Chapter 551: Refusal (2800 Added)

Sanshui Wharf.

Two fine horses galloped side by side; the Knights on their backs could not be called handsome men or beautiful women, yet they were dressed in bright clothes and rode spirited horses, exuding a heroic air—at a glance, they were young heroes of the Jianghu.

The laborers and fishermen on the wharf all scattered, not daring to look the two of them directly in the eye.

"Is this where Junior Brother Fang always sells his fish?"

Li Qinglan looked left and right, somewhat curious: "It really is... plain! If Junior Brother Fang were willing to follow me on a few escort missions, I fear he could have bought a residence in the Prefecture City long ago..."

Song Sanjin lifted his chin slightly, carrying a bit of a city-dweller's pride.

He had reason to be this way, for after apprenticing, he worked hard to please his Master and Senior Brothers, worked hard to earn money, and purchased Medicinal Sand to assist his cultivation; he had now reached the second level of the Black Sand Palm—the Small Success stage of Ming Jin! He was now gradually making a name for himself in the Wuguan within the city.

One by one, the Disciples who had gone out to find people returned to report.

"If I can reach Great Success in Ming Jin within three years, it will be thanks to the sustenance of this lake..."

The anticipation in Si Niangzi's eyes gradually turned to disappointment, and she walked away looking somewhat dejected.

Her husband had died long ago; she must have been talking about that military-household backer behind her.

Compared to other fishermen, he, who could drive fish with the 'Sea Gathering Residual Art', naturally had a greater probability of catching Red Blood Carp.

"Closed down for good?!"

"Senior Brother Zhang said he has to guard the family estate and cannot come..."

'Besides, there are Ge Lao, Si Niang... they are all acquaintances; if I can help them out while I'm at it, I should.'

"Go to the battlefield now and be cannon fodder?" Aaron curled his lip: "Naturally, I won't go! At worst, I'll buy more salt and rice and go hide in the lake for a year or half a year."

Li Qinglan waved her hand, stopping her Junior Brother from speaking further: "We came to find someone... Fang Yu, do you recognize him?"

"No wonder the Fish Market isn't even open... are the rebel troops arriving soon?" Aaron let go of his hand and muttered to himself.

Li Qinglan waved her hand and gazed at Aaron: "Junior Brother Fang Yu, do you know that the Yellow Ant Thieves slaughtered seven large households at Zhang Family Slope the other day... The Prefecture City is in a state of panic, the Prefecture Master has issued an order for the Prefecture Soldiers to suppress them, and the Martial Masters of every family must assist! Within the Prefecture City, all Wuguan have received a death order..."

It seems they had been eavesdropping the whole time.

Nighttime.

Things like flower boats and brothels, where money and goods are exchanged and neither owes the other anything afterward, are great; why talk about feelings?

"Hehe... you little rascal, it's a pity that my man has a duty to fulfill and has no choice but to go." A bit of sorrow appeared on Si Niang's face.

"Heh... and he deserves to be called 'Master'?"

But after walking to the wharf, his expression suddenly changed slightly.

'As long as I don't act too conspicuously, my safety will be guaranteed...'

"Sigh... after all, they only came to the Wuguan to learn martial arts." A sorrow of 'the tree falls and the monkeys scatter' surfaced in Xue Qingshan's heart, but his face turned flushed: "This time, the Prefecture Master has issued an order; our Qingshan Martial Arts Hall must provide at least ten Ming Jin Martial Masters and one Dark Energy expert to accompany the army. Who among you is willing to go?"

"Why have the two Senior Brother and Senior Sister come? You are rare guests indeed!"

Aaron rowed his boat as usual and arrived at Sanshui Wharf to moor.

The moonlight hung high.

Aaron carried the live fish, preparing to take them to Yuyang Restaurant and have the kitchen stew them into a hangover soup.

"Junior Brother Lin has already moved away and is nowhere to be found..."

Xue Qingshan was also stroking his beard, looking very satisfied with Song Sanjin.

