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

If you do a good job of what Lin Xuan asked you to do, you'll be fine; but if you mess it up, you might lose your head in the blink of an eye.

Seeing their anxious expressions, Wang Qing said, "You two don't need to worry. As long as you do your best for Lord Lin, he won't treat you unfairly."

"At that time, we would appreciate it if you, Wang Fucheng, could put in a good word for us with Lord Lin."

Zhang Song quickly smiled apologetically and said.

"No problem."

Wang Qing picked up his wine cup, took a small sip, and then slowly put it down: "You two have served in Yan County for many years. I'll entrust the task of recovering the stolen silver from the treasury and investigating the illegal sale of weapons to you. It shouldn't be too difficult for you, right?"

"This humble official will certainly do his utmost."

"Very good."

Wang Qing's eyes showed approval: "These two matters are bound to offend people. To prevent villains from plotting against us, I have sent people to bring Lord Zhang and Lord Wen's families to stay temporarily at the Prefect's residence."

"Once you two have accomplished your mission, we will safely send them back. What do you think?"

"I dare not object."

Zhang Song and Wen Cheng dared not utter a word of dissent. Knowing that Wang Qing had used his family members as hostages, they could only bow their heads and agree.

There's no shame in being alive.

"What's making you so happy?"

Lin Xuan, dressed in a white robe, then slowly walked over.

"It's nothing, I just got along quite well with Zhang Sima and Wen Zhubu, and we chatted for a bit."

Wang Qing shook his head and smiled.

"Let's eat and drink."

Lin Xuan took a seat and greeted the three of them.

Throughout the banquet, Zhang Song and Wen Cheng ate with a restless mind. It wasn't until they stepped out of the prefect's mansion and felt the cool night breeze on their faces that they snapped out of their daze.

They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with bitterness.

"What do we do next?"

Wen Cheng asked in a low voice.

"What else can we do?"

Zhang Song smiled bitterly: "I'd better just be a tool in Lin Xuan's hand, at least that way I can save my whole family and my own life."

Borrowing a knife to kill someone —

But they had no choice but to make this knife.

"I think I understand now."

Zhang Song shook his head: "This Prefect Lin is no mere figurehead; he's a ruthless character, and we can't afford to offend him."

Inside the Prefect's Mansion

Lobby

Lin Xuan said, "I really didn't realize, Wang Qing, that you acted so convincingly."

"You flatter me."

Wang Qing laughed and said, "The main problem is that Zhang Song and Wen Cheng are really not very brave."

"Hurry up these next two days and transfer people from various counties according to this list to bolster the manpower of the prefecture."

Lin Xuan took out a piece of paper covered with names from his sleeve and handed it to Wang Qing: "We must firmly grasp the entire Yan County in the shortest possible time."

"clear."

Wang Qing didn't ask where the list came from; he knew what he should and shouldn't ask.

A figure like Lin Xuan, who has been operating in Beiliang for over a decade and wields power, would surely have some influence among his subordinates, whether openly or covertly.

Moreover, the stronger Lin Xuan's power in the shadows, the more benefits Wang Qing can gain.

"Self-assessment and promotion as appropriate."

"Sir, Zhang Song has returned again."

Meng Jiao approached and reported, "I'm waiting outside. Do you want to see me?"

"See."

Lin Xuan replied.

Before long, Meng Jiao led Zhang Song back to the main hall.

The Prefect of Yan Commandery immediately knelt down on both knees and presented the military tally of the commandery's troops.

"What do you mean by this?"

Lin Xuan didn't take it; instead, he frowned slightly, his tone revealing displeasure: "Does Zhang Sima not trust me, Lin?"

"That's absolutely not the case."

Zhang Song spoke earnestly: "Your Excellency's military strategy is divine, while I am of limited talent and learning. How dare I hold the military command for long? I hereby return it, only hoping that Your Excellency will be lenient and allow me to take on a leisurely post."

His tone was exactly the same as Lin Xuan's actions when he was in the Northern Liang Prince's Mansion, except that back then he used a strategy of retreat to advance.

At this moment, Zhang Song voluntarily surrendered, and this military tally was his pledge of allegiance.

"In that case, I'll accept it."

Lin Xuan picked up the military tally, examined it for a moment, and then nodded, saying, "Commander Zhang is extremely loyal. In the future, I will need your wholehearted assistance in many matters, and I will rely on you more."

"You flatter me, sir."

Zhang Song bowed deeply and said, "Your subordinate is willing to serve you, sir, even if it means being shattered to pieces or going through countless hardships, I will not hesitate."

