Chapter 4, Rotation

"What is it?" Jiang Yu casually asked, sweeping across the table of food and drink like a whirlwind. After letting out a hearty burp and patting his belly, he laughed and said, "I haven't indulged in earthly delights for ten years, but this journey has been quite enjoyable. Brother, now that I am back, you must arrange a good official position for me. I have thought it over; back in the day, the two of us, along with a group of brothers, were known as the 'Yangzhou Clean Street Tigers.' In the future, we should elevate that name to 'Central Plains Clean Street Tigers.'"

Jiang Yu chuckled, merely watching Li Linfu without speaking. How could he reveal the truth? Those supernatural matters, although they had been part of the Wangyue sect for ten years, Jiang Yu himself was only half-convinced. How could he tell Li Linfu? Li Linfu chuckled a few times, shook his head, and sighed: "Well, it seems you also have your own difficulties in speaking. I won't press you for details. However, did your master mention what rank your skills would hold in the world?"

With a flick of his finger, he tossed the chicken leg bone onto the ground. Jiang Yule said: "It's not my money, so I don't care. This time I made a trip back to Yangzhou and extorted over 15,000 taels of silver from Old Turtle, which is half of the total savings of his White Dragon Gang over the past decade. These three chests are still on the cart; brother, you can have someone take them into the storeroom."

A henchman beside him pointed at Jiang Yu and shouted angrily: "You bastard, dare to speak to our leader like this?"

Hmm? Wu Fan? Forcing you to become a disciple? Just as Li Linfu was about to teach Jiang Yu a lesson, his mind suddenly fell into a state of confusion. The name Wu Fan seemed familiar, but how could he have kidnapped Jiang Yu? Forcing him to become a disciple? No wonder Jiang Yu has such impressive skills. But who exactly is Wu Fan? Ah! He is the man selling herbs at the back gate of the Great Compassion Temple! No wonder he was asking me about those things back then. Li Linfu's expression changed instantly; no wonder Jiang Yu has such impressive skills. But who exactly is Wu Fan? Ah! He is the man selling herbs at the back gate of the Great Compassion Temple! No wonder he was asking me about those things back then. Li Linfu's expression changed instantly, transforming from the coldness of a strict father to the warm smile of a kind elder brother. He pulled Jiang Yu up and sighed, "Forget it, this is also the case. No wonder he said 'Never ever meet again.' If I see him now, I will definitely mobilize troops to capture him and give him a good beating."

A prominent leader of the White Dragon Gang lowered his voice and asked Jia Yu in his ear: "Boss, this kid is drunk. Should we have the brothers go up and take care of him?" He made a gesture of cutting a throat.

As soon as the words "Fish Master" left his lips, Li Linfu, standing at the end of the courtyard, exclaimed loudly upon seeing Jiang Yu's unusually long limbs: "Little Fish, is it really you? You little rascal, where have you been for the past ten years? Why haven't you written a single letter back? You've made us worry for a whole decade!" Li Linfu lifted the front hem of his long robe and hurriedly ran towards Jiang Yu, reaching out a hand to pat Jiang Yu on the head. When he reached Jiang Yu's side, he was astonished to find that he could not even touch Jiang Yu's forehead, leaving him dumbfounded: "You little brat, what have you been eating? How did you grow so tall?"

Li Linfu's old face turned a rare shade of red for a moment, then quickly returned to normal: "So, where did your silver come from? Those few ingots of silver just now must be worth over twenty taels, right? Do you know how much a dou of rice costs in Chang'an now? How much does a bolt of silk cost? Do you know that my position as the Deputy Minister of Justice earns me only a few guan a year? How much does that convert to in silver?"

Jiang Yu raised his head high and sneered, "Do we have the leisure to argue with you? Old Turtle, we are no longer on the same level as opponents! Enough with the nonsense, bring the money, prepare a horse-drawn carriage for me, set up a banquet, and bring me three braised pig trotters first. Once I, Master Yu, have eaten and drunk to my fill, I will set off!" Jiang Yu wiped the greenish drool from the corner of his mouth, his facial muscles twitched a few times, and he muttered, "Heavens, from Kunlun Mountain all the way to Yangzhou, I have gnawed on grass leaves for half a year. Today, I can finally eat meat." Enough with the nonsense, bring the money, prepare a horse-drawn carriage for me, set up a banquet, and bring me three braised pig trotters first. Once I, Master Yu, have eaten and drunk to my fill, I will set off!" Jiang Yu wiped the greenish drool from the corner of his mouth, his facial muscles twitched a few times, and he muttered, "Heavens, from Kunlun Mountain all the way to Yangzhou, I have gnawed on grass leaves for half a year. Today, I can finally eat meat."

