Chapter 5, Scholar Xu aims to achieve the highest degree in the imperial examination
This is the true order of the martial world, where everyone greets each other with goodwill. Efforts are made to avoid truly irreconcilable conflicts. The times have changed; in this stable society of the Great Hua Dynasty, even the martial world requires a semblance of stability. In the chaotic times before the Great Hua Dynasty, irreconcilable conflicts were commonplace, leading to numerous life-and-death struggles that inflicted great losses on the martial world. Countless sects disappeared, and those that remained mostly struggled to survive. Only now have those that barely endured begun to gradually regain some vitality. If we were to consider the chaotic times before the Great Hua Dynasty, irreconcilable conflicts were indeed common, resulting in various life-and-death struggles that caused immense damage to the martial world, leading to the disappearance of countless sects, with the survivors mostly hanging on by a thread. Only now have those that barely endured begun to gradually regain some vitality.
Scholar Xu heard a strong wind rushing behind him, followed by a clang as a long knife was drawn from its sheath. His figure leaped into the air, and the cold light of the blade swept upward from below, following his movement.
Scholar Xu chuckled upon hearing this and said, "It doesn't matter about the work; the payment is one hundred taels, and I will have it loaded onto the ship in a moment."
The Iron-Backed Dragon was originally named Wu Zixing, yet at this moment, his tone was one of utmost respect. Within this respect, there was a slight hint of threat. Wu Zixing spoke in this manner to intimidate the farmers in the town, who had just suffered a significant loss; they were not capable of fighting back again. His words, which revealed their respective identities and origins, served to elevate his own status, making it clear to these farmers that he was not to be trifled with. Wu Zixing believed that these farmers lacked experience, while the woman was knowledgeable and would undoubtedly grant him some face.
Tangled in this situation, the iron-backed dragon still did not step forward to speak, merely watching as the corpse and the salt goods were moved beside the ancient thousand-year-old tree
The two weapons clashed once more, and Scholar Xu managed to stabilize the situation, yet he could not help but continue to retreat.
"Are you speaking to me, young master?" Xu Xiucai replied, but inwardly he scoffed, thinking that this woman is truly peculiar, possessing a temperament akin to that of the King of Heaven.
He Jiyue's reaction inevitably made the Ironback Dragon feel even more awkward. If he were to speak again, he might truly provoke this woman, leading to dire consequences. Remaining silent was also awkward; as the leader, he had a group of subordinates who relied on him for their livelihoods, and he ultimately had to maintain some face. Even if he suffered a loss today, there should still be a way to gracefully step down from the situation.
Having finished speaking, Master Xu turned and left
After the Da Jiang Cao Bang, it is naturally the Feng Chi Sect. However, both the Nan Liu and Feng Chi are genuine martial arts sects, and they have never openly conflicted with each other; in fact, there is even a subtle camaraderie between them
The kind of martial world that Xu Jie envisions, where a hero possesses exceptional martial skills, travels a thousand miles with a single sword, defeats all opponents across the land, and kills thousands, is clearly not the true martial world. No matter how high one's martial arts are, one is still human; a knife wound can still lead to death. Martial prowess cannot elevate a person to an extraordinary realm; this is the reality. In this world, there are capable individuals everywhere.
The Iron-Backed Dragon looked at the woman in white who had come ashore, feeling reluctant to speak and not wanting to disturb her brow. However, seeing the gazes of those around him directed at him, he pondered for a moment, then turned and took a few steps back. After bowing, he spoke: "I, Wu Zixing of the Iron-Backed Dragon, pay my respects! Today's matter is indeed a trivial one, merely a matter of several hundred taels of silver. It is also a grievance between our Nanshan Sect and the Da Jiang Cao Gang, and I did not wish to disturb the eminent figures on Fengchi Mountain. Today's matter is indeed a trivial one, merely a matter of several hundred taels of silver. It is also a grievance between our Nanshan Sect and the Da Jiang Cao Gang, and I did not wish to disturb the eminent figures on Fengchi Mountain. This time, our misfortune here is solely due to our own lack of skill. It seems that this matter regarding the river cannot be resolved amicably."
