early morning.
The courtyard gate was wide open, and the blue ox lay listlessly at the entrance, quietly looking into the courtyard.
At this moment, Li Daoyi stood in the center of the courtyard, embracing the unity of the primordial energy.
The warm red sunlight of early morning seemed to be drawn to him, shining down on him, and his whole body gradually turned into a purple aura.
After an incense stick's time, as the sun's temperature rose, the purple aura around Li Daoyi gradually disappeared.
Slowly raise both hands.
"From the limitless comes the Taiji, from the movement of the Taiji comes the Yang, when the movement reaches its extreme it becomes still, when the stillness comes the Yin, and when the stillness reaches its extreme it moves again. Movement and stillness are mutually rooted."
As he recited a description of Tai Chi, Li Daoyi began practicing Tai Chi.
After a while, several people appeared outside the street, carrying many things and walking towards the residential area where Li Daoyi lived.
“Master, Young Master Escort, I’ve already inquired, and that Taoist priest came here yesterday.”
"Isn't it obvious? I can already see it." Lin Pingzhi stopped and pointed to a spot not far away.
"It's that cow."
"Dad, am I right? Look, have you ever seen such a big ox?"
A man in his forties who looked somewhat like Lin Pingzhi showed a hint of surprise; the ox lying at the door was indeed enormous.
This person is Lin Zhennan.
"Such a magnificent blue ox... the Taoist priest Ping'er mentioned must be no ordinary person. Perhaps he can truly resolve this crisis for my Lin family," Lin Zhennan thought to himself.
"Phew... Let's go." Taking a deep breath, Lin Zhennan continued walking inside.
"..."
The blue ox noticed the approaching person and looked over.
"Brother Niu, it's me, Lin Pingzhi." Lin Pingzhi bowed respectfully even before he arrived. He had witnessed the intelligence of the green ox and knew that it could understand human speech.
The blue ox ignored him and turned its head back towards the courtyard.
Lin Pingzhi looked slightly embarrassed.
However, he noticed that the gate was open, so he straightened his clothes and went over with his father and Chief Escort Shi.
The three of them stopped as soon as they stepped onto the steps.
In the center of the courtyard, Li Daoyi's body moved like a phantom, with a Tai Chi phantom taller than a person behind him. The fallen leaves on the ground were also enveloped by an invisible energy and danced around him, which was very magical.
Lin Pingzhi and his two companions had never seen such a scene before, and stood there dumbfounded.
After an unknown amount of time, Li Daoyi slowly stopped, and the illusory Tai Chi symbol and the fluttering leaves behind him also subsided.
Li Daoyi, who had his back to the group, slowly turned around.
He looked like an immortal in the sunlight.
"You've finally arrived, Young Master Lin." Li Daoyi smiled slightly, as if he had expected it.
Only then did the three of them come to their senses, exchange glances, and then quickly take two steps forward and kneel down together.
"Amazing value +50".
"Amazing value +50".
"Amazing value +50".
"Awesome..." Li Daoyi was overjoyed.
"You three need not do this, please rise!"
As he spoke, Li Daoyi waved his hand lightly, and the three of them stood up at the same time.
"I am Lin Zhennan from Fuwei Escort Agency, along with my son Lin Pingzhi, and Chief Escort Shi. We greet you, Immortal Master."
"Greetings, Immortal Master."
Before Li Daoyi could speak, footsteps sounded again at the door.
"Who are these people, Taoist priest?" It was the woman and little girl from next door who came.
"Big brother." The little girl ran happily to Li Daoyi's side and hugged his leg.
Li Daoyi gave a brief introduction, and the woman introduced herself in return. Li Daoyi then learned that the woman's name was Lin Shi, and the little girl's name was Lin Xi. Her husband also worked for the government, but he was away on official business and not at home recently.
Upon seeing that Li Daoyi had guests, Madam Lin quickly took her daughter and left. She naturally knew the reputation of Fuwei Escort Agency, which was one of the top martial arts forces in Fuzhou.
