Chapter 9

Outside the Red Fist Martial Arts School.

"You guys have no loyalty! I get beaten up, and none of you even react?" Zhao Quan wiped the blood off his face, wincing at the touch. Complaining, he rubbed his jaw.

"Quan, that guy is too sneaky. The moment you speak, he strikes. We didn't have time to react."

"Yeah, that's right."

"Quan, you know how we feel about you. Whenever we wanted to act, he backed off."

"That guy has no martial ethics. Our Quan wasn't even ready, and he ambushed him. It's despicable."

The group comforted him with a flurry of words.

At least Zhao Quan regained some dignity.

"Well, that's true. Damn, got ambushed," he admitted.

Inside the hall, Xiang Shuang was conversing with the pawnshop owner, trying to gather the one thousand taels needed for tonight. He had to mortgage the martial arts school and inn to make up the sum, as he couldn't gather that much silver otherwise.

The location of the martial arts school and inn wasn't ideal, barely scraping together the one thousand taels, with the pawnshop owner giving him face.

"Thank you, Manager Chen," Xiang Shuang said, rising and thanking him.

Manager Chen reciprocated, "Master Xiang, keep the promissory notes safe."

"Alright."

"Master Xiang, no need to see me off."

Manager Chen took the notes and contracts, hastily leaving. As he reached the door, he coincidentally crossed paths with Zhao Quan and his beaten companions returning.

"Master, please help me," Zhao Quan cried out as he saw Xiang Shuang, prostrating on the ground. "That Lin Martial Arts School's Leon Wei is too much. He just beat me up near the fish pond."

He looked pitiful, knowing the master wouldn't stand idly by. After all, they were to become an affiliated martial arts school of the Changying Martial Arts School, elevating their status and prestige. How could anyone tolerate someone from the Lin Martial Arts School bullying him?

However, he failed to notice Xiang Shuang's sudden change in demeanor, his face darkening, cheeks trembling, his gaze fierce and menacing, like a volcano about to erupt.

The apprentices standing by exchanged glances, taking a step back, sensing something amiss with the master.

They might not be good at martial arts, but reading people's expressions was something they could do.

As for Zhao Quan still crying out, it was none of their concern.

"Master, I..."

"Get lost," Xiang Shuang roared like a mad lion, his fur bristling, eyes seemingly ready to tear Zhao Quan apart. "Get lost!"

Terrified, Zhao Quan scrambled away, disregarding his injuries, scurrying off. Outside, he muttered in a dejected tone, "Fine, I'll get lost. Why be so cruel? I'm your appointed subordinate, and you don't even give me a shred of dignity."

Feeling utterly heartbroken.

Outside, on the street, at a tea stall.

Leon Wei sipped his tea, watching from afar as Zhao Quan and his group left in a sorry state. He couldn't help but smile. Before long, he spotted Xiang Shuang emerging from the martial arts school.

Focused, he looked at the man's head.

As expected.

Leon Wei stood up, settled the bill, and left.

He had confirmed what he suspected.

Night fell.

Inside the martial arts school.

Having accumulated five points of White Wish Points during the day, he decisively drew a lottery. Currently, his main source of strength improvement was through these lotteries, and this time, he didn't draw anything extraordinary, just the usual.

[Realm: Qi and Blood Realm, Sixth Level]

[Martial Arts: Wind Thunder Palm (Great Completion 302/600), Fierce Fire Leg (Minor Completion 0/200)]

[Skills: Art of Talismans - Vajra Talisman (Unfamiliar 73/100)]

Advancing to the sixth level in the realm, achieving minor completion in Fierce Fire Leg.

The changes after reaching minor completion were significant, like a complete transformation. Although it seemed like a leg technique, it also incorporated lightness skills, with agile footwork and a light body. With a light leap, he could cover three to four meters effortlessly.

The explosive power in his legs was incomparable to before.

"Indeed, the changes are substantial when focusing on cultivating the legs' Qi and blood," Leon Wei remarked, satisfied with the progress.