Xu Xiucai had already regained his composure, realizing that there was quite a gap between himself and this woman. He had been caught off guard by the sudden attack earlier, but at this moment, he felt no fear whatsoever. With a frown and clenched teeth, he leaped into action, ready to strike again, and he was already different from before. Moreover, Xu Jie had just fought with the members of the Nanshan Gang and had felt his extraordinary combat power, which filled him with confidence at this moment
Xu Cai heard this and turned back with twenty to thirty people
The phrase "You women are foolish" made the female hero raise her eyebrows, and she leaped up; although her sword was not drawn, it was already rushing towards the scholar.
No money
Elder Xu, known as Xu Laoba, has watched Xu Jie grow up. He knows that Xu Jie has been intelligent since childhood, effortlessly excelling in reading and writing. Even in Qingshan County, he has gained quite a reputation for his talents, and there are often people praising his excellent poetry and prose. Therefore, in Elder Xu's mind, Xu Jie is destined to become a high-ranking official in the future. Engaging in violence and killing is truly not the business of a high-ranking official.
There are quite a few capable individuals in the military, and the eighty to ninety farmers from the Xu family are precisely men who have come from the army. Although most military men do not possess any profound martial skills, the might of the armored formations in the military is not something that the unruly elements of the rivers and lakes can withstand.
"Take the corpse and the salt goods onto the ship," came the cold voice of a woman
Xu Zhongzhi's words truly do not align with Xu Laoba's previous statements. Xu Laoba meant that Xu Jie should not be involved in such violent matters, yet Xu Zhong said that the ultimate knowledge should be passed on to Xu Jie
Xu Zhongwen, hearing this, wore a look of indifference and said, "It's just right that Jie'er is back this time; those eighteen skills should be passed on to him for practice."
Seeing this situation, Xu Laoba quickly spoke to Xu Zhong beside him, saying: "Elder brother, Jie'er cannot defeat this woman..."
Xu Zhong naturally knew that Xu Jie could not defeat this woman. Lao Ba's intention was merely to ask Xu Zhong whether he should step in to shield Xu Jie from her.
As for the open and covert struggles between the Nanshan Gang and the Caogang regarding the private goods business, the two factions above do not actually participate. This is a way of maintaining balance and also a method to avoid causing significant bloodshed. It is akin to two elder brothers having a good relationship, while their younger subordinates have some disputes; both sides keep the conflict at that level, and the two elder brothers will not engage in a life-and-death struggle. Furthermore, beneath Nanjing and Fengchi, the gangs that pay protection fees for support are not just one or two. It is similar to the situation where two elder brothers maintain a good relationship, while their younger subordinates have some disputes; both sides keep the conflict at that level, and the two elder brothers will not engage in a life-and-death struggle. Additionally, beneath Nanjing and Fengchi, the gangs that pay protection fees for support are not just one or two.
Once again, looking at that heroine, the long sword comes again, soaring straight up in pursuit.
Even if one wishes to save time by asking someone for help, it is essential to do so with a polite tone and to use courteous language. However, such cold and commanding words, when heard by Xu Xiucai, are extremely grating to the ears. If one were to make the request in a pleasant manner, it would be a trivial task, but given the current approach, the situation is naturally different
Old Xu's words are indeed reasonable; matters of the rivers and lakes are best left to the rivers and lakes. Ultimately, those in the rivers and lakes are also common folk, and when faced with the officials, they dare not act recklessly. Although the Great Hua Dynasty may not be able to resolve these issues of the rivers and lakes, the armored soldiers raised by the court are not to be trifled with. To kill officials and rebel, regardless of the sect or faction, one cannot escape the fate of having the entire family executed.
Xu Jie saw that both parties had arrived, and turned to say: "Eighth Uncle, bring out the corpses and the salt goods. The rest is their own business."
