A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 114 - 104: Turmoil Unsettled, First Refinement Perfected

A great disaster dissipated without a trace, yet its impact was profound. The shanty town in the outer city was burned to ashes, leaving countless people homeless, falling from their already humble status as poor households to become labor-servant households.

Facing the imminent winter, in conditions of freezing weather, lacking clothes and food, it's no different than waiting to die.

In the inner city, both the Fishery and Chai Market suffered heavy losses. Dozens of shops were looted and destroyed, their gold and silver plundered, not to mention the store clerks and long-term workers who were killed.

Years' worth of accumulated fortunes vanished overnight; it is difficult to resume normal business operations in a short time.

If it weren't for the Red Eyebrow Bandits intending a blood sacrifice, they wouldn't have restrained their subordinates from reckless killing.

The current death toll is estimated to be about twice as high.

As they say, bandit raids are like combs, sweeping everything clean.

At first, it is always the defenseless poor people, unable to withstand great turmoil, who suffer.

Black River County is now a tangled mess, with people trembling with fear.

...

...

Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall, main hall of the front courtyard.

Upon learning that the tax collector sent by the county city was also ambushed and killed halfway by Zhang the Fifth and his gang of water thieves, Han Yang's complexion turned ashen, and his eyebrows tightened further.

Killing officials is equivalent to rebellion, clearly stipulated in the Dragon Court regulations.

Even though tax collectors aren't classified as "official bodies" and haven't entered the "noble register."

Still, one must consider the owner before hitting a dog.

When tax collectors go to the countryside to collect from counties, they carry the token of the county city's Government Office, performing tasks assigned by the government, which grants them significant authority and benefit.

Moreover, Pai Bang also has a stake in it; various interests are deeply intertwined, very complex.

"That damn Yang Meng! That damn Zhang the Fifth! Causing such a huge mess, how can it be cleaned up!"

Zhu Wan from the Divine Hand Sect rested his hands on his knees, his back straightened, somewhat frustrated:

"If the tax collector hadn't been killed, we could have shut the door and handled it ourselves.

It's merely organizing manpower to continue eliminating bandits, then providing disaster relief, distributing grain."

Mu Chun scratched his head, couldn't help but ask:

"What's different now?"

Zhu Wan turned his face away, seemingly unwilling to say another word to this brute.

Sitting at the head, Han Yang patiently explained:

"Currently, the greatest damage is to the Fishery. Besides the death of He Wenbing's son, the water thieves cut down anyone they saw upon landing from the dock, burned shops, and with Red Eyebrow occupying the house, the Guard is almost wiped out. Securing the top position among the three major families in the future is a serious concern.

As for Chai Market, it's relatively better, except for the meat shop, pharmacy, and brokerage. These businesses in the city suffered considerable losses, but the major estate fundamentally, collecting ginseng, chopping wood, and hunting, were not affected.

Regarding the fire kilns, the main kilns overseen by Master Li are outside the city, remaining unaffected, except for Brother Daqing who sustained some minor injuries.

If not for the tax collector issue, you and I would handle the aftermath ourselves.

Then present the heads of the Red Eyebrow Leader to the county city for reward and silver coins, and that would be it."

Zhu Wan grumbled angrily, taking over the topic:

"With that tax collector named Dong Dageng dead, the nature of the situation has changed.

We can't possibly know and conceal, waiting to be reprimanded by the county city.

But immediately reporting it, the Demon-slaying King and the great merits of eliminating Red Eyebrow, Pai Bang and the Daoist Official will surely rush to claim a share.

Providing disaster relief, distributing grain, putting in money and effort is all our burden, and in the end, we don't get any benefit, which is a secondary concern.

The biggest headache is having Pai Bang on one side and the government on the other. When the two groups clash, making things chaotic, you'll have to pretend and curry favor... damn unlucky!"

Facing external enemies, several martial arts masters have the fierce will to risk their lives in a desperate fight.

But once the dust settles, everyone's focus shifts to personal interests.

Jianghu manners, understandably, even in the tales of righteous heroes, they have to eat, drink, defecate, urinate, and receive financial support.

After all the fighting, it's time to start dealing with relationships.

For martial arts masters, with the Fishery and Chai Market each suffering damage, the vacant shops and businesses that can't operate can be intervened at this time, which is most suitable.

