Chapter 233: Chapter 137 Qian Jin, Night Raid_2 Qian Jin studied Liu Honglie for a moment and then smiled. "In a place as resource-starved as this, you’ve managed to become a Bone Refining Realm expert at such a young age. If you join my sect and make some achievements to earn resources, it’s entirely possible for you to reach the Marrow Refining Realm one day." The Marrow Refining Realm is different from the Refining Skin and Bone Refining stages. It’s not something you can achieve just with the aid of medicinal pills. To become a Marrow Refining expert, you’d need a specialized technique called the Guiding Method. The Guiding Method is exceptionally rare. Forget about Canghe County—even in the Red Cloud Prefecture, only a few Powerful Families and elite clans possess it. These formidable forces strictly guard the Guiding Method. Outsiders have no chance of obtaining it. Liu Honglie originally thought he would be stuck at the threshold of the Guiding Method for life, forever unable to reach the Marrow Refining Realm. However, Qian Jin’s words ignited a flicker of hope in his heart. Liu Honglie’s expression turned excited, though he quickly composed himself and feigned hesitation. "Master, I’ve been planning my move on Canghe County for quite some time now. Originally, with the strength of my Black Sand Gang, conquering Canghe County was only a matter of time. But County Magistrate Liu Yuanhu invited the Red Cloud Guard’s Centurion Mo Chen, a Marrow Refining expert, which immediately put us at a disadvantage. If you are willing to lend your aid, we can take Canghe County in less than five days!" Qian Jin frowned slightly, a trace of reluctance appearing on his face. "Acts of loyalty like this are supposed to be accomplished by you personally, after all. This..." Liu Honglie, instantly understanding, pulled out a stack of silver notes from his pocket and shoved them into Qian Jin’s hand. "If the master is willing to help, my Black Sand Gang will forever follow your lead!" The silver notes Liu Honglie handed over were each worth a thousand taels. Qian Jin only glanced at them briefly and estimated that there were at least twenty notes! That added up to over twenty thousand taels of silver! While the Fire Worship Cult might have abundant resources, they were by no means freely distributed. Cult members either had to buy them with money or exchange contributions to obtain them. In the past, when the cult was more aggressive, Qian Jin could resort to robbery to supplement his finances. But as the cult shifted its policy to lay low, such side ventures were no longer an option. Without such means, even though he was a Bone Refining expert, twenty thousand taels of silver was a tremendous fortune! Money—who could ever have enough of it? Qian Jin silently accepted the silver notes, his impression of Liu Honglie becoming much fonder due to his perceptiveness. "Fine! Although this deviates slightly from protocol, considering your sincerity, I can help you stall Mo Chen." This was the statement Liu Honglie had been waiting for. Upon hearing it, he quickly bowed deeply to Qian Jin in gratitude. "No need for formalities. But let me remind you once more—time is of the essence! The cult’s current strategy requires discretion. If the Red Cloud Guard arrives before your plan is completed, you’ll be on your own." Liu Honglie naturally understood. If it truly came to that, he wouldn’t need Qian Jin to remind him—he’d already have fled with everything he had. After giving a brief set of instructions, Qian Jin once again employed his superior concealment technique and vanished from Liu Honglie’s sight. Liu Honglie stepped outside, bowed toward the darkness, and said, "Master, safe travels!" The night sky was as clear as water, with a bright moon hanging high, its silvery light spilling across the busy Black Sand Gang headquarters. Liu Honglie gazed toward Canghe County with a sinister grin on his face. "Heh, Liu Yuanhu! Your days of comfort are numbered!" The next morning, Liu Yuanhu rose early and began organizing various matters. Though last night’s strike had effectively dampened the Black Sand Gang’s morale, Liu Yuanhu was well aware that such a blow hadn’t touched the gang’s core. His immediate priority was to shield the subordinate towns and await his official appointment letter. "Master, the order to reinforce defensive structures has been sent to all towns. However, the martial artist strength in these towns is insufficient. Simply strengthening the defenses might not be very effective. According to the scouts, it’s very likely that the Black Sand Gang will strike Qianhe Town tonight! I volunteer to lead a team to assist them and make amends for my mistakes!" The