Hehe, oh dear, please watch your step, sir. Have you had quite a bit to drink today? Would you like me to prepare a bowl of fish slice congee to help you sober up?

Then Li Si pointed repeatedly with his right hand towards the entrance of the hall, stammering as he said: "Master, Master, there, there is a tall man outside the gate, who is probably two heads taller than an ordinary person? He claims to be your brother Jiang Yu, but he has gotten into a conflict with the people in the residence, and single-handedly wielding a stick, he has sent more than thirty guards in the residence scattering all over the courtyard!"

Jiang Yu pondered for a moment, then cautiously looked at Li Linfu and said with a forced smile: "Elder brother, I currently possess over 1,000 jin of strength. With a single swing of a stick, dozens of strong men cannot approach me. As for my skills in hand-to-hand combat, over the past ten years, I have learned a set of 'Beast Fist' techniques from birds and beasts, which are quite powerful and even surpass the skills with a stick. Do you think, with such abilities, I can still make a living in Chang'an?" Jiang Yu was very careful, and in accordance with Wufan's instructions, he downplayed his strength to a level that an ordinary person could accept.

Jiang Yu laughed heartily, tore off a roasted chicken wing, took a few bites, and exclaimed, "Brother, do you see me as that kind of person? Besides, don't think that just because you became the Deputy Minister of Justice, you can flaunt that chastity archway on your face, can you? Do you think you can hide it from me, your brother? Back then, you certainly didn't hold back when it came to kicking down the doors of widows."

With ease, Jiang Yu turned the tables, erasing the events of the past decade. After the initial chaos, Li Linfu harshly greeted Wu Fan a few times, but in his heart, he clearly understood that there were many inaccuracies and omissions in his brother's words. However, in front of so many guards and servants, the shrewd Li Linfu did not wish to inquire further.

Half a year ago, Wufan had already thrown Jiang Yu down the mountain, instructing him to practice martial arts by imitating a pile of martial arts manuals. He also warned him that before he had finished gnawing on that pile of herbs and absorbed all their medicinal properties, he was strictly forbidden from consuming any cooked food. After everything was arranged, Wufan set off to the west with his longbow, claiming he was going to travel in the west.

Li Linfu nodded quietly, and after a moment of contemplation, he said softly: "Please recount your experiences in learning the art over the past ten years. You were only eleven when you left your elder brother, and your experiences in the world are limited, making it not easy to serve as an official in the court."

Li Linfu's expression suddenly changed. He jumped up and called in Li Er, instructing him to quickly and carefully take the boxes from Jiang Yu's cart to his study. Only then did Li Linfu return to his seat, downing three cups of old wine in quick succession. While pondering, he said: "Brother, you have quite the skill. That old turtle is willing to pay such a high price, it must be because you promised him that we won't trouble them anymore. That's good; this matter can be set aside. With this capital, my affairs will be much easier to handle." While pondering, he continued: "Brother, you have quite the skill. That old turtle is willing to pay such a high price, it must be because you promised him that we won't trouble them anymore. That's good; this matter can be set aside. With this capital, my affairs will be much easier to handle."

"That scoundrel Li Linfu!" As a group reached the darkest path on the side of Shouxi Lake, Jia Yu suddenly cursed loudly, "What a stroke of luck for that fellow, how did he come to hold the position of Deputy Minister of the Censorate? With his incompetence, he can actually be Deputy Minister of the Censorate? Heaven, if he takes on the roles of Deputy Minister of Personnel and Deputy Minister of Justice, won't that bring me great trouble? His brother Jiang Yu has gone missing; what does that have to do with my White Dragon Gang?"

Ah, my dear sir, why are you being so clumsy? Tonight, I am entirely yours; you may do as you please. Come, let us first drink this cup!

Half of the savings

"Miao He, Miao He, these few guards still do not know whether they truly possess any skills. If they do not follow inside, that would be the best outcome. " Jiang Yu watched as the young lady entered the Great Compassion Temple, nearly drooling at the corners of his mouth: "Elder brother said, such romantic affairs are originally a source of joy. However, the monks of the Great Compassion Temple cannot be as fierce as those of the Shaolin Temple, can they?" A shadow flickered in his mind, but it was immediately suppressed by Jiang Yu, forcing down the tragic experiences of his youth. He lightly jumped and had already arrived inside the Great Compassion Temple.