Even if they can't eat pork, touching it could still yield some benefits.

But if suddenly faced with two giant obstacles, Pai Bang and the government, then it's all for naught.

"More than that, to be frank, even if we make a substantial profit in martial arts, we can't buy real secret fighting techniques.

We rely on generations of disciples inheriting and polishing the name.

What I am concerned about is that the commotion in Black River County could upset the county city's government.

If they think we can't manage it well, plan to open a Government Office, and appoint a County Magistrate, it's not necessarily a good thing."

Han Yang's words made even Mu Chun furrow his brows. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

The Fishery, Chai Market, and fire kilns manage various businesses, and martial arts masters open halls and accept disciples.

They all handle Jianghu affairs in Jianghu ways.

Although each, more or less, has some connections to the county city.

But along the five hundred mile mountain path, and the eight hundred mile Black Water River, indeed none officially carry the "official" title.

If a Government Office opens and a County Magistrate arrives, the situation changes; surely another strong dragon might face off against local bullies.

"Master Li's golden eagle has already sent a message out. The people from the county city should be arriving in a day or two; we should prepare early and decide on a proper account."

The fire kiln tributor expert who hadn't shown up before, Bao Daqing coughed twice, his face slightly pale.

He teamed up with Hu Zhenshan from Chai Market against the Red Eyebrow Second-in-command Blood Vajra.

Though it's the third practice, it paled against someone truly trained in the Water and Fire Immortal Robe, suffering a severe loss.

"Brother Bao, rightly said, the most urgent task is to establish an account."

Han Yang's tightened brows relaxed, understanding the deeper meaning in Bao Daqing's words.

It's time to find someone to take the blame.

The attack by Red Eyebrow on Black River County led to the deaths and injuries of nearly a thousand people, with over ten thousand people displaced from their homes in the outer city.

Not to mention the collapsed houses, burned shops, and so forth.

Of course, these are trivial details in the eyes of the county city officials.

The most critical issue is the death of a tax collector sent to the countryside.

"This affair started with Yang Meng, and He Wenbing probably cannot evade his responsibility."

The first to play the villain was Zhu Wan from the Divine Hand Sect.

"He just lost a son; would it be too much of a blow to kick him when he's down?"

Mu Chun clicked his teeth, feeling a deep aversion to being caught up in this dirty business of pushing someone else out front to bear the consequences.

"Doesn't everyone have family? Look around the outer city; how many impoverished families have lost both parents or sons and daughters?

Yang Meng is dead, Red Eyebrow also dead; the surging sentiments need an outlet. Old Mu, don't step up to play the great moralist at this time!"

Zhu Wan looked over coldly, every word like a knife, forcing Mu Chun into silence.

"Brother Bao, what do you think?"

Han Yang still made the rounds asking everyone's opinion first.

"I'm just following Master Li to make a living, can't speak of any grand reason. But there's nothing wrong with what Old Zhu said, when disaster strikes, it affects many families. Just because He Tai is the Young Master of the Fishery, doesn't mean his life is more valuable than others."

Bao Daqing said in a gruff voice.

"What about Steward Lei? I heard you just came from the He Family."

Han Yang looked towards Lei Xiong, who was accustomed to sitting in the corner, always ready to make a quick escape.

The latter held an orange in his hand, neither peeling nor eating it, just sniffing its scent:

"Brother Han, I'm no longer connected to the Fishery. Just now, I single-handedly saved the owner from the chaos of the Inner City and settled the final payment.

Right before New Year, losing my job and left to starve, truly pitiful.

Masters, if you have any work, please make sure to recommend me.

I do business honestly, without deceiving anyone, definitely a well-known name in Black River County!"

Han Yang's eyebrow twitched, this Steward Lei truly seized the moment, knowing the Fishery couldn't preserve the position of the three families, he slipped away swiftly.

"Since none of the masters have objections, let's settle it.

I'll host a banquet and invite He Wenbing for a talk."

Han Yang decisively concluded, leading the effort in clearing out the scattered Red Eyebrow Bandits, his Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall contributing the most, his status rising substantially, on the verge of securing the top martial arts position in Black River County.

"Besides, apart from the Fishery, Chai Market, the Fire Kiln, and ourselves, I would like to invite one more person."

Mu Chun asked casually:

"Who?"

