The Martial Saint rose to power starting as a substitute bridegroom.

Chapter 84

The next day.

The sky was just beginning to brighten, and the wind and snow had subsided slightly.

The inner city of Linjiang was filled with a post-disaster clamor. The long streets were trampled into mud by the snow, and although the teahouses on the street corners had their stoves burning brightly, no one had the heart to enjoy their tea.

People crowded around the doorways and windows, their chatter boiling like boiling water: "Have you heard? Last night, the Qian family's silver-armored army ransacked the Xie and Cheng families! Firelight lit up half the sky, and the sounds of battle raged all night!"

"Cuiyuefang, Weiyuan Escort Agency, Tianlong Martial Arts School—all were wiped out in one fell swoop!"

"I knew a master of internal energy wouldn't be seriously injured so easily! Turns out Qian Feng was faking illness to lure us in! Perfect, we've caught them all in one fell swoop!"

"Ointments, contraband, collusion with gangs to monopolize trade routes—they've committed every imaginable evil. This time, I side with the Qian family!"

"The Green Dragon Gang got arrested too, serves them right! They've been bullying and monopolizing the market all this time, their retribution has finally come!"

"Where is Xiao Changfeng of Tianlong Martial Arts School? It seems he's vanished into thin air?"

Horrifying news spread like wildfire, shaking the city that had just been ravaged by blood and fire.

Inside the Qingniu Martial Arts Club, the noise was equally deafening.

Last night's earth-shattering events were like a thunderclap in winter, leaving all the disciples unsettled and unable to concentrate on their training.

The crowd gathered together, their faces filled with awe for the Qian family. Overnight, they had utterly destroyed the mighty Linjiang Business Alliance, a force to be reckoned with. Even a script wouldn't dare to write something like this.

Li Yuan stood in the corner, his face showing just the right amount of astonishment, but his heart remained calm.

What he cared about was the Qian family's lightning-fast rise to power, which was inseparable from one important thing—their precious weapons and armor!

I thought it would be a close, protracted tug-of-war.

After the "treasure soldiers and armor" appeared, the situation immediately became one-sided.

What's the use of learning martial arts?

They still could not withstand the impact of the "military formation".

But what if one elevates their martial arts cultivation to the highest level?

Li Yuan shook his head with a wry smile; the future was still uncertain.

Linjiang City is a tiny, insignificant place, like a frog in a well with a limited view of the sky.

Perhaps the answer can only be found by going to a higher martial arts sect.

He had already made a decision in his heart; it seemed that he would have to go to Qingzhou Prefecture.

At this moment, an older disciple leaned closer and whispered, "Junior Brother Li, the collapse of the Linjiang Merchant Alliance is a great thing for us martial artists. Soon we'll be able to buy pills in pharmacies!"

Li Yuan nodded: "Yes, Senior Brother Yu, now you don't need to hesitate about whether to go to Cangzhou City."

Senior Brother Yu breathed a sigh of relief and nodded vigorously. "For a disciple like me, finding a place to temporarily take up a post used to be as difficult as climbing to the sky. But now, things are much better. The power structure in the city has been reshuffled. The cloth shop in the west of the city contacted me early this morning, wanting me to take up a post there. The conditions they offered are quite good. This was something I never dared to dream of before."

If one could live a stable life, who would want to leave their hometown?

In recent days, Li Yuan has been going about his usual routine, shuttling between his home, the Qingniu Martial Arts Society, and the patrol battalion, without fail.

However, he was not as calm as he appeared on the surface.

Why hasn't the notification for joining the Guicang Alliance arrived yet?

According to past practice, it should have arrived by now.

What's even more frustrating is that news keeps coming in from Qingzhou.

"Senior Brother Wu Xiaotian of Longteng Martial Arts School has received an invitation from the Guicang Alliance!"

"Senior Sister Sun Lu of Tiger Might Martial Arts School has received the initiation notice from the Guicang Alliance!"

"Shi Dazhuang of Iron Sword Manor..."

'

Among them were some disciples who ranked lower than Li Yuan in the martial arts exam.

