The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 299 A Great Start, Disrupting the Event
Autumn deepens, flowers fall in profusion, roots break and grasses drift in the wind.

The bright red kasaya was dazzling in the bright sunlight.

Huo Du saw them off, and Darba accompanied them. The Golden Wheel Monk said, "The Great Khan's western expedition will take at least two or three years to return victorious. By then, the Mongols and the Jin Kingdom will reignite their war, and that will be your time to shine. Therefore, during my seclusion, you should diligently study and practice martial arts. Mastering the Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill is difficult, but with your talent, perfecting the first few levels will be easy. You should be able to increase your strength by several hundred jin."

Huo Du nodded: "Master, please rest assured and continue your seclusion at Shaolin Temple. Your disciple will practice diligently without ceasing."

"If anything happens, you can send someone to Shaoshi Mountain."

The Golden Wheel Monk, full of ambition, arrived in Zhongdu, only to be humiliated in less than six months by Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi. In the Battle of Funiu Mountain, he was utterly powerless against the armored cavalry led by Zhou Yan, Yang Miaozhen, and Zhang Wangyue, like a defeated dog. Returning to Zhongdu, the Monk reflected deeply on his past mistakes. He recalled his harmonious discussions with Master Kucheng at Shaoshi Mountain, where they had enjoyed Buddhist teachings together. However, when Huo Du, driven by ambition, visited Shaolin Temple, Master Kucheng remarked that only the Monk himself could truly discuss the Dharma. With the young prince accompanying him, the Monk, his heart clouded, was unwilling to receive him.

The Golden Wheel Monk could naturally discern the Zen wisdom in Ku Cheng's words. After much deliberation, he conceived the idea of ​​going to Shaolin Temple to both study Buddhism and practice.

With his keen insight, he could see that Shaolin Temple's martial arts were unparalleled throughout history, but the lack of exceptionally talented individuals within the temple hindered the mastery of its techniques, which was why it was suppressed by the Vajra Sect of the Western Regions. He anticipated that if he sincerely visited and exchanged Buddhist teachings and martial arts with Ku Cheng, the latter would not refuse.

When the Golden Wheel Monk said this, Huo Du replied, "Disciple understands. Master, why don't you bring some gold and silver?"

"What use are worldly possessions? Thirteen volumes of scriptures are enough."

"Listen to Master."

"The 'Raging Wind and Thunder Skill' that I taught you is a profound skill of the Great Wheel Temple. Once you have mastered the 'Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill,' your strength will increase, and your skill will also be incredibly powerful, no less than the Shaolin's unique skills."

"Thank you, Master. I will diligently cultivate the techniques."

"Alright, I'm off now."

After speaking, the Golden Wheel Dharma King did not delay any longer. He carried thirteen volumes of scriptures, including the "Ratnakuta Sutra" and "Banggong Chaga" from the Great Wheel Monastery in Tibet, and accompanied by Darba, who was holding a vajra, he walked south to Mount Song.

Five days later, the Dharma King arrived at Shaoshi Mountain and explained his purpose to the guest monk.

When the masters Kucheng and Kuhui left the temple, they saw that Huo Du had not accompanied them, and the Dharma King was covered in grime.

The Golden Wheel Dharma King presented scriptures, saying he wanted to exchange Buddhist teachings and go to Shaolin Temple for arduous practice, requesting the abbot's permission.

Ku Hui founded the Shaolin Temple in the Western Regions and had many dealings with Tibetan monasteries. Seeing the Dharma King's piety, he welcomed him into the temple.

Huang Yaoshi once said that the world is about to usher in a golden age of martial arts.

His words proved prophetic.

After the battle at the Valley of Heartbreak, the Fire-Worker Monk retreated to a secluded valley in Mount Song, diligently practicing the Vajra Indestructible Body Technique. Ouyang Feng and Huang Yaoshi devoted themselves to cultivating the Nine Yin Manual, while Hong Qigong also studied the Yi Jin Jing and Duan Gu Jing. Gongsun Zhi, Ouyang Ke, Yang Kang, and Wuse, among others, studied tirelessly from dawn till dusk. Zhou Yan, meanwhile, broke through the shackles of martial arts at the Great Wall with a copy of the Huang Ting Jing, entering a new realm of martial arts.

This martial arts world has also produced some incredibly talented masters like Zhang Sanqiang, Yu Huacheng, and Zhuang Shiyi. Heroes emerge from humble beginnings, and perhaps there are also those with extraordinary talent who cultivate diligently for decades, waiting for their moment to rise to prominence.

Dragons and snakes rise from the land, and heaven and earth are overturned.