However, when he walked to Yuyang Restaurant, he stopped in his tracks.

"Good lad, do you dare to betray the sect? Do you want to be punished by the sect rules?" Song Sanjin immediately shouted.

Before long, the worried voices of the wine drinkers came: "The city gates are closed?"

"Closed!"

"The Yellow Ant Thieves will arrive in an instant... you all have a duty to defend the land; hurry to the city walls and prepare!"

"Isn't that so?"

"It seems... something big has happened these past few days?"

Li Qinglan nodded and walked into the main hall with Song Sanjin.

Song Sanjin was excited in his heart, but he did not notice the pitying gazes of several older Martial Masters...

"Sigh... that's true; in the end, we are not of the same path."

"I have matters to attend to and truly cannot comply." Aaron continued to shake his head.

Although Aaron knew what she meant, he was not prepared to bring along two burdens.

At this time, Disciples were returning one after another to report, and judging by Xue Qingshan's expression, the results did not seem very good.

The passing fisherman sighed: "News came the day before yesterday that the Prefecture army won a small victory at first, but then fell into the Yellow Ant Thieves' lure-the-enemy trap and was completely wiped out... Every military household in the city is in mourning, and the Martial Masters of those Wuguan are the same... Si Niangzi's man also died in the battle, and Si Niangzi immediately closed her stall; it is said she is going to the Prefecture City to rely on relatives."

Aaron was bold because of his high skill; as long as he didn't encounter a city-wide slaughter, he had nothing to fear.

A pungent smell of fresh chicken and duck excrement hit his nose, yet people were surprisingly accustomed to it.

The shed had disappeared, and the tables and benches were scattered nearby.

"That's right, the rebel army is attacking the city; those of us outside the city walls must be worried for our own safety, right? We can't be caught and forced to be laborers for the rebels, or used to fill trenches! I'm also here to buy some things, and then I'll sail into the lake to hide." The fisherman cupped his hands and left in a hurry.

"You... are you really not going?" A fragrant breeze passed as Si Niangzi walked out from the back kitchen, looking at Aaron with a pair of almond-shaped eyes.

"Master Yu... sigh... you don't know."

War is dangerous!

"There is a great drought outside, yet this Taize Lake is as if nothing is wrong... inexhaustible and endless; this is the infinite treasure of the Creator..."

"I didn't expect that it would be war and chaos so soon?"

Aaron finished another bowl of Old Yellow Wine and said: "There is a saying: in small chaos, avoid the city; in great chaos, avoid the countryside... I see this chaos won't be small; it's best not to avoid it by going to the Prefecture City, but to hide in the deep mountains and great marshes."

Others no longer called him Song Sanjin, but Master Song San!

"Let's go, Junior Brother often drinks at Yuyang Restaurant, he should be easy to find."

Ding Shan stepped forward, duty-bound.

"Hey!"

Because there were too many people, they were squeezed into a mass.

The waiter's eyes went a bit blank, but he still stepped forward to solicit business, diligently taking the horse reins: "What would the two of you like? Our shop's Old Yellow Wine is the most famous, even Master Yu loves to drink it."

Li Qinglan sighed and likewise said: "Reporting to Master... Junior Brother Fang Yu is also unwilling to come."

"Then how did Song Shentong get here so fast?"

"Hmph!"

"Then we have nothing more to say, I hope next time it won't be to purge the sect."

Li Qinglan and Song Sanjin asked people along the way and arrived at Yuyang Restaurant.

"Lying low is a life attitude, but playing the pig to eat the tiger must not really turn you into a pig... When it's time to act, one must still act!"

Seeing it was just a crude wine shop, the disdain on Song Sanjin's face grew even stronger.

"It is indeed Qingshan Martial Arts Hall!"

However, once caught, it all went into his own stomach; there were never any exceptions.

This time his luck was good, and he caught another Red Blood Carp.

"Very good, this is the demeanor a disciple of Qingshan Martial Arts Hall should have, it's settled then." Ding Shan was overjoyed and stepped forward to pat Song Sanjin on the shoulder.

