Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Chapter 177: Chapter 46: Lingxiao Aspiration in the Cold Cottage, Iron Spine Bearing Heaven’s Light (Part 3)

”We’ve already set up an inescapable trap outside, he won’t get away.”

...

...

A few miles away from the Lian Family estate, a black snake less than a foot long emerged from the ground. Blood seeped out from its black scales, giving it an extremely eerie appearance.

”Damn those Liang martial artists, they actually set up a Demon-Slaying Needle. If it weren’t for my people’s Relic Shedding Divine Power, I would have really been doomed this time.”

Teng Shu’s serpent eyes held a trace of fear.

To escape, he had shed his skin five times in rapid succession, barely leaving any scales on his body.

In his current state, let alone confronting a Grade-Entering Martial Artist, even a Viscera-Refining Martial Artist would be best avoided.

”Jiangnan Dao is not a place to remain. Find the Flood Dragon Ying Bow and leave immediately!”

Teng Shu recalled what Lian Cheng said. He could naturally tell that Lian Cheng intended to use him, but if the Flood Dragon Ying Bow was truly in Lin Chen’s hands, what did it matter to be used by a dead man?

Whoosh!

In the dark of night, Teng Shu’s remaining one-foot body slipped into the Inner City River, following the water out of the city towards the direction of Poyang Lake.

A quarter of an hour later, Fang Ze and a man stood with gloomy expressions at the spot where Teng Shu had just appeared.

”We actually let that snake monster escape!”

”Lord Fang, this snake monster went underwater, it’s probably out of the city by now.”

”I will arrange for people to search along the river, inform all local government offices, seal off all waterways in recent days, and keep the people away.”

”Lord Fang, there’s no need to be too anxious. This snake was hit by the Demon-Slaying Needle and escaped using the Snake Race’s Relic Shedding Divine Power. In such a short time, shedding five times, his strength is less than ten percent, he can’t cause much trouble.”

The man beside him held five layers of milky white snake skin, and as he finished speaking, he tucked the snake skin into his robe.

Such snake skin is not only pill-refining materials, but can also be used for artifact refining.

Fang Ze pretended not to see. Liang’s rule was that whoever kills a demon race gets to keep the demon’s belongings.

He knew the snake monster was severely injured, and its strength greatly diminished, wouldn’t cause any more trouble, but letting a demon beast escape was still his failure.

...

...

The next day!

A drum sounded throughout the Poyang County Government Office.

Government office constables beat the drum, and the chief constable led a placard covered in red cloth through the streets.

After circling the city once, the procession finally exited the city.

”Zhao, cover for me today.”

”Brother Lin, do you have something to do?”

”Haha, I’m going to get a celebratory drink.”

Lin Xiuyong watched the departing celebratory procession and chuckled.

”A celebratory drink, is there a happy occasion in Brother Lin’s family?” the young soldier beside him asked curiously.

”Young Master Lin won first place in the county arena, and the County Magistrate awarded the plaque, complete with a drum parade. Linhu Village is bound to throw a banquet, and I have some acquaintance with Young Master Lin. Last time when he won first place at the martial arts hall in March, he invited me to Linhu Village for a drink, so naturally, I’m going this time too.”

Finishing these words, Lin Xiuyong, under the surprised gaze of the young soldier, took off his official attire, changed into plain clothes, and hurriedly left the city gate.

”Second Uncle, is Brother Lin perhaps a relative of that Young Master Lin?” the young soldier murmured to a constable in his thirties beside him.

”Not a chance. If Lin Xiuyong were really related to Young Master Lin, he wouldn’t tell you these things. You should remember, Zhao Hai, those with real connections in the government office will never disclose their backing. Those who do, usually don’t have such a backer.”

The older constable snorted, just like how no one in the entire office knew that Zhao Hai was his distant nephew.

Only those with shallow relations talk about it.

”Although Lin Xiuyong probably has some connection with Young Master Lin, listen to him more when you’re on patrol with him. I was wondering why Chief You even inquired about Lin Xiuyong’s situation last time.”

”Second Uncle, are you saying Chief You might transfer Brother Lin to the constable station to become a constable?”

”Without reaching Opening the Acupoints in three places, you can’t become a constable, no matter the connections. But if Chief You genuinely wanted to promote Lin Xiuyong, although he couldn’t be an official constable, he might allow Lin to join patrols and tax collections, citing a lack of manpower.”

Hearing this, Zhao Hai showed a look of envy. Even if not an official constable, having the authority to maintain public order during patrols meant benefits. Merchants would serve well on street patrols, certainly better than guarding the gate under the sun and wind for a few copper coins every day.

Kaohe Town!

The town chief, along with several respected elders from town, including Zhao Dongyang and a few wealthy families, were all waiting at the town gate.

”They’re here!”

Upon hearing the gong, everyone’s expressions lit up, and Gu Fei, who stood at the back of the crowd, took off running towards Linhu Village.

The celebratory procession had arrived at the town, it wouldn’t take long to reach Linhu Village. He had to report to the village chief.

Yesterday evening, people from the government’s office had informed the town that a plaque personally written by the County Magistrate would be delivered to Lin Chen at Linhu Village today. Naturally, the town chief notified Zhao Canghe overnight.

So early this morning, the entire Linhu Village was bustling. Some were cleaning the ancestral hall; each household brought their tables and chairs to gather at the hall.

With past experience of hosting a banquet, the villagers of Linhu Village were already well-versed, and everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.

The chef was still arranged by Master Zhao, the head chef of a restaurant. Today, Zhao’s Restaurant was closed, and several head chefs, along with waiters, went to help at Linhu Village.

Half an hour later, after making a round in Kaohe Town, the celebratory procession, accompanied by a dozen or so respected elders from Kaohe Town, set off in great numbers towards Linhu Village.