Advance the future and become a martial saint on earth!

Chapter 96: The righteous Ji Dongjia, the treasure of the land, the Jade Marrow Cold Lotus, will one day establish a foothold in Jiangyin Prefecture

The sun rises and the moon sets, and quietly, a touch of silver frost falls on this small county town at the end of the year along with the bleak cold wind.

Snowing.

As we bid farewell to the old and usher in the new, auspicious snow heralds a good harvest.

Even though the world is tough and survival is hard, people always yearn for a better future.

Even though there is still more than half a month left before the end of the year.

Outside Anning County, many villagers from the hunting villages in the mountain towns had also entered the county market, pulling donkey and mule carts for shopping, along with their families, young and old.

There was fine snow falling from the sky. Children in grey cotton-padded jackets were hanging around in the streets with red ribbons on their necks, setting off firecrackers and making a lot of noise.

A faint feeling of the New Year comes over me.

Ji Xiu brought his sister Ji Wei and officially moved into the brand new 'Ji House' in the west of the city.

He rode the jade deer ahead.

Ji Wei arrived in a carriage after a while.

This place has four entrances and exits and covers a vast area. It was rebuilt from the former Tiger and Leopard House. All the purchased slaves, servants, kitchen staff, stewards, etc. are all old people from the Lin family and are well trained.

For example, the proud old man Yao wore more decent clothes, became a steward, and smiled from ear to ear all day long.

Hong Jiang, who had originally followed him as a groom in Fengyun Club, was also brought over by Ji Xiu and took on the role of the guard coach.

Now, both the people inside and outside the office were old people that Ji Xiu was familiar with, so he felt at ease.

Secondly, when people hear it, they can also say that the leader of the mountain road who lives in Ji's house in the west of the city is a kind person who cherishes the old times and is kind to others, and he has earned a good reputation.

"Boss, the three major gangs used to do loan business. The money houses made a lot of money. Nine out of ten made a profit. They issued hundreds of loans. Although the principal was not much, they rolled it out little by little and made several thousand taels of silver."

"Since you took over the three major gangs' place and turned it into a mountain road shop, the previous gambling house accounts should have been in your name."

"It's almost the end of the year, and we need to settle our annual debts. I'll send people to invite all the men who owe us money to come here, okay?"

Lin Zhenhai was pushed in a wheelchair by Lin Ruyue. After being nourished by the precious medicine, his complexion improved a lot. It should not be long before he can regain some of his former strength.

As a county hero who developed Linzhai and experienced decades of ups and downs.

Lin Zhenhai was able to hold himself high and also to humble himself. He placed all his fortune on this "Ji Boss" who was in high spirits, and he worked very hard.

Looking at the Ji Residence, there were big red lanterns hanging everywhere, and the atmosphere was full of joy.

However, there were a large number of common people being escorted by the guards and warriors. They were gathered together with a nervous look on their faces, waiting for the verdict of their "new master".
Ji Xiu looked at Lin Zhenhai presenting a wooden box, which contained a contract written in black and white with handprints, and he couldn't help but rub his brows:
"The remnants of the Zhonghuang gang from the Lion Hall, Tiger and Leopard Hall, and Eagle Falcon Gang are doing this gambling business. They have caused so many people to owe more than ten or even dozens of taels of silver just because they owed two or three taels of silver. They are truly unscrupulous."

Thinking of Zhang Qing and Zhang Liuzi's sister, and the slums and old streets where he was born, Ji Xiu hated it deeply as he saw people selling their bodies and deeds every now and then to pay off their gambling money and debts.

"Now that I am in charge, I will tear down those gambling houses"

"Then you won't have to pay back the debts, and you can have a good new year."

Ji Xiu waved his hand.

Those plain-clothed men, who originally had gloomy faces and nervous moods, suddenly showed ecstasy, looked at each other, still unable to believe it.

Debt repayment! No need to pay back the money I paid before?
this.
There are some lazy and idle guys.

