Wang Yuan successfully completed his First Blood Change, officially joining the ranks of First Blood Change martial artists.
He was immersed in the joy of his skyrocketing strength and the consolidation of his cultivation.
Meanwhile, another eye-catching figure arrived at Panshi Fist Academy.
One afternoon.
A luxuriously decorated carriage drawn by four magnificent horses came to a steady stop at the academy gates.
The carriage curtain lifted, and a young gentleman dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, a jade belt around his waist and a folding fan in hand, stepped down gracefully.
He was handsome, with a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing at the corners of his lips.
His eyes were lively, and every glance carried an air of elegance. He stood like a jade tree in the wind, dashing and extraordinary.
This man was Shang Yong, Zheng Shan's third True Disciple.
His Lineage controlled Wanguan Merchant Association, the largest merchant association in Gaoye City's Outer City.
Its businesses spread throughout the Outer City and even had countless tangled connections with the Three Great Families of the Inner City. They were truly rich enough to rival a kingdom.
Upon returning, Shang Yong naturally went first to pay respects to his master, Zheng Shan, and they spoke for a long while.
From his master, he learned of Wang Yuan, this newly admitted junior disciple.
As well as his astonishing "High Grade Bone Structure" and the feat of reaching the Entry Stage in seven days.
"Oh? Gaoye City has such a genius?"
A keen interest flashed through Shang Yong's eyes as he lightly waved his folding fan.
"Then I must properly make the acquaintance of this junior disciple."
Under Second Senior Sister Zheng Ying's introduction, Shang Yong met Wang Yuan in the inner courtyard's training ground, where Wang Yuan was familiarizing himself with the strength gained after his Blood Exchange.
"Junior Brother, this is your Third Senior Brother, Shang Yong."
Zheng Ying introduced him.
Wang Yuan stopped moving and looked toward the newcomer.
The other man wore splendid robes and carried himself with extraordinary poise.
Entirely unlike Senior Disciple Brother's honest, imposing manner or Second Senior Sister's cold, otherworldly air, he possessed a naturally overwhelming aura of wealth and a smooth, worldly disposition.
Daring not to be negligent, Wang Yuan hurried forward and saluted him. "Wang Yuan greets Third Senior Brother."
Smiling, Shang Yong examined Wang Yuan. His gaze was sharp, yet not unpleasant.
He nodded and praised, "Truly handsome and talented, with abundant qi and blood and a solid foundation!"
"Master truly has a discerning eye. He has found another true dragon for our Panshi Fist Academy!"
His words were warm, making others feel as though bathed in a spring breeze.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shang Yong changed the subject and asked:
"I heard that Senior Disciple Brother and Second Senior Sister have both given Junior Brother a meeting gift. As your Third Senior Brother, naturally I cannot fall behind."
He paused, then asked casually:
"Junior Brother's family... I heard they are still in Bluestone Alley of the East District?"
Wang Yuan nodded. "Yes."
Shang Yong snapped his folding fan shut and smiled. "The East District is a place where fish and dragons mingle, and the surroundings are noisy. It is not conducive to quiet cultivation."
"As it happens, my family has an unused Small Courtyard in the South District, close to the Fist Academy. The environment is tranquil, and it has one entrance and one exit. It is reasonably spacious."
"I shall give it to Junior Brother today, as a small token of welcome from this senior brother."
As he spoke, he withdrew a Property deed that had long been prepared from his sleeve, bearing both the merchant association's seal and the government's red stamp, and casually handed it to Wang Yuan.
The South District!
A courtyard with one entrance and three rooms! And close to the Fist Academy!
Wang Yuan's heart shook violently.
He had guessed that this Third Senior Brother possessed considerable wealth, but he had never expected him to be so lavish.
Property in the South District, especially one in a good location and with ample space, was worth at least a thousand taels of silver.
This was a gift so generous it could not be more generous!
