Chapter 43. To the Jianghu, with a Song

Hou Gong comforted the branch manager with a smile.

"Don't be too disheartened. Your offer is generous, and I am truly grateful. Even if not this time, there will surely be another opportunity or a connection that will bring me to the alliance. One never knows how things will turn out, right?"

Although he spoke politely, Meng Yanmeng seemed on the verge of tears.

***

"So, you're going to the Medicine King Sect?"

"Yes."

After sending off the Anhui branch manager, Hou Gong informed the family head about his future plans.

The Medicine King Sect.

A sect obsessed with medicine.

It's said that if a medicine doesn't exist in the Medicine King Sect, it doesn't exist in the world.

The letter from the Medicine King Sect contained a significant gift.

They informed him that they possessed the Toad Venom Worm.

After obtaining the Hexagonal Web, Hou Gong had asked the family head for the Lingyao Grass and the Toad Venom Worm, and the family head had immediately sent letters to three places, one of which was the Medicine King Sect.

The response was quicker than expected. Given that the Medicine King Sect was known as the 'medicine experts' in the Jianghu, it wasn't surprising that they had the Toad Venom Worm.

Hou Gong had unexpectedly obtained the Lingyao Grass through the continental battlefield, and with the Toad Venom Worm, he could complete the Three Evils.

"Hmm..."

The family head let out a deep sigh.

He knew about the Three Evils but couldn't simply be overjoyed.

"I'm concerned that the Medicine King Sect has singled you out without any other conditions. They are ambiguous figures, neither clearly righteous nor evil, and I don't know what their intentions are."

Worry was evident in the family head's voice.

The simplicity of the Medicine King Sect's conditions was the problem.

- The visit of the Tianhua Library's heir.

If they had asked for treasures or some material exchange in return for the Toad Venom Worm, there would have been no cause for concern.

"Don't worry. It's probably nothing."

"How can I not worry?"

Hou Gong smiled.

"The letter is simple, which is why I'm not worried. If they had other intentions, the letter would have been lengthy and filled with persuasive words. I suspect they are facing a difficult problem and perhaps they hope I can solve it."

"Hmm..."

The family head nodded.

After hearing his grandson's reasoning, it made sense to him.

A smile can hide a knife, and a beautiful mushroom can contain poison. In this sense, the Medicine King Sect's letter lacked both smiles and beauty. It even gave the impression that it didn't matter if he didn't come.

Moreover, his grandson was not someone who would listen to his advice if he tried to persuade him otherwise.

"Go, but always be vigilant."

"Of course."

"To avoid any misunderstandings about refusing the alliance's invitation, I will send a letter and a gift to the alliance separately."

"Yes."

Good things come to those who wait.

There was nothing wrong with going and coming.

"When do you plan to leave?"

"After organizing the internal affairs, I'll leave in about ten days. If things go smoothly, I might leave earlier."

"Alright."

The family head didn't ask about the internal affairs.

He knew his capable grandson would exceed expectations, no matter what he did.

***

The next day,

Hou Gong called the guards to the training ground.

With everyone's attention focused on him, Hou Gong began to speak.

"I've called you today to appoint a new head and deputy head of the guard. Lin Yi and Zhong Jiang, step forward."

Two middle-aged swordsmen.

Lin Yi and Zhong Jiang stepped forward without surprise, having been informed of the position changes the previous night. Their shock and excitement had already overflowed the night before.

"Lin Yi, I appoint you as the head of the guard. You are thorough and meticulous, with excellent leadership skills and martial arts prowess. I believe you will lead the guard well."

"Thank you."

Lin Yi bowed.

Next was Zhong Jiang.

"Zhong Jiang, you possess both gentleness and integrity, and your charisma makes you well-suited to bridge the gap between the head of the guard and the guards. I hope you will be a strong shield for the Tianhua Library as the deputy head."

"I will do my best, despite my shortcomings."

When the appointments were complete, the guards erupted in cheers and applause. Seeing their genuine joy, Lin Yi and Zhong Jiang also smiled.

The guards were delighted not only because of the family heir's insight and judgment but also because he had chosen Lin Yi and Zhong Jiang, who were widely respected. This showed that he had a keen understanding of the guard, even in a short period.

One of the guards shouted,

"For the Tianhua Library!"

"For the Tianhua Library!"

Following the lead, everyone raised their voices in unison.

"The guard will lay down their lives!"

"The guard will lay down their lives!"

"We will be an impenetrable shield!"

"We will be an impenetrable shield!"

The resounding cries continued.

Hou Gong was speechless.

'How long are they going to keep this up?'

If left alone, they could continue for hours. Their enthusiasm and the way they rallied was impressive. Their voices were incredibly strong, as if they had been practicing for a long time.

Unable to bear it any longer, he waved his hand.

"Enough, enough. You're getting carried away."

Once the noise subsided, Hou Gong continued.

"I don't want you to lay down your lives."

"..."

"I only want you to stand up to those who challenge the Tianhua Library, defeat them, and make them kneel."