After the mother and daughter left, Su Yu finally spoke.
"Young Master Lin, how was my divination yesterday?"
Lin Pingzhi quickly replied.
"Immortal Master, you were right." Lin Pingzhi smiled wryly. He then recounted what had happened yesterday.
Li Daoyi naturally knew the whole story. Several members of the Qingcheng Sect had harassed Yue Lingshan after she had disguised herself. As a result, Lin Pingzhi stood up for her and accidentally killed Yu Renyan of the Qingcheng Sect with a short sword hidden on his body. Unexpectedly, this caused a big mess, as the other party was the son of the Qingcheng Sect leader.
After returning home, he told Lin Zhennan about the matter. Compared to his son, Lin Zhennan knew better about the power of the Qingcheng Sect. Yu Canghai was a true first-rate early-stage master, while he, Lin Zhennan, was only a third-rate one. Over the years, he had only been able to establish himself in Lingnan thanks to the influence of his father, Lin Yuantu. However, he knew his own abilities and was no match for a behemoth like the Qingcheng Sect.
Moreover, the fact that Qingcheng sent them to Fuzhou this time was related to his Fuwei Escort Agency. When Lin Zhennan traveled all over the country, he would often send gifts to the major powers and sects in the area. In previous years, Qingcheng always refused the gifts, but this year, for some reason, they not only accepted the gifts but also replied that they would send disciples to Fuzhou to return the favor. Lin Zhennan was flattered when he heard this, but he did not expect this to happen now.
At this moment, Lin Pingzhi told Lin Zhennan about his chance encounter with Li Daoyi. After traveling all over the country for many years, Lin Zhennan immediately realized that the Taoist priest his son had mentioned was no ordinary person, which led to his visit early this morning.
"Immortal Master, please save my Lin family." After saying this, Lin Pingzhi was about to kneel down again.
"Young Master Lin, there's no need for that."
“Yesterday, I already said that we are bound by fate. You are kind-hearted, while Yu Renyan is wicked and deserves to die.”
Upon hearing this, the group breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sigh, it's all my fault for not teaching Ping'er well. This child is pure-hearted and doesn't know the dangers of the world." Lin Zhennan sighed, secretly regretting that he had protected his son too well.
"Hahaha, Chief Escort Lin, you're mistaken." Li Daoyi laughed.
"What do you mean by that, Taoist priest?"
"Although it is true that your son accidentally killed Yu Renyan, have you ever thought about why the other party accepted your gifts this time and even claimed that he would return the favor? Since you came to Fuzhou, why didn't you go into the city? Instead, you went directly to that small shop and coincidentally ran into Young Master Lin? When Chief Escort Shi introduced himself, why did the other party continue to insult him?"
"this…"
Lin Zhennan and Chief Escort Shi exchanged a glance, also sensing something was amiss. Since they were there to return a gift, it was impossible for them to remain completely unresponsive upon learning the name of the Fuwei Escort Agency; it seemed as if they were deliberately looking for trouble.
"Taoist Master, are you implying that the Qingcheng Sect was originally targeting my Lin family?"
Indeed.
"It is true that Young Master Lin accidentally killed someone, but even if there was no accidental killing, the other party would find other reasons to deal with your Lin family."
"Why?" Lin Pingzhi was puzzled. In his memory, his family had no conflicts with these major martial arts sects.
Lin Zhennan suddenly fell silent, a bad feeling creeping into his heart.
"Why?" Li Daoyi repeated.
Do you remember the word I asked you to write yesterday?
Lin Pingzhi quickly replied.
"I remember, it's the character for 'sword'."
Li Dao nodded and smiled as he looked at Lin Zhennan, whose face had become extremely pale.
"Chief镖头, you should understand what I mean, right?"
After Li Daoyi finished speaking, he stretched out his right hand.
"Clang..."
The sword hanging three zhang behind him was instantly drawn from its sheath and then flew into his hand.
"hiss……"
This move made the three of them gasp in astonishment. What kind of martial art was this? They had never heard of it before, nor had they ever seen it.
