Chapter 22
My Ambition Lies Beyond This; I'll Escort Goods for My Father!
In the past few days, the threshold of the Gu family mansion has been worn down by footsteps.
Dean Lu of Shiyang Academy personally visited and presented a gift of 120 taels of silver on behalf of the academy to congratulate Gu Lin on his outstanding achievement in securing a seed spot.
The cost of Gu Lin's three years at the academy was roughly the same.
The chief镖头 of Tongxing镖局 also gave a gift of ten taels of silver, and Wang Mu's father, Manager Wang, generously gave ten taels of silver and twenty bolts of silk.
The county government delivered ten taels of silver.
The Shiyang Chamber of Commerce sent fifteen taels of silver.
It only took the Gu family one day to go from being destitute to being well-off!
Inside the main room, Zhou Man counted the gift money and said impatiently:
"Lin'er, we need to quickly buy a house."
Gu Lin smiled and said:
"Mother, no rush, let's see in a month."
He believed his house was in Chuzhou!
I can't stay in Shiyang County any longer. I've been targeted by Magistrate Zhao. "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime." The Zhao family has absolute power in Shiyang County.
Gu Changchuan nodded and patted his son on the shoulder:
"I believe Jingming can be the ghostwriter!"
Just then, there was another knock on the courtyard gate.
[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: 101read.com. A vast collection of great books awaits you!]
The three who arrived were all dressed in sword robes.
The leader was in his early forties, with an imposing presence, and carried three sword cases on his back.
"Please have some tea." Gu Changchuan served fragrant tea.
This is tea that he specially bought this morning. Our Gu family is now considered a respectable family in Shiyang County. When distinguished guests come to visit, we can't just serve them well water anymore.
"Young Master Gu." The leader smiled and stated his purpose directly:
"I am an inner sect elder of the True Sword Sect in Chuwei County. The True Sword Sect cordially invites you to join us and promises you the status of an inner sect disciple."
"Our True Sword Sect has a powerful expert at the Knowing Destiny level, and all the inner sect elders are at the high-level of the Profound Realm!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Changchuan quickly clasped his hands in greeting and said respectfully:
"So it's the True Sword Sect! We're so sorry for not greeting you sooner!"
Among the sects and gangs in Chuwei County, the True Sword Sect ranks among the top ten, demonstrating its immense power!
The elder stared intently at Gu Lin.
Strike first to gain the upper hand. This boy has extraordinary talent and terrifying willpower; he is truly a promising candidate for sword training!
Without hesitation, Gu Lin politely declined:
"I have no intention of joining a sect at the moment."
The elders could not hide their disappointment and increased the benefits:
"If you wish to join the True Sword Sect, the sect promises to settle your parents. Your father can work as the manager in the sect's shop, and your mother will be responsible for purchasing the sword robes needed by the sect's disciples."
Gu Changchuan's eyes widened in shock.
Without a doubt, this is a huge investment!
However, he didn't say anything. His son was already capable of handling things on his own, and as his father, he couldn't make decisions for him.
Gu Lin smiled but insisted on refusing.
Having the Book of Merit, it's impossible for him to remain hidden away in some sect to cultivate. He needs official backing to legally punish evil and grow stronger as quickly as possible.
The elder frowned deeply and sighed quietly.
The reason for offering such a large sum of money was because they valued Gu Lin's terrifying willpower, which was perfectly suited to the way of the sword.
The elder put down his teacup, stood up, and said with a smile:
"Then we hope that Young Master Gu will achieve something in the Holy Land Selection Competition."
Of course, even if Gu Lin suffers a setback and loses in the selection competition, the True Sword Sect will still visit.
However, the conditions will be different then, and the discount will definitely be significant.
"Respectfully seeing them off." Gu Lin personally went out to see off the three sword-bearers.
Less than half an hour later, another group of people arrived.
The leader was a still-attractive and beautiful woman, with two men and a woman standing behind her. The woman had eyes like autumn water, a mole between her eyebrows, and was exceptionally beautiful with a graceful figure. All four of them had flutes hanging from their waists.
"We come from the Tianyin Sect," the beautiful woman said with a radiant smile.
Gu Changchuan was genuinely astonished and respectfully clasped his hands in greeting.
Tianyin Sect!
Also ranked in the top ten in Chuwei County, their strength is several times stronger than that of the True Sword Sect!
"Young Master Gu, would you be interested in joining the Heavenly Sound Sect?" the beautiful woman asked directly, smiling.
"As long as Young Master Gu agrees, you will become an inner disciple upon joining the sect and will be able to practice superior martial arts techniques."
She also admired Gu Lin's willpower.
Gu Lin's talent was indeed outstanding, but not enough to warrant her personal invitation.
