"Instructor Fast Blade, Bear Eagle Tiger Leopard? Divine Hand Overturns Heaven, Cold Arrow is Hard to Escape?
Elder Liang, I only heard of the Broken Blade Sect, Divine Hand Sect, and Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall among them.
Who are the others?"
Bai Qi repeated it once, savoring the meaning within.
In the martial arts world, a practitioner's fame reflects their strength.
Those whose reputations do not match their skills are often quickly challenged and have their signs smashed.
The reason is simple.
The market is only so big, and with too many peers, there isn't enough to go around.
Everyone competes for disciples, and all become fierce rivals upon meeting, unable to coexist peacefully.
If a new martial arts hall wants to establish itself.
The most effective method is to challenge each in turn.
If you can win consecutively, not only do you earn face, but apprentices will come in droves to ask for tutelage.
It's indeed a great business with a tenfold profit.
Of course.
The prerequisite is that your skills are formidable, and your kung fu is top-notch!
Otherwise, you might easily end up dead on the challenge platform.
Liang Laoshu did not hide anything and explained warmly:
"Sect Leader Mu Chun of the Broken Blade Sect, Sect Leader Zhu Wan of the Divine Hand Sect.
One called 'Fast Blade Thunder Collapse,' and one known as 'Divine Hand Overturns Heaven.'
Bear Eagle Tiger Leopard, aside from Han Yang of Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall.
Are Lei Xiong from the fishery, Hu Zhenshan from Chai Market, Bao Daqing from the fire kiln.
All are top martial masters trained to guard and protect."
Bai Qi raised an eyebrow:
"Elder Liang, how come two are missing?"
Liang Laoshu gently shook his head:
"That instructor's martial arts were once unquestionably the best in Black River County.
But he hasn't fought for a long time, and with his martial arts hall quiet, his current strength is unclear.
As for Wang Ding, who evades cold arrows, he always acts alone and is elusive."
Bai Qi rubbed his chin, thinking that they sounded like grandmasters.
"When can I mix in among them and earn the title 'Unparalleled Loyal and Righteous Bai Qilang,' heh!"
Liang Laoshu sat under the eaves of the East Market Shop, taking a light breath:
"It's going to rain. Let's wait for Sanshui to return and see the outcome of this matter.
Even if it doesn't work out, I'll keep my word.
With no ties, asking someone to recognize you as their father is really taking advantage.
Every time I pick up Sanshui's conversation, saying I'll take you as a godson, it's all in jest, don't take it to heart.
Ah Qi, you have guts and abilities.
I appreciate your friendship and am willing to give you a step up.
But how high you can climb depends on your own destiny and efforts."
Bai Qi nodded, retracting the stirring words he had prepared.
He leaned back against the door frame, watching the dense curtain of rain covering the world.
A thick mist rose in the boundless fields, and distant thunder rolled closer.
A torrential downpour was imminent.
...
...
The owner of the fishery bore the surname He, named Wenbing.
Because of his sallow complexion, he was early on called "Sick Ghost He Wulang."
Later, he stood out among his brothers, taking his father's position.
With the help and recognition of distinguished people, he expanded his business greatly, and gradually no one dared to call him that anymore.
Instead, he became known as the "Rice Master He the Great Benefactor"!
Every afternoon, around 1:45 PM.
This Mr. He the Great Benefactor had a habit of feeding the fish in the pond in his mansion's inner courtyard.
"How long has it been since Wu Gui visited, is he here today to see his son or to ask a favor?"
He Wenbing, about forty years old, had a yellow complexion, as if a layer of wax was applied.
His temples were grizzled, but his skin was smooth and shiny without many wrinkles.
It was evident that he lived meticulously, well-maintained.
The attendant stood outside the pavilion, speaking with his head bowed:
"Replying to the owner, Elder Wu is passing a message for Liang Sanshui, the steward of the East Market Shop.
He said Liang Sanshui heard that the young master needed Ghost Pattern Fish to strengthen his muscles and specially presented twenty good-quality ones as a token."
Fine rain fell on the water, creating a series of slight ripples.
He Wenbing sat on a stone stool inside, scattering some fish food:
"Oh, I remember now, that glutton Chen the Lame recently fell into the river while drinking, and was carried away by a Demon Fish, leaving the steward position at the East Market Shop vacant.
Liang Sanshui? Liang Laoshu's son, right? I have some impression, he returned empty-handed from fetching Fish Dragon Grass in the mountains, utterly battered, such a pity.
What did Tai'er say? Did he have someone in mind for the position?"
The young master named "He Tai" was the only son.
In a few years, he would take over the fishery.
The attendant respectfully replied:
"The young master remembered someone named Yang Quan, said he's got a good grasp of martial arts and can be nurtured.
