Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting from Fist Technique Deduction
Chapter 84 - 72 Ao Daguang

Chapter 84: Chapter 72 Ao Daguang

After avoiding the crowd watching the excitement, it didn’t take long to reach the building where Huaining Hall was located.

A four-story pavilion adorned with carved dragons and painted phoenixes came into view. It was built on a foundation of giant stones, with thick wooden beams as support, spanning twenty zhang on each side, exuding an imposing aura. Above the entrance, a gold-plated plaque hung high, and at the doorway, twin green tortoises rested on either side.

It was the time for the academy’s collection duties. The chores-handling servants at the door, upon seeing Lin Yuan’s attire, recognized that a top disciple from the academy had come for duty.

They immediately led the way, bringing Lin Yuan to the door of a deputy hall master on the third floor.

Lin Yuan stood at the doorway as the guide entered and reported to the hall master.

"I’ve heard that the academy is sending a martial arts prodigy to support Huaining Hall, truly a talented person." A voice inquired before the person revealed himself.

A burly man with a hairy face came out from inside. His ears were large and face round, giving him a fierce look. His stubble was trimmed neatly, his thick eyebrows and big eyes adding a bit of menace.

Despite his intimidating appearance, his tone was quite smooth.

"You must be Lin Yuan?" The man approached Lin Yuan, sizing him up with a warm welcome.

"I am he." Lin Yuan cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and asked modestly, "How should I address you, senior?"

"Ha, Yue Zhenhan, the deputy to Hall Master Ao." Yue Zhenhan’s face was all smiles, amiable towards Lin Yuan.

"Greetings to Hall Master Yue." Lin Yuan cupped his hands again.

"We’re all brothers here, no need for such formality."

Yue Zhenhan laughed heartily, putting his arm around Lin Yuan’s shoulder. "Come with me to meet Hall Master Ao."

Ao Daguang’s study was on the fourth floor, and Yue Zhenhan led Lin Yuan upstairs.

The pavilion offered a great view, with a wide-open view of the entire Huai River scenery.

The two arrived, finding Ao Daguang sitting in the pavilion, facing the Huai River.

He was thin and frail, lacking the robust build of a martial artist, resembling a small old man in his seventies or eighties. Yet his demeanor was dignified, with deep-set eyes, giving off a sense of calm and authority.

"Hall master, Lin the prodigy joining us is quite a boost to our hall." Yue Zhenhan was quite familiar with Ao Daguang and spoke up loudly upon arriving upstairs.

Ao Daguang nodded, casting his gaze over Lin Yuan, giving him an appraisal, but said nothing further.

However, his aged eyes concealed a deep malice.

"How should we arrange Lin Yuan’s position?" Yue Zhenhan moved to the pavilion window, gazing at the river view, speaking softly.

"Lin Yuan, what is your level of cultivation?" Ao Daguang’s aged voice came, his tone indifferent, as if unmoved by anything.

"Reporting to the hall master. I’ve nearly perfected the four martial arts, but still need to refine much Qi-Blood," Lin Yuan responded calmly with a cupped hand salute.

"I’ve heard of your accomplishments. Indeed a young hero." Ao Daguang also directed his gaze to the river surface. "You are far too modest."

"With your current level, serving as a small banner-man is more than enough, no need for excessive modesty." Ao Daguang mused briefly, then said to Yue Zhenhan beside him, "Other two deputy hall masters, Old Yue, please take Lin Yuan to meet them."

"As for the position, assign him as the small banner-man of the Wu Character Banner." A cold gleam flashed deep in Ao Daguang’s eyes as he spoke calmly.

"That sounds good." Yue Zhenhan agreed with a smile.

With that said, he led Lin Yuan away.

Once Lin Yuan and Yue Zhenhan had left.

Another deputy hall master, Xu Yang, appeared quietly in Ao Daguang’s pavilion.

Xu Yang had the appearance of a middle-aged scholar, exuding a scholarly air, but his face lacked scholarly elegance, with narrow eyes that gave off a bit of a sharp look. His hands were full of calluses, indicating considerable ability in hand-to-hand skills.

"Hall master, with Lin Yuan coming here, what of Dong Yun’s intentions there?" Xu Yang sat beside Ao Daguang and asked.

"Since Dong Yun has spoken, we cannot afford to lose face. Lin Yuan’s martial strength is weak, easily crushed, but having just arrived, if we make a move, it would be hard to explain to the academy."

