Super System in the Early Tang Dynasty

They rushed along, kicking up clouds of dust, and soon arrived at the Li residence. Li Xingzhi carefully placed Erlang on the bed, his heart aching at his pale face. He felt a pang of guilt; though he didn't understand why this had led to such a vicious attack, he was certain it was directed at him. Wang Xiucai, hearing of Erlang's misfortune, rushed over. Seeing Erlang lying on the bed, pale-faced, he remained remarkably calm. However, the sharp glint in his eyes and his increasingly cold expression betrayed his unease. He looked Li Xingzhi up and down, relieved to see that although he was covered in dust and somewhat disheveled, he had no injuries. "Young master, what happened…" Wang Xiucai asked, looking at Erlang. Before he could finish, Li Xingzhi recounted the events of the day. Seeing Wang Xiucai's constantly changing expression, and not knowing what he was thinking, Li Xingzhi grew anxious and asked, "Does the sir know anything about witchcraft? I suspect someone might be secretly..." He didn't finish his sentence, but Wang Xiucai understood. He pondered for a moment and said, "I've only heard of witchcraft, but I don't know if it's true or not, and I've never seen it." Li Xingzhi was somewhat disappointed, and his expression darkened. But then he heard Wang Xiucai continue, "Although I don't know anything about witchcraft, I do know who is secretly plotting against Erlang! Young master, why don't you calm down and think about it? You'll surely find the answer!" Hearing this, Li Xingzhi thought for a moment, and the image of an old Taoist priest with a white beard flashed through his mind. However, he shook his head; with that old Taoist's demeanor and bearing, he would never do such a despicable thing! Finally, he turned his gaze to the ugly county magistrate and his son. However, he was still somewhat uncertain, after all, he had never taken these two seriously, considering them nothing more than clowns! Moreover, no one could fathom what motive the ugly county magistrate would have, going to such lengths to kill him! "Sir, are you referring to the ugly county magistrate and his son?" "I never imagined a mere county magistrate could possess such power! I should have been more ruthless back then!" As Wang Xiucai spoke, the fierce glint in his eyes sent a chill down the spines of Fatty Luo and Hu Qing'er, who had come upon hearing the news. Looking at the two approaching, Wang Xiucai said, whether in self-mockery or with a pointed remark, "It seems my heart has softened these past few days following you, young master. If it were before, this disaster wouldn't have happened! If you don't cut the weeds at the root, they'll grow back in the spring breeze!" Hu Qing'er felt a thunderclap in her heart! It was as if those words were spoken directly to her; her face instantly turned pale. However, none of the others noticed her. Hearing Wang Xiucai's words, Li Xingzhi could no longer contain himself! He flashed out the door and rushed towards the ugly county magistrate's family's residence with superhuman speed! Even Wang Xiucai was startled by Li Xingzhi's incredible speed! It was mostly helplessness towards Li Xingzhi's recklessness. Hu Qing'er's face paled even more! "Oh my—young master, you're a chivalrous hero who can leap across rooftops!" Fatty Luo exclaimed again, secretly thinking about when to ask Li Dalang to teach him a trick. He had dreamed of being a chivalrous hero when he was young, but unfortunately, as he grew older, his waistline increased dramatically, and those little thoughts had to be suppressed deep inside! Looking at the boisterous Fatty Luo, Wang Xiucai's expression flashed with a ferocious glint, as if the murderous aura and malevolent energy that had been suppressed for so long and accumulated in the thieves' den were about to burst forth. This frightened Fatty Luo so much that his heart pounded, and he dared not utter another sound or cause any more trouble. Wang Xiucai looked at Xiao Lan'er, who was still lying on Erlang's bed with swollen eyes from crying, gave her a few instructions, and then left. He didn't go to the study, but instead gathered all the servants, leaving only two to watch over him, and rushed towards the Chou County Magistrate's residence! Li Xingzhi arrived at the Chou family's house, where it was eerily quiet! He had no time to think about anything else; facing him face-to-face, he didn't believe anything could stop him! Suddenly, Li Xingzhi turned his head and saw a figure clinging to the Chou family's courtyard wall, staring at him! A murderous intent surged within him! With a flick of his wrist, a small, handleless throwing knife appeared in his hand. With a single, forceful thrust, the figure on the wall fell to the ground! Li Xingzhi didn't care about the man's life or death; he could easily hit a small fry without fail. He walked to the door and kicked it hard! "Clang!" A loud crash echoed, and the entire Chou family's gate shattered into pieces! The surrounding people were attracted by the loud noise, but seeing Li Xingzhi's bloodshot, murderous look, they immediately closed their doors to avoid trouble. Only a few fearless individuals remained, peeking through the crack in the door. The ebony door had been kicked apart by Li Xingzhi! Shards scattered, obscuring his view. Before he could see what lay behind the door, he heard the sound of a mechanism clicking. Behind the door was a ballista! A short spear was being fired from the opening! The spear, with immense force and a powerful gust of wind, hurtled straight at Li Xingzhi, seemingly intent on piercing him! If Li Xingzhi were hit by this weapon, he would likely be crippled, if not killed! Most likely, half his body would be gone! A few days ago, at such close range, he probably wouldn't have had time to react before being pinned to the ground! Using a ballista as a hidden arrow—who could withstand that?! Even ten Lu Bus would be pierced through! Fortunately, he had experienced a sudden enlightenment a few days earlier at the pavilion in the lake, and his Longevity Wood Qi had improved further. Now, in this critical moment, with Li Xingzhi exerting all his strength, he twisted his body to the side with great effort—Li Xingzhi felt a gust of wind sweep past, a sharp pain in his right side, and the spear had shot towards him. Looking down, Li Xingzhi realized that although he had dodged in time, a large chunk of flesh had been torn from his waist! A chill ran down his spine; he hadn't expected that this ugly county magistrate had a ballista in his house! What was this bastard planning? Li Xingzhi cursed inwardly. At the same time, he couldn't help but regret his recklessness, but now it was too late—the arrow was already on the bowstring, and he had no choice but to release it! At this moment, Li Xingzhi couldn't care less about his injury—seeing that the men in front of him were about to fire the ballista again, he wouldn't give them a chance! He could only endure the excruciating pain in his waist and throw several throwing knives. Only after seeing the men fall did he free his hands to treat his wounds. Chapter Two is presented!