This Fighting Hall was about five stories high and even had its own small internal arena. Standing on the upper level and looking out, Chen Chuan took in the glittering waters of Creekland Great Inner Lake at a glance.
Numerous ferries and cargo ships traveled across the lake, with small sailboats scattered over it like ornaments.
Nobu Goro accompanied him at his side, introducing the surrounding area. Though he was broad and burly, he was surprisingly eloquent, clear-minded, and well-organized, with an occasional touch of humor. Despite being from overseas, he did not fit the usual stereotype of foreigners as stern and unsmiling.
Chen Chuan withdrew his gaze and asked him, "I read the files. Mr. Nobu Goro, you took over the Fighting Hall ten years ago?"
Nobu Goro replied respectfully, "Your Excellency, ten years ago, I accepted Madam Luo's arrangement and took over the dojo from the previous hall master.
"I do not possess the courage or ability of the previous hall master, so I had no choice but to hire several experienced coaches. They now account for our main source of revenue. Over the years, the Fighting Hall has maintained good cooperative relationships with them, but..."
He paused slightly. "Quite a few of them have already requested raises and increased profit shares twice in succession. If we do not agree to their demands, they will collectively withdraw from the Fighting Hall. That would cause irreparable damage to the dojo's reputation."
Chen Chuan said, "When did this begin?"
"At the end of the first ten-day period of the month."
Chen Chuan roughly understood. That timing happened to coincide with when he took over the dojo. They had likely learned that the dojo had changed owners, so someone had begun making moves behind the scenes.
Setting aside other places, this