Republic of China Era: Entering the Dao through Divine Strike.

If one can eventually open up all the meridians in one's body, condense protective qi, and completely stabilize one's innate realm, one's lifespan will be immeasurable and far exceed that of ordinary people.

This path to heaven has been forcibly blocked, and no martial artist in the world who has devoted themselves to cultivation can accept it.

Li Xin gently exhaled a breath of stale air, suppressing the surging restlessness and resentment in his heart, and his gaze fell on the simple and exquisite little silver bottle in his hand.

This bottle of treasured pure dragon energy originated from the deceased monk, Silver Bottle.

After breaking through to the Innate Realm, improving his divine will, and experiencing a surge in perception, he finally saw through the deep schemes hidden in the Great Snow Mountain for a hundred years.

For a century, the old monk Wuchang of the Great Snow Mountain has been stationed in the important imperial palace, seemingly to protect the court, safeguard imperial power, and maintain stability in the imperial court.

In reality, they monopolize the core treasure land of the imperial palace's dragon vein, secretly stealing the primordial dragon energy of heaven and earth year after year to silently nourish the sect's foundation, accumulate its strength, and expand its disciples.

It is precisely through such secretive and underhanded means that in the Dharma-ending Age, cultivation has declined, martial artists have weakened, and the Great Dao has withered.

Only the Daxueshan Mountain possesses profound cultural heritage, a continuous stream of talented individuals, has stood the test of time for centuries, and remains detached from the world.

No one dared to provoke them easily, and no one could shake their position.

Even a hundred years from now, in that absolute Dharma-ending Age, there will still be some miraculous powers.

It must be said that today's cause will have tomorrow's effect.

Li Xin raised his hand and picked up the ancient silver bottle. He mobilized his newly advanced and pure spiritual power to carefully peel away the dark resentment and evil impurities mixed inside the bottle.

Only the pure, light yellow dragon energy remains, slowly flowing into one's meridians and dantian.

In the next instant, the originally hair-thin innate true energy suddenly began to split, expand, and grow wildly.

One strand becomes two strands, two strands become four strands, endlessly regenerating and cycling to promote growth, resulting in rapid and astonishing growth.

With just a ounce of dragon energy, the meager innate true energy within him doubled, transforming from the thickness of a hair to the thickness of a sewing thread.

The conciseness, richness, and purity have been significantly improved in all aspects.

The effects of this moment of refinement far surpass those of a hundred days of secluded cultivation and daily nutritional supplements.

Li Xin immediately got up, dried himself off, and changed into a clean and simple set of casual clothes.

Stepping out of the sweltering bathroom, I went to the cool, well-ventilated pavilion in the backyard, sat cross-legged, focused my mind, and continued to refine the remaining dragon energy and solidify my new cultivation.

A gentle evening breeze swept away the lingering heat. The pavilion was secluded and quiet, surrounded by a refreshing breeze, making it an ideal place for cultivation, perfect for calming the mind, refining one's spiritual realm, and honing one's skills.

He completely refined and absorbed all eight ounces of pure dragon energy, causing his innate true energy to surge sixteenfold.

The narrow and congested meridians throughout the body were widened, lengthened, and strengthened, and the originally narrow and blocked meridians were all opened up smoothly.

Two extremely hidden acupoints on both hands, which are difficult for ordinary people to detect, are also opened up, making the flow of Qi and blood throughout the body smoother, more complete, and continuous.

Until a slight, dull ache and stinging sensation spread through the meridians, reaching the limit of the body's current endurance, making it impossible to continue absorbing, refining, and breaking through to greater heights...

Li Xincai slowly stopped cultivating, gathered his energy, and stabilized his realm.

He carefully put away the remaining five taels and three mace of dragon energy, storing it securely close to his body...

……

By this time, the sky was completely dark, the last rays of the setting sun had faded, and a deep night enveloped the entire capital city.

As lights began to illuminate the streets and alleys, wisps of smoke rose slowly from chimneys, and the night was quiet and gentle, shedding the heat and hustle of the day.

Li Xin completely suppressed all his murderous aura, fighting spirit, and cultivation energy, becoming gentle, upright, peaceful, and calm, showing no sign of having just experienced a fierce battle.

He walked slowly and leisurely towards the front hall.

