In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 380 Hell Has No Gates, Yet You Insist on Entering
The coachman was burly, with a full beard, eagle-like eyes, and an overall air of ferocity.

After the carriage came to a complete stop, Tie Chuanjia jumped down and said to the carriage, "Young Master, we've arrived at the inn."

A response rang out from inside the carriage.

"it is good!"

Although it was just one word, you could hear the warmth in the voice.

But as soon as he finished speaking, another coughing sound followed.

The cough wasn't severe; you could even hear the owner trying to suppress the sound while coughing.

Immediately afterwards, the carriage curtain was lifted.

The owner of the carriage then bent down and stepped out of the carriage.

This man was over forty years old, tall and upright, handsome, and his hair, though slightly curly like Cheng Shifei's, exuded a noble air. The corners of his eyes were covered with wrinkles, showing a sense of vicissitude.

The man's face was slightly pale, and he looked sickly and weak. He couldn't help but cough a few more times as he got off the carriage, appearing quite frail.

If there were any veterans in the martial arts world who had been active for ten years, they would surely recognize the man's identity upon seeing him.

It was none other than Li Xunhuan, the Third-Ranked Weapon Master of the Hundred Weapons Ranking, known in the martial arts world as the Infallible Little Li.

Stepping off the carriage, Li Xunhuan looked up and scanned his surroundings. Returning to familiar territory, he gazed at the familiar yet unfamiliar streets and shops, feeling somewhat dazed.

Tie Chuanjia, who was standing to the side, took in Li Xunhuan's reaction but did not disturb him, simply standing quietly to the side.

It wasn't until the inn's waiter came up to him and asked, "Sir, are you here for a stay or a meal?" that Li Xunhuan came back to his senses.

After glancing at the signboard of the Welcome Inn and then at the waiter in front of him, Li Xunhuan smiled and said, "Let's eat. There should be some friends already inside."

Upon hearing this, the waiter immediately stepped aside and ushered the two into the shop.

Upon noticing Li Xunhuan entering the shop, Fan Sanshan, who had been sitting, immediately stood up and spoke to him, "Brother Li."

Seeing this, Cheng Shifei, who was standing next to him, also stood up, his gaze fixed on Li Xunhuan, his eyes filled with curiosity about the master.

"Brother Fan, Brother Cheng."

Facing the two of them, Li Xunhuan wore a warm and welcoming smile.

After sitting down, Li Xunhuan said, "Something came up and delayed me a bit. I apologize for keeping you both waiting."

Fan Sanshan waved his hand and said, "It's nothing, anyway, the doctor we're waiting for hasn't arrived yet."

Li Xunhuan said softly, "It's an old ailment, it won't kill me for now, it's nothing to worry about."

But as soon as he finished speaking, Li Xunhuan couldn't help but cough twice more.

Seeing this, Fan Sanshan sighed and said, "Brother Li helped me when we were at the border. How can I not repay such a life-saving debt? It's just a pity that my medical skills are not good enough. I am powerless to help Brother Li with his problem and can only ask others for help."

Just then, the inn's waiter suddenly stepped forward and handed a letter to the table.

"Gentlemen, there was a guest outside just now who said he was delivering this letter to an old man surnamed Fan."

Upon hearing this, Fan Sanshan waved to the waiter, took the letter, and gave the waiter ten copper coins as a tip.

After the waiter left, Fan Sanshan first glanced at the envelope, and only after seeing the character "古" (ancient) on the surface of the envelope did he open it and take out the letter inside.

The moment the envelope was opened, a delicate fragrance of orchids suddenly wafted into their noses.

This caused Li Xunhuan to glance at him slightly.

After reading the few lines of text in the letter, Fan Sanshan looked at Li Xunhuan with a smile and said, "Speak of the devil, and he appears. The letter says that the physician will arrive in Baoding Prefecture in the next two days."

Li Xunhuan chuckled, "The letters you sent even carried such a delicate orchid fragrance. It seems that the physician Brother Fan is looking for is also a refined person."

Fan Sanshan smiled wryly and said, "To be honest, Brother Li, this person was found by a close friend of mine. As for the identity of the person, even I don't know."

Finally, Fan Sanshan continued, "However, my close friend is no ordinary person. Since he has agreed, the physician he has summoned is certainly not an ordinary person."

Upon hearing this, Li Xunhuan sighed inwardly.

In fact, as early as when he had health problems, Li Xunhuan had already consulted Mr. Mei, who was known in the martial arts world as "the wonderful doctor".

Even the highly skilled physician, Mr. Mei, was unable to resolve the condition within Li Xunhuan's body, let alone other doctors.

Seeing Fan Sanshan's solemn expression, Li Xunhuan couldn't help but sigh softly and didn't refuse: "Then thank you for your kindness, Brother Fan."

After a pause, Li Xunhuan changed the subject, saying, "However, I'd like to take a stroll around Baoding Prefecture later. I wonder if Brother Fan and Brother Cheng would be interested in joining me?"

