When Zhu Ju arrived, Yann Jingfu was in a lively conversation with a powerfully built 'elderly man'.
Shenn Hu!
Master of the Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Hall.
"My apologies!"
Zhu Ju cupped his fists in apology.
"Something held me up. I have arrived late."
"Haha…" Shenn Hu was over fifty, but he didn't look old at all. He laughed heartily in greeting.
"Younger Brother Zhu, you're too kind. We were the ones who came in a hurry without giving you prior notice."
"Sit!"
"Please, sit!"
"Young Master Zhu." Yann Jingfu stood up and made the introduction.
"Master Shenn began his Martial Arts training at seven, reached the Body Tempering realm before he was thirty, and has been undefeated in Yue City for the past ten years. All of us Martial Artists look up to him with reverence."
"I've heard much about you!"
"Hall Master Yann, you flatter me!"
Besides Yann Jingfu and Shenn Hu, there was one other person present.
"This is Brother Han Ke from the Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Hall. He's been in the escort business for many years, and his skill with Hidden Weapons is second to none in Yue City."
"Hall Master Yann, you are too kind."
The Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Hall owed its current reputation entirely to the combined efforts of the two sworn brothers, Shenn Hu and Han Ke—one the muscle, the other the mind.
Shenn Hu was the powerful fighter, while Han Ke was skilled in business.
On Martial Arts Dojo Street, the Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Hall recruited the most disciples. They also ran an Escort Agency and other transport businesses, and their momentum was soaring.
"We had no other choice, really."
After they all sat down, Han Ke sighed.
"We have too many disciples at the Martial Arts Hall, and they're all looking to us for a future. On top of that, the world is chaotic these days, and various merchants need people to escort their goods. So, we just went with the flow and started the escort business."
"It's all dangerous work, living on the edge of a blade. We can't compare to you two, making money so effortlessly."
"You can't say that." Yann Jingfu shook his head, his expression serious.
"The Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Hall provides for so many people. That's a virtuous and charitable act. Everyone in Yue City knows of your good name."
This round of compliments brought even broader smiles to Shenn Hu's and Han Ke's faces.
"I hear Young Master Zhu wants to establish a cloth guild?"
"Yes."
Zhu Ju nodded.
A cloth shop and a cloth guild—the difference of a single word, yet they are worlds apart.
A cloth shop simply sells cloth. It refers to a single storefront, a family business.
A cloth guild, on the other hand, is a collection of various businesses—weaving, dyeing, cutting, embroidery, and more. It represents an entire trade.
In Yue City, only one industry had managed to bring so many merchants together.
The fish guild!
Because the city was by the sea, shipbuilding, fishing, salting, drying, and selling were all concentrated near the docks. This was known as the North City Fish Guild, and it was the Caoo Gang's home turf, a place where no one else dared to meddle.
"That won't be easy."
Han Ke gently stroked his beard, a glint in his eyes.
"With the reputation of the Wancai Cloth Shop, you can certainly attract numerous weaving mills, garment makers, and cloth sellers. But to form a proper cloth guild is by no means a simple task."
"Success depends on human effort," Zhu Ju said with a smile.
"Besides, it's still early days. It's just a plan for now. I wonder if you two are interested?"
"Of course we're interested," Shenn Hu laughed loudly.
"But to create a cloth guild, you not only need the space, but you also need the government offices to give you the green light."
"On that point…"
"The Zhao and Wuh Families have more influence in that regard. They've probably already approached you, haven't they, Younger Brother Zhu?"
Zhu Ju rubbed his brow.
"They have."
He let out a soft sigh.
"I'm not particularly fond of the way those Aristocratic Families do things."
"They've always been like that." Shenn Hu narrowed his eyes and nodded in agreement.
"It's either crush or be crushed. They never sit down to negotiate things peacefully."
"That's why…" Zhu Ju began.
"I'd much rather cooperate with you, Master Shenn."
'Connections?'
'To grow so big and strong in a place like Yue City, who doesn't have some connections? The Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Hall is no exception.'
"Haha…" Shenn Hu roared with laughter.
"Younger Brother Zhu, you're a straightforward man!"
"The New Prefecture, Lord Fang, has some history with the Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Hall from his early years. It's not impossible that we could ask him."
"I'm just worried someone might try to obstruct us!"
He looked at Zhu Ju, his gaze profound.
"I'm not afraid!"
Zhu Ju's expression remained unchanged.
