031. The Power Dynamics of Sanwen County

With Lin Shan becoming a retainer for the Xiao family, their relationship grew more harmonious. Lin Shan cupped his hands and said, "Brother Xiao, the reason I came this time is because of the matter mentioned in your letter. Since I am now a Xiao family retainer, I should naturally contribute my share."

Lin Shan’s words were not mere talk; one who eats the lord’s salary must be loyal to the lord’s affairs. However, he also had his own calculations. He possessed a gateway between two worlds, allowing him to escape instantly should he encounter danger, placing him in an inherently invincible position.

The task of suppressing the mountain stronghold seemed dangerous, but it also held opportunities. First, the stronghold was bound to contain a significant amount of gold and silver treasures. Second, he had heard from Xiao Xiao that the leader of the bandits appeared to be an expert at the Innate Realm. If he could manage to obtain some high-level martial arts manuals, that would be even better.

From Xiao Xiao, Lin Shan had learned a secret: there are nine realms of martial arts, and the techniques for each realm differ. For instance, Lin Shan’s "Everlasting Technique" only contained cultivation methods for the Blood-Moving Realm; without higher-level techniques, it was impossible to break into the Bone-Forging Realm. The techniques of the Profound Sword Sect, however, led directly to the Innate Realm.

Upon hearing Lin Shan's words, Xiao Qiang nodded with satisfaction, thinking that he had not misjudged Lin Shan—he was indeed a person who knew how to be grateful.

"Lin Shan, before we discuss this matter, I must explain the power landscape of our Sanwen County," Xiao Qiang said, his expression turning slightly solemn. "There are four great families in Sanwen County: the Ding, the Xiao, the Chang, and the Zhao families. Each of our four families has a retainer at the Bone-Forging Realm. We have always been helpless against the Qingfeng Stronghold because we lack an expert at the Innate Realm. Thus, for years, we could only keep sending gifts to the stronghold to keep them from slaughtering the villagers indiscriminately."

"However, recently, the appetite of the Qingfeng Stronghold has grown, and the patience of the county magistrate and our four families is wearing thin. This time, there is an excellent opportunity: the Great Elder of the Profound Sword Sect—Xiao Xiao's sect—is willing to help us wipe out the Qingfeng Stronghold. With an Innate Realm expert presiding, we finally have the confidence to act!"

Lin Shan understood; the Innate Realm expert from the Profound Sword Sect was the true source of Xiao Qiang's confidence.

"Since I was the one who invited the people from the Profound Sword Sect, I will be leading this bandit suppression mission. In three days, the magistrate will host a banquet for the four families and their retainers. You will accompany me then to get acquainted with the people of Sanwen County."

Lin Shan calculated the time; three days was plenty, so he nodded and agreed.

With the great battle imminent, Xiao Qiang became very busy. Lin Shan did not wish to disturb him further and went off to find Ge Yan. Ge Yan’s residence was right next to the Xiao estate, connected by a door, which demonstrated Xiao Qiang’s absolute trust in him.

Before Lin Shan even approached, he heard quite a commotion in Ge Yan's courtyard. Opening the gate, he looked in with curiosity and saw Xiao Xiao sparring with Lin Ping. Both were using long swords, white flashes dancing as they fought intensely. Aside from them, there was Ge Yan and a tall woman dressed in blue-and-white martial attire. The woman stood about 175 centimeters tall and carried herself with a heroic and dashing air.

When Lin Shan arrived, everyone turned their eyes toward him. Ge Yan greeted him with a smile, "Brother Lin, long time no see."

Whenever Lin Shan had been in this world previously, he often visited Ge Yan. Ge Yan had no other hobbies besides a love for alcohol, and for this, Lin Shan had brought over plenty of fine spirits from his own world. The power of technology was truly formidable; Moutai had no flaws other than its price, and Ge Yan loved it dearly. Thanks to this, their relationship had become quite strong. Ge Yan had frequently sparred with him, and with his help, Lin Shan’s combat ability had seen rapid progress.

"Brother," Lin Shan said, cupping his hands toward Ge Yan.

Ge Yan gestured toward the tall woman and said, "This is an elite student of the Profound Sword Sect and Xiao Xiao’s senior sister, Mu Qing."

Mu Qing smiled and cupped her hands. "I have heard much about you, Mr. Lin. Thank you for healing Xiao Xiao."

Lin Shan waved his hand dismissively. "You are too kind; it was just a small effort."

Lin Shan could sense that the aura around Mu Qing was far stronger than his own, comparable to Ge Yan’s, which indicated she was a Bone-Forging Realm martial artist. Yet, she looked no older than Xiao Xiao, a level of talent that was truly frightening.

Xiao Xiao and Lin Ping stopped their sparring. Lin Ping looked at Lin Shan with lingering hostility, though Lin Shan did not pay it much mind.

Xiao Xiao said with a sigh of helplessness, "Oh, can we please stop talking about that? It’s probably the biggest stain on my life. But once my master arrives and flattens the Qingfeng Stronghold, I’ll see who dares to talk then!"

Mu Qing shook her head, looking at Xiao Xiao with indulgence. Xiao Xiao was innocent and lively; after joining the Profound Sword Sect, she had become a favorite, beloved by everyone from top to bottom.

After resting for a moment, Xiao Xiao suddenly looked at Lin Shan and asked, "Brother Lin, shall we spar?"

Lin Shan was startled and instinctively wanted to refuse, but Xiao Xiao pressed, "I know you’ve been pestering Uncle Ge for practice sessions lately, so you must have gained some insights. But you know, you have to change opponents to grow. Come on, Brother Lin, I’ll be your opponent!"

Xiao Xiao seemed brimming with confidence, adding, "But Brother Lin, since you’re just a beginner, don’t worry—I’ll go easy on you!"

Lin Shan chuckled, feeling that Xiao Xiao’s words were not without merit. Sparring with others would surely be a significant boost for him, so he nodded. "Very well."

Before the words had even left his lips, Lin Ping chimed in, "Lin Shan, let me be your opponent instead!"

Lin Shan raised an eyebrow and looked at Lin Ping, who appeared eager for a fight. Seeing Lin Shan’s gaze, Lin Ping taunted, "What? Are you afraid?"

Ge Yan’s nature was such that he avoided offending anyone. Although he had been getting along well with Lin Shan lately, he remained silent since Lin Shan hadn't explicitly asked for his help.

Xiao Xiao, however, was different. "Hey, hey, hey, Lin Ping! Brother Lin has only been practicing martial arts for so long; isn't this just bullying?"

Lin Ping replied with a nonchalant air, "I’ll go easy on him. Well, Lin Shan, do you dare?"

At this, Ge Yan spoke up: "Lin Shan, actually, changing opponents occasionally is quite good. You might want to consider what Lin Ping is suggesting."

Lin Shan’s heart stirred. If there was anyone in this world who knew his true level, it was undoubtedly Ge Yan. Having been with Lin Ping in the Xiao household for so long, Ge Yan surely understood his situation. If he was suggesting this, it meant he had some confidence in him.

"It doesn't matter. In such an open space, even if I lose, with two Bone-Forging experts present, they won't let anything happen to me."

Thinking this, Lin Shan no longer hesitated. "Fine, Lin Ping, please enlighten me!"