"Yuanyang Beast Sect!?"
Hearing this name, Lin Sheng was startled.
Speaking of which, it was his first time hearing this name. It sounded like a sect. He only had some understanding of the forces within the boundaries of Lin'an and Tongzhi County.
Apart from this, he knew very little about other forces outside.
"What? Don't tell me, you don't know about the Yuanyang Beast Sect??"
Seemingly seeing Lin Sheng's confusion, Huang Quan's eyes widened as he spoke with considerable surprise.
"Never heard of it."
Lin Sheng shook his head slightly, answering truthfully.
"Alright, it seems you really don't know. The Yuanyang Beast Sect is not simple; it's one of the three major forces in Linjiang Prefecture, known for being skilled at cultivating and controlling various powerful exotic beasts."
Seeing this, Huang Quan also shook his head helplessly and explained.
"This Yuanyang Beast Sect controls multiple powerful Spirit Beasts, and within their sect's foundation, there are even Demon Beasts presiding. It's even rumored that they have the ability to cultivate Demon Beasts."
"Demon Beasts!!"
Hearing Huang Quan's words, Lin Sheng's face showed a look of shock.
He didn't expect this so-called Yuanyang Beast Sect to be so formidable, not only able to tame Spirit Beasts but also capable of cultivating terrifying existences like Demon Beasts.
From the might of the Phantom Demon Beast, one could see how terrifying exotic beasts of the Demon Beast level were.
From this, it was clear that the Yuanyang Beast Sect was indeed worthy of being one of Linjiang Prefecture's three major forces.
But soon, he realized that if Guo Feng truly had a connection with the Yuanyang Beast Sect, wouldn't it mean things would become even more troublesome?
Thinking of this, he asked Huang Quan.
"Then what exactly is the relationship between this Governor's Gongzi and the Yuanyang Beast Sect?"
"Speaking of which, there is indeed some connection, but the relationship isn't particularly significant. Of course, if you want to know more, then..."
Here, Huang Quan didn't continue speaking. Instead, he stretched out his palm and lightly rubbed his fingers together, the meaning self-evident.
Seeing this, Lin Sheng took out a three-hundred tael banknote from his Arms.
"Only three hundred taels? It should at least be five hundred, right?"
Huang Quan frowned and said with some dissatisfaction.
"Then forget it. The relationship isn't that big anyway, and knowing isn't exactly necessary?"
Lin Sheng made a gesture as if to put the banknote back into his Arms.
"Hey, wait, three hundred taels is three hundred taels... What are you rushing for?" Seeing this scene, Huang Quan quickly spoke, and directly stood up, snatching the banknote from Lin Sheng's hand.
"Then tell me, what's the connection?"
"Ahem, well, that Guo family's Gongzi usually hides quite deeply. It's not easy to find anything out about him. It was just that when I heard this rumor back then, I was a bit curious, so I personally investigated it, and that's how I made this discovery. If it were someone else, they wouldn't be clear about the intricacies."
Huang Quan lightly coughed twice, cleared his throat, and then spoke unhurriedly.
However, seeing that Lin Sheng had no reaction other than staring at him steadily, he couldn't keep him in suspense anymore and continued.
"This Guo Feng, a few years ago, by chance, saved a Disciple of the Yuanyang Beast Sect. Saying 'Disciple' isn't quite accurate; it would be more precise to describe him as a 'discarded Disciple'. Apart from that, there's no other relationship."
"So, there's no need to worry about the Yuanyang Beast Sect side. Of course, it's not ruled out that Guo Feng gained some benefits from that discarded Disciple of the Beast Sect."
"So that's how it is. I understand."
Lin Sheng nodded, his heart not feeling particularly worried.
No matter what methods this Governor's family's Gongzi had, as long as he left Tongzhi County, what could the other party do?
"We'll meet at Changping Street, No. 56 in a while. This is the deposit. After successfully escorting the people to Linjiang Prefecture, I will pay the remaining half."
Lin Sheng took out a few banknotes from his Arms and placed them on the table, then turned and left.
Huang Quan picked up the banknotes and examined them carefully. After confirming they were correct, he revealed a satisfied expression.
"Not bad, more silver coming in. I'm tired of those books in the cabinet. When I return, I should get some that I like..."
After Lin Sheng left Tongming Academy, he returned directly home. After instructing Lao Zhou and Wang Dehai to prepare the carriages, he went to talk to Lin Hong and Xie Guilan.
Regarding Lin Sheng's decision to suddenly move, although the two were a bit surprised, they had no objections.
By now, they understood that their son had grown up, and doing this suddenly must have his own considerations.
So Xie Guilan quickly went to pack things, while Lin Hong patted Lin Sheng's shoulder and said slowly.