With a few chuckles, Li Linfu said mockingly, "Look at me, your elder brother, a dignified Deputy Minister of Justice, a high-ranking official of the fourth grade. My annual and monthly salary is still paid in copper coins. Silver, on the other hand, is truly rare." He pointed at Jiang Yu and continued, "To be honest, how did you come by this money? Don't think that just because you have some skills, you can act recklessly. I, your elder brother, will not tolerate that."

This question is indeed profound. Returning to the banquet, Jiang Yu contemplated for a while and recounted Wu Fan's remarks in detail: "Six months ago, before my master traveled to the wild western lands, he told me that according to my current abilities, there are many people in the world whose strength surpasses mine. However, due to the peculiarities of our sect's techniques, my skills in self-preservation and escape are among the best in the world. Thus, the number of people who can harm me is very few. As long as I remain cautious, you need not worry about my safety, elder brother." However, due to the peculiarities of our sect's techniques, my skills in self-preservation and escape are among the best in the world. Thus, the number of people who can harm me is very few. As long as I remain cautious, you need not worry about my safety, elder brother.

After a few scornful remarks, Jiang Yu slipped into a secluded alley. His body twisted a few times, and he heard the bones in his body crackling loudly, as his towering frame suddenly shrank significantly. With a sly smile, Jiang Yu muttered, "Is your young lady really that impressive? Just wait until I steal your young lady's belly pouch; let's see how she manages after that." Having followed Li Linfu in street brawls since childhood, Jiang Yu, who had never known what propriety or law was, felt a surge of excitement and transformed into a wisp of smoke, darting over several high walls in pursuit of the horse-drawn carriage.

The more than ten henchmen behind him were the most ruthless and combative characters in Yangzhou. Yet, this group of people, unable to even retrieve their iron chains and iron rulers, was already knocked to the ground by the swarm of wild dogs, their bodies torn and bloodied. The screams of agony frightened the residents on both sides of the street, causing them to extinguish their lights, while the sound of a baby crying in the night drifted over.

With a gentle slap on the table, Li Linfu laughed and scolded, "Xiao Yu, you are boasting again. I too practiced martial arts in my youth, and having two or three hundred pounds of strength is already quite impressive. A thousand pounds of strength, wouldn't that make one a weightlifter capable of carrying a cauldron? If you truly possess a thousand pounds of strength, any position would be easy to arrange for you"

"Heaven is blind! How can Li Linfu, a complete fool who knows fewer characters than I, Jia Yu, be appointed as the Deputy Minister of Justice?" Jia Yu's expression was dark and uncertain as he pondered, wondering if he should sacrifice a bit of his own interests to persuade Li Linfu to drop the unsolved case involving Jiang Yu. How much money would it take to bribe a Deputy Minister of Justice to calmly let go of the White Dragon Gang?

Inside the main gate of the Li residence, more than a dozen guards lay on the ground, bruised and battered. Over twenty fine sabers had been broken in half and haphazardly piled together. Among the remaining guards, only seven or eight still held long knives, their eyes wandering as they stood guard at the passage leading to the inner residence, looking in terror at the figure before them. This figure was considerably taller than an average person, yet appeared slender, with long arms and legs resembling a large frog—Jiang Yu. Jiang Yu waved a white wax rod, grinning and laughing at the guards, and with a swaggering tone, he teased, "What a bold bunch of servants! I, Master Yu, have come to find my elder brother, yet you dare to glare at me. Do you not see that I, Master Yu, am handsome and talented? How could I be the sort to shamelessly seek connections?"

At this time, Chang'an was experiencing a prosperous era, having been governed effectively for over a decade since Emperor Xuanzong Li Longji ascended the throne. The realm was peaceful, society was stable, and the populace was affluent. Many pedestrians on the streets were dressed in fine silk or satin garments, their wide sleeves billowing as they moved, each person exuding the grace befitting a great empire. Groups of wandering knights roamed the roads, their presence stirring a surge of excitement in Jiang Yu, who longed to engage in a contest of strength with them. Merchants from the Western Regions, Nanzhao, and India further amazed him with the vastness of the world, revealing its endless wonders. As for the few Hu women selling wine in the taverns, they sparked some unsavory thoughts in Jiang Yu: "Isn't Master thinking of going to the Western Regions to pursue these Hu women?"

As he pondered, the members of the White Dragon Gang had already entered a narrow alley no wider than ten feet. Ahead, the lights of the neighborhood were visible, when suddenly a thunderous sound echoed from the sky. It was early summer, a season of unpredictable weather, and heavy rain began to pour down. At the same moment the thunder roared, Jia Yu seemed to hear a strange, eerie whistle, but when he strained to listen, it vanished. Jia Yu furrowed his brow and shouted, "A bunch of fools, it's pouring rain, what are you standing around for? Hurry up and move!" At the same moment the thunder roared, Jia Yu seemed to hear a strange, eerie whistle, but when he strained to listen, it vanished. Jia Yu furrowed his brow and shouted, "A bunch of fools, it's pouring rain, what are you standing around for? Hurry up and move!"

