Reborn as Lin Pingzhi, starting from escorting Daiyu to the capital.

This near-death experience at the hands of Bei Haishi and Mi Hengye made Lin Pingzhi deeply realize the importance of internal strength.

Fortunately, Bei Haishi's treasure gave him the means to improve his strength.

At Lin Pingzhi's command, the silver tael numbers on the panel began to jump wildly.

Seventeen thousand seven hundred taels... seventeen thousand four hundred taels... sixteen thousand four hundred taels...

At the same time, lines of notification messages flashed rapidly at the bottom of the panel:

You spent 300 taels of silver to purchase elixirs and successfully increased your internal strength.

[You spent one thousand taels to borrow the Wang family's white jade bed to cultivate your martial arts, and your Cold Ice True Qi has been enhanced.]

[You spent two thousand taels to infiltrate the Ancient Tomb Sect and received meticulous guidance from Little Dragon Girl, raising your progress in Frost True Qi to minor mastery.]

You spent five hundred taels to borrow the Jade Bed to cultivate your Frost True Qi.

[You spent two thousand taels to purchase the chess manual, in exchange for guidance on black and white pieces, which has further enhanced your understanding of the Frost True Qi.]

[You spent 3,000 taels of silver to receive guidance from Cheng Kun, and your progress in Frostbite True Qi has been upgraded to Minor Mastery.]

[You spent five hundred taels to refine the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill. After taking it, your internal strength was significantly enhanced.]

[Your silver has been exhausted; this upgrade is now complete.]

Various experiences flashed through his mind, and he gained a completely new understanding of the Frost True Qi.

I looked at my attribute panel again.

Name: Lin Pingzhi

Martial Arts: Evil-Repelling Sword Technique (Cut-down Version) (Complete), Heaven-Turning Palm (Beginner), Evil-Repelling Sword Technique (Complete Version) (Not Yet Beginner), Three-Layer Cloud Reversal (Minor Success), Frost True Qi (Master), Flaming Blade (Not Yet Beginner), Flower-Picking Finger (Not Yet Beginner)

[Skills: Disguise (Proficient), Medicine (Proficient)]

Silver: 7,700 taels

He is proficient in the true qi of frost.

This level of internal energy has reached the level of Yu Canghai; it's time to learn the Flaming Blade.

Lin Pingzhi spoke again:

"It costs five thousand taels to upgrade the Flame Blade, thank you."

The silver tael numbers on the panel began to change rapidly again.

Seventeen thousand seven hundred taels... seventeen thousand four hundred taels... sixteen thousand four hundred taels...

At the same time, lines of notification messages flashed again at the bottom of the panel:

[Your understanding of the Flame Blade has improved after studying the Flame Blade manual.]

You spent five hundred taels to refine the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill. After consuming it, you diligently practiced the Flame Blade technique.

[You tried to use your icy true energy to wield the flame blade, and after several experiments, you finally succeeded, costing one thousand taels.]

Your Flame Blade skill has reached the beginner level.

[You informed Duan Zhengchun of A'Zhu's information, and the other party was extremely grateful to you, exchanging insights on cultivating the One-Finger Divine Skill with you.]

[By comparing your insights on the One-Finger Divine Skill and the Flaming Blade, you have gained a deeper understanding of the Flaming Blade.]

You've traveled the martial world, spending a thousand taels of silver, but unfortunately, few in the martial world know much about the Flaming Blade.

You finally found Kumārajīva, but he was jealous of your talent and deliberately taught you the wrong Flame Blade technique without taking a single penny.

[You carefully studied the original manual, and your progress in mastering the Flame Blade has reached the proficiency level.]

[Due to insufficient internal energy, you spent one thousand taels to purchase elixirs, which improved your internal energy.]

[You spent 1,500 taels of silver to acquire information about Liang Ziweng's giant red viper. You sucked its blood, and your power greatly increased.]

Your progress in Frost Qi has reached the Great Perfection stage.

[Your silver has been exhausted; this upgrade is now complete.]

There was an unexpected bonus.

He has mastered the Frost Qi and is proficient in the Flame Blade.

Lin Pingzhi is now full of confidence. Even if he encounters Kumārajīva, he will at least have the strength to fight back.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by Bai Er's anxious voice:

"Young Master Escort, Lord Lin requests an audience with you!"

Lin Pingzhi rushed over.

When they arrived at Lin Ruhai's room, they found Jia Yucun inside as well.

Lin Ruhai was no longer confused as before; he had clearly made up his mind:

"Pingzhi, I've made my decision. I will report everything truthfully. Right now, the most important thing is to apprehend the criminals and gather evidence. However, judging from the account books, many officials are involved, and the government can no longer be trusted."

