I am dying of old age, and I have awakened to the character of longevity.

The snow fell even harder.

The bluestone street leading to the pawnshop was already covered with a layer of snow two inches thick.

Many peddlers had already packed up their stalls, spent a few copper coins to buy a gift for their daughters, and were heading home with their goods to reunite with their families.

Even the usually stingy ones, being fathers and with the Little New Year approaching, would grit their teeth and buy a gift for their daughters, just for the joy of it.

Several figures hurried against the flow of people, heading towards the Li Family Pawnshop.

Li Shaoyun walked the fastest, and if he wasn't concerned about Madam Li and Li Ru's slow pace, he would have left his parents behind and sprinted to apologize to He Chunli.

The reason was simple: he had witnessed Xie An's terror.

He had seen the worship and reverence that everyone in the entire Blood Ridge Black Market had for Xie An.

Li Shaoyun was terrified.

He was truly afraid that Xie An, in a moment of anger, would flatten the Li Mansion.

And flattening the Li Mansion wouldn't even require Xie An to personally take action; a single word would suffice.

Lin Yun, Zhang Lin, Liang Zhi, Wang Xiang… which one of them wasn't a breakthrough-level martial artist?

Which of the Black Market's thirty-odd subordinates wasn't a desperado?

With a single command from Xie An, the Li Mansion could disappear from the world without a trace… and the government wouldn't find a single clue.

Li Shaoyun, having spent a year in the Black Market, understood this deeply.

"Father, Mother, please hurry up."

"We're trying our best," Madam Li said, trying to jog.

Li Ru, the man of the house, had a somewhat awkward expression and lagged behind.

Madam Li, seeing Li Ru's expression, didn't hold back, "You caused this trouble, what are you being so awkward about?

Hurry up."

Madam Li nodded in agreement.

Although Li Ru was unwilling, he knew the matter was serious and nodded to show he understood.

Seeing his stubborn father nod, Li Shaoyun finally breathed a sigh of relief, "If Father and Mother are willing to put aside their pride, things won't be too bad.

Thankfully, Xie An hasn't come, we still have a chance to salvage things…"

Before he could finish speaking, Li Shaoyun suddenly shuddered, abruptly stopped, and stared intently at the carriage ahead, as well as the tall, elegant woman in fur standing at the Li Family Pawnshop.

Madam Li asked curiously, "Why did you stop?"

Li Shaoyun's face turned pale, and he trembled uncontrollably, pointing at the carriage, "Mother, that's Master Xie An's carriage, that maid is Xie An's maid… Xie An is already in the pawnshop, the Li Family is finished!"

After saying that, Li Shaoyun collapsed onto the snowy ground, wailing in fear.

Li Ru, looking at the luxurious carriage that was even better than his own, and the woman standing at the entrance of the Li Family Pawnshop with her noble aura, her brown fur coat accentuating her tall and graceful figure, her brow revealing a fierce and valiant spirit, clearly a powerful martial artist, felt a strong sense of oppression even from ten meters away.

Although Li Ru hadn't practiced martial arts, he had seen many martial artists, such as Chen Lei, the master of the Chen Family Martial Hall in Wuchiao Town, Zhang Biao in the past, and the armored military officers in the county town.

But the aura of the woman before him was stronger than all the military officers Li Ru had ever seen.

It was said that seeing once was better than hearing a hundred times…

Li Ru had truly felt that he was in deep trouble, and everything Shaoyun said was true.

*Thud*.

Li Ru was so frightened that he seemed to lose his soul, collapsing to the ground and trembling.

Compared to Li Shaoyun, Li Ru had lived several decades longer and recovered his senses first, "Go, go back immediately, pack our things and run.

Leave Wuchiao Town and live elsewhere."

"Come back here!"

Before Li Ru could take two steps, Madam Li stopped him, "Where can you run?

Can you outrun the Tiger Wolf Gate?

If you run, you'll truly cut off the last chance of survival for our Li Family."

Li Ru turned back to look at Madam Li, anxiously, "Madam, Xie An is already in the pawnshop.

I've squeezed him before, and this time I hit his beloved disciple's butt… he won't let our family go.

Let's go…"

Li Shaoyun looked helplessly at Madam Li.

Just when the father and son were panicking, they saw Madam Li displaying a calmness and courage that surpassed a man's, and even her words seemed to be filled with strength.

"You also know that Xie An is angry?

If he remains angry with us, you won't have a way out even if you run to the ends of the earth.

If our Li Family wants to survive, we have to appease him.

Old Master, you hit Master He with the board, then you should take the beating yourself.

And you, Shaoyun, did you also offend Xie An?"

Li Shaoyun didn't dare to hide anything and told everything about how he had previously provided convenience to Li He in order to curry favor with Zhang Biao, allowing Li He to capture He Chunli for severe torture.

