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Chapter 494 The Art of Fighting Generals (10,000 words)

Wenren Luo was beaming with pride.

I felt this was the first time I had ever gotten a good deal since I met Xu Yuan.

Xu Yuan just smiled wryly and shook his head, not feeling that he had lost out.

In fact, Xu Yuan didn't "exert his full strength" at all tonight.

The Evil Burning lineage poses no threat to Xu Yuan.

They were suppressed in every way.

Lord Xu seemed to be working very hard, but he didn't use a single one of the powerful artifacts that his stepmother and Mr. Feng had recently crafted.

Xu Yuan was only putting on a good show in front of his employer.

And this battle yielded almost no results.

Those Hokage didn't have anything good on them.

They hardly use any crafts, because they can borrow the power of the "Master of the Dipper" from afar.

They had long since become pawns in the hands of the Lord of the Divine, puppets manipulated remotely.

Xu Yuan curiously entered the south wing.

On the ground here, there is an overturned shrine and a broken memorial tablet.

Dafu followed in, making soft "uh uh uh" sounds, and then complained to Fanzhezi that this time it was actually very "dangerous".

I almost couldn't escape...

Xu Yuan then turned around, looked at it seriously, and said, "If this happens again next time, you don't need to worry. If you really don't come back... I will take care of your wife and children."

Dafu was taken aback, then let out a loud "caw caw caw," flapping its wings as if it wanted to fight Fanzhe.

I wanted to offer more money, but you're eyeing my family's finances?!
That's inhuman!

Xu Yuan laughed heartily and grabbed Dafu by the neck: "Alright, alright, I was just kidding. Don't try to fool me, I know those Narutos can't catch you at all."

As Xu Yuan spoke, he looked through the things on the ground.

Once the memorial tablet is broken, it truly loses all its mystique.

But Xu Yuan found the shrine...

Xu Yuan is now absolutely certain that this "Master of the Dipper" has not been promoted to become a mortal god.

Otherwise, even if Xu Yuan had refined six kinds of fire, he still wouldn't have been able to withstand his vicious flames.

The shrine contains a small statue of a deity that is only about a foot tall.

However, one can establish contact with the Lord of the Divine Realm remotely through the worship of the divine statue.

Incense offerings that are not from deities have a similar effect.

Xu Yuan decided to seriously study this method.

Furthermore, this also provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the methods of repentance Buddhism.

Xu Yuan also has an enemy in the Repentance Sect. The Lord of Grievance is by no means a magnanimous person, and his revenge may come like a shadow at any time.

Xu Yuan used animal sinew rope to bind the shrine, went outside the courtyard gate, and threw it into the "Dreams Come True" carriage.

At the courtyard gate, Wenren Luo stood silently facing the row of corpses laid out on the ground, his face filled with sorrow.

He had an excellent relationship with Bishop.

Not long ago, he had visited this old friend in Hue, and they had shared drinks and talked about their mischievous childhoods.

Bi Bojie even joked with him: "You're hopeless. Even the Superintendent can't control you. You're still as naughty as when you were a child."

The lingering sound still echoes in my ears, as if it were just yesterday.

In the blink of an eye, the entire family of deceased relatives turned into cold corpses.

Their souls have been ignited by the evil flames and cannot be saved.

Zhu Ben, of course, showed no mercy.

Wenren Luo bowed to Bi Bojie's body and said to Xu Yuan, "I have to leave first thing tomorrow morning, I can't delay any longer."

"Please give my deceased friend a proper burial."

This time, Xu Yuan didn't ask for any benefits. He nodded and said, "Go in peace. I will make sure Brother Bi has a grand funeral."

As he spoke, Xu Yuan exhaled a breath of fire, burning the corpses one by one, then placing them into earthenware jars and labeling them with their names.

After doing all this, Xu Yuan went over to thank Zhu Ben.

Zhu Ben's attitude was also unusually good. He said to Xu Yuan, "After you've finished dealing with these messes, come to my house. I have something to tell you."

"I will certainly pay you a visit."

Zhu Ben nodded and turned to leave.

Xu Yuan observed his physical condition... which was actually much better than the rumors suggested.

The Zhu family publicly claimed that they only had one fourth-rate member.

Moreover, he is quite old.

Everyone thought that the Zhu family's fourth-rate members could only sit and watch, and should not easily make a move.

But Xu Yuan discovered that Zhu Ben even had a chance to break into the top three!

Moreover, the Zhu family readily agreed to send their own fourth-rate assistant—do they really only have one fourth-rate assistant?

Xu Yuan and Wenren Luo stayed at Bi Bojie's house that night.

The battle, which was of fourth-rate quality, did not "alarm" the Shanhe Division inside the city.

It's ridiculous.

The main room was destroyed, and the two of them didn't want to go to the south wing.

