Chapter 83

A sparring session that was originally expected to be a fierce battle ended so hastily.

Lin Sha once again made a small fire, and even Old Wu, the Prince of Pingxi, specially called him over to give him a good encouragement, while introducing him to Qian Neng, an elder of the Diancang Sect who served as a bodyguard.

Expert!

This was the first thought that popped into Lin Sha's mind when he saw Qian Neng, an ordinary-looking, thin old man.

Not for any other reason, but because this old man gave him a very dangerous feeling!

Whether it was in modern society fighting in underground boxing matches, or on the battlefield in western Yunnan quelling unrest, he had experienced such a feeling, and each time it involved life-and-death danger, which made him take such perceptions very seriously.

"The name of Commander Lin has long been known to this old man. Now that I see you, it's indeed better to meet than to hear about you!"

Before Lin Sha could speak, the ordinary-looking, thin old man Qian Neng flattered him first.

"Too kind, too kind. I am still very immature and cannot compare to a renowned expert like Elder Qian!"

Lin Sha smiled slightly. As they say, courtesy demands reciprocity; who wouldn't know how to say nice things?

"Commander Lin is too modest. If there's an opportunity in the future, this old man hopes to learn a few moves from you!"

Qian Neng finally grew impatient with such formalities and dropped his fake smile, speaking with deep meaning.

"It should be me who seeks your guidance. How can I trouble Elder Qian?"

Feeling the hostility and ill will in Qian Neng's tone, Lin Sha smiled slightly, not taking it to heart, and still maintained a polite and courteous attitude. Old Wu was still there, so even if he was upset, he wouldn't easily show it.

...

Without mentioning Lin Sha's moment of glory, let's talk about the defeated guard Mao, who took a leave of absence during Hu Guozhu's rest time and directly ran to the Prince of Pingxi's mansion to find his uncle, Elder Qian.

There was no need for formalities between the uncle and nephew; they went straight to the point, discussing the sparring session between Mao and Lin Sha.

Mao guard described the events in detail, even mentioning his own embarrassing situation, which couldn't be hidden since so many people had seen it.

"Is Lin Sha really that strong?"

Qian Neng's old face was filled with gravity as he asked solemnly after hearing his nephew's account.

"Yes, Uncle. Lin Sha's external martial arts skills are extremely high, very evident a few days ago, but recently he has become more restrained. That's why I agreed to spar with him!"

Mao guard answered honestly, and then repeated the story of how Lin Sha had wanted to spar with him for a long time, but he had refused until recently.

"Does this mean that Lin Sha is not an elite disciple of another sect, and this sparring session was not intended to embarrass our Diancang Sect?" Qian Neng's old face relaxed, and his tone softened.

"How could that be?"

Mao guard hurriedly shook his head in denial: "Before the sparring session, I also investigated Lin Sha's background. He is a legitimate descendant of Liaodong. He joined the Yunnan army two years ago after his father's death, and after suffering a great loss, he worked hard to improve. The skills he practices are definitely external martial arts, not those of any sect's external disciples!"

He added, "If he had really intended to cause trouble, he wouldn't have held back at the end, giving me such a face. I might not have been able to stay by Lord Hu's side now!"

Qian Neng was moved and said with disbelief, "Is he really that strong, able to gain an absolute advantage in the sparring session, forcing you to defend yourself without any counterattack?"

Although it was embarrassing to admit, Mao guard still nodded awkwardly in agreement.

"Whoa, I misjudged, I misjudged..."

After confirming it multiple times, Qian Neng finally changed his expression: "You are considered an elite disciple in the sect, but you are so far behind Lin Sha. It seems his strength is not far from mine!"

At first, he thought it was just an excuse from his nephew Mao guard, that only a strong opponent could give him a reason to save face.

But Mao guard repeatedly emphasized Lin Sha's strength, showing deep admiration and respect, which made Elder Qian take it seriously.

"..."

Mao guard remained silent, but in his heart, he was not convinced. Having personally fought with Lin Sha, he knew exactly how strong the guy was. In a real fight, Elder Qian might not be a match for him.

Of course, he would never say this out loud.

"This Lin Sha is worth our attention. I will report the matter to the sect. You don't need to feel any burden; just focus on protecting General Hu's safety!"

Qian Neng pondered for a moment and gave these instructions: "As for this suddenly rising new star of the Yunnan army, Lin Sha, if there's an opportunity, try to get to know him and build a good relationship. If necessary, I will personally take action!"

As he spoke, his eyes flickered, recalling his previous meeting with Lin Sha. He felt there was more to this guy than met the eye; indeed, he was not a simple character!

...

Lin Sha did not know that his strong performance had already attracted the attention of the Diancang Sect's experts in Kunming.

At the moment, he was in a rage, striking the Eight Immortals table in the main hall with a heavy palm, shattering it into pieces scattered on the ground. The maids and servants were all terrified, and the guards and bodyguards shrank back, not daring to speak. The atmosphere in the front courtyard was tense to the extreme.

"Say it again, there are people from the Five Poisons Sect who have designs on the two women at the countryside estate?"

Lin Sha's eyes were cold, his voice icy, as he glared at the messenger boy and asked angrily, word by word.

"Y-Yes, s-sir, t-today, t-this morning..."

The messenger boy was drenched in sweat, trembling under Lin Sha's cold, knife-like gaze, as if being stalked by a fierce tiger in the forest, fearing that a wrong answer would anger Lin Sha and bring disaster.

"Very well, very well indeed!"

Lin Sha's eyes were cold, his teeth gritted, and he waved his hand to stop the messenger boy from stammering further. Cold air enveloped him as he strode out of the hall, shouting, "Someone, prepare the horse, I need to leave the city!"

After speaking, he went to the weapons rack in the small training ground in the back yard, took out a white wax pole and a short spear. When the messenger boy and servants brought the warhorse, he mounted it without a word, gathered fifty elite guards, and then dozens of riders galloped out of the side gate, drawing curious glances from neighbors and passersby.

...

"Who are you, why are you blocking our way, get out of the way quickly!"

Fang Yi's face was cold, her phoenix eyes filled with a fierce aura, as she stared intently at the two young men dressed as Miao people blocking their path.

"Hey, little lady, you're quite fiery, I like that!"

One of the two young men dressed as Miao people had a lecherous look, his narrow eyes leering at Fang Yi's curvaceous figure, his eyes full of evil intent, and he let out a creepy cackle that made people's hair stand on end.

"Sister Yi..."

Mu Jianping hid behind Fang Yi, her delicate face pale with fear, one small white hand quietly gripping the hem of Fang Yi's clothes, the other hand tightly holding a stack of books...