It's not enough to just keep it in your heart; you have to repay it!

Upon hearing Li Xiangyi's question, Cao Hansheng laughed and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Sect Leader Li is indeed insightful. I am not from Yue Shan Village. I only arrived here more than two months ago. As for the dialect, I only learned it so that the locals would not mistreat me."

When I first arrived, I thought the local people were very kind and honest, so I thought I would stay here for a while. But I didn't expect to be so unlucky and encounter a little trouble.

But it doesn't matter. Today is Cao's last day in Yueshan Village. It is truly an honor to meet the renowned Master Li before leaving.

If it weren't for my craving for seafood, I wouldn't have met Master Li. So, let's have a big toast! Oh, I almost forgot, you can't drink alcohol within twelve hours.

Li Xiangyi naturally didn't believe Cao Hansheng's words completely. It was too much of a coincidence. He just happened to be in trouble and was about to leave when he ran into him. This wasn't a novel. However, he didn't show it.

"If that's the case, then I am indeed very lucky to have survived. I will never forget Brother Cao's life-saving grace. But why did Brother Cao say that I cannot drink alcohol within twelve hours?"

"Because you took cephalosporin."

Cephalosporins?

What are cephalosporins?

"This cephalosporin is a good thing. It's a secret medicine that I, Cao, obtained by chance. When used in conjunction with wound medicine, it can make a person's wound heal quickly and prevent carbuncles from forming."

Although this medicine is good, there is one taboo: one must not drink alcohol within twelve hours of taking it, otherwise it will become highly poisonous, causing respiratory failure and death within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Therefore, Sect Leader Li must not drink this alcohol.

"Such a miraculous medicine exists! I am truly ignorant of its value. However, such a precious medicine is probably worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. Brother Cao, don't you think it's a waste to use it on a stranger like me?"

"It did take me some effort to obtain this medicine. Although I am not a member of the martial arts world, I have read a few books of sages and know the principle that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. Even the best medicine is used to save lives."

"Brother Cao's noble character is admirable. If everyone in the world acted like Brother Cao, there would be no more strife in the martial world, and the world would be at peace. I will always remember Brother Cao's life-saving grace."

It's not enough to just keep it in your heart; you have to repay it.

The saying goes, "A gentleman deceives others with integrity." You've already said you've encountered trouble, so I don't believe you, a renowned and righteous hero, won't intervene. Besides, the person in trouble is your savior. Do you really intend to stand idly by?

"I, Cao, know nothing of the affairs of the martial world, let alone the affairs of the world. Right now, the most important thing is to eat. If we don't eat soon, it will truly be a matter of life and death. Sect Leader Li, why don't we eat and talk?"

"Since Brother Cao is so hospitable, then I, Li, will comply."

Soon the food was served: steamed crab, braised sea bass, garlic scallops, abalone with scallion oil, and clam and tofu soup. Each person was served a bowl of rice.

"Please don't find the simple food too simplistic, Sect Leader Li. Please accept it."

"Such a sumptuous meal, how could I possibly refuse it? Thank you, Brother Cao."

Cao Hansheng drank alcohol, while Li Xiangyi drank water. After a few rounds of drinks, the two began to share their experiences and encounters. Under Cao Hansheng's subtle prompting, Li Xiangyi finally couldn't help but ask a question.

"Brother Cao just mentioned that he's gotten into some trouble. I wonder what it is? I have some reputation in the martial arts world and I'm willing to help Brother Cao resolve his troubles."

"Alas, it's just a trivial matter. It's actually quite ridiculous. Last month, when I went to the market, I was spotted by Miss Liu from the town, who insisted that I marry into the Liu family."

Sect Leader Li had no idea that Miss Liu was practically a mountain of flesh, and incredibly ugly. She bullied me because of the Liu family's wealth and power. If I hadn't lied to her, I probably would have already met my demise.

However, although Miss Liu has stopped coming to force us for the past two weeks, she has still used many methods. This house was originally rented from someone else, but this morning she was told that we must move out before dark.

Although I, Cao, possess some strength, I am no match for the Liu family. If I had the skills of Sect Leader Li, I would surely prevent her from bullying the weak again. But it doesn't matter; if I can't win, I can simply run away. The world is vast; there is nowhere I cannot find peace."

After hearing this, Li Xiangyi felt a little confused. He had been traveling around for four or five years and had encountered local gentry and bullies who forcibly took women, but this was the first time he had encountered a man being forced into marriage. He knew that matters between men and women were not easy to interfere with, but he had already said he would help.

"Brother Cao, if you are truly unwilling, you can leave this place with me and live in the territory under the jurisdiction of Sigumen. This will also give me a chance to repay Brother Cao for saving my life."

You bastard, you still remember I saved your life. After all this buildup, I've finally got you. Watch how I win you over, Li Xiangyi, I'm here.

"What's this talk of repayment? I only helped Sect Leader Li by doing a small favor, and it wasn't for your reward. But since Sect Leader Li has spoken, I do have a request, and I hope Sect Leader Li will grant it."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangyi raised an eyebrow slightly. This Brother Cao was indeed quite straightforward, actually bringing it up when asked. It seemed that this matter was not simple. However, he also kept a close eye on things and bowed to Cao Hansheng.

"Brother Cao, how could I not repay your life-saving grace? However, I have also made it clear beforehand that if it violates the code of the martial world, Brother Cao, you should refrain from speaking. Even if I were to return this life to you, I would not do anything evil."

Cao Hansheng chuckled inwardly. "So you're an old hand, huh? I knew you'd say that. I was waiting for you to say that. How could I, such a good person, let you go against the code of the martial arts world?"

"Don't worry, Master Li. I am not the kind of person who doesn't know the rules. I will never cause you any trouble. You are the leader of the righteous path in the martial arts world, the best in the world, and a model for all martial arts practitioners."

Cao absolutely cannot allow Sect Leader Li to do anything that would dishonor Sect Leader Li's status. Besides, there are some things that Cao needs to settle himself.

Therefore, I, Cao, have a presumptuous wish: I humbly request that Master Li teach me a few martial arts techniques for self-defense. This would be a way for Master Li to teach me how to fish, wouldn't it?

The request to become an apprentice does not violate the code of the martial arts world, but I cannot easily accept apprentices. However, Cao Hansheng used a precious medicine to save my life, and he did not ask me to help him resolve his troubles out of gratitude.

All he wanted was for me to teach him a few moves to help him in his own right. No matter how Li Xiangyi thought about it, he felt that although this was a difficult matter, it was not unreasonable. Over the years, he had encountered many people who wanted to become his apprentices, some of whom even blocked his way and knelt down to beg.

But Cao Hansheng is different today. He owes Cao Hansheng a huge debt of gratitude for saving his life. If he refuses him like before, how can he still talk about chivalry?

Just as he was struggling with his decision, Cao Hansheng spoke first.

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