I casually found a clean room to sit down. There were no lights or tea, and it was quiet in the dead of night.

Wenren Luo slowly said, "You need to be careful for the next period of time."

"Those behind the scenes probably won't let this go."

"In addition, Jinxi has returned to the capital, and your deeds will surely spread throughout the capital soon."

"You were unknown in southern Jiaozhi before, but from now on, you will face the challenge of the entire Ming Dynasty and all the younger generation."

Xu Yuan sat in the darkness, his eyes shining brightly.

Are you afraid?
Of course not, Xu Yuan only felt anticipation and excitement.

Yes, southern Jiaozhi is a shallow beach.

After Xu Yuan was promoted to the fifth rank, he began to feel somewhat "lonely".

After daybreak, Wenren Luo hurriedly left.

She did not tell Xu Yuan about her itinerary.

Whether they traveled by boat or on horseback, it was kept strictly confidential.

Xu Yuan didn't ask.

Wenren Luo disappeared after leaving Shunhua City, but he was actually suffering inside.

What he feared was not the pursuit of the mastermind behind the scenes, but...

He gave the teacher's one or two pieces of gold to Xu Yuan, and then made an appointment with his senior brother to meet outside Dongting Lake and retrieve the gold from the lake.

But now, he must escort the puppy and the three Hokage back to Beidu as quickly as possible.

So first, he had to stand up his senior brother.

Secondly, he couldn't explain it to his teacher!

Wenren Luo can't afford to offend either of these two.

"Why is my life so miserable...?"

……

Xu Yuan took the ashes of Bi Bojie's family to the Hue City Purification Office.

Only after showing his badge and identifying himself did he reveal the news of Bi Bojie's death.

The entire government office was filled with grief.

However, Xu Yuan secretly observed that apart from Bi Bojie and a few of his confidants, the others were actually indifferent.

They did not show much anger at the inaction of the Shanhe Division last night.

Hue City is the territory of the Sanhe Division, and there must be spies from the Sanhe Division in the office of the Exorcism Division here.

Most of the captains were either numb or secretly close to the Mountain and River Division.

Around noon, Elder Ma Tianshou arrived.

Yesterday, Wenren Luo secretly passed on a message to the old master.

Ma Tianshou dared not delay and immediately set off to fight his way over in the night.

If anything happens to any of the officials under the Jianzheng Gate in southern Jiaozhi, Ma Tianshou will be in deep trouble.

When Xu Yuan saw Ma Tianshou again, he immediately clasped his hands in congratulations: "Congratulations, sir, you've been promoted to the fourth rank."

Ma Tianshou controlled all the resources of the Southern Jiaozhi Purification Bureau.

His promotion to fourth-class status was expected.

Ma Tianshou waved his hand: "At your age, you've only been promoted to the fourth rank. There's no reason to congratulate you. Tell me what happened."

Of course, it is still something to congratulate.

For these local officials, being classified as a fourth-rate person is also a threshold.

Only those who rise to the fourth rank have a chance to enter the General Administration.

Ma Tianshou brought a large force and took over the entire government office.

Xu Yuan and Ma Tianshou entered Bi Bojie's duty room, closed the door, and sealed off the space. Xu Yuan then recounted what had happened the previous night.

Ma Tianshou was furious: "You scoundrels! How dare you plot against the head of the Exorcism Division!"

The old man suddenly stood up, paced back and forth in the room three times with his hands behind his back: "This malignant tumor, the Repentance Cult, must be eradicated!"

"We don't need to worry about the matter of the Repentance Cult," Xu Yuan said. "The Supervisor will definitely take action this time."

Everyone knows that the Chief Supervisor is low-key and never vies for power or profit.

But the supervising official was biased and protected his own.

This time, the Repentance Sect's ambush and killing of Wenren Luo was an act that touched the wrath of the Supervisor.

Xu Yuan continued, "But during last night's battle between the four factions, the Mountain and River Division did nothing; they were accomplices too!"

Ma Tianshou's heart stirred, and he looked at Xu Yuan with a probing gaze.

Xu Yuan nodded slightly.

Ma Tianshou, however, did not make a decision so easily.

After thinking for a moment, he asked, "How confident are you?"

Xu Yuan spread his hands: "This subordinate does not know. But... we have given them the opportunity; whether they can seize it depends on the Zhu family."

If they don't have the ability themselves, we won't suffer any loss.

For us, it was at least a huge disgusting blow to the Hue City Mountain River Division.

"Let's vent our anger!"

Given the relationship between the Mountain and River Division and the Purification Division, it was certainly unreasonable to expect the Mountain and River Division to go to great lengths to rescue them when the great battle broke out last night.

But after all, everyone here is a member of the imperial court. If the people of the Repentance Sect come, and you simply pretend to be deaf and dumb, that's going too far.

