Chapter 9: To hear the Dao in the morning and to die in the evening

Jin Xiangyu nodded and said: "It is best that you can think this way. You do not belong here in the first place. Staying in the desert will only hinder you. Diao Buyu."

Returning to the inn is the only choice

The threat of the bow and arrow is too great

He Hu and Tie Zhu cannot even be considered as members of the martial world; they can only be regarded as bandits, lacking any sense of chivalry. Their assistance to Qiu Mo Yan in rescuing others was not out of respect for Qiu Mo Yan and Zhou Huai An, nor was it to protect the loyal and virtuous descendants, but rather for the sake of money

Qin Zhiyong clasped his fists and said to the man on the warhorse: "Since this road is impassable, let us return for now. Heroes, we take our leave."

Qin Zhiyong immediately made a decision, saying: "It is impossible to enter the pass and return to the territory of the Ming Dynasty. Let’s go, we will return to the inn"

Individuals in the martial world are reluctant to confront the attacks of arrows

Qin Zhiyong was indeed in need of money, having no funds to his name. He expressed his gratitude, saying: "Thank you, Madam. Your kindness will be etched in my heart."

The Longmen Inn is now a place where one can only enter, but not exit

When it comes to taking action, naturally Diao Buyu is the one to do it. However, when it comes to handling problems, it is Qin Zhiyong who steps in. Qin Zhiyong is a scholar, with a gentle and mild temperament, capable of resolving many issues. Diao Buyu's Mandarin is somewhat lacking in fluency, so having him communicate might lead to unintended consequences.

"Madam Boss, this silver..." Qin Zhiyong had not finished speaking.

Diao Buyu usually prefers to conceal his talents

Forcefully breaking in? That is an act of seeking death

Qin Zhiyong nodded and said: "Yes, Madam Boss"

Jin Xiangyu said: "Since we cannot enter the gate, let us first go to the kitchen to work."

Qin Zhiyong appeared calm and said, "Stealing the martial arts of others is a major taboo in the Jianghu, and I have heard of this. However, I have come this time not to steal, but to seek guidance from all of you. In fact, I see no difference between martial arts and the Four Books and Five Classics; both are forms of knowledge. If it is knowledge, it must be studied and discussed with one another, only then can there be progress. Otherwise, it is merely stagnation."

Jia Ting continued, "Moreover, the road to the south has already been blocked by my Eastern Factory. From now on, the Dragon Gate Inn can only allow entry, not exit. Want to leave the Dragon Gate Inn? They cannot do it."

To hear the Dao in the morning is worth dying in the evening. The inn is surrounded, and something significant is bound to happen. Whether I can survive is still uncertain. If I can clarify a certain knowledge before I die, I can die with my eyes closed.

The departure of Qin Zhiyong and Diao Buyu was not concealed. The three masters of the Eastern Depot and Qiu Moyan were all aware of it

The atmosphere in the inn has changed again

One must not seek to stand out or be unconventional

Jia Ting coldly snorted and said: "Qin Zhiyong and that Tatar butcher are not the targets of our Eastern Depot's capture. Our task is to apprehend Zhou Huai'an and his group of rebels in one fell swoop. You must not lose sight of the main objective and jeopardize the important matters of the Supervisor. Otherwise, the Supervisor will not spare you. Even I would find it difficult to absolve myself of responsibility"

... ...

Lu Xiaochuan said: "Qin Zhiyong and the butcher in the inn want to escape"

Qin Zhiyong took a deep breath, exerting all his effort to remain calm, as he stared at the more than ten warriors mounted on warhorses before him

He Hu watched Qin Zhiyong and Diao Buyu leave and said, "When will the great hero Zhou Huai'an arrive? Anyway, we have already rescued the people, so why don't we leave as well? This damned desert is filled with yellow sand, scorching hot during the day and freezing cold at night. It is not as comfortable as my occupied Helan Mountain."

