I'm seventy years old this year, and you want me to have many children and much happiness?

Xu Wanshan's chin hit the deck.

The excruciating pain in his leg felt like he had been bitten hard by some kind of ferocious beast with sharp teeth.

At that moment, Xu Wanshan was in excruciating pain and let out a heart-wrenching scream.

"No...don't kill me..."

"Lu Xuan...aren't you the Huang family's stable boy? I have a way, I have a way to free you from slavery..."

"Please don't kill me. From now on, in Wuling County, I will only obey you... I will never have any disloyalty..."

"Killing me won't do you any good... I have powerful backers... people you can't afford to mess with!"

Xu Wanshan attempted to beg for mercy from Lu Xuan.

But the next moment, Lu Xuan flicked his whip and shattered Xu Wanshan's head.

Most of the skull flew off.

Xu Wanshan eventually became a corpse.

Lu Xuan didn't hear a word Xu Wanshan said.

He was long past the age where he would listen attentively to the enemy's dying words.

Since they're all going to die anyway, what's the point of keeping them alive? Just kill them.

Besides Xu Wanshan, the other two were also killed by Lu Xuan.

Only after seeing that all the enemies had been killed did Chu Xiao finally feel completely relieved.

He spat out a poison pill sealed with wax paper that he had been holding in his mouth.

This was her last resort to preserve her dignity.

She knew that if she were to fall into the hands of Xu Wanshan and his men alive, it would be a fate worse than death, so she decided to end her own life instead.

Unexpectedly, Lu Xuan made a move at the crucial moment.

"Congratulations, Lord Chu, on solving this bizarre case..."

Lu Xuan bowed to Chu Xiao.

Upon hearing Lu Xuan's words, Chu Xiao understood what Lu Xuan meant.

Do not reveal his identity.

If Lu Xuan wanted to reveal his strength, he would have already made his move. With his skills, he would likely shine in many places, and while he might not rise to great heights, he would certainly enjoy endless wealth and honor.

"I understand."

"Thank you so much, Senior Lu, for saving my life."

Chu Xiao bowed to Lu Xuan.

That's the good thing about smart people; they don't need much guidance.

From the moment he made his move, he swiftly killed the strongest fighter, Little Mustache. Although Little Mustache was restrained, unexpected events could still occur.

Lu Xuan was the first to name and kill them.

Then they pretended that reinforcements were coming and launched a strong attack.

Chu Xiao admired her for her decisive and ruthless actions, as well as her ability to deal with enemies.

Given that Lu Xuan's strength is clearly superior to Chu Xiao's, it is entirely appropriate for Chu Xiao to call him a senior.

"I wonder how Old Yan is doing."

Chu Xiao looked at the dim river surface; Yan Shiba had long since disappeared.

"He is a martial artist, and although he is injured, the mere river water cannot harm him."

"I just wonder if there are any strange beasts in this water..."

Lu Xuan looked around with great curiosity.

The dark water surface was dotted with white ripples.

Since there are martial arts masters in this world who can move mountains and fill seas, it is quite normal for there to be one or two strange beasts that can cut off the flow of a river in one gulp.

"This river is called Chanjiang. The spiritual energy content in Chanjiang is insufficient, so even if there are strange beasts, they will not come to such a place. There is no need to worry about that."

Chu Xiao said with a smile.

Then he looked at Lu Xuan with great curiosity.

"With your strength, why would you settle for a small family like the Huang family? The world is vast, and there's potential everywhere... Could it be that you truly enjoy raising horses?"

"Of course... it's fine if you don't want to talk about it, senior."

Although Chu Xiao knew that this was a bit too much of a prying into other people's secrets, she couldn't help but be curious and still mustered up her courage to ask.

Upon hearing Chu Xiao's words, Lu Xuan's mind immediately shifted.

Then he said.

"It's not some huge secret."

"When I was young, I was tracking down an enemy and later discovered some clues that were related to the Huang family, so I hid among them."

Have you ever heard of the Blood Mist Cult?

Lu Xuan countered with a question.

Blood Mother Cult?

She was a member of the Fengwu Hall, how could she not have heard of the Blood Mother Cult?

It is said that the Blood Mistress Cult has a vast and deeply hidden influence, and the things they do are all heinous and immoral. It is a pity that the imperial court does not have the resources to deal with these people of the Blood Mistress Cult at present, but can only try to stop the Blood Mistress Cult as much as possible.

But if we can find clues about the Blood Mother Cult.

They, the Fengwu Hall, will absolutely not tolerate this.