However, if his extraordinary willpower can easily defeat the Qilin Prince of Shiyang County, then the Tianyin Sect is worth taking action against.
Gu Changchuan appeared smug, but inwardly he was proud and self-satisfied. Lin'er was so popular, how could he not be pleased?
However, he was curious why the Heavenly Sound Sect didn't offer any conditions.
The True Sword Sect is showing their utmost sincerity!
After a moment, the beautiful woman looked at the exquisitely beautiful woman behind her and said slowly:
"I've heard that Young Master Gu is still unmarried, and Qing'er is the apple of the eye of Protector Liu of the Inner Sect. I think the two of you are a perfect match."
Inside the room, Zhou Man stood on tiptoe, gripping the curtain tightly, wishing she could immediately agree to her son's request.
Gu Changchuan looked stunned, but a hint of surprise flashed deep in his eyes.
Can it even be given as a gift for a wife?
Absolutely the perfect sect!
Moreover, the other party is of high status!
These are truly generous terms!
Gu Lin's eyes flickered slightly, and a ripple of emotion stirred within him.
To be honest, most martial artists are only interested in wealth, companions, laws, and land; once they join the Tianyin Sect, they have everything.
But he's different.
That night, he was humiliated and reduced to a furnace, at the mercy of others, with no ability to resist and no right to even maintain his dignity.
He never wanted to experience that feeling again.
He wanted to reach the top; he didn't want to live a mediocre life in the Tianyin Sect.
Seeing that Gu Lin was considering, Qing'er blushed shyly.
however.
"I had no such intention," Gu Lin said apologetically.
Qing'er curled her lips, her beautiful face shrouded in frost.
The beautiful woman nodded slightly, said nothing more, and smiled, saying:
"The gates of the Heavenly Sound Sect will always be open for you."
Having said that, he left without lingering.
She could see Gu Lin's determination to compete in the Holy Land selection competition.
The four sacred sites represent the power bestowed by the central government of the divine dynasty, which everyone yearns for and desires, hence the name "sacred sites".
But that threshold has kept away countless exceptionally talented young people. Even those with greater talent than Young Master Gu have struggled and suffered heavy losses. What hope does Young Master Gu have?
"Lin'er, whatever you choose, I will support you," Gu Changchuan said with a smile.
Gu Lin nodded.
......
For three consecutive days, sects visited, but they were all ranked in the twentieth or thirties of Chuwei County, making various promises, which Gu Lin rejected one by one.
The silence finally subsided, but Gu Lin remained extremely anxious.
Time passed day by day, and he remained at the third level of the Qi Condensation Realm.
His true combat strength is definitely no less than that of a seventh-level Qi Condensation cultivator. If Wen Gong unleashes his righteous Qi, he will be able to fight against an eighth-level Qi Condensation cultivator.
But it's still not good enough for the Holy Land selection competition.
Do you have a trump card that others don't?
If even a vile woman like Li Qingwu can produce such powerful techniques, what about the leaders of each county academy? Their methods must be endless.
Therefore, he was under a lot of pressure, which made him feel very anxious.
At the dinner table, Zhou Man and Gu Changchuan chatted casually.
Zhou Man frowned and scolded:
"We're not short of money at home right now, so let's not go on this mission to deliver the supplies. It's not worth risking our lives for a mere tael of reward."
The escort mission was supposed to start a few days ago, but the chief escort gave her husband a day off, and they have to set off tomorrow.
Gu Changchuan put down his chopsticks and retorted:
"The money belongs to Lin'er, and besides, I'm in my prime. How can I expect Lin'er to support me if I don't earn money? Furthermore, the chief镖头 (chief镖头 is a term for a bodyguard/escort) has been kind to me, and I should fulfill my duty."
"Don't worry about safety, the route is planned and we have official documents for passage."
Upon hearing this, Gu Lin quickly replied:
"Father, I'll go on this escort mission in your place."
Gu Changchuan turned to look at him.
Gu Lin said unhurriedly:
"I want to take this opportunity to walk around, relax, and prepare for the Holy Land selection competition."
Gu Changchuan clearly did not agree with this explanation. After a moment of silence, he went back into the inner room.
He knew his son must have a secret, but since his son made the suggestion, he agreed without asking any questions.
Take out a sheet of Xuan paper, on which are densely covered lines marking the route of the escort mission.
Gu Changchuan deliberately emphasized:
"Just don't stray from the route. As long as you follow this route and make arrangements with the police along the way, there won't be any problems."
Gu Lin carefully put away the map.
His goal was to go astray.
He'd love to run into robbers!
"Father, don't worry." Gu Lin showed the token given to him by the swordsmith and said with a smile:
"With it around, few people will dare to make things difficult for me before the Holy Land Selection Tournament ends."