"A Sheng, Father knows you've grown up, but you must also promise me, no matter when, don't let yourself fall into a dangerous situation."
"I understand, don't worry, Father."
Lin Sheng said with a smile on his face, comforting him.
Before long, the few people had finished packing, and Lao Zhou and Wang Dehai had already driven a carriage each and stopped in front of the courtyard gate.
Since being rescued by Lin Sheng from the dungeon, Wang Dehai hadn't left. He even proactively found Lin Sheng, expressing his desire to follow him. Lin Sheng didn't refuse this, after all, Fatty Wang was a Martial Artist who had entered the Body Tempering Realm many years ago.
He still had some skills, was smooth in dealing with people, and could cook a good meal.
Adding to that, there was some friendship between the two, so it was fine for him to stay.
He had the two men bring Lin Hong, Xie Guilan, and Xiao Shi.
"To Changping Street, No. 56."
Sitting in the carriage, Lin Sheng gave the location, and the two immediately drove the carriage away.
Soon they arrived at the target location, and a hunched figure was waiting there. His face and build didn't resemble Huang Quan.
Although Huang Quan also looked like an old man, his physique was quite sturdy and robust, far from what the skinny, shriveled old man in front of him could compare to.
Seemingly noticing the arrival of the carriage, the shriveled old man showed a smile on his face and stepped forward.
"Huang Quan?"
Seeing the old man approach, Lin Sheng spoke softly.
Woof woof woof!!
Big Yellow, following beside the carriage, bared his teeth and barked continuously after seeing the old man.
"That's right, it's me. When you're out and about, you have to change your clothes and appearance, otherwise, what if you cause trouble?"
Huang Quan responded grumpily and plopped down onto the carriage.
His somewhat cloudy eyes rolled around, landing on Big Yellow beside the carriage. He blinked and spoke.
"This mutt looks pretty good. It seems we have quite a connection. Why don't you give him to me? I can charge a little less for this escort fee."
Lin Sheng glanced at Huang Quan with some surprise, then shook his head slightly.
"No need. I've raised this Huang Quan since he was small. I won't give him away."
"Is that so? That's a real shame. Why don't you reconsider? I'll ask for five hundred taels less."
Hearing Lin Sheng's words, Huang Quan seemed a bit unwilling and said another sentence.
And Lin Sheng still shook his head and refused.
At this moment, Big Yellow beside the carriage was bristling all over, as if he understood Huang Quan's words, baring his teeth and barking more fiercely.
"Quiet, Big Yellow." Lin Sheng frowned and low-growled at Big Yellow. Only then did he tuck his tail and stop, but the look in his eyes towards Huang Quan remained unfriendly.
Afterwards, he tucked his tail and ran to the carriage behind.
"What a lively little fellow."
Huang Quan, however, became more and more interested the more he looked at Big Yellow, but because Lin Sheng's tone was firm, he didn't say anything more.
"Alright, let's go."
Lin Sheng turned his head to look at the flow of people at the back of the long street, then spoke to urge them on.
Huang Quan also seemed to sense something, glanced behind him, and then instructed Lin Sheng.
"Alright, then let's go now. But you, kid, must remember to pay the other half you promised me."
"Don't worry."
Lin Sheng spoke faintly.
Soon, the two carriages hurried towards the city gate.
Lin Sheng watched the carriages go far away, then withdrew his gaze and turned to walk towards the other side of the long street.
"The target wants to leave. Immediately go inform the Gongzi. Also, go inform the city gate side to detain the carriages."
Among the flow of people on the other side of the long street, several figures were talking in low voices, their eyes fixed on the departing carriages and Lin Sheng.
"Alright, I'll go now. The target seems to be coming towards us."
As the figures were about to act, they found that Lin Sheng was moving through the crowd, walking quickly towards their direction.
"What's going on? Did the target discover us?"
The few people exchanged glances, exchanging opinions.
"Since he's come looking for trouble, let's deal with him first and take him to the Gongzi."
"Okay!"
After a brief exchange, they quickly reached a consensus. Instead of retreating, they advanced, also walking onto the long street.
In their opinion, the target wasn't very old, and even if his cultivation was strong, it wouldn't be that strong.
A few of them were skilled in the Forging Tendons Early Stage, with rich combat experience. Even against a master of the Forging Tendons Late Stage, with coordination, they could take him down.
Before being sent to monitor the target, the reason they had remained inactive was to try and lure out if there were any masters behind him. They didn't expect the other party to come looking for them. In that case, there was naturally no need to consider those things anymore.
First, capture this person in front of them, then gather more people to surround the two carriages. Even if there were masters hidden, they would definitely not be able to escape.