Hearing this, his eyes rolled around and he wanted to kowtow to the master, hoping that he would be kind enough to give him a few more coins to celebrate the New Year. However,
Ji Xiu did not burn or tear up the debt deeds.

Instead, he closed it again, handed it to Lin Zhenhai, and said:
"Please reorganize the list of names of these indentures and the amount of money owed."

"You don't have to pay back the money, but you have to work to pay it back."

"It just so happens that we make a living on the mountain roads, escorting goods, moving goods. Some of these are hard labor, and we are in great need of manpower."

"The boss is kind-hearted. Seeing that you are all poor people in debt, he will show you a way to survive."

"When you go outside the county, remember to work hard at the hunting farm in the mountain town."

"The boss will provide you with clothes, food and lodging. When the debt is paid off, you will also be given money. You will not be treated unfairly."

Ji Xiu’s face was full of kindness.

And this statement came out.
Except for a very few honest men who were poorly dressed and had no way out and had no choice but to go into debt, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and a hint of joy appeared on their faces.

The remaining 90% of people were all stunned.

We are escorting goods on mountain roads in wind and rain, freezing cold weather, and they still don’t pay us. We need to repay the debt!
What’s the difference between this and asking for money in other ways?
It's nothing more than going from paying off debts to selling oneself to pay off debts!
For a moment, some people wanted to complain, but looking at the strong bow behind the young man and the warriors in the yard.
In the end, they dared not say a word and had to behave themselves and keep their heads down.

Ji Xiu, who saw this scene, sneered in his heart and looked disdainful:
"Heh, what kind of gambling dog is this? I don't know the boss."

"Except for some who really can't make a living, 90% of them are scumbags who owe money to the gambling house."

"I am kind-hearted and am sending you to the mountains to reform, to contribute to my family business, and to give you a way to reform yourself."

"Not cherishing"

"Then I'll use guns and sticks to teach you how to transform!"

Whether in the past life or in this life, Ji Xiu, who has the wisdom from two lives, deeply understands one truth.

That is a gambler and does not deserve sympathy.

If you handle it with care, they will have the same lucky mentality next time.

The gambling house loans of the three major gangs were gone, and Ji modified them into a mountain road business.

Those who cannot get loans will then borrow money from the martial arts schools of the three major martial arts schools.

Rather than not being able to pay the money back when the time comes, he would be packed up by old man Liao Yuanhua and the coaches from the other two major gymnasiums and sent to Dongcanghai, and then transported to Jiangyin via the dock to be used as coolie laborers.

It would be better to first create a starting point for him to earn martial arts resources in the future, the mountain road business in Anning County, and let it shine!

Of course, there are also many poor people who really can't survive.

But having ended up in such a situation, he certainly had no proper job and was insecure from day to day.

Ji Xiu provided food and lodging, and also provided clothing. After the debt was paid off, he also gave money.
If he had just woken up and had encountered such a good thing, he might not have been sold as a slave!

In this kind of world, being able to do this is already considered a kind heart.

"Have a heart of a bodhisattva and act with thunderbolt force."

"This is the chief."

"Besides being young, one is also very careful and meticulous!"

Lin Zhenhai couldn't help but sigh when he saw those obedient men who owed debts to the gambling house.

He originally thought that a young boy like Ji Xiu, who was young and naive, was too proud to count the accounts, so he just wanted to burn the bills with a wave of his hand, acting like a gentleman.

But if you really do that, how much money will you lose?
Lin Zhenhai originally wanted to treat all these lazy people who couldn't pay off their debts as free "house slaves", sell them to Ji's house, and make them work like slaves until every last bit of their value was squeezed out of them.

This is also the style of the rich. If you owe me money and can't pay it back, you have to sell your life to me.

But this boss provides food and accommodation, and only "leases the property on a debt basis". In comparison, he is indeed a breath of fresh air and full of human touch.

At least he gave people a chance to live. If this wasn't the 'righteous and righteous Mr. Ji', there wouldn't be a second adult with such a kind heart in the whole Anning County.