Xu Yuan suggested that they annoy the Shanhe Division, and Ma Tianshou slowly nodded: "Okay, go and make the arrangements."

"I obey my orders!"

Bi Bojie was murdered, and Ma Tianshou personally concluded that he had "died in battle."

Bi Bojie will enjoy all the benefits from the Exorcism Department and will definitely have a "grand funeral." Xu Yuan has fulfilled his promise to Wenren Luo.

Bi Bojie also has relatives in his hometown, and he also comes from a prominent family.

After a busy day and with everything arranged, Xu Yuan made a special trip to the Zhu family before dinner to send a visiting card, preparing to pay a visit to Lord Zhu Ben the next day at noon.

But as soon as the visiting card was delivered, Zhu Yangping came out and grabbed him, saying, "We're family, no need to be so polite. Since you're here, let's have a meal together..."

Xu Yuan declined, saying, "This... is against etiquette."

Zhu Ben is an elder, so Xu Yuan should indeed send a visiting card first, arrange a time, and then formally pay his respects.

Zhu Yangping waved his hand forcefully: "Don't learn those formalities, our family doesn't have that many rules."

My uncle and great-grandmother didn't care about these things at all.

Xu Yuan was forcibly dragged inside by Zhu Yangping.

Today was a bit easier than the day before yesterday.

Among the ancestors, there was only one great-grandmother. Although Zhu Ben was of a fourth-class status, he was extremely filial.

He would come to pay his respects to his elderly mother every morning and evening, and often ate with her.

Grandma had previously said that if Zhu Ben refused to go, she would use her cane to drive her son there—this was not just a simple joke.

My great-grandmother was the absolute authority at home; she would actually hit people with her cane.

Moreover, they didn't just fight Zhu Ben alone.

She has four sons and five nephews—she beats them all.

Although Zhu Ben felt ashamed, he often boasted to outsiders, "At my age, I can still get beaten by my mother. This is a blessing, and I should cherish it!"

"The child is here, please sit down." The great-grandmother was still kind, and she asked the servants to add a bowl and chopsticks for Xu Yuan.

Zhu Ben sat properly beside his mother.

He lacked the demeanor of a fourth-rate master.

"Eat more, make yourself at home, don't be shy," Grandma said with a smile.

Xu Yuan also smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'm never polite when it comes to meals."

Seeing that Xu Yuan was indeed wolfing down his food, Grandma was even more pleased and said, "Good, being able to eat is a blessing."

She turned and picked up a piece of eggplant for her son.

Zhu Ben protested, "I've never liked eggplant since I was a child."

The great-grandmother said unhappily, "Being picky about food is bad for your health."

Zhu Ben was speechless for a moment. "I'm over sixty, a fourth-rate person, and still in good health—where do you see any signs of poor health?"
But he had no choice; if his mother gave it to him, he had to eat it.

During the meal, Xu Yuan even saw the shadow of Aunt Wang in his great-grandmother.

Xu Yuan didn't care about anything else; he just wanted to eat his fill first.

The great-grandmother was increasingly pleased with Xu Yuan: "This child is good."

Then she went to rest.

Zhu Ben helped his mother to the back room and instructed Zhu Yangping, "Take care of Xiao Xu for a moment."

"Yes, uncle."

Zhu Yangping invited Xu Yuan to an elegant little hall in his home and called four maids to serve tea.

The maids, like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each possessed their own unique charm.

They represent different types of beauties.

They surrounded Xu Yuan, their fragrance wafting around him like playful insects, occasionally sneaking into his nostrils.

Zhu Yangping observed Xu Yuan's reactions to these beauties from the side.

For a prominent family like the Zhu family, they didn't really care whether their son-in-law was lecherous.

The status of a legally married wife is unshakeable.

If a son-in-law wants to take a concubine, he will not object too much.

To avoid giving his daughter a bad reputation for being "jealous".

But Xu Yuan remained calm and composed in the face of the four beauties.

Without being seduced by lust or drooling, nor feeling uneasy or blushing, Zhu Yangping nodded secretly.

All of this was arranged long ago, of course.

After a while, Zhu Ben returned and waved his hand to dismiss the four maids.

Xu Yuan stood up to greet him, and Zhu Ben sat down, beckoned to Xu Yuan, and said, "I heard from Yang Ping that you and Shi Mingyou were locked in a fierce battle?"

Xu Yuan thought for a moment and said in a deep voice, "Purely in terms of martial arts, I am no match for him. I had the advantage in that battle."

Zhu Ben nodded: "It's very good that you can be so calm and composed at such a young age."

He added, "You saw what I did last night, didn't you?"

Xu Yuan nodded: "Senior's divine power is extraordinary."