Many members of the Qingniu Martial Arts Society were getting restless.

"What exactly happened?"

"Could it be that something went wrong with Senior Brother Li's invitation?"

"Maybe there's a delay on the way, let's wait a bit longer..."

There were all sorts of opinions.

The way the disciples looked at Li Yuan gradually changed.

Privately, another voice gradually emerged: "Did Senior Brother Li offend someone?"

"Sigh, it's all because of his innate talent. The Guicang Alliance values ​​aptitude the most..."

'

"A sparrow is still a sparrow; it can't fly to the top of a branch to become a phoenix."

outside the city.

A huge fire engulfed all the "Fu Shou Gao" in towering flames.

Linjiang City quickly returned to order.

Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants all returned to normalcy, and the streets gradually regained their former vitality, as if the years of war had never disturbed this city.

Inner city area, Fuqian Street.

A ray of morning sunlight falls on the clean and tidy street.

"Mr. Li, this way please!"

A young man wearing a slightly worn blue cotton shirt led Li Yuan through the streets and alleys with a grin.

This person was none other than San Dezi, the manager of the Qingniu Martial Arts Society.

Upon hearing that Li Yuan wanted to buy property in the inner city, San Dezi took the initiative to take on the task.

He's an expert in business speculation and opportunism.

"Master Li, I never imagined that in just over a month you would become a martial arts master." San Dezi said with a fawning smile, sincerely expressing his admiration, "Truly, heroes emerge from among the young..."

'

After winding their way through the alley, the two finally stopped in front of a house deep in the alley.

The courtyard walls were tall, and the heavy, dark wooden doors made a rumbling sound when opened.

"Master Li, look," San Dezi said smugly, patting the heavy door bolt, "both doors have been soaked in aged oil, making them impervious to water, fire, swords, and spears. Even if bandits came and tried to bombard them with a battering ram, they'd probably have to keep going for quite a while..."

Upon entering, one sees that the courtyard is not large, but everything is neatly arranged.

The ground is paved with blue bricks, and not a single weed can be seen in the cracks between the bricks.

A small flower bed was built against the east wall, where several rose bushes were growing vigorously.

The three main rooms face south and are arranged in a typical "one bright and two dark" layout.

The roof is covered with blue tiles, the brick walls are grouted with white lime, the wooden lattice windows are covered with brand-new mulberry paper, and the lower half of the windows is polished to a shine.

The door to the main room was open, and at a glance, the floor was made of polished square tiles that were so shiny they could reflect a person's image.

Li Yuan glanced around; this was the fifth place he had seen.

The previous options were either too dilapidated, too close to the city center, or too expensive.

This place looks quite pleasing to the eye.

You can install a wooden dummy next to the well with the pulley in the west corner of the wall; it will be very convenient for practicing martial arts.

"The owner of this house is about to go out of town to do business and is in a hurry to sell, so we've come across this as a lucky break," San Dezi said with a smile.

"How much?" Li Yuan asked.

"Three hundred taels!" San Dezi gestured with three fingers.

Li Yuan's heart stirred.

Compared to the other old and dilapidated properties I looked at before, this price isn't high.

It offers excellent value for money.

"Master Li, this house is located next to the new county government of Linjiang City on the left and the yamen barracks on the right. It can be said to be the safest place in the whole city."

"As you know, property prices in the inner city are skyrocketing, and the surrounding areas are rising too. I had to go to great lengths to find this place..."

'

Li Yuan walked around the three main rooms, as well as the side rooms, kitchen, and storage room, and nodded with satisfaction.

Small but complete.

"Could you ask the owner if they could give us a discount?"

San Dezi lowered his voice and said, "I've already discussed this with you. It definitely wouldn't work for anyone else, but here, hehe, I might as well give you a sneak peek. The owner of this house originally wouldn't sell it for less than three hundred taels. But I did some persuasion, and the owner lowered the price by twenty taels, making it two hundred and eighty! You can't find this price anywhere else in the whole city..." San Dezi said smugly.

