In the yard, Lin Yan looked at his figure through the bronze mirror, with a look of satisfaction on his face.
After returning from the mountains, relying on Swallow-Digest Technique, I lost ten pounds in just three days.
Although there is still a gap between his weight before he came to Sanshan County, his weight will return to normal within half a month at most, and the poultry qi and blood accumulated in his body will be completely refined.
In addition, Lin Yan also discovered that Swallow-Digest Technique has another effect. The reason why the fourth Skin Polishing realm can be seen from the outside is because as the qi and blood in the warrior's body increase, the qi and blood will flow to the body surface independently.
Qi and blood are visible, and the skin is shiny.
However, after practicing Swallow-Digest Technique, after the skin of the body expands and contracts, one's own Qi and blood are no longer visible, and it is impossible for others to see one's realm from the body surface.
"Using Swallow-Digest Technique absorbed the energy impurities remaining in the flesh and blood, allowing me to be simple and unpretentious. Does that mean that in the four Skin Polishing, each warrior can see the realm from the body surface? In fact, it is because the body has accumulated the power of the elixir or the impurities of poultry blood and blood that have not been fully absorbed. This is also the reason why many warriors fail to pass the level."
Lin Yan thought to himself. He felt that this possibility was very high, but he also understood that there was probably no answer to this question because there was no instrument to test it.
It is more like that senior Situ who relies purely on experience and eyesight to make judgments, while ordinary Skin Polishing warriors do not have such eyesight at all.
However, Swallow-Digest Technique and Lin Yan are not without regrets. In just a few days, the leaves belonging to Swallow-Digest Technique on Martial Dao Tree have taken shape and they cannot continue to improve.
Either, Swallow-Digest Technique can no longer improve, it is just refining the remaining Qi and blood accumulated in the body, or it is because he lacks follow-up skills.
If I had known earlier, I would have asked senior Situ a few more words.
It's hard to say, given the behavior of senior Situ, he might not tell himself the details about Swallow-Digest Technique if he asked.
Just as Lin Yan was thinking, Xia Mingtang, who had not been disturbed for a long time, opened the courtyard door again, holding an invitation in his hand.
"Master Lin, Sanshan County Cao Mansion has sent an invitation to invite Master Lin to the banquet."
Cao Mansion?
Lin Yan is a little confused. He has no contact with Sanshan County's powerful people. Why would the other party invite him?
"Master Lin, Cao Family belongs to Sanshan County's distinguished family. It is difficult to refuse Cao Family's invitation."
Xia Mingtang saw Lin Yan frowning and quickly explained to him Cao Mansion's strength and position in Sanshan County.
The head of the Cao Family entered Skin Polishing three times when he was thirty years old. This is not a big deal. The key is that the head of the Cao Family is very loyal. Several four-time Skin Polishing warriors in the city have good friendships with him. He is also willing to support some potential juniors in the county and has a high reputation.
If Sanshan County offended Cao Family, it would be an exaggeration to say that it would be difficult to move even an inch, but Cao Family is willing to appeal. Without involving their own interests, Sanshan County major forces are willing to give Cao Family face.
Lin Yan also understood the meaning of Xia Mingtang's words. If he refused, he would not give Cao Family face, and Tang Family's interests in Sanshan County would also be affected.
"This time Mr. Cao Family broke through Skin Polishing three times, and Mr. Lin is also a three-time Skin Polishing strong man. Cao Family invited Mr. Lin because he wanted to make friends with Mr. Lin. This Mr. Cao is like his father and likes to make friends."
Listening to Xia Mingtang's semi-persuasive words, Lin Yan pondered for a while and said, "The expenses for the congratulatory gifts must be paid from the public account."
This is a public banquet, so you can't pay for it yourself.
Xia Mingtang:...
At dusk.
Lin Yan carried the gift box and showed the invitation. Under the leadership of servant Cao Family, he entered the backyard of the Cao Family.
"Master Lin, please take a short rest."
The servant led Lin Yan to the courtyard and then left. The maid in the courtyard took the initiative to make tea. Looking at the small courtyard, Lin Yan's expression remained unchanged, but her heart was full of wariness.
Cao Mansion There are many visitors today. It is impossible to arrange a separate small courtyard to receive each guest. Rather, like Junior Brother Zhao, all the warriors should be arranged in the backyard. At most, those of the same level will be arranged in the same courtyard according to the Skin Polishing number of times.