In a fit of rage, one must ensure that the White Dragon assists in the demise of the wandering individual. When Jia Yu was executing the massacre, the steward of the Li residence, Old Li, rushed in in a panic. As he entered the main hall, he failed to notice the threshold and tripped over it, tumbling into the hall. Li Linfu, displeased, slammed his teacup heavily onto the table and shouted angrily: "What kind of behavior is this? What kind of behavior is this? Li Si, you have also served my father for many years; how is it that you have become so undisciplined now? If outsiders were to see this, they would think that my Li Linfu's residence is filled with such frivolous and unstable individuals, would that not be a disgrace?"

How refreshing! How long has it been since I felt this good? At last, I have vented my pent-up frustration! Jiang Yu let out a long sigh, and the white wax rod was already aimed at the pale-faced Jia Yu. He said decisively: "Robbery! Hand over all the money on you, and I also want half of the current savings of your White Dragon Gang! I won't hit your face, so we can meet again in the future. I am going to Chang'an to seek refuge with my elder brother. This Yangzhou city will be the territory of your White Dragon Gang from now on. I, Master Yu, mean what I say; I will not go back on my word." Hand over all the money on you, and I also want half of the current savings of your White Dragon Gang! I won't hit your face, so we can meet again in the future. I am going to Chang'an to seek refuge with my elder brother. This Yangzhou city will be the territory of your White Dragon Gang from now on. I, Master Yu, mean what I say; I will not go back on my word.

"Jiang, Jiang, Jiang fish? Where is my brother?" Li Linfu suddenly jumped up, his gloomy face revealing an unmistakable hint of joy: "Where has he been for the past ten years? Hmm, no, he was just a little child, disappearing for ten years, and now how did he find his way here? Where did he learn all these remarkable skills? Could it be that someone is impersonating him, trying to gain some advantage from me, the Assistant Minister of the Imperial Court? Hmm, no, he was just a little child, disappearing for ten years, and now how did he find his way here? Where did he learn all these remarkable skills? Could it be that someone is impersonating him, trying to gain some advantage from me, the Assistant Minister of the Imperial Court? Human hearts are treacherous; one must not be unaware!"

At the Great Compassion and Kindness Temple, Jiang Yu turned and left, cursing as he walked away: "What do I care who your master is? I, Lord Yu, do not provoke him. You wicked servants will eventually face retribution."

The group of brothers behind Jia Yu did not dare to make a sound, each one trembling like chilled fledglings. Ten years ago, during the battle at the city gate, the White Dragon Gang suffered a crushing defeat, being beaten down by a pack of wild dogs. However, after that battle, Li Linfu and Jiang Yu lost all their connections and influence in Yangzhou. With the assistance of Hu Deqian, a military officer in the current governor's office, the White Dragon Gang has developed over the past decade into a large-scale, well-organized criminal organization, controlling about sixty to seventy percent of the illicit businesses in Yangzhou, such as gambling, drinking, and prostitution, raking in gold daily. But after that battle, Li Linfu and Jiang Yu lost all their connections and influence in Yangzhou. With the assistance of Hu Deqian, a military officer in the current governor's office, the White Dragon Gang has developed over the past decade into a large-scale, well-organized criminal organization, controlling about sixty to seventy percent of the illicit businesses in Yangzhou, such as gambling, drinking, and prostitution, raking in gold daily.

With a strand of beautiful whiskers, Li Linfu, whose triangular eyes were particularly prominent as he furrowed his brow in contemplation, sat in the main hall of his residence, holding a teacup and speaking ominously: "Little Fish has grown up with me since childhood. Back then, my father was busy with affairs at the governor's office every day, but I raised Little Fish all by myself. The bond between us is deeper than that of ordinary blood brothers by a hundredfold. Old Turtle, if you dare to bring people to bully Little Fish, leaving him in a state of uncertainty about life or death, if I, Li Linfu, were to let you go now, humph, would I still be Li Linfu?"

