Martial Arts: My achievements in Beiliang were so great that they threatened the lord's positio

When they arrived, a few riders braved the snow; when they left, a hundred riders accompanied and protected them.

Men, women, and children of Shicun gathered at the village entrance archway to watch the village youths depart with Lin Xuan.

They understand

This trip

Few will be able to return in the future.

But so what?

In this world, there are always things that need to be done, and there are always people who need to face life and death.

If everyone is afraid of the battlefield and dreads confrontation, those northern barbarians and Hu-Qiang cavalry will surely trample on Yan land again, burning, looting, and slaughtering.

"Stop shedding tears."

The old village chief gazed at the elderly with tears in their eyes, the newlywed women, and the young children who were too young to understand, and said solemnly, "If I were ten years younger, how could I allow the younger generation to take the lead in such an important matter?"

He tapped the ground lightly with his cane: "Countless people yearn to follow you, Lord Marquis, yet they have no way to do so."

In previous years, how many people in the village died from hunger and cold?

But since the Marquis arrived, only a few years have passed, and now there are no more starving people in the family, and no one is short of food or clothing.

People must know how to be grateful and repay kindness.

The old village chief asked with regret, "Do you really want to go back to your old, miserable lives?"

"In the year the Marquis first arrived, when he was campaigning against the Helan tribe, my eldest son died on the battlefield—but he died a worthy death, having killed five enemy soldiers by himself."

Just now, I entrusted my second son to the Marquis as well.

The old village chief raised his voice and said, "I haven't shed a tear yet, so what is there for you to grieve about?"

"Wipe away your tears. Next year, all those who are able to move must go to the fields to work. Don't let the other villages laugh at us."

Although our Shicun village is poor, it possesses an indomitable spirit and an unyielding will.

The wind and snow are getting heavier

Tiger Fool led a hundred riders from Stone Village to the Marquis of Yanzhou's residence, while Lin Xuan led a few others to continue eastward.

He visited all the counties in Dongyuan and then went to Xiapi County. In addition to the existing Qianniu Sanwei, he set up three new garrisons to settle refugees from various places and the Hu and Qiang tribes who had migrated westward.

Heading east

Finally, they crossed the Misang River from Luanshi City and entered the territory of Shangdang County.

It was the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month.

A fierce wind, carrying blizzards, howled across the vast expanse of land, where only surging snow and howling wind could be seen.

"I'm afraid I'll be spending the end of this year in Shangdang."

In the wind and snow

Lin Xuan galloped on his horse, laughing loudly.

"It's alright."

The young woman rode close behind, saying, "There will be many more opportunities to spend holidays together in the future, so this one won't make a difference."

During these two weeks of traveling around Yan, braving wind and snow, Lingxi quietly developed many indescribable feelings.

That was a sight never seen in the depths of the palace.

As she walked through every inch of Yanzhou and talked with countless people, a sense of joy gradually welled up in her heart.

as if

Here I found my home.

She not only didn't dislike the wind and snow here, but instead felt a deep attachment to it.

The capital city also experiences heavy snowfall every year, comparable to that of the Yan region, but the two are ultimately different.

The difference was not clear in the past.

now

She has realized

The snow in the capital was pure white and exuded an air of elegance, inspiring scholars and poets to compose poems.

But the snow in Beijing is too cold.

Although the winds in Yan are fierce, the snow is mild and thick.

When it landed on me, I didn't feel cold at all.

Because of the fervent patriotism of the people of Yan, the snow and wind here act as a blanket covering the seeds, waiting for the warm spring to return, when the seeds will sprout and eventually grow into towering trees.

And all this

She turned her head to look at the man beside her.

A white robe

Braving the wind and snow

galloping on horseback

"Shangdang City is just ahead."

Lin Xuan shouted, "Hurry up! We'll be in the city in no time!"

This was the first time he had personally visited the city since its construction.

"Whoosh—whoosh—"

The wind and snow became increasingly fierce

A cold wave swept across the northern plains, engulfing the entire grassland.

Turning past the low mountain pass, amidst the vast expanse of flying snow, one can vaguely see a towering figure standing tall.

That is Shangdang City.

Wang Qing's words were filled with enthusiasm.

With this city established, Shangdang County became impregnable. Whether the northern barbarians moved south or the Hu and Qiang people advanced west, they would all have to face this majestic pass.

The city walls were even higher and thicker than those of Yanzhou City, with a wide moat outside, numerous arrow towers, and armored soldiers lined up on the city walls, with banners fluttering in the wind.

"What a magnificent city."

Nangong Pushe sighed softly, his expression shifting slightly.

"nature."

Lin Xuan replied proudly, "Your young master has spent countless amounts of money, food, and resources to build this city."