Ao Daguang squinted his eyes and spoke faintly, "I’ve arranged for him to serve as the small banner-man of the Ding Character Banner, chances to eliminate him are numerous."

"Although it’s not convenient for us to act today, others might not be bound. Test him first, if someone takes him down with a single cut, it would save us a lot of trouble."

Ao Daguang shifted his gaze from Xu Yang to the river outside, his eyes looking far into the distance.

"I will go ahead and arrange for this. The sooner the better, tonight we’ll take action." Xu Yang squinted his eyes, nodding slightly.

"Also, have you verified the rumor about Qiao Yijing from the Lotus Gang being injured?" After giving orders about Lin Yuan, Ao Daguang immediately inquired.

"It seems true; according to feedback from the dark lines, his trusted aides have already secretly contacted a Pill Master within the academy to refine the Eight Meridian Pill." Xu Yang pondered briefly and paused before speaking, "Yet, which specific Pill Master in the academy it is, is hard to ascertain. The refining of the pill has likely failed."

"The Lotus Gang likely harbors some secrets, let the insider investigate further." Ao Daguang relaxed his body, reclining in the pavilion rocking chair, continuing to inquire, "Is there any movement from the Flying Cloud Gang and the Qingzhu Gang?"

"There are occasional contacts between the two gangs, the injury to Qiao Yijing might not remain hidden for long." Xu Yang’s expression became slightly grave, "Perhaps the two gangs are planning major actions."

Hearing this, Ao Daguang nodded slightly, closed his eyes and feigned sleep.

Seeing this, Xu Yang quietly withdrew.

Meanwhile, after Lin Yuan left with Yue Zhenhan.

Yue Zhenhan immediately took him to visit the other two deputy hall masters, but both happened to be away.

Yue Zhenhan then instructed his subordinates to arrange accommodations for Lin Yuan.

At this time, Lin Yuan was given a single courtyard about an incense stick’s journey away from Huaining Hall.

The surrounding area was secluded and tranquil, seldom seeing other wanderers or footmen lingering.

The courtyard had all necessary amenities such as outer and side rooms, and there was a practice ground about half an acre in size for training. Compared to his small room at the academy, this courtyard was much more peaceful, with privacy secured by surrounding walls.

The room furnishings were also quite abundant, requiring no additional setup by Lin Yuan.

"Not bad, within two days, I’ve already advanced the Little Dragon Tiger Tongbei Fist to the Great Achievement Realm." In the bedroom, Lin Yuan put away the yunyang cauldron, still warm, feeling moved.

Today, having just settled in, he began refining the Five Qi Pill while simultaneously advancing the refinement level and practicing the Little Dragon Tiger Tongbei Fist.

The difficult part was prioritizing whether to progress the refinement level of the Five Qi Pill or the Little Dragon Tiger Tongbei Fist.

If he advanced the Five Qi Pill first, his strength would progress slowly, potentially unprepared for impending crises. But without advancing the refinement level, the efficiency of making pills would be low, affecting training progress.

The root issue was the current lack of sufficient materials for alchemy.

He’s nearly depleted all materials for alchemy. If You Xiaozhong doesn’t deliver more soon, he’ll face a shortage risk.

However, this was anticipated, considering the time needed for Qi-Blood dispersal sales, Lin Yuan couldn’t be too demanding.

"After tomorrow, I’ll inform my senior brother, it should bridge the gap." Lin Yuan’s mind was swirling with thoughts.

"Also, I need to pay a visit to Ling Shan’s master tomorrow, and prepare a proper gift." A thought crossed his mind.

For some reason, an image of Old Wang’s tragic appearance surfaced.

"What happened to Old Wang’s daughter today?" Lin Yuan’s heart couldn’t calm down, thinking of those scenes, "Bull Horn Village, though remote, has some peace akin to a hidden paradise."

Lin Yuan stood up, picked up a nearby teapot, poured a bowl full, and drank it down.

For a long while.

"Enough, it’s none of my business." Lin Yuan’s expression turned somber, murmuring, "Now that I’m like a clay Buddha crossing the river, how can I protect others."

Thinking of an old saying from a previous life, each should sweep the snow in front of their door without worrying about others’ frosty roofs.

"Hoo!"

Lin Yuan exhaled heavily at the dim oil lamp, blowing it out.

The room was instantly plunged into darkness.