"The Blood Vajra Cult is one of the three major heretical cults within the dynasty's borders, poisoning countless people and already on the Fengwu Hall's kill list... Could it be that the Huang family is actually related to the Blood Vajra Cult?"

Chu Xiao's almond-shaped eyes widened.

Lu Xuan nodded.

"However, I'm still investigating, so let's not alert them yet."

Chu Xiao understood Lu Xuan's words. Just now, she had been thinking about whether to mobilize the power of Fengwu Hall to take down the Huang family directly.

But wouldn't that destroy Lu Xuan's years of hiding?

"Senior, this is my communication talisman. Since you have your own method, then we will follow your method. However, if you need anything, you can send me a message, and I will do my duty."

Chu Xiao said in a low voice.

Although Lu Xuan is old, after practicing martial arts recently, his face has regained some of his former handsomeness, and even his eyes have become more spirited, especially after his identity as a martial artist was revealed.

Even a young girl like Chu Xiao couldn't help but fall for such a powerful and charming elder.

"Hehe, in that case, thank you very much."

Lu Xuan accepted Chu Xiao's communication talisman.

Even a casual touch with my fingertips revealed the girl's soft, cool touch.

Suddenly, Chu Xiao noticed a trace of blood on Lu Xuan's shoulder.

"Senior, are you injured?"

Chu Xiao exclaimed in surprise.

"Huh? Am I injured? No wonder it hurts a little..."

Lu Xuan turned to look at his shoulder, but could only see a trace of blood.

"Let me check it for you, senior."

Chu Xiao took a slight breath and said.

"Alright, then I'll trouble you."

As Lu Xuan spoke, he opened his broad chest, revealing the muscular physique of a martial artist that captivated all who looked upon him.

Because Lu Xuan himself had undergone the transformation of the Xuan Tian Martial Bone, his physique and muscles were something that ordinary martial artists could not cultivate.

However, in Chu Xiao's opinion, Lu Xuan's physique was the result of years of diligent cultivation, day after day, for decades.

"We truly admire the senior's unwavering dedication."

Chu Xiao smiled and said.

Lu Xuan chuckled softly.

He did suffer a minor injury to his shoulder; after all, it's quite normal to get injured in the chaotic fighting just now.

Chu Xiao applied some medicine to Lu Xuan's wound and bandaged it.

Even if Chu Xiao doesn't help, Lu Xuan can repair it using the restorative power of the Xuan Tian Martial Bone; it just will take some time.

The small boat rocked with the waves on the river.

Lu Xuan sat upright at the bow of the boat, pondering the next course of action and what would happen next.

Chu Xiao, surprisingly, leaned on Lu Xuan's shoulder and fell asleep.

For Chu Xiao, this sleep was actually more restful.

Finally, just as dawn was about to break.

The merchant ships also docked directly at the wharf outside Wuling County.

When Chu Xiao woke up, she realized that she had been leaning on Lu Xuan's shoulder all night. She immediately felt very embarrassed and apologized to Lu Xuan repeatedly.

Lu Xuan waved his hand slightly.

"It's alright, Lord Chu is very busy with official duties, please take care to rest more often."

"Yes... I will."

Hearing Lu Xuan's concern, Chu Xiao couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart.

Although Lu Xuan sounds a bit old, that's a different story for martial artists.

If the training method is suitable, a martial artist can easily live to be over 120 years old.

If one's cultivation level breaks through in the future, then one's lifespan will only be longer.

"By the way, if Xu Wanshan is in cahoots with the bandits, then perhaps there are others behind him."

Lu Xuan reminded him.

At this moment, Chu Xiao nodded slightly in affirmation.

"Indeed, the entire Wuling County is actually severely corrupt internally. The reason I came to Wuling County this time is to begin the preparation for the establishment of a branch of Fengwu Hall within Wuling County."

As she spoke, Chu Xiao glanced at Lu Xuan.

"Senior Lu, would you be willing to serve as a martial arts instructor at my Fengwu Hall?"

Martial arts instructor?

This is much better than raising horses.

Previously, Chu Xiao had intended to arrange a position for Lu Xuan in the county government office, where he would raise horses.

But that was because Chu Xiao was unaware of Lu Xuan's abilities before.

Things are different now.

"A martial arts instructor?"

Lu Xuan frowned.

"Don't worry, senior. This instructor position doesn't restrict you personally. You don't need to perform official duties. You just need to train some new recruits and novices within the Fengwu Hall."

"It's also flexible in terms of time; I only need to attend for ten days each month."