Zhu Ben: "My method is called 'Battle Technique' or 'Battle General Technique'. It is one of the few methods in the world that allows non-martial cultivators to exert the combat power of martial cultivators."

Zhu Ben is a Dharma cultivator, but last night he used a long pole that resembled a spear, and with a few moves he easily knocked down Bi Bojie's group of fire followers.

Xu Yuan found it novel when he saw it, but he didn't have a chance to ask more questions.

Zhu Ben cut to the chase and asked, "Do you want to learn?"

Xu Yuan's eyes flickered.

Do you want to learn? Of course I do.

Xu Yuan cannot keep the "Dragon Transformation Technique" and its physical abilities hidden forever.

If you're not a martial arts practitioner, but you can fight to a draw with a martial arts practitioner of the same level, how will you explain that to people?

Zhu Ben seemed to have realized this as well, so he offered to teach him the "Fighting Techniques".

But the same question remains... why are they so kind to me?

This method is clearly a secret technique passed down by the Zhu family!
There are very few people in the entire Zhu family who cultivate.

Zhu Zhanmei and her brother did not practice this method.

Xu Yuan sat up straight and nodded to Zhu Ben: "I want to learn."

Zhu Ben snorted and said, "This method was brought from Zhengzhou by us, and even Zhengzhou has lost this lineage."

We have never passed this on to outsiders.

Xu Yuan pondered what he could offer the Zhu family in exchange for the "Fighting Technique"...

Zhu Ben had already taken out a booklet, placed it on the table, and pushed it toward Xu Yuan: "Take a look. If you have any questions, I'll answer them for you."

Xu Yuan was taken aback. He glanced at Zhu Ben, then at the "Fighting Techniques" on the table, and barely resisted the temptation to pick it up and read it. He said with difficulty, "I cannot accept rewards without merit..."

"Just look at it if I tell you to." Zhu Ben glared.

Xu Yuan stopped pretending and also figured out why the Zhu family was so kind to him.

He had vaguely guessed the reason before, but he was somewhat hesitant to believe it.

Zhu Ben has now practically made his intentions clear.

"Thank you, senior." Xu Yuan took the booklet and carefully flipped through it page by page.

Zhu Yangping then quietly got up, went to the door of the small hall, and stood guard.

The Art of Fighting Generals is no ordinary skill.

Next, Zhu Ben will impart his knowledge to Xu Yuan wholeheartedly, and it is crucial that no one, or any evil spirit, overhears this.

Neither Xu Yuan nor Zhu Ben rested that night.

When Xu Yuan encounters a problem, he doesn't ask questions immediately; he thinks about it himself first.

Only when one truly cannot understand something will one ask Zhu Ben a question.

It took me half the night to figure out the whole "Fighting Techniques".

In the latter half of the night, Xu Yuan began to discuss this technique with Zhu Ben.

He laid out his understanding of the doubts and difficulties in this law to Zhu Ben in its entirety.

Those are the things I've figured out myself.

Xu Yuan knew that a question could have different answers.

These answers are likely all correct.

Moreover, the so-called "optimal solution" may be different for different people.

As expected, the answer Xu Yuan came up with for himself differed greatly from the answer Zhu Ben gave.

Both of their understandings are correct.

Correct answers can be shared and referenced from each other.

Zhu Ben initially approached Xu Yuan's questions with a "guiding" attitude.

That was indeed the case during the first half of the night.

Zhu Ben was still quite satisfied.

After all, the sense of accomplishment from being able to "guide" such a young prodigy who is also of fourth-rate caliber is extraordinary.

But as the night wore on, Zhu Ben gradually began to realize that things weren't quite as they seemed.

Zhu Ben felt enlightened after hearing Xu Yuan's thoughts on certain issues.

Zhu Ben gradually adjusted his mindset, no longer offering "guidance" but truly engaging in "discussion".

As dawn broke, Zhu Ben suddenly realized that his overall understanding of the "fighting techniques" had been elevated.

This transformation made the previously somewhat blurry and elusive path of third-rate development in his mind clearer.

He used to be able to see the "third-rate" level, but he needed to figure out how to cross the threshold of the third-rate level.

That conversation saved him at least five years of trial and error!

Zhu Ben sighed inwardly: "Truly a prodigy! To have such a solid understanding on his first encounter with the 'Battle Techniques' will surely help my promotion!"
If someone didn't have that level of skill, they wouldn't have been able to advance to the fourth tier before they were even twenty!

"Come with me to pay my respects to my mother and have breakfast together." "Your junior obeys."

Throughout the journey, Zhu Ben's right hand seemed to twitch, moving back and forth incessantly.

He was itching to show off his skills.

He really wanted to try it out. Xu Yuan, who had just learned the "Fighting General Technique," could unleash how much of its power?
After having breakfast with his great-grandmother, Zhu Yangping prepared to send Xu Yuan away.