This carriage clearly belongs to a wealthy family. In front and behind the carriage, seven or eight guards, each wearing a dagger at their waist, surrounded it, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings like hawks. Jiang Yu, whose figure was significantly taller than the pedestrians on the street, had already caught the attention of these guards. After Jiang Yu had followed the carriage for three major streets, two guards who had lagged behind suddenly charged towards him on horseback. One of the stout guards raised his dagger, pointing the tip at Jiang Yu, and shouted, "You, sir, have no reason to follow our young lady!" After Jiang Yu had followed the carriage for three major streets, two guards who had lagged behind suddenly charged towards him on horseback. One of the stout guards raised his dagger, pointing the tip at Jiang Yu, and shouted, "You, sir, have no reason to follow our young lady!"

Gazing intently at the old monk in front and the three maidservants, Jiang Yu instinctively tore off a large piece of cloth from the front of his garment to cover his face. A surge of emotions, both thrilling and exciting, welled up within him. "This is the life I, Master Yu, desire. To be a high official, to earn great wealth, and to indulge in the company of beautiful women—how delightful that would be"

The tall figure of Wufan, carrying a long bow and drifting westward, took away the bond of master and disciple that Jiang Yu had cherished for ten years, along with the warmest and softest part of his feelings for others. When Wufan disappeared from Jiang Yu's sight, and with the passage of time, most of those ten years were spent in the wilderness, where Jiang Yu communicated with the primal forces of nature, he began his first transformation. The 'Clean Street Tiger' of Yangzhou City has returned, and has become even more savage, more unreasonable, more defiant, and more -- natural. When Wufan disappeared from Jiang Yu's sight, and with the passage of time, most of those ten years were spent in the wilderness, where Jiang Yu communicated with the primal forces of nature, he began his first transformation. The 'Clean Street Tiger' of Yangzhou City has returned, and has become even more savage, more unreasonable, more defiant, and more -- natural

Ah, you wretched pauper, with not even two coins to your name, how dare you come here to loiter? Come on, throw this filthy scholar out!

In addition to these young scholars and gentlemen, there are also portly wealthy merchants, adorned with golden silk money bags, striding confidently into familiar venues to spend lavishly in pursuit of the charming smiles of the courtesans. Occasionally, a few familiar tycoons encounter each other on the street, only to exchange a heavy 'hmph' before hastily bringing their attendants and bodyguards into the same courtyard, loudly calling for the same courtesan to entertain them. Consequently, the price for companionship rises once again, causing the madam of the brothel to smile broadly, revealing her teeth.

After scolding for a while, Jiang Yu looked at Li Linfu with a strange expression and chuckled: "Could it be that my elder brother has recently made progress in his studies, which is why he wants me to read a few more books?"

On the carriage, Jiang Yu looked at the three boxes containing approximately fifteen thousand taels of silver and let out a long sigh: "The White Dragon Gang is not doing so well; after ten years, such a large gang has only accumulated thirty thousand guan. Is it really necessary? He better not try to fool me." Shaking his head, he took out a white cloth pouch from his sleeve, stuffed the three boxes into the pouch, casually draped it over his shoulder, and with a flick of the whip in his hand, shouted loudly: "Horses, horses, we are heading to Chang'an!"

Li Linfu merely smiled and remained silent, nodding towards the several guards who had been knocked over, and led Jiang Yu into the inner courtyard. Naturally, there were some calculations upon the reunion of brothers. After Li Linfu brought Jiang Yu to pay respects to his father, grandmother, and second mother, he also introduced him to his wives and concubines, as well as the several children born in recent years. His relatives had long been brought to Chang'an after his rise to prominence. After a flurry of activity, Li Linfu had a table of wine and food prepared and began to drink with Jiang Yu. After three rounds of wine, Li Linfu looked at Jiang Yu with a smile and said, "Brother, you have been away for ten years and have made great progress. Back then, it was extremely difficult for you to ask me for a copper coin for pocket money, but now you are generously giving away silver."

Jiang Yu still remembered clearly the longing gaze of Wu Fan as he looked towards the West: "In the Central Plains, material desires run rampant, and with the emergence of such an anomaly as you, it is unlikely that anyone suitable for our sect's heart method will appear again. However, the West remains a wild land, where the common people still struggle against the heavens, the earth, and fierce beasts. Perhaps there exists someone who can possess a heart attuned to nature. Our sect's teachings are diverse and unrestrained. As for my master, he will journey to the West; perhaps this will add a few disciples to our sect." He patted Jiang Yu's shoulder and continued, "Years from now, perhaps in that far western country, someone skilled in using a bow as tall as a person will emerge, and that will be the legacy of my Wangyue Sect in the West. You must take good care of it, my disciple."

As soon as this question was raised, Jiang Yu's expression instantly turned extremely grim. In a fit of anger and embarrassment, he glared at Li Linfu and shouted, "Elder brother, you know what kind of person I am. Aren't we similar to how we were back in the day? Among us brothers, who is suited for scholarly pursuits? To be honest, over the past ten years, I have followed my master and learned only the skills of killing, arson, and fighting. I am completely ignorant of poetry and literature. What do you think I should do? Should I be thrown into the army for training? Or what?"