"Alright, you may step back now and take care of what I instructed you to do as soon as possible."

Lin Xuan waved his hand gently.

"Thank you for your consideration, sir."

Zhang Song bowed again and slowly withdrew.

Before long, Wen Cheng returned to the hall, knelt before Lin Xuan, and tearfully confessed the identities of several subordinates, and voluntarily offered 50,000 taels of silver.

During a banquet, Lin Xuan once again demonstrated his ability to consolidate power with a cup of wine, gaining complete control over the entire county government.

All subsequent matters can be left to Zhang Song, the military commander, to lead troops to capture the person.

"This is yours."

Lin Xuan casually tossed the still-warm military tally to Meng Jiao: "From now on, the Yan County troops will be under your command."

"Thank you, sir."

Meng Jiao carefully put away the military tally.

"One month later, the troops will be counted at the drill ground. Apart from the two thousand men guarding Duanlong Pass, the remaining five thousand soldiers must be all present and accounted for."

"Don't worry, sir."

Meng Jiao nodded solemnly.

"Boom—"

"Boom—"

On the dark plains of Yan County, thunder rumbled and blinding flashes of lightning suddenly ripped across the sky above the governor's mansion.

It was as if a giant god had ripped open the sky, yet the shattered night instantly mended itself.

"Be more vigilant."

The centurion leading the patrol swept his gaze around with sharp eyes and shouted in a deep voice.

"Yes, sir!"

The soldiers responded in unison.

后园

Bamboo shadows sway

The pool water rippled slightly

室中

As the true energy circulated, wisps of cold mist swirled around Lin Xuan, constantly shifting and changing, with three distinct internal energies intertwining.

His Three-Part Returning to Origin Qi is becoming increasingly refined. When the three elements are integrated into one, that will be the day he ascends to the Grandmaster level of the Celestial Phenomenon Realm.

Yoshihisa

Lin Xuan opened his eyes, and his internal energy gradually receded.

Another figure had appeared inside the room, its outline vaguely discernible in the pale electric light from outside the window.

He was completely shrouded in a dark robe, and even his face was hidden behind a strange mask.

"My lord."

The man in black robes knelt on one knee, his voice low and menacing.

"Thank you for your hard work over the years."

Lin Xuan stood firmly on the ground, sensing the increasingly profound aura emanating from the other party, and revealed an approving smile.

"Serving the Lord, I dare not complain of hardship."

The man in black robes replied.

"Has everything been investigated?"

Lin Xuan asked.

The man in black robes took out a thick book from his sleeve, stood up and presented it with both hands: "The details of all levels of officials and clans in Yan County are recorded here."

Lin Xuan took it and immediately began to read it carefully.

"There's even a clan with the same surname."

He raised his eyebrows slightly.

"The Lin family of Qi County is the wealthiest in Yan County. They control most of the salt, iron and weapons industry in the county and have close ties with the three tribes of the Northern Python and the Hu Qiang.

The man in black robes said, "The Lin family smuggles countless quantities of grain, fodder, salt, and iron to the three tribes of Duoyan every year."

"This is quite a plump and fat sheep."

Lin Xuan stroked his chin gently, then asked, "What is the connection between Lin Ruhai, the county magistrate of Dongyuan County, and the Lin family of Qi County?"

"There is no connection."

The man in black robes replied, "Lin Ruhai is not a native of Yan County. He comes from Yongzhou and came to Yan County eight years ago, where he has served as the county magistrate ever since."

"The Lin family has been rooted in Yan for thirty years, with a deep-rooted and extremely powerful influence. They have many guests and even secretly maintain nearly a thousand private soldiers."

The current head of the family, Lin Zhentian, possesses the Vajra Realm cultivation level and ranks tenth in the martial arts world of Yan.

His second younger brother, Lin Zhennan, studied under Xu Yan, a great Confucian scholar from Qingzhou, and his cultivation level reached the second rank of minor grandmaster. He is currently studying at the academy.

The third brother, Lin Zhenbei, was in charge of the Lin family's arms, salt, and iron business, and frequently traveled to the Qiang region.

"The Lin family also owns three iron mines and eight smelting workshops, all hidden deep in the Dafu Mountains."

"I never imagined that such a small Yan County would harbor such a colossal clan."

Lin Xuan's interest in the Lin family grew stronger.

"In addition, there is a Finger Profound Realm expert protecting Lin Zhentian on his left and right sides."

"Tell me about the situation of the three branches of the Uriyangkhai."

He asked aloud.

