Be a proper Taoist priest in The Condor Heroes

The day after the Qin family's destruction, the morning light in Hezhong Prefecture carried a rare warmth, shining on the bluestone streets. Just as the waiter of Yuelai Inn removed the door panels, Liu Yuru, accompanied by two strong guards, walked slowly towards them, carrying a brocade box. Behind her, servants carried two jars of fine wine and several packets of exquisite pastries.

"Young Master Su, I apologize for disturbing you."

Liu Yuru was dressed in a plain dress, and her complexion was much better than yesterday, but there was still a trace of fatigue between her brows. When she saw Su Yan coming out to greet her, she bowed slightly and spoke sincerely.

"Thank you so much for your great help last night, young hero. It was only through your efforts that we were able to eliminate this scourge, Qin Wanshan. This is a small token of the Liu family's gratitude, and we hope you will accept it."

The brocade box was opened, and inside were ten neatly stacked hundred-tael silver notes. The weight of a thousand taels of silver was enough to ensure that an ordinary family would have enough to eat and wear for a lifetime in this chaotic world.

Su Yan frowned slightly and subconsciously declined.

"Miss Liu, you're too kind. I've already accepted the ginseng, and besides, I have a grudge against Qin Wanshan. It's neither morally nor logically my choice to accept it again."

"Young hero, you must accept this."

Liu Yuru insisted.

"If it weren't for you restraining Qin Wanshan, my father might not have escaped unscathed. This thousand taels of silver serves two purposes: firstly, as a token of gratitude, and secondly, to help you on your journey, young hero. Passing through Shanzhou and entering the Jin Kingdom, you'll need to make arrangements everywhere. More travel expenses will also reduce some trouble."

Su Yan remained silent for a moment, then, considering that he would need money to cross the border between the Mongols and the Jin Dynasty, he stopped being coy and nodded to accept the money.

"In that case, I'll accept it without further ado. Thank you, Miss Liu."

Liu Yuru breathed a sigh of relief and then gave her some more instructions.

"I have already informed the Yellow River Gang that the best cabin will be reserved for you on the cargo ship two days from now, and someone will be there to meet you at the ferry. If you need anything else, please feel free to ask."

Su Yan nodded his thanks, and after seeing Liu Yuru off, he took Xiao Nian'er downstairs. As soon as they stepped onto the street, they felt the completely different atmosphere of Hezhong Prefecture.

The refugees who used to huddle in street corners are now lined up in long queues. Servants from the Liu family and disciples of the Yellow River Gang are distributing mixed grain cakes and rice porridge in an orderly manner. The aroma of steaming food fills the streets and alleys. The refugees' faces are full of gratitude, and some are kowtowing in the direction of the Liu mansion, muttering prayers.

"The Great Philanthropist of the Liu Family"

"Yan-ge'er, look, they have food to eat."

Little Nianba pointed at the line of migrants, his eyes sparkling, and a long-lost smile appeared on his face.

Su Yan nodded, a warm feeling rising in her heart as she watched the refugees wolfing down their food.

The Liu family was indeed benevolent. They took out more than half of the grain from the Qin family's granary and distributed it to the people. The remainder was handed over to the Mongol Ten Thousand Household Office according to regulations. This won the hearts of the people and stabilized the situation.

Shops on the street gradually reopened, and the people's faces showed more peace of mind, no longer filled with the anxiety of the past. With the downfall of the Qin family and the Black Sand Gang, the evil forces in Hezhong Prefecture were eliminated, and a glimmer of light finally appeared in the chaotic world.

Taking advantage of the situation, the Yellow River Gang also integrated the remaining forces of the Black Sand Gang. Lei Hong became the leader of the number one gang in Hezhong Prefecture. The dock and canal transport resumed order, and the number of merchant ships coming and going gradually increased. The vitality of the city slowly recovered.

Back at the inn, Su Yan found a quiet corner to sit down. Just as he took out his iron sword to prepare for cultivation, he heard several men dressed in martial arts at the next table boasting about their battle the previous night.

"You didn't see it! That young hero was incredibly brave, wielding a longsword and severing Qin Wanshan's arm in one strike. Qin Wanshan begged for mercy on his knees, but it was no use!"