Li Linfu's expression suddenly froze, and he laughed mockingly, saying: "Shut up, what nonsense are you talking about? The words 'Central Plains Clean Street Tiger' should never be spoken in Chang'an again. There are many royal relatives and nobles here; aside from the current one, who would dare to use such a title? It is not difficult to arrange an official position for you; as for me, I am currently in Chang'an, and I do have some influence. However, what are your skills in poetry and literature?"

Wang Yue Yimen does not shy away from the common obstacles perceived by ordinary practitioners, such as the seven emotions and six desires of his disciples. For them, these natural emotions are an inseparable part of being human. Only by embracing these desires can one transcend them more effectively—this notion is somewhat akin to the so-called demonic path. At present, Jiang Yu finds himself stirred by desire, eagerly following a horse-drawn carriage ahead, his mind solely occupied with thoughts of the beautiful woman he glimpsed through the carriage window moments ago.

Jia Yu slapped the big chief's face and angrily shouted, "Fool! Do you think I would give away half of our gang's savings? This is buying peace, sending away the plague! Although Jiang Yu was young back then, he was also trustworthy. When he went to Chang'an, Li Linfu no longer had any thoughts of dealing with us. We are buying peace! Spending a little money to gain a lot, do you understand? Fool!" He went to Chang'an, and Li Linfu no longer had any thoughts of dealing with us. We are buying peace! Spending a little money to gain a lot, do you understand? Fool!"

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

Within the city of Chang'an, Li Linfu is currently enjoying great success. With the assistance of the powerful eunuch Gao Lishi from the palace, and having secured the favor of Consort Wu, he has also managed to place a significant burden on the Minister of Ceremonies, Fei Guangting, effectively wearing a large green hat. He is at the pinnacle of his achievements, experiencing a level of success that is beyond measure. At this moment, having successfully consolidated the various positions within the Censorate, pacified all his subordinates, and clarified his own powers and responsibilities, he, whose temperament is not particularly broad-minded, is already preparing to take a trip to Yangzhou as the 'Inspector' under the jurisdiction of the Censorate.

A dozen or so people rushed out of the alley and arrived at the main street ahead. At this moment, the street was empty, except for two night watchmen huddled under the eaves, watching Jia Yu and the others. There was not a single ghostly shadow on the entire street. Just then, countless angry barks echoed from both ends of the street, and hundreds of dog shadows flitted like ghosts through the curtain of rain, rapidly charging towards Jia Yu and his companions. The barking of 'Woof, woof, woof, woof' was deafening, causing Jia Yu to be terrified as he gazed at this bizarre scene, already associating it with an event from ten years ago.

The two brothers spent an entire night discussing clearly the events that had transpired over the past decade, and then they both burst into laughter. Li Linfu remarked, "That Wufan is indeed a remarkable person, but unfortunately, he is unwilling to assist me, the elder brother. Given this, Xiaoyu, your past ten years have been spent in remote places, and your experience is rather lacking. Would you mind starting from the very bottom? As long as you invest three to five years to gain experience, I can offer you good opportunities here, brother." Li Linfu seemed to have thought of something excellent, and he laughed so hard that his eyes squinted into slits.

After a long silence, Li Linfu suddenly burst into laughter: "Well, you little fish, are you trying to fool your big brother? This cypress wood is tough and dense; even a heavy axe struggles to cut through it. Yet you can crush the trunk with your fingers. Just how great is your skill? Hurry up and confess!" He was grinning widely, pointing at Jiang Yu as he continuously waved his hand, pretending to spank Jiang Yu's bottom, much like how he would discipline the younger Jiang Yu in their childhood.

Just as Jia Yu was full of ambition and eager to showcase his talents, planning to expand the White Dragon Gang's influence into the surrounding areas of Yangzhou City, a shocking piece of news suddenly arrived — Li Linfu, who had been secretly obstructing the White Dragon Gang due to the disappearance of Jiang Yu over the past decade, had actually been promoted to the position of Deputy Censor-in-Chief! Previously, Li Linfu held only nominal positions such as the Prince's Eastern Palace Instructor and the Director of the National Academy, which were prestigious but lacked real power, and he could do little against the White Dragon Gang. However, the Deputy Censor-in-Chief, especially one who concurrently managed the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Justice, was a figure wielding significant power over life and death. Dealing with a small gang like the White Dragon Gang would be as easy as a mere flick of the tongue for him.

