Longevity Martial Arts: Obtain Golden Affixes at the Start

In the past few days, Hong Lang has devoted almost all his energy to cultivation.

Apart from necessary sleep and meals, he spent the rest of his time practicing Hunyuan stance, and the progress bar quickly reached 100%.

At this moment, Honglang's blood and qi circulated smoothly like a surging river, and his body was so full of blood and qi that it was almost overflowing.

Blood Refining Realm, Perfected!

Feeling the surge of energy within his body, Hong Lang felt a greater sense of security and peace of mind.

Now every inch of his bones and muscles is nourished by his blood and qi, making him extremely resilient, and his aura is calm and profound.

"I got a colored affix last time, but it'll probably be hard to get a high-level affix this time. After all, luck is always on my side..."

As Hong Lang was pondering, the door to the martial arts school was pushed open forcefully.

The county constable, dressed in his official uniform with an iron sword at his waist, strode in with two other constables.

The martial arts gym, which had been somewhat noisy just moments before, fell silent instantly.

"What's going on? Has someone committed a crime?"

"I don't know. Judging from their demeanor, this isn't a friendly affair. Even the head constable is here. It seems like this isn't an ordinary matter!"

"..."

The head constable placed his right hand on his sword and announced loudly, "We've received a report that your martial arts school is harboring a Red-Haired Clan spy. On the orders of the county magistrate, take him away for investigation!"

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone's eyes turned to Tanya.

Her striking long, fiery red hair made her stand out in the crowd.

Tang Chen's face darkened, and he shielded Tanya behind him, retorting:

"Officer Niu, be careful what you say! This child has an innocent background. His mother is a native of Qingxi Town, and she grew up there. She has never set foot in the territory of the Red-Haired Tribe in the west. How could she possibly be a spy!"

"Whether someone's identity is clean or not cannot be determined by your words alone. Whether they are a spy or not, we'll find out by taking them back to the county office and questioning them!"

As he spoke, Officer Niu reached for Tanya's shoulder.

Tang Chen's eyes sharpened, and his right leg sprang up silently, kicking Niu Butou's hand. This kick seemed effortless, but its force was as heavy as an iron hammer.

Officer Niu stumbled back several steps, only stopping when he knocked over a long bench.

He was only at the minor completion stage of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, while Tang Chen had already reached the perfection stage of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This kick was already showing mercy.

Tang Chen stood between the two men, refusing to budge an inch. She knew that once she was taken away by these people, it would be as difficult as climbing to heaven to get out safely again.

So-called "investigations" are mostly fruitless trips.

"I'll go back with you!"

Just as the stalemate was at its peak, Tanya spoke up. Her voice was soft, but it was firm and resolute.

"Xiaoya, you..."

"Don't worry, Master's wife, everything will be alright," Tanya said calmly.

Officer Niu gave a signal, and two constables immediately stepped forward, grabbing Tanya from both sides, and turned to leave.

But just as the four were about to leave, Officer Niu suddenly spoke up: "Wait! This man is suspected of harboring spies. He'll be punished as an accomplice. Bring him back with you!"

The person he was pointing at was none other than his master's wife, Tang Chen.

"Harboring spies is a capital offense punishable by death; you won't escape this punishment!"

The master's wife frowned. She really wanted to kick this constable Niu to death right now, but she also knew that she couldn't fight city hall. If she really invited the county magistrate over, things wouldn't be so easy to talk to.

She let out a sigh of relief and followed the four of them out.

Hong Lang was about to step forward to negotiate when his master's wife stopped him with a look.

With his current strength, there's really nothing he can do.

Hong Lang gritted his teeth inwardly. He dared not delay for even a moment, rushed out of the martial arts school, and ran wildly towards the Tang residence.

Master Shen Shan did not come to the martial arts school today; he must be resting at home. The only way to rescue Master Shen Shan and Tanya is to find him.

"Knock knock knock knock knock!"

"Young Master Honglang, is something the matter?" The maid peeked out.

"Young lady, is your master home today?"

"The master left early this morning and is not at home."

