Many people who didn't know better gave them practice during this escort mission.
After all, those who could lead the escort were already graduated disciples. Groups of three to five fellow disciples, accompanied by some strong young men from the towns, generally deterred anyone from provoking them.
Those who dared to provoke were usually mountain bandits or guards from powerful aristocratic families.
However, the combat capabilities of these individuals were still inferior to their fellow disciples and the young men who had genuinely practiced internal energy.
Along the way, they also eradicated several mountain bandits and robbers, claiming bounties from the officials with their heads. Of course, this was all extra income for them.
Their actions earned them a good reputation in many places, introducing the Lishan Sword Sect to many ordinary people who had no prior knowledge of the martial world.
It also made many young men who wished to learn martial arts aspire to join the Lishan Sword Sect.
When Luo Yuxuan learned what his fellow disciples had been doing, he didn't blame his master and mistress for not telling him.
After all, when he had gone out before, he believed he was upholding justice and eliminating evil. He greatly disdained actions like escorting goods and collecting silver from officials.
He felt they were no different from the escorts of the镖局 (biāo jú - escort agencies), and that claiming bounties made them even more contemptible, like lapdogs of the imperial court.
Therefore, he had subtly conveyed his sentiments to his fellow disciples, wishing for them to stop helping with deliveries.
However, he failed to notice that while his fellow disciples seemed to agree with him on the surface, they were actually growing distant from him.
Luo Yuxuan also realized that his junior sister seemed to have not followed him around for a long time.
Previously, when they were at the sect, Lin Yan would always be by his side. Even though he sometimes found her bothersome, he still enjoyed her care.
But since his return this time, his junior sister had been confined to her own courtyard. He had visited her several times, but each time she claimed to be studying medical texts and thus had no time to come out.
Since his return, his junior sister appeared to be exceptionally busy. She even ate her meals in her small courtyard.
If he didn't go to her courtyard to find her, he might not see her for several days.
He couldn't understand why his junior sister was so busy. He felt that his junior sister was different from before. Yet, her attitude towards him seemed to be the same as before.
Having stayed at the sect for a long time, Luo Yuxuan began to miss the vibrant and colorful life outside. After all, how could someone who had experienced prosperity in his youth tolerate a monotonous life?
So, he once again requested leave from Lin Fu, stating his desire to go out and train.
Seeing his restlessness, Lin Fu couldn't help but sigh, thinking that his own judgment was not as good as his second disciple's.
However, on the surface, he showed no reaction and instead seriously inquired about Luo Yuxuan's plans.
"I have no specific plans. I merely wish to temper myself, as I feel I am still lacking in many areas. Therefore, I want to go out and broaden my horizons."
Luo Yuxuan knew his reason was not entirely convincing, but he genuinely felt he had no place to utilize his skills within the sect.
He did not wish to be like his fellow disciples, going out to help with deliveries. He only wanted to experience the martial world as a wandering swordsman.
"It is indeed good for you to go out and see more. One cannot become a master by working behind closed doors. By observing the martial arts of others in the world, you can better understand your own level."
Lin Fu also approved of his disciple leaving. It would allow him to gain experience and prevent him from becoming arrogant, always thinking his martial arts were superior!
When one loses their reverence for the martial world, they say, the more experienced one becomes, the more timid they grow.
Only the calf that has just been born is unafraid of the tiger. This fearlessness stems from knowing little. Once one knows more, they naturally become cautious.
"However, be cautious when you go out. Do not provoke others easily," Lin Fu advised earnestly.
"Yes, Master!"
"Go find your mistress to get some money. When traveling, prepare well for expenses. Having more money on hand will make things much easier."
"Thank you, Master!" This time, Luo Yuxuan's tone of gratitude was tinged with embarrassment.
He recalled the time he had written to ask for help. While he understood his master was concerned for him, he felt truly sheepish.
Luo Yuxuan's departure this time caused no stir in the Lishan Sword Sect. Everyone's life remained as busy and fulfilling as ever.
Lin Yan added her spiritual spring water to the pills she usually refined, slowly and imperceptibly improving the physique of the sect members.
This included Luo Yuxuan, of course. When he left, Lin Yan had also packed him a batch of defensive pills. Whether he would use them, or how, was not her concern.
Besides various soaps, Lin Yan had also developed a range of cosmetic products. She handed over the formulas to her mother to manage, making her mother quite wealthy. The funds prepared for the male protagonist's journey were also significantly increased compared to before.
In addition to these powders and rouges, Lin Yan also improved some farming tools, as she was quite skilled in that area. However, she only offered her suggestions, leaving the actual work to the carpenters and blacksmiths.
Lin Fu, observing Lin Yan completely engrossed in various medicinal herbs and tools, and seemingly oblivious to the male protagonist, felt both relieved and a little worried.
However, after a deep conversation with Lin Yan, he began to support her endeavors.
Next, the Lishan Sword Sect extended its reach beyond Lishan, assisting villagers in improving their farming tools and teaching them simple martial arts. They even purchased a piece of land near a village at the foot of the mountain and built a villa.
An uncle of Lin Yan, along with his disciples, moved into the villa and began teaching martial arts to the villagers.
Their teaching aimed to strengthen the villagers' bodies and to find more talented children.
This villa became an outpost for the Lishan Sword Sect, where many ordinary people who wished to learn martial arts came to begin their basic training.
Gradually, such villas were built on the outskirts of the largest city near Lishan.
The Lishan Sword Sect also gained fame throughout the Hu Yang Province. To match this reputation, Lin Fu made many sword techniques available for others to learn.
Without hoarding their knowledge, everyone engaged in frequent sparring to gain experience. The generation of Lin Fu was also generous with their teachings.
The entire Lishan region presented a vibrant and thriving atmosphere.
Lin Yan also displayed her talent, leaping to become the leader of the new generation.
Of course, her internal energy was still inferior to that of her senior disciples. However, if one were to disregard internal energy and only consider sword techniques, she was already on par with the foremost young talent, Luo Yuxuan.
However, Lin Yan had never sparred with Luo Yuxuan. This assessment was given by Lin Fu. After sparring with Lin Yan while suppressing his own internal energy, he discovered that his daughter's progress was astonishingly rapid.
She had completely surpassed his disciples. Her only weakness was her relatively weaker internal energy, which put her at a disadvantage against her top-ranking senior disciples.
However, this also proved that Lin Yan's method of practicing swordsmanship was correct! This method was worth promoting throughout the entire sect!
His daughter was truly a genius! Lin Fu's mind was now entirely filled with thoughts of his daughter, believing her to be perfect in every way!