Zhao Ya didn't take it, instead he calmly looked at Tan Dong.
"Why?"
"Why what? Didn't I say it before, these days you've been teaching me boxing, I've covered your meals, I think this should be enough." Tan Dong said with a mischievous smile.
Zhao Ya still didn't take it, even giving Tan Dong a look that seemed to say, "Do you think I'm a fool?"
Until Tan Dong couldn't hold his gaze anymore, he sighed and said.
"Alright, I'll be honest, this thing was actually given to me by my father. But you know my current situation, I can't use it at all, and you clearly need it now, so I'm giving it to you."
"Also, you don't need to overthink it. I just genuinely want to make you my friend. You might not believe it, but I've always had a keen eye for people, and from the first moment I saw you, I knew you were not someone ordinary, so I just want to make an early investment."
Only then did Zhao Ya's gaze soften, and he took the box.
"Consider it a favor I owe you."
"Hehe, you really don't need to worry about it. It's good stuff, but my dad can still get some, so I can always ask him for more later."
"A favor for a favor, this might not mean much to you, but it's really important to me, so I consider it a favor I owe you."
Seeing Zhao Ya's sincerity, Tan Dong chuckled.
"Alright, just consider it a favor. We've been practicing half the day today, why don't we go to the brothel to listen to some tunes and relax?"
Zhao Ya: "…."
"Farewell!"
Four days later.
Sweating profusely, Zhao Ya finished the last move of the Eight Vajra Skills and was about to wrap up.
But this time he found that the boiling Qi Blood refused to return to its place, with this realization, he immediately took a stance to start practicing the Five Tiger Fist.
You could see him standing with feet shoulder-wide apart, sinking Qi into the Dantian ready to launch. Exhaling and inhaling to calm the spirit, relaxing the whole body to respond.
In a moment, a set of Five Tiger Fist was performed as if a fierce tiger was descending a hill, making someone watch with fear.
"Phew!"
Once the set of techniques was completed, Zhao Ya stood still, feeling his Qi Blood stabilized and his mind clear.
[Five Tiger Fist proficiency +5]
[Stomach unlock progress +3%]
After two notifications, Zhao Ya opened his attribute panel.
The remaining lifespan turned into 22 years, Five Tiger Fist became Initial Glimpse 4/200, and Eight Vajra Skills even rose to Initial Glimpse 22/200.
However, the greatest improvement was in the stomach unlock progress, in the mere four days it increased from 20% to 30%, a full 10% more.
Zhao Ya understood that the rapid progress was largely due to the Earthworm Dried Meat Tan Dong gave him.
This Earthworm Dried Meat was not only rich in Qi Blood but also had very few impurities, making it very suitable for cultivation.
At this moment, Zhao Ya felt exuberant Qi Blood throughout his body, and with slight movement, every bone joint in his body would crackle.
This was the sign of bones gradually becoming harder and more solid.
When all the bones in the body harden like jade, Zhao Ya will have completed the first layer of Body Tempering, achieving Great Success in Bone Refining.
Reaching this realm, one's bones are strong enough to stop a runaway horse, making it impossible for seven or eight sturdy men to even get close.
Therefore, this realm is also referred to as a "One-Horse Martial Artist."
In some small factions or escort agencies, such a realm would be considered an expert.
Zhao Ya was quite satisfied with his progress but secretly reminded himself never to become arrogant.
After all, the scene he saw on the street was still deeply etched in his mind.
What of a Martial Artist who achieved Great Success in Bone Refining? Still, they were manipulated like puppets.
Therefore, without enough strength, he must remain cautious, even during tomorrow's martial arts exhibition, he should avoid being too ostentatious; keeping a low profile is the key.
Having made up his mind, Zhao Ya returned to his room to rest.
The next day, Zhao Ya arrived at the escort agency early.
By then, the exhibition field had already been prepared.
The sandy soil had many wooden stakes buried in it.
These stakes were about the thickness of a bowl, half buried in the ground, half exposed.
Soon, all the porters assembled, even the usually nonchalant Tan Dong arrived very punctually today.
Shortly afterward, the Chief of the Escort Meng Lei arrived at the exhibition field surrounded by Escort Masters.
He scanned the whole scene and without much ado simply said.
"You've all been with our agency for a while now, today is the martial arts exhibition, I hope everyone achieves a good result. Words as before, excellence will be rewarded, and failure punished."
As he said this, Meng Lei nodded to an Escort Master beside him.
"Begin!"
"Exhibition begins."
First, naturally, was the Five Tiger Fist that all porters must practice.
Everyone followed the order, performing one by one.
It's clear to see who's better and who's worse.
Some people's techniques were skillful and formed a breeze, while others struggled even with basic moves.
The Chief of the Escort Meng Lei sat calmly on the platform, watching quietly, as the atmosphere in the field became somewhat oppressive.
Soon it was Zhao Ya's turn.
He was indifferent, ambled forward to stand in the field, first saluted to the Chief of the Escort on the platform, then stepped forward with a hand scoop and began his performance.
One could see him progress with method, punching with vigor and a commanding presence.
Meng Lei watched and nodded secretly.
Hmm.
The technique may not be sophisticated but clearly, he has put in hard work, at least better than those before him.
Very quickly, after completing the techniques, Zhao Ya didn't gasp for air, his face unchanged, saluted to his sides, and turned to leave the field.
Tan Dong sneakily gave Zhao Ya a thumbs-up.
Zhao Ya smiled.
He didn't conceal his technique, because even if you wanted to you couldn't hide it.
What sort of people are on the platform?
A master in the Membrane Forging realm can't be fooled by these little tricks, might as well perform openly.
Zhao Ya returned to his team, the exhibition continued.
Soon it was Tan Dong's turn.
A bit nervous, he stepped onto the stage, initially stumbling through the moves, but the intense training Zhao Ya gave him these days wasn't in vain.
Tan Dong quickly got into the rhythm, skillfully executed the Five Tiger Fist, then stepped down in relief.
No matter what, at least the result was presentable.
Next up were a few more porters taking the stage, but their performances were very mediocre.
The Escort Masters on the stage grew sleepy watching until a young man stepped into the field, didn't salute, and directly started with a move.
Yet, the gust of punches, heavy shadows of fists, the simple set of Five Tiger Fist was exhibited by this young man with strength and clear rhythm.
"Oh!"
Even Meng Lei on the platform couldn't help but exclaim.
In his view, the young man's performance of Five Tiger Fist was quite seasoned.
Soon, having completed the techniques, the youth stood in the field, face calm.
Clap clap clap!
Meng Lei applauded, couldn't help but commend.
"Good technique, what's your name?"
The youth nodded slightly, "Reporting to Chief of the Escort, my name is Wei Yu."
"Very good, you may step down!"
Wei Yu turned to leave the stage.
A stir occurred among the porters, many even those who were porters approached Wei Yu eagerly.
From afar, Tan Dong couldn't help but whisper, "Old Zhao, this young man has got some serious skill, seems like he might be your rival."
Zhao Ya smiled, said nothing.
Rival or not, he had never considered that.
However, he keenly observed that though Wei Yu tried to appear calm after the performance, he couldn't help but show a hint of pride and conceit at the corner of his eye.