Gu Changchuan nodded without speaking. It was precisely because of the token that he agreed to his son's request; otherwise, how could he have let his son escort the goods?
Dean Lu of Shiyang Academy personally visited and presented a gift of 120 taels of silver on behalf of the academy to congratulate Gu Lin on his outstanding achievement in securing a seed spot.
The cost of Gu Lin's three years at the academy was roughly the same.
The chief镖头 of Tongxing镖局 also gave a gift of ten taels of silver, and Wang Mu's father, Manager Wang, generously gave ten taels of silver and twenty bolts of silk.
The county government delivered ten taels of silver.
The Shiyang Chamber of Commerce sent fifteen taels of silver.
It only took the Gu family one day to go from being destitute to being well-off!
Inside the main room, Zhou Man counted the gift money and said impatiently:
"Lin'er, we need to quickly buy a house."
Gu Lin smiled and said:
"Mother, no rush, let's see in a month."
He believed his house was in Chuzhou!
I can't stay in Shiyang County any longer. I've been targeted by Magistrate Zhao. "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime." The Zhao family has absolute power in Shiyang County.
Gu Changchuan nodded and patted his son on the shoulder:
"I believe Jingming can be the ghostwriter!"
Just then, there was another knock on the courtyard gate.
[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: 101read.com. A vast collection of great books awaits you!]
The three who arrived were all dressed in sword robes.
The leader was in his early forties, with an imposing presence, and carried three sword cases on his back.
"Please have some tea." Gu Changchuan served fragrant tea.
This is tea that he specially bought this morning. Our Gu family is now considered a respectable family in Shiyang County. When distinguished guests come to visit, we can't just serve them well water anymore.
"Young Master Gu." The leader smiled and stated his purpose directly:
"I am an inner sect elder of the True Sword Sect in Chuwei County. The True Sword Sect cordially invites you to join us and promises you the status of an inner sect disciple."
"Our True Sword Sect has a powerful expert at the Knowing Destiny level, and all the inner sect elders are at the high-level of the Profound Realm!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Changchuan quickly clasped his hands in greeting and said respectfully:
"So it's the True Sword Sect! We're so sorry for not greeting you sooner!"
Among the sects and gangs in Chuwei County, the True Sword Sect ranks among the top ten, demonstrating its immense power!
The elder stared intently at Gu Lin.
Strike first to gain the upper hand. This boy has extraordinary talent and terrifying willpower; he is truly a promising candidate for sword training!
Without hesitation, Gu Lin politely declined:
"I have no intention of joining a sect at the moment."
The elders could not hide their disappointment and increased the benefits:
"If you wish to join the True Sword Sect, the sect promises to settle your parents. Your father can work as the manager in the sect's shop, and your mother will be responsible for purchasing the sword robes needed by the sect's disciples."
Gu Changchuan's eyes widened in shock.
Without a doubt, this is a huge investment!
However, he didn't say anything. His son was already capable of handling things on his own, and as his father, he couldn't make decisions for him.
Gu Lin smiled but insisted on refusing.
Having the Book of Merit, it's impossible for him to remain hidden away in some sect to cultivate. He needs official backing to legally punish evil and grow stronger as quickly as possible.
The elder frowned deeply and sighed quietly.
The reason for offering such a large sum of money was because they valued Gu Lin's terrifying willpower, which was perfectly suited to the way of the sword.
The elder put down his teacup, stood up, and said with a smile:
"Then we hope that Young Master Gu will achieve something in the Holy Land Selection Competition."
Of course, even if Gu Lin suffers a setback and loses in the selection competition, the True Sword Sect will still visit.
However, the conditions will be different then, and the discount will definitely be significant.
"Respectfully seeing them off." Gu Lin personally went out to see off the three sword-bearers.
Less than half an hour later, another group of people arrived.
The leader was a still-attractive and beautiful woman, with two men and a woman standing behind her. The woman had eyes like autumn water, a mole between her eyebrows, and was exceptionally beautiful with a graceful figure. All four of them had flutes hanging from their waists.
"We come from the Tianyin Sect," the beautiful woman said with a radiant smile.
Gu Changchuan was genuinely astonished and respectfully clasped his hands in greeting.
Tianyin Sect!
Also ranked in the top ten in Chuwei County, their strength is several times stronger than that of the True Sword Sect!
"Young Master Gu, would you be interested in joining the Heavenly Sound Sect?" the beautiful woman asked directly, smiling.
"As long as Young Master Gu agrees, you will become an inner disciple upon joining the sect and will be able to practice superior martial arts techniques."
She also admired Gu Lin's willpower.
Gu Lin's talent was indeed outstanding, but not enough to warrant her personal invitation.
However, if his extraordinary willpower can easily defeat the Qilin Prince of Shiyang County, then the Tianyin Sect is worth taking action against.
