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

"This……"

Li Xin was surprised.

Looking at Shen Xinlan, I almost didn't know how to describe it.

Does beating someone up give you credibility?

If I had known this girl had this hobby, I would have definitely challenged her to a martial arts contest back at the Ruyi Restaurant.

However, it's not too late to know now.

Li Xin was deeply moved.

Unexpectedly, Shen Xinlan became even more agitated.

"I have long heard that Young Master Li is proficient in all kinds of weapons, including swords, spears, clubs, and fists, and his agility and firearms skills are even more terrifying to the world."

"I was initially skeptical, but after trying it today, I'm truly amazed."

"Did you come here specifically to test my martial arts skills?"

Li Xin asked in surprise.

"Yes and no." Shen Xinlan threw down her bamboo hat, her usually cold and aloof face showing a hint of embarrassment.

"When we were attacked at Ruyi Restaurant that day, we had already witnessed Young Master Li's skill with firearms and his swift movements."

This shouldn't have been an unnecessary trip. But I'm here today to decide what to do next, so please forgive my intrusion.

"Miss Shen, there's no need to be so polite." Li Xin didn't take it to heart; he knew all too well what these martial arts fanatics were thinking.

They got into a fight over a drink.

They ended up fighting over a meal.

Whether the logic is right or wrong, let's have a fight first.

Whether you can stand someone or not depends on whether you can win a fight.

"But have you already found the trail of that notorious bandit from the capital, Gao Sanchi?"

"Exactly."

Shen Xinlan hesitated for a moment and looked at Zhuang Hongxiu.

"This is Miss Hongxiu, we're family, it's alright."

Li Xin said with a smile.

"Xinlan has met Miss Hongxiu."

Shen Xinlan bowed apologetically.

Zhuang Hongxiu curtsied in return and said with a smile, "I have long heard of Miss Shen's reputation as a 'gentleman of unparalleled virtue,' and her swordsmanship is renowned throughout the capital. Seeing her today, I can see that she is indeed quite remarkable."

"I apologize for making Miss Hongxiu laugh. Earlier, I came with my face covered, but Young Master Li broke through three of my moves with a single spear thrust, completely shattering the Divine Gate Sword Technique that I had cultivated for more than ten years."

In the past, Xinlan was also arrogant and self-assured, believing that she could go anywhere in the world with her swordsmanship alone.

In particular, his ability to counter and adapt to changing circumstances makes him no less formidable than any weapon master in the world.

Only after trying it out today did I realize that all my previous delusions were like looking at the sky from the bottom of a well.

Compared to Young Master Li's "White Snake Spits Its Tongue" move, it's far inferior.

Although his expression remained aloof.

Shen Xinlan's words, which came out like ice beads, eventually showed some fluctuation.

You could hear a slight tremor in her voice at the end, clearly indicating that deep down she wasn't as calm as she appeared.

Everyone else calls themselves the "Unparalleled Swordsman," yet they couldn't withstand a single spear thrust from Li Xin. How could this be?

Li Xin shook his head: "Actually, it wasn't one spear. In that move just now, I combined three spears into one."

First, I used the "White Snake Spitting Venom" move to gather momentum and break your "White Ape Offering Fruit" sword-wielding stance.

Then, using the "Azure Dragon Swings its Tail" move, I will break your "Three Rings Lock Wrist" circular sword technique;

The spear stance transitions from a circular motion to a straight line, ultimately breaking through your "piercing through the forest and striking the leaves" stance, and directly entering the empty gate..."

"Uh……"

Shen Xinlan's expression finally turned dejected. "You might as well have told me it was just one shot."

The three spears merged into one, the spear's shape perfectly round and straight, effectively sealing off all of its variations...

She understood what that meant, of course.

Every time he clashed with someone, he would see through the opponent's next move and then, anticipating their moves, defeat them with a single sword strike.

Because they seized the initiative, they were able to succeed in everything.

This is the reason why she was able to earn the reputation of being an "unparalleled gentleman".

But it was the other way around before.

No matter how he swung his sword, he was completely outmaneuvered.

It seemed as if I were transparent in his presence.

That gun seemed to come alive, breathing and thinking for itself.

"When the Bagua Spear is used to this extent, the skill is close to the Tao."

Shen Xinlan sighed.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. There's plenty of time to spar in the future."

