Chapter 13 Applying Pressure
Chapter 13 Applying Pressure
"Thank you, sir!" Lin Qing bowed, silently remembering this kindness.
"There are still two months left. Are you confident that you will succeed?" Shen Lian asked with a smile, her every gesture exuding femininity.
"I will do my best," Lin Qing said.
"Well, there's no need to push yourself too hard. Don't ruin yourself." Shen Lian nodded, then changed the subject. In the past three months, Lin Qing had only slept for less than three hours a day and had never relaxed in the slightest. Even she admired him greatly.
"I understand," Lin Qingying replied. He then glanced around and noticed that the red spots on Shen Lian's arms had faded. "Sir, I observe that the red spots on your body have subsided. After some time, you will need acupuncture as an adjunct treatment to completely eradicate them."
Shen Lian yawned: "Hmm, you're quite capable. Let's talk about it again in a few days."
Lin Qing nodded: "There's one more thing. I haven't heard of any more trouble from the Yin Yuan Sect recently. Has Yin Muhua been captured?"
Two months have passed, and no one has been killed in the city, so the somber atmosphere has eased somewhat.
"No, not really. But two months ago, Chief Envoy Cheng personally took action, crippling Yin Muhua's arm and severely injuring her internal organs. Unfortunately, that fiend's lightness skill was quite good, and she managed to escape. She's probably hiding in the shadows to recover now," Shen Lian said softly.
"I see." Lin Qing felt a little regretful. If this witch had really been killed, he would feel much more at ease.
"What? Are you worried about getting involved? There's no need to be so nervous. That witch is looking for a wooden statue. I heard that there is a supreme boxing manual inside, called Tathagata. This is a legend that has been circulating in Sichuan for many years. Every year, there are rumors of this boxing manual appearing in several places. I'm tired of hearing about it." Shen Lian said casually.
"So, the Tathagata Fist Manual is fake?" Lin Qing asked calmly.
"The Tathagata Fist Manual is real, but it's hard to say whether it's in the city. If the news is confirmed, the prefectural city and even the entire Shu region will be alarmed," Shen Lian pondered.
"Understood." Lin Qing nodded, secretly resolving to keep this matter a secret and never let anyone else know.
...
The next morning.
Lin Qing's life continued as usual: eating, grinding bones, and being busy.
Han Juetong sat in a chair basking in the sun, glancing at Lin Qing every now and then.
"Something's not right, this kid's gotten stronger again."
"Could it be that he has already reached the level of mastery?"
A strong sense of crisis suddenly arose in Han Juetong's heart. Mastery in April? What kind of freak is this?
"No, I have to go find Jiang Baihe. He took my money, so he can't just not do his job."
...
In a short while.
In a small courtyard of the Night Patrol Division, Jiang Baihe was teasing a parrot, while Han Juetong recounted the whole story.
Jiang Baihe frowned: "You mean Lin Qing has mastered it?"
"My lord, I observe that his physique is becoming increasingly robust. Even if he is not yet proficient, he is probably not far off," Han Juedong said.
"Hmm, you've mastered it in April, you're quite talented. In the past six months, with my one-on-one guidance and the many qi and blood tonics you've taken, mastering it won't be difficult. What are you panicking about?" Jiang Baihe raised an eyebrow.
"My lord, I'm worried about his breakthrough to the minor mastery stage. That slut Shen Lian has an affair with Lin Qing. With her support, Lin Qing might be able to achieve it." Han Juetong said with a gloomy face.
Jiang Baihe frowned: "Shen Lian? I can't control this woman. You're a young master of the Han family, why are you so fixated on being a corpse collector?"
"Lord Jiang, Shanyin County is too small. I, Han Juetong, want to make a name for myself in the prefectural city. The most secure route is through the Night Patrol Division. I urge you to keep your promise," Han Juetong said solemnly.
"Don't worry, since I've taken your money, I will do my best. Leave this to me." Jiang Baihe turned and left.
...
in the afternoon.