"That's not all! I heard that young hero can fly and disappear into the ground with incredible lightness skills. He could have stormed into the Qin mansion on the roof tiles, and those henchmen of the Black Sand Gang were all cut down by him with a single sword strike, like chopping melons and vegetables!"

"And then there's Master Liu, his swordsmanship is like Guan Yu reincarnated, he cleaved the Qin mansion's gate in two with a single stroke!"

Su Yan listened to these exaggerated rumors with a faint smile, offering no explanation. He sat cross-legged in his room, concentrating on his cultivation. With each swing of his iron sword, the wind howled, and his proficiency in the Su family sword technique steadily increased.

Host: Su Yan

Age: 16

Martial arts:

Rank E - Su Family Sword Technique (Mastery, 285/400) [Consumable -25%, Armor Penetration +25%, Pressure +30%]

Rank E - Leap Technique (Perfect, 6/500) [Consumer Cost -30%, Agility +40%, Evasion +40%]

Rank E - Monument Slayer (Minor Mastery, 1/300) [Consumable Cost -15%, Critical Hit +20%]

Realm: Third-rate martial artist.

Last night, I didn't have much opportunity to use the Su family sword technique, so I didn't improve my proficiency much. However, I was able to surpass them by using the Lifting and Leaping Technique first and reach perfection.

After practicing until midday, Su Yan instructed Xiao Nian'erba to stay at the inn, while he himself took the Quanzhen Token and headed to Renxin Hall in the south of the city.

Inside the pharmacy, Uncle Chen had already prepared the household registration and business license, and handed them to Su Yan.

"This is the household registration and merchant permit of the Jin Kingdom. The place of origin is listed as a merchant in Jingzhao Prefecture, which is unlikely to arouse suspicion. Your next stop is Tongguan, a major border town of the Jin Kingdom, where checks are extremely strict. Remember a few points."

Uncle Chen looked solemn and gave detailed instructions.

"Firstly, the situation on the other side of the river is becoming increasingly dire. Once across, we will travel through rural areas. Whether we encounter Mongol or Jin troops, we must avoid them. If any trouble arises, we must present our merchant permit and household registration. Secondly, the city of Tongguan is inhabited by both Jin and Han people. The Jin people are mostly tyrannical, so we should try to avoid conflict. Thirdly, beyond Tongguan, there are even more checkpoints. We must be active at night and hide during the day. Although you are already a third-rate martial artist, you will eventually be outnumbered."

Su Yan noted them down one by one and bowed.

"Thank you for your trouble, Senior Uncle Chen."

Take care on your journey.

Uncle Chen sighed and handed him a small packet of wound medicine and several human skin masks.

"This mask can change your appearance and can help you avoid trouble in critical moments. In chaotic times, safety comes first. If things become unbearable, retreat to Hezhong Prefecture and make further plans."

Su Yan accepted the items, thanked them again, and then turned to leave the pharmacy.

When they returned to the inn, Xiao Nianba had already packed their bags. The two of them had their clothes neatly folded in the bundle, along with the snacks that Liu Yuru had brought. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, carefully wiping Su Yan's iron sword with gentle movements.

"Is everything packed?"

Su Yan walked over and patted her head.

Little Nianba raised her head and revealed a sweet smile.

"Everything's packed, Yan-ge'er, are we leaving?"

"Yes, the cargo ship in three days."

Su Yan carefully put away the household registration and business permit, and then hid the thousand-tael silver note close to his body.

"You might encounter many checkpoints on the way, so be good, don't wander off, just stay with me."

Xiao Nianba nodded emphatically, clutching Su Yan's clothes tightly.

"I understand. Wherever Yan-ge goes, I'll go."

As the sun set, the streets of Hezhong Prefecture remained bustling. The procession of the Liu family distributing grain had not yet dispersed, and the refugees, holding warm rice porridge, were filled with gratitude. Su Yan stood by the window of the inn, watching this glimmer of light in this chaotic world, his heart calm and undisturbed. The grudges with the Qin family were settled, and he had accepted the gifts from the Liu family; it was time for him to continue his journey.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Su Yan, carrying Xiao Nianba on his back and holding an iron sword, boarded a cargo boat belonging to the Yellow River Gang. The oars parted the murky river water, heading towards the south bank, the outline of Hezhong Prefecture gradually fading into the distance.