A few days later, one evening.
The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the inner courtyard of Panshi Fist Academy a warm gold.
Wang Yuan had just finished a round of Panshi Fist training. Heat steamed from his body as he prepared to rest for a moment.
Then, he heard Senior Disciple Brother Shi Long's signature booming voice from outside the courtyard:
"Little Junior Brother, Little Junior Brother! Come out quickly! Your gear has arrived!"
Wang Yuan's heart stirred, and he quickly walked out of the inner courtyard.
He saw Shi Long carrying a long object wrapped in thick cloth, grinning excitedly as he approached.
The object looked heavy.
Even with Shi Long's physique, which had undergone three Blood Changes, the bluestone slabs beneath his feet creaked slightly as he walked while carrying it.
"Senior Disciple Brother."
Wang Yuan went to meet him.
"Heh heh, take a look quickly! I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
Shi Long chuckled, appearing somewhat smug.
He carefully set the long object on the ground, then yanked off the thick cloth wrapping.
Instantly, a spear, entirely black and gleaming with a cold metallic luster, appeared before Wang Yuan.
The spear was about nine feet long, perfectly matching Wang Yuan's height.
The shaft was not a smooth cylinder but had slight angles.
The grip was carved with fine anti-slip patterns, providing an excellent feel.
Most striking was that from the spearhead down to just below the tip, a lifelike black dragon carving coiled around it.
The dragon's body was powerful, its scales distinct, and its head roared fiercely, positioned right at the connection between the spearhead and the shaft.
It looked as if the black dragon was about to roar out of the spear, exuding a fierce, predatory aura!
The entire spear gave off a feeling of weight, coldness, and ferocity.
It was worlds apart from the white wax wood spear Wang Yuan had used before.
"This..."
A look of amazement flashed in Wang Yuan's eyes.
He reached out and gripped the shaft; it felt ice-cold.
A heavy weight met his hand. It was indeed about fifty percent heavier than a standard-issue spear, exactly as he had requested.
With a slight push, the spear remained motionless; its stability was excellent.
"Try its feel!"
Shi Long urged, his eyes full of anticipation.
Wang Yuan took a deep breath, circulated his Blood Essence slightly, held the spear with one arm, and flicked his wrist!
"Buzz!"
The black spear shaft cut through the air, emitting a deep, resonant hum.
It sounded like a black dragon was truly growling.
The spear tip broke through the air, carrying a sharp, fierce wind, far beyond anything a wooden spear could achieve.
He only swung it a couple of times, and though it felt a bit clumsy.
The smooth transmission of power and the stability of the spear made his heart overjoyed.
"A good spear!"
Wang Yuan couldn't help but praise.
Whether it was the weight, length, feel, or the hidden fierce aura, this spear perfectly met his needs and desires.
Senior Disciple Brother had truly put thought into this!
Seeing Wang Yuan's satisfaction, Shi Long became even more smug and laughed heartily, "How is it? Didn't I tell you?"
"I used the best black iron from home, mixed in some cold iron powder, and hired a master craftsman to forge it carefully."
"See that black dragon? I thought, with your monstrous strength and talent, this is what it should be like."
"Low-key? What do martial artists need low-key for?"
"It should make enemies' legs go weak just by looking at it!"
"Martial arts are for showing off."
Wang Yuan looked at the imposing black dragon carving on the spear.
Then he thought about how he had wanted a black, low-key design before, and couldn't help but let out a wry laugh.
Senior Disciple Brother's aesthetic... was truly direct and bold.
But as he touched the cold, dragon-scale carvings, a surge of heroism inexplicably rose within him.
Being low-key is good.
But sometimes, a bit of showing off might be more effective at deterring the petty!
Playing the pig to eat the tiger, sometimes if you play it for too long, you really become a pig.
Wang Yuan held the spear in both hands, feeling the terrifying power contained within it and the ferocity that subtly resonated with him. He pondered for a moment.
He then looked up at Shi Long, his eyes flashing with a sharp light:
"This spear is entirely black, with black dragons coiled around it, fierce and domineering... Let's call it the 'Black Dragon Spear'!"
"Black Dragon Spear?"
"Good! It's imposing enough! It suits it, and it suits you!" Shi Long clapped his hands and laughed heartily, very pleased with the name.
Wang Yuan tightened his grip on the Black Dragon Spear. The cold sensation traveled through his palm, as if establishing a subtle connection with his Blood Essence.
With this true killing weapon, his Mountain Breaking Spear Technique would surely be like a tiger with wings!
He could already imagine the scene in future battles: the black dragon roaring, the spear thrusting like a dragon, splitting mountains and rivers.
"Thank you, Senior Disciple Brother!"
Wang Yuan solemnly thanked Shi Long.
Shi Long waved his hand dismissively:
"We're brothers, no need for pleasantries."
"Train hard! Master the Mountain Breaking Spear Technique to Major Accomplishment as soon as possible, and let those blind fools see how powerful our Panshi Fist Academy is!"