Fan Sanshan laughed and said, "I have long heard that the scenery of Baoding Prefecture is full of the charm of Jiangnan. Even within the city, the scenery surpasses that of the two rivers surrounding it. Today, I am overjoyed to be invited by Brother Li. How could I refuse?"

Li Xunhuan smiled and said, "Then I will guide you two to enjoy the scenery of Baoding Prefecture later."

noon.

The November sun was no longer scorching; even when the sun was high in the sky, it carried a gentle warmth, lazily bathing the streets and alleys of Baoding.

The area north of the city is lush with trees and filled with mist, making it exceptionally tranquil in the afternoon.

This place cleverly utilizes the terrain, drawing in flowing water to form a clear pool, stacking oddly shaped rocks to create artificial mountains, and planting pine, bamboo, plum, and orchid trees everywhere, carefully creating an elegant garden landscape where "one can live amidst human habitation, yet be free from the noise of carriages and horses."

Deep within the garden, a grand and elegant villa is built against the terrain.

The villa features white walls and black tiles, soaring eaves, and a majestic gate. The three gilded characters "Xingyun Villa" on the plaque shimmer and shine in the sunlight, making it even more eye-catching.

However, the atmosphere inside the study of Xingyun Manor was completely at odds with the warm sunlight outside the window.

The study faces south, and sunlight shines through the exquisite window frames, casting long, neat lattice patterns of light and shadow on the floor.

The interior furnishings remain exquisite, with rosewood bookshelves, antique treasures, calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and the wafting fragrance of sandalwood incense; every detail showcases the owner's taste and wealth.

Inside the study, Long Xiaoyun, the master of Xingyun Manor, sat quietly in the main seat.

Long Xiaoyun, in his forties, was handsome and dressed in fine clothes, with a slight beard on his chin.

The wealth and power he had accumulated over a decade had given Long Xiaoyun an air of nobility that set him apart from ordinary people in the martial arts world.

His clothes, hair accessories, and even beard were all meticulously groomed, which shows that Long Xiaoyun is very particular about his appearance.

However, at this moment, a thick cloud of gloom hung over Long Xiaoyun's square face.

His fingers repeatedly caressed a jade pendant laid out on the account book, but his movements lacked any leisurely appreciation or playfulness; they were merely unconsciously forceful. Inside the study, there were also two other people present, both trusted confidants whom Long Xiaoyun had cultivated over the years.

The man, who looked to be in his fifties and was dressed in a scholar's robe, was named Xu Jiang and was the current steward of Xingyun Manor.

The other person appeared to be around the same age as Long Xiaoyun, with a slender build and a jet-black longsword in his left hand. Although he was just standing there, he exuded a sharp aura.

It was none other than Hu Bugui, Long Xiaoyun's top expert, known in the martial arts world as "Crazy Hu".

After a long silence, Long Xiaoyun finally spoke, "Have you still not found any trace of Mr. Mei the Second?"

In response to Long Xiaoyun's question, Xu Jiang shook his head and said, "Reporting to the Manor Lord, Mr. Mei Er is elusive. I have mobilized everyone in the manor to search as much as possible, and I have also sought help from the nearby Wushan Sect, Baijiang Gang and other forces, but we still cannot find any trace of Mr. Mei Er."

In response to Xu Jiang's words, Long Xiaoyun slammed his hand on the table, leaving a palm print an inch deep on the surface, and said angrily, "But Yun'er's dantian has been destroyed. If it weren't for Mr. Mei Er, ordinary doctors wouldn't be able to heal his dantian injury. Does that mean Yun'er will be a cripple from now on?"

Faced with Long Xiaoyun's question, Xu Jiang hesitated for a moment before replying, "How about we try the method suggested by that Master He of the Five Poisons Sect?"

Upon hearing Xu Jiang's words, Long Xiaoyun's expression froze, then he gritted his teeth and said, "He Baiyao's method is to find a martial artist who has reached the Qi Condensation Realm and sacrifice all his own power to reshape Yun'er's dantian. Where am I supposed to find such a master?"

"He Baiyao's method is pure nonsense."

Within the entire Xingyun Manor, even Hu Bugui, the strongest among them, had only reached the Qi Condensation stage in internal energy cultivation.

Although Long Xiaoyun is the master of the manor, his own internal energy cultivation level is only at the level of returning to the innate stage.

On a regular basis, the only people they could come into contact with were second- or third-rate forces or some martial artists who had condensed their Qi into Yuan.

Those martial artists who have reached the level of Condensing Yuan Qi are simply not people that Long Xiaoyun is qualified to know.

Just then, a servant hurried to the courtyard gate and bowed, saying, "Reporting to the master, news has come from the city."

Upon seeing this, Xu Jiang, who was inside the house, quickly went outside.

Upon returning inside, Xu Jiang spoke fluently, "Master, someone saw Li Xunhuan in Baoding Prefecture."

