Compromise

Seeing the vicious look on Jiang Liu's face, Pan Duan could not help feeling uneasy.

Could this kid really not be afraid of death? But even if he wasn't afraid, I can't let my younger brother be buried with him! Otherwise, wouldn't my father skin me alive?

"Fine! Let go of my younger brother! I'll let you leave!" Pan Duan said helplessly.

Jiang Liu continued tightening his grip around Pan Hou's throat without saying a word.

Pan Hou struggled feebly and wildly, but no matter what he did, he could not break free from Jiang Liu's control.

"Jiang Liu! I admit defeat! Let my younger brother go!"

"If my younger brother dies, you'll be buried with him too. We don't have some life-and-death blood feud, so why go this far?"

Pan Duan tried his utmost to persuade him.

"If you want me to release Pan Hou, swear upon your martial heart that you won't trouble me again afterward."

"Otherwise, I'll drag Pan Hou into the grave with me. My life is worthless anyway. With Pan Hou buried alongside me, I won't be losing out no matter what!"

Jiang Liu said viciously.

"Fine! I agree! Let my younger brother go first."

Pan Duan said helplessly.

"You swear first! Hurry up! Otherwise, I'm afraid your younger brother won't hold on much longer."

"Fine! I agree!" Pan Duan then swore an oath according to the customs of this world.

In the unseen depths, it seemed as though a flash of light swept past.

Jiang Liu was startled as well! He had thought swearing an oath was merely an expedient measure, but he had not expected there to actually be a response.

After all, back on Blue Star, oaths had only ever been jokes.

It seemed he had to be more careful in how he conducted himself in this world.

Jiang Liu released his grip on Pan Hou's throat, and Pan Hou immediately crumpled limply to the ground.

Those lackeys rushed forward at once to help him up, stimulating his qi and blood and pinching his philtrum. After quite some time, Pan Hou coughed several times, and his breathing finally eased.

Pan Hou shoved away the lackeys surrounding him, pointed at Jiang Liu, and shouted, "Very good, Jiang Liu! You've got guts! Today, either you die or I perish!"

"Stop! How much longer are you going to make trouble?" Pan Duan barked.

"Brother! If we don't beat him into submission today, won't people look down on us? How are we supposed to survive in the Fallen Blossom Gang afterward?" Pan Hou said furiously.

"Enough! I already swore an oath just now! This matter is over! Do you want me to break my oath?" Pan Duan said with a frown.

After hearing this, Pan Hou turned and left without another word.

Pan Duan left as well, taking the lackeys with him.

Jiang Liu returned to the small courtyard where he lived. He still felt that his strength was far too lacking. With a thought, a deep-blue light screen visible only to him flashed into view.

Auxiliary System:

Name: Jiang Liu

Realm: Body Refinement (Skin Tempering)

Fierce Tiger Fist (Beginner 25/100)

Alchemy (Beginner 37/100)

Basic Fist Technique (Not Initiated 5/10)

Five Elements Fist (Beginner 13/100)

He could practice the Five Elements Fist two more times tonight and six times during the day.

He could practice it at least eight times a day. In a little over ten days, he would be able to reach Minor Success.

Once his physical constitution improved in the future, he should be able to practice one more time.

Once the Five Elements Fist proficiency reached Minor Success, his realm should be able to reach Flesh Hardening, right?

All of this was still unknown. It seemed he needed to reach Minor Success as soon as possible. This mute system did not even come with an instruction manual.

Jiang Liu shook his head gloomily.

He gathered himself and began practicing the Five Elements Fist. After completing two rounds, he washed up and rested.

The next day.

Master Ma was already waiting at Apprentice Plaza early in the morning.

With his hands clasped behind his back and a stern expression, he said, "Those who have arrived, line up properly! You have practiced the Five Elements Fist for many days already! Today, I'll assess your progress!"

The group formed seven rows, with six people in each row. They were easy enough to count—forty-two apprentices in total.

The various halls had differing numbers of people.

Shadow Eagle Hall had the fewest, with only six people.

Scattered Eagle Hall had the most, with fifteen people.

Hunting Eagle Hall, where Jiang Liu was, had nine people.

The remaining Rising Eagle Hall had twelve people.

At the head of the first row stood Pan Duan.

He was probably placed first because he was rather short, Jiang Liu thought to himself.

After Pan Duan finished his demonstration, Master Ma commented, "Hmm! Not bad! You're almost at the Beginner stage, aren't you?"

"Yes, Master Ma!" Pan Duan replied with cupped fists.

Master Ma waved his hand. Pan Duan returned to his place, and the next person continued the demonstration.

Very soon, it was Pan Hou's turn. Pan Hou awkwardly demonstrated the Five Elements Fist.

Jiang Liu took one look and was stunned. Good heavens! He was still far from reaching the Beginner stage.

Pan Hou finally managed to finish a full round of the demonstration.

Master Ma commented, "What exactly was that you demonstrated? You don't put your heart into cultivation at all, so what are you doing here?"

"If you still haven't reached the Beginner stage by the next assessment, you can go home. There's no place for trash here."

"Reporting to Master Ma, I'll work hard!" Pan Hou said, his face full of unwillingness.

It was all that damned Jiang Liu's fault. Otherwise, I could have practiced several more times. I wouldn't have been scolded by Master Ma now.

When Wang Zhuang demonstrated, satisfaction appeared on Master Ma's face. He said, "Not bad! You're almost at the Beginner stage too!"

When it was Jiang Liu's turn to demonstrate, Master Ma said with a smile in his eyes, "As expected, you haven't disappointed me! Keep it up!"

Jiang Liu cupped his fists and said, "I will remember Master Ma's teachings!"

Master Ma waved his hand and said, "All right! Practice on your own!"

With that, he turned and left.