To achieve immortality, I cultivate using Qi Luck

I have heard that the Yi people there are fierce and barbaric, worship evil gods, and even eat human flesh. It would be difficult to govern them if we were to become officials there.”

Moreover, the Southwest region is full of dangerous mountains and toxic barriers, crawling with insects and snakes, and far less prosperous than Dongting. For us northerners, going there would be fraught with danger.”

Several scholars grew excited and flushed as they spoke. Some were worried, seemingly concerned about the situation.

As the people in the hall continued to listen to their conversations, they finally understood that these scholars were captives taken from Zhou Country in the north a few years ago by the king.

There was a hidden contempt among the original people of Changsha for these forcibly displaced immigrants. They had a sense of superiority as the victors.

As they heard the scholars boast about their chances of passing the exam and becoming officials, about their concerns of going to the southwestern Yi region, they could not help but despise them.

Some Jianghu martial artists nearby sneered, “A bunch of greenhorns, overestimating themselves and talking about passing the exam and becoming officials. The imperial examination hasn’t even started yet, and they are already worried about things that might happen afterward.

Indeed, as the old saying goes, ‘A hundred uses without one is a scholar.’

They act high and mighty, but when it comes to doing actual work, they whine incessantly.

If you want to become an official, you have to be prepared to take risks. Do you really think the world’s wealth is that easy to attain?”

“Exactly, these weak scholars are no match for us Jianghu martial artists. We fight life and death battles, licking blood from the edge of a knife, using our absolute strength and lives to compete for wealth and honor.”

“A group of captives, dreaming of passing the exam. Ridiculous.”

The Jianghu martial artists began to ridicule the scholars with cold sarcasm.

Humiliated and unable to bear the insult, some of the passionate young scholars stood up and slammed the table, “You’ve gone too far! You’re lawless…”

Clang!

One of the scholars was interrupted mid-sentence as a martial artist drew his waist knife and slammed it onto the table, coldly staring at him, “So, you want to see who’s better?”

The murderous intent in the martial artist’s voice, combined with the fierce faces and robust figures of the Jianghu martial artists, sobered the scholar up. He realized he was dealing with a group of desperadoes. As he compared both sides, he couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

He was both angry and afraid, but eventually, he lowered his trembling hand, sat down weakly, and remained silent with his head bowed.

“What a waste.”

“True, these scholars are only good at running their mouths, what can they actually achieve?”

“Look, just by showing a knife, this person cowers in fear. And he still wants to become an official? He’s nothing but a straw bag.”

The Jianghu martial artists mocked them with their sarcastic remarks, causing the scholars’ faces to turn red with anger. When no one else dared to stand up, they finally turned their attention away, satisfied.

Ignoring the scholars, the group of Jianghu martial artists began discussing their own affairs.

“I heard that Master Xin of Bai Niao Villa is hosting a sword-fighting conference in the coming days, inviting heroes from all over the prefecture to participate. What does he plan to do with this?”

“Who knows? Ever since the establishment of the court’s Imperial City Division, there have been military officers and commanders in various prefectures and counties. Local areas are now full of small envoys and subordinates, making the management of Jianghu tighter.

In addition to the local commanders and chief arrests, Jianghu activities have become increasingly difficult these two years.

Not only are they openly forbidding various alliances and meetings, but even basic private duels among Jianghu figures are now gradually being banned.

The court is indeed strict.”

“Hush, don’t talk nonsense, you’re risking your life.”

Seeing his companion’s complaint, another Jianghu person quickly covered his mouth and cautiously looked at a soldier sitting nearby, his eyes flashing with apprehension.

Fortunately, the soldier seemed not to care about their conversation and continued to drink, not reacting to the rebellious words of the companion.

So, the person breathed a sigh of relief, and the nature of the Jianghu conversation continued, “Bai Niao Villa has only recently moved here from the north, and they have not yet gained a foothold. Now they’re already in a hurry to hold a sword-fighting conference.

I think they’re trying to show off their martial arts through this conference so as to intimidate us local Jianghu people.

It’s annoying to hear that the master of Bai Niao Villa is a top-notch expert, and there is no one in our Hengyang Prefecture with such strength besides the court.

Will we locals of Dongting County be bullied by a captive from the north this time?”

Some of their companions also felt indignant, “In recent years, since the court moved those Zhou people here, the Jianghu forces from Zhou Country have also followed. In just a few years, many local Jianghu forces in Dongting County have been defeated, losing a lot of benefits to Zhou people.

Now Bai Niao Villa has been hiding for several years and can’t wait any longer. Are they going to attack the martial arts world of Hengyang?”

The Flying Fox Gang, An County Lin Family, and the Red Knife Gate in Hengyang Prefecture are all second-rate sects with second-rate masters.

Although Xin Juetian of Bai Niao Villa is a top-notch master, those local masters joining forces may not necessarily be unable to suppress him.

We still have a chance to defend our territory.”

“As you said, even if we can defend it, we cannot avoid a bloodbath. I don’t know how many people in the Hengyang martial arts world will die this time.”