"I'll face whatever comes my way. I am a Martial Artist myself, and it's not in my nature to bow my head so easily."
"Speaking of which…"
"I have long heard of Master Shenn's great name. Now that I have the chance to meet you, I can't pass up the opportunity to ask for your guidance."
"Of course, of course." At the mention of Martial Arts, Shenn Hu grew even more enthusiastic. If not for the cramped space, he might have demonstrated a move or two on the spot.
'He's actually a martial arts fanatic.'
'This was quite normal.'
'Progress in Qi Blood Martial Arts was slow, and the techniques from martial arts halls were considered second-rate. One could train for ten or twenty years and see little significant change.'
'Unless one had exceptional Talent or was obsessed with martial arts to the point of fanaticism, it was difficult to achieve anything great.'
Shenn Hu was the latter.
The Method passed down in the Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Hall wasn't much stronger than that of Yann's Boxing Hall. The difficulty of becoming Yue City's top expert relying on such a martial arts hall inheritance was easy to imagine.
"Master Shenn."
Zhu Ju asked at the opportune moment.
"I've heard that there are different kinds of Body Tempering Methods. Is that true?"
"It's true." At the mention of this, the excitement on Shenn Hu's face dimmed, and he sighed.
"Unfortunately, such Methods are exceedingly rare. Most are secret transmissions of the Major Sects, and people like us have no chance to see them."
"Otherwise…"
"I might have been able to advance even further!"
With a look of regret, he slammed his hand on the table, then picked up his cup and downed several drinks in a row before stopping.
"Is there no way at all?" Zhu Ju frowned.
"Are there truly no rumors of any circulating among the public?"
"Body Tempering Martial Artists are rare to begin with, and such Methods are mostly locked away. I've never heard of any circulating outside." Shenn Hu shook his head. Having been at the Body Tempering realm for over twenty years, how could he not have tried to find a way?
"The truly top-tier inheritances are in the great Martial Arts Holy Lands or within the Imperial Court. They are only taught to those who have been groomed from a young age."
"Oh!"
"Actually, there is one inheritance in the city. While it can't compare to Jinlun Temple or the Five Elements Sect, it should still be quite good."
"Where?" Zhu Ju's eyes lit up.
"The Wuh Family," Shenn Hu said.
"The Wuh Family's ancestors were high-ranking nobles, among the Nine Ministers, and they even produced a Grand General. That's why they have an inheritance."
'The Wuh Family?'
Zhu Ju frowned.
The Wuh Family had declined from its former glory, but its foundation was still deep. Even now, several of their family members served as officials in the Court.
Offending the Wuh Family meant facing retaliation from the Court.
"Could we…?"
"Don't even think about it!"
Shenn Hu obviously knew what Zhu Ju was thinking and shook his head.
"I once went to their door to ask for the inheritance myself. But the Wuh Family wouldn't budge, no matter how much money I offered."
"You, on the other hand, might have some hope, Younger Brother Zhu. At your age, if you marry into the Wuh Family, you might get a chance in ten or twenty years."
"Haha…"
He burst out laughing at his own joke.
Zhu Ju sighed softly.
By the time the banquet ended, the sky had grown dark.
Shenn Hu stumbled out of the tavern, burping from the alcohol. Seeing Zhu Ju about to board his carriage, he took a step forward and said:
"The night is deep, Younger Brother Zhu. Be careful on your way."
'Hm?'
Zhu Ju's gaze flickered. He looked at Shenn Hu, then gave a slight nod.
*
*
*
"CREAK… CREAK…"
The wheels turned, rolling slowly over the packed earth road.
The sea breeze blew through the night. Yann Xiuxin drove the carriage, while Yann Jingfu and Lan Qisheng flanked it on horseback.
The distance from the tavern to the Martial Arts Hall wasn't far, and the route was entirely along main streets. Normally, they wouldn't encounter any danger.
But accidents are always unexpected.
"TWANG…"
A sound like a vibrating bowstring rang out, and a black streak shot through the darkness toward the carriage.
"Look out!"
"Xiuxin, get out of the way!"
"BANG!"
Yann Xiuxin instinctively turned her head just in time to see a crossbow bolt as thick as a child's arm graze her cheek and slam into the carriage behind her.
The immense force exploded outward, and the solid wood carriage shattered on the spot.
"Young Master Zhu!"
They all cried out in alarm, only breathing a sigh of relief when they saw the situation clearly.
