Diverting Disaster Eastward

Later, Wang Jingyuan and Yue Lingshan, as representatives of the Mount Hua Sect, were naturally the main guests at the banquet arranged by the Lin family.

When it was time to leave, Wang Jingyuan saw Lin Zhennan smiling broadly, his words and actions full of friendliness and flattery. Wang Jingyuan smiled and leaned into Lin Zhennan's ear, "Have you been to the old house on Xiangyang Lane?"

Lin Zhennan's smile faltered, but then he heard Wang Jingyuan continue, "If I were you, I'd copy the entire sword manual, make several copies. Then burn the original. Oh, and remember not to copy the first sentence."

Lin Zhennan immediately called Lin Pingzhi over, "Pingzhi, you take your senior brothers and sisters to the restaurant first. Your father has some matters to attend to and will be there shortly. Get to know each other better, you disciples."

Although Lin Pingzhi didn't know what important matters his father needed to attend to right now, his upbringing was always strict. He still cupped his hands towards his father and respectfully walked ahead to lead Wang Jingyuan and Yue Lingshan.

Wang Jingyuan stepped forward and put his arm around Lin Pingzhi's shoulder, "Little Lin, have you studied?"

Lin Pingzhi honestly replied, "We hired a tutor at home who taught me the Hundred Family Surnames and the Thousand Character Classic."

"Did you not continue studying?"

"My ambition was not in the imperial examinations. Once I could read and write, I stopped studying."

Wang Jingyuan grinned, "That's a real shame. Perhaps Mount Hua can make up for your childhood regrets."

Lin Pingzhi was full of questions. I just love practicing martial arts, not studying! What regrets? I don't have any regrets! But as he was a newly accepted disciple, he didn't dare to argue with his senior brother. He remained silent, only nodding in agreement.

After a few steps, they arrived. Since the Fuwei Escort Agency was located in a relatively prosperous area of Fuzhou City, a short walk to the right after exiting would lead to the largest restaurant in the city.

Wang Jingyuan even wondered how the Fuwei Escort Agency could have been wiped out if things went according to the original story. He suspected that even drinking tea on the second floor of this restaurant would offer a live broadcast of the Fuwei Escort Agency's demise.

If he felt particularly entertained, he could even throw money down, offering a live "reward."

As Lin Zhennan had a wide network of acquaintances, this restaurant alone would not suffice. Therefore, the banquet was spread out from the restaurant all the way to the entrance of the Fuwei Escort Agency along the street.

Beneath the vermilion painted eaves of the restaurant hung numerous lanterns, illuminating the bluestone street as bright as day. In front of the Fuwei Escort Agency's golden nanmu plaque, dozens of tables were set up along the street, the rich aroma of fine wine and delicacies mingling with the scent of various dishes, making the entire street feel intoxicated.

Those with status and background naturally went inside to drink. Those without status or background only had the open-air tables. However, if Wang Jingyuan had a choice, he would have preferred the open-air seating because the sunset in Fuzhou City was quite beautiful.

But his strength did not allow it! What a pity.

However, Wang Jingyuan had not forgotten the purpose of attending this meal. He walked to the main entrance of the restaurant and, instead of rushing in, stood at the doorway, gathered his Internal Energy, and shouted loudly, "Everyone, look at me! Everyone, look at me! I have an announcement to make."

The passing guests all turned towards the source of the sound and saw a handsome young man. The young master of the Fuwei Escort Agency, Lin Pingzhi, was carefully accompanying him.

Those with a slightly sharper mind immediately understood. They had heard that disciples from the Mount Hua Sect were coming to the Fuwei Escort Agency to accept disciples on behalf of their master. This person was likely a distinguished disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.

Seeing Wang Jingyuan calling out to everyone, they all stood up. After all, one must show respect, especially since he was representing the esteemed Gentleman Sword, Master Yue.

