Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 22: 22 Thousand Gold to Buy Horse Bones, Teach Internal Training Methods (4 Thousand Two in One)

"You fought well, boy."

Li Cunxiao was startled when he heard the deep voice coming from his ear.

Although he had heard from the old man in the escort agency that the chief escort was protective of his subordinates, he did not expect the other party to be so direct.

He just pretended to blame himself, and then he started to brag about his fists and feet. Isn't this a bit...
However, when Li Cunxiao raised his head, he unexpectedly found that the people around him seemed not to have heard what Zhang Lishi had just said. They just bowed their bodies and looked at Zhang Lishi and a black-faced man in front of him.

Could it be that I was the only one who heard what was said just now? Is it a secret transmission?
At this time, the county magistrate Murong Bai had also rushed over and stood together with the black-faced man and Zhang Lishi. The atmosphere was a little tense for a while. Only then did Li Chengxiao have the opportunity to observe his chief escort.

Zhang Lishi was seven feet tall, with a swan-like jaw and tiger-like beard. He was born strong and powerful, and exuded masculine and powerful energy from head to toe, like a tiger lying in a forest covered with snow.

He wore a five-beamed golden crown on his head, and a red round-necked robe embroidered with tigers in gold thread. He looked magnificent and noble. At first glance, he looked more like a powerful general than a lowly escort.

"Your Excellency, this thief openly committed violence in the government office, attacked officials, and showed disregard for the law. He must be taken to the prison and disciplined."

The black-faced man was none other than the county lieutenant Xie Donglai. He had already checked his nephew's injuries, and the rage in his eyes was like a blazing fire.

Chuqiu County is a small county and there are no magical medicines that can heal broken bones.

Fists rely on legs to move forward. If the legs are broken, the nephew's martial arts will also be broken.

And the thing in his crotch had turned into a pile of mud!
When the man's third leg was broken, the Zhao family's incense was also cut off.

Xie Donglai didn't know how he would face his sister in the afterlife a hundred years later.
Even if this nephew is a beast, he is still my sister's flesh and blood. How can he be destroyed in vain!
"Xie County Lieutenant, your words are too serious. We are all martial artists. Zhao Xiaoyi and my family's escort are also young and full of vigor. How can they be considered lawless?"

"Young people are ignorant and make mistakes for a moment, is that excusable?"

Is it excusable to make a mistake at the moment?

It’s not your roots that are cut off!
Zhao Xiaoyi was trying to hold on for a long time, hoping his uncle would stand up for him. However, Zhang Lishi's words made him so angry that his blood rushed to his stomach, and his crotch turned even redder.

He could no longer bear it, his eyes rolled back and he fainted.

Xie Donglai was horrified and quickly picked up his nephew, wanting to take him away. However, Zhang Lishi leaned forward, blocking their way. He raised his hand and pointed, saying:
"Li Cunxiao, tell me what exactly happened."

"Chief escort, Mr. Murong County Master, thank you, County Lieutenant," Li Cunxiao said respectfully.

"Yesterday, Zhao Xiaoyi came to my elder brother Gao Cheng and told me that my sister-in-law was arrested for suspected involvement with the evil spirits of the Mingzun Cult. However, he could not give any specific charges. He simply asked my elder brother Gao to pay fifty taels of silver to redeem her."

"Today I brought Brother Gao here and gave him fifty taels of silver, but he said he was short five cents and wanted another ten taels. When I refused, he got angry and humiliated my late father by showing off his clothes."

At this point, Li Cunxiao's eyes turned red, his hair and beard stood up, and his tiger eyes were filled with tears:

"As a child, what can be tolerated and what cannot be tolerated?"

"If it weren't for County Lieutenant Xie, I would have killed him on the spot to comfort the soul of my late father!"

After saying this, regardless of whether Li Cunxiao's tears were real or fake, the yamen runners who came over later were silent for a moment, some of them even nodded secretly, only Xie Donglai's eyes were blazing with fire.