Madam Li cried out sadly, gritting her teeth, "Good, you're both more capable than the other.

All you know is to bully honest people, what other skills do you have?

If you two recognize me as your wife and mother, then come here, and each of you will receive your beating later."

Perhaps the father and son were intimidated by Madam Li's authority, perhaps because they both agreed with Madam Li's approach deep down, or perhaps because they felt Madam Li's hardship and efforts in managing the family.

Both of them nodded.

Immediately, Madam Li led Li Ru and Li Shaoyun to the entrance of the Li Family Pawnshop, not entering, but kneeling down on the snowy ground first, her hands folded on the ground, her forehead touching the back of her hands.

"This sinful woman, Tong Ying, has failed to educate her son and serve her husband with virtue.

I beg Master Xie Xiang's forgiveness!"

Seeing his mother kneel down first, Li Shaoyun's eyes instantly became hot and unbearable, and he knelt down as well.

As for Li Ru, he didn't say much and knelt down beside him.

The surrounding people gathered to watch the excitement, not understanding what was happening, and discussed among themselves.

"Hey, isn't that the family of the wealthy Li Family in town?

What did they do?"

"Could it be that they offended someone?"

"Looking at Wuchiao Town, besides Chen Family Martial Hall and Old Man Li, it seems that no one is someone Li Ru can't afford to offend, right?"

"Who is Master Xie Xiang?"

"…"

Madam Li ignored the discussions, continued to raise her head, and prostrated again.

"This sinful woman, Tong Ying, has failed to educate her son and serve her husband with virtue.

I beg Master Xie Xiang's forgiveness!"

Seeing Madam Li like this, Li Ru and Li Shaoyun no longer cared about the criticisms of the surrounding villagers and prostrated and kowtowed.

At that moment, Chunlan, who had just come out, saw this scene.

Although she didn't know that Xie An had become the Great Master of the Tiger Wolf Gate, she guessed that Xie An's identity was extraordinary and knew why Madam Li was doing this.

"Madam, it's freezing cold, and your health isn't good, please get up…" Chunlan went to help her, but Madam Li refused, "Chunlan, go get a stick."

"Madam…"

"Hurry up."

Chunlan felt very uncomfortable, but unable to dissuade her, she went to the shop and brought back a broom.

Madam Li said, "It's too small, get a bigger one."

Chunlan went to replace it with a wooden carrying pole for goods, which was very thick, with iron hooks hanging on both sides.

Only then did Madam Li stop, holding the carrying pole with both hands, and said to Yu He, who was standing at the door, "Miss, this sinful family has made a mistake and offended your master.

Please, miss, administer the beating to us."

Yu He ignored her and turned to look into the distance.

She and Xie An weren't that familiar, so why would she rashly interfere in Xie An's trivial matters?

Madam Li then asked Chunlan to administer the beating, but Chunlan didn't dare to.

Finally, Madam Li rose to her feet with tears in her eyes, "Old Master, Shaoyun, lie down properly.

I will play the villain.

Even if you resent me in the future, even if Old Master drives me away and divorces me in the future.

Today, I'm sorry."

*Thwack*.

The heavy board struck Li Ru's buttocks.

It wasn't a light tap, but a very heavy blow.

Again and again.

In no time, his buttocks were red and swollen, and then bleeding.

Li Ru initially tried to avoid it, but after seeing the tears in Madam Li's eyes, he gritted his teeth and endured it.

Some kind-hearted villagers came over to persuade and stop her.

"Madam Li, you are kind to everyone, why do you have to do this?

How will you live in the Li Family in the future?"

"That's right, a woman hitting her husband is very disrespectful.

You're a woman, why bother?

How big of a deal is it that you have to do this?"

"Madam Li, stop…"

"…"

Madam Li didn't hide the family scandal, and while tearfully beating Li Ru and Li Shaoyun, she explained it.

"Xie An, the former appraiser master of our Li Family Pawnshop, is now the Great Master of the Tiger Wolf Gate, in charge of the Blood Ridge Black Market, and is the number one master in the surrounding six towns.

When Master Xie Xiang came to redeem himself earlier, I, Tong Ying, was ignorant and squeezed him, one hundred and eighty taels of silver.

I allowed Shaoyun to give convenience to Li He, who captured Master Xie Xiang's beloved disciple, He Chunli, and beat him.

A few days ago, He Chunli misjudged a pawned item and lost two hundred taels of silver.

It was I who told Old Master to beat He Chunli…

Our Li Family is guilty.

It's only right to receive a beating.

Even breaking our legs would be deserved…"

Madam Li spoke tearfully, taking all the blame on herself, which made Li Shaoyun feel刺耳 and brought tears to his face.