The Fierce Fire Leg followed a domineering path, fierce and forceful, akin to waves crashing against rocks, with the power to split stones and trees effortlessly.

After a moment, Leon Wei rolled up his pants, feeling his firm thighs, a satisfied smile on his face. This was the effect of practicing leg techniques. If combined with the Vajra Talisman, the effect would likely be even more domineering.

Vajra Wind Thunder Palm?

Vajra Fierce Fire Leg?

Thinking about confronting enemies, exchanging kicks, and having the opponent's leg break while remaining unscathed, a smile crept onto his lips.

"Perfect."

Returning indoors, he perused the martial arts manual gifted by Zhang Shan, carefully reading through the explanations of martial arts cultivation.

"Connecting the Qi and blood throughout the body to reach the optimal state of the Qi and Blood Realm is the ultimate goal for all martial practitioners," the manual stated.

Although it seemed simple, achieving Qi and blood connection was challenging, requiring mastery of martial arts to perfection. However, individuals varied in talent and comprehension. Some could master a martial art in three to five years or even less, while others remained like wooden blocks, unable to reach perfection.

Late into the night, Leon Wei memorized the contents of the martial arts manual, feeling enlightened. The fog of martial arts confusion dissipated, and a clear path illuminated before him. His current strength surpassed that of ordinary martial arts school practitioners.

The only ones who could challenge him were the remaining six schools.

Yet, he remained calm, proceeding step by step, laying a solid foundation for himself. Like a towering building rising from level ground, he aimed to go further and wider than anyone else.

After reading the martial arts manual, he prepared to draw talismans. With only two Vajra Talismans at hand, he felt it wasn't enough. Drawing more would be crucial for self-preservation, especially with the opportunity to enhance proficiency through the Accelerated Training Chamber.

The recent lottery results were mediocre, failing to increase proficiency in the Vajra Talisman.

He would have to rely on his own efforts for improvement.

The next day!

"Leon Wei, Leon Wei."

The martial arts school's gate was breached as a crowd arrived, bringing their children to study martial arts at the school.

News had spread about the Lin Martial Arts School becoming an affiliated branch of the Changying Martial Arts School.

The townspeople were in an uproar upon learning this.

Who would have thought that a martial arts school on the brink of bankruptcy not long ago would transform so drastically?

Even Leon Wei's name had changed from 'Leon Wei' to 'Leon Wei.'

This reminded Leon Wei of a line.

"Leon Wei, when did you become the number one in An Kang?"

The first group to arrive were commoners, while this new group consisted of well-off individuals from respected families in An Kang County.

Leon Wei and Wang Haizhu had never seen such a scene before, both staring dumbfounded.

Jin Ray couldn't help but blurt out, "Damn!"

"Leon Wei, my son has excellent aptitude, a perfect candidate for martial arts training."

"Leon Wei, I have money, I have money."

"Leon Wei, accept it."

At that moment, Leon Wei sat leisurely in his chair, sipping tea, his demeanor calm and dignified, exuding the aura of a martial arts master. Setting down his teacup, he spoke slowly.

"Silence."

The two words had a profound effect.

The scene suddenly fell quiet.

Everyone eagerly awaited his next words.

Their hearts were screaming, "Choose my child, choose my child."

The standards for accepting apprentices at the martial arts school, as he had mentioned before, did not consider qualifications. The only thing he wanted to see was whether they had a strong desire.

His gaze fell upon them.

He found that only three of them had a strong desire to join the martial arts school.

Standing up, he walked in front of everyone, expressionless as he touched each one's shoulder. Everyone held their breath, looking very nervous. In their eyes, this was definitely Leon Wei checking their aptitude.

Although they had not practiced martial arts before, they had seen a thing or two.

Leon Wei returned to his seat and pointed, "You, you, you, the three of you, I will take you in. The rest can leave."

