Burial

Chapter 26: Burial

[Lu Zhaojin]

[Bone Age: Sixteen]

[Root Bone: Medium]

[Realm: Seventh Rank Mid-stage]

[Heart Method: Flowing Water Art (Perfected), Jade Purity Heart Method (50/100)]

[Techniques: Brute Ox Stance (Extreme), Gale Sword Art (Extreme), Golden Body Technique (25/100), Nine Heavens Thunder Sword Art (Perfected)]

[EXP: 4818]

[Inventory: Imperial Seal]

After killing Zhao Huaishui last night, Lu Zhaojin returned to the inn and immediately upgraded Brute Ox Stance to the Extreme Realm.

Perhaps it was because his physical body had reached such a level of strength after initiating the Golden Body Technique, but the Extreme Realm of Brute Ox Stance didn't bring about a massive improvement. It only slightly enhanced his physical resilience once more.

However, his body felt as if it had been cleansed and purified again, with impurities hidden in every corner of his being being purged. He now felt as if he had a spotless body, comfortable and light.

The two techniques obtained from that Cave Mansion were also gradually upgraded using EXP after being recorded in his character panel.

Nine Heavens Thunder Sword Art consumed twenty thousand EXP to reach Perfected. Breaking through to the Extreme Realm would require a staggering twenty thousand more EXP, so he decided to put it aside for now.

The Jade Purity Heart Method was of a slightly higher grade than Nine Heavens Thunder Sword Art, and reaching the Perfected realm would require twenty-five thousand EXP.

After upgrading Nine Heavens Thunder Sword Art, he no longer had enough EXP, so he could only advance Jade Purity Heart Method to Minor Accomplishment.

His martial arts realm consequently broke through to the Seventh Rank Mid-stage.

Abundant True Qi filled more than half of the acupoints within his body, allowing Lu Zhaojin to wield True Qi with even greater mastery. He could now also step on water without sinking.

Following such a significant improvement, Lu Zhaojin felt that what he lacked most now was a good sword.

As the saying goes, a good horse deserves a good saddle.

A swordsman naturally needs a good sword to fully display their true killing power.

The Hundred Refined Sword he had obtained less than two days ago had already developed several nicks during his duel with Uncle Chen.

This wasn't to say the blacksmith's craftsmanship was poor, but rather that the materials used for Uncle Chen's spear were truly extraordinary; ordinary steel couldn't compare.

Knock, knock.

A knock sounded at the door.

The young man, who had been meditating cross-legged on the bed, slowly opened his eyes. A sharp glint flashed within them, like the morning sun illuminating the darkness, radiating vitality and vigor.

Lu Jinlin's voice came from outside, "Zhaojin, are you awake?"

Lu Zhaojin exhaled a breath of turbid air, got off the bed, pulled out the bolt, and opened the door. He then saw the middle-aged face, its color restored.

Lu Zhaojin invited him in to sit for a while, poured a cup of water from the kettle on the table, and handed it to him. "Father, what are your plans for today?"

Lu Jinlin took the cup and took a sip of the water. He slowly said, "I'm planning to go back and take a look."

Lu Zhaojin asked, "Shiqiao Town?"

Lu Jinlin nodded, put down the teacup, and said in a deep voice, "I'm going back to see the Sihai Escort Agency. The brothers who accompanied me on countless journeys all died there. I'm thinking of collecting their remains and finding a good place to bury them."

Lu Zhaojin nodded. It was indeed the right thing to do. "I'll accompany you."

After the two had breakfast at the inn, they went to the morning market in Qishan County and bought some items for the memorial ceremony. After packing everything into a large chest, they hired a horse-drawn carriage to transport the goods to Shiqiao Town.

Shiqiao Town.

Lu Zhaojin walked alongside Lu Jinlin through the streets, looking at the familiar yet strange scenery with a hint of daze.

His understanding of Shiqiao Town came from fragmented memories of his previous life. Now, standing in Shiqiao Town, he felt a profound sense of emotion.

After all, this was where his previous self had lived for over a decade.

