Helping Out

"What level?"

Shi Lei almost laughed. Zhang Lingshan had merely mastered the Righteous Yang Posture, which only made his constitution better than that of ordinary people. What did he mean, what level?

What an ignorant kid.

Still, he did not dare mock him to his face. After considering his words, he said, "Put it this way: whether it is the Righteous Yang Posture or the Primal Chaos Righteous Yang Posture, they are only meant to lay a foundation for the body. To become a martial artist, you must at least master one Combat Technique."

"Combat Technique?"

"That's right. Martial arts are divided into Cultivation Methods and Combat Techniques. Cultivation Methods are for honing yourself alone, tempering your body and strengthening yourself. Combat Techniques are for sparring with another person, finding their openings, and weakening your enemy."

At this point, Shi Lei said earnestly, "Junior Brother Shan, with your talent, you will enter the Backyard sooner or later and formally become Master's disciple. As for the specifics, let Master explain them to you. I can't make it clear in just a few words."

"Alright. I'm home. Senior Brother, would you like to come in and sit for a while?"

"No need. See you."

Shi Lei hurried away.

Had he known that taking Zhang Lingshan home meant passing through this stretch of Qinghe Road, he would never have escorted him.

That was the ominous place where the Zhao Family massacre had occurred.

Who knew whether the Yamen had thoroughly dealt with the Evil Spirit? What if he happened to hit the jackpot?

So he would absolutely never escort him again.

Even if he did, he had to hurry back home before nightfall.

The people living in Jin City had paid for a rule with the lives of those before them: as long as they shut their doors and windows properly at night, the chance of encountering an Evil Spirit coming to claim their lives dropped drastically.

If you wanted to court death, then wander around at night.

Thus, Jin City's nights were quiet nights.

From one angle, the existence of Evil Spirits did not seem entirely bad.

"Xiao Shan."

Before Zhang Lingshan could enter, the old man next door suddenly called out to him.

"Yes, Uncle Fu," Zhang Lingshan greeted him.

Uncle Fu rubbed his hands together and said somewhat awkwardly, "My family made Roast Goose today. We can't finish it all in one meal, so bring your mother and little sister over to eat."

His expression was somewhat unnatural. He seemed to want to put on the airs of an elder before this fifteen-year-old boy, yet he also looked faintly servile.

Roast Goose?

Zhang Lingshan was slightly surprised.

Uncle Fu's family was not short of money, but neither were they wealthy. Today was no special occasion, so why were they making Roast Goose?

And why invite them over for a meal for no reason at all?

That miserly old man had suddenly turned over a new leaf for no reason. There definitely was nothing good behind it!

So Zhang Lingshan smiled and declined. "No need, Uncle Fu. We've all had upset stomachs these past few days, so we won't trouble you."

As he spoke, he pushed open his courtyard gate with a creak.

"Upset stomachs? I happen to know a physician who specializes in upset stomachs."

Uncle Fu rushed in after him and called out, "Zhang Family sister, I heard Xiao Shan joined the Hong Clan Martial Hall. Such wonderful news should be celebrated! My family happened to make Roast Goose today, so let's go eat together."

"Brother Li."

Zhang Mother emerged from the kitchen, utterly astonished. She had never expected Li Fu, that miserly old man, to invite them to dinner for the first time in his life.

And to rush into their home to invite them, no less.

Unbelievable.

"Zhang Family sister, you look quite well to me. Yet Xiao Shan said you had an upset stomach. Come on, stop cooking. Bring the two children over to eat, or the Roast Goose will go cold soon."

Li Fu urged her on.

Zhang Mother looked at Zhang Lingshan, unable to make up her mind.

Free Roast Goose was truly tempting. If they did not eat it, it would go to waste.

But something felt wrong.

Zhang Lingshan was the only man in the house now, and over the past half year, her son had become quite thoughtful. This was precisely the sort of matter he should decide.

"Sigh, Uncle Fu, if you have something to say, just say it."

Zhang Lingshan was helpless.

The old man was planted in their home and could not be driven away. Zhang Lingshan was still waiting to take his medicine, practice the Standing Posture, and replenish his energy. He had no time to waste with him.

Seeing Zhang Lingshan get straight to the point, Li Fu immediately looked embarrassed. After hesitating, he finally said, "Xiao Shan, you really have grown up. Zhang Family sister, you truly are blessed.

"It's a pity that my boy is worthless and refuses to learn properly. He was caught cheating at the Three Rivers Gambling House.

"Now they want me to pay twenty taels of silver, or they'll chop off my boy's hand!

"But where would I get that much money?

"Xiao Shan, you have now joined the Hong Clan Martial Hall. You have skills.

"Could you help us out and go to the Three Rivers Gambling House to mediate? For the Hong Clan Martial Hall's sake, they will definitely let Xiao Dong go."

Zhang Lingshan frowned at those words.

He had no face to speak of.

The Hong Clan Martial Hall was the Hong Clan Martial Hall, and he was himself.

He was only a Registered Disciple now. He was not even qualified to wear the Hong Clan Martial Hall's Training Uniform. What right did he have to mediate? Where did he get such great face?

Besides, as the saying went:

Do not be a go-between, do not be a guarantor; do not be a matchmaker, and three generations will prosper.

Unless his head was full of holes, he would never take on such a thankless task as mediating between them.

"Uncle Fu, you think too highly of me. I only just joined the Hong Clan Martial Hall. I am insignificant and have no influence; any Hong Clan disciple could bully me. I truly don't have that ability. Please leave."

Zhang Lingshan opened the door to see him out.

Thud!

Li Fu suddenly dropped to his knees, clutched Zhang Lingshan's feet, and wept. "Xiao Shan, I really have no other choice! Please, save my Xiao Dong. Xiao Dong is a good boy. You two even played together when you were little."

"Sorry, I truly don't have that ability."

"Save Xiao Dong, please save Xiao Dong! I'll kowtow to you. That Hong Clan disciple personally escorted you home just now—I saw it all. You are not insignificant or powerless. You can definitely save Xiao Dong."

Li Fu cried and shouted as he kowtowed.

In the blink of an eye, all the neighbors gathered around, chattering among themselves.

"That man just now was wearing the Hong Clan Martial Hall's Training Uniform. He must be a formal disciple."

"A formal disciple actually escorted Xiao Shan home. They're so close—Xiao Shan has really made something of himself."

"The Zhang couple gave birth to a good son. They can enjoy a blessed life now."

"The main thing is that Xiao Shan has a mind of his own. Once he decided to learn martial arts, he stuck with it, and he can endure the hardship of training. My blockhead doesn't have that kind of drive."

"What's going on with Old Li?"

"Isn't it because of that unlucky son of his?"

"Xiao Shan is so capable now. Since he has the ability, they're all neighbors—he should lend a hand."

"Yes, yes, he should help. Old Li even helped your family carry water back then."

The crowd buzzed and chirped, making Zhang Lingshan's head ache. He wanted nothing more than to drive them all away with a stick.

But this was not outside the city.

If things truly got out of hand, it would not end well. Trouble would be inevitable, and it would interfere with his training.

After thinking it over, he decided to play along for now. "Uncle Fu, get up first."

"You agreed?"

Li Fu cried out in delight.

Zhang Lingshan shook his head. "I'll think of a way first, but I can't promise you anything. Tomorrow, I'll ask Senior Brother Shi."

"Alright, alright, wonderful! Xiao Shan, Zhang Family sister, I'll bring the Roast Goose over for you right away."

Li Fu's face was full of earnestness and excitement.

Zhang Lingshan