Hong Lang's heart sank. He had actually gone out. He wasn't there at such an important moment!

Seeing his anxiety, the maid said, "Young master, why don't you go and look for him in Pear Blossom Garden? Master often goes there to listen to music, he might still be there right now."

Hong Lang thanked the maid and turned to run towards the Pear Blossom Garden.

As soon as I entered, I heard melodious singing coming from inside the building.

He had no time to appreciate the scenery and strode into the theater, his eyes scanning the crowd. Soon, he spotted the familiar figure in a private seat by the window on the second floor.

Shen Shan leaned back on the soft couch, his eyes slightly closed, one hand gently patting his thigh, softly harmonizing with the singing on the stage.

My beloved is far away across countless mountains, my heart is secretly bound to him, yet I dare not speak of it. Though I have a thousand thoughts of longing, I can only express my joy through a gentle song. Spring goes and autumn comes, frost descends, but I do not see my beloved returning, so I lean on the railing in vain. I wish the gentle breeze could carry my words, hoping that you would soon return to this mortal world.

As the song ended, Shen Shan sighed softly, still savoring the moment: "What a beautiful singing style, what a wonderful artistic conception!"

Seeing this, Hong Lang's anxiety turned into anger, and his voice became somewhat hoarse: "Master!"

"Why are you here instead of practicing at the martial arts school?"

Seeing his master so calm and collected, Hong Lang could no longer contain himself and told him about the martial arts school.

After listening, Shen Shan remained calm and casual, saying, "What's the panic? It's just a routine investigation by the government. Once they find out the truth, they'll release them."

Hong Lang was anxious. His master was acting like a child who hadn't grown up and was so clueless!

This is clearly a setup. How could Tang Chen and Tan Ya get out so easily?

Hong Lang wanted to persuade him further, but Shen Shan waved his hand impatiently, looking like he didn't want to be disturbed anymore: "Alright, I know, you can go back now!"

Seeing Shen Shan's attitude, Hong Lang felt a tightness in his chest. He knew that there was no point in saying anything more, so he turned around and left the theater.

He patted his cheeks to calm himself down.

What should we do...? Is there anyone who can rescue Tang Chen and Tanya?

Hong Lang pondered for a moment, then suddenly had a flash of inspiration: That's it! Find Cao Jin! He knows people in the county government!

Having made up his mind, Honglang headed straight for the gambling den.

He ignored Wang Yan at the door and plunged straight into the cubicle.

"Chief Cao!"

"Brother Hong, what brings you here?"

After Cao Jin learned the details of the incident, he immediately stood up and said, "Brother Hong, don't worry. I know Clerk Song in the county government. He is a very righteous person. I'll go and see if he can help."

The chief clerk was an assistant official in the county government who was in charge of documents, files, household registration, and finances. He was a formally appointed official of the imperial court and served as the deputy to the county magistrate, along with the county lieutenant.

Although he did not directly oversee criminal investigations or arrests, he was well-versed in government rules and procedures and held considerable influence in general affairs.

If he were to mediate, things would be much simpler.

Hong Lang nodded, intending to go with Cao Jin.

Cao Jin waved his hand: "There are too many people around, Brother Hong, wait for my news at the gambling den!"

Hong Lang felt like he was sitting on pins and needles in the gambling den's cubicle. Every moment seemed to drag on endlessly. He would get up and pace around from time to time, his eyes frequently glancing towards the door.

About an hour later, the door to the cubicle was finally pushed open. Cao Jin walked in, took a sip of cold tea, and slowly said, "Brother Hong, there's some progress on the matter, but it's very tricky."

Hong Lang hurriedly asked, "Chief Cao, how is it? Is Registrar Song willing to help?"

"I found Clerk Song and asked him to introduce me to County Magistrate Wang. That County Magistrate Wang was obviously a greedy man. He made an outrageous demand, saying he would only show leniency if I asked for two thousand taels of silver..."

"Two thousand taels?!" Hong Lang exclaimed in shock. Why didn't this bastard just rob us?!