https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-73-Change-of-Heart-Investigating-Secrets/12618863/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-75-Conversation-with-the-Guards-Parents-Cause-of-Death/12618865/
Chapter 74 - Merry Village
Chapter 74 - Merry Village
"About fifty miles from here, there lies a village called Merry Village, which houses a casino and a brothel, attracting rural landowners and idle locals with its unique entertainment offerings."
"Even the city folks with a penchant for novelty sometimes venture there to experience the unconventional thrills that cannot be found within the county seat."
"That village is actually one of the Black Wolf Gang's businesses, and rumor has it that the village chief is none other than the gang's ninth leader."
"I believe the Han Wu and Zhao Xiong you mentioned are from there."
"Master Ma, what level of martial arts cultivation has this ninth leader achieved?" Lu Qing asked.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I assume it's not that impressive. I doubt they've surpassed the Qi and Blood Realm," Ma Gu replied.
"Just the Qi and Blood Realm?" Lu Qing was surprised.
"Why are you surprised that it's just the Qi and Blood Realm, young Lu? Your own natural talent for martial arts may be astonishing, but that doesn't mean cultivating martial arts is an easy feat," Ma Gu laughed.
"For ordinary people, achieving the Qi and Blood Realm requires an immense amount of dedication and arduous training. Most people spend decades practicing martial arts, only to remain stagnant, gaining little more than improved physical strength and skill."
"On the other hand, someone like you, who has only recently begun their martial arts journey, is already able to comprehend and connect with the Qi and Blood Manual. That's what you would call a true genius, a rarity in this world."
"You should also be aware that the leader of the Black Wolf Gang, known as Black Wolf, has only reached the Sinew and Bone Realm. So, even if the ninth leader's strength surpasses his, it can't be by much."
"If the gang's peripheral leaders were all at the Sinew and Bone Realm, the Black Wolf Gang would be the top faction in the county, not just one of the three major gangs."
Only then did Lu Qing realize his mistake in judgment.
Perhaps because he had been interacting with the Wei family daily and witnessing their bodyguards, who were all at the Sinew and Bone Realm, he subconsciously assumed that martial artists of that level were commonplace.
However, he momentarily forgot that the Wei family was an exceptional force in the entire province, an entity that a small gang operating within the county couldn't compare to.
"Thank you for your guidance, Master Ma. I shall take my leave now."
Having obtained the information he needed, Lu Qing prepared to depart.
"Wait, young Lu," Ma Gu called out to stop him. "Are you planning to go to Merry Village?"
"Indeed. As a son, knowing that my parents' deaths may have involved foul play, I must investigate and uncover the truth," Lu Qing acknowledged without denying it.
Ma Gu's gaze shifted to the sword on Lu Qing's back, and he silently guessed the true nature of his intentions.
However, he knew that trying to dissuade Lu Qing would be futile.
The vengeance for one's parents' death knew no bounds.
Moreover, his young companion had already killed someone from Merry Village, making the enmity between them irreconcilable.
Recalling the Black Wolf Gang's usual modus operandi, Ma Gu understood that it would be wiser for Lu Qing to take the initiative rather than wait for their retaliation.
If the Black Wolf Gang mobilized their full force, Lu Qing wouldn't stand a chance, no matter how capable he was.
However, Ma Gu couldn't help but feel concerned about Lu Qing's martial arts prowess.
Even though Lu Qing was exceptional, he had only begun his martial arts journey a little over a month ago.
Even if he had already entered the Qi and Blood Realm, the level of mastery within that realm could vary greatly.
Realm did not necessarily equate to combat power.
Realm represented a martial artist's physical condition and strength.
The true test of a martial artist's power lay in their ability to convert their realm into combat effectiveness and their proficiency in martial techniques.
And in that regard, Ma Gu wasn't optimistic about Lu Qing's chances.
Chapter 74 - Merry Village
Ma Gu continued, "Young Lu, you've only recently embarked on the path of martial arts. To master a warrior's fighting style requires dedicated practice and real-world experience."
Lu Qing's days were spent either studying medicine, fishing, or farming in Jiuli Village, leaving him with little opportunity to hone his combat skills.
Charging into Merry Village alone could result in severe consequences.
After some thought, Ma Gu suggested, "Since that's the case, how about I accompany you, Young Brother Lu?"
As a Sinew and Bone Realm warrior, Ma Gu was confident in his strength.
A small place like Merry Village wouldn't stand in his way.
However, Lu Qing shook his head and politely declined, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Ma, but this matter concerns only me and the Black Wolf Gang. There's no need for you to get involved."
Ma Gu wanted to persuade him further, as Merry Village was notorious for its large numbers and its leader, who was also a martial artist. Going there alone would be extremely dangerous for Lu Qing.
But seeing the calm determination in Lu Qing's eyes, Ma Gu knew his efforts would be futile.
"Then please be careful, Young Brother Lu. If you sense anything amiss, run immediately and don't try to fight them head-on," Ma Gu advised.
With Lu Qing's martial arts prowess, if he focused solely on escaping, no ordinary gang member could stop him unless they set a trap or the ninth leader of the Black Wolf Gang took action himself.
Ma Gu's main concern was that Lu Qing, in a fit of youthful passion, might try to take on the entire village.
"Rest assured, Uncle Ma, I know my limits," Lu Qing assured him.
After Lu Qing left with his battle sword, Ma Gu remained seated, deep in thought.
A while later, he called for Xiao Tian, "Prepare my horse and bring my sword."
"Uncle Ma, didn't Young Master Lu say he didn't want us to follow him?" Xiao Tian asked.
"How can I just sit here and do nothing?" Ma Gu retorted, "The Wei family specifically instructed me to look after Young Master Lu. How can I explain it to them if something happens to him?"
"Besides, who said I'm going with Young Master Lu? I just feel like going hunting, and it so happens that I'll be passing by Merry Village."
Xiao Tian was left speechless.
Fine, you're the boss, so whatever you say goes.
But...
"Uncle Ma, are we really going against the Black Wolf Gang? Those mad dogs aren't to be trifled with, and I'm not sure if the master will agree," Xiao Tian expressed his concern.
"Are you a pig brain?" Ma Gu glared at him in frustration. "Young Master Lu is valued by the Wei family, not to mention his master, Chen, is also an Internal Organs Realm expert. Compared to them, the Black Wolf Gang is nothing!"
At this point, Ma Gu paused, "Come to think of it, does Master Chen know about this?"
Lu Qing wasn't sure if his master, Chen, was aware of the day's events.
However, he knew that Master Chen was kind-hearted and hated to see others suffer or get hurt.
That's why Lu Qing never considered asking him for help against the Black Wolf Gang.
He intended to handle this threat in his own way and put an end to any potential trouble.
Having learned about the Black Wolf Gang's vengeful nature from Ma Gu, Lu Qing understood that only one of them could survive this conflict.
Currently, he didn't have the capability to infiltrate the county seat.
But Merry Village was within his reach.
As Lu Qing left the market and ventured onto a smaller road, a black figure leaped down from a nearby tree, landing on his shoulder.
It was Xiao Li.
This was the reason Lu Qing had refused Ma Gu's offer to accompany him to Merry Village.
Compared to the cautious and thoughtful Ma Gu, he trusted Xiao Li, who was like family, even more.
Not to mention, Xiao Li's abilities far surpassed Ma Gu's.
"Let's go, Xiao Li. From now on, my safety will depend on you," Lu Qing said as he patted the small black beast's head, his gaze fixed on the east.
(End of Chapter)
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