Lin Pingzhi was prepared and asked:

"Uncle, please tell me what you need me to do."

Lin Ruhai was very satisfied with Lin Pingzhi's attitude and said:

"The Emperor also sent a team of Imperial Guards with me to Yangzhou. Pingzhi, I want you to contact the Imperial Guards and arrest the people involved in the bill."

Lin Pingzhi was taken aback, then understood:

Since the Emperor appointed Lin Ruhai as the Salt Commissioner to thoroughly investigate everything, how could he not have a backup plan?

However, my uncle was truly patient, only revealing this trump card at this crucial moment.

Lin Ruhai gave Lin Pingzhi a slip of paper listing several important figures, including salt merchant He Zhiyuan and Bei Haishi of the Chang Le Gang.

He then took out a fan from his bosom and handed it to Lin Pingzhi, saying, "This is a token of our agreement, made between me and Lord An Jianqing, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Take this fan to him, and he will naturally understand everything."

Lin Pingzhi took the fan and said, "Uncle, Pingzhi will certainly not fail in his mission."

Lin Ruhai told Lin Pingzhi the detailed information, including the address where An Jianqing and the others lived, and said with a slight apology, "Pingzhi, thank you for your help this time."

Lin Pingzhi was originally just escorting Daiyu to the capital, but he never expected so many things to happen afterward.

Before leaving, Lin Ruhai gave him some instructions:

"Pingzhi, the Embroidered Uniform Guards are ruthless. Don't get too involved with them."

Lin Pingzhi nodded.

Once outside, Lin Pingzhi called over Guo Yanzhi, Bai Er, Chen Qi, and others, as this was a good opportunity to train the team.

The group rode their horses at breakneck speed and finally arrived at the location of An Jianqing and the others.

-----------------

A residential house in Yangzhou.

One of the Imperial Guards complained, "Lord An, we've been in Yangzhou for over three months now, and it's really unbearable to be stuck in this wretched place all this time."

Another member of the Imperial Guard chimed in, "Yes, we Imperial Guards have always been unbridled, it's really too stifling for us here."

Another member of the Imperial Guard said, "I think this Lin fellow might have some kind of prejudice against us. Is he afraid we'll steal his credit?"

The Jinyiwei guard who had complained earlier said, "Yes, what's so difficult about investigating this kind of thing? Just arrest the criminal first. With the methods of our Jinyiwei, are we afraid that the criminal won't confess?"

An Jianqing said calmly, "I think Lord Lin must have his own plans. Let's just wait here for news."

He also harbored a lot of resentment towards Lin Ruhai, who had refused to contact him even after being injured recently, indicating that Lin Ruhai did not trust him.

However, Lin Ruhai is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor and has close ties with the four great families of Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue, so An Jianqing is unwilling to offend Lin Ruhai.

Just as he was pondering this, a member of the Imperial Guard suddenly came to report:

"Lord An, there is a young man outside who says he is on the orders of Lord Lin Ruhai and wants to see you."

An Jianqing was overjoyed and said, "Quickly, please invite him in."

He valued fame and fortune highly and wanted to take this opportunity to make a name for himself and get promoted.

When An Jianqing saw Lin Pingzhi's youthful face, he was somewhat disappointed.

Lin Pingzhi said, "I am Lin Pingzhi from Fuwei Escort Agency. I greet Lord An."

On his way there, he finally remembered that this man was Aunt An's husband.

Aunt An's father was named Chu Dadao. He once took An Jianqing as his apprentice, but An Jianqing coveted wealth and status and killed his master Chu Dadao and his family.

An Jianqing was startled and said, "Is it Lin Pingzhi, the young hero who killed the lecherous thief Tian Boguang?"

Lin Pingzhi said, "Lord An, you flatter me. I am not worthy of the title of young hero."

An Jianqing was overjoyed and said enthusiastically:

"Young Master Lin is too modest. As the nephew of Lord Lin and the young head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of the Fuwei Escort Agency, you are a man of great talent and ability. Who does not know this?"

He deliberately tried to win over Lin Pingzhi, saying many flattering things.

Although Lin Pingzhi despised An Jianqing's behavior, he did not show it.

After exchanging a few polite words, Lin Pingzhi took out the list and fan given to him by Lin Ruhai and said:

"I am acting on Lord Lin's orders, and I request Lord An's assistance in apprehending a few criminals."

An Jianqing said, "Since Lord Lin has given the order, we will certainly comply."

The other Imperial Guards were overjoyed at the prospect of gaining merit.

Without delay, everyone changed their clothes and, led by Lin Pingzhi, headed to He Garden.