You didn't kill anyone, but you're giving me face, right?
Zhang Lishi heard this, his eyes flashed, and he said loudly:
"Oh? In that case, why don't you follow Xu Yuanqing's example?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Murong Bo immediately knew that he would not be able to give Xie Donglai an explanation for this matter.

Since Emperor Taizu established the throne, the people of the country have been tough and martial for hundreds of years, and bloody fights have occurred from time to time.

During the Yuanhe period of the old calendar, there was a man named Xu Yuanqing. His father was unjustly killed by his superior. He finally killed his enemy with his own hands and turned himself in. This shocked the court and the public. The ministers and even the emperor were at a loss as to what to do.

An official named Chen Boyu believed that killing someone was a crime punishable by death, but avenging one's father's death was in accordance with propriety and righteousness, and that Xu Yuanqing should be executed and a monument erected in his honor.

However, another official named Liu Zihou refuted this view.

He believed that Xu Yuanqing's father died unjustly in prison, and that his revenge for his father was in accordance with both etiquette and law. "To be filial and die for one's duty is something that must be understood and taught by reason."

In the end, Xu Yuanqing was spared the death penalty and the people applauded. What happened to Li Cunxiao today is similar to this incident.

Zhao Xiaoyi first extorted money and then insulted the man's deceased father. Regardless of the law and human feelings, Li Cunxiao was right.

If Li Cunxiao was forcibly convicted, the matter would become a big deal and damage the prestige of the county government.

If Murong Bo was just a temporary official, it would be fine, he wouldn't care about his reputation. But he and his family have been here for more than 20 years, and with the coming of troubled times, Chuqiu is his base camp, so he can't lose face.
Of course, more importantly, Zhao Xiaoyi has Xie Donglai behind him, and Li Cunxiao has Zhang Lishi behind him. When both of them have backers, this matter cannot be explained by reason, but by fists.
"It's not time to break up with Zhang Lishi yet."

Murong Bai had a plan in mind, but he didn't intend to show weakness.

"What Chief Escort Zhang said makes sense. Li Cunxiao might just be implicated, but the Gao couple and the Mingzun Cult..."

Li Cunxiao narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, knowing that the other party was trying to manipulate him. The Gao Cheng couple beside him were initially confused to see so many important people whom they would not normally meet. However, since it concerned their own family's safety, they immediately reacted.
"Your Excellency, the County Master has wronged me. My wife is an honest person. She was just greedy for a small advantage and was deceived into going to the Mingzun Sect to explain. She really..."

"Yes, silver," Mrs. Gao also thought quickly and pointed her finger at Zhao Xiaoyi in Xie Donglai's arms.

"I just saw him hide the fifty taels of silver he extorted from my family in his crotch!"

After hearing this, Xie Donglai's face turned even darker. When he actually took out a bag of blood-stained silver from the inner pocket of his nephew's pants, Murong Bo wanted to cover his face and leave, but Zhang Lishi stepped forward and took it and weighed it.

A warrior like him could control the weight of even a strand of hair, not to mention the weight. He weighed the silver in the bag, his face quizzical, and said:

"It's really five points short. Thank you, County Lieutenant, your nephew is extraordinary."

Xie Donglai looked at his unconscious nephew. If he wasn't afraid that he would die, he really wanted to catch this bastard and give him a hundred slaps.

Decades of reputation were ruined in one day!
Seeing the subtle expressions of the yamen runners around him, Murong Bo knew that this was impossible and immediately made a decision:

Li Cunxiao's outburst of righteous indignation was understandable;

The Gao couple were deceived by the evil man and were innocent.

Zhao Xiaoyi abused his power to bully others and was dismissed from the county government office. The fifty taels of silver he owed were returned in full.

Of course, in order to save Xie Donglai's face, no other punishment was imposed - this was not surprising.

After a quick and decisive move, Xie Donglai could no longer stay in this sad place. He disappeared from the county government office in a few leaps. His speed surprised Li Cunxiao. He knew that he could not completely eliminate the problem for the time being, so he could only write down the names of these uncles in his notebook.

The Gao couple finally escaped and were naturally grateful to Chief Escort Zhang. They also told Li Cunxiao to come to their house for dinner later, and then they left supporting each other.

