I Can Strengthen Infinitely-Chapter 219 - 169: Yangzhou Prefecture
In the realm of martial arts, fights and killings are common occurrences. After things settled down, the six heroes of Qinghe County immediately left the inn to collect their eldest brother’s corpse. There was no time for meals; they rushed to the woodshop at Jiaqing Market to commission a coffin for their elder brother’s body.
Normally, one would avenge such an incident, but the perpetrator, the leader of the Mei Mountain Five Ghosts, had already been killed by Qin Yuesheng. The great vendetta was settled, leaving no further business for the brothers.
After some deliberation, the six heroes rented a carriage from the post station at the market and assigned two men to transport the coffin back to their hometown of Qinghe County, ensuring their elder brother’s interment in native soil.
Meanwhile, a group of burly men, as sturdy as iron towers, emerged from the inn’s back kitchen, led by a scholar, to take care of the Mei Mountain Five Ghosts’ corpses.
Each man was shirtless, wearing the kind of leather apron donned by butchers, and proceeded to carry the bodies into the back kitchen.
Soon, a frail shop assistant arrived with a cloth and a bucket to cleanse the bloodstains from the floor.
Their expressions showed no emotion and their hands moved steadily, indicating they were not new to such scenes.
Lian Baishan quickly finished his meal, left some broken silver on the table, and departed from the inn without a word, his speed leaving no room for reaction.
Qin Yuesheng glanced at Qin Hai, who had entirely lost his appetite. Blood continued to drip from the ceiling above; had Qin Yuesheng not been accustomed to dealing with immense challenges, he might have struggled to remain composed.
After dining, Qin Yuesheng went to his reserved room, took a bath to wash away the dust and fatigue, and then comfortably fell asleep.
Traveling by carriage was no pleasant experience. Although the Baoqing highway was wide, its bumpy surface was unforgettable, especially without shock absorbers. After a night-long journey, the passenger’s experience was exceedingly woeful.
A proper rest was essential; that’s why Qin Yuesheng booked two rooms at the inn—to get some sleep and restore his spirit before continuing the journey.
The next day.
"Waiter, pack some steamed beef." Qin Yuesheng called out.
The upcoming trip to Yangzhou Prefecture promised more long hours on the road; supplying oneself with food was necessary for the journey.
Seeing Qin Yuesheng preparing to leave, the three disciples from Hongyan Manor quickly stood up to express their farewells. Clearly, Qin Yuesheng’s capabilities had thoroughly impressed them.
People are like this: a bit stronger incites jealousy, but overwhelmingly strong commands respect and admiration, knowing one can’t catch up.
"Safe travels, Young Master Qin."
"Young Master Qin, see you again at Autumn Water Manor."
"Safe journey, Young Master Qin."
Standing warmly at the inn’s entrance and waving, the three disciples bid farewell to Qin Yuesheng, who gently nodded, smiled, and clasped his fists: "Farewell, gentlemen. I take my leave."
In two or three days, the Jiangnan Martial Gathering at Autumn Water Manor would commence, marking Qin Yuesheng’s first visit to Yangzhou Prefecture. He planned to arrive early to familiarize himself with the local terrain and prevent losing his way.
Arriving at the post station in Jiaqing Market, renting a new carriage, the two once again embarked on the road toward Yangzhou Prefecture.
...
Yangzhou Prefecture, the nucleus of Jiangnan, flaunted bustling grandeur needing no mention.
When the outline of Yangzhou Prefecture’s city appeared on the horizon, even Qin Yuesheng was inexorably astonished, secretly marveling.
The towering gray-white city walls and lofty towers stood like ancient beasts sprawled over the earth, reaching skyward and stretching endlessly, leaving the city’s boundary unseen.
"This is Yangzhou Prefecture!" Qin Hai exclaimed in awe.
Noticing their expressions, the driver knew it was their first visit and began introducing the city: "Gentlemen, Yangzhou Prefecture is vast and complex, hosting people from all corners. If you have money, you can find all sorts of strange things. Once in the city, please be very careful, especially with your luggage, or you might lose it inadvertently."
"Are you talking about pickpockets?" Qin Hai inquired.
"Indeed, this place congregates all manner of people—thieves, robbers, swindlers, and more with various methods; it’s unlike anywhere else. Be cautious outside and avoid unfamiliar places, especially those sparsely populated."
"Thank you for the warning, sir." Qin Yuesheng appreciated the driver’s sincere advice with immediate gratitude.
Given Qin Yuesheng’s current prowess, anyone daring to harm him would essentially mean foolishness beyond measure, eliminating much concern.
But the driver’s goodwill was worthy of thanks for reminding one of such matters.
Qin Hai hurriedly clasped his hands, "Many thanks, sir."
Drawing nearer to Yangzhou Prefecture, Qin Yuesheng felt its majesty more prominently. The city gate allowed simultaneous passage of ten carriages, whose height doubled that of those in Cyan Yang City, evoking a sudden sense of insignificance.