"Great Senior Brother, I'll go!"

Clang!

The heavy door was shut, and the crossbar was lowered.

Relying on his great strength, and crucially, not being burdened by luggage, Aaron quickly squeezed into the city.

"Hurry, enter the city, enter the city!"

"If something happens to him, I won't be able to keep this restaurant open anymore, and by then I'll only be able to take Nannan to the city to rely on relatives..."

And the few back kitchens were also tightly shut.

Outside the city, there was a chorus of wailing, but military orders were like mountains!

Those soldiers were completely unmoved, pushing the crowd, even using blades and spears to intimidate them!

A moment later.

Song Sanjin sneered: "He even has to check if the tea bowl is clean!"

Li Qinglan sighed.

Aaron glanced at him sideways.

The waiter was still all smiles: "Please come in, the two of you..."

"The water bandits of the Twelve Linked Docks have attacked!"

Aaron grabbed a passerby and asked: "Why is the restaurant closed? Where did Si Niangzi go?"

"Easy for you to say, if we go to that kind of lawless place, the two of us, a lone widow and child, without any support, could be eaten by someone that very night."

At the gate of Taize Prefecture City.

"At this time... it should be the best opportunity. Amidst the great chaos, the chance to obtain secret manuals from the martial arts hall..."

"The big picture is what matters."

"No need."

"What is this situation?"

But the minor official in a soap-colored robe who would usually come over with a smiling face to welcome him and wouldn't even collect his boat docking fee was gone...

"Senior Brother Xia has temporary business and cannot come, I ask Master to forgive him..."

However, she also knew that Qingshan Martial Arts Hall took money to teach skills, and its cohesion was indeed not as good as a sect.

There were very few boats at the pier, and the nearby Fish Market was closed down, a scene of desolation and coldness.

Song Sanjin heard this and his blood boiled; he was the first to stand out.

As long as it wasn't Great Senior Brother Ding Shan coming to purge the sect, he really wasn't afraid!

"Hmm... being a fisherman also has its benefits; I'll just pole my boat and hide in the lake, even if Ding Shan comes, he'll have to stare blankly!"

"Master Yu? Naturally I know him, he often comes to drink. Calculating the days, he should be returning from fishing on the lake."

Song Sanjin said proudly; he was a big shot destined to become a Dark Energy Expert or even a Transforming Strength Master in the future, and he had long since not been in the same circle as Fang Yu.

Aaron turned his steps and headed toward Taize Prefecture City.

"The arrival of two distinguished guests makes my humble dwelling shine, it truly shines!"

After dismounting, Li Qinglan sighed: "Junior Brother Fang... how unwise? The Yellow Ant Thieves are merely a minor irritation, this time, he has lost significant standing in front of his teachers..."

Si Niang pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her tears, though it was unknown how much genuine emotion was being revealed.

"Senior Sister..." Aaron spread his hands and smiled bitterly: "But I'm not a city person!"

That kid has been fishing on the lake the whole time, his martial arts are almost wasted!

"This person is incredible. My cousin's son works at the prefecture office, and that's how I heard the news... A few days ago, after defeating the government troops, this person did another great deed—he actually went single-handedly to the water stronghold of the Twelve Linked Docks, broke through eight barriers, subdued all the water bandit leaders, and was elected as the Supreme Alliance Leader of the water stronghold... This time, they are advancing by land and water, swearing to take the prefecture city!"

Si Niang only kept her eyes on Aaron.

Li Qinglan stood up and left with Song Sanjin.

Aaron watched their departing backs, picked up his wine bowl, took a sip of Yellow Wine, and smiled: "This wine... it really does get more flavorful the longer it's stewed."

Only after arriving did he see that on the official road, there were refugees fleeing with the old and the young all along the way!

These people might not be unaware that the prefecture city could be more dangerous than the wilderness, but those tall city walls could still provide them with a sense of security.