Zhu Ju stood on the edge of the carriage frame, frowning at the massive crossbow bolt lodged beside him, his face dark and grim.
A Powerful Crossbow!
And a siege-grade one, used for defending city walls!
If something like this hit him, even with his physique, he would be gravely injured, if not killed outright.
"Go!"
"Get off the main road! Take the side alleys."
A siege crossbow's power was immense, but it was difficult to fire in quick succession. Moreover, it could only target from a high vantage point; it would be useless once blocked by walls.
"Giddy-up!"
Yann Xiuxin quickly came to her senses and yanked the reins. The horse whinnied and pulled the two of them toward a narrow side alley.
"Careful!"
"There are people over there!"
Lan Qisheng spurred his horse to follow, drawing his long saber mid-ride to meet the figures rushing out of the darkness.
"Who are you people?"
Yann Jingfu, now completely sober, roared.
"How dare you attempt an assassination in the city! Do you have no regard for the law?"
"Hmph!"
Someone in the darkness snorted coldly.
"A business worth at least ten thousand taels of silver a year is not something a few small martial arts halls like you can swallow."
"A snake trying to swallow an elephant is just greedy. You have only yourselves to blame for seeking death."
"Get them!"
"SHWISH!"
Dozens of cold gleams crisscrossed in the air as a volley of Hidden Weapons—throwing knives, hand-thrown arrows, plum blossom needles, and Iron Yuanyangs—flew toward them.
"Watch out!"
"WHOA…"
"THUD! THUD!"
In an instant, the carriage remnants overturned and the horses reared. Although the group managed to dodge the incoming Hidden Weapons, they were forced off their horses and surrounded.
Yann Jingfu's heart sank as he scanned the area.
There were seven men in black, and all of them were trained fighters.
"Xiuxin."
He ordered in a low voice.
"Get Young Master Zhu out of here, quickly!"
As he spoke, he swiped a hand at his waist, and a Soft Sword sprang out. With a leap, he charged toward the attackers.
Iron Wire Sword Technique!
The Yann Family's inherited Martial Arts. Besides the Iron Wire Fist, which was taught to students at their hall, there was also this Sword Technique that was forbidden to be taught to outsiders.
The Soft Sword could be both hard and flexible, similar to the Iron Wire Fist, but with the advantage of a Weapon, its lethality was greatly increased.
"Hmph!"
One of the seven men met his charge, wielding two short sabers. The blades flashed, delivering more than a dozen slashes in the span of a breath.
"CLANG! CLANG! CLANG…"
Sparks flew as the swords and sabers clashed.
Yann Jingfu's expression changed drastically.
'I'm already using my ultimate technique, yet I can't even take down one of these seven men? I'm even at a slight disadvantage!'
"Hah!"
Lan Qisheng followed close behind, engaging another attacker. His Saber Technique was wide and sweeping, and he seemed to have the upper hand.
But…
…that was only two of them. The others hadn't even moved yet, instead unhurriedly blocking their escape route.
"Zhu. A man ought to know his own limits. If you can't handle it, you should obediently let it go."
Among the black-clothed men, one holding a long spear approached.
"You refused the toast, so now you'll drink the forfeit!"
"You came to me to talk business?" Zhu Ju scanned the men and said slowly.
"My apologies, but far too many people have been looking for me these past few days. Could you give me a hint?"
"No need," the man replied, shaking his head.
"We gave you a chance, but you didn't take it. We're only here to send you on your way."
"VMMMM…"
With a flick of his wrist, a cold glint flared. The spear tip instantly crossed several meters, aimed straight for Zhu Ju's face.
"Be careful!"
Yann Xiuxin cried out, swinging her sword to intercept it instinctively.
"TING…"
The man merely shook his long spear, and the Soft Sword was knocked from her hand. She stumbled backward.
'So strong!'
'This man is much stronger than Father.'
To the black-clothed man, swatting Yann Xiuxin aside was like swatting a fly. With another blur, the spear thrust out again.
The spear tip quivered, locking down any possible movement from Zhu Ju. A Killing Move was hidden within the thrust, aimed straight for his heart.
'Dodge?'
'It would be difficult!'
'In that case…'
Zhu Ju narrowed his eyes. The condensed, tribute-like Qi Blood in his body surged, and from deep within his Skin and Flesh, his Tendons and Bones, a fierce Strength erupted.
'I won't dodge!'
"CLANG…"
The spear tip struck him squarely in the chest, and then came to an abrupt halt.