Conditions

The private room door was gently pushed open. A waiter in a clean long gown bowed as he entered, holding a thick menu in his hands. "Would the two young masters like to order now?"

Liu Maolin beckoned for the menu, casually flipped through a couple of pages, and said readily, "One Braised Tiger Tendon, Sauce-Exploded Bear Paw, Clear Stewed Venison, and a plate of Roasted Wild Wolf Ribs. Also Stewed Bear Heart—oh, right, and that Roasted Wild Boar Belly. As for soup, bring us a pot of Three-Essence Medicinal Soup. Junior Brother, see if there's anything else you'd like to add?"

"That's enough, that's enough." Yang Jing waved his hands repeatedly.

Listening to Liu Maolin order from the side, he could not help secretly clicking his tongue.

All six dishes were made from the meat of fierce beasts from the mountains and forests, their effects far surpassing those of domestic livestock. Ordinary families in the outer city and countryside would be fortunate to see such food, let alone eat it. A single dish of Braised Tiger Tendon probably cost as much as an outer-city resident's expenses for half a year.

That Three-Essence Medicinal Soup was slow-stewed with various nourishing herbs. Its name alone made it clear that it was a powerful tonic, and its price was surely no small sum.

"Senior Brother, isn't this a little too extravagant?" Yang Jing felt somewhat apologetic.

"Hey, saying that makes us strangers." Liu Maolin waved a hand. "Breaking through to Hidden Strength is such a huge occasion—shouldn't we celebrate properly and build you up a little? Besides, our medical hall will be relying on a Hidden Strength expert like you to uphold its reputation. What does this little bit of money amount to?"

The waiter acknowledged the order and withdrew. Before long, dish after dish was brought in.

Each one came steaming hot, its fragrance rushing into their noses and whetting their appetites.

Looking at the table full of meat dishes, Yang Jing did feel a little embarrassed, but he could not resist their tempting aroma.

The two said no more. Picking up their chopsticks, they began to feast with gusto.

When Yang Jing ate at home, fierce beast meat was usually just boiled in plain water with a sprinkle of salt for seasoning, quick and convenient.

But these dishes before him had been meticulously prepared by a master chef. Whether braised or sauce-fried, their flavors unfolded in layer after layer, far beyond anything he could make himself.

Tiger tendon, bear paw, venison... Every bite made him feel as if his taste buds had been completely awakened, as though every pore across his body had opened.

He ate swiftly without being crude, refilling bowl after bowl of rice and swallowing down every kind of fierce beast meat along with it.

Warm energy slid down his throat and spread through his limbs and bones. It was far more nourishing than the bear meat he ate at home. Even the Hidden Strength within him seemed to grow livelier from it, leaving him pleasantly warm and comfortable.

Liu Maolin also ate with enthusiasm. From time to time, he picked up a bite of food and watched Yang Jing wolf it down, his face full of amusement.

He knew Yang Jing was usually frugal with food and drink, and that chances like this to eat without restraint were rare. So he simply did not disturb him, merely accompanying him as they dug in.

For a time, the private room held only the soft clink of bowls and chopsticks and the satisfied sounds of chewing. The delicacies covering the table were gradually wiped out by the two of them.

Second by second, time passed. After swallowing the last spoonful of medicinal soup, Yang Jing set down his bowl and let out a satisfied burp. His whole body felt warm, and even his fingertips seemed to brim with strength.

Nearly every plate on the table was empty. The six dishes and one soup had been swept clean, with more than half ending up in Yang Jing's stomach.

Liu Maolin put down his chopsticks, his expression complicated and his tone unable to conceal his astonishment. "Junior Brother, your appetite... is really something. Eating that much, are you all right?"

Though he had eaten along with him, he had deliberately held back, tasting only a few bites from each dish. Altogether, he had eaten less than twenty percent.

But Yang Jing? He had practically finished the Braised Tiger Tendon by himself, and he had even gnawed the Roasted Wild Wolf Ribs clean to the bone. By the count, he had eaten at least over two jin of fierce beast meat.

"This isn't ordinary meat," Liu Maolin said, clicking his tongue. "Even an Entering Strength martial artist has to circulate their cultivation to digest half a jin at a time. A Hidden Strength martial artist would be at their limit after one jin. Aren't you afraid that more than two jin will cause internal fire to strike your heart?"

The energy contained in such fierce beast meat was extremely potent. An ordinary person would feel scorching hot all over after eating even a small piece. A moment's carelessness could cause a nosebleed, or even damage the internal organs.

This was Liu Maolin's first time seeing someone devour food so ravenously, then act as if nothing had happened afterward.

Yang Jing rubbed his stomach and smiled. "I've always eaten more than most. I'm used to it."

He knew perfectly well that his ability to eat so much was probably related to the System Panel. No matter how much he ate, he could digest it without harming himself.

Ever since breaking through to Bright Strength, he had started eating at least one jin of meat every meal. Later, consuming a jin of fierce beast meat per meal had become normal for him.

