The Great Fortune Gang

The Great Fortune Gang members around them were startled by what the two men said.

"Bright strength? How could you have run into a bright strength expert?"

"Yang Jing? Which Yang Jing?"

"Never heard that name before."

Several gang members frowned. Clearly, none of them had heard of anyone named Yang Jing.

"He borrowed money from our gang half a year ago. We thought he was just an ordinary kid. Who knew he could fight like that?" The short-haired man sucked in cold breaths from the pain, barely able to get his words out.

The courtyard was in an uproar.

As they were discussing it, a man in a short black jacket, a saber hanging at his waist, emerged from the Main Hall. His gaze darkened. "What's all the noise?"

He glanced at the two injured men and said coldly, "The Chief's inside. He wants you two to come in."

The short-haired man and the tall, thin youth both stiffened. They exchanged a glance, each seeing unease in the other's eyes.

"Yes."

Both nodded and headed into the Main Hall.

The light inside the Main Hall was rather dim.

The moment they stepped through the door, a heavy reek of liquor mixed with sweat hit them in the face.

Xu Tai, Chief of the Great Fortune Gang, was seated in a Grand Preceptor's Chair.

He stood nearly eight feet tall, with broad shoulders and a thick back. His knotted muscles stretched his short black jacket taut. A saber scar ran from his brow to his jaw, and when his eyes swept toward them, they carried a chilling ferocity.

Smack!

Xu Tai slammed his wine bowl onto the table and demanded in a coarse voice, "What happened? How'd you get beaten into this sorry state?"

The short-haired man and the tall, thin youth trembled in fright and hurriedly recounted what had just happened.

They embellished the tale, describing how "uncanny" Yang Jing's attacks had been and how they had been "outmatched." At the end, one said in a trembling voice, "Chief, that kid... he's probably broken through to bright strength. Otherwise, he couldn't have put both of us down so easily."

Xu Tai's brows drew sharply together, and his fingers tapped the table.

He himself had been stuck at Bright Strength Peak for years. Twice, he had attempted to break through to hidden strength, only to fall short at the final hurdle. Even so, he knew how formidable bright strength martial artists were.

Never mind two ordinary strong men-even another three or five would be no match.

"Bright strength?"

His voice sank, and a measure of wariness entered his eyes. "You dared to attack without finding out what he was capable of? Tired of living?"

The short-haired man and the tall, thin youth shuddered in fear and hurriedly explained, "Chief, we checked his background before. He was just an ordinary farmer's son, from a completely ordinary family."

The tall, thin youth hurried on, "He used the money his family got from selling their land to join a martial arts hall, but his root bone was terrible. We asked around back then. His root bone was terrible, and he didn't put his heart into training, either. There was no way he could amount to anything."

"We just never expected him to... to be this good at fighting now. We don't know whether he's broken through to bright strength."

After explaining, the tall, thin youth hunched his neck alongside the short-haired man and dared not make another sound.

Xu Tai glanced toward the saber-wearing man by the door. "Heizi, go investigate this Yang Jing. Find out whether he's really entered bright strength, where he's staying, and who he associates with. I want everything clear."

"Yes, Chief." Heizi bowed, his scabbard lightly bumping his thigh.

Xu Tai looked back at the two men before him, his voice turning colder. "If this kid really has entered bright strength, we'll take our time and put together a foolproof plan. I'll deal with him myself."

He paused, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists. "If he hasn't entered bright strength and still dares to dodge his debt to the Great Fortune Gang, tear off his arms and legs and throw him into the mass graveyard to feed the dogs!"

The short-haired man and the tall, thin youth nodded hastily. Cold sweat streamed down their cheeks, and neither dared utter another word.

Early the next morning.

At the first faint light of dawn, Yang Jing ate more than a pound of horse meat at home, then left Datong Ward for the Sun Clan Martial Arts School in Chengping Ward.

Yang Jing took off his shirt, baring his arms, and began warming up. He raised a ninety-pound stone lock over his head, sweat sliding along the firm contours of his muscles and splashing onto the ground in dark patches.

Lately, he had been alternating between bear meat and horse meat, and the benefits of ample nourishment were becoming more apparent by the day.

Yang Jing could clearly feel that his strength had increased again. He could lift heavier stone locks now, and with considerably greater ease.

After warming up, Yang Jing walked into the practice grounds, lowered his waist, and planted his feet. The Fist Wind of Mountain Collapse Fist soon rang out.

An indescribable inner force circulated through his body, every punch whistling through the air. His movements had progressed from awkwardness toward fluid harmony. This was precisely the "Force Through the Flesh" that his master, Sun Yong, and Senior Brother Liu Maolin had mentioned before.

"Morning, junior brother."

Just then, Liu Maolin's voice came from the courtyard entrance.

Dressed in a moon-white training outfit, he walked in with light steps. Seeing Yang Jing deep in practice, he smiled. "Your Fist Wind sounds heavier again. Looks like that bear meat hasn't gone to waste."