Or according to age, the younger ones are arranged in one place, and the older ones are arranged in another place. This kind of leading one to a small courtyard alone is obviously weird.
There was tea brewed by the maid on the stone table nearby, but Lin Yan didn't move at all until the hot tea became cold, and he got up and walked directly outside the courtyard.
The maid who was guarding the yard became flustered when she saw Lin Yan was about to leave. "Please wait a moment, Master Lin. My Master will be here soon."
"I think your young master is busy with many guests today, so there is no need to waste any more time on me."
After being left hanging in the courtyard for half an hour, Lin Yan did not bother the maid. But just as he stood up and walked towards the courtyard door, there was a sound from outside the courtyard door.
"Brother Lin, don't blame me. It did take some time to entertain the guests just now."
The courtyard door was pushed open, and two young men strode in one after the other, followed by several maids.
The leading young man smiled and cupped his fists at Lin Yan: "Cao Zhang, this is Mr. Qian Shuhang Qian."
Lin Yan stretched out his hand, Cao Zhang was stunned and subconsciously held it.
After letting go, Lin Yan extended his hand to Qian Shuhang: "I've seen Mr. Qian."
Qian Shuhang frowned slightly, but finally stretched out his hand to shake Lin Yan's hand.
Feeling the two handshakes, the height of the two people's gray Martial Dao Tree was not as high as his own, and he felt confident.
Two juniors.
"I wonder why Mr. Cao invited me here?"
"Brother Lin, don't worry, you might as well sit down and have a cup of tea first."
Cao Zhang did not answer in a hurry, but waved to the maids behind him. Several maids divided their tasks to set up new tea sets, and then carried the hot pot to make tea again before exiting the courtyard and closing the door.
"Brother Lin, this cup of tea is my apology."
Cao Zhang personally picked up a cup of tea and handed it to Lin Yan, who took it.
If possible, he didn't want to offend Mr. Cao. Since he had given him the opportunity to step down, there was no need to settle the grudge.
"Thank you, Mr. Cao."
Seeing Lin Yan take the tea and sit down again, Cao Zhang felt relieved. He glanced at Qian Shuhang who sat down beside him and sighed helplessly.
With his temperament, he would never let Lin Yan hang out here for so long. These are all Qian Shuhang's requirements.
In the words of Qian Shuhang, let Lin Yan dry for a while to calm down, so that you can have a follow-up conversation.
He didn't agree with this, but this time he was just a middleman, creating an opportunity for Qian Shuhang and Lin Yan to meet. With Qian Shuhang's identity, he could only choose to cooperate.
"Brother Lin should be familiar with the Qian Family. Brother Qian is the son of the Qian Family, but Brother Qian has high aspirations. After breaking through to Skin Polishing three times, he went to Prefecture City and rarely stayed at Sanshan County."
Lin Yan glanced at Qian Shuhang, nodded and said, "I have long admired your name."
Before coming to Sanshan County, he deliberately learned about the martial arts structure of Sanshan County. Qian Family is one of the top five Lineages in Sanshan County. The head of the Qian Family is a four-time Skin Polishing warrior. However, he is already old, in his mid-sixties, and his energy and blood have long since declined.
Judging from the appearance of Mr. Qian, the head of the Qian Family must have had a son from old age.
Qian Shuhang listened to Lin Yan's words, smiled slightly, and said with emotion, "If you want to go far in the martial arts, you still have to go to Fucheng. Staying in the county is like sitting in a well and looking at the sky. You think you are a genius after two times of skin resurfacing and three times of skin resurfacing. Only when you go to Fucheng can you see how vast the world is. Not to mention three times of martial arts, there are many four times of skin resurfacing warriors that I know in their twenties."
Listening to Qian Shuhang's words, Lin Yan smiled but did not answer.
Mr. Qian seemed humble, but his tone was full of condescension. If someone didn't know, they would have thought he was from Prefecture City.
He had never seen this kind of person in his previous life.
When he travels from a small place to a big city, he always talks about the prosperity of the big city every time he comes back. He doesn't understand some of the customs in the small place, but he doesn't realize that he is just a passerby in the big city.