Gu Changchuan appeared smug, but inwardly he was proud and self-satisfied. Lin'er was so popular, how could he not be pleased?
However, he was curious why the Heavenly Sound Sect didn't offer any conditions.
The True Sword Sect is showing their utmost sincerity!
After a moment, the beautiful woman looked at the exquisitely beautiful woman behind her and said slowly:
"I've heard that Young Master Gu is still unmarried, and Qing'er is the apple of the eye of Protector Liu of the Inner Sect. I think the two of you are a perfect match."
Inside the room, Zhou Man stood on tiptoe, gripping the curtain tightly, wishing she could immediately agree to her son's request.
Gu Changchuan looked stunned, but a hint of surprise flashed deep in his eyes.
Can it even be given as a gift for a wife?
Absolutely the perfect sect!
Moreover, the other party is of high status!
These are truly generous terms!
Gu Lin's eyes flickered slightly, and a ripple of emotion stirred within him.
To be honest, most martial artists are only interested in wealth, companions, laws, and land; once they join the Tianyin Sect, they have everything.
But he's different.
That night, he was humiliated and reduced to a furnace, at the mercy of others, with no ability to resist and no right to even maintain his dignity.
He never wanted to experience that feeling again.
He wanted to reach the top; he didn't want to live a mediocre life in the Tianyin Sect.
Seeing that Gu Lin was considering, Qing'er blushed shyly.
however.
"I had no such intention," Gu Lin said apologetically.
Qing'er curled her lips, her beautiful face shrouded in frost.
The beautiful woman nodded slightly, said nothing more, and smiled, saying:
"The gates of the Heavenly Sound Sect will always be open for you."
Having said that, he left without lingering.
She could see Gu Lin's determination to compete in the Holy Land selection competition.
The four sacred sites represent the power bestowed by the central government of the divine dynasty, which everyone yearns for and desires, hence the name "sacred sites".
But that threshold has kept away countless exceptionally talented young people. Even those with greater talent than Young Master Gu have struggled and suffered heavy losses. What hope does Young Master Gu have?
"Lin'er, whatever you choose, I will support you," Gu Changchuan said with a smile.
Gu Lin nodded.
......
For three consecutive days, sects visited, but they were all ranked in the twentieth or thirties of Chuwei County, making various promises, which Gu Lin rejected one by one.
The silence finally subsided, but Gu Lin remained extremely anxious.
Time passed day by day, and he remained at the third level of the Qi Condensation Realm.
His true combat strength is definitely no less than that of a seventh-level Qi Condensation cultivator. If Wen Gong unleashes his righteous Qi, he will be able to fight against an eighth-level Qi Condensation cultivator.
But it's still not good enough for the Holy Land selection competition.
Do you have a trump card that others don't?
If even a vile woman like Li Qingwu can produce such powerful techniques, what about the leaders of each county academy? Their methods must be endless.
Therefore, he was under a lot of pressure, which made him feel very anxious.
At the dinner table, Zhou Man and Gu Changchuan chatted casually.
Zhou Man frowned and scolded:
"We're not short of money at home right now, so let's not go on this mission to deliver the supplies. It's not worth risking our lives for a mere tael of reward."
The escort mission was supposed to start a few days ago, but the chief escort gave her husband a day off, and they have to set off tomorrow.
Gu Changchuan put down his chopsticks and retorted:
"The money belongs to Lin'er, and besides, I'm in my prime. How can I expect Lin'er to support me if I don't earn money? Furthermore, the chief镖头 (chief镖头 is a term for a bodyguard/escort) has been kind to me, and I should fulfill my duty."
"Don't worry about safety, the route is planned and we have official documents for passage."
Upon hearing this, Gu Lin quickly replied:
"Father, I'll go on this escort mission in your place."
Gu Changchuan turned to look at him.
Gu Lin said unhurriedly:
"I want to take this opportunity to walk around, relax, and prepare for the Holy Land selection competition."
Gu Changchuan clearly did not agree with this explanation. After a moment of silence, he went back into the inner room.
He knew his son must have a secret, but since his son made the suggestion, he agreed without asking any questions.
Take out a sheet of Xuan paper, on which are densely covered lines marking the route of the escort mission.
Gu Changchuan deliberately emphasized:
"Just don't stray from the route. As long as you follow this route and make arrangements with the police along the way, there won't be any problems."
Gu Lin carefully put away the map.
His goal was to go astray.
He'd love to run into robbers!
"Father, don't worry." Gu Lin showed the token given to him by the swordsmith and said with a smile:
"With it around, few people will dare to make things difficult for me before the Holy Land Selection Tournament ends."
Gu Changchuan nodded without speaking. It was precisely because of the token that he agreed to his son's request; otherwise, how could he have let his son escort the goods?