The fathers of the three chosen youths were overjoyed, quickly pulling their children to bow in front of Leon Wei, urging them to bow to their master.

Leon Wei waved his hand, "Bowing is fine, but you can skip calling me master. After you enter the school, you will just be apprentices. Currently, the only one who is my direct disciple is your eldest martial brother."

He pointed to the bewildered Jin Ray.

Jin Ray realized he shouldn't embarrass his master.

Summoning his courage, he straightened his back.

The fathers of the three youths firmly remembered Jin Ray's appearance. If they were to meet him in the future, they would definitely treat him well. The position of the eldest martial brother in the affiliated martial arts school was one not to be offended.

The disappointed parents who were not chosen showed their disappointment on their faces, but they were probably already accustomed to such outcomes. They could only sigh and leave with their children.

"Leon Wei, this is the apprenticeship fee for the children. Please take it."

A man handed over a money pouch, not revealing the silver inside, and placed it respectfully on the table.

Glancing at the bulging money pouch, the amount seemed substantial. "Hmm."

The other two did the same.

Since others had given silver, he felt he should say a few words of encouragement.

"Your parents have paid the fee to join the martial arts school. From now on, you must train diligently. Lin will do his best to teach you. I hope you won't disappoint me and your parents' expectations."

"Yes, Master." x3

After seeing them off, they would come back tomorrow to start training, fulfilling the three desires.

The martial arts school was now on the right track. Daily expenses were no longer a problem. Although they were not yet wealthy, they were relatively well-off in Ankang County. Indeed, running a martial arts school with genuine talent and knowledge brought in wealth steadily. No wonder the previous owner, weak as he was, also wanted to desperately open a martial arts school. Money came quickly with this business, as long as they were not exposed.

The bad habit in Ankang County was pig farming. Other martial arts schools knew some were frauds but didn't expose them until they became prosperous and challenged them. The methods of dealing with these challengers were not ordinary.

"Jin Ray, how is your Cloud-Standing Pillar practice going?"

He was quite concerned about Jin Ray's training. The martial arts school needed to produce notable individuals.

Of course, Wang Haizhu, who was always sticking around like a loyal dog, seemed promising too.

The young man was very diligent.

"Master, I'm just starting to understand it and working hard on it."

Jin Ray, who was being taught the Cloud-Standing Pillar technique, gradually improved his spirit, but his body was still too weak. He needed to improve his diet with quality ingredients, and the Wind and Thunder Palm required complementary medicinal supplements to aid in practice.

Of course, he didn't need the supplements. His desire seemed to contain a strong energy, preventing any major side effects after his martial arts proficiency increased significantly.

"Good, today you go find some chefs to come back. They will be responsible for three meals a day from now on. Plenty of good food to strengthen your physique, as your body is still too weak." Leon Wei said.

"Yes, Master."

Jin Ray respectfully replied.

Looking around, Leon Wei noticed that the desires on the apprentices' heads were all unreliable.

Suddenly, he saw a figure sneakily appearing at the gate, peeking inside with hesitation, wanting to come in but not daring to. Hesitating and lingering.

"At the gate, come in." Leon Wei called out.

The person standing at the gate, Qiu Cai, was very nervous, swallowing hard and carefully walking in with something in his hands.

It was him...

Leon Wei remembered the guy from yesterday who had been beaten up by Zhao Quan and others near the fish pond.

"You are the one from yesterday."

"Leon Wei, I'm Qiu Cai. I want to thank Leon Wei for saving me yesterday. I caught some fish and wanted to give them to Leon Wei."

Qiu Cai stuttered, the most important person he could talk to was the one who collected fees at the fish pond. Speaking to Leon Wei now made him naturally very nervous.

Leon Wei looked at the fish Qiu Cai was holding. Two in total, each weighing at least around thirty catties.

Seeing Leon Wei not saying anything, Qiu Cai became even more nervous.

"Leon Wei, I know these may not be enough for you, but this is all I have."