Within the flow of people, several figures spread out into a surrounding formation, encircling Lin Sheng.
Lin Sheng, however, turned a blind eye to this, merely strolling on the long street, as if he hadn't noticed the malice of the few people at all.
Soon, the few people approached within ten-odd meters of Lin Sheng. Three of them subtly drew weapons from their long sleeves; some had short daggers about a foot long, some had black iron nails, and some even twirled a few throwing darts in their hands.
As the distance grew shorter, the figure holding the dagger under his long sleeve was the first to approach Lin Sheng. Facing the target with his back to him, the man's face showed a trace of mocking sneer.
The dagger extended from his long sleeve, about to stab towards Lin Sheng's lower back.
But the next moment, he was surprised to find that he couldn't move at all. Unbeknownst to him, a large hand had already gripped his wrist, squeezing it painfully as if it were made of iron.
Realizing something was wrong, the man was just about to speak when he felt a pain in his chest.
He looked down somewhat blankly, only to see that the hand gripping his wrist had already sent the dagger in his hand into his chest.
A feeling of powerlessness surged through his entire body. He wanted to open his mouth, but threads of blood flowed from his lips. Afterwards, he completely lost consciousness.
Lin Sheng held the man. Just then, a cart full of dry firewood stopped beside him. He leaned the body against the pile of dry firewood.
Then, without turning his head, Lin Sheng backhanded and gripped the iron nail aimed at his back. He then flicked it upwards and slashed, cutting the neck of the person behind him under the astonished gaze of the person behind him.
Holding the person behind him, Lin Sheng extended his other hand, gripped the several throwing darts shooting towards his face, and with a flick of his wrist, shot them back.
A low, suppressed cry of pain came from three meters away, but it was completely unremarkable in this noisy market.
The moment the opponent was about to fall, Lin Sheng had already grabbed the front of his clothes, held the two people, one on the left and one on the right, and also placed them beside the cart full of dry firewood. Without turning his head, Lin Sheng turned and left.
Before long, trickles of fresh blood gathered from under the cart and spread outwards. Finally, someone noticed this unusual scene. Screams rang out from the market, and the long street immediately became extremely chaotic.
By this time, Lin Sheng had already gone far away.
However, the direction he left in was not towards the city gate. On the contrary, it was towards the inner city area.
The reason he didn't choose to leave with the carriages was to attract attention.
With Guo Feng's status, even if he wasn't all-powerful in Tongzhi County, he wasn't far from it.
Since he had been targeted by the other party, leaving would likely not be easy. He himself would be alright, but for ordinary people and the injured like Lin Hong, Xie Guilan, and Xiao Shi, leaving safely would undoubtedly be extremely difficult.
Therefore, he had to divert attention, and this matter naturally had to be done by him.
Originally, according to his plan, he would take Xie Guilan and others out of the city first. The worst-case scenario was that the city gate was already controlled, and they would have to force their way out.
He alone was not enough; he also needed someone to escort Xie Guilan and others away.
That's why he went to Tongming Academy to find Huang Quan, wanting to hire a few skilled individuals in the Forging Tendons Realm like Jia Qi.
He didn't expect Huang Quan to be willing to go himself, which saved him a lot of trouble; he didn't need to force his way through the city gate himself.
As long as he caused a big enough commotion in the city, Guo Feng would naturally focus most of his attention on him.
Of course, in order to achieve his goal, Lin Sheng's current direction of advance was not elsewhere, but precisely where Guo Feng was.
His movements were fast, his figure constantly moving through the city. Soon, he arrived in front of a tall pavilion building in the inner city.
Tian Yuan Pavilion.
This was precisely Guo Feng's largest property in the city, and he spent most of his time in the courtyard behind it.
At this moment, Lin Sheng's face already had a grimace mask on it.
Without hesitation, he walked directly towards the luxuriously decorated building in front of him.
"Stop! Who dares to walk in here? Aren't you tired of living? Quickly scram far away."
In front of the building were two tall, burly men. Noticing Lin Sheng, they immediately shouted a reprimand, their hands already on the hilts of the knives hanging at their waists.
It was clear that if he took another step forward, they would draw their knives and attack.
"I'm looking for Gongzi Guo. Please inform him."
Lin Sheng's steps didn't stop as he said faintly to the two men.
"Idiot, is Gongzi Guo someone you can just meet whenever you want?"
Hearing Lin Sheng's words, the two burly men immediately frowned and reprimanded him.
"Oh, so he's here. Very good."
Lin Sheng, however, showed a smile on his face. Without waiting for the two burly men to draw their steel knives, he took a step forward and heavily sent the two flying, crashing into the pavilion behind them.
