Chapter 23
The King of Hell is on duty, his ambitions are higher than the heavens!
The next morning.
Gu Changchuan and his son arrived at Tongxing Escort Agency and explained their purpose.
Chief镖头 Lin smiled and agreed.
Gu Lin now has a protective charm, and doesn't even need to bribe the police.
Moreover, Gu Lin's strength is undeniable.
"Come here." Chief镖头 Lin stepped into the courtyard, selected five bodyguards and ten handymen, and said in a commanding voice:
"This grain shipment will be led by Young Master Gu. Do any of you have any concerns?"
Everyone said in unison:
"No!"
Now, who in the entire Shiyang County doesn't know the prestige of Young Master Gu?
Chief镖头 Lin stared at Gu Lin and said firmly:
"Tongxing Escort Agency, mission accomplished!"
Gu Lin nodded heavily:
"Tongxing Escort Agency, mission accomplished!!"
The group, carrying dart flags and beating the Seven Stars Drum, with servants arranging grain carts, set off for their final destination, Jingu Grain Shop in Anfu County.
Before their departure, Gu Lin solemnly warned the porters and servants in front of the chief镖头 (head镖师, a high-ranking镖局, a special bodyguard agency) that they must obey all orders, or they would be severely punished according to the agency's internal regulations!
......
After leaving Shiyang County, the escort team did not follow the pre-arranged route, but instead chose mountain trails, going wherever grain carts could pass, no matter how remote.
Although the porters and servants were full of doubts, they dared not question it.
Moreover, along the way, Young Master Gu paid for their drinks, braised beef, and fruit out of his own pocket, which was much better than the dry rations they used to eat!
It took the team seven days to reach Youxi County before continuing eastward.
They still didn't take the official road, but instead chose a remote mountain path.
Several strategists realized that Young Master Gu wanted to travel and enjoy the scenery.
Gu Lin took the lead, his horse carrying a flag that fluttered in the wind.
It was already evening, and he instructed the servants to rest on the spot, chop wood, and cook.
After eating and drinking their fill, as darkness fell at dusk, the entire escort team drifted off to sleep.
Gu Lin sat cross-legged in the night.
He would cultivate whenever he had time.
But I have to admit that my talent is really lacking.
Without the Book of Merit, even three months of his cultivation would not be as effective as someone else's daily absorption and refinement of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
He was about to lean against the tree and go to sleep.
creak-
Suddenly, the sound of branches snapping came from afar.
Gu Lin suddenly opened his eyes and remained motionless.
There was no further movement for a while.
unexpected!
From all sides of the woods, the sound of dense footsteps was like the beating of drums, and a dozen torches illuminated the night.
They were bandits from the mountains.
"Not good!" The messenger behind him suddenly changed his expression and quickly took out an official document from his pocket.
Gu Lin reached out to stop him and calmly stood up.
The bandit leader had a face full of scars, with knife scars running through his eyes, nose, and mouth, making him especially eerie in the dark.
A group of robbers, armed with knives, swords, axes, and clubs, stared intently at the grain carts.
Scarface gripped the hilt of the knife, blade pointing downwards, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and laughed loudly:
"According to the rules of the martial world, if you want to pass through this road, leave some money to pay the toll!"
The porters and laborers gathered together, all pale-faced and trembling like leaves.
Gu Lin stared silently at the scarred man.
The fluctuation of internal energy should indicate the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Realm.
The remaining underlings include those at the Meridian Opening Realm, two at the Qi Condensation Realm Level 3, and one at the Qi Condensation Realm Level 4. Judging from their positions, they should be the second-in-command.
Seeing that Gu Lin didn't take out his money for a long time, the scarred man's smile turned ferocious, and he roared:
"Stingy and unwilling to part with money, I'll kill you but not bury you!!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a gust of wind swept through, and fallen leaves danced wildly in the air.
A figure appeared in front of them with lightning speed.
Scarface raised his sword and slashed furiously, the sword energy fierce, his Golden Sword Technique mastered to perfection.
However, at that moment, his movement of raising the knife froze.
His entire arm was visibly burning, and the searing, tearing pain spread throughout his internal organs. Scarface let out a shrill scream.