After breaking through to Hidden Strength, his body's demand for energy had surged even further. Though the energy in this fierce beast meat was potent, its effects had become somewhat weaker for his current self. This time, after eating more than two jin in one go, his body had absorbed and converted it perfectly. Not only did he feel no heat, he instead experienced a hearty, thoroughly satisfying comfort.

Only when Liu Maolin saw that his expression remained normal, without the slightest sign of surging blood and qi, did he relax. Waving a hand, he said, "As long as you're fine."

He did not ask further. Everyone had their own secrets. Since Yang Jing did not wish to elaborate, there was no need for him to press the matter.

Liu Maolin set down his teacup, his expression turning serious. "Junior Brother, there's something I'd like to discuss with you properly."

Yang Jing looked up at him. He knew Liu Maolin was about to talk about the terms of his position at Liu Family Medical Hall. After all, he had now broken through to Hidden Strength. A Hidden Strength expert carried considerable weight in any faction, and his treatment naturally had to be raised accordingly.

"My father and I discussed it. We'd like to hire you as a Senior Guest Official of Liu Family Medical Hall." Liu Maolin spoke earnestly. "The terms we offered when you first took up a position with us were fairly good, but that was because of the bond between senior and junior brothers. Things are different now. You're a Hidden Strength expert. Even setting aside our prior friendship, the medical hall must place great importance on you. Both your status and your treatment must keep pace."

He then held up three fingers. "There are three specific terms. Hear them out."

"First, thirty taels of silver a month." Liu Maolin named the amount, then added, "This isn't much for a Hidden Strength expert, but it's only the foundation."

Yang Jing nodded. Thirty taels a month was already several years' worth of living expenses for an ordinary family, so he did not consider it little. However, based on what he knew of the rates offered to other Hidden Strength martial artists holding similar positions, thirty taels was indeed not much.

Liu Maolin continued, "Second, five Spirit Fish every month."

"Spirit Fish?" Yang Jing froze for a moment. The name alone sounded extraordinary.

"Don't underestimate Spirit Fish." Liu Maolin explained, "Their flesh and blood contain enormous energy, and they are greatly beneficial for nourishing a martial artist's Internal Energy. On the market, one fish costs at least twenty-five taels—far more expensive than this entire table of dishes."

Yang Jing's heart jolted.

He estimated that this table of food cost over ten taels, perhaps even close to twenty. Yet one Spirit Fish was worth twenty-five taels? Five of them would be one hundred and twenty-five taels. That was an incredibly generous offer.

"Our medical hall has specialized channels for acquiring Spirit Fish, so we can keep the costs down somewhat, but they still aren't cheap." Liu Maolin smiled. "Stew these Spirit Fish into soup and drink it. Their effects will be far better than eating fierce beast meat."

Before Yang Jing could fully process the value of the Spirit Fish, Liu Maolin stated the third condition. "Third, every month, you may visit the medical hall's herb storeroom and collect medicinal ingredients worth up to fifty taels. Whether they replenish qi, strengthen the bones, or regulate internal breath—so long as we have them in stock, take whatever you like."

Seeing Yang Jing's surprised expression, he added, "The nourishing power of medicinal ingredients is far purer than fierce beast meat. If you combine fierce beast meat with medicinal supplements from now on, supplemented by Spirit Fish, your cultivation speed in the Hidden Strength realm will certainly increase by a great deal."

Yang Jing's hand, resting on his knee, slowly tightened.

Monthly pay, Spirit Fish, medicinal ingredients... Every one of these three terms struck directly at what he needed. For his current cultivation, they were simply necessities.

Just as Yang Jing was about to speak, Liu Maolin suddenly raised a hand. "Wait, Junior Brother. There's something I need to say upfront."

He looked at Yang Jing, his tone earnest. "I know you're a Hidden Strength expert now. That carries a different weight. Once word gets out that you've broken through to Hidden Strength, plenty of factions will surely come to recruit you. Even Yuhe County's six great families may very well make an appearance."

"Those great families have vast estates and deep coffers. They may be able to offer terms more generous than our Liu family's." Liu Maolin paused, as if making up his mind. "So there's no need for you to answer me right away. You can wait and see, compare a few more options, then make your decision."

Though those words were spoken for Yang Jing's sake, Liu Maolin's fingers quietly clenched.

In truth, he wanted more than anyone for Yang Jing to agree. He simply could not bring himself to force him to stay, and he feared even more that Yang Jing would regret it someday, leaving a knot in the hearts of the two martial brothers.

After hearing him out, Yang Jing nodded, and a smile suddenly appeared on his face. "Sure."

Liu Maolin's heart skipped a beat. The smile on his face instantly froze, and he forced himself to nod with a smile. "Then... then we can talk about it again in a few days."

It seemed his junior brother still wanted to look into the terms offered by other factions. It seemed the Liu family's little bit of sincerity might not be enough to keep him.

