Chapter 9: Xuen's Special Team Traning

The following day, a light drizzle fell from the sky as Xuen Ye left Linn'er at the Lin Family Villa. Accompanied by Brother Tiger and Brother Ba, who had gathered five of the most skilled individuals from the Shenzhen underworld, they prepared to depart for Guangzhou. 

Brother Ba informed Xuen, "Mr. Xuen, our flight is scheduled for this coming Sunday." Xuen responded in a calm yet commanding tone, "Very well. While you may be influential figures in the Shenzhen underworld, your strength is still lacking. Xiao Tiger, as the leader, how is it that you've only reached the peak of a martial artist? I will personally train all of you until our departure. However, once you learn my techniques, your lives will belong to me. Whether you live or die will be my decision."

Brother Tiger, Brother Ba, and their men immediately knelt down, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity. They understood that learning from Xuen would elevate them to unprecedented levels of power. 

Xuen led the group to Quirong Villa, taking them to the backyard where he often practiced. There, he casually retrieved a martial arts manual titled *Heavenly Agent Martial Technique*. He explained, "This is a special technique passed down to me by my master. It is reserved only for soldiers who are willing to fight for heaven and die for it. From this moment on, I am your heaven, and you are my soldiers."

With that, Xuen placed his hands on each of their foreheads, using a soul-lock technique to place a seal on them. He warned that any thought of betrayal would result in a painful and immediate death. The men were both terrified and proud, knowing they had been chosen to learn from such a formidable master.

Over the next six days, Xuen began imparting the knowledge from the manual, guiding them in the basics of cultivation. He introduced them to the concept of *qi* and how to control it, though he emphasized that mastering the fundamentals was their priority for now. 

The training was grueling, pushing them to their limits. By the time they were ready to leave for Guangzhou, Brother Tiger had broken through to the middle stage of Martial Expert, while Brother Ba had reached the lower stage of Martial Expert. The other five had also advanced to the peak level of martial artists. 

Despite their progress, Xuen made it clear that their training was far from over. "Even during our travels," he warned, "your training will continue, and it will be even more intense." The men exchanged uneasy glances, half-amused and half-terrified, wondering what could possibly be harsher than what they had already endured.

After gathering their belongings, Xuen and his men made their way to the airport. Linn'er and the Lin Family were there to bid them farewell, wishing Xuen a safe and successful journey. With gratitude, Xuen and his group thanked the Lin Family for their support and boarded the private plane arranged by them, setting course for Guangzhou. The flight lasted approximately one hour and fifty minutes. 

During the journey, Brother Tiger and his men indulged in drinks and lighthearted banter, savoring the moment of respite. Xuen, however, remained composed, his gaze fixed on the window as he watched the clouds drift by, his mind seemingly focused on the tasks that lay ahead in Guangzhou.

Upon arrival, the group disembarked and made their way out of the airport. Standing near the entrance was a tall man in a black suit, his neatly trimmed beard and composed demeanor suggesting he was in his mid-fifties. He introduced himself as an associate arranged by Deputy Mayor Luo, tasked with assisting them with accommodations and ensuring their stay in Guangzhou was well-organized. His presence signaled the beginning of their next chapter in the city, one that promised both opportunity and challenge.

Xuen and his entourage were escorted to an opulent riverside villa in Guangzhou, a testament to the city's grandeur. Their guide, a man of refined demeanor, led them through the villa's expansive corridors, unveiling its splendor while weaving tales of Guangzhou's intricate tapestry.

"Mr. Xuen," the guide began, his voice smooth and deliberate, "Guangzhou is a city carved into three distinct realms of influence, each governed by a formidable family. The Li family reigns supreme over construction and infrastructure, their dominion stretching across the entire Guangdong Province. Their name is synonymous with the very bones of this land.

Then there is the Wu family, the undisputed sovereigns of the medical realm. Their expertise in health and wellness is unparalleled, making them the pinnacle of the province's healthcare industry. Their influence is felt in every hospital, clinic, and apothecary.

Lastly, we have the Zhou family. Though their numbers have dwindled to a mere three, their power remains undiminished. Once nearly obliterated, they have risen like phoenixes from the ashes, their martial prowess unmatched. Each member is a master of combat, their skills honed to perfection. While they abstain from business ventures within Guangzhou, their reach extends over smaller provinces, their control absolute.

These three families, each a titan in their own right, shape the destiny of Guangzhou and beyond."

Xuen acknowledged the information with a nod and inquired, "Thank you for the details. May I know your name?"

The man, who had been arranged by Mayor Luo, responded politely, "My name is Cao Shen. I have been assigned as your butler during your stay in Guangzhou, Mr. Xuen. I will be at your service until your matters here are resolved."

Xuen nodded in approval, his expression calm and composed. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a neatly folded list, handing it to Butler Shen. "Can you arrange to gather these items as soon as possible?" he asked, his tone firm yet courteous.

Butler Shen accepted the list with a slight bow. "Of course, Mr. Xuen. I will do my utmost to procure all the items on the list promptly." He paused, then added, "By the way, Mr. Xuen, there is an auction taking place today at the Hotel Wushui. I've heard that rare herbs and ancient weapons will be among the items up for bidding. It might be of interest to you."

Xuen's curiosity was piqued. "What time does it start? It does sound intriguing. Arrange a good seat for me," he instructed.

Butler Shen nodded. "Certainly, Mr. Xuen. The auction begins at 5 PM. You may rest for now, and I will ensure a VIP seat is reserved for you."

Expressing his gratitude, Xuen left to resume training his men. He gathered Brother Tiger, Brother Ba, and the rest of his team, leading them to the garden. There, he pushed them harder than ever, drilling them with relentless intensity, his focus unwavering as he prepared them for the challenges ahead.

Xuen announced that the next session would focus on the Heavenly Agent Martial Technique. Under his guidance, Brother Tiger showed remarkable progress, advancing at an astonishing pace, nearly reaching the peak level of a Martial Art Expert. The others, though not as exceptional, were far from lacking in skill. After nearly three hours of rigorous training, Xuen called for a break. He instructed the rest of the group to rest while summoning Brother Tiger to accompany him, as it was time to head to the auction.