Chapter 37: The Sword Not Yet Fastened, Yet Stepping Out Into the Martial World

“Uncle, that's a long story…”
Li Yuanjing didn't wish to hide anything from the old village chief, so he quickly recounted the events in brief.
After finishing, he respectfully added,
“Uncle, I have a friend who has just arrived; I must go greet him first.”
The old village chief, still reeling from shock, also noticed Wang Youdao not far away and hurriedly said,
“Yuanjing, you go ahead, we'll talk after you're done…”
But when Li Yuanjing walked away, the old village chief couldn't help but sigh deeply again and again.
“A man must study, truly, he must study…”
...
“Uncle Wang, have you been here for a while?”
Li Yuanjing soon arrived under the big tree where Wang Youdao stood.
Around them, Wang Youdao's attendants had secured the area, ensuring their conversation would remain private.
Now that matters had reached this point, Li Yuanjing didn't bother beating around the bush with Wang Youdao; he smiled and spoke directly.
“I have indeed been here for a while.”
Wang Youdao nodded, his aged eyes complex and full of emotion as he gazed at the young and spirited Li Yuanjing before him.
In truth,
From the time he first brought rice to Li Yuanjing, he had sensed something extraordinary about him.
So afterward, Wang Youdao had consciously lent him a helping hand.
Yet,
Even Wang Youdao could not have foreseen…
Even though he anticipated Li Yuanjing might do well in the future, hoping to forge a connection early, he never imagined…
Li Yuanjing would soar so swiftly and so high, so fiercely, that even Wang Youdao struggled to keep pace…
Nevertheless,
Wang Youdao was a man seasoned by years, with deep reserves of cunning; he quickly recovered, smiling as he patted Li Yuanjing on the shoulder,
“Yuanjing, your Uncle Wang hasn't had a chance to congratulate you yet. You truly didn't let Brother Li down.”
How could Li Yuanjing not grasp the deeper meaning behind Wang Youdao's words?
He shook his head with a wry smile,
“Uncle Wang, the world knows the Xiliang cavalry is unmatched, but few know that in ten homes of Xiliang, nine have no sons left.”
“Uncle Wang, in this situation, how could I dare to speak empty words to you? I ask you to guide me.”
With that,
Li Yuanjing bowed deeply to Wang Youdao.
Wang Youdao's aged eyes narrowed tightly, a flash of brightness passing through them.
If,
Just now, the fact that Murong Kai and Zhao Bingchun had come in person had already astounded Wang Youdao,
Then at this moment,
Li Yuanjing's demeanor shocked him even more.
Faced with such a sudden rise to prominence, Li Yuanjing not only lacked the pride and arrogance typical of young men, but he could also so properly position himself and adjust his mindset.
How rare and precious!
Though Wang Youdao had come this time partly to test Li Yuanjing, in his heart, he had already quietly given up on him.