The sunset completely sank below the horizon, and dusk settled in.
Wang Yuan, carrying the Black Dragon Spear, which had been rewrapped in thick cloth, returned to his home in the South District.
The aroma of cooking food wafted from the kitchen of his new home; his sister, Wang Yu, was busy.
Seeing Wang Yuan return, she wiped her hands and took out an exquisitely crafted sachet emitting a faint, pleasant fragrance from her embrace, handing it over.
"Brother Yuan, when I finished work today, a servant of the eldest young master of the Zhang family gave me this. He said the eldest young master specifically instructed that it be handed to you personally."
Wang Yu had a hint of curiosity on her face.
After all, the eldest young master of the Zhang family from the inner city was a tremendously important figure to people like them.
Wang Yuan was slightly taken aback and took the sachet.
Zhang Mingyuan? What was he giving this to him for?
Although the two had had some contact due to Wang Yu.
And Shang Yong had also pulled strings for him to be listed with the Wanguan Escort Agency.
But they didn't have much interaction in private.
The touch between his fingers was soft, carrying a light, elegant scent of expensive incense.
Wang Yuan, with a hint of doubt in his heart, untied the sachet.
Inside, there were no spices or small objects as he had imagined, only a neatly folded piece of paper.
He unfolded the paper and, by the faint light from the kitchen, quickly scanned the handwriting.
His expression was calm at first.
But the more he read, the tighter his brow furrowed, and his face gradually turned grim.
The content of the note was simple, yet it pierced his heart like cold needles:
"To my junior disciple brother Wang: I recently heard that the Black Tiger Gang in the East District seems to be making unusual moves, with many unfamiliar faces loitering in the South District, especially around your family's general store and your sister's usual routes."
"You may have already caught someone's eye, and they may harbor ill intentions and plan to do you harm."
"I hope you will be cautious and make arrangements early."
"Sincerely, Mingyuan."
Black Tiger Gang! Surveillance!
Parents! Sister!
An uncontrollable rage surged from the bottom of Wang Yuan's heart, instantly burning through his entire body.
Zhao Hu! How dare you set your sights on my family?
A dragon has scales that, if touched, will provoke its wrath.
Family was Wang Yuan's greatest vulnerability in this world.
He remembered that when he first transmigrated and was bedridden, it was his parents and sister who fed him, drop by drop, mouth by mouth.
Although Wang Yuan was a transmigrator, he had long since regarded Wang Yu, Wang Gui, and Madam Zhou as his family.
They were his only warmth in this chaotic world.
But now, someone intended to destroy it.
Right now, a cold killing intent condensed in Wang Yuan's eyes like a tangible thing, almost bursting from his body.
Wang Yuan seemed to see again the arrogant face of Song San in Bluestone Alley, and the lecherous gaze he cast upon his sister.
He saw the terror and helplessness of his parents when they were cornered by Black Tiger Gang thugs...
"Brother Yuan? What's wrong? What did Young Master Zhang's letter say?"
Seeing her brother's expression suddenly change and his aura turn chilling and terrifying, Wang Yu couldn't help but ask worriedly, her voice laced with a hint of nervousness.
Wang Yuan snapped back to reality, realizing his outburst had frightened his sister.
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the monstrous rage and killing intent back into the depths of his heart, his face instantly shifting into a relaxed smile.
It even carried a hint of well-placed "flattered surprise."
He waved the note in his hand and smiled at Wang Yu.
"It's nothing major, Sis, don't worry."
"Young Master Zhang heard that my martial arts practice has improved and wants to invite me to a meal sometime to discuss martial arts, as a way to get acquainted."
His tone was casual and natural, as if it were merely an ordinary social invitation.
Wang Yu carefully examined her brother's expression.
Seeing that the terrifying coldness had receded, leaving only a gentle smile, She finally breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest. "So that's what it was, you scared me."
"Young Master Zhang is a good person, and he's taken good care of me too. It's a good thing for you, Brother Yuan, to interact with him more."
"Mm, I know."
Wang Yuan nodded with a smile, refolded the note, and casually tucked it back into his embrace.
"Sis, is dinner ready? I'm starving."
"Almost, almost, I'll bring it out now."
Wang Yu turned and continued to busy herself.
Watching his sister's retreating back, The smile on Wang Yuan's face gradually faded, and his eyes became deep and cold once more.
He walked to the window and gazed out into the heavy night.
His fingers unconsciously caressed the light, yet heavy-as-a-thousand-pounds note in his embrace.
Young Master Zhang's action was undoubtedly a favor, a further attempt to win him over.
He remembered this debt.
But the Black Tiger Gang... Zhao Hu...
Wang Yuan's fists slowly clenched, his knuckles emitting faint cracking sounds.
"It seems some people... are tired of living."
He murmured to himself, his voice icy.
He had originally planned to wait until his strength was greater before settling the score with you.
Since you're rushing to your own death, offering your necks...
Then don't blame my Black Dragon Spear for drinking blood ahead of schedule!
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