Li Cunxiao naturally followed Zhang Lishi and his group back to the escort agency.

"Li Cunxiao, Li Nezha, Li Sanlang"

Inside the escort agency, Zhang Lishi sat at the head of the table, with the Cui brothers, who had rushed over after hearing the news, sitting on his left and right like door gods. Even Zhang Yuelu was standing aside, holding Zhang Que'er.

Zhang Lishi stroked the celadon teacup with his fingers, as if thinking:

"Honestly, I think that boy is quite good. He's very skilled in controlling Qi and blood, and he's even mastered the Tiger Form Fist. He was able to fight five people at the county government office alone. Do you want to teach him this internal training method in advance?"

One against five? The Cui brothers were all a little surprised when they heard this. Cui Wei was surprised that the other party dared to fight in the county government office, while Cui Yao was surprised that Li Cunxiao had only been on a single escort mission and had never even seen him fight with anyone.

The first time you fight someone, you can fight five people at once?

You have talent.

But this is an internal training method.
Whether to pass it on or not, isn’t it just a matter of a word from you, the chief escort?

Cui Da was lost in thought when he heard this, while Cui Er was somewhat confused. In the silence, Zhang Yuelu unexpectedly spoke up.

"Dad, I think I can teach Li Cunxiao the internal training method in advance."

"Oh?"

Zhang Lishi's expression immediately straightened up, and the two brothers Cui Da and Cui Er on both sides also looked like they were listening attentively.

Zhang Yuelu recalled what Zhang Que'er had just told her and said slowly:
"First, that scoundrel Zhao Xiaoyi behaved inappropriately and insulted his deceased father, so Li Cunxiao attacked him out of anger. This is filial piety."

"Although he had difficulty making a living, he still managed to raise his younger brother and teach him to be well-educated and well-mannered. This is filial piety."

"Secondly, Gao Cheng and Li Cunxiao knew each other from humble beginnings. Li Cunxiao went from being a clerk to a bodyguard in just one month. An ordinary person would probably become complacent after such a change."

"However, Li Cunxiao still remembered his old friend and worked hard for his friend's wife. This is a sign of loyalty and righteousness."

"Thirdly, Li Cunxiao came from a humble background, without access to renowned teachers or medicine. Yet, he managed to break through two levels of Qi and Blood in less than a month. His speed rivals that of the children of the inner city's wealthy families, and today he was able to defeat five opponents at once. This demonstrates both his talent and his courage."

"Such a filial and fraternal person, a man of integrity, courage and strength, should be brought forward in these turbulent times to serve as an example to the people of the escort agency. Of course, County Magistrate Murong will certainly suppress this scandal, so it cannot be made public for the time being."

Zhang Lishi was greatly relieved when he heard this.

He asked this question not only to find a reason to teach Li Cunxiao the internal training method in advance, but also to test his daughter. The answer given by Zhang Yuelu undoubtedly satisfied him.

Filial piety, brotherly love, affection, righteousness, and courage all hit the mark, but not just Li Cunxiao as a person, but the qualities that are needed by the people in the escort agency in the current situation.

Troubled times are coming.

Not to mention the masters, even the porters at the docks can see this from the gradual reduction in work.

When the world is in chaos and heroes emerge, it can certainly be said to be an opportunity, but at the same time, in the cruel competition for survival, human nature and morality will inevitably fall to the bottom.

Zhang Lishi is of course a master as famous as Murong Bo, and his martial arts are certainly first-class in Chuqiu County, but the question is, what about his wife and daughter?

Murong Bai was the chieftain of Chuqiu County and the patriarch of his family. Why did he have to consider the reputation of the county government and not dare to convict Li Cunxiao at will?
There may be a force in the world that can suppress everything, but it is definitely not in Songzhou or Chuqiu County.

In a head-on fight, Zhang Lishi might be able to defeat a thousand enemies at once, but could he also see through the hidden arrows from behind?
The more chaotic the times, the more important the role of people's hearts and cohesion in a force, and Li Cunxiao happens to be such an example, a typical example of a poor boy who met a noble person and was appreciated and rose to prominence.

