"Master, there's also that girl surnamed Yue. I heard she actually took in a disciple a while ago. Daring to go against the tide and accept a disciple in the teeth of such a storm-that disciple must have some talent."
As Wan Zhong reveled in the prospect of the Heavy Peak Martial Hall boasting two elite disciples and firmly overshadowing the Iron Bone Boxing Gym, something suddenly occurred to him, and he continued along that line.
In the seat of honor, Wan Shan sneered at this. His fingertips unconsciously rubbed the carved armrest as he snorted. "Hmph. That girl surnamed Yue accepted the disciple on her master's behalf. She merely picked up a bargain for that old ghost Tie."
"On her master's behalf?!" Wan Zhong froze, his face full of astonishment. Clearly, he had not expected this twist.
"According to our Undercover Agent's report, the boy is called Li Wei. He caught Yue Hongya's attention on his very first day at the gym, so he should have some talent."
Wan Shan lifted his teacup and took a sip, his tone perfectly level.
"But a boy from the slums who's almost twenty has started far too late, no matter how talented he is. He'll never catch up with Huo'er in this lifetime."
His informants were scattered throughout the Iron Bone Boxing Gym. Though he would not claim to know every last thing that happened there, he was not far off.
"Still, that girl surnamed Yue does have a few tricks. Since you've brought it up, arrange for a few people to test this Li Wei's mettle." Wan Shan changed tack, a sinister gleam flashing in his eyes. "If the opportunity presents itself, cripple him outright. That potion business cost us dearly. We can use him to teach that girl surnamed Yue