A true martial artist of the Jianghu is characterized by the temperament of Qiu Mo Yan

Qiu Mo Yan and others have developed a certain anxiety about the impending approach of death

After all, the Dragon Gate Inn is located only on the edge of the desert, rather than deep within it

Jia Ting and Cao Tian both looked at Qin Zhiyong

Qiu Mo Yan stared at He Hu, a serious look flashing in her beautiful eyes: "No. We absolutely cannot leave. We must hand the child over to Zhou Huai An; only then can we consider our mission truly accomplished. Anyone who wants to leave now may do so, but they will not receive a single tael of silver."

Qin Zhiyong spoke in a gentle tone: "I, Qin, am a scholar, yet I also yearn for martial arts. I hope that one day I can become a martial arts master like you. You three are all esteemed martial arts seniors, and I have come specifically to seek your guidance."

Qin Zhiyong read the "Great Learning" several times and adjusted his mindset. He continued to practice martial arts and further studied Confucian teachings

The silver was placed on the table, and Qin Zhiyong estimated that there might be as much as one hundred taels.

Bang bang bang

Diao Buyu said: "No... it's not..."

Cao Tian and Lu Xiaochuan peered through the crack in the door and saw the two individuals exit the inn, heading south

Knock directly on the door

Qin Zhiyong's words did not surprise Jia Ting and the others at all. This is because they had long known that the route south had been blocked by the people from the Eastern Factory

Yes. Diao Buyu nodded solemnly.

The three hawks of the Eastern Depot are still at the inn

Qiu Mo Yan and the others are having lunch in the living room

Jin Xiangyu said nonchalantly, "Let's not waste any more words, you may leave."

Qin Zhiyong said with a smile: "Thank you."

One should not harbor malicious intentions towards others, but one must remain vigilant against the intentions of others

With a wave of her hand adorned with gold and jade, she said: "Do not refuse. The silver is your payment. I, with my gold and jade, am clear about my debts and will not let you, Young Master Qin, work for nothing. If you find it too much, consider it my support for your studies and your pursuit of the imperial examination. Once you become an official, do not forget your old mother. If one day I find it hard to survive in the borderlands and deserts, I might just come to seek refuge with you."

Qin Zhiyong sighed and said: "It is not that something happened and I forgot to bring it. Rather, the road to enter the pass has been blocked by someone. It seems impossible to leave the Longmen Inn. Madam, I have returned out of necessity."

Not advisable

Qin Zhiyong and Diao Buyu returned to the inn

If confronted by robbers and bandits, threatening one's life, in a moment of desperation, Qin Zhiyong can only take a gamble.

The warriors riding warhorses share a certain resemblance in temperament with Jia Ting and the others, indicating that they are certainly not mere figures of the martial world

Qin Zhiyong walked in front, while Diao Buyu followed behind and asked, "Young Master Qin, may I ask who those people blocking our way are and where they come from?"

Qin Zhiyong carried a bundle on his back as he exited the room, while Jin Xiangyu and Diao Buyu had already prepared provisions, money, and fresh water.

Jia Ting made a gesture of "please" and said, "Brother Qin, please come in and talk."

... ...

The bone-cutting knife by the pillow must also be taken away by Qin Zhiyong

Cao Tian looked at Jia Ting and asked, "Should we take action and capture the two of them?"

In fact, there is not much for Qin Zhiyong to tidy up, just two sets of clothes, which were gifted to him by Jin Xiangyu. The outfit he originally wore has already been burned, and keeping it serves no purpose.

However, Jin Xiangyu is very familiar with him. With the knife skills of Diao Buyu, the butcher who dissects an ox, ordinary people in the martial world are truly not his match

Qin Zhiyong and Diao Buyu encountered some trouble

Qin Zhiyong was equally concerned. However, fear and worry in his heart were of no use whatsoever

... ...

Reality cannot be changed

Whoosh

They were blocked in their path by more than ten warriors riding warhorses

Qiu Moyan's hand trembled slightly, and her ominous premonition was indeed confirmed. The Longmen Inn had already been surrounded by the hounds of the Eastern Factory. The Eastern Factory had now laid a net, waiting for Zhou Huai'an to fall into the trap.