Although Li Ru was beaten and initially resented his wife, after hearing her words, he couldn't help but shed tears as well.

These words, like a bomb, caused a great uproar.

"What?

That appraiser master from Li Family Pawnshop became the Great Master of the Blood Ridge Black Market?"

"No wonder Madam Li has to treat her husband and son like this.

It's really too difficult for Madam Li."

"Master Li truly has a good life, marrying such a virtuous wife and mother. Though she beats her own husband and son, it's Madam Li herself who feels the pain."

"Quick, go tell Hall Master Chen Lei."

"Quick, go tell Elder Li."

"… …"

… …

A small house in the backyard of the pawnshop.

The door is closed, and a stove is burning.

Compared to the noise outside, the house is very quiet and warm. Only the chewing sounds of the two disciples eating pastries remain, along with Xie An's voice.

After listening to Xie An's account of the past year's experiences.

The two disciples sighed with emotion, their eyes filled with admiration.

He Chunli rubbed his hands together, "Master, you are amazing. In just one year, you became the incense master of the Tiger Wolf Gate. The Tiger Wolf Gate, that is one of the two largest prestigious clans in Qingwu County. It is said that there are thousands of disciples under its command. Even the county magistrate has to pay a visit every year."

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Han Li excitedly slapped his thigh, "When Master redeemed himself back then, I had a premonition that Master was going to embark on a great journey. Sure enough, I knew it, I knew it… …"

Xie An chuckled softly, "Just a little achievement, nothing to boast about."

These are Xie An's true feelings.

If it weren't for the fact that these two were disciples who had followed him for more than ten years, Xie An wouldn't have planned to say any of this.

Since they are family, there is no need to hide anything unless it is something important, otherwise it would seem awkward and easily breed suspicion.

At Xie An's age, he is very clear about who is worth cherishing and needs to nurture their relationship and bond. As for those unimportant people, Xie An is unwilling to waste time on them.

Eh.

He Chunli suddenly sighed, "Master is naturally infinitely glorious now, but I think… …this journey must have been quite difficult. It's just that Master didn't say it, for fear of making us worry."

Han Li also nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, this is… …bitterness turned to sweetness."

Xie An looked at He Chunli a little more, comforting him: "Xiao He has matured a lot. In this world, who has it easy? Isn't it difficult for you to be a appraiser master too? You are diligent and steadfast, but you still got beaten."

He Chunli said awkwardly: "My experience is not worth mentioning compared to Master's… …"

He told everything in detail, and when he encountered Han Li's part, Han Li supplemented it. The two sang in harmony, vividly recounting the past year's experience.

Xie An could see that they were generally excited about being able to become independent masters.

Moreover, Han Li and He Chunli were a good match: After Han Li resolved his inner knot, he was mainly responsible for attracting business and hawking around. Occasionally, he would also act as a peddler, going to the countryside to collect some antique objects.

And He Chunli was in charge of the pawnshop.

The internal and external cooperation made the pawnshop's business gradually improve, complementing each other.

Although their stories were not as exciting as Xie An's, everyone has their own path, and Xie An knew that they were doing quite well, and affirmed them in his heart.

Finally, Xie An glanced at He Chunli's buttocks and teased: "What's going on with your buttocks? It was beaten last year, and it was beaten again this year."

He Chunli took a big bite of osmanthus cake and said vaguely: "I am a lowly servant. It's useless no matter how well I manage the shop. I will be beaten as long as I slightly displease the master."

Suddenly, He Chunli seemed to remember something, and looked at Xie An sharply, "Master still has foresight, what he said at the beginning was right. A servant will not get anything even if he earns more money for the master. Once he makes a mistake, he will be beaten."

Han Li said with emotion: "Fortunately, Master let He Chunli be an appraiser master. If I were to be this master… …I'm afraid my buttocks would be beaten to pieces."

These words caused everyone to laugh, diluting the slightly solemn atmosphere.

Although Xie An had a smile on his face, he also felt emotional in his heart.

Servants, that's their fate.

If He Chunli were a commoner, even if he caused a loss to the pawnshop, Li Ru would not dare to beat him directly. That is against the law, and He Chunli can report to the authorities… …

But… …it is easy to sell oneself, but difficult to redeem oneself. If you encounter an enlightened and benevolent master, that's fine. If you encounter a mean and difficult master, they are unwilling to let people go, and no amount of money can redeem you.

If Xie An hadn't gotten on the line with the Tiger Wolf Gate back then, it wouldn't have been easy to redeem himself safely.

Timing, fate.

Xie An asked: "What are your plans next?"

Xie An intends to redeem the two of them.

With Xie An's current status, it's just a matter of words.

The question is, what do the two disciples want to do after redeeming themselves?

Xie An still wants to ask about this first.

