How come it feels like after learning the Golden Bell Shield, Mu Rong has become a bit more simple-minded?
"By the way, Li Xiong, besides Cui Peng, who else do you need to find?"
"Just a little beggar..."
In the carriage, Mu Rong Xiao was diligently jotting down every word Li Mo said, showing great earnestness.
He planned to go home and ask his grandfather for help.
The Mu Rong family was quite well-informed when it came to news, and Li Mo trusted this.
Before long, the carriage entered the city, moving directly into the inner city, where the buildings were far more luxurious than those in the outer city.
"Mu Rong Mansion."
Li Mo raised his eyes and saw the gilded plaque; the Mu Rong Mansion was indeed quite impressive in the inner city.
"Young Master, Young Master Li."
The butler, clearly already aware of their arrival, greeted them with a beaming smile.
"Please, Li Xiong, make yourself at home."
Once Mu Rong Xiao returned home, he relaxed completely.
As they walked through the gallery garden, Li Mo looked around with great interest.
It seemed much larger than his family home and had a more refined atmosphere, exuding the charm of a wealthy household.
"Xiao'er."
Upon entering the main hall, they saw two elderly men seated at a large table filled with delicacies, one dressed in a crimson robe, waving at Mu Rong Xiao.
The other, an old man in a purple robe with hair half black and half white, fixed his gaze on Li Mo.
Then, he turned his attention to the long sword at Li Mo's waist.
"This must be Li Zhenchuan."
"Indeed, a remarkable talent; heroes emerge from youth."
The old man in the crimson robe stood up with a smile to welcome them.
"I was just having tea with the mansion lord when I learned that Li Zhenchuan was coming. He has been enjoying my Yunwu Mei tea for quite a while now."
Chapter 52: Mu Rong Xiao - This Doesn't Seem Right
Glancing at the old man in the purple robe, Li Mo slightly cupped his hands and said, "I pay my respects to the head of the Mu Rong family."
Mu Rong Hai stroked his beard and smiled, "Please, take a seat."
"I assume this is the Xuanbing Chixiao?"
"With the future of Qingyuan Sect, it seems we might see two more sword immortals emerge."
The old man in the purple robe chuckled, not putting on any airs of a mansion lord.
The Dayu Dynasty was indeed the ruler of the world.
However, in reality, apart from the Central Divine Continent, the rest of the territories were governed by various sects.
It was somewhat akin to the feudal system of the past life.
Dayu was like the Zhou Dynasty, while the sects were the various lords, dividing the land among themselves.
Li Mo had read historical texts.
The previous dynasty was not like this; it was truly a case of "under heaven, all lands belong to the king."
Later, when the Martial Emperor of the Yu Dynasty rose in rebellion, promising to share governance with the sects after success, he garnered countless responses, successfully changing the course of history.
However, nominally, the other party still held the title of mansion lord, on equal footing with the master of Qingyuan Sect.
Li Mo did not lose his manners.
After some pleasantries, it was already afternoon.
The mansion hosted a banquet.
The table was filled with delicacies from the sky, the ground, and the water, and each person had a beautiful maidservant attending to them.
"Xiao'er, while in Qingyuan Sect, you haven't been slacking off under my watch, have you?"
Mu Rong Hai took his grandson's hand, feeling it silently, and suddenly exclaimed softly:
"This doesn't seem to be the body refinement method of the Divine Weapon Peak."
"You noticed it!"
Mu Rong Xiao smiled sheepishly, "This is what Li Xiong gave me; I haven't even started practicing yet."
The two of them exchanged glances.
The former hesitated a bit, while the latter looked on with a hint of embarrassment.
Li Mo chuckled, not minding:
"It's fine to show it to your grandfather; it's not like it's borrowed from the library, so there's no fear of it leaking out."
Only then did Mu Rong Xiao feel at ease to take out the book.
"The Golden Bell Shield..."
Mu Rong Hai squinted his old eyes, and the light in them grew brighter as he looked.
He was also a martial artist at the Observation of the Divine level and could tell at a glance that this was a body refinement method with Buddhist influences.
Not only could it refine the body, but it could also eliminate distractions and cleanse the soul.
For Xiao'er to practice this was simply perfect.
In fact, he had been searching for similar martial arts during this time but had found nothing.
This Golden Bell Shield was likely quite precious among high-level martial arts...
"Li Xiaoyou, this method is valuable, but it shouldn't be passed around lightly..."
