A Greedy Eye for Wealth
Chen Wang walked through the corridor and arrived at the main hall of the martial arts school.
Someone went to report, and soon a middle-aged man in his forties came over.
His clothes were clearly much more luxurious than those of Instructor Hong. He was strong and powerful, standing there like a human-shaped bear. His eyes were like copper bells, giving people a great sense of oppression.
He held two iron balls in his hands and slowly turned them around, looking extremely impressive.
Instructor Hong said, "Master Fang, this is Young Master Chen. He has come here because he wants to learn the Great Stele Shattering Thirteen Forms."
The martial arts school owner frowned upon hearing this, clearly displeased with Instructor Hong's actions.
He said in a deep voice, "To learn martial arts, one must start from scratch and train step by step. There is no room for cheating. You did not explain this principle to Young Master Chen. Aren't you misleading him?"
As he spoke, his tone became somewhat stern.
Instructor Hong raised his hand and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Chen Wang, not wanting to put him in such a difficult position, took over the conversation with a smile and said, "I have also practiced martial arts for a while and know how to act within my limits. Learning the Great Stele Shattering Thirteen Forms is just right for me."
Master Fang asked, "Oh? May I ask what your cultivation level is, Young Master Chen?"
What cultivation level? I have no idea.
Chen Wang calmly said, "I am at the ninth level of Body Tempering, and I came here because I need a martial arts manual for the Meridian Opening Realm."
Master Fang was somewhat surprised, but he still glared at Instructor Hong before saying in a deep voice, "To be honest, Young Master Chen, it's not that I want to offend you, but the Great Stele Shattering Thirteen Forms Smash is the ultimate technique of my martial arts school. It requires several years of training under my tutelage, and only after you have a good character and State of Mind can I teach it to you. Otherwise, I cannot teach it lightly. I hope Young Master Chen can understand this."
Chen Wang smiled and said, "I understand. When taking on disciples, it's natural to examine their character and observe them for a period of time. However, I have some matters to attend to and will not stay here for long. As for this unique skill, I am willing to pay a large sum of money to purchase it."
Master Fang shook his head and smiled. "It's not about money. If it were a martial art at the Body Tempering Realm, I would sell it. But martial arts at the Meridian Opening Realm were passed down by my father and cannot be easily taught to others. If Young Master Chen wants to learn, he should enter the martial arts school and start with the Black Tiger Golden Fist. I will definitely teach him everything I know."
Chen Wang handed over a silver note with a smile.
This is what he exchanged at a money exchange in Tiankang County.
"I hope the curator can be lenient."
Master Fang frowned almost imperceptibly; such was the demeanor of a rich young master.
However, when he took the silver note and glanced at it, he was immediately shocked. Five thousand taels! The eight-foot-tall, strong and powerful Master Fang cleared his throat and said in a deep voice, "Originally, it is not something that can be easily taught, but Young Master Chen's sincerity has moved me greatly. Moreover, Young Master Chen's ability to reach the ninth level of Body Tempering at such a young age is also extraordinary. I have also developed a love for talent, so I will teach you the Great Stele Shattering Thirteen Forms today."
He talked for a long time, but the most crucial sentence was actually the last one.
Then, the burly, usually stern-faced innkeeper broke into a smile, invited Chen Wang Chen Wang to sit down, and had tea served to him.
The way she looked at Instructor Hong softened considerably.
"Instructor Hong, please sit down as well."
The Master Fang's tone softened.
Instructor Hong was very happy.
The curator was known for his fiery temper, so when had he ever been so kind to him? Little did he know that in the Master Fang's eyes, he had brought him a god of wealth.
It's true that you can't teach haphazardly, but Chen Wang is giving us too much!
In this way, Chen Wang easily obtained the Great Stele Shattering Thirteen Forms Boxing Manual from the master of the martial arts school.
When he left the martial arts school, the school master, who was at the Tongmai realm, saw him off along with Instructor Hong, appearing very hospitable.
Long after Chen Wang left, the two of them remained standing there.
The disciples in the martial arts school were also very curious.
Who exactly is this young man who could be personally escorted by the master of the martial arts school and Instructor Hong?
Some of the local wealthy young men practicing martial arts at the school had never seen this young man before, so they were quite curious about him.
Chen Wang was naturally not short of money; he was very generous and easily exchanged some gold for a large number of silver notes.
He returned to the inn and opened the book, "The Great Stele Shattering Thirteen Forms."
The Great Stele Shattering Thirteen Forms is also a powerful hard skill that can open up the meridians and cultivate True Qi.
When the body's Qi and Blood become strong enough, True Qi will be generated, which is the state of opening the meridians.
Chen Wang glanced at it and read it through.
From the peak of Body Tempering to cultivating True Qi, one who can master it within half a year is a genius, and one who can master it within three months is a peerless genius.