"Only by following such an employer can you have a future!"

Lin Zhenhai felt more and more that donating the Lin family property to Ji Xiu and training Lin Ruyue to be the head manager of Ji's shop was indeed a brilliant move.

perhaps
It will also be the most correct decision he has ever made in his life!
"By the way, Boss."

"The end of the year is approaching, and the bosses of Shibadaoshan Town and Liezhuang are all preparing for the 'mountain sacrifice' to pray for good weather and good harvests next year. They are waiting for you, the chief boss, to come and take the top seat!"

"And the owners of the three major businesses of Fengyun Society have also sent you invitations. As the fourth in command, they invite you to a banquet to discuss the 'county business livelihood' for next year or two."

"The coaches of the three major halls and the great county lord Zhao have also sent their disciples here, saying that you have subdued many powerful dragons in the mountain towns by swearing blood alliances with your military strength, and they are planning to hire you as a 'coach' next year to train the county soldiers!"

"I don't know. Which appointment should I go to first?"

Lin Zhenhai's tone became more respectful.

Prepare for mountain sacrifices, discuss livelihoods, and train coaches!

The heads of the eighteen mountain towns outside the county, the three leaders of the Fengyun Society, and the three great coaches of Zhao Daxianzun, together with the top leaders of all walks of life in Anning County, which covers an area of 500 miles, including mountain towns, businesses, and officials, all encompass them all.

And these people were all very respectful to their boss and gave him enough face!

I have read many biographies of great figures, those with unparalleled martial arts skills, young prodigies, who rose from the county level to the prefecture level, and then to some Taoist school or even the leader of a state's Zhenzong sect.

He was walking farther and farther away, but the heads chopped off by the knife were rolling more and more. It could be said that he was killing wherever he went. Looking around, there were very few relatives and friends left.

He is nothing like their boss Ji, who has many friends in the whole county and is surrounded by people wherever he goes!

"We just moved to a new house, and I have a lot of things to do. I'll put these things aside for now. I'll deal with them and keep appointments in the next two days."

"Before that, I have to go visit my master and Master Huang Yaoshi of Fengyun Society."

"in addition."

Ji Xiu looked at Ji Wei, who was driving the carriage and was a little slower than him, and who was curious about where everything was, and Jiang Li who was following her, and said:
"My lady is safe and sound. Master Lin can rest assured."

"After the New Year, she will go to the capital to pursue martial arts. During this time, your family can spend more time together."

This statement came out.

Lin Zhenhai and Lin Ruyue were stunned at once.

When they saw Ji Wei and Jiang Li getting off the carriage.
He was suddenly excited and still couldn't believe it!

"Like snow!"

"elder sister!"

As soon as the two of them started talking, Ji Xiu came over and gave Ji Wei a few gentle instructions. He then exchanged glances with Jiang Li, who showed a "Lin Ruxue" expression, looking at the two gently, and then passed by them.

Before coming, he had asked Jiang Li for her opinion.

The mysterious woman replied:

"I am a person who lives in another's house, and I must be loyal to him. I am not a heretic, and I should help that girl to end her regrets and return to reincarnation."

"I have accepted this cause and effect."

"What's the harm in pretending to be Lin Ruxue?"

These two short sentences deepened Ji Xiu's impression of Jiang Li, a woman with a mysterious background, and gave her a rough outline.

At the same time, it adds a bit of goodwill.

at least,

A woman who is knowledgeable and has a certain integrity.

It won't make people feel that he is an evil cuckoo occupying the magpie's nest, which is disgusting.

Ji Xiu first went to the Fengyun Society's pharmacy.

Even though he became the boss and was the chief, and was appreciated and respected by all parties, he no longer needed to care about the contract with Huang Yaoshi.

But Ji Xiu still came every day regardless of rain or shine, and personally made Baicao Pills and Quhan Pills for the old man.

Old man Huang was deeply moved, and this time he even clamored to move out of the kiln and go to Ji's house on West Street to contribute more to Ji's livelihood in the mountains.