This person went to Donglai Tower yesterday, confidently assuring that he'd provide twenty suitable Ghost Pattern Fish for the young master."
He Wenbing smiled:
"Looking at this, Yangquan messed up the task and let Liang Sanshui get ahead.
It seems that as a son, he is far less astute and capable than his father."
The attendant hesitantly asked:
"Master, should we collect the Ghost Pattern Fish or not? How should we explain to the Young Master?"
He Wenbing replied lightly:
"Of course, collect them, and send them to the kitchen for the chef to prepare carefully.
Add some rare mountain treasures according to the recipe for nutrition, only take the soup, and discard the fish meat, sending two bowls to Tai'er's room every day.
Muscle training is an important milestone that cannot be taken lightly; only by nurturing the body well can we have the possibility to advance to muscle training and achieve Mercury Blood Silver Marrow."
The attendant hesitated for a moment and then asked again:
"But the Young Master has taken a liking to Yangquan..."
He Wenbing gave a sidelong glance and said indifferently:
"I also admired Liang Laoshu back then, thought he was loyal enough. But why was Yang Meng promoted in the end?
There are so many Fishermen making a living at the Black Water River, and the five hundred miles of mountain paths are never short of woodsmen, hunters, and herbal gatherers willing to risk their lives.
Those willing to eat at my table are endless, not at a loss for one or two.
So, whoever can get things done gets the reward.
This is called rules.
Since the Ghost Pattern Fish was delivered by Liang Sanshui, the vacancy for the Steward should belong to him.
Raising people is just like raising dogs; never feed them too full.
Tai'er wants to bring Yangquan under his wing, I'm helping him keep it under control.
Next time, when seeking some precious fish or mountain treasures.
Yangquan will naturally be willing to fight desperately for this chance.
How could he not give it his all!"
A handful of fish food was thrown into the pool, and the swimming fish rushed to the surface, creating a big splash.
This was a scene He Wenbing loved watching.
The follower immediately flattered:
"Master, such insight!"
"Additionally..."
He Wenbing said flatly:
"When you go out, give yourself ten lashes.
While eating the Master's food, relying on the Master's influence, taking outsiders' gifts isn't a big mistake.
But you shouldn't lack the discerning eye, wanting to babble and muddle matters.
Considering it's your first time, I'll grant you ten lashes to remember well.
If it happens again, you'll be kicked out of the house, sent to the kiln to work as a servant household."
"I recognize my mistake... Thank you, Master, for sparing me the whip!"
The attendant trembled all over and hurriedly knelt and kowtowed heavily.
His head hit the hard bluestone ground, making a thudding sound.
"About the Demon Fish attacking people, does Lei Xiong know? Have Wu Lin invite them again.
This disaster must be dealt with, or else too many Fishermen deaths will harm our fishery business."
He Wenbing frowned, more concerned about the fully mature Demon Fish than small squabbles at the East Market Shop.
Seeing the year-end approaching, the County City should also send people to collect taxes, ensuring Black River County remains calm.
...
...
As soon as 9 p.m. arrived, the rundown shack on Xinyi Street had its wooden door knocked on urgently.
Creak, creak, creak.
Yangquan was in the mood, thrusting forcefully, almost breaking the bed.
But the noise outside grew louder, forcing him to stop.
"Brother Quan! Brother Quan! Something terrible happened!"
Yangquan, still hot with anger, halted his actions, looking displeased.
He threw on a coat and walked outside, glancing at the skinny pole squatting outside, spat:
"The Ghost Pattern Fish due at the end of the month don't need to be delivered.
Your wife was quite a treat; I'll be back for more tomorrow."
The fisherman-dressed skinny pole seemed deaf, expressionless.
Head drooping without a sound.
"Damn weather!"
Yangquan stepped out of the shack, letting the pouring rain hit him:
"What's the matter? Black Water River flooded?
Do you have to cry like you're mourning here, making it hard for me to get things done peacefully?"
His henchmen looked at each other in grievance, one dared to respond:
"News just came from the He Family; Liang Sanshui gave the Master twenty Ghost Pattern Fish, filling the Steward vacancy.
The fishery announcement will be posted early tomorrow."
Boom!
Blinding lightning tore through the clouds, accompanied by a rolling thunderous explosion.
Yangquan was a little stunned, as if he hadn't heard clearly:
"What?"
The henchman raised his voice and repeated it.
The rain grew heavier, the large drops hurting as they hit the faces of the crowd.
"Where did Liang Sanshui get the Ghost Pattern Fish? Damn Wang Laizi, eating from inside and out, fooling me?!"
Understanding the situation, Yangquan's rage surged, his eyes red, glaring fiercely at the henchmen delivering the news:
"Where does he live? Lead the way!"