A wisp of True Qi will be generated in the dantian, which is the beginning of opening the meridians.
However, Chen Wang only read it once, and after practicing the Cultivation Method, the True Qi in his body became extremely surging.
With a sudden boom, it felt as if a bomb was boiling inside his body, and his True Qi surged violently, vast and boundless, flowing endlessly.
Chen Wang sensed the True Qi and found it to be much weaker than his own Law Power. However, it had its own unique features, except that its attack power was more pure, while Law Power contained many attributes.
"It's that simple?"
Chen Wang is now considered a martial artist at the Meridian Opening Realm, and not only that, he is at the peak of the Meridian Opening Realm.
"I wonder what the cultivation level will be like after the meridians are opened?"
Chen Wang thought to himself.
He learned some information about this world: there are powerful martial artists in this world who can split mountains and shatter rocks, move mountains and fill seas with a wave of their hand or a kick; they are incredibly strong.
Therefore, Chen Wang was somewhat curious about the upper limit of this world and very interested in its martial arts system.
After Chen Wang left, the master of the martial arts school and Instructor Hong discussed in the room, "Did his disciple who went to follow him return?"
Instructor Hong said, "He's back."
Just now, the two of them sent two clever and quick-witted disciples to follow Chen Wang from a distance, all the way to the inn where he was staying.
"He stayed at the Fuan Inn, all by himself, in Number One Heavenly Room."
Master Fang nodded. "It seems he's a young master from out of town who has learned some martial arts and is traveling around."
Instructor Hong nodded.
"Indeed, this man is quite generous, spending five thousand taels of silver notes in one go. You can't even get this price on the Black Market."
Martial arts techniques used at the Meridian Opening stage can usually fetch two to three thousand taels of silver, but five thousand taels is an unheard-of price! Master Fang let out a long sigh of relief.
"Yes, this guy is from out of town and has no connections. We should kill him. I think he has a lot of money on him, so five thousand taels is probably just a drop in the ocean."
A murderous glint appeared in Instructor Hong's eyes.
Although they don't usually do this kind of thing, the world is in chaos, and a martial arts school can't rely solely on teaching disciples to survive.
"But this person is so generous; he probably has some connections. Will he cause trouble in the future?"
"Instructor Hong said."
Master Fang said, "If we're worried about trouble, let's just stop practicing martial arts. When a person dies, their balls fall to the sky. What's there to be afraid of? As long as we do it cleanly, we can just deny everything and who will know it was us?"
Instructor Hong nodded, gritting his teeth, and said, "That's right!"
Master Fang said, "Call two of your capable disciples, and we'll go tonight. I'll go personally, just in case anything goes wrong."
Instructor Hong said, "He claims to be a martial artist at the ninth level of Body Tempering, but he looks thin and weak, not like that kind of expert."
The martial artists in this world are all very burly, more visually striking than bodybuilders, and incredibly fierce.
Chen Wang was actually quite sturdy, but in their eyes he was rather thin.
Master Fang licked his lips. "We can't afford any accidents with such a fat sheep. It's fine if you go by yourself on ordinary days, but I'm not comfortable with it if I don't go in person this time."
Instructor Hong smiled and said, "Yes, with the master personally taking charge, there's absolutely no chance of failure."
But he had some doubts in his heart. He had never been so worried when he went there a few times before. This time, it must be because this Young Master Chen was rich and afraid that he would swallow him.
However, it's better to believe it's true than not. If this Young Master Chen isn't just bragging and is actually a ninth-level Body Tempering, then if a fight breaks out, he might not be able to gain the upper hand.
Master Fang glanced at Instructor Hong, knowing what he was thinking, and sneered inwardly, "If he wasn't a martial artist at the ninth level of Body Tempering, why would he spend so much money to buy martial arts at the Meridian Opening stage? Fool, but if it weren't for your brain, I really wouldn't have kept you alive until now."
This world appears relatively calm and prosperous on the surface, but it is actually quite bloody and full of struggles on the surface.
As night was about to fall, the Miss Xu Family sent someone to invite them again, her words full of True Intention.
Unable to refuse, Chen Wang went with them to the Xu Residence.
The Xu Family was very wealthy. Although they were only temporarily staying in Tiankang County, they still bought a house there.
When Chen Wang, the Xu Family had already prepared a banquet.
Chen Wang was greeted by a woman with an elegant demeanor and fair skin. She looked like a pampered rich girl who had been raised in seclusion.
However, her daily management of the household business has given Madam Xu a touch of competence.
Xu Miaoyin was dressed very elegantly today, unlike her usual adorned appearance during the day. Instead, she was more graceful and refined, exuding the air of a well-bred lady.
