Fourteen Regiments

Night.

After scouting around the mountain stronghold, Li Mo arrived at the door of Han Kui, the young Arhat.

Seeing Li Mo visit, Han Kui was momentarily stunned, then opened his door with a smile, welcoming Li Mo in for a heart-to-heart talk.

"It's like this, the stronghold assigned Hei Wa to be my apprentice assistant. His mother is gravely ill and needs some dried dates for nourishment. I saw some at the Zhang siblings' shady inn before. I was wondering if you brought any back that day, and if you could spare some for Hei Wa's mother?"

"So that's what it's about."

Upon learning Li Mo's intentions, Han Kui immediately dispatched someone to the storeroom to fetch some dried dates.

For him, the leader of a stronghold, doing this broke the rules. However, if it was just a few dried dates for medicinal purposes, no one would say much.

"Then I'll thank you on behalf of Hei Wa, Brother Han."

Seeing Li Mo like this, Han Kui held his prayer beads and chanted, "Amitabha."

"Saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda. Brother Li Mo, rest assured, once the Leader's injuries heal, you will definitely be appointed the fourteenth leader of the stronghold. Not only will you receive a monthly allowance, but we might even build a hall for you. Then, whatever you need, you just have to tell your subordinates."

Although each leader in the stronghold had their own duties, they were, after all, just bandits ruling the mountains. Living together daily, there were no clearly defined halls for different divisions.

"I will follow the Leader's arrangements."

After Li Mo became slightly more familiar with him, he decided to try asking about cultivators.

"Oh, right, Brother Han, there's one more thing I'd like to ask. How do people in the martial world distinguish between different levels of martial arts? What is this thing called Inner Strength, and who is more powerful, those top masters or cultivators?"

Han Kui burst into laughter at this.

In his opinion, asking such questions was fitting for Li Mo's age, not for someone who could kill the Zhang siblings single-handedly.

"Heh heh, as long as one practices martial arts and kills people, accumulating Sha Qi, they have officially entered the martial world. Even if you don't consider yourself part of the martial world, others will. And as a member of the martial world, many things are beyond one's control."

He paused slightly at this point.

"As for the level of martial arts, if the difference in strength isn't too great, one can generally sense it. For example, young brother, if my guess is correct, your martial arts practice must have reached the minor accomplishment stage, right?"

"Indeed."

Li Mo nodded in agreement, but he was puzzled. He didn't seem to have any such perception.

Han Kui smiled and said, "So, young brother, you are already a second-rate master in the martial world. Once your martial arts reach great accomplishment, you will be a peak second-rate master. At your age, possessing such strength, if the opportunity arises, you will surely soar. Beyond that are first-rate masters who have cultivated Inner Strength. However, such masters usually head to the distant Xia Kingdom. That place is a martial arts holy land for mortals, possessing countless post-natal and innate martial arts. Those who achieve mastery there are even capable of fighting against cultivators from immortal mountain sects. This is the only path for us martial artists."

"This?"

Li Mo was shocked. This was something he had never heard before.

Han Kui continued, "As for the so-called Inner Strength, I once heard an old Zen master from Chanyu Temple say that it is when one's martial arts cultivation reaches a certain level, and the body is tempered through countless trials, leading to a continuous improvement in spiritual perception. This then triggers a certain latent change, aided by mental cultivation techniques. In subsequent practice, it can be slowly transformed by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, gradually turning into Inner Strength, allowing one to unleash techniques like blade energy, sword energy, and fist winds, breaking through the limits of human capability."

Li Mo couldn't help but get excited upon hearing this.

"So, martial artists can really fight against cultivators?"

"This..."

Han Kui chuckled awkwardly.

"This is merely the wishful thinking of us martial artists. Cultivators possess spiritual roots from birth, allowing them to sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, actively circulate it for cultivation, and condense it into pure Magical Power. With this, they can cast elemental spells and control artifacts to kill enemies. These are true immortal techniques. We martial artists are ultimately mortals of this world. To contend against them..."

Han Kui sighed and shook his head silently.

"It's truly too difficult."

Hearing this, Li Mo was first surprised by the explanations of Inner Strength and Magical Power. Then, he recalled the mysterious mists in his ethereal dreams – formless, intangible, flowing slowly, uneven in density, and present everywhere.

Could this be the so-called spiritual energy of heaven and earth?

Seeing Li Mo's dazed expression, Han Kui mistook it for worry about the future and offered some comfort.

"However, young brother, you don't need to be discouraged. Although the path of martial arts is arduous, we are not without our merits. I've heard that whether one is a martial artist or a cultivator, what they ultimately pursue is the so-called 'Dao'." The major nations of the Central Plains all have their own Dao. Once enlightened, one can undergo a complete transformation."

"Dao?"

Li Mo looked puzzled.

Han Kui added, "Moreover, I've heard that many cultivators also practice basic martial arts. It's said that after practicing basic martial arts to great accomplishment, certain special potentials are awakened in the human body, which can be immensely beneficial even to cultivators."

