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

"Knock!"

"Knock!"

"Knock!"

Inside the study of the provincial governor's mansion.

He Ze looked at the secret letter on the table, tapping his fingers lightly on the surface, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

The contents of the letter did indeed annoy him.

The Japanese dared to detain a wanted criminal on their own; they completely disregarded him, the warlord.

The clues in the secret letter were indeed tempting enough.

The fact that Li Shuwen, a high-ranking official, could be infiltrated by that organization suggests that the identity or conditions offered by them were quite tempting.

If we can capture Li Shuwen and report him to Beiping, it will be a tremendous achievement, and he will be promoted and given a higher rank in no time.

As for the Japanese, autumn is almost over, and they won't be able to keep up their antics for much longer.

Li Shuwen tapped the three characters "Li Shuwen" with his fingertips, a smug smile playing on his lips.

This is a worthwhile deal no matter how you look at it.

The next morning.

Inside the Governor's Mansion.

He Ze stood on the training ground inside the courtyard.

Below are hundreds of soldiers in blue-gray uniforms.

These are real soldiers who have actually been on the battlefield. Compared to the lazy and irresponsible police officers in the police station, they exude a chilling aura even when they are just standing there.

"Commander He, you could have just invited us. Why did you make the brothers practice martial arts?" Jiang Baichuan, a pharmaceutical tycoon from Guanghua Province, and Yan Songshan, a grain merchant from the provincial government, were led by soldiers toward He Ze on the reviewing stand.

"My two gentlemen, I, He, have been in this position of military governor of Guanghua for eight years now. After sitting here for so long, I'm getting tired of it." He Ze didn't turn around, but squinted and said something ambiguous.

Jiang Baichuan hesitated and turned to look at Yan Songshan, not understanding the meaning behind He Ze's words.

Yan Songshan smirked and replied, "There have indeed been some rumors circulating in Jiangcheng these past few days. Those rebels are truly despicable. Commander He, do you have some leads and are preparing to take them down in one fell swoop?"

"Haha, Brother Yan understands me best. Yes, once we get rid of these rebels, I'll have to say goodbye to you two." He Ze still didn't turn around.

"Congratulations!" Yan Songshan cupped his hands in greeting, then turned to the soldiers practicing martial arts below and asked:

"Commander He, what is the purpose of summoning these two here?"

"Haven't you two been eyeing the Gu family's mining and smelting business for a long time? Today, I'll give you a chance to come with me to the Gu family's place, how about it?" He Ze suddenly waved his sleeve, which made a rustling sound as he did so with the force of his energy.

Before Jiang Baichuan could ask any more questions, Yan Songshan spoke up first, agreeing, "Okay, we'll do as Commander He says."

……

In the main hall of the Gu residence.

He Ze sat upright in the main seat, occasionally taking a sip of tea from his cup.

Sitting to his side at the head of the table was a middle-aged man around fifty years old, with a robust build and sharp eyes.

He Ze put down his teacup, took a sip of the tea, and said, "Master Gu has excellent taste. Was this tea a tribute to the palace back then?"

"If Commander He likes me, I'll send some to Commander He's residence." Gu Feng did He Ze a favor by following his lead.

He Ze raised his hand slightly and chuckled, "I'm a rough man used to wielding swords and spears, so I don't know how to appreciate this stuff. I appreciate Patriarch Gu's kindness, but I do have something to ask Patriarch Gu for help with today."

Gu Feng frowned slightly but did not speak.

He Ze snorted coldly: "Gu Feng, the Japanese sent a letter saying that your family is harboring a wanted criminal. Do you admit to that?"

Gu Feng's eyebrows shot up sharply, his gaze landing on He Ze's face:

"Commander He, harboring a wanted criminal is a serious crime. Are you just going to believe the empty words of these Japanese and try to break into my Gu family home to search for them?"

He Ze took a sip of tea and did not argue.

Yan Songshan, holding his teacup, slowly continued the conversation:

"Brother Gu, take my advice and hand him over. Is it really worth it to ruin the Gu family's legacy of generations for a rebel?"

"Exactly." Jiang Baichuan stammered for a while before finally agreeing, "Commander He is doing this for your own good. If it really escalates to the capital, they might confiscate your property and exterminate your entire family."

Gu Feng raised his eyelids, his eyes gleaming, and his aura was fully unleashed:

"He Ze, do you still remember that year when you expanded your army, the Gu family rushed to make you three thousand rifles and two hundred sets of military knives, and even lent you thirty thousand silver dollars to stabilize your military pay?"

"Now you've turned around and believed the Japanese instigation, wanting to raid my Gu family's property?"

He Ze's face turned pale and then red.

He did want to get promoted by arresting Li Shuwen, but he really didn't dare to push the Gu family too far.

Guanghua's military equipment was mostly supplied by the Gu family. If things really turned sour, his army's combat strength would be halved, and the surrounding warlords would be waiting for an opportunity to make their move. At that time, it would be hard to say whether he could even keep his position as the military governor and commander-in-chief, let alone get promoted.

"Fine, very well." He Ze gritted his teeth and sneered twice: "Gu Feng, didn't you want real evidence? Just wait and see. When I really produce it, don't worry about me, He Ze, being impolite to your Gu family."

With that, he flicked his sleeves and stormed off with Jiang and Yan in a huff.

The lobby fell silent again, but Gu Feng remained standing there, his brows still furrowed.

He Ze is a man who seeks profit and avoids harm. Even if he suppresses it today, he will come back sooner or later.

He's joined forces with the Jiang and Yan families; they're plotting to destroy the Gu family.

……

In the valley of Xishan Mountain.

In rows of low, mud-walled shacks.

Li Shuwen finally regained some of his energy.

He leaned against the earthen bed, took out a well-preserved booklet from his pocket, and handed it to Lin Ji. He looked up and smiled, saying, "Uncle Lin, how does the Six Harmonies Spear feel after using it for so long?"

Lin Ji sat on a wooden stool by the kang (a heated brick bed) and poured half a bowl of warm water for Li Shuwen: "Once the spear intent is fully realized, there's no need to worry about techniques anymore."

"It's truly rare to see someone your age with such insight," Li Shuwen sighed.

"Back when I reached the peak of Dark Force, I only just began to grasp the basics of 'Integrated Force.' You, on the other hand, dared to slay a Transcendent Realm expert in the late stage of Dark Force and even understand the principles of 'Secret Harmony of the Six Directions.' I don't need this spear manual anymore; you can keep it here from now on."

"But practicing with a gun isn't enough; you also need fists and feet for close combat." Li Shuwen pulled out a yellowed boxing manual, the four characters "Bajiquan Manual" on the cover written in a powerful, vigorous style.

"This is my famous Bajiquan, which is powerful and domineering. It complements the Liuhe Spear. If your spear skills are strong enough, you can make up for it with fists and feet, and you will have no weaknesses in close combat."

Lin Ji accepted the boxing manual and bowed respectfully.

"Uncle, there are few people in this world with your sense of responsibility." Li Shuwen looked at him, his eyes full of trust.

"There's something I should tell you. I, Huo Feihong, belong to the same organization. We've come together to overthrow this incompetent regime and build a country that cares for its people and doesn't kowtow to foreigners..."

He slowly recounted the organization's philosophy and structure, its strongholds in the north and south, and the conspiracy behind the anti-arms competition.

Lin Ji held the boxing manual, a slight thought stirring in his heart.

Overthrow the old system, establish a new order, resist foreign aggression, awaken the people... Why do these words sound so familiar?

He didn't speak, but simply nodded silently.