The prominent masters of Black River County were all here.

Frankly, anyone who could take a seat and drink this wine,

either had significant power or high martial arts skills.

Ordinary affluent households couldn't even cross the threshold.

"Bai Qilang! It was him who killed Yang Meng! Speaking of He Wenbing's responsibility, he needs to apologize.

This Fisherman enlisted under Tongwen Hall is truly a rare young hero of Black River County and deserves a reward!"

Han Yang spoke earnestly, the previously indifferent martial arts masters suddenly perked up.

Indeed, since it's about dividing the rewards.

The largest portion must be given to the Instructor.

Ninghai Zen's nature of killing one and exterminating entire families.

If you offend him, the consequences are unimaginable.

If this Instructor is petty, can one still live in peace afterwards?

"Right, right, we must not forget Bai Qilang's contributions!"

"Slaying the Red Eyebrow Leader and the Great Python Demon were all thanks to Tongwen Hall's efforts! Black River County owes them gratitude!"

"Why not just confiscate the Fishery and give it to Brother Bai?"

"That would be too blatant, the Instructor's disciple is indifferent to fame and wealth, definitely not a greedy person..."

...

...

After killing Yang Meng, the road-blocking tiger, Bai Qi directly returned to Tongwen Hall.

Treating the severed head with lime, such professional tasks were handled by Deng Yong from Broken Blade Sect.

It must be said, the efficiency of the martial arts masters was indeed quick; in the blink of an eye, the blood-soaked long street was cleaned thoroughly.

"Master Qi, congratulations on completing your Muscle Training."

As usual, sitting on a short stool on the steps of the front yard keeping watch, Lao Dao smiled upon noticing the sharp astuteness hidden in Bai Qi's brows.

He quite agreed with Fire Kiln Master Li's statement that martial arts was like forging iron, regardless of the material quality.

How it's tempered and fired takes significant skill.

The Young Master instructing disciples, gives everything needed.

But success or failure all depends on their own capabilities.

If comparing to iron forging, it'd likely only be seen by the kind of Master Craftsman who inspects the material itself.

So typically "promising prospects" were rarely chosen by Ninghai Zen, unable to enter the gates of Tongwen Hall.

They must withstand trials, pursuing advancement fiercely, only then could they hope to step into the Ancestor Hall.

"Golden Flesh and Jade Veins... certainly extraordinary."

Through a fierce battle with Yang Meng, Bai Qi advanced the Arhat Hand and Dragon Palm to mastery level, achieving the unity of Dragon and Horse, thereby completing Muscle Training.

Refined Power through Qi Blood is unceasing and vibrant.

Finally achieving one of the four great trainings, the accomplishment of Golden Flesh and Jade Veins!

If he could see himself, he'd discover his body's fascia glistening, appearing as if coated with a light golden jade luster.

Bone texture is solid, joints smooth, walking, sitting, lying down, all move as one.

This marks a tremendous enhancement of physical prowess.

"Master Qi indeed has remarkable talent, progressing swiftly in practice, no inferior to the Young Master in his days.

Dragon Palm and Arhat Hand, known for being easy to learn but hard to master, achieving the unity of Dragon and Horse and mastering form, very few have done it."

Lao Dao genuinely praised but then sighed:

"Unfortunately, the Young Master has fallen into his old habits, insists on causing trouble in Fulong Mountain, otherwise seeing Master Qi, he would certainly be pleased.

Ah, he promised back then... never to step into Yihai Prefecture again, instead liked disturbing the spirits and demons around.

Even prompting a sign at Water Monarch Palace's entrance in Nu Yun River reading 'Ninghai Zen and Qiu Changtian not allowed in.'

Bai Qi was stunned, why did it sound like his master was somewhat feared by gods and demons?

Whose equal was Qiu Changtian, and what kind of deity was he?

"A scholar in yellow, a cunning swindler who loves deceiving others.

This person cannot resist treasures, Master Qi, should you possess any valuables, stay far away from him."

Lao Dao specifically warned, whether an illusion or not, Bai Qi strangely felt Uncle Dao's tone carried a resentful gritting of teeth.

"Back in the day, I was called 'Heaven-defying Saber,' once had a precious sword, then it caught that rascal's interest.

After that, it was gone."

Lao Dao deeply sighed.