"Li Xunhuan?"

Upon hearing this, Long Xiaoyun immediately stood up as if on fire.

Then, Long Xiaoyun's expression kept changing as he stood up.

The fear and resentment in his eyes continued to intertwine and expand.

More than a decade ago, Long Xiaoyun rescued Li Xunhuan, who was being ambushed, and painstakingly healed his injuries before escorting him home.

During the process, Long Xiaoyun and Li Xunhuan became sworn brothers.

It was after meeting Li Xunhuan that Long Xiaoyun met Li Xunhuan's cousin, Lin Shiyin, and even fell seriously ill from lovesickness for her.

To repay Long Xiaoyun's kindness and for the sake of brotherhood, Li Xunhuan deliberately indulged in debauchery and created opportunities for the two to spend time together. He then gave Lin Shiyin to Long Xiaoyun and gifted his family's property and the Li Garden to Long Xiaoyun and Lin Shiyin as a wedding present.

The original Li Garden was renamed "Xingyun Manor" by Long Xiaoyun.

It was also thanks to Li Xunhuan's family fortune that Long Xiaoyun was able to continuously expand his power over the years, until he finally took control of the entire Baoding Prefecture.

However, as time went by, Li Xunhuan's willingness to relinquish his wife and family fortune earned him widespread acclaim. Long Xiaoyun, on the other hand, was branded with shame because of Li Xunhuan's actions.

Even though his friends in the martial arts world outwardly showed great respect to Long Xiaoyun, they secretly used this moment as a source of amusement to ridicule him.

Besides, what Long Xiaoyun found most unbearable was that even Lin Shiyin, who had married him and given birth to Long Xiaoyun, still couldn't forget Li Xunhuan.

Therefore, as time went by, Long Xiaoyun's hatred for Li Xunhuan grew deeper and deeper.

However, over the years, Li Xunhuan has disappeared without a trace, and no one knows where he is.

In addition, Li Xunhuan was already a top-notch master in the world more than a decade ago.

His flying daggers never missed their mark, inspiring fear in all who beheld them.

Even if Long Xiaoyun harbored hatred for Li Xunhuan, he dared not send anyone to inquire about him unless Li Xunhuan returned to Baoding Prefecture.

Therefore, upon learning that Li Xunhuan had returned to Baoding Prefecture, Long Xiaoyun became fearful.

I fear that with his current status, Xingyun Manor will be taken back by Li Xunhuan.

She was also afraid that her bedmate would return to Li Xunhuan's embrace.

He fears that everything he has now will be gone.

For a moment, Long Xiaoyun's hands and feet turned cold from the anxiety of losing what he was feeling.

Long Xiaoyun only came to his senses when he heard Xu Jiang's shouts repeatedly.

Looking at Xu Jiang with a slightly confused expression, he asked, "What did you just say?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Jiang quickly said, "As I just mentioned, isn't Li Xunhuan a master of the Qi Condensation Realm? Li Xunhuan is the sworn brother of the Master and also a relative of the woman. If Li Xunhuan is willing to help, he will surely be able to help the young master rebuild his dantian."

Upon hearing this, Long Xiaoyun was taken aback for a moment, then immediately understood Xu Jiang's meaning, and his eyes lit up.

If it were any other experts who had condensed their Qi into Qi, Long Xiaoyun would absolutely not dare to use any underhanded tactics.

But Li Xunhuan was different.

As Li Xunhuan's sworn brother, Long Xiaoyun knew Li Xunhuan's character and his pedantry well.

For the sake of so-called friendship, he was even willing to give up his childhood sweetheart, Lin Shiyin, and his family business, which speaks volumes.

The saying "A gentleman deceives others with integrity" is absolutely perfect for Li Xunhuan.

However, thinking of Li Xunhuan's strength, Long Xiaoyun's heart jumped again.

“No, if we’re going to do it, we have to make sure it’s foolproof. Li Xunhuan may be pedantic, but he’s not stupid. If he knew what happened to Xiaoyun, he would never be willing to give up his martial arts skills for her.”

"Unless there is a better opportunity or reason."

With thoughts flashing through his mind, Long Xiaoyun said to Xu Jiang, "You should immediately prepare your horse and go to the branch of the Five Poisons Sect in the city. Have the branch's leader, Liu, send a message by carrier pigeon to He Baiyao of Five Poisons Ridge. Tell him that there is a handsome man in Baoding Prefecture that the Great Joyful Bodhisattva will surely like, and ask her to set off for Baoding Prefecture immediately."

As if guessing Long Xiaoyun's purpose, Xu Jiang nodded in agreement and immediately turned to leave.

Looking in the direction Xu Jiang left, Long Xiaoyun sneered at the note on the table, his eyes filled with a chilling intent.

"Hell has no gates, yet you insist on entering. Li Xunhuan, since you left, why did you come back?"

(End of this chapter)