"We will remember that!"

The guards' eyes burned with determination.

But the next words from the heir were unexpected.

"To that end, I will personally guide your training for a few days."

No one had expected this, and they could only stare in amazement.

If they knew,

how honored they would feel.

If they realized that the person before them was the greatest martial artist in the world, they wouldn't just blink in surprise.

The training guidance was not about individual skills.

It was the transmission of a sword formation, the 'Red Lotus Sword Formation.'

Hou Gong combined his knowledge of sword formations with Fan Hang's strategic mind, adding his own variations.

The basic formation involved 12 people, but it could split into 6-person or 3-person formations depending on the situation. It could amplify their energy when facing strong opponents and form a massive shield for defense.

The essence of the sword formation was its adaptability and subtlety, following the principles of 'harmony,' 'wonder,' 'concealment,' 'net,' and 'flash.' The guards were amazed as they memorized the techniques, learned the significance of each position, and practiced the movements.

While they had initially doubted the value of short-term guidance, the power of the completed sword formation was astonishing.

The guards realized why the heir had been called a genius from a young age, unmatched before and after.

As the training progressed, requiring extensive practice, Hou Gong occasionally pointed out and corrected mistakes.

He also took care of his younger brothers.

He taught Yun and Bu Meng self-defense techniques.

First, he left 11 footprints in Yun's quarters.

The 'Jinxu Step.'

This stepping technique was complex, but each step enhanced one's internal energy. It was also highly deceptive, making it effective for confusing opponents.

Additionally, he taught the 'Guangxian Palm,' which, when used with the Jinxu Step, increased its destructive power.

For Bu Meng, he taught the Jinxu Step alongside the 'Wuliun Staff,' a staff technique that Bu Meng, who loved double-section staffs, could practice enthusiastically. While simple, the Wuliun Staff was far from a low-level technique.

Yun and Bu Meng were overjoyed.

It was a significant gift, something they had secretly hoped for but never dared to ask for.

"Brother, I'm so glad you're my brother."

"Big brother, you're the best."

Hou Gong was equally pleased to see his younger brothers.

"Hehe, you guys are so happy. But do you think this is the end?"

"Huh?"

Yun and Bu Meng's eyes widened.

If this was already more than they deserved, what else could be waiting? They were so excited that their eyes seemed to be shaking.

"You are my younger brothers, so I can't neglect you. I've prepared some good medicine to help you advance quickly."

"You've thought of everything."

"Big brother, I'm curious. Please tell us."

Hou Gong nodded and called out,

"Song Hua, bring it in."

"Yes!"

Soon, Song Hua entered with a small wooden box.

Hou Gong placed the box in front of them.

"This is a special preparation, a spiritual item."

Yun and Bu Meng were puzzled.

"A spiritual item? Is there such a thing?"

"Big brother, it's not the Hexagonal Web, is it?"

Hou Gong chuckled.

"Yes."

Their faces turned pale.

They knew about the Hexagonal Web, which was well-preserved in the shade. Why was it being used on them? It wasn't even particularly potent. The dried skin of the Hexagonal Web was odorless, but they knew another fact: it emitted a terrible smell when chewed.

"Brother, please save me."

"Big brother, I'll eat a lot of other tonics."

Seeing their pale faces, Hou Gong smiled.

"Experiencing something bitter once is not bad. It can be a memory and a story."

His smile was so warm that Yun and Bu Meng felt a lump in their throats and nodded.

"Hehe, guys. If you don't make progress while I'm at the Medicine King Sect, I will punish you severely. Practice diligently, understood?"

"Yes, brother."

"Yes, big brother."

***

Knock, knock, knock...

The carriage was moving.

The scenery outside the carriage window was a deep gray.

The sky was overcast, as if it would rain at any moment, but cheerful singing came from the driver's seat.

"We're going~ Leaving the Tianhua Library~ Red Lotus, are you listening, we're going~ Rain or snow, it's all good~~~ Medicine King Sect, wait for us~~."

Song Hua was excited.

Being part of this journey to the Medicine King Sect seemed to have lifted her spirits, and her voice was full of enthusiasm.

Only two people accompanied him.

Song Hua and Yang Xiao, a personal guard.

Yang Xiao was the driver, and Song Hua was brought along for personal errands, but Hou Gong was already regretting it.

She sat next to the driver, enjoying the scenery, and started singing. What was supposed to be a one-verse song had turned into a three-verse song, and it was looping back to the chorus, showing no signs of stopping until nightfall.

"Song Hua."

"Yes, Master?"

Song Hua responded politely from the driver's seat.

"I want a cup of tea. It's lonely being in here alone."

"Yes, I'll come in right away."

"No, sing one more verse and then come in."

Fan Hang had been cooped up inside, planning his journey, so he understood Song Hua's joy in the long trip.

But everything has its limits.

He thought anyone would understand after this, but,

"Ha ha, okay? We're going~ Leaving the Tianhua Library~ Red Lotus, are you listening~~~~"

"..."

Hou Gong was breaking out in a cold sweat.