The memories of his previous self were preserved in every street and alley.

However, after completing the funeral rites today, Lu Zhaojin would also bury the memories of his previous self along with the remains in the grave belonging to the Sihai Escort Agency.

Lu Jinlin stopped walking ahead. "We're here."

Lu Zhaojin also stopped and looked ahead. The stone brick wall had been scorched black by fire, and one could only imagine the scene within.

However, the escort flag of the Sihai Escort Agency was still hanging at the entrance, fluttering in the breeze, revealing the four characters "Sihai Escort Agency" on the flag.

Lu Jinlin stared for a while before finally stepping forward.

Lu Zhaojin followed closely behind him.

They were met by a screen wall, on which was carved a pattern of galloping horses.

His previous self remembered that Lu Jinlin would always gaze at it for a while upon returning from escort missions, likely wishing that the Sihai Escort Agency would travel further and further, just like the depiction.

Unfortunately, his wish did not come true.

The Sihai Escort Agency no longer exists.

Most of the houses were burned to ruins, making reconstruction extremely difficult.

However, Lu Zhaojin managed to get a good amount of banknotes from Chen Kang and the others. "This should be enough."

Lu Jinlin looked at the banknotes Lu Zhaojin handed him, some of which still had dried bloodstains on them. He didn't take them, instead looking up at Lu Zhaojin. "Keep it for yourself. I have my own ways."

Lu Zhaojin didn't stand on ceremony, putting the banknotes back into a hidden pocket inside his robe, though in reality, he stored them in his system inventory for safekeeping.

The two found no remains in the agency, likely having been burned to ashes.

Therefore, they decided to build a cenotaph.

While Lu Jinlin wasn't paying attention, Lu Zhaojin quietly placed some of his former self's belongings into it.

Outside the town, Lu Jinlin found an open space, dug a small pit, buried the items, and then asked Lu Zhaojin to bring over the things from the carriage to be burned along with it.

The two men watched the roaring flames and the tombstone inscribed with names, falling into silence.

Lu Jinlin finally broke the quiet. "When do you plan to leave?"

Lu Zhaojin thought for a moment. "Today."

Lu Jinlin fell silent again.

It was a good thing for the young man to venture out into the world; he had the strength for it.

Yet, as a father, he couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance.

He looked at Lu Zhaojin, seeing in him the innocent face of his childhood, those pure, guileless eyes looking up at him, asking what the martial world was like. Was escorting profitable? He had even said he wanted to be an escort like his father when he grew up...

Now, the fledgling bird had finally become an eagle, no longer needing him to spread his wings to shield it from wind and rain, able to soar through the heavens.

Lu Jinlin's heart was filled with mixed emotions. He could only nod and ask, "Have you packed everything?"

Lu Zhaojin replied, "There's nothing left I need to bring."

Lu Jinlin watched as the flames died down, the pile of ashes still emitting smoke that drifted into the sky. "Alright... The martial world is full of deceit and treachery. You must be very careful."

Lu Zhaojin nodded, saying he understood.

Lu Jinlin did not intend to go to Luoshui Commandery with Lu Zhaojin. He planned to rebuild the Sihai Escort Agency in Mount Qi and then, with great fanfare, go to the Li family in Luoshui Commandery to bring someone back.

Lu Jinlin had many things to do and preparations to make. Before leaving, he asked Lu Zhaojin if he wanted to go together, suggesting it wouldn't be too late to leave after lunch.

Lu Zhaojin declined, wanting to stay a while longer.

Lu Jinlin let him have his way, returning to Shiqiao Town to discuss the reconstruction of the agency with a carpenter.

Lu Zhaojin looked at the tombstone, gazing at it for a long time, then stepped forward. With his sword finger formed, he carved a name in an inconspicuous corner.

Lu Zhaojin.

This was naturally for his former self.

Perhaps it was also for his future self.

The future was unpredictable and hard to fathom. Even someone who had cultivated divination for a hundred years wouldn't dare to claim they knew exactly what someone's future would hold.

This was because life presented many choices, and each choice led to different outcomes.