"I have a good relationship with Mu Rong Xiong, and this Golden Bell Shield is just right for him."
"It can also be considered finding a successor for this martial art; otherwise, it might be lost to time."
Li Mo noticed Mu Rong Hai's hesitation.
Whether it was a large sect or a small one, they all placed great importance on their own martial arts, strictly forbidding them from being shared.
If someone were to steal martial arts and the rightful owner found out, it would be reasonable for them to come and kill you, or at the very least, cripple your abilities.
The old man was worried about the origins of this martial art.
Hearing him say this, Mu Rong Hai's brow finally relaxed.
He indeed had not heard of any major sect in the martial world that was renowned for this high-level martial art.
But one thing was certain.
This Li Zhenchuan seemed to know Xiao'er very well, including his bloodline...
"Li Zhenchuan has a deep fortune; could it be that he encountered some high-level master who passed this down?"
After a long silence, the mansion lord suddenly asked.
"Something like that," Li Mo nodded lightly.
"The grace of passing down martial arts, our Mu Rong family will remember it."
Mu Rong Hai understood and smiled kindly, "Since you, Li Xiaoyou, have come to Ziyang Mansion, stay a few more days and let us show you our hospitality."
He then looked at his grandson:
"Xiao'er, from now on, treat Li Xiaoyou as your elder brother, understood?"
He didn't know who was older, but it didn't matter.
This Li Zhenchuan before him not only had great talent but also conducted himself with such propriety; he would surely not be an ordinary person in the future.
Such a person, barring any accidents, would definitely rise to a high position in Qingyuan Sect.
He might even become the sect master.
Even without the matter of passing down martial arts, it was essential to maintain a good relationship.
Mu Rong Xiao nodded eagerly, like a chick pecking at rice.
Did he need reminding?
"You and Xiao'er must have come down the mountain to carry out a mission for the sect, right?"
"Yes, Grandpa, I need to find ten stalks of Blood Grass, and Li Xiong is after the criminal Cui Peng."
"Cui Peng..."
Mu Rong Hai stroked his beard, deep in thought.
The old man in the purple robe seemed to have some recollection of this person: "He was once a disciple of the Jinyang Blade Sect, but later betrayed the sect and became a bandit."
"After fleeing to Ziyang Mansion, he killed a few constables, which is why this matter was reported to Qingyuan Sect."
As the mansion lord, he only managed the common folk.
Matters concerning martial artists were handled by Qingyuan Sect.
"I will send someone to inquire about this."
"If Li Zhenchuan needs any assistance, feel free to ask."
Mu Rong Hai casually remarked.
For him, finding a bandit at the Inner Breath level was not a big deal.
Li Mo was not one to be overly formal: "Actually, I do have a personal matter."
"Feel free to speak."
"I have a family tradition that requires me to do good deeds once a year, so I would like to borrow some manpower from you to open a charity hall in the city to distribute porridge and rice..."
This move by young Li was, of course, to help Bing Tuozi find someone.
Since he was looking for a little beggar, the best way to do that was to distribute food.
According to Bing Tuozi, the person she was looking for should be living in dire straits now.
Once they heard the news, they would likely come.
At that point, he could sit there with his Tianming Divine Eye, waiting for the other party to walk right into the trap.
Moreover, he could also make a significant investment.
Although there might not be any major gains.
But, as the saying goes: "Every little bit counts!"
"Li Xiaoyou has such a kind heart; it's truly commendable."
"Bring out the wine; I want to drink with Li Xiaoyou!"
Mu Rong Hai slammed the table, as if he had found a kindred spirit.
The atmosphere of the banquet grew increasingly harmonious and lively.
"Li Xiaoyou, I raise my glass to you!"
"Cheers!"
"Li Xianshi, another cup!"
"Happy to oblige!"
"Li Laodi, you have a big heart."
"You're too kind, old brother."
Watching the old and young drink and chat happily, Mu Rong Xiao was left bewildered.
"Wait, this doesn't seem right."
"I must take my leave first."
The mansion lord stood up, greeted them, and walked out.
As he was leaving, he caught a glimpse of Li Mo and squinted slightly.
The inheritance that had caused the glow that day was not with him...
P.S.: Sorting out the plot took longer than expected; I apologize for the delay. Today's update will not be lacking.
Chapter 53: Li the Great Benefactor, Mo, and the Stuttering Sister Cui Peng Appears