Republic of China Era: Entering the Dao through Divine Strike.

Press your temples and Baihui acupoint as you go.

The technique was skillful and the results were excellent.

The tension and fatigue in my muscles instantly dissipated, leaving me feeling completely refreshed...

Li Xin sighed inwardly...

Hongxiu has practiced martial arts for many years, and her physical control is far beyond that of ordinary people. This massage technique is several times more exquisite than that of the professional technicians in the barbershop in her previous life.

After pausing for a moment, Zhuang Hongxiu slowly spoke, getting to the point:

"It was Senior Sister Feiyan who told me about it a few days ago. The Qinglong Chamber of Commerce has been making great moves recently, recruiting a large number of skilled martial artists and experienced bodyguards."

Even many disciples from the Cheng family martial arts school have been hired with high salaries, including your third senior brother.

"In addition, the Zhang family has recruited some bodyguards from the two long-established escort agencies, Yuanshun and Huiyou, as well as elite disciples from several martial arts schools in the capital."

With the additions, there were now seventy or eighty more skilled martial arts masters.

Her tone was tinged with confusion and bewilderment: "Now that the young master is in charge of the capital and you are backing up the Zhang family, ordinary Jianghu forces and local ruffians dare not provoke them at all."

Miss Zhang's lavish spending and recruitment spree seem like an overreaction.

Upon hearing this, Li Xin shook his head, chuckled, and revealed the key point.

"Your vision is too narrow, and your understanding is too shallow."

"A person who does not plan for the future will have trouble in the present. If the Zhang family wants to establish itself in the long term and expand its business, it must not depend on me for the rest of its life."

"Relying on me to protect them can only be temporary; they still need their own foundation of power."

"If I have to step in to resolve every storm and every crisis."

Is the Qinglong Chamber of Commerce a property of the Zhang family, or an appendage of my Li family?

"Her proactive approach of recruiting manpower, building her own armed forces, and securing trade routes was the most sensible and prudent one."

Only by being strong enough to fight and defend can one secure a chance of survival in a chaotic world where various forces are eyeing one another.

"No matter how strong I am, I can't be in different places all the time."

With trade routes stretching for thousands of miles and outposts scattered throughout, crises never give advance warning.

"If we wait until something happens and then try to rush to our aid, it's often too late."

Zhuang Hongxiu smiled, her expression slightly stunned, and said with a smile, "Young Master is still too kind-hearted."

Then he said again:

"Shouldn't we take this opportunity to increase our manpower at Li Garden?"

Today, the thirty-three renowned martial arts schools in Beijing are suffering from a decline in student enrollment due to the impact of the current political situation, and are running out of resources.

Many of the elite martial arts masters and veteran experts in the school are seeking new opportunities.

This is the perfect time to buy at rock-bottom prices and attract customers.

"So that's what you were going around in circles about..."

Li Xin smiled.

He instantly saw through her thoughts.

After all that beating around the bush, here's the point.

Li Xin did not refuse, and calmly agreed: "Okay."

"We have plenty of money at home. You can hire as many as you want, fifty or a hundred, it's all up to you."

As soon as he finished speaking, his tone suddenly turned serious, and he set an ironclad rule: "But the rules cannot be relaxed."

People with good character are recruited first. Anyone who bullies men or women, has a bad reputation, or betrays the family will not be allowed to enter the park.

No matter how strong their military force or how great their reputation, they will not be used.

Chaos is approaching; force is easy to obtain, but a good man is hard to find.

Li Garden was his old home, the foundation of his preaching, and the source of his faith.

We will not allow bad people to infiltrate and create any hidden dangers.

Zhuang Hongxiu quickly and solemnly replied, "I remember. I will definitely check the details carefully with my elder brother and the others, and strictly screen them to ensure that no one is found to be unqualified."

Li Xin closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, fully understanding the current situation.

Hongxiu's caution and eagerness to strengthen her defenses are not unfounded.

The atmosphere in the capital is becoming more and more restless, and the calls for reform are growing stronger and stronger. It is no longer just empty talk in the court documents.

Chaos frequently occurs on the streets, with groups of people gathering to cause trouble, storming shops, breaking into stores and looting them.

Foreigners have shed their gentle facade and are no longer hiding behind the scenes.

They openly incited the people and stirred up conflicts.

Furthermore, they condoned rioters storming government offices and confronting officials.

The seeds of chaos have been sown...

Ordinary people and business tycoons had already sensed the impending crisis.

Zhang Yourong recruiting soldiers and Zhuang Hongxiu wanting to strengthen the guards are both instincts for self-preservation in chaotic times.

“Speak your mind directly, without beating around the bush or hesitating.”

Li Xin slowly opened his eyes, his tone indifferent, "From now on, whatever you see or think about in the affairs of the manor, just speak it out."