"Miss Shen has come from afar, let's have some tea first, and then discuss Gao Tianyun's matter in detail."

"No need for tea, let's talk on the way."

This person did not leave no trace after escaping last time; their whereabouts could have been determined much earlier.

However, interfering with the Anssa embassy would face too much resistance, making it difficult to directly infiltrate and spy on them.

Therefore, they could only wait for him to make another move, but unexpectedly, they discovered a secret about this person.

Shen Xinlan is a very interesting person.

When she doesn't think much of others, she appears aloof and distant.

But when she truly admires someone, she will open her heart completely without any reservations.

Without Li Xin needing to ask any further questions, she recounted everything she had learned over the past few days.

"You mean, he's involved with a priest, and they're quite close?"

Holding Mass, distributing bread and eggs... and even giving large amounts of food to the poor?

Li Xin's expression was strange; there must be some unspeakable conspiracy behind it.

It feels very incongruous for a ruthless bandit to do this kind of thing.

Even if the church is in charge, it shouldn't be this extravagant.

These days, Li Xin has come to see things clearly.

The church's actions are like boiling a frog in lukewarm water.

They did not distribute food and supplies free of charge, but rather preached doctrines and expounded on the concept of Heaven.

Only when someone is moved and shows an inclination to join the religion will investment and support be gradually increased.

For example, helping people with lawsuits and clearing their names.

There's also the ability to avenge someone and bring them joy;

They might even appear out of nowhere to help when someone is being bullied.

……

Chapter Seventy-Four: Milk and Honey, Pride is a Sin

According to Li Xin's observation, the other party's actions were all very measured.

It's like a hand reaching out over the water, seemingly about to pull someone out, but it just hangs over their head.

To put it bluntly, everything these foreigners do is selective.

Moreover, it gradually penetrates people's hearts, becoming a spiritual support that people can no longer live without.

This is an extremely clever method, subtly and effectively influencing people.

But according to Shen Xinlan, this time the pastor and Gao Tianyun's group were like philanthropists, distributing money and food lavishly.

His actions were rough and direct, a stark contrast to his previous behavior.

It seems like they're trying to turn this into a major business deal.

That's quite unusual.

……

"Besides the priest, are there any soldiers?"

Li Xin suddenly asked.

"Yes, there was not only a squad of over thirty foreign gunmen, but also two knights. They were dressed in steel armor, carrying round shields and greatswords..."

Shen Xinlan tilted her head and thought for a moment, "There should still be some people, they don't look like good people, they're hiding among the refugees."

"You mean, that group of people were mostly young and middle-aged refugees, and there were about seven or eight hundred of them?"

Li Xin raised his eyebrows slightly, his expression becoming more serious.

"They weren't all young men; there were quite a few women among them, but not many children."

Which direction did they go?

"East..."

Shen Xinlan suddenly looked up and realized: "Datong Bridge to the east, oh no, are they planning to go out to sea?"

After Li Xin pressed her for answers, she finally understood.

These people were heading to Datongqiao Wharf, where merchant ships would surely meet them and take them downstream to Dagukou.

"Could it be, as they say, that we're going to that place where milk and honey flow..."

"Fart milk and honey."

Li Xin sneered, "I knew those people had ill intentions, but I never expected them to use such methods."

They don't want people, they want slaves.

Once they reach another continent after setting sail, these people would be considered lucky to survive for two years.

He probably remembered some records he had read in his previous life.

They knew these people who were excitedly following foreign merchants to go to sea.

Actually, it has another name.

That's a piglet.

They are called livestock, but in reality, their lives are even worse than those of livestock; they are tools, machines.

In just one or two years, these people will be reduced to skeletons, dedicating their labor and lives to another continent.

……

Should we expose their sinister intentions?

After traveling at a brisk pace, the carriage slowed down and finally caught up with the large caravan ahead.

Shen Xinlan watched the dense crowds walking along the official road, noticing the hopeful smiles on most of their faces.

She took a deep breath, her eyes filled with reluctance.

Li Xin simply lowered his head, gently put on the red and white [Nezha, the Third Prince] mask, and gently stroked the bright silver dragon spear beside him. "It's no use. When a person is so thirsty that they are about to die, they will drink even poison without hesitation."

"Who will believe us if we just talk the talk?"

"You're going to just charge straight in?"