"kill!"
The sudden turn of events terrified all the robbers, who then attacked simultaneously.
Gu Lin used the Lingbo Weibu (a martial arts technique) to move with the grace of a dragon. He was so agile that not only could he not be cut, but even falling leaves could not touch him. He unleashed the Sanyang Juehu Hand Seal again, which was as sharp as an eagle's claws. He also used the Jiuxiao Benlei Shen Kui (another martial arts technique) to kick out from mid-air, which was as powerful as a thunderbolt striking the ground.
Broken tendons!
My liver and intestines are completely ruptured!
In less than ten breaths, the seven people, including the leader, died suddenly and tragically.
The porters and servants were all dumbfounded.
They knew that Young Master Gu was very strong.
If they're not strong, how can they get a seeded spot?
If you're not strong, how can you defeat an opponent three levels higher?
Witnessing it firsthand is an experience of unparalleled impact!
Young Master Gu is like the King of Hell in the underworld, flipping through the Book of Life and Death to mark the days and nights, and whoever he marks will have their life taken.
What's most shocking is that Young Master Gu kills people with elegance, without the slightest bit of embarrassment, as if it were a leisurely stroll after a meal.
Corpses lay strewn across the woods, and the remaining robbers, their hair standing on end, scattered and fled.
How could Gu Lin allow that?
Use your lightness skill to pursue!
One by one!
Half an incense stick's time later, he caught up with the last bandit.
click-
His hand, like an iron clamp, snapped the other man's neck, killing him instantly.
After slaughtering all the bandits, Gu Lin held his breath and focused his mind.
In an instant, golden starlight gathered before my eyes to form the three large characters "Book of Merit".
[Slaying "Ding Liuxing," "Ding Wuxing," and "Ding Wuxing Villain"... the rewards are maxed out, rivaling even the heavens!]
[Martial Arts Merit Points: 2085/4000]
[Confucian and Taoist Merit Points: 359/1000]
[Merit Points in Taoist Arts: 0/1000]
[Witchcraft Merit Points: 0/1000]
In an instant.
Gu Lin's internal energy surged again, and two clear, melodious sounds like metal colliding echoed within his body. His body felt even lighter, and his internal energy flowed into his meridians like a tidal wave.
Fifth level of Qi Condensation Realm!
Gu Lin could hardly suppress his smile.
Evil is divided into A, B, C, and D. Although this group of robbers are only guilty of D-level evil, even the smallest sparrow has meat, and when they are put together, they are enough to make a feast!
It's been eight or nine days now, and he's not taking the proper roads, he's been choosing mountain trails instead.
We finally caught them!
After calming down, Gu Linping began to search the corpses, finding twenty-six taels of silver among more than a dozen bodies.
He accepted it with a smile.
Back in the woods.
Seeing that Young Master Gu was unharmed and his blue robe was not stained with blood, the porters and servants were filled with admiration.
As for being held accountable by the government for the massacre, there's no such worry. Their Tongxing Escort Agency is registered with the government and has official documents and notices issued by the government. They might even receive a reward for suppressing bandits!
"Here, we'll split it equally." Gu Lin took out six taels of silver and handed it over.
Everyone firmly declined.
Gu Linsu said in a solemn voice:
"You've had a long and tiring journey, and it's not easy for you all to make a living. Please accept this!"
"This..." The crowd hesitated, but seeing that Young Master Gu's attitude was decisive, they accepted the silver coins and were sincerely grateful to him.
Gu Lin smiled and said:
"There are several fine swords beside the corpse; any of you who want them may take them!"
"Yes, sir!" The porters clasped their hands respectfully, beaming with joy.
......
late at night.
Gu Lin took stock of the results.
Breaking through to the fifth level of Qi Condensation was a pleasant surprise, and he also gained a secret technique.
It wants to rival the heavens in height!
The name of the secret technique is undoubtedly domineering and unparalleled!
"Using this technique, one can forcefully increase their cultivation level by two stages within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, without causing the slightest damage to their meridians or dantian. The only side effect is that their internal energy cultivation level will subsequently drop by one stage!"