Leon Wei smiled. He would definitely accept these fish. He never turned down a sincere gesture, especially when the desire on the person's head was so simple and genuine, just hoping he would accept the fish.

If he couldn't fulfill such a sincere desire, was he still human?

"I accept your kind gesture, thank you." Leon Wei smiled.

Jin Ray decisively took the fish and brought it over. "Master, catching such big fish is not easy."

"You have a good heart." Leon Wei nodded towards Qiu Cai.

Qiu Cai nervously clenched his hands. Leon Wei had actually thanked him. It had been a long time since he had heard those words. He found Leon Wei to be truly kind, and in his eyes, there was no disdain or contempt like others.

Leon Wei knew that Qiu Cai had a younger brother and their family situation was probably tough. If he gave them silver, they would most likely not accept it.

"Qiu Cai, I have many apprentices in this martial arts school. How about this, in the future, you can bring some fish, shrimp, and seafood to the school every day. After all, they can be sold to anyone, including us." Leon Wei suggested.

"Ah." Qiu Cai's eyes lit up when he heard this. He was overjoyed. "Thank you, Leon Wei, thank you, Leon Wei."

Leon Wei waved his hand, not thinking it was a big deal.

For Qiu Cai, this was truly a lifeline. The fish they worked hard to catch often got confiscated or sold at low prices because they were intentionally not accepted. Leon Wei's words had truly given Qiu Cai hope.

Leon Wei patted Qiu Cai's shoulder lightly. "You are a good person. I have high hopes for you. With over a dozen mouths to feed at this martial arts school, you alone may not be able to provide enough fish. You can also buy fish from others then. At least you can become a small fishmonger."

There was a hint of his mischievous side in this.

It would be really interesting if he could cultivate a modern version of Gao Qiqian. After all, Gao Qiqian had relied on An Yueming and bluffed his way to success.

"Thank you, Leon Wei."

"You may go."

After Qiu Cai left, he placed the silver he had received for the apprenticeship fee inside the room. Not too much, not too little, two hundred taels. Then he left the martial arts school as he was feeling a bit stressed lately.

He needed to work on fulfilling his desires.

Jin Ray also hurriedly left the martial arts school to find chefs. Before leaving, his master gave him a piece of paper with various medicinal herbs listed on it, asking him to go to the herb shop to get some.

...

On the street.

Zhao Quan was drinking pig blood congee, and with his bruised face, he attracted attention wherever he went. This made him angry, not just at Leon Wei but also at Xiang Shuang for not standing up for him.

What made him even more frustrated was that the Lin Martial Arts School had become an affiliated school of the Changying Martial Arts School.

Damn it!

If he hadn't heard it with his own ears, he wouldn't have believed it.

Thinking about Jin Ray, he couldn't help but feel jealous.

Suddenly, he felt like someone's gaze was fixed on him, giving him a creepy feeling, causing his heart to tighten. Looking up, he saw Leon Wei approaching from the front.

Startled, Zhao Quan's brain raced with various thoughts.

"He wants to beat me, he definitely wants to beat me."

In this tense and oppressive situation, a desire appeared on Zhao Quan's head.

[Please, please don't beat me, I'm in a miserable state (0/1), Reward: White Desire Point *1]

Seeing the desire suddenly appear on Zhao Quan's head, Leon Wei was slightly stunned. He walked up to him, looked down at Zhao Quan, who didn't dare to move, and said, "I won't beat you."

After saying this, he walked straight ahead.

As Leon Wei's figure disappeared, Zhao Quan breathed a sigh of relief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, finished his bowl, and then ran away, distancing himself from this dangerous place.

[White Desire Point +1]

Leon Wei chuckled, seeming to have encountered another NPC for fulfilling desires.

As he walked, he passed by a tavern and saw a familiar figure sitting alone on the second floor near the railing. Han Wei was eating peanuts and drinking.

[This waiter has no respect at all, making me, Han Wei, lose all my face. I really want to tell him who I am (0/1), Reward: White Desire Point *1]

Hmm.