"Fourth Senior Brother." Yang Jing drew back his fists and nodded, beads of sweat dripping from his temples to the ground. He smiled at the approaching Liu Maolin. "You're here too."

"Mm. I just stopped by the apothecary. Thought I'd come get some exercise."

With that, Liu Maolin moved to a spot near Yang Jing and began practicing Mountain Collapse Fist as well.

He was already a hidden strength expert. In all of Yuhe County, aside from the very few transforming strength masters, Liu Maolin ranked among the very best.

At his current level, making further progress was extraordinarily difficult.

As for the prospect of breaking through to transforming strength, that was even more remote.

Under these circumstances, Liu Maolin had begun dividing his attention. Rather than devoting himself entirely to martial training as he once had, he was gradually taking over the lineage's business.

He therefore spent much less time at the martial arts hall than before, though he still came for a while almost every day. Compared with the bustle and scheming at home or in business, he preferred the simple yet lively atmosphere here.

The two practiced Mountain Collapse Fist on their own, their Fist Winds weaving together in quiet harmony.

Before long, the Inner Courtyard's door creaked open. Sun Yong, the school's master, emerged in black robes with his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze swept over the many disciples training in the Front Courtyard.

"Zhou Ziming, sink your shoulders in your horse stance! Stop shaking like chaff in a sieve!"

"Li Xingchen, your punches are straying! Mountain Collapse Fist demands fierce power, not fancy flourishes!"

Sun Yong occasionally stopped to offer a few pointers. When he reached Yang Jing, he watched him finish a set, then said evenly, "Your bright strength has stabilized, but your lower body is still unsteady. Practice your horse stance more."

Then he moved on without another word.

In his eyes, Yang Jing's willingness to work hard was a good thing, but his root bone was what it was. Bright strength was already his limit, so he simply wasn't worth investing too much effort in.

His gaze soon settled on Lin Yue, who was training in the spacious center of the Front Courtyard.

Lin Yue was a year younger than Yang Jing, with a tall, upright figure. His breathing remained long and steady as he punched, and the gusts from his fists could stir fallen leaves more than ten feet away.

Sun Yong went over and personally corrected Lin Yue's stance. Even his tone was much gentler than with the other disciples. "Here, draw your breath into your dantian. When attempting your breakthrough to hidden strength, even the slightest deviation could leave all your efforts undone."

Lin Yue listened intently, nodding now and then, his expression respectful and focused.

Though he was a genius with considerable pride, that pride was reserved for ordinary disciples. Before his master, Sun Yong, he had always been deferential.

Many Martial Arts Hall disciples watched enviously as the hall master continued guiding Lin Yue.

Everyone knew Lin Yue was the gifted disciple Sun Yong valued most. Not only had he received special permission to live in the Inner Courtyard, but Sun Yong was also said to grant him treasure medicine frequently, greatly accelerating his progress.

Other disciples at the Martial Arts Hall had applied to live there after breaking through to bright strength, but Sun Yong had rejected nearly all of them on the grounds that "too many people disturb the peace."

After that, most disciples no longer applied to live at the Martial Arts Hall even after reaching bright strength, unless they had an important reason that could move Sun Yong. Ordinary registered disciples had no right to apply at all.

Lin Yue, however, had been invited to stay by Sun Yong himself upon breaking through to bright strength and allowed to live in the Inner Courtyard. Some disciples even privately speculated that the master wanted to bring Lin Yue and Sun Ningxiang together.

Whenever this subject came up, the Martial Arts Hall disciples' spirits sank. To these rough men, the hall master's daughter, Sun Ningxiang, was practically the embodiment of truth, goodness, and beauty.

"I heard Senior Brother Lin is almost ready to attempt his breakthrough to hidden strength."

"Exactly! How long has it been since he entered bright strength? He's already about to attempt hidden strength. That's a genius with superior root bone for you!"

"I heard Senior Sister Qi Yun say that Senior Brother Lin's root bone is exceptional. He's very likely to reach hidden strength on his first attempt. Good heavens, that'd make him a hidden strength expert!"

"Forget hidden strength. We couldn't catch up even if we spurred our horses to the limit. We'll be doing well if we can enter strength in this lifetime."

As the other disciples' envious and jealous remarks reached his ears, Yang Jing turned a deaf ear, as though he heard nothing at all.

He didn't care how the other Martial Arts Hall disciples performed, whether well or poorly.

He focused on his own progress along the martial path. With the System Panel, as long as he trained hard, he would surely reach the highest point within his sight.

Hidden strength was not the end of his martial path. His goal was transforming strength, and even higher martial realms beyond it.

While others were thrown into turmoil by Lin Yue's displays of talent, Yang Jing silently concentrated on practicing Mountain Collapse Fist.

Time passed, minute by minute, second by second.

Yang Jing was practicing the "Split Stone" move of Mountain Collapse Fist. His fist had just touched the wooden post when Liu Maolin spoke behind him. "Junior brother, the 'split' in this move isn't about brute force. It's about skillful force."