The front yard was brightly lit and warm, while warm yellow light filled the entire house in the main hall, creating a soft and cozy atmosphere.

A sumptuous dinner has been prepared, with a complete mix of meat and vegetables, steaming hot, and fragrant, full of the aroma of home cooking.

Master, senior sister, elder brother Li Cheng, younger sister Li Xiaoyue, and others were already waiting.

Li Cheng, the eldest brother, had just returned from his rounds. He still carried the scent of the cool evening breeze from outside. His posture was upright and his expression was calm. Having just finished his shift, he still carried a sense of solemnity and seriousness.

When everyone saw Li Xin enter, they all looked up at him, their eyes filled with genuine concern and heartfelt respect. The atmosphere at the table was warm and harmonious.

Li Cheng immediately stood up, his face full of deep guilt and remorse, his tone particularly self-reproachful and guilty: "Second brother, I will not go out to patrol the streets anymore, I will just stay at home and guard the courtyard obediently."

He clenched his fists tightly, his expression somber and frustrated: "Our home was attacked today. Foreign soldiers and rioters came right up to our door. As the eldest brother, I wasn't home and couldn't protect my family."

Instead, it leaves you to fight to the death all by yourself…

It's the same at home.

Li Xin chuckled to himself.

Looking at his honest, kind-hearted, and highly responsible elder brother, he said with a hint of helplessness, "Brother, don't blame yourself. You did nothing wrong. The house is now well-defended and manpower is sufficient. There's no need for you to guard the house every day."

He slowly explained, "The most pressing and hidden threat in the capital right now is the rampant human traffickers."

Recently, the city has been rife with unrest and chaos. Countless innocent children and young women have been secretly abducted, their whereabouts unknown and their fate uncertain. This kind of thing has never been eradicated…

"Someone has to keep an eye on things all the time. I don't trust anyone else to do it, so I can only entrust it to you."

This matter concerns my spiritual cultivation, as well as the future prosperity of the Li family; I cannot afford to be lax in the slightest.

Upon hearing that this matter concerned Li Xin's path of cultivation and the future foundation of the entire Li family, Li Cheng instantly put aside all his guilt and self-blame. His expression suddenly became extremely solemn. He patted his chest forcefully and said loudly, "Second brother, don't worry! From now on, I will personally lead a team to patrol the streets and alleys of the entire city every day, conducting a thorough investigation of every street and alley, leaving no blind spot. The same goes for the areas outside the city. If we find anything, we will immediately notify you, second brother."

"Okay, thank you for your trouble, brother."

Li Xin said happily.

He's a professional at killing, but saving lives is his top priority, especially saving children. This should be treated as his most important mission.

As soon as the two brothers finished speaking, Cheng Feiyan, who had been sitting quietly to the side, suddenly spoke up, her expression solemn and serious:

"Junior brother, Second Senior Brother Tang Dongliu just sent an urgent secret message with important information."

Her expression was serious, her words clear and distinct: "After the news of your execution of the rioting foreign soldiers and the quelling of the Beijing riots spread today, the man in Wanfu Garden was furious..."

The Great Snow Mountain Monastery, which had remained secluded for a century and never interfered in worldly affairs, was also experiencing unusual activity.

Furthermore, a group of weary monks entered the inner palace from the city gate today.

He suspected that they were people from the Great Snow Mountain.

The situation is getting increasingly unhealthy; we must proceed with extreme caution and be on high alert.

Li Xin's eyes flickered slightly: "I understand, thank you for reminding me, Senior Sister."

Tang Dongliu, working in Prince Yi's mansion, had extensive connections, numerous informants, and excellent intelligence. The secret information he possessed was always accurate and reliable.

However, the authenticity of this message was hard to discern, and he couldn't tell whether his second senior brother was genuinely tipping him off out of consideration for their fellow disciples.

Or was it that the other party deliberately leaked the information to test his true strength and capabilities?

The fact that the Great Snow Mountain, which had remained aloof and secluded for a century, never getting involved in the conflicts between the imperial court and the martial arts world, has suddenly become active again speaks volumes.

Even he himself wouldn't believe it if you said it wasn't directed at him.

....................................

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Chapter 187 Different Paths, Challenges

The next morning, as dawn broke and a light mist enveloped the sky.

Outside the vermilion gate of Li Garden, two figures walked slowly through the morning dew.