This piece of information was incredibly important to Li Mo. His eyes immediately lit up with surprise.

It seemed that no matter what, practicing Three-Way Swordplay to great accomplishment would definitely be beneficial.

"Then, Brother Han, do you know how to test if one has good root potential and how to join an immortal mountain sect?"

"This, I became a monk from a young age and don't know. However, I seem to recall Wang Ying mentioning it. You can ask her about it. After all, she was the top courtesan at the Misty Rain Pavilion in the county town back then, so she's seen a lot and knows many things we don't."

The matter had circled back to Wang Ying.

As Li Mo prepared to leave, Han Kui handed him a bag of dried dates.

After Li Mo thanked him, he delivered them to Hei Wa's home that very night. Hei Wa immediately knelt down and kowtowed in gratitude.

"Get up quickly."

After comforting Hei Wa, Li Mo returned to his wooden cabin. Just as he was about to rest, he noticed a man standing by the door of Jade Fox Wang Ying's residence in the distance.

It was too dark to see who it was clearly.

When Jade Fox Wang Ying's door opened, he heard her say in a seductive tone, "Your injuries aren't healed yet, and you're still not behaving? Aren't you afraid of losing an arm later?"

"Hmph, if he can't cure it, then he's just freeloading. If he dares to mess with us two brothers, I'll chop him tomorrow!"

After issuing a threat, he impatiently added, "Hurry and let me in. I've missed you terribly these past few days."

"Hehe, Li Mo is someone I brought here. How dare you."

With Jade Fox Wang Ying's coquettish voice, the two, intimately entwined, entered the room.

Li Mo's expression was somewhat grim. He had naturally guessed who that person was. He then cast a deep glance at the wooden house where Jade Fox Wang Ying was, before returning to his own room.

The next day.

Li Mo arrived at Green-Faced Tiger Gao Zhen's cave for a follow-up examination.

Seeing that the man could already lift his arm, he nodded with satisfaction.

"Congratulations, Boss. The toxin in this arm has been mostly removed. All that's needed now is a little rest to fully recover."

"Haha! Good!"

Gao Zhen beamed, unable to stop praising Doctor Li, saying his medicine worked wonders.

After this incident, Li Mo's prestige within the stronghold grew significantly. Every afternoon after he returned from gathering herbs, patients would come to his door seeking treatment. Li Mo used his experience to treat as many people as possible, accumulating his influence and reputation.

Half a month later.

Hei Wa's mother's condition improved. Under Li Mo's potent medicine, her complexion rapidly brightened.

Seeing this, Hei Wa was filled with boundless gratitude towards Li Mo and followed him devotedly. The uncles who were associated with him also showed a clear change in their attitude towards Li Mo, greeting him respectfully whenever they met.

As Li Mo treated more and more patients, his prestige in the stronghold continued to rise. Coupled with his good relations with many of the group leaders, he gradually became someone no one in the stronghold wanted to offend.

Thus.

His becoming the fourteenth group leader of Pingshan Society was a natural progression.

One day.

Pingshan Society held a Hundred Chicken Banquet. Not only were all the group leaders present, but even friendly gangs from two neighboring mountains sent representatives to celebrate.

Pingshan Society was exceptionally lively.

Until a group of people arrived outside the stronghold. The previous laughter and joy instantly vanished, and the Pingshan Society members wore cold expressions.

"Lishan Gang, Ghost of No Form Zhao Liyin."

The person leading them wore a bronze mask, appearing quite mysterious. After Han Kui explained, Li Mo finally learned that it was this Ghost of No Form Zhao Liyin who had ambushed and injured Green-Faced Tiger Gao Zhen during the previous conflict between Pingshan Society and Lishan Gang.

"I heard Pingshan Society has a Doctor Li who healed the injuries of Gao Zhaizhu and was appointed the fourteenth group leader. I am here on behalf of Lishan Gang's Leader River-Taming Dragon Ke Chen'e to present this tiger skin cloak as a congratulatory gift. Furthermore, the gang leader instructed me to convey to the divine doctor that Lishan Gang has always respected capable individuals. If the divine doctor is ever treated poorly in the future, you are always welcome to visit us at Lishan Gang!"

Gao Zhen suppressed his anger, but he couldn't act at this moment; it was the unwritten rule of the underworld.

Blood-Faced Lion Gao Po snorted coldly and waved his hand, signaling his armed brothers to step aside. He then sent another person to accept the gift.

Seeing this, Li Mo smiled and replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Gang Leader Ke."

A bear skin cloak, a tiger skin cloak, a small plate of silver fragments, and a few strings of copper coins. Li Mo had made a small fortune. It was a shame he was no longer the Traveling Doctor who eagerly awaited thirty taels of Silver each day. This Silver could no longer bring him any joy.