Diao Buyu looked at Qin Zhiyong and asked, "Young Master Qin... what should we do... I am no match for them alone. If it comes to a fight... I won't be able to protect you."

Jin Xiangyu scolded, "Diao Buyu, be quiet. Qin Zhiyong, you speak."

One hundred taels of silver is a substantial amount for the average commoner. However, for her, it is merely a drop in the bucket. Over the years, through operating an illicit jade and gold shop, she has amassed at least several tens of thousands of taels of silver.

Qin Zhiyong carried dry rations and silver on his back, while Diao Buyu carried a large box of water. When traversing the desert, dry food is secondary; the most important thing is to have water

Jin Xiangyu furrowed her brows in surprise and asked, "Qin Zhiyong, Diao Buyu, why are you back again? Did you forget to bring something?"

Lu Xiaochuan wore a sullen expression and said coldly: "Kid, you really have some guts. Don't you know that inquiring about others' martial arts is a major taboo in the Jianghu? If we were to kill you now, you would have no one to blame but yourself."

Thinking of the methods of Supervisor Cao Shaoqin, Lu Xiaochuan and Cao Tian shivered

When you arrive at a place, you should wear the appropriate clothing and adopt the suitable style. This is known as adapting to local customs.

Jia Ting opened the door and inquired, "May I ask what brings you here, Brother Qin?"

Jin Xiangyu's expression was extremely serious, not at all like someone joking. Qin Zhiyong hesitated for a moment and said: "Madam Boss, since you have put it this way, if I stay any longer, it would be a bit shameless and ungrateful. I will listen to you and leave the desert, returning to the Ming Dynasty"

At this moment, Qiu Moyan felt conflicted; she both wished for Zhou Huai'an to appear soon and did not want Zhou Huai'an to come to the Longmen Inn

Was the rescue successful

No

Jia Ting and two others were seated at another table

To wish to leave, how easy it is to say

An arrow flew past Qin Zhiyong's cheek. The strong wind caused Qin Zhiyong's cheek to sting. If that arrow had deviated just one inch to the left, Qin Zhiyong's head would have been struck.

This statement is vividly exemplified in the desert

Qin Zhiyong sighed and said, "I will return to my room to tidy up first"

A warrior sneered and said: "Seeking wealth? We do not seek wealth. Do you really take us for mere bandits? This path is impassable. You should turn back immediately. Otherwise, you will be shot down by a rain of arrows"

... ...

After reading the works of Confucianism, Qin Zhiyong's disposition and mindset underwent a transformation. These few books are of great significance to him

If I am not mistaken, they are not ordinary robbers or bandits, but rather individuals from the government.

Gold inlaid with jade does not lack for silver

Water is the source of life

Qiu Mo Yan had a bad premonition in his heart; he feared that he and Zhou Huai An would encounter significant trouble this time. He hoped that they would not end up failing to rescue Yang Yu Xuan's children and instead get themselves caught in the process

Returning to the room, Qin Zhiyong neatly folded his clothes. Upon seeing the Four Books and Five Classics on the table, he paused in silence and placed the books into his bag

Jin Xiangyu said: "Qin Zhiyong is to return to the Central Plains. You will escort him into the pass. If you encounter bandits or robbers along the way, do not hesitate, just kill them directly. You must ensure Qin Zhiyong's safety"

Qin Zhiyong clasped his fists and spoke in a gentle tone: "Heroes, may I ask why you are blocking our way? We possess no wealth. If you seek riches, you are likely to be disappointed."

Afternoon

For self-defense

With the pace of Qin Zhiyong and Diao Buyu, they would be able to traverse the vast desert and reach the Gobi Desert by evening

If riding a horse, it would take only half an hour to exit the desert

Diao Buyu quickly exited the kitchen and stood behind Jin Xiangyu: "Madam Boss, is there... anything I can assist with?"

... ...

Qin Zhiyong arrived at the guest room of Jia Ting and the others, holding a pen and paper

Less than ten miles from the inn