Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies
Chapter 116 - 40 Excessive Bullying

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Crash!

The direct disciples in front of him, Ouyang Tiezhu, Niu Daping, Dong Zizhuang, and Wushili, all stepped forward simultaneously, glaring angrily.

The already tense atmosphere became even more fraught with tension.

Wang Yanjun was confident, pushing the sword hilt upward with his thumb: "Master Li, a wise man submits to circumstances."

Li Linfeng's expression turned icy as a surge of anger rose from deep within him.

Just as this anger was about to erupt, his years of dealings with the government instilled some sense of reasoning, gradually suppressing the fury.

Li Linfeng knew that Wang Yanjun was not just any head of the Guardian Martial Department, but someone backed by the Great Zhou Court, with County Magistrate Chu Yiwu, a martial master of the Qi Hai realm, as their support.

He was someone Li Linfeng could not afford to provoke.

Moreover, Wang Yanjun's Qi Cultivation realm was on par with his own.

No matter how aggrieved he felt, he could only endure it.

Li Linfeng's glaring eyes gradually calmed, and his tone became more peaceful: "On my side, we can support you with at most two direct disciples, five from the inner courtyard, and fifteen outer disciples."

Once he finished speaking, Li Linfeng's gaze turned sharp, emanating an air of cold severity.

Seeing that he had gotten what he wanted, Wang Yanjun sheathed his long sword with a kind smile and clasped his hands in salute: "Master Li, you are indeed righteous. On behalf of the county's people, I thank you in advance. Since everything is decided, we will await the heroes of Linfeng Hall outside the West City Gate at Mao hour tomorrow morning to head up the mountain together with vigor."

Li Linfeng, his face expressionless, dismissed them: "Does the head have any other business? If not, I will see you off."

Wang Yanjun was indifferent, sheathing the sword at his waist, and left grandly with the other officers from the Guardian Martial Department: "Thank you for your trouble, Master Li."

"Too bullying."

Once Wang Yanjun and his people left, the usually hot-tempered Dong Zizhuang and the others felt indignant, unable to hold back their curses.

But he also knew that being under someone else's roof, one had to bow their head.

Facing the powerful Zhou Dynasty Court, they could do nothing.

An arm cannot twist a thigh.

After everyone calmed down, Li Linfeng addressed the group: "Ouyang and Xiao Wu were injured recently; this time, Daping and Zizhuang, you two take people there."

"The road might be dangerous, so both of you take handy weapons. Once this is over, there's no need for future tributes, no more need to offer them."

Niu Daping and Dong Zizhuang exchanged a glance, each agreeing: "Yes, Master."

The next day.

When Shen Qing returned to Linfeng Hall, he found the entire courtyard deserted, with only a few people practicing their moves listlessly inside.

A quick inquiry led him to hear from Ouyang Tiezhu about the events in the hall the previous day.

"They really don't see us as anything," Ouyang Tiezhu said indignantly, his finger pointing at a wooden dummy, "Despicable!"

Shen Qing said nothing, keeping his head down.

He knew complaining was useless.

In this world, only skills spoke for themselves.

Wang Yanjun had skills, and the county government was powerful, so naturally, they had a strong backbone.

In contrast, Li Linfeng lacked backing and was on a lower cultivation realm, so he had little confidence.

Seeing Shen Qing's silent demeanor, Ouyang Tiezhu felt it uninteresting and left the inner courtyard after a deep sigh.

In the following days, even with the challenges facing Linfeng Hall, Li Linfeng delivered on his promise to Shen Qing.

Shen Qing almost daily consumed a nourishing feast, soaked in valuable medicinal baths, and saw his cultivation progress visibly advance.

Over a month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Shen Qing's training in various martial arts advanced rapidly.

The Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill had already been cultivated to the third transformation, which was remarkably swift.

Each time his Qi-Blood reversed, his moves became noticeably more heated, with even a hint of red light, showing traces of ignition.

If controlled well, the side effects could be suppressed to within two breaths.

The Blood Dominance Technique, Dragon Roar Armor, and Wind Defying Finger martial arts were equally impressive, making his muscles as formidable as a small mountain.

A knock on the door sounded.

Shen Qing stopped training and called: "Come in."

Tian Xiaohu stood outside, holding a cloth bag, walked in and said: "This is the monthly fee collected this month."

Shen Qing took it and frowned: "So little?"

He felt its weight briefly, sensing it was at most ten taels silver, much less than before, despite their protection rackets expanding.

Tian Xiaohu sighed: "Recently, for some reason, many people either find ways to move into the inner city or leave Taiping County. There are far fewer residents in the slum area than a few months ago, so naturally, we collect less money."

The situation in Taiping County seemed worse.

Shen Qing asked: "Are many of us from Hongshan Village also moving to the inner city?"

"About half have moved there." Tian Xiaohu replied truthfully.

Shen Qing pondered and said: "In the next few days, look around the city for a suitable house, and we can move in too. After all, the inner city's walls are taller and thicker, offering more safety. Make sure to rent, not buy. Taiping County is a bit unstable now, and property prices are unsteady, so buying is not worthwhile."

"Sure, I'll go check it out later." Tian Xiaohu agreed without hesitation.

"Go ahead, and after all this, focus on your training."

Tian Xiaohu nodded and withdrew.

Shen Qing calculated the time; it had been almost a month and a half, and the fifty shi bow he commissioned Ruan Pottery Master to forge should be almost ready.

He took the prepared silver and golden leaves from home, placing them in his chest, and left the slum area.

Walking along the main street of the inner city, Shen Qing noticed that there were at least thirty percent fewer pedestrians than before, and the usual hustle and bustle had diminished.

The surrounding area was filled with the unpleasant smells of feces, urine, and sweat.

Glancing down, he saw a fresh puddle of waste on the road ahead, dirty and spreading across the street.

He had to jump across it to avoid stepping in the mess.

Some people, unaware, stepped right into it, leaving a long trail of footprints in the dirt, intensifying the already rank odor.

Just as Shen Qing held his breath, trying to avoid these footprints, he was completely oblivious to someone else watching him.

A simply dressed man passed by, brushing against him, and Shen Qing suddenly felt an emptiness at his chest.

The silver he brought from home was gone.

Shen Qing snapped out of his thoughts, reacting swiftly.

Before the other could pull away, he grabbed the man's wrist, his hand clamping down like iron on the man's arm.

"Good sir, did you take something of mine?"

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