But Zhu Ben suddenly said, "Come with me."

Zhu Yangping was a little puzzled: What else does Uncle want to do?
The Zhu family mansion was extremely large, with a martial arts training ground in the backyard.

Zhu Ben brought Xu Yuan over directly. Zhu Yangping blinked: No way...

Zhu Ben took two long poles from the weapon rack beside him, took one for himself, and tossed the other to Xu Yuan.

He held the base of the long pole with one hand and gave it a gentle shake. The pole was extremely flexible, and the thumping sound was like that of a live snake.

"Let's have a match, but stop when we've got it over with."

Xu Yuan took the long pole, twirled it a few times in his hand, and said with a smile, "Then let's give it a try."

Zhu Yangping silently retreated to the edge of the training ground, inwardly grumbling that his uncle was bullying him.

Xu Yuancai studied the "Fighting Techniques" for one night.

You dragged someone into a duel the moment it was light—are you trying to bully a young person before they've fully mastered the "Fighting Techniques"?
However, he thought again that his uncle hadn't said that this competition could only use the "Fighting Techniques".

Xu Yuan was able to fight Shi Mingyou to a draw, but when he couldn't hold on any longer, he switched to his own "martial arts skills".

You won't suffer too much of a loss.

Besides, he wouldn't dare to stop his uncle.

An old man and a young boy stood on opposite sides of the training ground.

Xu Yuan held the long pole upright in front of him, clasped his hands in a salute to Zhu Ben, and said, "Senior, please enlighten me!"

Zhu Ben gripped the long pole with one hand, the tip of the pole slightly lowered, striking a pose as if "searching for a snake in the grass."

"You strike first."

"Yes, I apologize for the offense!"

Xu Yuan slid his hands up and down the long pole to grip it, and the pole pressed down and vibrated, making a buzzing sound like a war drum.

This long pole is not a simple wooden stick, but is made using an ancient method for crafting the shaft of a lance.

The wood was split into thin strips, soaked in tung oil, and a dozen strips were combined into one, glued together with fish glue, and then polished smooth.

It is densely wrapped with raw silk on the outside and then coated with varnish.

Made in this way, it is incredibly flexible and can withstand tremendous force.

Xu Yuan was as agile as a dragon, his long pole trembling like the wind, the tip of the pole emitting a strange whistling sound, leaving only a blur.

It's impossible to tell where the attack is going.

Zhu Yangping stood aside and only saw a blurry shadow trail behind Xu Yuan.

The long pole in front of them danced into a large, misty, gray phantom.

Zhu Yangping was immediately devastated.

When it comes to solving cases, Zhu Yangping believes he can rival Xu Yuan.

But once the fighting starts... there's no way to catch up.

Snapped!
Suddenly, a loud explosion rang out in the training ground.

Zhu Ben extended his long pole and accurately blocked Xu Yuan's pole.

When the two clubs met, the flexible clubheads of the long clubs immediately shattered under the immense force.

They simply couldn't withstand the power of two fourth-rate individuals.

However, neither of them showed any sign of stopping. Xu Yuan turned the long pole in his hand, and the spreading pole head opened like an umbrella, covering Zhu Ben.

Zhu Ben stopped standing still and suddenly swayed, his figure disappearing like smoke—unfortunate Zhu Yangping could no longer see anything.

In the center of the training ground, a hurricane swept up, violently surging, within which two figures, like dragons and tigers, flickered and changed continuously.

Zhu Yangping watched for a while, hoping to catch a glimpse of the two, but quickly gave up. His eyes were sore, and he couldn't even tell which one was Xu Yuan and which one was his uncle in the battle.

On the training ground, the sounds of explosions, "bang bang bang," could be heard continuously.

The ground would occasionally shake violently.

Suddenly, a series of "thump-thump" sounds came from the raging battlefield.

This seemed to be a signal that the hurricane had subsided and everything was temporarily back to calm.

The dust kicked up by the two settled.

Everything in the warband was revealed again.

Zhu Yangping saw that the two were standing face to face, about five zhang apart.

My hands are empty.

Their long poles had completely split apart, becoming twelve strips of wood.

Wooden strips were suspended on either side of their bodies.

One-to-one correspondence!

But the two of them did not actually give up.

The twenty-four wooden strips pressed against each other and pushed each other with all their might.

Because it had endured too much force, the wooden strip turned into dust inch by inch, scattering around the two people.

Finally, all twenty-four wooden strips were worn away!
Zhu Ben let out a long roar, raised his hand and beckoned, and a long spear flew through the air from the weapon rack beside him and landed in his hand.

Zhu Ben raised his spear and thrust it through the air—

Xu Yuan felt as if he, the ground he stood on, and the void he was in were all about to be pierced away by this spear!