He hurriedly took a step back and waved his hands in refusal. "Third Senior Brother, this is far too valuable."
"I cannot accept it, absolutely cannot! This junior brother does not deserve it!"
Seeing this, Shi Long burst into laughter, stepped forward, and heavily patted Wang Yuan on the shoulder. His voice boomed like a great bell. "Junior Brother, just take it!"
"Why be so polite with your Third Senior Brother?"
"His family is loaded. To him, this courtyard is merely one hair from nine oxen—plucking a single hair from him would be thicker than our waists!"
He winked and lowered his voice. "What matters most to you now is increasing your martial strength."
"Once you become formidable in the future, you can help your Third Senior Brother hold up the scene and beat up those blind fools. That is better than anything.
"Consider this courtyard an advance investment!"
Hearing Shi Long's words, the corner of Shang Yong's handsome mouth could not help twitching. His expression was both helpless and amused.
He pointed his folding fan vaguely at Shi Long.
"Senior Disciple Brother, the way you put that... makes it sound as though I get bullied every day."
He sighed, looked at Wang Yuan, and spoke with a trace of self-mockery, yet also frankness.
"To be honest with Junior Brother, though my family has a modest amount of wealth, my talent for martial arts... is truly ordinary. I only have Below-Average Bone Structure."
"After training for so many years and forcibly piling up all sorts of precious medicinal herbs and Monster Beast Meat, I have only barely reached the Second Blood Change. Going any further is harder than climbing to heaven."
"On this martial path, in the end, it is geniuses like you junior brothers who must venture forth and carve the way ahead."
He spoke sincerely, with little jealousy in his words.
There was more clear-eyed recognition of reality and appreciation for Wang Yuan's potential.
Seeing that Wang Yuan was still somewhat hesitant,
Shang Yong took out another wooden token from his robes, half the size of a palm and entirely purple sandalwood in color, carved with the character "Shang" and intricate cloud patterns. He pressed it into Wang Yuan's hand with a smile.
"Since Junior Brother refuses to accept the house for nothing, then let us do this. Take this token."
"This is a VIP Token of my Wanguan Merchant Association. With it, you receive a twenty percent discount at every shop under our association on medicinal pills, weapons, manuals, and even Monster Beast Materials."
"This should be acceptable, right?"
"Take the house as well. Let Uncle, Auntie, and your sister live more comfortably, and you can cultivate with peace of mind."
With matters having reached this point, refusing again would only seem affected.
Wang Yuan looked at the weighty Property deed and the smooth wooden token in his hand, then at Shang Yong's sincere smile and Senior Disciple Brother's expression that plainly said, "Hurry and accept it." A warm current rose in his heart.
He drew a deep breath and bowed deeply to Shang Yong. "In that case, this junior brother will shamelessly accept it! Many thanks to Third Senior Brother for this generous gift."
"If you ever have need of me, this junior brother will never refuse!"
"Haha, good! That is more like it!"
Shang Yong laughed heartily and helped Wang Yuan up.
"We are fellow disciples of the same family. There is no need for such politeness."
After chatting a little longer with Wang Yuan, Shi Long, and Zheng Ying, he instructed his attendants to carry the several large chests of precious gifts he had brought—clearly intended for his master Zheng Shan—into the inner hall.
He himself straightened his robes and went to pay visits to the others.
Watching Shang Yong's departing back, Wang Yuan stroked the Property deed and token in his hands, his heart filled with complicated emotions.
This Third Senior Brother was smooth and adept in dealing with people, and generous in his actions.
He had expressed goodwill while making it impossible for others to refuse. As expected of someone from a merchant Lineage.
Wang Yuan would remember this favor.
With the courtyard in the South District, his family could finally leave chaotic and dangerous Bluestone Alley and have a safe, comfortable home.
And that merchant association token would save him a great deal of money in his future cultivation and provide enormous convenience.
Sure enough, on the martial path, besides talent and hard work, resources and connections were equally crucial.
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