Cao Zhang was also silent for a moment. Apparently he also heard the sense of superiority in Qian Shuhang's words. Seeing that the atmosphere was getting colder, he smiled bitterly and said, "Prefecture City It's not easy to live in, but not everyone is like Brother Qian."
After finishing his words, Cao Zhang looked at Lin Yan again. "Brother Lin is able to practice Skin Polishing three times at such an age. Needless to say, he is talented in martial arts. It is not impossible to Skin Polishing the next four times. However, Brother Lin should have understood that martial arts will require more resources as time goes by. In order to support my martial arts training, my family has almost no money left."
Cao Zhang What he said is a bit exaggerated, but it is also true. In addition to supporting his martial arts training expenses, his family also has to support the expenses of other cousins and other tribesmen, which is also extremely stressful.
This is also a problem common to the county magnates. If you don't train the next generation to become warriors, you can certainly save money, but the price is that when your own energy and blood decline and the strength of your offspring fails to keep up, Lineage's livelihood will be robbed and suppressed.
"Cao Zhang is right, good birds choose trees to roost in. Sometimes choice is greater than hard work." Qian Shuhang nodded in agreement.
Seeing the two people singing along, Lin Yan didn't want to talk too much and said bluntly, "If you have anything to say, you might as well say it directly."
Cao Zhang glanced at Qian Shuhang on the side and remained silent.
At this point, it's time for Qian Shuhang to speak, and everything he needs to do has been done.
Qian Shuhang looked directly at Lin Yan: "Good birds choose trees to roost. Brother Lin should also know about the situation in Guangping County City. Four Seas Gang and Patrol Bureau are in the same boat. Patrol Bureau will not last long. If Brother Lin makes a choice at this time, there will definitely be benefits."
Until here, Lin Yan finally understood the purpose of Mr. Cao's appointment with him.
The one who works as a lobbyist for Four Seas Gang, or to be more precise, is the one who is responsible for building bridges between himself and Mr. Qian. The real lobbyist is Mr. Qian.
It is said that the gang leader of Four Seas Gang and several deputy gang leaders have mysterious origins. They are not warriors from Guangping County City. Is it possible that they are related to the Qian Family?
Wrong!
Lin Yan suddenly felt that Mr. Qian went to Prefecture City after Skin Polishing three times. Four Seas Gang is probably related to the Prefecture City force.
No wonder...
Lin Yan suddenly realized, no wonder the master would not intervene and kept secret about Four Seas Gang's origins. No wonder Tang Family, the biggest Lineage in Guangping County city, would choose neutrality. The real fight is with Prefecture City.
According to what the master said, Patrol Bureau in every county is inextricably related to the Mysterious Heaven Sect. In fact, this is not accurate. To be precise, the backer behind the Patrol Bureau is related to the Mysterious Heaven Sect.
The fight between Four Seas Gang and Patrol Bureau is most likely a fight between two forces in Dengzhou Prefecture City.
After understanding this, it is even more impossible for him to choose between the two before the situation is clear.
Lin Yan shook his head and said, "Master Cao thinks highly of me. I am only a three-time Skin Polishing warrior, so I won't have much impact on Guangping County."
"Yang Family Martial Arts Hall behind you can."
Qian Shuhang is keeping a close eye on Lin Yan. His goal from the beginning was not Lin Yan. What he values is Yang Family Martial Arts Hall behind Lin Yan, the leader Yang who has reached the Skin Polishing realm four times.
As for Lin Yan... it can barely catch his eye.
Lin Yan smiled, and he felt strange that Mr. Qian had such a condescending attitude. He obviously didn't like him. Now the logic makes sense.
My feelings are directed towards my master and the martial arts school. It's really just me being too sentimental.
No wonder he would hang himself here and wait for the tea to cool down before coming. They didn't take him seriously at all. Even if they came to persuade him to join the team, it was just a cakewalk without even mentioning the specific benefits.
Are you sure that you won't refuse?
"Sorry, you two have underestimated my influence on the master. I can't do anything about it."
Hearing Lin Yan's rejection, Qian Shuhang's face suddenly turned cold.
In his opinion, to come to Lin Yan in person in his capacity is already condescending and lowering his status.
However, even if a poor boy from an ordinary family has practiced Skin Polishing three times, he may not be able to Skin Polishing four times in his life without the support of other Lineage. Now that there is such a good opportunity, he will definitely agree to it.
