constable pointed toward the forested hills.

Zhu Yue's excitement grew.

Zhou Hu rubbed his hands together eagerly.

"That bastard injured our fellow disciples and stole Elder Ma’s secret technique. The elder was so furious that he even put up a bounty of four Blood-Transforming Pills!"

At the mention of Blood-Transforming Pills, Zhu Yue’s grin widened.

These pills greatly aided cultivation and were worth a fortune—more importantly, they were extremely rare.

With a single pill, he could significantly speed up his progress toward the Eighth Grade, saving at least a year of hard training.

Han Qin began issuing orders.

"Junior Brother Zhu, you take the southern approach. Junior Brother Zhou, you take the northern. Junior Sister Jiang, the western."

"Head Constable Liu, we’ll need you and your men to surround the temple once we engage, ensuring he has no way to escape."

"Understood!"

Liu nodded in approval.

"As expected of Splendid Purity Sect disciples—thorough in their planning. That traitor is doomed."

The group began discussing their approach.

Li Rui, having nothing to do, tied up the four sweat-blood horses to a nearby post.

As he turned around—

His eyes unexpectedly met those of the Splendid Purity Sect girl.

Throughout the journey, the others had spoken openly, not bothering to keep anything from him.

So, he had learned that this young woman’s name was Jiang Yan.

However, Jiang Yan seemed uninterested in the mission.

Instead, she had been secretly observing him.

When she noticed him looking back, she finally turned her gaze away.

Li Rui grew even more puzzled.

What exactly does she see in me?

The next second—

A line of small text appeared before his eyes.

[Gained the Favor of a Noble Sect Lady. Achievement +2]