After all,
He was well aware that for someone who suddenly ascends so quickly, if their youthful arrogance takes hold, it wouldn’t be long before they’re devoured, bones and all.
Yet who would have imagined…
Li Yuanjing could maintain such clarity of mind at this moment!
Even more crucial,
Li Yuanjing’s attitude toward him hadn’t changed; in fact, it was even more respectful than before!
This completely threw off Wang Youdao’s plans.
“Yuanjing, what are you saying? You’ve already firmly established yourself in Spring Village; why would you need your Uncle Wang’s old bones to support you?”
Wang Youdao spoke with a smile,
Clearly,
He was still testing Li Yuanjing!
Li Yuanjing’s expression remained calm, though inwardly he felt speechless.
Wang Youdao was indeed resourceful, having clawed his way up from the lowest depths, but at heart he still had the temperament of a small merchant, lacking breadth!
However,
Since Wang Youdao wanted face, Li Yuanjing would grant it to him.
He smiled bitterly and respectfully replied,
“Uncle Wang, must we hide things from each other? In my heart, you are like my own uncle.”
“To put it plainly, Uncle Wang, we are now grasshoppers tied to the same rope. I ask you, Uncle, to guide me…”
Li Yuanjing bowed even more deeply to Wang Youdao.
Faced with such respect, Wang Youdao’s mindset shifted rapidly, his brows furrowing tighter.
Especially Li Yuanjing’s mention of “grasshoppers tied to the same rope.”
After all,
Wang Youdao’s smooth sailing in recent years—earning both profit and reputation—had depended on the Murong family!
And now, Li Yuanjing too relied on them.
But the critical point was…
Murong Mubai would soon depart for the capital to assume the post of Left Assistant Minister of Personnel.
Even if Murong Mubai’s promotion meant his influence would still cover Feng County, ultimately, the county magistrate matters more than a distant official.
Both Wang Youdao and Li Yuanjing were emerging powers, yet Feng County’s resources were limited.
Would entrenched magnates like Philanthropist Xue and Master Dong allow those whose backers have left to remain?
“Yuanjing, I saw just now that Old Xue was here?”
Wang Youdao suddenly remarked with a blank face.
Li Yuanjing was momentarily stunned, then delighted—Wang Youdao, the old fox, had finally figured out the logic. He quickly spoke in a low voice,
“He was rather badly dealt with by Young Master Murong earlier; he likely hates me now.”
Seeing Li Yuanjing’s candor, Wang Youdao was even more satisfied. He lowered his voice,
“Yuanjing, don’t take it too much to heart. Old Xue is just like that—his mind is smaller than a needle’s eye.”
“Master, news just arrived: the distinguished one requests your immediate return to the county seat…”
Just as Wang Youdao was about to share secrets with Li Yuanjing, one of his attendants hurried over to report quietly.
Both men’s expressions changed.
“Understood.”
Wang Youdao acknowledged the attendant, then pulled Li Yuanjing behind the big tree and spoke in a low voice,

“Yuanjing.”
“You are a smart man, and your Uncle Wang won’t speak empty words.”
“Xue Mang is no good!”
“My sources say he is deeply connected with Horse Master Ma from Cold Mountain, and also closely involved with desperadoes from the North—Boshan Gang!”
“You need to keep this in mind!”
“In these days, don’t be stingy with your money. If possible, always have guards at home and by your side.”
“Once I finish this round of business, we’ll talk in detail!”
Wang Youdao gave Li Yuanjing’s shoulder a firm pat before hastening away.
Watching Wang Youdao’s swiftly receding figure, Li Yuanjing’s brows could not help but knit tightly.
Indeed,
The sword is not yet worn, but the journey already leads to the world of rivers and lakes.
He had never intended to clash head-on so soon with entrenched powers like Philanthropist Xue, but fate’s twists and turns had made the facts immutable!
It was no longer a question of what Li Yuanjing wanted.
But,
Li Yuanjing soon regained his composure, calm light flickering in his dark eyes.
At this moment,
Though his enmity with Philanthropist Xue was already sealed, the Murong family had not yet left Feng City.
Besides,
The autumn taxes would take another three to five days to collect.
At least during this period, unless Xue’s brain had been kicked by a donkey, he shouldn’t dare to stir trouble.
But even so, Li Yuanjing knew he must not neglect proper precautions!
...
After seeing Wang Youdao off and pondering for a while, Li Yuanjing devised a plan.
He called over the old village chief, Zhao Zengjin, and several respected strong men from Spring Village, inviting them to dine at his home that night.
News of this invitation spread rapidly, filling countless villagers with envy.
They gathered at Li Yuanjing’s door, unwilling to leave for a long time.
Seeing this, Li Yuanjing was generous and instructed Zhao Zengjin to invite Big Ya, Second Ya, Aunt Zhang, and her wife as well.
He threw a grand banquet, allowing all the villagers to share in his good fortune.
The event instantly became the talk of Spring Village.
Everyone raised their thumbs in praise, declaring that Li Yuanjing “has real ability” and “never forgets his roots.”
Even Lu Gang dared not speak much at this moment.
He followed Lotus around like a frostbitten eggplant, his eyes vacant as he stared at the sky, powerless to do anything else.
What else could he do?
Now,
Li Yuanjing faced nobles and elders like Zhao Bingchun; Lu Gang, a mere commoner, could hardly overturn the heavens.
As night fell quickly, the main table at Li Yuanjing’s house saw the wine flow thrice and the dishes five times.
The old village chief, representing all the villagers, raised the question most pressing in their hearts:
“Yuanjing, from now on, you are the master of all the families in Spring Village. How will next year’s rent be calculated…”