"The benefits are also quite good. In addition to a fixed salary, you can also receive spirit-replenishing medicines independently developed by Fengwu Hall, which are not available in other martial arts schools."

Chu Xiao spoke repeatedly, clearly wanting to invite Lu Xuan to join.

If Chu Xiao were to establish himself in Wuling County in the future, he would naturally need trustworthy people and helpers.

But Lu Xuan was secretly pondering this in his heart.

When they heard that Fengwu Hall had a secret medicine to replenish spiritual energy.

Lu Xuan was still very tempted.

After all, for martial artists, mastering one or two techniques and cultivating them to the extreme can produce unexpected effects, but spiritual replenishing elixirs require a large amount of spiritual herbs to refine the body, which is the key to improving cultivation.

Even the simplest bone-strengthening powder requires a considerable amount of money.

Over a long period of time, the result will inevitably be a terrifying number.

However, Lu Xuan did not agree immediately, as he needed to carefully plan for the days to come.

"Please, sir, allow me a few days to think about it."

"No rush. I will be in Fengwu Hall during this time. This is my identity jade tablet. You can come to the county government office to find me at any time with this jade tablet."

Chu Xiao handed a token to Lu Xuan.

After Lu Xuan accepted the jade disc, he bowed to Chu Xiao.

"Haha, Lord Chu, you must be tired from your journey..."

The merchant ship gently docked, and then a middle-aged man in a crimson official robe was seen waiting on the pier.

This person exudes a powerful aura, giving off a gloomy, lurking presence, much like a tiger in slumber.

It can unleash a fierce attack anytime, anywhere.

This man was Yang Qinghou, the magistrate of Wuling County.

When Lu Xuan saw Yang Qinghou from afar, he immediately sensed the powerful aura emanating from this man.

"As expected of the county magistrate, this person's cultivation is quite formidable..."

"Most likely... it's at least Rank 2!"

Lu Xuan was secretly alarmed.

Indeed, to become a county magistrate, one must possess extremely strong abilities.

At this moment, Lu Xuan also tried his best to conceal his aura.

Even Lu Xuan kept a very humble attitude.

Yet, one could still sense Yang Qinghou's sharp gaze sweeping over Lu Xuan.

Perhaps it's because Lu Xuan has been raising horses for the Huang family all these years, so his demeanor is no different from that of an old stable boy.

Even Yang Qinghou couldn't find any flaws. After a brief glance, he fixed his gaze on Chu Xiao.

Chu Xiao couldn't discern anything amiss from Yang Qinghou's face either.

It was as if all of this had nothing to do with Yang Qinghou.

"Lord Yang, something unexpected happened on the ship. One of Constable Xu's men became a traitor and managed to unlock the thieves' chains inside the cabin. If it weren't for Constable Xu's intervention, I'm afraid my life would have been in danger. It's such a pity that Constable Xu... sacrificed himself heroically to protect me..."

Chu Xiao said to Magistrate Yang.

Furthermore, during the conversation, he deliberately omitted Xu Wanshan's questions.

Hearing this, Lu Xuan secretly thought it was brilliant.

As expected, none of these court officials were simple.

As long as Xu Wanshan's identity is concealed, the enemies in the shadows will be less vigilant.

In this way, an opportunity arose.

Of course, whether the other party believes it or not is hard to say.

Upon hearing this, Yang Qinghou's expression immediately changed.

"What?! Such a thing actually happened?!"

Yang Qinghou appeared very surprised, followed by a look of hatred.

"This matter will be thoroughly investigated by this government, and we will certainly give Lord Chu an explanation!"

Yang Qinghou said.

"I don't really care, but I just want to give Constable Xu a proper burial. Also, please ask the yamen to take good care of Constable Xu's family. During the fight, one of the thieves escaped, but before he fled, he harbored a deep grudge against Constable Xu. I'm worried that this person might harm Constable Xu's family."

Chu Xiao said, and Yang Qinghou nodded, indicating that he would follow up on the matter.

Lu Xuan listened, hunched over.

After the two finished speaking, he thanked Chu Xiao and walked away alone into the distance.

Just as Lu Xuan was about to leave, he suddenly heard Yang Qinghou call out to him.

"Please wait, sir."

Lu Xuan paused in his steps.

Yang Qinghou walked up to Lu Xuan and patted him on the shoulder.

"The old man has repeatedly helped and contributed to Wuling County. As the county magistrate, I should naturally reward him."

"Just tell me what reward you desire, and I will do my best to fulfill it if it is within my power."