Just as disappointment washed over him, Yang Jing asked with a smile, "Senior Brother Liu, what do you mean by that? Are the terms you just offered no longer valid?"

Liu Maolin froze, then abruptly looked up at Yang Jing. Only when he saw the teasing glint in his eyes did he realize, belatedly, that he had been played!

"You... you mean..." Liu Maolin's voice trembled slightly, and the stiffness on his face was instantly replaced by wild delight. "Junior Brother, you agreed?"

Yang Jing smiled and nodded. "Naturally."

His smile faded as he said seriously, "The Liu Family Medical Hall has treated me well. From the very beginning, no one looked down on me for my poor natural aptitude. Instead, you've looked after me in every way. Staying here gives me peace of mind."

"Besides," Yang Jing said, looking at Liu Maolin, "the terms you offered are already good enough. Spirit Fish, medicinal ingredients, and silver are all what I need most right now. As for other factions..."

He shook his head. "They may be able to offer more, but they may not let me cultivate in peace."

Many Hidden Strength martial artists felt they had no hope of breaking through to Transforming Strength. Once they reached this stage, they would shift their efforts toward other matters—factional struggles, family business, or something else.

But Yang Jing was different. His martial path could still continue forward, and he did not want other matters to distract him.

Staying at the Liu Family Medical Hall meant, first, that they were already familiar with one another and needed no period of adjustment. Second, with Liu Maolin there, Yang Jing could rest easy.

Liu Maolin's eyes lit up as he listened. He slapped the table so hard he nearly jolted over the teacup. "Good brother! I knew you weren't the sort to forget righteousness at the sight of profit!"

He stood up excitedly, paced twice around the private room, then sat back down and gripped Yang Jing's hand tightly. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, the Liu Family Medical Hall will never deny you your share of the benefits!"

The excitement on his face could not be hidden, and even his voice rose a few notches. That earlier disappointment had long since vanished like smoke in the wind.

Seeing how happy he was, Yang Jing smiled as well.

To him, this trust and stability mattered more than the greater sums of silver and benefits other factions might offer.

Once they had settled the matter, the two rose from the private room amid laughter and conversation.

After paying the bill, they left Fu Man Lou and boarded the carriage waiting outside.

The carriage slowly departed the Inner City. Its wheels rolled over the flagstone roads of the outer city, producing a slightly jolting rattle.

A small oil lamp burned within the carriage, its dim yellow light illuminating their faces.

Liu Maolin leaned back against his seat. Suddenly remembering something, he turned to Yang Jing. "Oh, right, Junior Brother. In a little over twenty days, the county will hold the Parade Ground Trial."

Yang Jing nodded.

Though he usually devoted all his attention to martial training and cared little about most other matters, an event as significant as the Parade Ground Trial was still something he kept track of.

"This Parade Ground Trial is the first hurdle of the Martial Arts Examination," Liu Maolin said. "Not many pass it each year, but you're a Hidden Strength martial artist now. You'll definitely be fine if you give it a try. Even if you lose, there won't be much danger."

He looked at Yang Jing, pondered briefly, and continued, "I think you should give it a shot this year. Even if you don't pass, you can gain some experience. You're still young; you'll have plenty of chances ahead. Sooner or later, you'll make it through."

"Once you pass the Parade Ground Trial, you'll have half an official status," Liu Maolin said, with a hint of envy in his voice. "By then, you'll be both a Hidden Strength expert and someone with that status. In Yuhe County, you'll truly be a figure to reckon with. Even those great families will have to treat you politely when they see you."

Yang Jing's fingertips twitched slightly, and ripples stirred in his heart.

Though he was not keen on officialdom, he understood the weight carried by the words "official status."

In these chaotic times, having an official status to rely on would make many things easier. Even half of one would be enough to let him gain a firm foothold in Yuhe County. If he later went to Caozhou or elsewhere to search for his father and eldest uncle, it would give him a little more confidence and make travel more convenient.

Moreover, the reason he had spent such a huge sum to enter a martial hall and train in martial arts in the first place was because his grandfather, grandmother, father, and mother had all hoped that one day he would make a name for himself in the Martial Arts Examination. In the eyes of country folk, the Martial Arts Examination was the Parade Ground Trial itself; they knew nothing of the successive examinations and selections that came afterward.

Passing the Parade Ground Trial could exempt one from land rent, and one could also allow others to attach themselves under one's name in exchange for fees. Though the benefits were considerable, Yang Jing no longer thought much of such small sums.

What truly interested him in the Martial Arts Examination were, first, official status; second, his family's hopes; third, the chance to test himself through the examination. Lastly, if he could pass the Parade Ground Trial, it would also prove his worth and make his master value him more. Yang Jing understood clearly that only by showing sufficient value could he attract more resources.

At that thought, a measure of longing and anticipation inevitably rose in Yang Jing's heart.