San Dezi may not be very learned, but he's not stupid. Rather than greedily pocketing a few taels of silver in "handling fees," he'd be more willing to do a favor and forge a good relationship with this important figure before him.

Li Yuan smiled inwardly.

It's really good that we found the right person to do this kind of thing, San Dezi.

Actually, 300 isn't expensive at all; 280 would be even more reasonable.

Even Liang Sandezi didn't dare to take a kickback.

"become!"

This is the best location in the whole city, the safest place.

With Sister Lan and Old Zhou living here, he can feel more at ease.

Even if the family moves to the Guicang Alliance in the future, this place can still be left to their adoptive father, Gu Laoqi, and his son.

After Li Yuan signed the land deed, he brought Lan Jie'er and Lao Zhou over.

As soon as Zhou Yanqiu stepped into the courtyard, his fingers trembled uncontrollably, and tears welled up in his eyes.

He never imagined that he would one day be able to move to the inner city.

"Yuanzi, you've really made something of yourself."

Lan Jie kept looking around. The kitchen was spacious and bright, much bigger than the one at home. She was overjoyed and even went up to smell the roses. Her smile never stopped.

"Yuan-ge'er, I thought you were just talking when you mentioned buying a house in the inner city. I didn't expect it to be true." She looked happy and sweet.

Li Yuan smiled.

He felt more at ease knowing that the two of them lived in the inner city.

"This house must be expensive," Zhou Yanqiu thought excitedly.

"It's alright, it's alright."

Green Ox Martial Arts Society.

Lin Chong walked out from the backyard.

His expression was calm, revealing neither joy nor sorrow.

"Quiet down, everyone!"

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority, and all the whispers in the courtyard abruptly ceased.

All the disciples turned their gazes toward him.

"Things have been unsettled outside these past few days. As the saying goes, you can't see into someone's heart," he said in a deep voice, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Therefore, all of you must be careful with your words and actions, and avoid getting involved in trouble. Just focus on practicing your skills. No matter what, only those with strong fists will survive."

The disciples' hearts skipped a beat, and they replied in unison, "Yes, Master!"

"Li Yuan, come in with me for a moment." After saying that, he looked at Li Yuan.

"Yes."

Li Yuan followed Lin Chong into the inner hall.

On a grand chair on one side of the inner hall sat a virtuous and dignified mature woman, whose every gesture exuded an otherworldly elegance.

The powerful aura emanating from her was so overwhelming that it was impossible to look directly at her.

This person was none other than Lin Zhong's junior sister, Su Wanqing, the abbot of the Four Symbols Sect.

"This is the disciple you mentioned, not even twenty years old, and already at the Transformation Realm?" Su Wanqing's gaze swept over Li Yuan, and she said coldly.

"That's right," Lin Chong said with a smile, "Li Yuan, Supervisor Su of the Four Symbols Sect."

"This junior greets Supervisor Su." Li Yuan clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

Su Wanqing looked Li Yuan up and down and said, "Your foundation is quite solid. To be able to break through to the Transformation Realm in a small place like Linjiang City is quite an achievement."

Her tone was flat, as if she were talking about something trivial.

But that's understandable.

After a moment's thought, Li Yuan felt relieved.

In such a large sect, even the old man guarding the gate and the head chef in the kitchen must have a cultivation level of at least Transformation Realm.

Lin Chong was somewhat embarrassed, but still revealed a flattering expression, "Wanqing, my disciple is of the purest and finest character, calm and diligent. If she can enter the Four Symbols Sect, she will surely be able to contribute to the sect."

Su Wanqing raised her hand to interrupt him, "Heh, you mean the future of my Four Symbols Sect depends on you, my disciple?"

"No, no," Lin Chong hurriedly replied.

He felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.

After all, the Four Symbols Sect's lineage is the most suitable for Li Yuan to continue his studies.

Li Yuan didn't pay much attention to it when he heard about it.

Even if we can't go to the Four Symbols Gate, we still have the Gui Cang Alliance to rely on.

As for the inheritance of the Four Symbols Technique lineage, it's not too late to complete it later.