He clapped his hands. When Li Linfu first arrived in Chang'an, Jiang Er, who took him on a tour of the city, has now changed his name to Li Er. He was given to Li Linfu by Jiang Jiao and is specifically responsible for the external affairs of the Li residence. The steward Li Er hurriedly ran in from outside and bowed, saying: "Master, what are your orders?"

The guard shouted: "My young lady is going to the Great Compassion and Kindness Temple to pay her respects. Are you following her with ulterior motives? Do you know who our master is?"

With a strong martial skill and ample silver in his belt, along with two coins tucked in his sleeves, Jiang Yu stood tall and proud, his eyes darting around eagerly as he followed the flow of people on the street, feeling an exhilarating sense of freedom. The prosperity and splendor of Chang'an were unparalleled at that time, and after spending ten years in the wilderness, Jiang Yu had fully immersed himself in this wealthy nest, his face beaming with joy, much like a wild beast in heat, with all his emotions and desires swelling, becoming 'naturally' 'natural'.

Ah, esteemed guest, what brings you to our "Flower Courtyard" today? Please, come in, come in. May I ask for the names of the distinguished guests accompanying you?

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Linfu immediately felt a mix of embarrassment and anger. His hands became claw-like, resembling those of a chicken, as he menacingly gestured towards Jiang Yu for a while. After a long moment of fury, he finally frowned and said: "Enough of the nonsense. For the past ten years, Second Aunt has suffered because of you. She is your biological aunt and my Second Aunt. In the coming days, you should spend more time with her and show some filial piety. I will keep an eye out for any suitable job openings for you in the meantime." After a moment of thought, Li Linfu cautiously asked him: "However, after ten years of martial arts training, how are your skills now?"

Having eaten and drunk to his fill, Jiang Yu, with a face glistening with oil, wiped his mouth and let out a hearty laugh, exclaiming: "Beautiful, truly beautiful. Old Jia Yu, rest assured, I have brought money to Chang'an to find my elder brother, and he will certainly speak well of you. My elder brother is also a man who values the rules of the jianghu; now that I, his younger brother, have returned, what need is there for him to take revenge on you? Ha, haha! Rest easy!" The white of his lips, the green of his face, and the green in his eyes had all vanished without a trace, and Jiang Yu, now infused with a bit of the warmth of human life, waved his hands with satisfaction, laughing as he jumped onto the large cart at the entrance of the White Dragon Gang's headquarters. With a shout, he urged the cart towards the city gate. Meanwhile, Jia Yu had long since sent someone to secretly open the city gate to escort Jiang Yu out of the city.

After a few days, having fulfilled his filial duties in front of his "cheap old father," "cheap old mother," and his aunt, Jiang Yu, who had long developed a free-spirited character in the mountains and fields, grew impatient with staying at Li Linfu's house and rotting away. He took a bag of silver from the storeroom, without bringing a single attendant, and set out to stroll around Chang'an.

Silently passing through the layers of courtyards in the Great Compassion Temple, Jiang Yu's brows suddenly furrowed: "There is a ghost. Why would this woman come to offer incense not in the main hall outside, but instead run to the back courtyard? Could it be that this old monk is not respectable, perhaps a lecherous monk engaging in shady practices? My master once explained to me the tricks of the underworld, yet there are indeed thieves hiding in this fine temple, engaging in such unscrupulous activities"

As night falls, the city of Yangzhou and the banks of the Slender West Lake are brightly lit. The courtesans of the brothels are all dressed in splendid attire, exuding enchanting fragrances, and they wave their handkerchiefs from the balconies to attract the attention of wandering suitors. In the night, there is a lingering scent of debauchery and opulence. The beauties beckon from above, while the young gentlemen stroll leisurely along the streets below, occasionally greeting familiar faces. A few envious scholars gather together, reciting a few verses of poetry that suit the occasion, and immediately a wave of flattery surges forth like a tide. The beauties beckon from above, while the young gentlemen stroll leisurely along the streets below, occasionally greeting familiar faces. A few envious scholars gather together, reciting a few verses of poetry that suit the occasion, and immediately a wave of flattery surges forth like a tide.

