**Chapter 14: Must Practice Martial Arts**.

**Chapter 14: Must Practice Martial Arts**

"You don't need to worry about that."

"I'll be able to find a solution when the time comes."

Xiao Fan was too tired to engage in nonsense with Guo Mazi. The guy wanted to threaten him, which was utterly ridiculous.

If there weren't villagers around, he would have slapped this guy with ulterior motives to the ground.

"What?!"

Hearing this, Guo Mazi was taken aback. He did not expect that Xiao Fan would suddenly become so bold.

In the past, this guy would have been frightened into submission and would never have dared to speak out.

But now, Xiao Fan seemed unusually confident, dismissing Guo Mazi's threats entirely.

Did he think he had enough money to afford the payment? Did he not care about the consequences of such foolishness?

But where did this guy get so much money? Could it be that Uncle Xiao's family was so wealthy that he left behind a fortune upon his death?

If that's the case, it would explain Xiao Fan's confidence.

"Since you don't need it, Xiao Xiao, I won't force you."

"After all, who in Osmanthus Village doesn't know that I, Guo Mazi, am known for my charity and willingness to help others."

"If you decide to sell the awning boat in the future, feel free to come to me; the price can be negotiated."

Guo Mazi rolled his eyes and quickly shook his head.

He didn't linger any longer and hurried off.

He was the sort who bullied the weak and feared the strong. When things didn't go his way, he wouldn't push for them.

Yet he wouldn't give up on the boat; it was an awning boat after all.

Even if it had been around for a long time, it would still fetch a good price if sold.

"Bah, that Guo Mazi is simply full of bad intentions."

"It's completely unreasonable for him to spend his entire day trying to trick others into selling their boats."

"I hear this boy often takes people from the village to gamble at the casino in Yulan, and he even loses everything."

"In order to pay off his debts, he ended up selling his own boat and finally committed suicide by drowning in the river."

"Don't be fooled by that guy. He specializes in conning people out of their possessions."

At this moment, Zhao Ziqiang, who was next to him, stepped forward to warn Xiao Fan.

He had always disliked Guo Mazi, considering him the black sheep of Osmanthus Village.

But since Guo Mazi was familiar with the Dragon King Gang and had connections, no one dared to take action against him.

"Exactly! If this kid doesn't do good things, he'll have no descendants sooner or later."

Song Fugui agreed with Zhao and cursed after Guo Mazi left.

He would never insult anyone to their face, but he felt safe to vent his frustration once they walked away.

"Uncle Zhao, Uncle Song, I understand; I won't be fooled by this kid."

Xiao Fan nodded in acknowledgment.

He knew these two uncles were looking out for him and were concerned he might be deceived.

However, as a man of two generations, he was well aware of Guo Mazi's true motives.

After bidding farewell to his neighbors, Xiao Fan returned home and quickly shut the door.

"Husband, I didn't expect Uncle Meng to be dead too."

Mu Qingyao lamented, feeling as if everyone around her was leaving. She felt helpless.

"This world is truly challenging."

"There's nothing we can do; fate is unpredictable."

"We can only take care of ourselves," Xiao Fan replied, hugging Mu Qingyao to comfort her.

"Um."

Mu Qingyao nodded. She was strong, but she couldn't help feeling sentimental when she saw familiar faces disappearing.

After a moment of tenderness, Xiao Fan went to a vacant room.

This empty room served as his training space.

Although he could advance his martial arts cultivation quickly with the help of lucky points, daily hard work was essential too.

This would allow him to become more attuned to his physical abilities.

Soaring Snake Breathing Technique!

In an instant, Xiao Fan rooted himself in place, recalling the content of the Soaring Snake Technique.

His pulse and heart seemed to slow their rhythm.

Exhale, inhale; exhale, inhale...

At that moment, Xiao Fan entered a state of cultivation, as if transforming into a Soaring snake.

As he breathed, a mysterious energy from the heavens seeped into every pore of his body, resembling cloud snakes swimming through him.

Extraordinary warriors existed in this world because of the vast amounts of mysterious energy surrounding them.

Breathing techniques in martial arts resonated with the world, drawing in these mysterious substances.

That's why martial arts skills are crucial.

Many martial arts schools and noble families consider their martial art techniques invaluable heirlooms.

It would be impossible to obtain martial arts techniques without paying exorbitant prices.

Thus, Xiao Fan being able to acquire a top-level martial arts technique without cost was a rare opportunity and an extraordinary stroke of luck.

Humble~~

In an instant, as Xiao Fan settled into his state of focus, the surrounding air condensed into a tangible form that resembled a Soaring snake, weaving its way into his body and moving throughout.

In that moment, he resembled a soaring snake from ancient mythology, gliding through clouds and mist.

The substances enveloping his body quenched his skin, making it tougher and smoother.

Time slipped away as he became fully immersed in his training.

...…

At that same moment, Song Fugui returned home with a gloomy expression.

Seeing this, his wife, Li Sufen, frowned disapprovingly. "What's going on? Lao Meng is dead, yet you seem troubled. It's not like you haven't seen dead people in the village."

"Alas, the rabbit dies, and the fox feels sad."

"Lao Meng worked tirelessly throughout his life, only to end up beaten to death."

"As a fisherman, we can never get ahead, nor will we grow rich. We're only destined to be bullied by others."

"We still have to practice martial arts," Song Fugui remarked, his tone reflective.

Undoubtedly, Lao Meng's death had jolted not just Xiao Fan; it had deeply affected Song Fugui as well, shattering his persistent resolve.

"What do you mean? Are you suggesting your son should practice martial arts?" Li Sufen replied incredulously.

"But do you understand how expensive martial arts training can be? The tuition alone costs at least ten taels of silver!"

"If he actually makes a name for himself, even dozens of taels of silver won't be enough to stop him."

"Learning martial arts isn't something people like us fishermen can even contemplate."

"The most pressing issue is where you'll find that much money."

Li Sufen quickly grasped her husband's thoughts.

But she knew it was a daunting challenge.

It is said that a penny cannot make a hero.

As fishermen, simply supporting oneself is an uphill battle.

Let alone spending significant amounts on martial arts training.

And even then, success is not guaranteed.

If their son, Song Wangcai, lacked the talent for martial arts, all their money would be wasted.

For those at the bottom, there was only one chance to fight for a better future.

If they failed, they would lose everything, which made the prospect so frightening.

"Don't worry about that; leave it to me."

"Without strength, no matter how much money we make, We will still be robbed by the Dragon King Gang."

"I must ensure my son practices martial arts."

Song Fugui's expression turned grim as he finalized his resolve.

---

PS: Read +20 advance chapters on my Patreon: [patreon.com/Thebeginning331]