"The Four Symbols Sect has strict rules and regulations for recruiting disciples. Given this disciple's natural talent and aptitude... Brother-in-law, don't make things difficult for me..."

'

Su Wanqing spoke calmly, seemingly without the slightest hint of shame for her refusal.

Perhaps, this is how most enlightened masters are.

"It's clear that Li Yuan is a good kid. I'm also thinking of him. With his talent, even if he enters the outer sect, he probably won't be able to keep up with the other disciples of the same age. If he doesn't pass the assessment after three years, he'll have to be sent back to the sect... Forcing him to grow too fast is no different from wasting his time..."

Su Wanqing's words were earnest and sincere, not like flattery or sophistry.

It just sounds a bit heavy.

Lin Chong's face flushed red with regret, but he didn't say anything more.

Outside the courtyard, a brand-new black sedan chair came to a sudden stop.

Immediately following, the resounding sound of heavy boots stomping on the ground came from afar.

Two groups of soldiers dressed in black stepped in first and stood on either side.

The black goose-feather spears on their backs were clearly visible, and the previous noise in the hall froze instantly. All the disciples held their breath, lowered their heads, and remained silent as if they were in a cold winter.

Immediately, one of the figures appeared at the doorway.

It was Qian Yunshu, the old steward of the Qian family.

Everyone was even more puzzled.

How did the Qian family end up targeting the Green Ox Martial Arts Society?

Qian Yunshu's gaze was sharp as lightning as she swept over everyone. She walked steadily toward Li Yuan and bowed, saying, "Martial Arts Master Li, my master invites you."

These words caused an uproar throughout the room!

All eyes turned to Li Yuan.

Qian Feng of the Qian family actually wants to see him in person?

Li Yuan clasped his hands in greeting: "May I ask what brings you here, Martial Master Qian?"

Qian Yunshu smiled and returned the greeting: "The martial arts master only said that you are his honored guest and that he has important matters to discuss. As for the specifics, this old man dares not presume to know."

Who is Qian Feng?

Today, he is truly the number one person in Linjiang City.

And Li Yuan—actually became his honored guest.

Li Yuan's expression remained unchanged; he simply said calmly, "Please lead the way."

"please."

Qian Yunshu turned to the side and extended her hand.

Amidst a cacophony of complex gazes, Li Yuan boarded the large black sedan chair.

The Qian Family Compound was originally the Xie Family Residence, and now it is also the temporary location of the Linjiang County Government.

This place is heavily guarded, and the atmosphere is solemn and tense.

Along the way, one could see stern-faced guards escorting dejected prisoners or carrying sealed boxes of valuables.

"Martial Arts Master Li, this way please." Qian Yunshu bowed slightly and gestured with a smile.

After passing through the courtyard, we arrived at a heavily guarded hall.

Qian Feng sat in the main seat, with a large table in front of him piled with jade boxes, property deeds, silver notes, and rare medicinal herbs—all the enormous wealth confiscated.

"Martial Arts Master, Martial Arts Master Li has arrived," Qian Yunshu reported, bowing.

Qian Feng raised his hand to indicate the empty seat below him: "Sit."

Li Yuan took his seat as instructed.

Qian Feng turned his gaze outside the hall, his tone calm yet laced with a chilling intent: "The powerful and wealthy merchants think they can control everything, but they don't realize that the net of justice is vast and its meshes are wide, yet nothing escapes it."

Li Yuan clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Master Qian's judgment is wise."

Qian Feng withdrew his gaze and landed on Li Yuan's face, getting straight to the point: "Have you received the sect's invitation to join?"

Not yet.

"No need to rush, just wait."

Li Yuan felt somewhat relieved.

Qian Feng came from the Guicang Alliance, so he was naturally familiar with the sect's selection process.

His words reassured me a bit.

"The Guicang Alliance is divided into seven academies. You'll find out once you enter. First, you'll spend three years honing your skills in the outer sect. Once your aptitude, temperament, and comprehension all meet the requirements, you'll be chosen by the head of one of the academies and have the opportunity to be accepted into the inner sect, receiving the true teachings of the inner cultivation method and rising to the top in one step!"