……

The sound of horses' hooves echoed from the western suburbs of Zhongdu when the Golden Wheel Monk entered Shaolin. Zhou Yan brought the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms to a new level, and after practicing half a foot of sword energy, he descended the Great Wall.

It lasted for several dozen days in total. This was the longest he had ever devoted himself to cultivation and stayed away from worldly affairs since he transmigrated.

The "Jade Lion Under the Night" stopped in front of the Yang family's gate. Zhou Yan lifted the yellow sheep he had hunted off the horse. Bao Xiruo, who heard the commotion, hurriedly came out from the courtyard.

"Long time no see, you've changed again?"

"But?" Zhou Yan asked with a smile.

"Yes, you look very energetic."

"Brother, you went to the security escort agency?"

“I went with Nianci. I made smoked meat and smoked fish. You can take them back and eat them.”

"Thank you, sister-in-law."

"Why be so polite? We're like family. By the way, I heard from Nianci that he's opening another security escort agency in Zhongdu, and it seems to be with someone he knows well."

Zhou Yan was taken aback, wondering if it was Yang Miaozhen. He quickly said, "I'll go take a look."

"No rush, take the smoked meat and smoked fish before you go."

"also."

Zhou Yan carried the yellow sheep into the courtyard, and Bao Xiruo took the fish and meat from the sack. He thanked her again and rode away.

Upon entering Zhongdu, Zhou Yan walked along the street and, not far from the Fu'an Escort Agency, saw that the front of the mansion on the side of the street was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and dragon and lion dances were performed at the entrance, creating a lively and bustling scene.

"Master Zhou." A familiar voice rang out from the entrance of the escort agency. Zhou Yan looked over and saw Liang Xiaowu stride forward. In the bustling crowd, Qiu Qianchi and Zhang Wangyue walked side by side.

Liang Xiaowu stepped forward and quickly said, "It's a security escort agency run by Chief Yang, and Miss Qiu is in charge of it."

Zhou Yan scoffed, and Qiu Qianchi became a镖人 (bodyguard/escort).

"Why didn't you notify us sooner so we could have come and help?"

Liang Xiaowu laughed and said, "The chief镖头 (bodyguard/escort) and Miss Qiu won't allow it."

As the two were talking, Zhang Wangyue and Qiu Qianchi approached. Iron Palm Lotus Qiu Qianchi said, "Back in Funiu Mountain, you discussed business with Chief Escort Huyan and Liu Qingzhou. Chief Yang said that the mountain stronghold was suitable for opening an escort agency. Firstly, you could earn money by escorting goods, and secondly, you could transport food and weapons to the stronghold, which would also broaden the horizons of the stronghold's disciples. I'm actually not suitable for leading troops and training in the stronghold, so I took on this task. The people who came were all good men selected from the stronghold, but they lacked experience, and the chief escort had to help them a lot."

"Look what a great thing I missed," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

Qiu Qianchi laughed, "How can the opening of a security escort agency be compared to your seclusion for cultivation?"

Zhang Wangyue said, "Brother Huyan and Brother Yang are both here, let's go and have some fun."

"okay!"

Zhou Yan handed the "Jade Lion Under the Night" to Liang Xiaowu, and as they walked on, he asked Qiu Qianchi, "What's the name of the escort agency?" Qiu Qianchi smiled and replied, "Zhenyuan Escort Agency."

"A good name," Zhou Yan praised.

……

Inside the courtyard of Zhenyuan Escort Agency, rows of square tables were set up.

Following Zhou Yan's advice, Yang Miaozhen set up a security escort agency in Zhongdu. The mountain stronghold did not make a big fuss about it, so the martial arts heroes in the Funiu Mountain, Tongbai Mountain, and Chaya Mountain areas who had dealings with the stronghold were unaware of the relationship between Zhenyuan Security Escort Agency and Yang Miaozhen, and no one went to congratulate her.

But when Fu'an arrived, all the large and small security escort agencies, horse companies, carriage companies, and trading companies in Zhongdu City sent people to congratulate him.

Therefore, the compound of the security escort agency was bustling with activity.

The man, who had transformed from a mountain bandit into a porter, walked through the corridors and courtyards, chanting a serving chant, and with a smile on his face, placed the dishes and wines on the table, warmly inviting the guests to sit down and enjoy the feast.

"Brother Zhou, this way."

As Zhou Yan entered, the sharp-eyed Hu Yanlei stood up and shouted. Looking around, he saw that Hu Yanlei, Yang Tiexin, and Mu Nianci were also at the table, but Wang Kui and the others were not there, so they must be on a delivery mission.

Zhou Yan, Zhang Wangyue, and Qiu Qianchi stepped forward and took their seats.

The porters added bowls and chopsticks, served tea and cakes, and poured soup from the pot.

