Third Senior Brother Shang Yong, Moving House

Wang Yuan successfully completed his first Blood Change, officially entering the ranks of a first-stage Blood Change Martial Artist.

He was immersed in the joy of his greatly increased strength and consolidating his cultivation when.

At this time, another eye-catching figure arrived at Panshi Fist Academy.

One afternoon.

A luxuriously decorated carriage, pulled by four spirited horses, stopped steadily in front of the academy's entrance.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a young master, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist and holding a folding fan, gracefully alighted from the carriage.

His face was handsome, with a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips.

His eyes were lively, and his gaze exuded a natural charm, truly like a jade tree facing the wind, elegant and extraordinary.

This person was none other than Shang Yong, the third True Disciple under Zheng Shan.

His family was the helmsman of the Wanguan Merchant Association, the largest merchant association in the outer city of Gaoye City.

Their business spanned the entire outer city, and they even had intricate connections with the Three Great Families of the Inner City, making them incredibly wealthy.

Shang Yong's return naturally began with a visit to his master, Zheng Shan, with whom he conversed for a long time.

From his master's mouth, he learned about Wang Yuan, the new junior disciple.

As well as his astonishing "High Grade Bone Structure" and the feat of entering the sect in seven days.

"Oh? Gaoye actually has such a genius?"

A strong flicker of interest flashed in Shang Yong's eyes, and he gently fanned himself with his folding fan.

"Then I must get a good look at this junior disciple."

Under the introduction of the Second Senior Sister, Zheng Ying, Shang Yong met Wang Yuan in the inner courtyard's training ground, who was currently familiarizing himself with his post-Blood Change strength.

"Junior disciple, this is your Third Senior Brother, Shang Yong."

Zheng Ying introduced.

Wang Yuan stopped his movements and looked at the newcomer.

He saw that the other party was dressed in fine clothes and possessed an extraordinary demeanor.

Completely different from the Senior Disciple Brother's honest and powerful presence or the Second Senior Sister's cool and ethereal aura, he had a distinct air of wealth and worldly sophistication.

He dared not be negligent and quickly stepped forward to bow: "Wang Yuan greets Third Senior Brother."

Shang Yong appraised Wang Yuan with a smiling gaze, his eyes sharp yet not unpleasant.

He nodded and praised, "As expected, a fine specimen, with abundant Blood Essence and a solid foundation!"

"Master's discerning eye is truly sharp, finding another true dragon for our Panshi Fist Academy!"

His words were enthusiastic, making one feel as if basking in a spring breeze.

After a few pleasantries, Shang Yong changed the subject and asked:

"I heard that Senior Disciple Brother and Second Senior Sister have already given Junior Disciple gifts. As the Third Senior Brother, I naturally cannot fall behind."

He paused and asked seemingly casually:

"Junior disciple's home... I heard it's still on Bluestone Alley in the East District?"

Wang Yuan nodded: "Yes."

Shang Yong's folding fan snapped shut with a "pa," and he chuckled, "The East District is a mixed bag, and the environment is noisy, not conducive to quiet cultivation."

"Coincidentally, I have a small, vacant courtyard near the academy in the South District. The environment is quiet and secluded, and it's quite spacious for coming and going."

"I will gift it to Junior Disciple today as a token of my welcome from your Third Senior Brother."

Saying this, he took out a pre-prepared property deed from his sleeve, bearing the seal of the merchant association and the official red seal of the government, and casually handed it to Wang Yuan.

South District!

A courtyard with one entrance and three exits! And close to the academy!

Wang Yuan's heart trembled.

Although he had guessed that his Third Senior Brother was well-off, he hadn't expected him to be so generous.

Property in the South District, especially a well-located and spacious one, was worth at least a thousand taels of silver.

This was simply an incredibly generous gift!

He quickly took a step back, waving his hands to refuse: "Third Senior Brother, this is too valuable."

"I cannot accept it, absolutely cannot accept it! Junior disciple is unworthy!"

Shi Long, seeing this, let out a hearty laugh, walked forward, and patted Wang Yuan's shoulder forcefully, his voice like a booming bell: "Junior disciple, just accept it!"

"Why be so polite with your Third Senior Brother?"

"His family is incredibly wealthy. This courtyard is nothing to him, a single hair from him is thicker than our waists!"

He winked and lowered his voice, saying, "The most important thing for you now is to improve your martial strength."

"When you become powerful in the future, you can help your Third Senior Brother save face and beat up those who don't know their place, which is better than anything."

"This courtyard is an early investment!"

Hearing Shi Long's words, Shang Yong's handsome face couldn't help but twitch at the corners of his mouth, revealing a helpless and amused expression.

He pointed at Shi Long with his folding fan:

"Senior Disciple Brother, the way you put it... makes it sound like I get bullied all day."

He sighed and looked at Wang Yuan, his tone carrying a hint of self-deprecation, yet also frankness:

"To be honest, Junior Disciple Brother, although my family has some assets, my talent in martial arts... is truly mediocre. I only have a bone structure that's below average."

"After training for so many years, relying on all sorts of precious medicinal herbs and Monster Beast Meat to force my way up, I've only barely reached the second stage of Blood Change. To go further now would be as difficult as ascending to heaven."

"This path of martial arts, in the end, still relies on geniuses like you to forge ahead."

His words were sincere, with little jealousy.

There was more of a clear-eyed recognition of reality and an appreciation for Wang Yuan's potential.

Seeing that Wang Yuan was still hesitant, Shang Yong took out a wooden token the size of half a palm from his embrace. It was dark sandalwood in color and carved with the character "Shang" and complex cloud patterns. He placed it in Wang Yuan's hand and said with a smile:

"Since Junior Disciple Brother refuses to accept the house for free, how about this? Take this token."

"This is the VIP Token of my Wanguan Merchant Association. With this token, you will receive a 20% discount on all Pills, Weapons, Secret Manuals, and even Monster Beast Materials purchased at any of our association's shops."

"This should be acceptable, right?"

"Take the house as well, so that Uncle, Aunt, and Sister can live comfortably, and you can cultivate with peace of mind."

At this point, refusing further would seem pretentious.

Wang Yuan looked at the heavy property deed and the warm wooden token in his hand. He then looked at the sincere smile of Shang Yong and the expression of "Just take it" from Senior Disciple Brother. A warmth surged in his heart.

He took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Shang Yong: "Since that is the case, Junior Disciple will shamelessly accept it! Thank you, Third Senior Brother, for your generous gift."

"If there is ever a need, Junior Disciple will not refuse!"

"Haha, good! That's more like it!"

Shang Yong laughed heartily and helped Wang Yuan up.

"We are all fellow disciples, there's no need for such politeness."

He chatted with Wang Yuan, Shi Long, and Zheng Ying for a few more moments, then instructed his attendants to move the several large boxes of precious gifts, clearly intended for their Master Zheng Shan, to the inner hall.

He then tidied his robes and went to pay his respects to the others.

Watching Shang Yong's departing back, Wang Yuan rubbed the property deed and token in his hand, his heart filled with emotion.

This Third Senior Brother was tactful in his dealings and generous with his actions.

He had expressed goodwill without making it impossible to refuse, truly befitting someone from a merchant family.

He would remember this favor.

With the courtyard in the South District, his family could finally leave the chaotic and dangerous Bluestone Alley and have a safe and comfortable residence.

And that merchant association token would save him a large amount of money and provide great convenience for his future cultivation.

Indeed, on the path of martial arts, besides talent and effort, resources and connections were equally crucial.