Was our Han manager really that lacking in respect?

This desire must be fulfilled.

Without hesitation, he decisively walked into the tavern and headed straight for the second floor.

Han Wei, as the steward of the Changying Martial Arts Hall, enjoyed strolling around when he had free time.

He disliked bullying others but also didn't like being ignored.

When he first started learning martial arts, it was to hold his head high in society.

After years of hard work, he finally achieved something and became the steward of the Changying Martial Arts Hall, reaching the pinnacle of his life.

Now, with his status and position, dining at a restaurant, he expected at least a private room. However, the waiter surprisingly claimed there were no private rooms available, even though Han Wei had just seen four or five people entering one.

Was this really no private room available?

It was obvious disrespect.

After all the hard work and climbing up the ranks to have a presence, if there was still no respect, did that mean his efforts were in vain?

Of course, he knew that revealing his identity would solve everything, but he chose to keep it to himself, waiting for others to realize on their own.

He was not happy about it.

Just then, "Steward Han."

Leon Wei's voice was cheerful as he approached and sat down, "What a coincidence."

"Han Wei." Han Wei was surprised.

"Eat this?" Leon Wei pointed to the peanuts and a pot of wine on the table, then banged the table, not pleased, "Innkeeper, come here."

"Forget it, forget it." Han Wei waved his hand.

The innkeeper, hearing the commotion, hurried over, "What can I do for you two?"

"Are you the innkeeper?"

"Yes, I am."

"Do you know who he is?" Leon Wei felt like he was introducing a villain's sidekick.

Han Wei remained silent, picked up his wine glass with a neutral expression, drank it all in one go. His silent response was the best reply.

The innkeeper looked at Han Wei, "I'm sorry, I don't recognize him."

This statement dealt a significant blow to Han Wei.

Not recognized?

Was Han Wei so insignificant?

"Never mind, I'll tell you the truth. This is Han Wei, the steward of the Changying Martial Arts Hall, one of the Six Gates. It's an honor for your inn that such a prominent figure dines here. How can you serve just peanuts and wine? And in the main hall?"

Leon Wei had to ensure Han Wei's wishes were met. When he mentioned Han Wei's identity, he noticed Han Wei straightened his chest.

His aura was rising.

"Cough, cough." Han Wei pretended to cough, his eyes lit up with a hint of anticipation, but he still waved his hand, "Leon Wei, it's not necessary, really."

"Steward Han, don't worry, the innkeeper knows what to do." Leon Wei gestured confidently.

Indeed, as he spoke, the innkeeper realized the significance of Han Wei's position. Although he hadn't recognized him before.

"Oh, my eyes are dim, Steward, please forgive me. It's an honor for our inn to have you here. Let me arrange a private room for you immediately. Please follow me to the best room." The innkeeper hurriedly spoke.

"I thought there were no private rooms available?" Han Wei's heart wasn't entirely magnanimous.

"Yes, yes, it's a privilege for our inn to have the Steward here. We'll arrange it right away."

"Well, I've always been low-key. It's normal for the innkeeper not to recognize me. If my friend hadn't mentioned it, I would have just eaten casually."

Han Wei seemed helpless but secretly pleased. He had a feeling of being forced to acknowledge his status even though he preferred to remain discreet.

At that moment, his gaze towards Leon Wei was quite different. It was a strange world; those who understood him didn't need much acquaintance. Understanding came naturally.

As if struck by a sudden thought, he spoke up, "Innkeeper."

"Yes, sir."

"Let me introduce you. This young talent is Leon Wei from the Lin Martial Arts Hall. Believe me, in the future, Leon Wei will surely be one of the top figures in Ankang County."

"Where, where, there's still a long way to go. I have much to learn from Steward Han." Leon Wei modestly replied.

He never expected to engage in mutual praise with Han Wei. He found Han Wei quite interesting.

They could get along.

Give him face, and he will reciprocate. He just had a slightly stubborn temperament.

