Chapter 20: Kang Shisanniang

Upon learning that he was willing to help, Tang Mizi was touched: "Luo Li, young people like you who are devoted to justice and uphold the righteous path are rare in today's society. I am truly ashamed." He then bowed his head and clasped his hands.

Luo Li avoided the gesture: "Senior Tang, please don't belittle yourself. In my eyes, you still have much to teach me. You have shown me that the world is not merely black and white. I had misunderstandings and made offenses before, so please don't hold them against me. I hope you will correct me if I am wrong in the future."

Tang Mizi admired Luo Li even more, thinking, "Such a modest gentleman. He will surely be extraordinary in the future. The only flaw is his strong sense of justice. I must ensure he doesn't suffer due to his righteousness."

After a night of discussion, Tang Mizi and Luo Li grew increasingly in sync. Luo Li, who knew little about the martial world, received many insights from Tang Mizi, who shared decades of experience.

In moments of excitement, Tang Mizi even quoted scriptures and cited references, acting like a scholarly teacher.

For Luo Li, having such an experienced figure by his side would certainly help him avoid many detours in his future travels through the martial world.

The next day, after breakfast, Tang Mizi began meditating and practicing. He had spent considerable energy in the past three years fighting the "Withered Leaf Curse," and now needed to adjust and recuperate.

After scheduling another meeting, Luo Li returned to Changping.

Back home, Liu Tianming was away, having gone to the state capital to visit his mother early in the weekend. He left a note for Luo Li, reminding him to eat on time, rest well, and not stay up late practicing like usual.

Seeing the note, Luo Li felt touched, realizing how much Liu Tianming cared for him. He wondered how worried Liu would be if he were to leave.

Reluctant to leave, Luo Li reminded himself, "Once a decision is made, there should be no regrets."

Luo Li left his home to familiarize himself once more with the place where he grew up.

As he walked, he arrived at the site of his former master's residence. The old bungalow had long been demolished, replaced by a two-story western-style building. The landlord was still working outside, and the house was locked and unoccupied.

Standing in front of the house, Luo Li was lost in thought when a young woman approached him and asked, "Are you Luo Li?"

Luo Li looked at her, not recognizing her at all. She had an unusual appearance that seemed off to him.

The young woman smiled at Luo Li: "I went to your school last time but didn't find you. I waited for you for two days and finally ran into you."

Luo Li suddenly recalled that Liu Tianming had mentioned a girl from the city looking for him.

"I don't know you. Why are you looking for me? Are you allowed to be out here alone? Does your family know?" Luo Li asked.

The young woman smirked disdainfully: "Others might not see it, but you should be able to. Even though you claim to be capable, you still don't understand."

Luo Li was puzzled, thinking, "What am I supposed to understand?"

Suddenly, he widened his eyes: "You practice the Soul Spirit Technique?"

"That's more like it. I'm not here for nothing," the girl continued. "I need you to take on a job. Interested?"

Luo Li looked at her: "What business do I have with your faction?"

"It's not about doing business with me. I took on a job from someone else and couldn't handle it, so I want to hire you. Don't worry, it's a 70-30 split. You get 70, and I take 30. That's the rule in the martial world."

Luo Li hesitated before asking: "Who referred me to you? Why should I be confident that you can handle it? I'm not interested in dealing with unknowns."

The young woman grew anxious: "What do you want then? I haven't even started discussing the benefits, and you're already rejecting it. You people are such a hassle, always needing to know the ins and outs before agreeing. Can't you just accept the benefit and move on?"