Living Yama Li Erlang

Chapter 22: Living Yama Li Erlang

Zhao Family Manor, in the master's courtyard.

"Master Zhao, it's truly been a long time!"

"Isn't this Young Master Zhou from the Qianjin Escort Agency? Please, take a seat, have a seat..."

Zhou Qiankun, clad in a parrot-green martial robe, led a few burly men from the escort agency into the hall and took his seat.

Master Zhao waved his hand, signaling a servant to bring tea before dismissing him. The grand hall was then left with only a few individuals.

"Young Master Zhou, did you achieve merit in eliminating the Water Ghosts this time?"

Master Zhao feigned ignorance, deliberately asking the question. Zhou Qiankun replied without hesitation, "You and I conspired on the Water Ghost matter, how could you not know?"

He tapped the table with his finger and added, "It's just that there were some deviations this time. We were supposed to gain great merit by eliminating the Water Ghosts, but unfortunately, even after destroying five Water Ghost dens, we'll likely only receive a minor merit."

"Oh? Could it be because the first martial artist to eliminate the Water Ghosts was from the Changhe Martial Arts School, named Lin Mo?" Master Zhao said indifferently.

"Something like that. I didn't expect someone to seize the opportunity just before we were about to succeed."

Zhou Qiankun shook his head, his expression full of displeasure. Master Zhao merely smiled and took a sip of tea.

"Young Master Zhou, we must have rules in our dealings. Since our Zhao family has been helping you for so long, it's time our own matters were settled..."

"Naturally. I already have a plan for the Li Family Wharf matter. If it succeeds, both families will profit."

"Tell me about it?"

"Why don't we use the Water Ghost incident to orchestrate something big? Lure the Water Ghosts to attack the wharf. As long as we disrupt the peace and stability of this county, are you afraid the Prefecture City patrol officers won't gain great merit? At that time, with the Li Family Wharf falling, your Zhao family can also seize this opportunity to gain control of the water transport."

Li Family Manor, a group of guards escorted prisoners to the back mountain wine cellar. Along the way, not only the few Kudali but even Hu Pangsan cried out about their innocence.

"We just came here looking for a way to make a living. The martial world isn't all about fighting and killing... I understand what you mean, sir, I admit it. How much money do you want, and I'll pay it back?"

Hu Pangsan wept tears and snot, a bright red palm print clearly visible on his left cheek, with a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.

That was him channeling his Blood Essence, trying to escape. But as soon as his Blood Essence circulated, Li Zhiming struck him with a blow that left him disoriented.

Lin Mo followed behind, secretly observing these people.

If he had to express surprise, it would be for the portly manager. He hadn't expected his cultivation to have reached Second Level, the introductory stage of flesh refinement.

Not only was his skin as tough as leather, but his flesh and blood were nourished by Blood Essence. If Lin Mo were to engage him in combat, it would be difficult to inflict effective damage on his body with just punches and kicks.

However, if it were a fight to the death, with attacks aimed at vital points like the eyes, neck, and lower body, that would be a different story.

"But even a Second Level martial artist couldn't withstand Li Zhiming's slap. Is this the benefit of abundant Blood Essence..."

Lin Mo clicked his tongue in amazement. He had originally expected a life-or-death battle, but these individuals were either smashed or slapped.

The back mountain wine cellar, everyone walked into a passage. The stone steps leading down were covered in dark green moss.

Only a few lamps illuminated the passage, casting long shadows of the figures. With every step down, the smell of rotten wood and blood rust grew stronger.

"I am merely a merchant. The Water Ghost chaos in Qingshan County... I was just looking for a way to make a living..."

Hu Pangsan stumbled downwards, escorted all the way. His round body trembled like a sieve, and he continuously muttered, trying to absolve himself.

However, Li Zhiming's next words choked him. He grabbed Hu Pangsan's ear and whispered, "Where did the Water Ghost chaos in Qingshan County come from? Even if there were, I'll arrest you if I want to!"

"Dare to disguise yourself on our Li family's territory? Those calluses on your hands suggest you've put in a lot of effort, haven't you? Don't worry... even if you were made of iron, I'd pry your mouth open!"

Descending into the prison, Li Zhiming greeted a limping old man inside. The old man had white hair and a beard, and a kindly, benevolent appearance.

"Second Master, these are infiltrators from another family into our wharf. I hope you can test their mettle first."

Second Master? Lin Mo looked at the amiable, limping old man before him and finally recalled something.

He heard that the Li family, two generations ago, had business dealings in the Prefecture City. This river transport business was the foundation laid by the elder generation of the Li family.

"If this old man is skilled in punishments, could he be the Living Yama Li Erlang who worked in the Prefecture City prison?"

Lin Mo mused, observing him intently. He saw that the old man's head was covered in dense clouds, possessing two cyan Destiny marks simultaneously...

[Expert in Punishments], [Dragon Leg Crane Knee]...

Perhaps because one leg was amputated from the knee down, the cyan light of the latter Destiny mark was somewhat dim. However, the former was truly radiating a vibrant cyan light.

As Lin Mo was observing closely, the old man's keen senses detected it and he looked over, their eyes meeting.

He turned his head and examined Lin Mo carefully, "Is this kid new here?"

The old man spoke slowly and calmly, but Lin Mo felt an inexplicable chill for the first time.

He knew that his [Insightful Eye] would eventually be discovered when observing others. He didn't dare to try it on a Martial Master, and he hadn't expected it to be fine when used on Li Zhiming... yet this old man immediately saw through it.

This old man was at least a Fourth Level martial artist, and not just any Fourth Level! He might even be just one step away from becoming a Martial Master!

Lin Mo was somewhat surprised inwardly, but then he understood.

The Li family, solely through their river transport business, could contend with the Zhao Family Grain Store. One must remember that the Zhao Family Grain Store was one of the four great families. If the Li family had no backup, they would have been swallowed up long ago.

"That's right, one of the Li Family's top sponsored experts, and also a disciple of Martial Master Yang Yun of Changhe Martial Arts School," Li Zhiming replied.

"Good, a promising seedling," Li Erlang nodded. Lin Mo also cupped his fists at the opportune moment and said, "Greetings, Second Master. I am Lin Mo."

After a brief chat, Li Erlang stood up and looked at the detained individuals. A glint of light flashed in his cloudy, dust-covered eyes.

"Leave these people to me. I'll loosen their bones first. You all wait outside and come in after a quarter of an hour."

"I... I'm a traveling merchant..."

The old man's gaze was like swords; just being stared at sent a chill through his entire body. Hu Pangsan wailed even louder, while the Kudali behind him remained silent.

"You look tough, so you'll be first!"

Li Erlang's emaciated body began to hop forward slowly. He extended his bony, gnarled hand, on which several blue-black veins pulsed powerfully.

With a single lift of his hand, Hu Pangsan, weighing over three hundred pounds, was hoisted up. Li Erlang continued to hop slowly, heading deeper into the prison.

"I hope you can withstand my Nine Rods!"