"Congratulations, Brother Zhou, on your successful completion of your seclusion. I expect your martial arts skills have improved even further," Hu Yanlei said, raising his cup.

Zhou Yan smiled and said, "Thank you, brother."

The two raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp. Zhou Yan poured more wine, saying, "I wish Manager Qiu a prosperous business."

"Thank you."

"I also toast Manager Qiu," Hu Yanlei raised his glass.

"Come together."

Everyone passed around cups and drinks, laughing and clinking glasses, creating a lively atmosphere.

Suddenly, a commotion arose in the courtyard, and someone stood up, saying, "Mr. Lü has arrived."

Zhou Yan and Zhang Wangyue looked in the direction of the voice and saw that it was Lu, a merchant from Jingzhou.

Lu, who was accompanied by his entourage, greeted the familiar horse and merchant shop owners. When he saw Zhang Wangyue and his group, he quickly stepped forward and said with a smile, "I came to Zhongdu to buy goods, but I didn't expect that the managers of all the major merchants were not here. After inquiring around, I found out that Zhenyuan Escort Agency was opening. I came here uninvited."

Qiu Qianchi had heard of the name of Lu Keshang from Jingzhou. She stood up, clasped her hands in greeting, and said, "I have long admired your name, sir. Your presence brings honor to our escort agency."

Zhang Wangyue introduced: "This is Manager Qiu of Zhenyuan Escort Agency, a woman who is just as capable as any man."

"My apologies." Merchant Lü, with his keen insight, saw that Zhang Wangyue, Zhou Yan and others were familiar with Qiu Qianchi, and that the two escort agencies must have a close relationship. He immediately said, "When I go north to shop and hire escorts, I mostly go to Kaifeng Prefecture and Zhongdu. Now that Kaifeng Prefecture is difficult to travel to, all my goods are purchased from Zhongdu. Manager Qiu, would you be interested in taking on an escort mission?"

"It would be my honor," Qiu Qianchi replied immediately.

"Okay, tell me slowly."

After Mr. Lü took his seat, everyone drank and talked. Soon after, Zhenyuan Escort Agency welcomed its first shipment, which was a great success. In addition to mules and horses, there were also medicinal herbs and furs, making up about thirty escort carts.

Later that evening, Qiu Qianchi called out to Zhou Yan.

Iron Palm Lotus said, "If you want to help me, the镖局镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) and 趟子手 (transporters/carriers) are all carefully selected experts from the stronghold. They are no problem fighting with swords, but they are all very unfamiliar with loading and transporting goods."

Zhou Yan readily agreed, "No problem, I'll teach you step by step and then travel with the caravan for a while."

Qiu Qianchi was overjoyed. "With your words, I feel at ease."

Zhou Yan chuckled and that very night summoned the bodyguards and porters to teach them how to load goods, tie ropes, and explain the rules of the trade.

……

A thousand miles away, in the capital of the Jin Dynasty.

The gongs and drums are loud, and the firecrackers are all fired.

The Longmen Escort Agency's branch in Kaifeng officially opened for business.

The bright autumn sunlight fell on the square courtyard, where Helian Zhantai, the former head of Changfeng Escort Agency who had retired behind the scenes, Yin Donglai, the father of Yin Kexi who now runs the agency, and Zhang Jinzhong, the head of Longmen Escort Agency, were drinking hot tea.

Helian Zhantai said, "Changfeng Escort Agency has been having a bad time lately. The escort routes within the Great Wall and the Western Regions have to pass through Mongol territory."

"How's business at Zhenwei Escort Agency?" Zhang Jinzhong asked.

“They are better off. Zhenwei and Fu’an are on good terms, and Fu’an has some connections with the Mongol nobles. Zhenwei is currently escorting goods in the north and traveling smoothly all the way. I think it won’t be long before Zhenwei and Fu’an replace Changfeng and completely control the routes in the Western Regions and within the Great Wall.”

Zhang Jinzhong said, "Young Master Helian and Young Master Yin are now guests of the Crown Prince, so it would be easy for them to bring down Zhenwei."

Helian Zhantai said, "Martial arts matters should be settled within the martial arts world; how can we allow the Crown Prince to get involved?"

Zhang Jinzhong laughed and said, "Kaifeng Prefecture has Changfeng and Longmen Escort Agencies, which are sufficient. We cannot allow Zhenwei to steal another bite of our business."

"What do you mean?" Yin Donglai asked.

Zhang Jinzhong chuckled softly and said, "Actually, dealing with Zhenwei Escort Agency is extremely simple."

"tell me the story."

As the owner of Longmen Escort Agency recounted his story, smiles gradually appeared on the faces of Helian Zhantai and Yin Donglai.

(End of this chapter)