With a sharp clang, a bright light like a beacon burst forth, accompanied by sparks flying in all directions
He Jiyue, upon hearing the words of the Iron-Backed Flood Dragon, did not respond, but merely stood with his sword in hand, seemingly as if he had not heard anything at all
Once again, the heroine He moved without the slightest pause, abandoning Yun Shuhuan and heading straight for Xu Xiucai. However, the sword sheath adorned with jade and stones that belonged to the heroine He had already cracked open, revealing the snow-white blade of the long sword glistening under the moonlight
Items must not be left behind
A group of people from the Nanshan Gang, carrying a corpse, passed by He Jiyue, returned to their large ship, and sailed upstream, heading west. They did so in a manner as furtive as if they were fleeing.
At this moment, He Jiyue appeared here, clearly breaking this balance. This is also why the Iron-Backed Flood Dragon was surprised to see He Jiyue.
A figure flew out not far behind Xu Xiucai, it was Yun Shuhuan, who blocked in mid-air once more, but also retreated two steps, coming to a halt.
Scholar Xu had already been taken to the ground, his footsteps tapping repeatedly as he staggered back four or five steps, still unable to regain his balance
"It is fine even without money, just leave a few bags of salt." Xu Xiucai indeed knows how to do business; a bag of salt weighs around one hundred to one hundred and ten jin, so a few bags of salt would not come at a low price.
What is the rush? That woman didn't even draw her sword just now, and at this moment, she shows no intent to kill. Let Jie'er spar with her; it will be a valuable experience. Xu Zhong, on the other hand, is not in the least bit anxious
"Naturally, I will speak with you. Move the corpses and the salt goods onto the ship." The woman's tone remained indifferent.
Old Xu nodded upon hearing this, observing the scene filled with sparks flying everywhere, and then said: "Elder brother, it would be better for Jie'er to participate less in these fights and killings, as he is destined to become a successful candidate in the imperial examination in the future"
Xu Jie was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. He turned back to face the woman in white who had given him the order, feeling that she was quite rude. It is understandable for a woman to be unwilling to do such dirty and tiring work. However, this woman had a boatman on board who could take on the task.
Scholar Xu looked at the woman, truly at a loss for how to communicate. He turned to glance at the elders and children of his clan, and also at Xu Zhong. Seeing that everyone was looking at him, he turned back and said: "Are you this foolish, woman? Move it yourself! This young master has stayed up all night waiting for you, and I can’t move anymore."
Old Xu's eyes widened in surprise as he indignantly said, "Elder brother, I truly do not understand what you are thinking. Look at that scholar who has spent years practicing martial arts; a scholar's sword is merely for decoration. In this world, which martial artist would dare to go to the authorities to fight?"
Therefore, under normal circumstances, the elder brother above will only concern himself with the life-and-death matters faced by the younger brothers below, and will not interfere with the ways in which these younger brothers make money. For instance, between Nanshan and the Caobang, even when it truly comes to a point of mutual desperation and all-out effort, the elder brother who steps in will mostly act as a mediator.
Xu Jie sheathed his long knife and planned to return home to sleep. With matters reaching this point, it could be considered a satisfactory resolution. Xu Family Town would continue to be the peaceful and harmonious Xu Family Town. The affairs of the martial world would not concern Xu Family Town. Xu Jie himself would be going to study in Dajiang County next year, and now that he had already obtained the title of scholar, it was time for him to enter the county school. In the future, if he could pass the provincial examination and become a juren, he would hold an official position, which would exempt Xu Family Town from land taxes, making life a bit easier. If he could eventually pass the imperial examination and become a jinshi, it would be a matter of great honor for the family, a cause for universal joy, and something that Xu Zhushi and Xu Zhong had hoped for over the past decade.
The Iron-backed Dragon approached to identify several times and instructed the men to take away three of the corpses. He did not disturb the other corpses, nor did he touch the salt goods. Clearly, today he could only accept this outcome.
Xu Zhong's martial skills have a different origin and are not merely those of a military practitioner. Among the four brothers of the Xu family, Xu Zhong truly began to engage in martial arts only after enlisting, at the age of just sixteen. Although he was slightly younger, he possessed excellent physical attributes and a keen understanding. After practicing martial arts for over twenty years, his techniques are among the top levels in the Great Hua Dynasty. As for the true art of killing, after experiencing that fierce battle and walking through the purgatory of war, few can compare. This is precisely the foundation upon which Xu Zhong was able to rise to the position of camp commander.