This time, following Xu Ming to the town, besides Bai Ziyue, there were two other children of the same age, one called Xu Li and the other named Zhang Guoyi.
Xu Li was the child of Xu Ming's cousin, fair and clean-looking, but appeared timid.
As for Zhang Guoyi, he was the tallest and sturdiest of the three, with a dark face and a body full of muscle despite his young age. Bai Ziyue estimated that his strength and physique were likely above 0.5, much stronger than his own.
Zhang Guoyi's parents died early, and he is now fostered by his uncle and aunt. Though they were not harsh to him, he was not treated equally since he wasn't their own child, plus the family was poor. This time, upon hearing that Xu Ming recommended someone to be an apprentice, they simply sent him along.
From the village to Qinghe Town, it was a full fifty miles, mostly mountain roads and small paths, which were not easy to traverse.
Throughout the journey, stopping and going, Bai Ziyue gritted his teeth and persevered, never complaining of fatigue.
When he couldn't hold on anymore, he used Soul Energy to boost his physique, always bringing forth a new burst of strength to keep him from becoming overly exhausted.
Therefore, despite Bai Ziyue having the weakest physique among the three, it was typically Xu Li who called out to stop and rest.
Xu Ming naturally took care of his own nephew, promptly stopping to rest when needed.
Taking this opportunity, Bai Ziyue hurriedly asked Xu Ming about Martial Arts, which was his greatest motivation for going to Qinghe Town.
"Martial Arts is divided into External Forging and Inner Cultivation, the so-called External Forging of Tendons and Bones and Inner Cultivation of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels, that's how it is.
Following that is the Inner Qi Realm. Once Inner Qi is born, strength soars. For instance, the kind of small ghost you encountered before. If an expert of the Inner Qi Realm lets out their aura, they can crush it directly."
Xu Ming's face turned serious as he spoke.
"Uncle Ming, what realm are you in?"
Xu Li asked curiously, his eyes lighting up.
"Me? I'm at the Inner Cultivation stage."
Xu Ming revealed a slight smile.
External Forging is a threshold; advancing from External Forging to Inner Cultivation is not easy.
Even though he had just commenced Inner Cultivation, his status in the gang had already elevated, rising from Wharf Steward to Squad Leader.
Because of this, he had the idea to introduce people from the village into the gang.
"Inner Cultivation?"
Bai Ziyue's heart stirred. He vividly remembered the power behind Xu Ming's punch last time.
If Inner Cultivation is already this powerful, then the Inner Qi Realm, which is a tier higher, must be even more formidable?
Moreover, from Xu Ming's expression, Bai Ziyue could tell that his training at the Inner Cultivation stage was not yet profound, indicating room for significant improvement...
Thinking about the strength of Martial Arts, Bai Ziyue couldn't help but feel a yearning, becoming even more eager to reach Qinghe Town.
Soon, the group continued their journey.
"Let's speed up; this section is within Ghost Head Stronghold's patrol range. If we encounter their men, it will be troublesome."
Suddenly, Xu Ming warned seriously.
Everyone's spirits tightened, and they quickened their pace.
As locals of nearby mountain villages, they naturally knew about Ghost Head Stronghold, a fierce gang of bandits known for their savagery and countless murders. Several government raids had failed to subdue them, making them very arrogant.
Luckily, this section of the route was not their main patrol area, since it was mainly mountain folks passing through, not wealthy enough to attract attention. Therefore, they passed without incident.
Because of the hurried pace, Bai Ziyue had to continuously enhance his physique with Soul Energy; otherwise, he wouldn't have lasted.
As for Xu Li, Xu Ming had been carrying him for half the journey.
On the other hand, Zhang Guoyi's physique was extraordinary. Though the same age as Bai Ziyue, after covering a large stretch, he was only slightly out of breath.
Xu Ming noticed all three children's performance.
He couldn't be too strict with his nephew, Xu Li; Zhang Guoyi's strong physique allowed him to keep up without surprise. However, Bai Ziyue's weaker stature, persisting solely by grit without seeking help, truly impressed him.
By sunset, after several hours of traveling, they finally caught sight of Qinghe Town.
Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, it seemed enveloped in flames, radiating a red light. Beneath the tall walls, the gates were wide open, with streams of people moving in and out.
"Qinghe Town!"
Though Bai Ziyue of this life couldn't read, the characters of his previous life were different from this world's, he quickly judged that the three slightly complex characters on the city gate were for Qinghe Town.
Silently noting these characters, Bai Ziyue resolved to learn reading along with Martial Arts.
It's unnecessary to be both literate and martial, but recognizing words would certainly help with Martial Arts and reading secret manuals in the future.
Despite Qinghe Town being called a small town, entering and exiting still required a fee. Apart from the goods, each person needed at least one Copper Coin to enter.
Xu Ming paid four Copper Coins for the group of four to pass through.
"This is Qinghe Town; indeed, it's prosperous."
Zhang Guoyi remarked in a daze.
On the bustling street, various novel things continuously appeared in their eyes, and the attire of the passersby was more splendid than those in their village.
It was his first time in town, and everything seemed fascinating.
"This is the West District. Due to its proximity to the city gate, it's always busy and has formed a commercial street.
However, the truly prosperous area is the North Street—home to the government office, our Sunburst Gang branch, some Martial Arts Halls, academies, and large restaurants. That's the place where affluent families and wealthy individuals frequent."
Xu Ming explained with a smile.
Bai Ziyue didn't speak and silently took note of these.
Academies and Martial Arts Halls were places he longed for.
But he knew they were out of reach for now; studying in an academy required fees that his family couldn't afford, not to mention needing a scholar's recommendation letter.
Regarding Martial Arts Halls, the threshold wasn't as high, but the cost of learning there far exceeded that of studying in an academy.
"Uncle Ming, what's happening over there?"
Bai Ziyue suddenly pointed to a place not far off, swarming with people.
"Beheading Platform, the government's designated site for executing heinous criminals.
Judging by the situation, someone is about to be executed."
Xu Ming's expression was somewhat complex.
Those executed there were typically skilled in martial arts; dying on the Beheading Platform was a disgrace in his eyes.
Of course, such criminals deserved their fate, and he would not sympathize with them.
"The Beheading Platform?!"
Bai Ziyue's eyes brightened as he quickly turned to Xu Ming and asked, "Can we go and watch?"
He had a certain expectation.
His Soul Energy on the Attribute Panel was exhausted; as his trump card, he naturally sought to replenish it as much as possible.
Although he wouldn't actively kill for Soul Energy, he didn't mind gaining it passively.