Xu Yuan hesitated for a moment, then decided not to choose any of the weapons on the weapon rack next to him, as those weapons were not suitable for him.

He opened his mouth and spat out a sword pellet, which transformed into a Yin-Yang guillotine in his hand.

The heavy, wide guillotine pressed down, and even Zhu Ben couldn't lift it anymore.

At this point, the two of them truly entered into a contest of the "Fighting Techniques"!

Zhu Ben's spear thrust was a "spear that pierced the great river".

Even with a fourth-rate skill level, half the water of every river in the world, except for canals, would be sent flying into the air by this single shot.

Xu Yuan's downward thrust of his sword was a move known as "Sword Suppressing the Five Sacred Mountains".

Even if there were a huge mountain in front of me, this slash would still cleave it in two!
The essence of the "Fighting Techniques" lies in this!

Ordinary moves can be transformed into deadly techniques similar to those used by martial arts masters.

Although the two fought fiercely just now, the power of their battle was still within their control.

But now it's different.

They themselves started to lose control.

In the following moves, the two moved slowly, as if they were two fellow disciples practicing and exchanging moves with each other:
You make a move, and I'll use this move to counter it.

You changed your tactics, and I changed my response accordingly.

Zhu Yangping could see clearly this time, but he felt even more uncomfortable.

My eyes no longer hurt, but I still feel like a huge boulder is pressing down on me.

He had difficulty breathing, felt his bones creaking, and saw stars flashing before his eyes.

Zhu Yangping wanted to watch a little longer.

He also has aspirations and ideals.

Observing a battle of this level from the sidelines, even if one gains some insight, is a tremendous improvement.

But he could only hold on for three rounds before he could no longer continue, his legs bent under the heavy pressure.

He struggled to move out of the training ground.

If we don't leave now... we'll just have to kneel there and watch.

He was, after all, Xu Yuan's elder, and he couldn't afford to lose face like that.

The training ground was built by the Zhu family at great expense.

Although the fight between the two was extremely intense, the rest of the Zhu family's residence remained unaffected.

But now things were different; the training ground began to shake and tremble.

The entire Zhu family mansion trembled as a result.

The roof tiles fell down with a clatter.

Those family members of lower status were completely unaware of what had happened.

But the core members all knew that their families were "hosting" Xu Yuan.

They also knew that Zhu Ben had decided to pass on the "Fighting Techniques" to Xu Yuan.

They were secretly alarmed: "No way..."

Soon, the core members arrived outside the training ground and found Zhu Yangping standing guard outside.

"Is Xu Yuan inside?"

Zhu Yangping nodded.

His feelings were somewhat complicated. Xu Yuan was clearly a junior, but his strength was far superior to his own!

He couldn't even stand watching the game.

However, Xu Yuan was the Zhu family's chosen son-in-law.

Xu Yuan had a good relationship with Zhu Yangping during his visit to Hue.

This pleased him greatly.

“It’s Xu Yuan and my uncle,” Zhu Yangping said. “I advise you not to go in either. You’ll be forced out anyway.”

Several key figures looked pleased.

Among them was Zhu Yangshun, the elderly father of Zhu Zhanmei and Zhu Zhanlei, and the biological son of Zhu Ben.

Everyone waited outside for a full half hour before the tremors throughout the Zhu family mansion finally subsided.

A while later, Zhu Ben and Xu Yuan, both soaking wet, walked out of the training ground together.

Xu Yuan's face was ashen, and his whole body felt weak, as if he had lost all his strength.

Zhu Ben, on the other hand, appeared to be "still vigorous despite his age," supporting Xu Yuan with one hand as he walked steadily, like a fierce tiger.

Zhu Ben was still lecturing Xu Yuan: "You young people should exercise more."

"Look at you, you've only been playing for a little over an hour, and I haven't even had my fill yet, and you're already giving up."

Zhu Ben shook his head repeatedly as he spoke, while Xu Yuan, panting heavily, repeatedly said, "You are still vigorous despite your age, while I certainly need to practice for a few more years."

Seeing so many people standing outside the training ground, Zhu Ben beckoned to Zhu Yangping: "Yangping, take Xiao Xu out."

Xu Yuan then released Zhu Ben's arm and weakly clasped his hands in farewell.

Zhu Yangshun also wanted to go with Xu Yuan to see him off.

But Zhu Ben shouted, "Come with me!"

Zhu Yangshun had no choice but to go with his elderly father.

The two walked through a flower-lined corridor and turned through a moon gate—Zhu Ben quickly reached out and pressed down on his son's shoulder, almost causing him to fall.

Zhu Yangshun grinned and immediately understood that his father had been putting on a brave face.