Li Yuan's heart stirred.

It will take another three years of honing the skills before one can truly master the art.

Every minute is precious!

But it seems there's nothing that can be done about it.

"Would you be willing to become a retainer of my Qian family?" Qian Feng asked directly. "Although you have ordinary talent, you are calm and composed, which is rare for someone your age, far superior to people like Lu Qing."

Clearly, he had thoroughly investigated Li Yuan's background.

"Master Qian flatters me," Li Yuan said, remaining neither humble nor arrogant.

Qian Feng took out a gold medal from his pocket, on which were engraved four characters: Elite Gathering.

Li Yuan had seen a similar token with Lu Qing before, but that one was made of silver, while this one was made entirely of pure gold with a subdued luster.

"Only core retainers of the Qian family can possess this token. With it, you can move freely within Linjiang City."

The Qian family now controls the entire city, a statement that is beyond doubt.

"The financial support from my Qian family is something most people would envy. Even if you leave Linjiang in the future, this promise will still stand. You only need to focus on your cultivation and respond when I need you."

Qian Feng's words carried the unquestionable authority characteristic of someone in a superior position.

Li Yuan's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Accepting this gold medal means binding oneself completely to the Qian family.

While it may seem advantageous at the moment, in chaotic times, who can remain unscathed forever?

The lesson of Lu Qing's past is still fresh in our minds. In order to make the news of Qian Feng's "serious injury" seem real, the Qian family ignored this genius under their tutelage, which was one of the indirect reasons for his tragedy.

Who can guarantee that they won't become the next Lu Qing?

"Master Qian, this matter is of great importance. Please allow me a few more days to consider it," Li Yuan said calmly.

Qian Feng's expression tightened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and said calmly, "Of course. Caution is a good thing; the Qian family's doors are always open for you. However... do not hesitate too much and miss a good opportunity."

"Thank you, Master Qian."

"Alright, come with me and see these parasites in Linjiang City!"

Qian Feng's tone was filled with an indescribable sense of pride and high spirits.

Following Qian Feng, Li Yuan entered the backyard.

All that could be seen were rows of cast iron "cages," stretching as far as the eye could see.

The once high-and-mighty scions of wealthy families and their servants are now huddled in cramped cages, barely able to turn around in that tiny space.

Like a homeless dog.

Xiao Yichen, limp as mud, Liu Zhenshan, shrinking in fear... many familiar faces now only showed strange and disheveled expressions.

Xie Yu knelt in the cage, his hair disheveled, his brocade robe stained, his eyes devoid of their former pride, filled only with fear and despair.

When he looked up, his gaze met Li Yuan's calm eyes.

In an instant, Xie Yu's pupils shrank.

Li Yuan?

How did he end up here?

The peasants he once looked down upon are now Qian Feng's honored guests.

Xie Wanyi, who was kneeling to the side, also saw Li Yuan. Her eyes widened, her face full of astonishment, and her heart was filled with mixed feelings.

Qian Yunshu's eyes twitched slightly, and she asked with a smile, "Do you recognize Martial Arts Master Li?"

Li Yuan pointed to Xie Wanyi: "The woman next to her is my friend."

Xie Wanyi suddenly looked excited.

It's unbelievable that I can still hear the word "friend" nowadays?

You should know that many of Xie family's former friends and students, who had been favored and had shown her kindness, shook their heads in dismay upon seeing her in such a state of disgrace.

At this moment, Li Yuan actually...

A surge of warmth welled up in Xie Wanyi's heart, her nose stung, and her vision blurred instantly.

friend.

Just those two words are enough!

But to her surprise, Qian Feng beckoned to two guards and casually said, "Release her."

Whether to release or not a completely unrelated family member is irrelevant to the overall situation.

This was merely a casual gesture of doing someone a favor.

Li Yuan clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you."

Qian Feng smiled and said, "It's nothing, Master Li, you don't need to be so polite."

Xie Yu's body slumped down, and he collapsed into the cage, his eyes blank, filled with endless regret and despair.

But if only we had known this would happen, why did we do it in the first place?

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