Lin Qing arrived at the training ground and was practicing intently when he suddenly saw Jiang Baihe walking straight towards him.
"Lin Qing, come with me." Jiang Baihe said with a smile.
"Yes, sir." Lin Qing replied calmly, having already prepared himself.
Once he masters it, his physique will undergo a noticeable change that any normal person can see; it cannot be hidden.
Han Juetong stared at him all morning and then went out for a while, clearly to find Jiang Baihe.
Sure enough, Jiang Baihe led him to an open space nearby, his face still bearing a kind smile: "Lin Qing, judging by your posture, you've mastered it, haven't you?"
"You can't fool the adults." Lin Qing said calmly.
"Indeed, I am quite pleased that the Night Patrol Division has such a talented individual." Jiang Baihe stroked his beard, his smile widening.
Lin Qing sneered inwardly when he saw that smile. If he didn't know Jiang Baihe's character, he would have been easily fooled.
"However, there's something I need to say. Outsiders say I'm greedy and lustful, and I don't deny it. Han Juetong gave me a large sum of money to secure a spot as a corpse collector. If you can also give me a large sum of money, I'll turn a blind eye. If not, I hope you give up this year. There will be opportunities every year, and I'll guarantee you a spot next year." Jiang Baihe's smile faded.
"My lord, I come from a poor family and have no extra money. I will not participate in the assessment in two months, but I do not want to give up my martial arts skills. Please allow me to continue practicing." Lin Qing had already prepared his explanation and agreed in advance, intending to participate when the time came.
"Not bad, you know how to be pragmatic. It's settled then. Don't blame me, that's just how the world is. Money makes the world go round. If you have to blame someone, blame yourself for not being born into a good family." Jiang Baihe said with a smile.
Lin Qing did not respond, but silently made a mental note of Jiang Baihe's mistake.
Jiang Baihe didn't say anything more and turned to leave.
...
That night.
Lin Qing returned to the hospital and told Shen Lian about it.
"Hmph, I knew that old devil was going to put pressure on you. He does this every year, I don't know how much silver he's swallowed up," Shen Lian grumbled.
"I've heard that General Cheng is upright and honest. Why isn't he involved in this matter?" Lin Qing asked curiously.
"Chief Envoy Cheng can't handle it. The situation in the Soul Suppression Division is more complicated than you imagine. Do you know why Han Juetong wants to take your position?" Shen Lian changed the subject, not wanting to discuss it further.
"Please enlighten me, sir." Lin Qing bowed.
"Next year, the Prefectural City Soul Division will take action against the Yin Yuan Sect and is in dire need of manpower. Therefore, the number of places for the re-examination has increased significantly. Han Juetong wants to develop in the Prefectural City, and this is the best opportunity," Shen Lian said.
Lin Qing's heart skipped a beat: "I see."
"You'll find out about this when the time comes. Focus on practicing martial arts first. As long as you achieve some proficiency within two months, Jiang Baihe won't be able to do anything to you," Shen Lian added.
...
Several days later, heavy snow fell, and the weather turned freezing cold.
On the training ground.
Lin Qing and the others were practicing martial arts when Yang Feng suddenly arrived, his face solemn: "Yesterday it snowed heavily, and many refugees outside the city froze to death. I need thirty men to come with me quickly to dispose of the bodies."
Lin Qing stepped forward immediately, and Yang Feng nodded slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
Moving the corpses didn't bring any profit, but Lin Qing was always very enthusiastic, and Lin Qing's attitude was something Lin Qing noticed and appreciated.
"He's quite diligent."
He then gathered thirty men and took them directly to the crematorium compound.
There were about fifty frozen corpses in the courtyard, each dressed in tattered clothes and with a bluish complexion.
Lin Qing quickly circled the courtyard and spotted the corpse of a man. His eyes were wide open like copper bells, and his arms were strong, clearly showing signs of martial arts training.
The moment Lin Qing reached out and grabbed the other's arm, information appeared in front of him.
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