The conversation split into two parts.
Zhao Rong left the martial arts school and headed straight north, pondering Bao Datong's words, weighing his options.
In recent days, the sun had been like a huge cauldron.
After crossing the bustling Western Temple Street, rows of residential compounds came into view, with towering archways, quaint and elegant roof tiles, and beautifully intricate wood carvings.
There were many similar buildings within Hengyang, but the two huge vermilion pillars placed in front of this particular large residence were exceptionally imposing. Stone lions stood on either side of the entrance, with a signboard hanging above, inscribed with the vigor of flying dragons and dancing phoenixes: "Changrui Escort Agency."
The names of such agencies, akin to business names, were not chosen randomly.
Hope for lasting prosperity often led to the use of characters such as "Chang (long-lasting), Heng (constant), Jiu (everlasting)"; for wishing all matters to be auspicious, one might use "Rui (auspicious), Xiang (fortunate), Fu (blessed)," etc. Phrases combining such characters were popular and widely circulated in Hengzhou Prefecture.
Zhao Rong paused to look at the sign for a few seconds, then decided to approach.
"Young man, what brings you here?"
The doorman Pu Kui, who had been on duty, had already noticed Zhao. His eyes fixed on him beneath his thick eyebrows, setting a precautionary guard, as the Changrui Escort Agency had just experienced a robbery, making everyone seem suspicious during this critical period.
"I apologize for the inconvenience."
Zhao Rong greeted the middle-aged man standing in front of him, who was dressed in light grey cloth, with a deep blue wide belt around his waist and wearing thick leather boots.
Then he moved closer and said:
"I heard that Changrui has been surveyed and lost some important goods, and is now gathering manpower. I'm here to offer my assistance, and I'd like to speak with Lu Shilai, the head of the agency."
Pu Kui's eyebrows furrowed momentarily.
Losing important goods meant losing escorted items—it was clear to him, but being reminded of such a matter was not something to boast about, and the young man's blunt words touched a sore spot.
Pu Kui was displeased inside, but upon further thought:
"Since this young man has specifically mentioned Lu Shilai, the head, perhaps he knows him, and it wouldn't be right to simply turn him away."
He casually touched the iron ring where he hung his weapon, sneering:
"Where have you come from, and where did you hear such rumors?"
His tone was neither salty nor bland, waiting for the other to present his credentials, that is, to declare his martial arts lineage.
Zhao Rong wasn't foolish—he could tell from the other's somewhat colder words that he had offended him.
But Zhao Rong was intentionally testing his reaction.
If those involved in the robbery of the Changrui Escort Agency were truly formidable, this man would likely show some signs of fear. Zhao had heard many rumors from the outside, and if they were indeed dealing with ruthless individuals, even with Bao Datong's support, he wouldn't deliberately walk into trouble.
"I heard it through casual conversations and, having learned some miscellaneous martial arts, sought a place where I could put them to use. Changrui is the most famous escort agency in Hengyang, hence I came here with great admiration."
Zhao Rong spoke these words with respectful tones and proper etiquette.
Pu Kui's expression softened slightly, assessing Zhao Rong's stature and glancing at his tender mustache, he couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle lightly.
"Young man, the docks are in need of guards and helpers, you could go there to offer some labor."
"These past few days, there have been quite a few from Jianghu like you seeking work. I won't deceive you: without a trustworthy referral, the agency would not randomly accept people, as it would eventually attract robbers, turning us into sheep for the slaughter."
Zhao Rong thought to himself, "Operating an escort agency is indeed like walking on thin ice. It's only natural to be cautious."
He took a letter out from his chest, feeling its weight had grown heavier.
"Old brother, it turns out I do have someone to vouch for me."
Pu_Kui reached out to take the letter, inspected it for a moment, and it was indeed addressed to Lu Shilai, the head of the agency.
His gaze towards Zhao Rong shifted immediately.
"Please wait."
Pu Kui turned and entered the main gate of the agency. Zhao Rong looked into the inner rooms and saw many people moving in and out. Their necks and cuffs were trimmed with dark red, all in uniform fashion.
He also glanced at the street corners outside of the Changrui Escort Agency, observing several clumsy pastry sellers.
Noises of customer complaints occasionally drifted from there:
"Are you going to eat these burnt pancakes, how can you eat something so charred?"
"Can't you be a bit more agile!"
"..."
These were likely Changrui's lookouts, similar to undercover officers selling crepes at roadside stalls in later times.
"Being so cautious even within the city, it seems the robbers are no ordinary foes."
Zhao Rong pondered as his gaze shifted back to the agency's main gate.
Accompanying Pu Kui was a middle-aged man about five feet tall with a dark complexion, one who could easily blend into a crowd inconspicuously, but his finger joints were unusually thick, especially at the fingertips, which were a blue-black color. It was very likely he practiced some form of hard martial art like the Eagle Claw Skill.
The middle-aged man's steps were steady, his lower-body technique far superior to that of Pu Kui beside him.