Seeing that he had attracted everyone's attention, Wang Jingyuan continued, "A few days ago, the Chief Escort Lin of the Fuwei Escort Agency presented his family's Bixie Swordplay as a gift to Mount Hua. My Master, in gratitude for Chief Escort Lin's sincere intentions, specifically ordered me and my senior sister to come and accept Lin Pingzhi as a disciple on his behalf. Heroes and good fellows present, if your families possess any renowned martial arts or unique skills, our Mount Hua Sect is very welcoming to talented disciples who wish to come and learn."

Yue Lingshan suddenly turned her head, looking at Wang Jingyuan in disbelief. She knew without a doubt that this was another of Wang Jingyuan's impulsive decisions. But the matter was already settled. If she were to stop him now, things would likely get worse.

Although she didn't know Wang Jingyuan's exact identity, given what he had done, her father would probably not let him off easily. Perhaps on the way back to Mount Hua, she should advise him to flee as soon as possible.

Lin Pingzhi was a bit dazed. So that's how it is. He had been confused at first as to why the Mount Hua Sect would specifically come to Fuzhou City to accept him.

He hadn't expected his father to trade their family's martial art for it. At this moment, Lin Pingzhi felt as if his family had sold everything they had for his future. Brother, our family is rich now.jpg

As for the other onlookers, Wang Jingyuan's words shocked everyone. Initially, they were puzzled as to why the Fuwei Escort Agency, so far apart from the Mount Hua Sect, would suddenly come to accept a disciple, but now they understood the hidden reason.

However, everyone then frowned slightly. The Mount Hua Sect was, after all, a reputable righteous sect. Was this method of accepting disciples a bit... shameless?

Wang Jingyuan couldn't be bothered with what others thought. He pulled Lin Pingzhi along and entered the restaurant. Then, he brazenly pulled Lin Pingzhi and Yue Lingshan to sit at the main seats on the second floor.

As mentioned earlier, the restaurant was very close to the Fuwei Escort Agency. So, Lin Zhennan, who arrived late, naturally knew what had happened. He felt completely numb.

As he walked, facing the meaningful glances of the banquet guests, he could only force a smile. When he reached the restaurant, he saw Wang Jingyuan waving at him and could only walk over with a heavy heart to take his seat.

What should have been a joyous banquet for both hosts and guests became a meal where neither felt like eating due to Wang Jingyuan's disruption. They numbly toasted and exchanged pleasantries, everyone distracted.

Some were wondering what Wang Jingyuan's intentions were in revealing this matter in front of everyone. Others were contemplating whether the martial arts in their own families could be considered renowned.

The banquet, which should have lasted all night, ended hastily much earlier. As soon as he returned to the Fuwei Escort Agency, Lin Zhennan urgently invited Wang Jingyuan to his study for a talk.

Upon arriving at the study, Lin Zhennan dismissed the attendants and remained silent, simply looking at Wang Jingyuan. Wang Jingyuan knew what he was thinking and said directly, "I told you I came to save you. Right now, those who are targeting you are all after the Bixie Sword Manual. By doing this, I can make them shift their attention to Mount Hua. As for the Bixie Swordplay, you can send it to Mount Hua later if you wish, or not. You know the situation with the Bixie Swordplay, and we at Mount Hua have something better. And to be honest with you, we do have an ulterior motive for accepting Lin Pingzhi; we are after the Fuwei Escort Agency's established team."

"Established? Team?" Lin Zhennan didn't quite understand.

Wang Jingyuan took a book from his embrace and handed it to Lin Zhennan. He took it and murmured, "A financing proposal for the Mount Hua Sect and the Fuwei Escort Agency?" He then opened the cover and read, "Today, the Mount Hua Sect establishes its might with the sword, and the Fuwei Escort Agency conducts its business with trust. Together, their combined strength will pierce through the heavens, and their banners will guard the nine provinces. This alliance aims to open twelve land and water escort routes from the Qinling Mountains to Quanzhou, reshaping the logistics order of the Jianghu..."