"Brother Lin, don't refuse in a hurry. Listen to the conditions given by Brother Qian first."
Cao Zhang glanced at Qian Shuhang, whose face turned cold, and shook his head imperceptibly.
He had criticized Qian Shuhang's plan from the very beginning. Even if he looked down on Lin Yan, if he needed someone's help now, he still had to give him the benefits of actual promises. How could he get people to agree with just such empty words?
Besides, Lin Yan is just a difference in family background, but he is also a three-time Skin Polishing warrior, so he can still be considered a person. What's more, if we really count the training time, Lin Yan broke through three times Skin Polishing, which is shorter than the time it took both of them.
If it were him, it would be Lin Yan. Let alone rejecting him, he would already be very restrained in not showing off his face.
For warriors like Lin Yan who come from ordinary families, the best way is to offer practical benefits to make them attracted.
It's just that Qian Shuhang is arrogant, and he is just a middleman, so it's not easy to object openly.
Qian Shuhang felt a fire in his heart and suppressed it forcefully, saying, "As long as you agree, I will give you a bottle of Leopard Bone Tempering Pill. When you convince your master to side with Four Seas Gang, I will give you thirty more. And when Four Seas Gang takes over the Guangping County city, you will be rewarded based on your merits. Needless to say, the benefits you can get."
Listening to Qian Shuhang's tone of voice, which sounded like charity, Lin Yan really wanted to slap him with a big mouth.
This condition was probably decided before entering the courtyard, rather than a temporary uprising.
This person seemed to have a high profile, but in fact he was very stingy. He had to wait until he refused before bringing it up. If he had not refused at the beginning, he would not have given these Leopard Bone Tempering Pill to him at all.
Lin Yan was silent and did not answer the call.
Cao Zhang sighed again in his heart when he saw Lin Yan being silent.
Why is Mr. Qian doing this? He can tell that the conditions given are not temporary uprising. Lin Yan can definitely tell that, anyone else would feel uncomfortable.
If you want to give something, you have proposed it generously at the beginning, and now you have given the conditions only after being rejected. This matter is done too pettyly.
Qian Shuhang saw Lin Yan was silent and asked, "How?"
"The rules of my school, Yang Family Martial Arts Hall, do not allow disciples to join gangs. I can't do anything about this matter." If there is nothing else to do, I will take my leave."
Lin Yan refused again.
He was silent just now, not because he was shaken by the forty Leopard Bone Tempering Pill, but because he was thinking about another thing, what is this Mr. Qian trying to do?
Forty pieces of Leopard Bone Tempering Pill, not to mention the next thirty pieces, the first ten pieces alone are worth five hundred taels.
He didn't believe that Qian Shuhang didn't know his master's temper, and he didn't believe that Qian Shuhang thought he could convince his master to side with him.
Five hundred taels, there is a high probability that it will be wasted.
With the magnanimity that Qian Shuhang just showed, would he be willing to give up five hundred taels for nothing?
It doesn't make sense no matter how you look at it.
Seeing Lin Yan refuse and stand up, Qian Shuhang could no longer hold back the anger in his heart. He also stood up, stared at Lin Yan, and said word by word, "Lin Yan, you have to think about it, this is Sanshan County and Tang Family have no time to take care of this. Not long ago, even Wei Family dared to target you. If Wei Family hadn't been destroyed, I'm afraid Tang Family's territory would have changed hands."
Qian Shuhang is a naked threat without any cover-up. This is a threat. If Lin Yan does not agree, it will not be able to protect Tang Family's territory in Sanshan County.
Lin Yan turned around, looked at Qian Shuhang with a calm expression, and even clasped his fists. "Thank you Mr. Qian for reminding me, I will be more careful."
Then, he turned around and strode out of the courtyard.
"Damn it!"
Qian Shuhang watched Lin Yan leave and slapped the stone table with his palm. The stone table instantly shattered into several pieces, and even the tea sets on the table fell to the ground.
"I don't know what is good and what is good. I really think that after practicing Skin Polishing three times, I am considered a person. I want to make him regret it."
Cao Zhang saw Qian Shuhang getting angry, and felt a little sorry for the fine tea sets of his own. Deep down in his heart, he couldn't help but curse, "I'm just a person, but if I really can't do it, the worst I can do is return to Guangping County."