What caught Zhao Rong's attention the most was the sword tied around his waist, its hilt carved with a peak and a goose appearing to travel through the misty rain, known as "Goose Peak Amidst Rain."
This represents one of the eight scenic views of Hengshan, and in Hengyang, there's a poem:
"Geese pass the distant borders of Hengyang, atop the peak the sun and moon gaze upon Wangtian Mountain. Ascending through the clouds, a rotational path found, once rain clears, rainbows and mists descend upon the flying springs."
This is an acrostic poem, carrying this sword amounts to revealing one's origins.
The newcomer was none but an external disciple of the Hengshan Sect, Lu Shilai.
Lu Shilai's role here as the head of escort revealed the connection between Changrui Escort Agency and the Hengshan Sect, a favor Bao Datong had sold for him to come here.
Having assisted the Hengshan Sect in managing affairs for over ten years outside, Lu Shilai was capable of recommending new external disciples for the sect. After identity verification by the sect's inner elders, at the very least, one could be dispatched to work for the sect's affiliated powers.
If one had good potential, it was entirely possible to be taken as a disciple by an inner elder.
Bao Datong's favor was not to that extent, but to place someone into Changrui Escort Agency was still within his capabilities.
Whether Zhao Rong could obtain Lu Shilai's recommendation depended on Zhao himself afterward.
After exchanging greetings, Lu Shilai was far from enthusiastic, simply inquiring about Zhao Rong's relationship with Bao Datong, took the letter, and without mentioning any favors, swiftly led Zhao through the gates of the escort agency.
The people inside the agency only glanced in their direction, no one interfering.
Having acquaintances really did make things easier.
Aware of the tense atmosphere within the agency, Zhao Rong followed closely behind Lu Shilai without looking around, Pu Kui also entered a courtyard with him.
"Young brother Zhao, I must make things clear to you,"
"Changrui Escort Agency has some renown, yet escorting and adventuring all over, ends up being a business of licking blood off knife-edges. Who knows when we might encounter a group of toughs and all bets, including life and property, are off."
"Bao brother mentioned you are skilled in martial arts, outstanding in fist and foot. Yet I see you are but at an age to wield a spoon; furthermore, that man tends to exaggerate. I have to verify your skills."
Lu Shilai, hands behind his back, remained calm:
"It isn't that I want to break the agreement with brother Bao, only seeing you so young, I cannot bear to see you lose your life unnecessarily."
"Escort head Lu, I welcome your guidance."
What slightly surprised Lu Shilai was that after hearing his words, the young man in front of him did not show any signs of disappointment. Instead, he retreated three steps, clearing a path.
Seeing him standing straight with feet together, hands gently hanging by his sides, naturally focusing on himself.
Then with a slight shift of one foot forward, knees slightly bent, his footwork wavered, displaying a solid foundation in horse stance.
Could Bao Datong's words actually be true?
Lu Shilai, having practiced for many years and seen many elders from the Five Peaks Sword Sects, had much superior observation skills compared to the nearby Pu Kui, suddenly grew interested.
For a moment, he was eager to exchange a few moves with Zhao Rong in a fistfight.
Whether it was mere show, one test would tell.
Yet on second thought...
"I am more than three times his age, not to mention being one of Changrui Escort Agency's top three marshals and also a member of the Hengshan Sect. Zhao lad comes bearing Bao Datong's favor, and if I were to compete with him, not only would it seem like bullying the less powerful, but it would also appear vexatious."
"If this reached my master's ears, how could he not suspect that I'm degrading our sect's reputation?"
Lu Shilai stroked his short beard, turning to Pu Kui:
"You test his fist and foot skills."
Pu Kui did not hesitate.
"Escort head, rest assured, I'll control my force and will not harm young brother Zhao."
"Since he comes recommended by Master Bao, presumably he has mastered the Tongbei Fist, but which style? Hongdong Tongbei, Heyi Tongbei, or Bamen Tongbei?"
Pu Kui could not cultivate inner strength but had hardened his body, also a seasoned practitioner.
To a Southerner and Northerner of the martial sector, ordinary fighting skills were commonplace in his eyes.
Zhao Rong did not respond verbally, only with his moves.
He twisted his wrists outward, palms down, extended his arms straight above his head and then stretched them out, looking at the back of his hand. His feet nimbly lifted off the ground in a movement called "White Ape Offering Peach."
His motions, expansive and comprehensive, caused his sleeves to flutter briefly with the wind.
Zhao Rong followed up with another connected move, causing Pu Kui to slightly start.
Lu Shilai on the side showed a different expression, muttering:
"White Ape Offering Peach turns the heavens; horse-bending, bow-shooting directed forward. Tongbei raising and lowering encompasses all, continuous punches and kicks carry substantial momentum."
"It's the incredibly difficult Internal Tongbei Fist, Brother Pu, our eyes deceived us. This is no simple display, young brother Zhao's fists conceal exceptional inner strength."
Pu Kui exclaimed in admiration.
With a shout, he clenched his fists and charged forward, using the Tongbei Fist as well!
...