He found it somewhat amusing; this stubborn old man, who had always refused to admit his age, had actually been worn out by Xiao Xu.

"You're laughing your ass off!"

Zhu Yangshun: "I didn't laugh."

You must be laughing inside!

"..."

"Hurry up and help me back, so no one sees us."

"Son, I obey."

……

Zhu Yangping helped Xu Yuan walk out of the Zhu family mansion.

Zhu Yangping looked at Xu Yuan with a strange expression.

Although he was being supported, Xu Yuan didn't actually use his strength.

Once they came out of the house, Zhu Yangping laughed and said, "Alright, stop pretending, your uncle can't see anymore."

Xu Yuan released his grip and gave an embarrassed smile: "It wasn't all an act. If I didn't show weakness, and the fight continued, I would have to resort to some underhanded tactics, just like I did against Shi Mingyou."

Zhu Yangping called for a carriage to take Xu Yuan back.

Xu Yuan said, "Uncle Ping, shall we talk in the car?"

"it is good."

After the two got into the carriage, Xu Yuan glanced outside, and Zhu Yangping said, "The driver is an elderly person from the family, so you can rest assured."

Xu Yuan nodded: "The Exorcism Division will not let Bi Bojie's death go unpunished. Wenren Luo is also involved. The Shunhua City Mountain and River Division's decision to stand by and watch is a miscalculation."

Zhu Yangping frowned: "You mean..."

Xu Yuan leaned forward slightly, closing the distance between himself and Zhu Yangping: "The Shunhua City Shanhe Division is bound to experience some turmoil."

This is your chance, Uncle Ping.

Or rather, this is an opportunity for the Zhu family!

The commander of the Jiaozhi Mountain and River Division had previously forced Zhu Yangping to sign a pledge to investigate the mysterious case at the Marquis's residence.

Neither Zhu Yangping nor the Zhu family were the type to swallow their anger.

Since Wenren Luo was involved in last night's events, the Supervisor will definitely make things difficult for him.

Someone must take responsibility for the Jiaozhi Shanhe Division.

Xu Yuan and Ma Tianshou originally planned to at least annoy the Shanhe Division.

But now that Zhu Ben has taught him the "Fighting Techniques," Xu Yuan is deeply bound to the Zhu family, and the future...

Xu Yuan's scheme was not merely to annoy the Shanhe Division; he aimed to secure a higher position for Zhu Yangping within the Jiaozhi branch of the Shanhe Division.

Zhu Yangping's eyes flickered for a moment before he said, "What do you want our Zhu family to do?"

"Why can't the commander of the Jiaozhi Administration have the surname Zhu?"

Zhu Yangping slowly shook his head and said, "I'm not qualified yet..."

Xu Yuan was inevitably disappointed, but Zhu Yangping continued, "But my elder brother Zhu Yangshun is qualified!"

Although Zhu Yangshun is at home today, he only returned from Luocheng a few days ago after receiving a message from home.

Zhu Yangshun was the deputy commander of the Jiaozhi Office of the Shanhe Division, but he was stationed in Luocheng for many years.

He was the highest-ranking member of the Zhu family in the Shanhe Division.

However, the Luocheng Office of the Mountain and River Bureau and the Shunhua City Office of the Purification Bureau are in similar positions, both of which are somewhat awkward.

He was ousted from the current Jiaozhi Commander a few years ago.

Therefore, Zhu Yangshun did not wield much real power.

But Zhu Yangshun is indeed qualified to take over the command position.

Zhu Yangping was just a law enforcement officer, which was indeed quite far from that position.

Xu Yuan smiled and said, "I understand."

……

Xu Yuan did not return to Champa immediately.

Having decided to help the future Taishan Lord secure a command position, Xu Yuan decided to go the extra mile and see it through to the end.

He went back to Yaoji Inn to rest for a while.

He had a foundation in the "Dragon Transformation Technique," and after a great battle, his physical condition was indeed much better than Zhu Ben's, but he was still quite exhausted.

After recovering, Xu Yuan changed into casual clothes and went out. He found an inconspicuous spot outside the Shanhe Si Administration Office and sat down quietly.

After waiting for more than half an hour, they saw Li Mouzhong, the commander of the Jiaozhi Administration, come out after his shift, accompanied by two of his subordinates.

Xu Yuan followed behind without changing his expression.

Use "observation of fate" to see:
Li Mouzhong is a fourth-rate divine cultivator.

But Xu Yuan followed him all the way, while this guy obediently went home to rest.

Xu Yuan had assumed that this guy would be indulging in a night of revelry.

Xu Yuan wanted to have a talk with Commander Li in a "public" setting.

It was obviously inappropriate in his home.

Xu Yuan then returned to the inn.

After waiting all night, Xu Yuan arrived at the Shanhe Sishu Yamen (official residence of the Mountain and River Bureau) at dawn the next day.