What's more, Zhang Lishi had witnessed most of the three points mentioned by Zhang Yuelu with his own eyes and knew that what he said was true.

In addition, the other party has a younger brother living in the mansion. As long as we try hard to win him over, he will definitely be loyal to the Zhang family in the future.

As for internal training, the best you can do is to perfect your Qi and blood. If it doesn't penetrate your muscles, you're just an ordinary person, so just give it to me.

Thinking of this, Zhang Lishi gave an order and someone called Li Cunxiao who was outside the door.

"When I took you in a month ago, I didn't expect you to be able to accomplish such a great feat."

Li Cunxiao heard this and felt the gazes of several people. Although he didn't know whether this was a blame or a joke, he still bowed and said:
"Compared to the Chief Escort and the two Cui Escorts who went through great pains to establish the Flying Tiger Escort Agency, dealing with a local thug is nothing."

Zhang Lishi and the Cui brothers all laughed.

"Good boy, I thought you were a tough and violent person, but I didn't expect you to be so smooth."

"But that's okay. Being too rigid can easily break. Sometimes you need to be more flexible so you don't get stuck in a rut."

Zhang Lishi looked at the young man in front of him, looking at him carefully for the first time.

It must be said that Zhang Que'er thought the man was ugly, but this mighty appearance was very much in line with Zhang Lishi's aesthetic taste, so he didn't say much nonsense at the moment:

"Li Cunxiao, you have been diligent since joining the escort agency. You even broke through two levels in less than a month. After discussing with the two escort leaders, I have decided to teach you the internal training method in advance."

"After obtaining the Dharma, you must guard against arrogance and impatience, strive for progress with courage and diligence, and be loyal to your work. Do you understand?"

So this is the inner training method? !
Although Li Cunxiao knew that today's events had left a good impression on Zhang Lishi, he had not expected that he would directly give him the internal training method. His brows were filled with joy, and he did not try to hide it. He bowed and saluted:
"Thank you, Chief Escort! Thank you, both of you, Chief Escorts!"

Zhang Lishi shook his head and pointed at his daughter:

"I do appreciate talent, but if it weren't for my Third Lady saying you were filial, brotherly, loyal, and righteous, you wouldn't have been able to see this internal training method, at least not today."

Zhang Yuelu?
Upon hearing this, Li Cunxiao walked up to Zhang Yuelu without hesitation and also bowed in thanks:

"Thank you for your appreciation, Madam San. I also want to thank Madam and all the ladies in the mansion for taking care of my brother."

There was gratitude in his words, but he didn't have any thought in his heart that "the beauty's favor must mean that she is interested in me".

Zhang Yuelu was also satisfied that the other party had a reasoned approach.

After all, she was a girl waiting to be married, and even though the country's customs were open, it was common for women to show their faces in public.

But if Li Cunxiao was overly enthusiastic towards her and said some stupid things and spread them, it would still damage her reputation.

"No need to thank me. The escort agency's work is to clearly distinguish between rewards and punishments. In addition to the merits and demerits of escorting, we must also judge the right and wrong of human relationships."

"Li Sanlang, keep up the good work in the future and don't let today go to waste."

After listening to this conversation, Li Cunxiao couldn't help but raise his evaluation of Zhang Yuelu to a higher level.

In addition to judging the merits and demerits of the escort's travels, it is also necessary to judge the right and wrong of human relationships. That is to say, even the county government cannot judge the merits and demerits of the escort agency. Rewards and punishments are all decided by the escort agency itself!

These words are both encouragement and a reminder.

You, Li Cunxiao, are from our escort agency. Don’t forget how good the agency has been to you!
What an amazing woman.

Zhang Lishi felt the same way, but besides joy, he also felt some regret in his heart.

If Yuelu was a boy, why would we worry about the future of the Zhang family?

unfortunately
Zhang Lishi suppressed his inner emotions and looked at Li Cunxiao who was about to leave with the Cui brothers. He suddenly said:

"There's one thing you need to know about Zhao Xiaoyi."

(End of this chapter)