In the courtyard, Lin Yan examined his reflection in a copper mirror, a look of satisfaction on his face.
After returning from the mountains, he had lost ten pounds in just three days, all thanks to the Swallowing Technique.
While he still hadn’t returned to the weight he was at before arriving in Sanshan County, he knew it would only take half a month at most for his body to return to normal. The accumulated Qi Blood from the poultry he had consumed would be completely Refined by then.
Beyond that, Lin Yan had discovered another effect of the Swallowing Technique. The Fourth-Time of Skin Smoothing Realm was typically discernible from one’s appearance because as a Martial Artist’s Qi Blood increased, it would naturally surge toward the surface of their skin.
This external manifestation of Qi Blood gave the skin a distinct luster.
However, after Cultivating the Swallowing Technique, his skin had undergone a process of expansion and contraction. Now, his Qi Blood no longer manifested externally, making it impossible for others to discern his Realm from his appearance.
’The Swallowing Technique absorbed the residual energy and impurities in my flesh, allowing me to appear plain and unremarkable. Does this mean that the reason other Fourth-Time of Skin Smoothing Martial Artists have visible Realms is because their bodies have accumulated unabsorbed Medicinal Power from Elixirs or impurities from the Qi Blood of poultry? Could this also be why so many Martial Artists fail when trying to break through?’
Lin Yan mused to himself. ’It’s highly likely, but I’ll probably never know for sure. There’s no instrument to test the theory.’
’Most people, like that Senior Situ, have to rely purely on experience and a keen eye to make a judgment. The average Skin Smoothing Martial Artist simply doesn’t possess that kind of perception.’
Still, Lin Yan had one regret concerning the Swallowing Technique. In just a few days, the leaf representing it on his Martial Arts Tree had fully formed, meaning it couldn’t be improved any further.
’Either the Swallowing Technique can’t be advanced any further and is only meant for the Refinement of residual Qi Blood, or I’m missing the subsequent parts of the Cultivation Technique.’
’If I had known, I would have asked Senior Situ a few more questions.’
’Then again, given Senior Situ’s style, he probably wouldn’t have told me the details about the Swallowing Technique even if I had asked.’
As Lin Yan was lost in thought, Xia Mingtang, who hadn’t disturbed him for some time, pushed open the courtyard gate. He was holding an invitation.
"Young Master Lin, the Cao Mansion in Sanshan County has sent an invitation for you to attend a banquet."
’Cao Mansion?’
Lin Yan was puzzled. ’I have no dealings with the influential figures of Sanshan County. Why would they invite me?’
"Young Master Lin, the Cao Family is a prominent clan in Sanshan County. It would be unwise to refuse their invitation."
Seeing Lin Yan’s frown, Xia Mingtang quickly explained the Cao Family’s power and standing in Sanshan County.
The Cao Family Patriarch reached the Third-Time of Skin Smoothing at the age of thirty, which isn’t unheard of. The crucial part is that he is known for his integrity. Several of the city’s Fourth-Time Skin Smoothing Martial Artists are on good terms with him. He’s also willing to mentor promising juniors in the county, so his reputation is excellent.
While it might be an exaggeration to say you couldn’t get by in Sanshan County after offending the Cao Family, if their Patriarch made a request, every major power in Sanshan would grant them the favor, as long as it didn’t conflict with their own interests.
Lin Yan understood the implication. If he refused, he would be disrespecting the Cao Family, which in turn would negatively affect the Tang Family’s interests in Sanshan County.
"Young Master Cao is celebrating his breakthrough to the Third-Time of Skin Smoothing. Since you, Young Master Lin, are also a Third-Time of Skin Smoothing Powerhouse, the Cao Family likely wishes to form a connection with you. The young master takes after his father and enjoys making friends."
After listening to Xia Mingtang’s coaxing, Lin Yan mulled it over for a moment before saying, "The cost of the congratulatory gift will come out of the official accounts."
’This is official business. I shouldn’t have to pay for it myself.’
Xia Mingtang: ...
「At dusk.」
Carrying a gift box, Lin Yan presented his invitation and was led by a Cao Family servant into the estate’s rear courtyard.
"Young Master Lin, please rest here for a moment."
The servant led Lin Yan to a small courtyard and then departed. A maidservant inside promptly began brewing tea. As Lin Yan surveyed the small courtyard, his expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he was on high alert.
’The Cao Mansion has many guests today. It’s impossible that every one of them gets their own private courtyard. They should have arranged things like they did for Junior Brother Zhao, gathering all the Martial Artists in the rear courtyard. At most, they might group people by Realm, putting those with the same level of Skin Smoothing in the same area.’
’Or they could group them by age—the young in one place, the old in another. Being led to a private courtyard like this is clearly strange.’
A maidservant had brewed tea and left it on the stone table, but Lin Yan didn’t touch it. He waited until the tea grew cold, then stood up and headed for the courtyard exit.
The maidservant guarding the courtyard entrance grew flustered when she saw Lin Yan about to leave. "Please wait, Young Master Lin! My master will be here right away."
"Your young master must be busy with his many guests today. There’s no need for him to waste any more time on me."
After being left waiting in the courtyard for half an hour, Lin Yan didn’t take it out on the maidservant. But just as he rose and headed for the gate, a voice called out from beyond it.
"Brother Lin, please don’t take offense. I was delayed entertaining other guests."
The gate swung open, and two young men strode in, one after the other, followed by several maidservants.
The man in the lead smiled and clasped his fist in greeting. "I am Cao Zhang, and this is Young Master Qian Shuhang."
Lin Yan extended his hand. Cao Zhang paused, surprised for a moment, before instinctively taking it.
After they released their grip, Lin Yan offered his hand to Qian Shuhang. "A pleasure to meet you, Young Master Qian."
Qian Shuhang’s brow furrowed, but he ultimately extended his hand to shake Lin Yan’s.
From the two handshakes, he could feel that the gray Martial Arts Trees revealed by the two men were not as tall as his own. With that knowledge, he felt confident.

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