"Leon Wei, please."

At that moment, the waiter trembled, his face pale. He had lied about the lack of a private room earlier, assuming one person wouldn't spend much. He regretted not recognizing the significance of Han Wei's presence.

In the private room, with a table full of delicious dishes, the two exchanged toasts and chatted warmly, like long-lost brothers. Leon Wei found Han Wei likable, while Han Wei felt understood by Leon Wei, regretting not meeting him earlier.

"I heard you went to the martial arts hall on the same day?" Han Wei suppressed a smile.

"Ha ha." Leon Wei laughed, "Yes, I was eager to go and was received by elite disciple Zhang Shan."

"I understand, I can relate."

For any martial arts hall owner, this was an exciting event. Joining the Six Gates meant accessing a broader world, expanding horizons, and reaching a different level.

"Brother Han, a few days ago, County Captain Liu Shen tragically died on the street. Have they found the culprit?" Leon Wei wasn't too concerned, but the sudden disappearance of news made him curious.

Han Wei replied, "They found the culprit, a notorious criminal named Lu Yong who committed dozens of crimes. He has been executed."

"Oh."

Leon Wei knew it was a scapegoat, but it didn't concern him. Since it was resolved, he accepted it. This incident showed the power of the Shanhe Martial Arts Hall, as only with the county magistrate's approval could the case be closed.

Clearly, the county magistrate had approved.

"By the way, tomorrow you have to go out with our martial arts hall members on a mission. Bandits from Heiming Mountain have kidnapped a wealthy merchant's goods. You need to retrieve the goods. Zhang Shan should have informed you, but since you weren't at the martial arts hall, I'm telling you now." Han Wei said.

"Heiming Mountain, bandits." Leon Wei pondered. His martial arts hall had just become an affiliated hall and needed to carry out missions. Thinking of Xiang Shuang's wish, he knew this task was aimed at him.

Seeing Leon Wei's serious expression, Han Wei continued, "Leon Wei, rest assured. Heiming Mountain is just a formality. You're not an outsider. I'll be frank with you. When you go there, they will present a few scapegoats. If you have to kill them, do it. Then bring back the goods."

"Is there a trick to this?" Leon Wei asked knowingly.

Han Wei leaned in, whispering, "Of course. If the bandits are gone, who else would rob the wealthy merchants? How would we, the Six Gates, earn from the merchants? Even if we don't profit, how would the county officials collect money from the people, organize anti-bandit teams? Back when I achieved something, I was full of passion, but the world has its ways. If you don't play by these rules, those who enjoy playing will kick you out."

"Listening to Brother Han's words is worth more than ten years of study," Leon Wei sighed.

He was displeased with such actions, but for now, he was just a pawn among many big players. Only when he grew enough to overturn the chessboard could he control everything.

Jumping now would only lead to being discarded.

As he pondered this, Han Wei spoke again.

"Be careful on this mission. There might be something targeting you. You've just joined our martial arts hall, so you shouldn't be on a mission. But Yu, the steward, suggested you go, and it was approved. I know that the Hongquan Martial Arts Hall wants to become an affiliated hall, and Yu was the way for them. By taking your spot early, there must be a problem."

"Thank you for letting me know. I'll keep it in mind," Leon Wei expressed gratitude. Although he was aware of the situation, Han Wei's insight showed genuine concern for him.

He made a mental note of Yu, the steward.

He would remember this.

No one could escape, not even one.

Han Wei patted Leon Wei's shoulder lightly, "Let's eat. Let's skip the wine; you have things to do tomorrow, and we can't let alcohol affect your performance."

"Alright, after everything is done, we must have a good drink together."

"There will be plenty of opportunities, no rush."

"Brother Han, I have a question that's been bothering me. Why was my martial arts hall chosen as an affiliated hall?"

"Leon Wei, you're like a firefly in the dark night, small but uniquely shining your light, visible to us."

"...Do you believe that?"

"I do."