"Yes, young master."

Zhuang Hongxiu smiled broadly.

Li Xin paused, then said, "Go and call Xiao Wan here."

"I need to prepare several doses of the Great Nourishing Essence Soup and stock up on the medicinal herbs. The subsequent cultivation experiments will require sufficient medicinal power to support them."

Zhuang Hongxiu acknowledged and withdrew, then quickly went to summon him.

Before long, a graceful figure walked lightly into the study.

Li Xiaowan was dressed in plain, simple clothes, looking clean and elegant.

Her demeanor is completely different from when she first came to Li Garden.

The timid, reserved, and anxious young woman of yesteryear has long since shed her youthful awkwardness.

Now, she has a serene look in her eyes and a calm demeanor.

She possesses a gentle and reserved temperament.

During this period, she devoted herself to medicine and pharmacology, studying medical books day and night to identify medicinal materials and practicing acupuncture, showing a remarkable indifference to worldly matters.

This is complete immersion in the world of medicine, pure and focused.

She looks just like a top student in a school in a past life who was single-mindedly focused on learning.

"Second Brother, you called for me? Do you have any specific requirements for brewing this medicinal soup?" Li Xiaowan asked softly, her tone natural.

She had long since become an integral part of the Li family's way of getting along.

Li Xin looked at her, his eyes filled with genuine approval.

In terms of mental refinement, powerful memory, profound pharmacological thinking, and even the ability to diagnose and prescribe, he actually surpassed Li Xiaowan.

On acupuncture point identification and precise, delicate techniques...

With his powerful physical control, he could easily overpower her.

But when it comes to his passion for medicine, he is far inferior to the girl in front of him.

Li Xiaowan genuinely loved medicine and was fascinated by pharmacology.

He was single-mindedly devoted to studying medicine, healing the sick and saving lives; his heart was pure and innocent.

"You will surely become a renowned doctor in the future," Li Xin said sincerely.

Li Xiaowan blushed slightly upon hearing this and lowered her head to softly thank him.

Looking at her calm and serene appearance, Li Xin couldn't help but feel a sense of self-doubt.

Everyone has their obsessions and passions. Some pursue fame and fortune, some crave power, some are obsessed with medicine, and some are fond of martial arts.

What do I love?

Upon careful consideration, he realized that he did not have any extreme preferences or obsessive obsessions.

His desires were always simple, yet extremely greedy.

All I ask for is my own peace and stability, a smooth life, and a comfortable and carefree existence.

To achieve this freedom, he must become stronger.

So powerful that no one can coerce, suppress, or shake their life.

So strong that one can break free from all constraints, safeguard all stability, and seek a lifetime of freedom.

Step by step, we cultivate ourselves and break through barriers time and time again.

Through layers of transformation... what is ultimately sought is nothing more than longevity, freedom, and unbridled joy.

Upon realizing this, Li Xin chuckled to himself...

Human nature is like this, and it never ends.

Ordinary people seek peace, and once they have peace, they hope for wealth and prosperity.

Having gained wealth and power, he became greedy for authority.

Having grasped power, they ultimately sought immortality.

After one mountain is passed, another one appears.

Desires are endless, and the pursuit never ceases.

In chaotic times, people rush about, but ultimately they cannot escape the four words: fame, fortune, power, and longevity.

Throughout history, kings, generals, and heroes have spent half their lives vying for power and the other half obsessed with immortality.

Wealthy people have always sought immortality, while most mortals yearn for longevity.

Now, he has a path to climb and a grand road to follow.

Then there's no need to pray and dream like people do.

With the remaining threads of meridians and dragon veins in front, and the life-giving character technique at hand, a lifespan of a hundred years is assured...

In this chaotic world, people seek survival, stability, and wealth.

But he can.

Seeking immortality step by step.

…………

Chapter 179 Enhancement, Inner Vision

Upon receiving Li Xin's personal praise, Li Xiaowan's cheeks flushed slightly.

She looked shy, lowered her head and smiled softly, her voice gentle and sweet.

"I'm satisfied as long as I can help my second brother."

"Far from enough."

Li Xin shook his head gently, his tone gentle yet firm, and looked intently at the girl in front of him.

"You have already done me a tremendous favor..."

Daily efforts to strengthen the body's foundation, refine qi and blood, and enhance cultivation require your personal preparation of medicines and soups.

From now on, anyone in Li Garden who is physically weak or suffering from a serious or intractable illness will rely on your medical treatment and care.

"This is no longer just about helping out; you are now an indispensable member of the family."

He softened his tone, patiently guided the girl, and instilled in her a long-term ambition.

"Dedicate yourself to honing your medical skills and delving into pharmacology. Once you have mastered your medical skills, you can open a clinic and help people around the world."