After the Hundred Chicken Banquet concluded, Li Mo immediately announced that he would use this money to build a medical clinic for the stronghold, as a way to repay them and win over the people.

He had already prepared for the worst.

If Jade Fox Wang Ying refused to yield, he would resort to force!

Gao Zhen readily went along with the plan, declaring that it would henceforth be the stronghold's Doctor's Hall. Not only did he allocate a medicinal herb field for Li Mo, but he also assigned several clever children as Li Mo's apprentices, with Hei Wa naturally being one of them.

This way, Li Mo wouldn't have to handle everything himself and could free up time to continue practicing martial arts.

As the saying goes, many hands make light work. The Doctor's Hall was completed quickly.

During this period, Li Mo also accumulated enough daily herbs, adapted to life in the stronghold, and learned underworld slang and horse riding.

Additionally, through his constant martial arts inquiries, he gained a concrete understanding of the basic strength of Pingshan Society's two leaders and the other thirteen group leaders.

Within Pingshan Society, besides the two Leaders, among the thirteen hall masters, only two had strength clearly above Li Mo. Seven were on par with him, and four were below him.

And according to Jade Fox Wang Ying.

Among the many gangs in the eighteen mountains, Pingshan Society was considered one of the top major gangs. Only two nearby mountain peaks could rival them, including their sworn enemy, Lishan Gang.

Besides that.

Li Mo also had his own daily leisure activity in the stronghold, which was horse riding.

He didn't know where Pingshan Society got these two horses from. However, since this area was deep in the mountains and not suitable for galloping, the horses were usually limited to activities near the stronghold. When Li Mo had free time, he would ride them to relax, which also served as a way to hone his skills.

One day.

As usual, Li Mo rode his horse near the cliff face to relax, when he suddenly noticed a few raggedly dressed individuals walking down from the mountains. These people looked rather strange, like Monsters. He was taken aback for a moment, then quietly retreated.

Just a moment later.

Dozens of people rushed out from the stronghold, surrounding these raggedly dressed individuals.

"Mercy, sirs, mercy..."

These people pleaded for their lives. The leader, Wu She, seeing this, immediately signaled his subordinates to escort them back to the stronghold.

"Doctor Li, thank you."

Li Mo nodded with a smile, acknowledging their frequent interactions, and then rode away.

That night.

The Gao Brothers of the Pingshan Society gathered, inviting fourteen troop leaders to a meeting in the assembly hall.

"Hahaha, heaven truly aids us!"

Gao Po laughed heartily.

"Those people who fled here today were from the merchant caravan that the Lishan Gang robbed! Because of this incident, we fell out with the three escort agencies in Songjiang Town and stopped paying tribute. They no longer use our waterway. Now, look! The caravan members have escaped from the Lishan Gang!"

He raised his cup to toast the crowd.

The caravan survivors, meanwhile, maintained a subservient demeanor.

"As long as we escort these merchants safely and then eliminate the Lishan Gang, we'll gain the support of these gods of wealth. By then, those escort agencies will have no choice but to come back and pay tribute obediently! Hahahaha!"

Upon hearing this, everyone else also showed pleased expressions.

The previous gang war between the two factions was mostly a probe.

After all, the Pingshan Society knew that even if they defeated the Lishan Gang, the three escort agencies would likely not cooperate with them again. In their eyes, the Pingshan Society was a minor gang that couldn't maintain order. Thus, the gang war was merely to vent their anger.

But the situation was different now.

The merchant caravans escorted by these agencies paid at least seven to eight hundred taels of silver in tribute annually. This was no small sum.

As long as they thoroughly defeated the Lishan Gang, they could recapture these big fish. With profit in mind, the members of the Pingshan Society were naturally eager and excited.

Otherwise, they would only have vegetable soup to drink next year.

"Cheers!"

"Kill them..."

The members of the Pingshan Society were filled with murderous intent.

Li Mo sat among them, silently picking at his food. The food standard on the mountain had significantly improved to entertain these merchants today. He intended to eat his fill, and then he had to rush back to practice martial arts.

His disposition, which avoided striving for fame or profit, allowed him to thrive in the mountain stronghold.

Many troop leaders had already proactively befriended Li Mo.

Following this.

After some discussion, they decided to send out several troop leaders the next day to personally escort these merchants back to Songjiang Town. They would then purchase some supplies along the way before launching a full-scale attack on the Lishan Gang.

For this, the Pingshan Society even brought out their reserves, intending to spend five hundred taels of silver to purchase a batch of medicinal herbs and other supplies from outside the mountain.

This was a highly lucrative task, and the thirteen troop leaders fought tooth and nail for it. In such a chaotic and volatile environment, these merchants, though seemingly treated well, were actually trembling and walking on thin ice.

Li Mo calmly observed it all.

His heart constantly warned him not to mistake these people for good individuals just because he had formed some connections with them. He was merely a passerby here, enduring humiliation for a grander goal.