"With my current martial arts, I can be considered a person of some standing; I have no fear at all when encountering small squads of unruly soldiers."

Aaron moved to the side, and with the keen hearing of a Martial Artist of the Ming Jin stage, he could hear the officer who had just ordered the gates closed shouting instructions:

Occasionally, someone would shout: "Fire! Sanshui Wharf is on fire!"

"My mind is made up," Aaron replied firmly.

They could not take their fields and mansions with them, so they could only bring all their worldly possessions—pots, pans, bowls, grain, quilts, and even cages containing piglets, chickens, and ducks.

"I have finally gained the favor of Master and my senior brothers."

He immediately walked along the street toward the familiar market and found a restaurant.

"So... the thieves also came from Taize Lake?"

And if Fang Yu truly lacked ambition and did not want subsequent martial arts techniques or Medicinal Sand, then Qingshan Martial Arts Hall really had no leverage over him!

"Junior Brother Fang, please reconsider," Li Qinglan said sincerely.

Ding Shan looked at the remaining junior brothers and sisters: "Who is willing to go with me to strive for wealth and status?"

One month later.

Aaron sighed with emotion and prepared to return to the wharf to retrieve his boat.

A smile appeared on Aaron's face as he sat down opposite Li Qinglan: "Waiter... bring wine! This table is on me today!"

Disappointment appeared in Li Qinglan's eyes, and her tone became stern: "Master has ordered... disciples from all regions are to gather at the Wuguan!"

The two waited for an hour before they saw Aaron walking into the tavern wearing a straw raincoat and carrying a fish basket.

Li Qinglan said in a low voice.

At this moment, chaotic sounds suddenly came from outside.

The next day.

Aaron, however, suddenly froze, thinking of those fishermen; if they encountered water bandits while fleeing...

"When Master has matters to attend to, the disciples must serve; this time, I will lead the team myself."

He had long been prepared, having hidden a large amount of supplies in the reed marshes and several other locations; living alone for a few years would not be a problem.

Li Qinglan and Song Sanjin rode hard to return to the Wuguan to report.

"Why does Senior Sister bother with him? This person has never been one of us."

"It's the water bandits!"

Since he had decided to jump out of that whirlpool, he was certainly not going to be conscripted just because of some master's order.

Taize Prefecture City.

Aaron ordered a few dishes and some wine, sitting in a corner and listening quietly.

"A small country shop, what good things could it have?"

After arriving at a seat and sitting down, the waiter was initially displeased seeing his fisherman attire, but after being tipped a few large coins, he immediately grinned from ear to ear: "Sir, what would you like to drink?"

Aaron skillfully cast his net and scooped up fish...

Standing beside Xue Qingshan, Great Senior Brother Ding Shan let out a cold snort: "Sooner or later, I will purge the sect!"

"Bring a pot of wine, and a few side dishes to go with it..."

The city gate was in total chaos, and an officer drew his long saber and roared: "Close the city gates!!"

However, Aaron felt that this backing might not be all that great; with military orders in effect this time, he couldn't even hide!

Song Sanjin sat down on the bench that the waiter had wiped several times with a snow-white towel, looking at the surrounding laborers and fishermen... smelling the fishy odor, he could not help but frown.

His relationship with Xue Qingshan was closer than that of a biological father and son, and he was the heir to the Wuguan, so he was duty-bound at this time.

"The Yellow Ant Thieves only number in the thousands, and their armor and weapons are incomplete... Even if Song Shentong is formidable, once surrounded by a great army and besieged by experts, he is still a dead man! This time is a great opportunity for us Martial Artists to make a name for ourselves and achieve great things!"

Furthermore, he had too many secrets, and it was simply not suitable for him to have people around him.

"War..."

She had previously only felt that this Junior Brother Fang lacked ambition, but now she suddenly felt a sense of disgust.

"Indeed, in troubled times, people are like blades of grass! They fall with a single gust of wind!"

"What's more critical is... you have no idea where the wind will blow from!"

(End of chapter)