Backyard, medicine house.

It was still Old Man Huang eating melon seeds while Ji Xiu was making pills for him.

When the elixir is ready and the fragrance of the medicine fills the air
Ji Xiu couldn't help but ask out of curiosity:
"Master Huang, you take these Baicao Pills and Quhan Pills every day, but they only treat the symptoms and not the root cause. One day, the effects of the drugs will accumulate and there will be no cure."

"Is there no way to completely cure it?"

At this point, Huang Xuan's fingers stiffened, his eyes dimmed, and he couldn't help but smile bitterly:

"A cure, of course."

"Back then, I was testing medicine at my master's house and got sick. I haven't recovered yet. Seeing that I was useless, they promoted my mortal enemy to a higher position. In order to recover, I came to Anning County, which is close to the 'Earth Dragon Cave'."

"Because I heard that the 'Jade Marrow Cold Lotus', which is ranked as a treasure on earth, was once born in this mountain path."

"If I can find this treasure, I can cure it completely."

"It's just that the old man overestimated his own strength. The 500-mile mountain road is so dangerous and the treasures are so precious that even the Qigong practitioners are eager to get them. How can I get them easily?"

"At this point, I only have the thought of living the rest of my life, and I no longer have much hope of recovery."

He shrugged, chuckled, and sighed.

It's good enough to have a sincere and hardworking apprentice like Zheng Jun, and to be able to save some money, watch plays and listen to music, go out for a walk, and live a peaceful old age.

Apart from not understanding the remaining recipe of the Qi Dao elixir made with the 'Jade Marrow Cold Lotus' as the main ingredient, he had no regrets.

But even if he could comprehend it, or even refine it, it would be of no use. He doesn't have any earthly treasure, so he would be dead.

After so much time had passed, Huang Xuan felt that he had let it go, so there was no need to force it any further.

Ji Xiu was thoughtful about this:
"I was born in the Earth Dragon Cave, is that so?"

"Don't worry, Old Man Huang."

"You've been very kind to me. Now that I'm the head of these 18 routes, it's only right that I give you some of my heart and soul."

In response to this, Huang Xuan smiled and had already given up hope:

"Forget it. The treasures on earth are precious. If you really find them, it will make your practice more practical. They are real treasures."

"I am an old man, half of my body is buried in the ground. If there is a chance, why waste that treasure?"

"correct."

"The 'Qi Dao Master' who came from Jiangyin Prefecture earlier has confirmed the news and will soon arrive in Anning. I will ask him to refine a foundation-building pill for you."

Wait until you leave the medicine house.

The green-horned spirit deer that were eating happily on the wooden racks on both sides saw Ji Xiu coming out. Their eyes immediately lit up, and they ran over and rubbed against him fiercely.

Ever since it followed Ji Xiu, it had been living a godly life and had never been hungry. Naturally, it was very obedient to its "master".

As Ji Xiu stroked it, the shadow of 'Yuanshi Daolu' appeared in his eyes.

The next moment, I saw:

【Green Horned Deer】

[The mountain spirit was born and raised by the earth, and has practiced Taoism for hundreds of years. It absorbs and exhales the essence of the sun and the moon all day long, and drinks the cold spring water of the spirit pond that is tempered by the "treasure of the earth" all year round, nourishing its blood and retaining the possibility of transformation and rebirth. ]

[If you get the chance, refine the horizontal bone, break through the thousand-year barrier, or you can progress to the dragon species and unicorn species. ]

[Weaknesses: The root of the deer, the tail spine, and the eyes are not tempered, which are the weak points. ]

[Mystery: The blood of the spirit deer can be used as a seventh-grade elixir and a precious medicine auxiliary material. It is very helpful for strengthening the muscles, bones and skin membranes of a warrior.]