The carriage arrived at the Great Compassion and Kindness Temple, where the young lady alighted from the side door. Inside the temple, an elderly monk in his fifties, with a kind and gentle demeanor, came out to greet her. After performing a gesture of respect with his hands together, he led the young lady and her three maidservants into the temple. The several bodyguards left their horses behind and sat on a few long benches outside the side door, crossing their legs. They began to engage in casual banter with familiar bodyguards who were also escorting their masters to pay respects.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu immediately jumped out of the hall and single-handedly uprooted a cypress tree, as thick as a bowl, from the ground. With a loud crash, the trunk was crushed by Jiang Yu's fingers. Shaking off the wood chips from his hands, Jiang Yu proudly looked at the astonished Li Linfu and said, "Elder brother, how do you find my skill? Is it still presentable? This is merely a minor skill; when it comes to my ability to conceal myself and track others, I am truly among the best in the world"

Jiang Yuyanzhu turned around and looked at the guard with a hint of anger, saying: "The road is wide, let each go their own way. Am I obstructing you? What is your young lady up to?"

The leader of the largest gang in Yangzhou, the White Dragon Gang, Jia Yu, furrowed his brows tightly, his face ashen as he emerged from the "Flower Courtyard" with a dozen thugs. They knocked over seven or eight pedestrians, overturned three or five roadside stalls, and tore apart one or two red lanterns at the entrance of a brothel with a wave of their hands, angrily heading towards Jia Yu's private residence in the city. Wherever they passed, the girls and madams in the brothels, upon seeing Jia Yu's grim face, instinctively shut their mouths, only looking at him with terrified eyes, unsure of which deity had offended this local emperor of Yangzhou, and it seemed that a storm of bloodshed was about to ensue.

With pale lips, a bluish complexion, and greenish eyes, the river fish, with a malicious grin, slowly approached Jia Yu, swinging a white wax rod that was as thick as a wrist and eight feet long. "Old Soft-Shelled Turtle, Chief Jia, do you still remember your old friend? It has been ten years, ten years indeed! I, Fish Master, have always been concerned about you good brothers! Look, I just returned to Yangzhou City, and here I am to greet you!"

In Jiang Yu's eyes, a glimmer of tears sparkled as he suddenly knelt down and bowed three times towards Li Linfu, crying out with a hint of sobbing: "Elder brother, I have finally returned! Wuwu, how could you have provoked that herbalist Wufan back then, causing him to abduct me and force me to be his apprentice for ten years!"

Half a year, a full six months, from Kunlun to Yangzhou, Jiang Yu had consumed all the herbal medicine that resembled a small mountain, causing the true energy within him to transform into a liquid as fluid as mercury, flowing with incredible swiftness. Jiang Yu felt that the bitter taste of the grass roots was emanating from every pore of his body. Therefore, upon arriving in Yangzhou, he immediately sought out Jia Yu of the White Dragon Gang to take advantage of him, while also taking the opportunity to exact a fierce revenge for the deep-seated grudge of being besieged by dozens of members of the White Dragon Gang during the city gate battle when he was just a child.

He casually tossed the white wax rod aside, then Jiang Yu pulled out a few silver ingots from his waist and threw them to the astonished guards, laughing heartily: "Brothers, my apologies, I got a bit carried away just now. Plus, what you brothers said earlier was a bit amusing, hahahaha! Please take this silver and go have a drink."

Li Linfu nodded slightly and said淡淡地: "Quickly send someone to the palace, the commander of the Qianqiu Guard has a good relationship with our office, please have him secretly dispatch dozens of skilled men from the Qianqiu Guard to wait outside on the street." While giving orders, Li Linfu walked towards the front courtyard, muttering under his breath: "My thirty-some guards are all skilled soldiers, yet they were scattered by just one person? The Southern and Northern Imperial Guards are probably useless; we still need the skilled men from the Qianqiu Guard to take action. Hmph, could it be that this little fish has such abilities?" Li Linfu's eyes suddenly brightened, and the joy on his face could not be contained.

Jiang Yu seized the white wax rod and began to strike the henchman indiscriminately. After a dozen blows landed on the henchman, he let out a groan and fainted. Jiang Yu then grabbed him by the hair and lifted him up, shaking him violently as if he were a sack of straw. The sound of several bones cracking could be heard from the henchman's body, causing him to regain consciousness from his stupor. Only then did Jiang Yu heavily throw him to the ground and kick him away.

Jia Yu's eyelids twitched slightly, and gritting his teeth, he murmured: "Are you really not coming back in the future? What about your elder brother Li Linfu?"

Jia Yu trembled all over, unsure whether it was out of anger or fear. He watched the dozen or so henchmen struggling and writhing among the pack of wild dogs, desperately screaming. After a prolonged period of hysterical shouting, Jia Yu was oblivious to what he was actually yelling. Suddenly, the pack of wild dogs obediently tucked their tails and ran away from both ends of the street, quickly disappearing from sight. Meanwhile, a heavy footstep echoed slowly, splashing through the rainwater on the street, gradually approaching Jia Yu.