The officers of the Shanhe Division arrived one after another to take their duties, making the area in front of the government office quite lively.

After waiting a while, Li Mouzhong arrived.

He had just arrived at the yamen entrance when he suddenly heard a sharp shout from the side: "Li Mouzhong! Shouldn't you give an explanation for Bi Bojie's death?"

At this time, besides Li Mouzhong and his two attendants, there were dozens of officers from the Shanhe Division at the yamen gate.

Everyone looked toward the street corner, where a young man strode in, his face full of righteous indignation.

Li Mouzhong, however, possessed considerable composure. He merely glanced at the man and continued walking into the yamen, showing no intention of paying him any attention.

What is your identity?
Do you even have the right to question a commander like me?

How could Xu Yuan let him get away?

He caught up with them a few steps and shouted again, "Li Mouzhong! From now on, will the Shanhe Division and Jiaozhi Bureau under your jurisdiction have to keep their distance from the heretical and evil sects of the Chan sect?"

Li Mouzhong gave a signal, and his two attendants followed a step behind, preparing to tell this wild boy who had appeared out of nowhere to "shut up."

But among the officers at the yamen gate, some recognized Xu Yuan.

He thought for a moment, then suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "You are... Xu Yuan from the Exorcism Division?"

Previously, Zhu Yangping returned the portraits of Xu Yuan and Wenren Luo, and this captain had helped investigate Xu Yuan's identity.

Li Mouzhong frowned, turned around, and stared at Xu Yuan—this was something that had to be dealt with.

If the officials from the Exorcism Bureau come knocking on his door and he doesn't deal with it, his prestige will be greatly affected.

"Master Xu came here early in the morning in a very aggressive manner to demand an explanation. Hehehe, the Exorcism Division really has quite the air of authority!"

The surrounding captains all showed expressions of dissatisfaction.

Xu Yuan didn't bother arguing with him about these things, and took another step forward, raising a cow horn lamp in his hand.

"The Shanhe Division wants to monopolize Hue City and deliberately lets the heretics of the Repentance Sect run rampant, causing the death of Bi Bojie, the head of the Exorcism Division. Are we not allowed to cry out for justice?"

Everyone in the Shanhe Division knew exactly what had happened that night.

Many of the officers around him looked guilty.

"Xu Yuan!" Li Mouzhong said in a deep voice, "Don't make false accusations! When has this commander ever condoned the Chan Sect..."

Xu Yuan had already raised the ox-horn lamp high, and the light spread out—as Xu Yuan kept getting closer, Li Mouzhong was just about to be enveloped in the light.

"You, the commander of the Mountain and River Division, dare to do it but not admit it?" Xu Yuan shouted. "I think you've been scared out of your wits by the Repentance Sect. Since you're protecting and condoning them, then resign as the commander of the Mountain and River Division and become a dog for the Repentance Sect!"

As the word "dog" was shouted out.

Li Mouzhong suddenly sensed that something was wrong!

His expression changed drastically, and he roared, "Xu Yuan, how dare you plot against this commander..."

A large amount of Yin energy rapidly surged from all the acupoints on his body!

The four fourth-rate demons they had been raising pounced out, baring their fangs and brandishing their claws...

Although Li Mouzhong took action, he found that he could not stop certain changes within himself!
He was standing, but suddenly he lunged forward and fell face-first to the ground!

Then black hair grew on both arms!

The mouth protrudes forward, and canine teeth grow in.

Both ears also protruded upwards and became pointed.

Xu Yuan's single word "dog" actually turned the dignified commander of the Jiaozhi Division of the Mountain and River Bureau into a big black dog!

"Xu Yuan—"

Li Mouzhong was furious, gritting his teeth and roaring, but his voice was still human.

Xu Yuan used the ox horn lamp to instantly transform Li Mouzhong into a dog.

But Li Mouzhong was also a fourth-rate person, and he held a high position and had a deep background.

It immediately released a stone dagger as a protective object to resist its own "change".

Before long, he will be able to transform back into human form.

But Xu Yuan had already quickly put away the ox-horn lantern, stepped onto the fire wheel, and ran away.

"Li Mouzhong, you will be punished according to the Great Ming Code!"

"Grab him!" Li Mouzhong roared through his mouth.

The officers of the Mountain and River Division around him stared at him, dumbfounded, and for a moment no one reacted to arrest Xu Yuan.

The commander of the Mountain and River Division was publicly insulted and then turned into a dog...

No matter what, the Shanhe Division will never allow such a person to sit in a command position again.

As for whether Xu Yuan will be punished for this "bold and reckless" act... he will definitely be punished, but one can imagine that the entire Exorcism Department will protect Xu Yuan to the death.

(End of this chapter)