"I won't use it lightly, unless I'm in a desperate situation!"
Gu Changchuan and his son arrived at Tongxing Escort Agency and explained their purpose.
Chief镖头 Lin smiled and agreed.
Gu Lin now has a protective charm, and doesn't even need to bribe the police.
Moreover, Gu Lin's strength is undeniable.
"Come here." Chief镖头 Lin stepped into the courtyard, selected five bodyguards and ten handymen, and said in a commanding voice:
"This grain shipment will be led by Young Master Gu. Do any of you have any concerns?"
Everyone said in unison:
"No!"
Now, who in the entire Shiyang County doesn't know the prestige of Young Master Gu?
Chief镖头 Lin stared at Gu Lin and said firmly:
"Tongxing Escort Agency, mission accomplished!"
Gu Lin nodded heavily:
"Tongxing Escort Agency, mission accomplished!!"
The group, carrying dart flags and beating the Seven Stars Drum, with servants arranging grain carts, set off for their final destination, Jingu Grain Shop in Anfu County.
Before their departure, Gu Lin solemnly warned the porters and servants in front of the chief镖头 (head镖师, a high-ranking镖局, a special bodyguard agency) that they must obey all orders, or they would be severely punished according to the agency's internal regulations!
......
After leaving Shiyang County, the escort team did not follow the pre-arranged route, but instead chose mountain trails, going wherever grain carts could pass, no matter how remote.
Although the porters and servants were full of doubts, they dared not question it.
Moreover, along the way, Young Master Gu paid for their drinks, braised beef, and fruit out of his own pocket, which was much better than the dry rations they used to eat!
It took the team seven days to reach Youxi County before continuing eastward.
They still didn't take the official road, but instead chose a remote mountain path.
Several strategists realized that Young Master Gu wanted to travel and enjoy the scenery.
Gu Lin took the lead, his horse carrying a flag that fluttered in the wind.
It was already evening, and he instructed the servants to rest on the spot, chop wood, and cook.
After eating and drinking their fill, as darkness fell at dusk, the entire escort team drifted off to sleep.
Gu Lin sat cross-legged in the night.
He would cultivate whenever he had time.
But I have to admit that my talent is really lacking.
Without the Book of Merit, even three months of his cultivation would not be as effective as someone else's daily absorption and refinement of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
He was about to lean against the tree and go to sleep.
creak-
Suddenly, the sound of branches snapping came from afar.
Gu Lin suddenly opened his eyes and remained motionless.
There was no further movement for a while.
unexpected!
From all sides of the woods, the sound of dense footsteps was like the beating of drums, and a dozen torches illuminated the night.
They were bandits from the mountains.
"Not good!" The messenger behind him suddenly changed his expression and quickly took out an official document from his pocket.
Gu Lin reached out to stop him and calmly stood up.
The bandit leader had a face full of scars, with knife scars running through his eyes, nose, and mouth, making him especially eerie in the dark.
A group of robbers, armed with knives, swords, axes, and clubs, stared intently at the grain carts.
Scarface gripped the hilt of the knife, blade pointing downwards, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and laughed loudly:
"According to the rules of the martial world, if you want to pass through this road, leave some money to pay the toll!"
The porters and laborers gathered together, all pale-faced and trembling like leaves.
Gu Lin stared silently at the scarred man.
The fluctuation of internal energy should indicate the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Realm.
The remaining underlings include those at the Meridian Opening Realm, two at the Qi Condensation Realm Level 3, and one at the Qi Condensation Realm Level 4. Judging from their positions, they should be the second-in-command.
Seeing that Gu Lin didn't take out his money for a long time, the scarred man's smile turned ferocious, and he roared:
"Stingy and unwilling to part with money, I'll kill you but not bury you!!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a gust of wind swept through, and fallen leaves danced wildly in the air.
A figure appeared in front of them with lightning speed.
Scarface raised his sword and slashed furiously, the sword energy fierce, his Golden Sword Technique mastered to perfection.
However, at that moment, his movement of raising the knife froze.
His entire arm was visibly burning, and the searing, tearing pain spread throughout his internal organs. Scarface let out a shrill scream.
"kill!"