"The three tribes of Uriyangkha refer to Doyan, Taining and Fuyu."

Doyan was the strongest, with 30,000 cavalry; Taining was second, with about 20,000 iron cavalry; Fuyu was the weakest, but still had 15,000 cavalry.

The man in black robes replied, "The three tribes coordinate with each other and act in unison, wielding considerable power among the various Qiang tribes."

"The Helan tribe was forced to migrate westward because they offended the Duoyan tribe. Most of their territory was taken away, and they had to come to Yan County to plunder every year."

"Once the master has dealt with the Lin family, he will be able to completely control Yan County."

"very good."

Lin Xuan smiled slightly: "It seems that sending you to Yan County was the right decision."

The man in the black robe felt a chill run down his spine.

He used to wonder why Lin Xuan would send him to this harsh and desolate border region.

Now it seems that everything was within the man's calculations—the imperial edict, the war in Shuoyin, and even the various rumors circulating in Beiliang.

The more one thinks about it, the more unfathomable this person seems, like a bottomless abyss, whose boundaries can never be explored.

"Jing Ni, how is the Luo Wang organization progressing?"

The man in the black robe paused slightly.

He hadn't heard this name for many years.

"I thought my master had long forgotten my name."

The mask was removed, revealing a stunningly beautiful face, alluring yet aloof.

Those eyes were unfathomable, yet Jing Ni felt as if she were completely exposed in front of him.

She could see Lin Xuan and the Prefect of Yan County more and more unclearly.

"How many years has it been?"

Lin Xuan looked at her, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Ten years."

Jing Ni's tongue brushed across her lips: "This servant has not seen her master for ten years."

"Thanks a lot."

His tone was filled with emotion.

Jing Ni was the first person Lin Xuan obtained through the system. Apart from the fact that her life and death depended on Lin Xuan's will, she was no different from the real Jing Ni—the assassin of the Luo Net.

After Jing Ni sent Lin Xuan to Bei Liang, he was ordered to come to Yan County to secretly build Luo Wang.

In other words, this move was made a decade ago.

"Under the Net, there are currently ten Heavenly-level assassins, all of whom have reached the Grandmaster realm; fifty Earth-level assassins; and several hundred Human-level assassins."

Jing Ni slowly said, "Even within the Northern Liang army, quite a few have infiltrated."

"Could it be that you have spies around me?"

Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes.

"No."

Jing Ni shook her head.

"Really not?"

Lin Xuan raised his hand in greeting.

Jing Ni lowered her head and approached, sitting sideways on his lap.

"I wonder how much you've improved over the years."

Lin Xuan chuckled and lifted her face to examine her closely.

"It will improve naturally."

If the master doesn't believe it, he may verify it himself.

The black robe fell to the ground, and the candlelight went out.

Amidst thunder and lightning, a violent storm swept in.

The sound of rain drowned out the noises inside.

About two hours later, Jing Ni straightened his clothes and disappeared into the torrential rain and the dark night.

No one noticed, as if she had never been there.

The candles were relit.

Lin Xuan, wearing only a thin undershirt, stood by the window, letting the wind and rain wash over his face.

The rain poured down, rustling the grass, trees, bamboo, and rocks.

Not far away by the pond, the yellowing willow branches swayed in the wind.

"The Lin family..."

He muttered to himself, "It would be best to understand."

A strong wind whipped up raindrops that lashed against the doors and windows, and footsteps could be heard outside.

"Young master, are you still not resting?"

The head maid, Mu Qing, stood by the door, holding a candlestick, and called out softly.

"Come in."

Hearing the sound, she gently pushed the door open and entered.

"Why aren't you asleep yet, it's so late?"

His tone was exceptionally gentle.

I was already asleep when the wind and rain woke me up.

Seeing the light on in the young master's room, I came over to take a look.

Mu Qing put down the candlestick and took out an outer robe to drape over Lin Xuan.

"It's chilly at night, please be careful not to catch a cold."

"Open the door."

Yanzhou City

As dawn broke

On the streets, the rain from last night had not completely dried, and a fine drizzle still drifted in the air. A morning breeze carried a hint of chill.

In the alleys of Dongcheng

Two groups of stern-looking guards were knocking on the gate of a mansion. Upon hearing the noise, servants rushed to open the gate.

"What are you doing?"

"This is the residence of Lord Gongcao."

The servant shouted at him.

"Bang"

Immediately afterwards, he was knocked to the ground by a stick.

Dozens of soldiers stormed into the house, tied up the prefectural clerk who was still sleeping beside the concubine, and took all the servants in the house away as well.