"But it was all worth it."

Several fast horses galloped at full speed. The city of Shangdang already appeared magnificent when viewed from afar, but when we actually stood under the city walls, its imposing momentum became even stronger.

"Crunch—crunch—"

"Crunch—crunch—"

The mechanism on the city wall slowly turned, the heavy wooden bridge gradually descended, spanning the moat, and the city gate opened.

Zhang Wei and Luo Wentong rode ahead on horseback, followed closely by hundreds of armored soldiers.

"This humble servant greets Your Excellency and Madam."

The two dismounted and bowed.

"Enter the city."

Lin Xuan smiled.

After the city gates closed and we entered the barbican, the wind and snow subsided slightly.

After passing through a passageway that is over a hundred feet long, one finally arrives at the inner city.

Although the exterior is magnificent, the interior is rather simple, with only a few wide streets, few pedestrians, and occasional patrolling soldiers passing by in formation.

"My lord."

Luo Wentong reported: "The construction of the city wall has been completed, but the population inside the city is still sparse, so only two camps and the prefect's office have been built first."

"Once the ice and snow melt this year, the number of people moving to Shangdang should increase."

"No need to rush."

Lin Xuan said, "Shangdang County has a wide open terrain and a vast territory, with rivers crisscrossing it. It will surely become the second largest city in Yanzhou in the future. Therefore, the layout of the city must be carefully planned."

"This place will also be a trading hub in the future, and we must take into account the interactions between the various tribes of Hu and Qiang."

"We should especially prioritize the three guards of Doyan and reserve a piece of land for them to fund the construction, while we contribute our efforts."

After traveling for about half an hour, they arrived at the prefectural governor's residence.

After a night's rest, they went to the two main camps to reward the soldiers before the New Year.

After the New Year holidays, he inspected the three guards of Duoyan before setting off back to Yanzhou City.

The snowfall gradually weakened in the first month of the lunar calendar.

In the Marquis's Mansion

The servants were divided into two lines. One line swept the snow from each courtyard with brooms and transported it by cart to the outside of the city to be unloaded or piled on the lake.

As the weather warms up, the snow melts into water, which slowly flows out along the ditches.

Another row of servants, holding bamboo poles, knocked the ice hanging from the roof tiles along the eaves.

If someone carelessly walks under the eaves, falling ice can easily cause injury or death.

The sky remained overcast, and a biting wind blew.

The door opened, and Lin Xuan stepped out, exhaling lightly. He saw Jiang Ni practicing swordsmanship in the snow.

The sword energy and cold aura within the woman's body grew stronger day by day, and her physique also improved accordingly.

I discussed things with him until late last night, and I got up before dawn this morning.

"Young master has awakened."

Mu Qing'er brought in hot water, followed by two maids, to help her wash and change.

"Have Tiger Fool and the others been settled?"

He asked casually.

"They will be temporarily assigned to the guards of the Marquis's residence."

She carefully smoothed out the wrinkles in Lin Xuan's robes: "I have examined them, and they are all strong young men, especially Tiger Fool, who has an extraordinary talent and unique physique."

Two days ago, Mr. Gu was immediately captivated by my appearance and repeatedly requested that I take him as his disciple.

"Let him be."

Lin Xuan smiled and said, "I originally intended to personally teach that foolish child martial arts. Since Gu Santong has this intention, so be it, I will give him a disciple."

Tiger Fool is naturally strong and powerful, with strength comparable to an ox, making him an excellent candidate for practicing fierce martial arts.

However, since Gu Santong was willing to teach, he did not stop him.

The Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill is extraordinary. When mastered to perfection, it can rival the Great Vajra Realm of Buddhism and even slightly compete with the Realm of Land Immortals.

Moreover, the power of martial arts depends on the individual. Even if Tiger Fool practices the ordinary Golden Bell Cover, if he can cultivate it to the seventh or eighth level, he can easily break through Vajra and cut off Finger Xuan.

If he can truly inherit Gu Santong's mantle, he will undoubtedly become a great help to Lin Xuan in the future.

"This is the law of cause and effect."

Mu Qing'er said softly, "Young Master was willing to take off his clothes to help a child in the past, and today he deserves to have such a valiant general."

"Heaven and earth have yin and yang."

Lin Xuan: "The way to govern a country is either to follow the way of the king or to follow the way of the tyrant. This has been a subject of endless debate since ancient times."

"However, most disputes are merely for the sake of disputes, not for the sake of the common people."

"A single yang cannot generate life, and an isolated yin will inevitably decline. Only by harmonizing yin and yang, and employing both benevolent and tyrannical methods, can the world be pacified and the people's hearts united."

"Go and summon Tiger Fool; I'll take him to the Sharpening Hall."