"bite."
Li Daoyi flicked the sword with his finger.
"A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime."
"The other party is after your Lin family's Evil-Repelling Sword Manual."
Lin Zhennan's body trembled slightly, and he almost lost his balance.
"father."
"Chief镖头 (Chief Escort)"
The two quickly helped him up.
"Is it really necessary? Is that sword manual really that important?" Lin Zhennan shook his head and smiled bitterly.
Although the Lin family's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique has been rumored to be incredibly powerful over the years, Lin Zhennan himself knows that this Evil-Repelling Sword Technique is no different from any other sword technique commonly found in the martial arts world.
At this moment, Lin Pingzhi was also puzzled. Why would a major sect like Qingcheng target his sword technique? Yesterday, he had also used the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique to fight Yu Renyan, but he was defeated in just two moves.
The two helped Lin Zhennan to a stone bench on the side.
"Alas, although my Lin family has a small reputation in the martial arts world, I have always only run a security escort agency and have never dared to get involved in the feuds of the martial arts world. The reason is this: everyone says that the Lin family's swordsmanship is so great, but I have practiced hard for more than 20 years and I am only just beginning to get started."
"But, Dad, why is Grandpa so powerful? He's a top-tier expert." Lin Pingzhi asked in confusion.
"I don't know either. I used to think it was because I wasn't talented enough, so I passed on the sword technique to you. But now you know your own level, right?"
"Yes, son, I knew yesterday." Lin Pingzhi was somewhat discouraged. Anyone who was defeated in two moves would probably lose confidence.
"Daoist Master, if that's the case, why would the Qingcheng Sect still want this sword manual?" Lin Zhennan wondered.
"Chief镖头, you know the details of this sword manual, but others don't think so. People in the martial arts world will only remember Lin Yuantu's glory when he was unmatched in the world, and they will only remember the glorious moments of the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique. So, even if you personally clarify it now, people will not believe you."
"This...sigh." Lin Zhennan was speechless for a moment, wondering if Lin Yuantu had something up his sleeve.
"Alright, no need for that. I'll take responsibility for the Lin family's actions," Li Daoyi said with a slight smile.
"Thank you very much, Daoist Master. My Fuwei Escort Agency has over a hundred people, and we are all relying on you," Lin Zhennan said hurriedly.
Soon, Li Daoyi agreed to let Lin Zhennan return to Fuwei Escort Agency with him.
"Big brother, are you leaving?"
When it was time to part, the young girl Lin Xi was a little reluctant to leave. Although it was only a short time, Li Daoyi had left a very good impression on her.
"Okay, big brother has something to do. Lin Xi thanks you. Here, take this. It's a peace charm that will keep you healthy and free from illness." Li Daoyi took out a peace charm hanging with a red string. He had just exchanged it for fifty points, enough for this child to live a long and healthy life.
"Thank you, big brother." The little girl was very pleased.
Then Lin Zhennan gave Chief Escort Shi a look, and the latter quickly took out two silver ingots from his pocket, about fifty taels.
"Madam Lin, this is a token of the Lin family's appreciation, and also payment for Master Li's overnight stay." Lin Zhennan said, handing over the silver.
“This is unacceptable, unacceptable!” Madam Lin hurriedly refused. Fifty taels was no small sum; her husband’s monthly salary at the yamen was only three taels.
“Madam, please don’t refuse. I know Mr. Lin; he’s an upright and honest man, and I admire him greatly. You can use this money to supplement your household expenses; he won’t have any objections.”
"Sister, just take it," Li Daoyi advised.
Only then did Madam Lin carefully accept the silver.
"Alright, we're leaving now, Lin Xi. I'll come see you again. Goodbye." Li Daoyi ruffled the little girl's hair.
"Okay, goodbye, big brother."
"Moo..."
Accompanied by the bellowing of the blue ox, Li Daoyi and his companions bid farewell and headed towards the Fuwei Escort Agency.
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