speaker was none other than Zhang Guangqun. Liu Yuanhu examined the map for quite some time before nodding. "Very well! Take a team of elite men with you. Remember, this is about delaying them—just stopping their advance into the town will count as a win for us! Defend Qianhe Town well, and I’ll not hold past errors against you." With that, Liu Yuanhu took out a token and handed it to Zhang Guangqun. "Take forty sets of heavy armor with you this time. If anything happens, report back promptly!" After Zhang Guangqun left, Mo Chen appeared, carrying a uniquely designed wine jug. "This Hundred Flowers Brew is truly excellent. After drinking two jugs yesterday, I feel like my cultivation has improved significantly. Do you have more of this brew? If so, give your elder brother some more to enjoy." Mo Chen shook the empty jug, looking reluctant. Liu Yuanhu chuckled at his words. "This Hundred Flowers Brew isn’t exactly as common as cabbages. How could I have so much of it lying around? But rest assured, my old supplier is still active. After this matter is settled, I’ll definitely procure a few more bottles to reward you!" Mo Chen stared at the map for a while before retreating to the courtyard to continue drinking. ... At Gu’s Manor "Asheng, did you hear about County Magistrate Liu defeating the Black Sand Gang last night?" To boost morale, Liu Yuanhu had exaggerated the events of the previous night and spread the news widely. Upon hearing about this, Gu Xiaojiang was in high spirits and immediately brought over a jug of wine to share with Gu Sheng. Gu Sheng shook his head. "I hadn’t heard. Sounds like good news." The Gu family had already aligned themselves with Liu Yuanhu, so Black Sand Gang’s setback was welcomed with open arms. Thanks to Liu Yuanhu’s promises, Gu Xiaojiang felt increasingly devoted to him, his words full of admiration. As they finished the wine, and just before Gu Xiaojiang left, Gu Sheng suddenly reminded him. "Xiaojiang, Black Sand Gang is not a force to be underestimated. After suffering such a blow, they will undoubtedly retaliate. Things may not remain peaceful in the near future. Speak with Uncle Jingang and see if you can request reinforcements from Master Liu’s side." Gu Xiaojiang brushed off the suggestion. "Asheng, you worry too much. Our Gu’s Manor is nothing more than a small village fort. If the Black Sand Gang retaliates, they surely won’t send too many people. During this time, Uncle Jingang has already set up several defensive fortifications and traps around the manor—rest assured, we’re perfectly safe!" Gu Sheng didn’t argue against Gu Xiaojiang’s blind confidence. After Xiaojiang left, Gu Sheng headed to Gu Erniu’s home. "Asheng! Come on, join us for dinner!" These days, Gu Sheng was often out handling various matters and seldom at home. Gu Erniu was delighted to see him unexpectedly drop by. Through Gu Sheng’s guidance, Gu Wan had started training in martial arts and made remarkable progress, leading Gu Erniu and his wife to feel a deep sense of gratitude toward him. "Uncle Sheng, you’re back! While you were away, I didn’t slack off. My post training technique has improved even further!" Excitedly, Gu Wan rushed to the courtyard to demonstrate the progress he had made over the past few days. Indeed, Gu Wan’s talent was impressive. Despite training for only a short while, he had advanced rapidly and was already nearing the stage of Small Success! Gu Sheng patted Gu Wan’s head and smiled. "That’s wonderful, Xiao Wan! After some time, I’ll see if I can apply to Master Gu Jingang to teach you the Iron Stone Fist." Turning to Li Lian, he added, "Sister-in-law, please take Xiao Wan inside for dinner. Don’t bother with me; I’ve already eaten." Li Lian, perceptive as ever, noticed Gu Sheng had more to discuss with Gu Erniu. She took Xiao Wan by the hand and led him into the house. "Asheng, at least eat a little!" Gu Sheng shook his head, his expression growing somber. "Er Niu, tonight won’t be peaceful. No matter what happens, you, sister-in-law, and Xiao Wan must not leave the house—not even one step!" Gu Sheng had a strong premonition that tonight would bring unrest to Gu’s Manor. If there was an attack, his current abilities would allow him to handle it with ease. However, he wasn’t ready to fully expose his strength just yet, so he instructed Gu Wan’s family to stay indoors for their safety and his convenience. Seeing the seriousness in Gu Sheng’s expression, Gu Erniu nodded solemnly. "Alright! I’ll lock the doors and won’t step out!" As night descended, the world grew silent. Most of Gu’s Manor’s inhabitants had already drifted off to sleep, the atmosphere tranquil. "Hall Master, it’s about time. Should we proceed?"