The leader was dressed in a plain-colored long robe. He had a slender and elegant figure, stern and cold eyes, and an indomitable and stubborn spirit hidden in his bones.

This person was none other than Tan Shaoyang, a key figure in the Reform Movement.

He spent half his life advocating for reform, witnessing firsthand the Qing Dynasty's century of weakness, foreign invasions, and the plight of the common people. He also read extensively about the history of reform in various countries throughout history.

He firmly believed that only by emulating Britain and Japan and implementing a constitutional monarchy, and carrying out a complete national reform, could the country find a way to save itself from peril and survive.

Amidst the turbulent waves of the times, he was the purest and most tragic idealist martyr in the world...

He could see the corruption within the imperial court and the gradual encroachment of foreign powers, but he couldn't see through the fate of this system, which had already rotted away from its very roots.

My only wish is to use the burning passion of a scholar to help the dying Qing Dynasty recover and prolong its life through a reform.

Even if faced with mountains of knives and seas of fire, their resolve will remain unchanged.

A burly man accompanied him, with broad shoulders and a steadfast, mountain-like figure.

He had a long, wide-backed sword with nine rings hanging at his waist; the blade was simple and understated.

Its aura is powerful and its menacing presence is so strong that one dares not underestimate it at first glance.

This man is the righteous hero praised by everyone in the martial arts world, as well as the chief镖头 (bodyguard/escort) of Yuanshun镖局 (escort agency), and the Fengyun Liuhe Dao Wang Zhengyi.

The two men, one a scholar and the other a warrior, each harbored their own ambitions.

One person is devoted to the grand plan of the new government, while the other adheres to the principles of loyalty and righteousness.

Tan Shaoyang firmly believed that reform could prolong the dynasty's fortunes, while Wang Zhengyi believed that only a strong nation could appease the people.

Both men were patriots who cherished their country and its people during a time of chaos, and had no selfish thoughts or desires whatsoever.

Today, we have come together not for personal grudges or to compete for power, but solely to persuade Li Xin, one of the most powerful warriors of our time.

To fight for a sliver of hope for the crumbling Reform Movement.

"Brother Wang, Scholar Li acted quite forcefully in the palace that day. He seemed to disregard imperial authority."

Do you think he can agree to our request?

"Whether they agree or not, let's do our best and leave the rest to fate."

No matter what, he wouldn't go so far as to kick me out. To be honest, my daughter Jingya has some connections with him.

When Wang Zhengyi said this, even though he was very thick-skinned, he couldn't help but blush slightly.

He turned his head to look in the direction of the flower market.

I felt a deep sense of regret.

"If only I had listened to Er Ya back then..."

The guards on duty at the gate were about to step forward to stop him and ask questions, but Wang Zhengyi gently stopped them by raising his hand.

"You don't even recognize me? Where's Liancheng?"

"Master, here you are! Are you here today to see Master Li? Erzi, hurry and go inform Master Li. Please come in for tea and wait a moment."

"You should call him Master Li."

Wang Zhengyi looked at his good-for-nothing apprentice.

His eyes had a strange look in them.

Ok.

Master Li is Master Li, after all, his apprentice is begging for food in someone else's mansion.

It seems they've come to us willingly; they're completely devoted to Li Xin, so it's no surprise they call him whatever they want.

"Master, what brings you here today? And Mr. Tan, please have some tea."

Sun Liancheng was very enthusiastic.

"We two have come to your door today to discuss the great principles of family and country with Scholar Li."

Tan Shaoyang sighed and didn't hide anything, thinking that if the deal was successful today and Li Xin could be invited to come out of retirement, the chances of the reform succeeding would be much greater.

……

A moment later, Li Xin walked slowly out of the hospital gate.

He broke through to the Innate Realm just yesterday.

Today, all his profound inner energy has been gathered within his body...

He appears unremarkable on the outside, but he exudes a subtle yet profound aura.

Standing still in the faint morning light, it is like a deep pool and a towering mountain, unshakable.

Upon hearing that Wang Wu and Tan Shaoyang had come to visit together, he understood their purpose without even asking.

Clearly, this was the final stage of the reform process.

They had seen the danger and knew the crux of the problem; they were prepared to go all in and risk everything.

However, he didn't want to get involved in this mess.