[Deer Heart Demon Pill, a spiritual object born from nature and raised by the earth, has no evil nature or blood, and can be refined into a Taoist medicine to replenish the spirit]

Ji Xiu won the position of "Chief of the Mountain Road" two days ago. He went to the vicinity of the 400-li Earth Dragon Cave and hunted four hundred-year-old monsters, which greatly increased the progress of the mountain search.

The reason why we acted vigorously and swiftly, reaped rich rewards, and remained unscathed
In the final analysis, they all rely on the two talents derived from "searching mountains and catching seas", spiritual perception and qi observation.

Among them, his spiritual perception enables him to walk in the mountains as if on flat ground, and to see treasures without missing them;
As for the hope
Just like at this moment, you can see the weaknesses of all monsters and goblins, as well as the complete picture of the gods!
If this is the case, and he can't shoot down the monster, then there must be something fishy going on.

And seeing that this 'Blue Horn Spirit Deer' of his own could reach this state because of drinking the cold pond spring water all year round and absorbing the essence of the sun and the moon.
As for the treasures beneath the ground, he already regarded them as something in his pocket:

"Now that I have established my reputation and position, and have the strength to back myself up, it is time to look for this 'earth treasure'."

"And if the bottom of the cold pond is really the so-called 'Jade Marrow Cold Lotus', I will give some to Old Huang when the time comes. It will cure the root of his illness and repay his kindness for helping me many times."

Ji Xiu thought like this in his mind.

Followed by.

So he went to Duan Chenzhou's mansion.

Originally, Ji Xiu wanted to ask Master Duan to move to his current "Ji House" so that he could ask for advice and show his filial piety at any time.

But I didn't expect that this time, the mansion, which was usually deserted, would become much more lively.

Take a closer look,
Only then did he realize that it was Gu Baichuan, dressed in the uniform of a centurion, accompanied by several Ti cavalry subordinates, and accompanied by Han Ying and Zhang Qing, who was saying goodbye to his master Duan Chenzhou.

As soon as he saw Ji Xiu coming.

Zhang Qing immediately felt reluctant:

"Brother Ji, I'm afraid I can't come to pay you New Year's greetings this year. Master Gu is going to take Master and me to the capital."

Before he finished speaking, Ji Xiu smiled and shook his head, patting his shoulder:

"Going to Jiangyin Prefecture and seeking a broader world is what our generation pursues."

"You can go out. How many people dream of it but can't achieve it?"

"Why act like a little girl?"

"You go on your own. Your brother and I have a great family and a great business. I will take care of your father and sister!"

Zhang Qing was touched.

Duan Chenzhou looked at Ji Xiu, nodded, and couldn't help but signal:
"Disciple, Gu Baichuan is leaving. It just so happens that you have inherited his archery skills and have learned them to the fullest. Please send him off on behalf of your master."

Gu Baichuan had a smile on his face, but when he heard this, he suddenly looked aggrieved:
"This kid has learned all my skills. I don't know how lucky you are to have such a good disciple."

"Ugh!"

"Let's go, see you in the city!"

After saying that, he mounted his horse and went to Anning Wharf.

Since everyone present was an acquaintance, Ji Xiu naturally agreed with a smile and saw Gu Baichuan off for the last time.

He rode on a spirit deer and wore a cloak. He gave Cai Ling'er two days off. Not knowing that she had dug up that grave again, he sent Gu Baichuan and his party all the way to the dock and boarded the sailboat.

I saw the ship setting sail towards the vast East Cang Ocean.
Ji Xiu sighed and looked at the vast waves with an inexplicably deep look in his eyes:

"I wonder when I can break in?"

"Bone Tempering is not possible, it's too weak."

"at least."

"I also need to break through the limit of my physical body, become mercury blood and silver marrow, and enter the stage of skin refining, only then will it be perfect!"

Frost and snow fell from the sky.

But it couldn't cool down Ji Xiu's anger.

And at this time.

In the distance, a gorgeous sailboat was sailing on the water, and just in time it crashed into An Ning Pier.

Before he rode the deer away.

There was a commotion, which made him frown and look over.

(End of this chapter)