Aside from some servants and maids, the Xu Family consisted of some strong and powerful guards.
After taking their seats, Madam Xu raised her wine glass and said, "We relied on Young Master Chen to save my daughter and me, and he didn't ask for a single penny. His magnanimity and chivalry are truly admirable. I toast to Young Master Chen!"
They had previously offered Chen Wang a large sum of money as a reward, but Chen Wang had no interest in such wealth and therefore refused.
We just happened to be in Tiankang County together and hitched a ride.
Chen Wang said with a smile, "Madam Xu, you are too kind. After today, let's not mention this matter again. It is only right to help those in need."
These words only amplified his heroic spirit.
Not only the elegant Madam Xu, but also the beautiful Xu Miaoyin was captivated and momentarily lost in thought.
The dishes and wine prepared by the Xu Family were all very delicious.
After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, everyone's faces were already showing signs of intoxication.
The elegant Madam Xu now had a blush on her cheeks, making her look even more captivating.
Chen Wang was accompanied by this beautiful mother and daughter, and served by pretty maids.
Unbeknownst to them, outside, in a hidden corner, the powerful and muscular Master Fang, along with Instructor Hong and two other close disciples, were waiting amidst the howling wind.
They found a secluded spot to hide, and looking at the laughter and warm light emanating from the mansion, Instructor Hong muttered under his breath, "We're freezing and starving here, while this kid's having a good time inside!"
One of the martial arts school disciples also had a fierce look in his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Why don't we charge in? As far as I know, only a mother and daughter live in this house, and they are both very beautiful."
Master Fang shook his head.
"We mustn't cause any unnecessary trouble. Besides, we're not thugs who rob and plunder."
Upon hearing this, the crowd fell silent.
They don't say it out loud, so we don't know what they're really thinking.
If we're not thuggish robbers, what are we doing loitering outside? Actually, this Master Fang has businesses in the area and is extremely influential. He knows that this mother and daughter seem to have connections with the local magistrate, and that they have many guards in their residence.
If things really get out of hand, it could cause trouble, so there are patrol officers on the streets now.
"We'll hack him when he comes out."
However, after waiting for about half an hour, they still saw no sign of Chen Wang.
Instructor Hong, hot-tempered, was getting impatient. "Why don't we just go all in and charge in? This kid has a good-looking face. What if that mother and daughter take a liking to him and want him to stay overnight? Wouldn't we be wasting our time?"
The Master Fang said, "Wait a little longer."
Another half hour passed, but Chen Wang still did not come out.
Xu Miaoyin, unable to hold her liquor, had already been helped back to her room by her maid, leaving only the elegant Madam Xu drinking with Chen Wang.
The maidservants kept serving wine, and Madam Xu had a good tolerance for alcohol; the two chatted happily.
The graceful Madam Xu possessed a unique charm, with captivating allure in every glance.
While drinking, Chen Wang noticed that Madam Xu was intentionally or unintentionally flirting with him, her fingers lightly tracing the back of his hand.
Chen Wang smiled and took her soft hand.
"Madam, I can read palms. Shall I take a look at your palm?"
Madam Xu chuckled and said, "Young Master Chen can read palms? Then take a good look at my palm."
Chen Wang rubbed her palms, making Madam Xu's eyes seem to be filled with mist, and half of her body went limp.
Finally, Master Fang and his group could no longer contain themselves and sneaked inside. Upon hearing the cheerful laughter emanating from the mansion, anger blazed in everyone's eyes.
"He's taken a fancy to this lady from the Xu Family. In my opinion, these two scoundrels will consummate their relationship tonight!"
Instructor Hong cursed.
His breathing was heavy, and he couldn't help but swallow.
A guard noticed the commotion and immediately shouted, "Who goes there!"
These men had their faces covered with black cloths, revealing only their eyes, and they moved with great speed.
Two guards rushed forward, but were immediately driven back.
Master Fang sighed inwardly, "Those who aren't professional fighters and robbers just won't do; they have to make a big fuss."
At this moment, Chen Wang pushed open the door and came out.
Beside him was a beautiful woman with a graceful figure, who had sobered up somewhat and looked a little flustered.
The maids around him were also somewhat panicked.
Madam Xu was somewhat frightened at this moment, so she moved even closer to Chen Wang, leaning almost half of her body against him.
At this moment, Instructor Hong was even more consumed by jealousy. He let out a cold shout and struck out with his palm!
The Madam Xu, was so frightened that she turned pale.
But Chen Wang raised his hand and grabbed Instructor Hong's wrist.
Instructor Hong felt as if he were bound by a steel hoop, or as if he were being burned by a branding iron.
He screamed in agony and involuntarily knelt down on the ground.
Chen Wang removed the mask from his face and said with a half-smile, "Instructor Hong, what is the meaning of this?"