The sudden turn of events terrified all the robbers, who then attacked simultaneously.
Gu Lin used the Lingbo Weibu (a martial arts technique) to move with the grace of a dragon. He was so agile that not only could he not be cut, but even falling leaves could not touch him. He unleashed the Sanyang Juehu Hand Seal again, which was as sharp as an eagle's claws. He also used the Jiuxiao Benlei Shen Kui (another martial arts technique) to kick out from mid-air, which was as powerful as a thunderbolt striking the ground.
Broken tendons!
My liver and intestines are completely ruptured!
In less than ten breaths, the seven people, including the leader, died suddenly and tragically.
The porters and servants were all dumbfounded.
They knew that Young Master Gu was very strong.
If they're not strong, how can they get a seeded spot?
If you're not strong, how can you defeat an opponent three levels higher?
Witnessing it firsthand is an experience of unparalleled impact!
Young Master Gu is like the King of Hell in the underworld, flipping through the Book of Life and Death to mark the days and nights, and whoever he marks will have their life taken.
What's most shocking is that Young Master Gu kills people with elegance, without the slightest bit of embarrassment, as if it were a leisurely stroll after a meal.
Corpses lay strewn across the woods, and the remaining robbers, their hair standing on end, scattered and fled.
How could Gu Lin allow that?
Use your lightness skill to pursue!
One by one!
Half an incense stick's time later, he caught up with the last bandit.
click-
His hand, like an iron clamp, snapped the other man's neck, killing him instantly.
After slaughtering all the bandits, Gu Lin held his breath and focused his mind.
In an instant, golden starlight gathered before my eyes to form the three large characters "Book of Merit".
[Slaying "Ding Liuxing," "Ding Wuxing," and "Ding Wuxing Villain"... the rewards are maxed out, rivaling even the heavens!]
[Martial Arts Merit Points: 2085/4000]
[Confucian and Taoist Merit Points: 359/1000]
[Merit Points in Taoist Arts: 0/1000]
[Witchcraft Merit Points: 0/1000]
In an instant.
Gu Lin's internal energy surged again, and two clear, melodious sounds like metal colliding echoed within his body. His body felt even lighter, and his internal energy flowed into his meridians like a tidal wave.
Fifth level of Qi Condensation Realm!
Gu Lin could hardly suppress his smile.
Evil is divided into A, B, C, and D. Although this group of robbers are only guilty of D-level evil, even the smallest sparrow has meat, and when they are put together, they are enough to make a feast!
It's been eight or nine days now, and he's not taking the proper roads, he's been choosing mountain trails instead.
We finally caught them!
After calming down, Gu Linping began to search the corpses, finding twenty-six taels of silver among more than a dozen bodies.
He accepted it with a smile.
Back in the woods.
Seeing that Young Master Gu was unharmed and his blue robe was not stained with blood, the porters and servants were filled with admiration.
As for being held accountable by the government for the massacre, there's no such worry. Their Tongxing Escort Agency is registered with the government and has official documents and notices issued by the government. They might even receive a reward for suppressing bandits!
"Here, we'll split it equally." Gu Lin took out six taels of silver and handed it over.
Everyone firmly declined.
Gu Linsu said in a solemn voice:
"You've had a long and tiring journey, and it's not easy for you all to make a living. Please accept this!"
"This..." The crowd hesitated, but seeing that Young Master Gu's attitude was decisive, they accepted the silver coins and were sincerely grateful to him.
Gu Lin smiled and said:
"There are several fine swords beside the corpse; any of you who want them may take them!"
"Yes, sir!" The porters clasped their hands respectfully, beaming with joy.
......
late at night.
Gu Lin took stock of the results.
Breaking through to the fifth level of Qi Condensation was a pleasant surprise, and he also gained a secret technique.
It wants to rival the heavens in height!
The name of the secret technique is undoubtedly domineering and unparalleled!
"Using this technique, one can forcefully increase their cultivation level by two stages within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, without causing the slightest damage to their meridians or dantian. The only side effect is that their internal energy cultivation level will subsequently drop by one stage!"
"I won't use it lightly, unless I'm in a desperate situation!"