Han Li glanced at He Chunli and said: "Just now, Brother He told me that he plans to be an appraiser for five or six years, save up some money, and then redeem himself to find Master, and then marry a wife and have a baby, and two generations will take care of Master in his old age and burial."

These words made Xie An feel very surprised, and he couldn't help but look at He Chunli.

He saw that He Chunli was a little disappointed, and said in a tiger-like manner: "Now that Master is a great incense master, I'm afraid he doesn't need me to take care of him in his old age and burial."

The voice was not loud, but the sense of loss in it could not be concealed.

Even Xie An, who is at this age, couldn't help but "thump" in his heart, and was very moved.

Before, when he was in the pawnshop, Xie An knew that He Chunli was filial. But he didn't expect that after a year of separation, his feelings for his master had deepened a lot.

But thinking about it, it's also relieved.

When relatives are often by your side, you don't think they are so important. Only after separation, when the thoughts are like a tide, and the indelible memories are imprinted in your heart, do you feel that the bond of kinship has long been engraved in your bones, and that is something that can't be erased in a lifetime.

"Han Li, what are your plans next?"

Han Li hesitated and said: "After a year of whipping, I don't have so many ideas anymore. Although my parents sold me, my father is now seriously ill. I still can't bear to watch him die of illness, so I will subsidize the family more. After my parents are gone, I will take care of Master in his old age and burial. If… …Master doesn't dislike me."

Xie An stared at the two disciples for a long time, and saw that their expressions were sincere and not fake.

Suddenly, Xie An's blood surged, and his nose was a little sour.

"Good, good. Master didn't raise you in vain."

Xie An patted the shoulders of the two people heavily, "Isn't it just a servant's deed of sale? It's not a big deal. You guys pack up and go to Li Mansion with me to eat New Year's tea and rice. As your master, I will speak for you and let Li Ru redeem you. As for your buttocks, Xiao He, I will double the beating on Li Ru's buttocks when the time comes."

Hiss.

The two disciples stood up in shock at the same time, looking at Xie An in disbelief.

"Master, you… …are you going to help us redeem ourselves?"

"Master… …"

Xie An smiled and said: "Why are you so excited? You remember Master's kindness, and Master naturally remembers your kindness. Master left without saying goodbye before, because he wanted to find a way out. Now that Master has the ability, he has to help his two filial disciples redeem themselves."

Thump!

He Chunli and Han Li suddenly knelt on the ground, sobbing hoarsely:

"Thank you, Master, for your great kindness and virtue. I, Han Li, will repay you by working like a cow or a horse for the rest of my life."

"Master!! I, He Chunli, even if I give up this life, I can't repay your kindness."

For them, being a servant is a shadow for a lifetime.

Before, they thought that being an appraiser master was a success, but after He Chunli was beaten, they realized… …a servant is always a servant. That is a fate that is very difficult to change in a lifetime.

Now, Master is going to redeem them… …

Kindness is deeper than the sea, reborn parents!

Xie An knows their thoughts.

Xie An has personally experienced how difficult it is to redeem oneself.

However, now that he has become an incense master, all the past hardships have become light and breezy.

Eh.

Xie An sighed, helped the two disciples up, "We are all miserable people, we should help each other. Get up. Follow me to Li Mansion."

The two disciples' faces flushed with excitement, and they hurriedly packed up. When they were about to go out, they were a little apprehensive and trembling.

He Chunli was very unconfident, "Master, Master Li is a master, he is so mean, it is difficult to talk to him. We go directly… …is it really okay? Will it make it difficult for Master? Or let's forget it… …"

Han Li was also a little tiptoeing and very uneasy.

They have worked in the pawnshop for more than ten years, and they have long been frightened by Li Ru's divine power. Now that it has really come to the point of redemption, it is inevitable that they are a little apprehensive and guilty.

Xie An saw the fear and anxiety in the two people's hearts at a glance, so he encouraged them, "With your teacher here, there is no need to be afraid. Let's go."

After hearing this comforting, the two disciples breathed a sigh of relief.

"Master, the wind and snow are heavy, I will hold an umbrella for you." Han Li hurriedly took out an old oiled paper umbrella and held it for Xie An, and then the three masters and disciples stepped into the wind and snow together.

The ground was covered with silvery white snow, and fine snowflakes were falling from the sky. The knife-like cold wind was howling. However, all this bad weather could not stop the three people from moving forward.

The two disciples followed closely behind Xie An, looking at their master's figure:

They felt that this figure was as majestic as a mountain, able to withstand mountain winds and tsunamis; like a warm stove, sweeping away the cold of this wind and snow.

It is more like a harbor in the dock. No matter how big the wind and waves are, as long as you return to the harbor, it is the direction of home.

Um.

With your teacher here… …