He turned to find that Liu Maolin had stopped practicing and was smiling at him.

"Fourth Senior Brother," Yang Jing greeted him with a smile.

Liu Maolin smiled softly and nodded. "Come, shall we exchange a few moves? Let me see how well you've absorbed your new understanding of the fist art."

Yang Jing's eyes lit up. Knowing his senior brother intended to guide him again, he hurriedly cupped his hands. "Please instruct me, senior brother."

The two took their places in an open space and simultaneously assumed Mountain Collapse Fist's opening stance.

Yang Jing punched first. Driven by bright strength, his Fist Wind rushed straight toward Liu Maolin's face with fierce momentum.

Liu Maolin remained unhurried. With a light turn of his wrist, he made a seemingly casual block that stripped away most of the punch's force.

At the same time, his elbow rose slightly. Mountain Collapse Fist's "Driving Elbow" move reached Yang Jing's chest, only to stop about an inch from his clothing.

"Watch closely."

Liu Maolin's voice was steady. "Your bright strength is too rigid, like a stubborn stone without a sharpened edge. It can smash things apart, but it can't damage what lies within. Hidden strength is different..."

Before he finished speaking, his arm suddenly trembled slightly. Yang Jing felt a clinging force wind along his arm, as though vines had wrapped around it. Even withdrawing his fist became difficult.

"Hidden strength is like flowing water. It follows your opponent's force, then slips through the gaps."

As Liu Maolin spoke, he changed moves.

His fist skimmed past Yang Jing's arm, the gust it raised making his skin tingle.

"Take this 'Mountain-Crushing' move. Bright strength splits mountains and shatters stone. Hidden strength shakes apart the foundations beneath the stone," Liu Maolin said slowly.

Yang Jing concentrated on the sensation, adjusting the path of his punches under Liu Maolin's guidance.

Liu Maolin controlled his hidden strength effortlessly. At times it brushed past like a spring breeze, allowing Yang Jing to clearly sense the trajectory of his punches. At others, it struck like towering waves crashing against the shore, forcing him to summon all his bright strength to respond.

Every exchange seemed to demonstrate a deeper truth of Mountain Collapse Fist.

So the same move, driven by bright strength or hidden strength, could be as different as heaven and earth.

"Yes, just like that. Sink your waist and hips a little more. Let the force rise from the roots of your legs and drive upward along your spine..."

Seeing Yang Jing gradually find his way, Liu Maolin's voice gained a measure of approval.

The two traded moves back and forth, their Fist Winds weaving together.

Liu Maolin held something in reserve throughout, yet helped Yang Jing understand "Force Through the Flesh" and "Strength and Flexibility in Harmony" ever more thoroughly.

When they withdrew from the final move, Yang Jing was slightly out of breath, but his eyes shone brilliantly. It was as though a layer of paper over a window had been pierced, and his mastery of Mountain Collapse Fist had improved considerably.

"Thank you, senior brother!"

Yang Jing cupped his hands in heartfelt gratitude.

Only now did he understand that the "collapse" in Mountain Collapse Fist meant not only breaking apart external objects, but also shattering the limits of his own understanding of the fist art.

Liu Maolin smiled and patted Yang Jing's shoulder. "Junior brother, your foundation is solid. All you lack is a little guidance. Keep training. Given time, you may well touch the threshold of hidden strength."

Afterward, the two went to sit on the stone benches at the edge of the courtyard, each taking out a waterskin and gulping down water.

Yang Jing took a couple of swallows, put away his waterskin, and wiped his mouth. Looking at Liu Maolin, he asked, "Fourth Senior Brother, have you heard of the Great Fortune Gang?"

Liu Maolin paused at the question, then considered it. "The Great Fortune Gang? That sounds somewhat familiar. They're a gang here in West City, aren't they?"

Yang Jing promptly nodded.

Yuhe County's county seat was divided into the Inner City and the Outer City.

The Outer City was further divided by direction into South City, West City, North City, and East City.

Both Chengping Ward, where the Sun Clan Martial Arts School stood, and Datong Ward, where Yang Jing lived, were within West City. The Great Fortune Gang also operated here; otherwise, Yang Jing would not have encountered them so readily.

Liu Maolin thought for a moment, then continued, "My family's Medical Hall has dealings with quite a few forces in the city. I've occasionally heard our accountant mention them. The Great Fortune Gang isn't a major gang here, just an ordinary one."

He paused, as though recalling something, then added, "I vaguely remember their Chief being a bright strength martial artist. What was his name... I think his surname was Xu? I don't know his exact strength or fighting record, but I've never heard of him touching the threshold of hidden strength. Anyway, why are you suddenly asking about them?"

Liu Maolin raised his head and looked at Yang Jing with a slight frown.

Gangs stood thick as trees in Yuhe County. Unless absolutely necessary, it was best not to have dealings with these underworld forces.