Republic of China era: A hundred-year-old still practicing martial arts? Is that right?

Bai Yu'er hated Wang Erniang and wished she were dead.

But she hated the world even more.

It was the way of the world that drove me to this dead end.

She sighed softly, "They were all trivial matters. The person is gone, and the matter is over."

Her nose felt a little sore.

It's not because Wang Erniang died.

It brought back memories of those unbearable days in Dog Tail Alley.

She glanced at Lin Ji and noticed that the wrinkles on his face had faded somewhat. She thought to herself:

It's so good to have you.

Liu Qingzhu also came from Gouwei Alley.

Although she didn't interact much with the residents of Dog Tail Alley.

I can vaguely remember the image of that fat woman selling pork, standing on the street shouting and cursing.

She sighed softly.

After all.

They were all unfortunate people struggling to make a living in chaotic times.

Lin Ji casually found a chair and sat down, tapping his fingertips on the table:

"There's something else. This morning, after I left the Tongmenghui, Li Shuwen invited me to go with him, saying he wanted me to accompany him to see an old friend."

The room fell silent again. Bai Yu'er's hand, which was pouring tea, suddenly froze, and the tea spilled out of the cup.

"Are you leaving?"

Shen Jinluan also spoke up to ask:

What are you thinking?

Lin Ji gazed out the window; a few yellow leaves were falling outside the stronghold. He remained silent for a moment before speaking:

"Back when I was just hanging out in the martial arts hall, I always felt that Jiangcheng was too big, so big that I couldn't walk around it all. Later, it was as if I was forced to kill Jingren, storm the consulate, and then I met Tie Muling, and I realized that there are heavens beyond heavens and people beyond people."

He looked away, tightened his long robe, and realized it was autumn and the weather was getting cooler.

"I want to wait until Jiangcheng is completely stable and all the forces have settled down before I go out and take a look, to see if the vast country of China can still be saved, and to see how many people are still eyeing this land with ulterior motives."

The oppressive atmosphere inside the hall was not as expected.

Shen Jinluan, being the most magnanimous, took the teapot from Bai Yu'er and poured Lin Ji a fresh cup.

"It's time to go out and see the world. Jiangcheng is too small a place; it can't hold you back."

Her tone was crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation:

"I've got the Sea Dragon Gang under my watch, and all the manpower at the docks and in the streets has been arranged."

She glanced at Liu Qingzhu with her peach blossom eyes and smiled gently: "The Green Robe Gang is now on our side and has destroyed the Brotherhood, so the gangs in the city won't be in chaos for the time being. You just go your way, we'll take care of things at home."

Bai Yu'er nodded quickly, took half a step forward, her eyes shining brightly, and waved her little fist:

"That's right! I can also help Sister Shen manage the accounts and keep an eye on the stronghold! These days I've been practicing the Qi Condensation and Breathing Technique, and I've already refined my bones. Ordinary savages can't even get close to me! You can go and do your important business with peace of mind. We can all take care of ourselves and will never hold you back."

As she spoke, her fingertips unconsciously twirled the hem of her clothes, her eyes revealing an unconcealable reluctance, yet also overflowing with support.

Liu Qingzhu sat to the side, her voice clear yet sincere:

"Uncle Lin, on the path of martial arts, being confined to one city will only make you a frog in a well. You have this opportunity, you should go."

Lin Ji's gaze swept over the three people, and the heavy feeling in his heart suddenly softened.

He was thinking about how to appease everyone, but he didn't expect them to not hesitate at all.

"Okay." Lin Ji nodded gently, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Then I'll sort out everything in Jiangcheng and then leave."

He looked up at Shen Jinluan, then asked, "Where's Yue Ru?"

"I didn't let her know. The old lady is getting on in years and can't bear to worry all night. I let her rest upstairs," Shen Jinluan smiled gently, her willow-leaf eyebrows curving beautifully. "By the way, Gu Yanqiu sent someone this morning to say that the Gu family from the provincial capital will arrive at noon today."

"Alright, staying in Jiangcheng is indeed not a good idea. It would be safer to go to the Gu family." Lin Ji nodded and gently picked up his teacup to take a sip.

……

As the sun reached its zenith, a commotion was heard outside.

Gu Yanqiu strode in, followed by two stewards in blue robes. They were well-mannered and clearly came from prominent families.

"Grandpa Lin, Chief Shen." Gu Yanqiu bowed and looked at the two people behind him: "The people sent by my family to pick up my mother have arrived, and the car is waiting at the alley entrance."

Lin Yueru had already packed her small bundle and came downstairs with Su Wanning, who was holding a folded cloak.

"Everyone's here." Lin Yue smiled as she walked down the steps and saw everyone, then turned to look at Lin Ji:

"I was thinking of staying a few more days, but you've been too busy, so I didn't tell you and asked them to pick me up in advance. Staying here would only cause you trouble, so you might as well go back early."

"I won't cause any trouble." Lin Ji walked over, his voice softening.

"Take good care of yourself in the provincial capital. If you need anything, send someone to deliver a message back."

Lin Yueru looked up at him, her eyes clear and bright:

"I'm an old man, you don't need to worry about me. But you, don't push yourself too hard. It's important to take care of your health. These girls around you are all kind-hearted, so look after them."

She glanced at Su Wanning and said:

"This young lady from the Su family, Wan Ning, has been keeping me company these past few days, talking to me and keeping me company. She's steady and reliable, a good girl. Please take good care of her."

Su Wanning blushed slightly and lowered her head without saying a word.

Lin Yueru took Gu Yanqiu's hand again and patted it: "Yanqiu is a good child, sensible. When Jiangcheng is more stable, when you have time, let her take you to stay in the provincial capital for a while."

"Understood," Lin Ji nodded in response.

After saying that, there was no further delay.

Two stewards stepped forward and carried the bundle. Lin Yueru, supporting Gu Yanqiu's hand, walked out. At the door, she turned back, glanced at the bundle, and waved.

"Go back now, no need to see me off. I'll write to you when I get to the provincial capital."

Shen Jinluan stepped forward:

"Take care on your journey, Auntie. Remember to let me know when you arrive safely."

Bai Yu'er nodded in agreement.

The car engine hummed, its wheels grinding against the cobblestone road as it slowly disappeared into the distance.

The wind at the alley entrance swirled the fallen leaves, then returned to calm.

The group had just returned to their base and hadn't even sat down when Chen Ziyi rushed in, his face showing signs of urgency.

"Uncle Lin, Chief Shen, Brother Zhao asked me to come over. The Tongmenghui (Revolutionary Alliance) has made plans and is preparing to launch a night raid on the Japanese consulate tonight!"

Lin Ji, holding his teacup, had a rough idea of ​​the reason, but still asked, "Tell me in detail."

"The news of Tie Muling's death hasn't spread yet. Jingmei is in a state of chaos right now, with only some ordinary ronin and assassins left. They have little to rely on, so now is the perfect time to strike." Chen Ziyi took a breath and said quickly:

"Brother Zhao said, 'Strike while the iron is hot, before any of the other forces can react, and tonight we'll take down the consulate to avenge the people who died in the north of the city!'"

He hesitated for a moment before reluctantly speaking, "Brother Zhang has already led his men to probe the consulate's defenses, and the four major families have also expressed their willingness to provide manpower to help. The rest is up to you, Uncle Lin, to decide."

Lin Ji walked to the window, gazing in the direction of the east of the city, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"Go back and tell Zhao Qiaosheng that this is exactly what I was thinking."