Today, inside the Sharpening Hall, things are as usual: Gu Santong is fast asleep, while Nangong Pushe is engrossed in reading.

Tiger Fool followed Lin Xuan into the room. Gu Santong, who was already awake, grinned and said, "Kid, you refused to become my disciple before, but now you've come to me on your own initiative."

"Go and call him Master."

Lin Xuan gently pushed his back.

Although Tiger Fool was unwilling, he did not want to go against his master's wishes, so he had no choice but to step forward, kowtow three times respectfully on the ground, and softly call out, "Master."

Upon hearing the word "Master," Gu Santong was overjoyed. He quickly stepped forward to help him up, his face beaming with delight. "Good disciple, if you follow your master in cultivation, you will surely become a world-renowned top master in the future."

How high can it be?

Tiger Fool pointed to Nangong Pu She beside him, "Can you defeat her?"

"Natural energy."

Gu Santong nodded.

Nangong Pushe gave a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth.

At this moment, Lin Xuan spoke up: "Tiger Fool, you shall stay here and train with your master. Without my permission, you shall not leave the Sharpening Hall even a step."

He glanced at Gu Santong again: "Don't hold back. I gave this disciple to you; otherwise, I was planning to teach him martial arts myself."

"My lord, may I not become his disciple... I wish to learn martial arts from you."

Tiger said with expectant eyes.

"No, no!"

Gu Santong quickly replied, "I've already kowtowed, and I've agreed. We're now master and disciple; how can you go back on your word?"

"Besides, my skills are not much worse than yours, Lord Marquis."

"really?"

"Of course it's true."

There was a hint of guilt in Gu Santong's voice.

After much persuasion, they finally managed to keep the apprentice.

Gu Santong quickly ushered Lin Xuan out of the Sharpening Hall, fearing that his newly accepted disciple might change his mind.

"Young master."

I ran into Xiao Pan'er as soon as I stepped out.

"What have you been busy with lately?"

Lin Xuan asked, "Qing'er said you haven't been seen for many days."

"There are some matters within the Holy Gate."

Xiao Pan replied softly, "My master has arrived and wishes to meet with you, young master, as he has important matters to discuss."

"What is it?"

He frowned slightly.

As the leader of the Holy Sect and the head of the Yin Gui Sect, Zhu Yuyan has always been elusive and would never personally appear unless it was for a major matter.

"It is related to Buddhism."

Xiao Pan'er smiled bitterly, "That's all I know, after all, I'm no longer the Holy Maiden of the Holy Gate."

Upon arriving at her courtyard, Elder Xiong was already waiting nearby.

"My lord, please follow me."

"The sect leader is waiting in the front hall."

Sure enough, there were two cups of hot tea on the table in the hall.

Zhu Yuyan never wore a veil, and years have passed, yet time seems to have left no trace on her face.

Her expression was aloof, and she wore a black dress that clung to her figure, with a cloak over it.

Upon seeing Lin Xuan's arrival, the number one expert of the Holy Sect rose and gave a slight bow:

"This humble servant greets Your Excellency."

Back when Lin Xuan was merely the Prefect of Yan County, the two sides were of similar status, with the Holy Sect even having a slight advantage.

However, as Lin Xuan rose through the ranks, he eventually became a First-Rank General Who Guards the North, granted the title of Marquis of Yan with Ten Thousand Households, and commanding two hundred thousand elite cavalry.

The Holy Gate can no longer stand on equal footing with him.

Even a powerful figure like Zhu Yuyan from the Holy Sect must bow to him upon meeting him.

Not only because he held considerable military power, but also because he himself was a formidable martial arts master.

"Sect Leader, there's no need for such formalities."

He nodded slightly, took a seat, drank some tea, and then said, "The fact that Sect Leader Zhu has come in person must be no small matter."

"It is indeed extraordinary."

Zhu Yuyan raised her hand to signal, and the old woman and Xiao Pan'er left the hall.

"What exactly happened?"

Lin Xuan looked up.

"This matter concerns the survival of the Holy Sect and is also closely related to the fate of the Marquis."

Zhu Yuyan frowned slightly and spoke slowly.

"This only makes me more curious."

His gaze narrowed slightly.

"Shi Feixuan, the successor of Cihang Jingzhai in this generation, has now entered the world."

"This is what the Yin Gui Sect leader said."

"That's all?"

Lin Xuan smiled dismissively: "It's worth the trip you made."

"If it is merely the reappearance of a descendant of Cihang Jingzhai, there is indeed no need to alarm the Marquis."

Zhu Yuyan shook her head slightly: "But as far as I know, Cihang Jingzhai has been secretly communicating with Beiliang."

"so?"

He lightly stroked the rim of the glass with his fingertips, his expression unchanged.