The Masked Man's Invitation

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Li Xuan, bare-chested, punched a wooden post in the corner of the yard, punch after punch.

Each blow cut through the air with a dull thud. The surface of the post was already covered in dense pits, wood chips flying.

The medicinal effects of the Ironhide Pig heart hadn't been fully digested yet, and his vital energy and blood churned like boiling water.

He hadn't slept all night, practicing his punches in the yard.

"Li... Li Xuan."

Zhang He cautiously approached, holding a bowl of thin porridge, "Eat something. You've been practicing all morning."

Li Xuan stopped punching, took the bowl, and drank it in one gulp.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it." Zhang He rubbed his hands, hesitating, "That... Liu San was dragged to the Hall of Punishment last night. I heard they broke three of his ribs, and they threw him out of the martial arts school this morning."

"Mm," Li Xuan wiped his sweat.

"And," Zhang He lowered his voice, "I was getting food from the kitchen this morning and overheard some outer disciples discussing you. They said Senior Brother Zhou Peng vowed to make you unable to stay in the martial arts school."

Li Xuan paused.

"They also said... they also said someone would come looking for trouble today." Zhang He's voice trembled, "Li Xuan, why don't you talk to Steward Zhao? Or... go apologize to Senior Brother Zhou?"

"Apologize?" Li Xuan looked at him, "What did I do wrong?"

"This..." Zhang He was speechless.

"What's coming will come," Li Xuan put on his clothes and picked up the Mountain Breaker Axe, "Time to work."

He walked to the woodpile and was about to start chopping—

The yard gate was kicked open.

Three outer disciples walked in.

They wore identical grey training outfits, black sashes, and a silver thread embroidered on their cuffs—the mark of ordinary outer disciples.

The one leading them had triangular eyes, was about twenty-five or twenty-six, and a sneer played on his lips.

"Who is Li Xuan?" The triangular-eyed man scanned the yard.

All the handyman disciples lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound.

Only Li Xuan put down his axe, "I am."

The triangular-eyed man sized him up, "You? Killed the Ironhide Pig?"

"Senior Brother Zhou killed it," Li Xuan repeated.

"You're quite eloquent," the triangular-eyed man sneered, "But Senior Brother Zhou sent me with a message—people need to know the rules. Break the rules, and you pay the price."

He walked up to Li Xuan and reached out to pat Li Xuan's face, "Understand? Handyman."

The action was utterly insulting.

"Lost your tongue?" The triangular-eyed man patted him twice more.

"Take your hand away," Li Xuan said.

"What?"

"I said," Li Xuan looked up, his eyes icy, "Take your hand away."

The triangular-eyed man froze, then laughed, "What, you disagree?"

He withdrew his hand, crossed his arms, and stood there, "Fine, I'll give you a chance. I am Zhao Hu, an outer disciple, at Body Tempering Layer Two. I heard you're a good fighter? Come on, let's spar. If you lose, you kneel and kowtow three times, and from now on, you avoid me. If you win..."

He paused, his smile growing colder, "I'll break both your legs, so you know what rules are."

The yard fell silent.

The disparity in strength between an outer disciple and a handyman was completely unequal.

Body Tempering Layer Two meant Strength of at least 1.3, Stamina of 1.2 or higher.

No matter how strong Li Xuan was, he was just a handyman. How could he fight?

"Scared?" Zhao Hu taunted.

Li Xuan remained silent for three breaths before speaking, "The stakes are unequal."

"Oh?"

"If I lose, I kneel and kowtow. If you lose," Li Xuan stared at him, "You break your own arm."

Whoosh—

The yard erupted.

"Is he crazy?!"

"Asking an outer disciple to break his own arm?"

"This... how is this possible!"

Zhao Hu's face turned ashen: "Say that again?"

"You dare not?" Li Xuan shot back.

"Good! Good!" Zhao Hu laughed in anger, "Then it's as you say! Come on!"

He took three steps back, getting into his stance.

The other two outer court disciples retreated to the doorway, blocking the exit.

Li Xuan put down the Mountain Breaker Axe and walked to the center of the courtyard.

The two faced off.

Zhao Hu moved first.

His body lunged like a tiger, his fist aimed straight for Li Xuan's face. The wind howled around his fist, his speed more than double Liu San's.

Body Tempering Layer Two, truly not for show.

Li Xuan sidestepped to avoid the blow. Simultaneously, his right hand formed a palm and chopped towards Zhao Hu's wrist.

Iron Fist Three Forms, Variation: Wrist Chop!

The edge of his palm struck the wrist, numbing Zhao Hu's arm and nullifying his punch.

"Interesting," Zhao Hu's eyes grew serious. "So Liu San's loss wasn't unjust."

He changed his fist into a claw, his fingers like hooks, reaching for Li Xuan's throat.

Eagle Claw Technique!

One of the basic outer court martial arts, specializing in vital points.

Li Xuan leaned back to dodge, but his foot suddenly slipped—a puddle of water had appeared on the ground at some point.

Damn it!

A flash of smugness crossed Zhao Hu's eyes. His other hand clenched into a fist and smashed towards Li Xuan's chest.

If this punch landed squarely, his ribs would shatter.

At the critical moment, Li Xuan twisted his waist, spinning like a top, narrowly avoiding the fist's edge.

At the same time, his left foot swept up, kicking towards Zhao Hu's groin.

Groin Kick!

Dirty, but effective.

Zhao Hu's face changed drastically, and he retreated rapidly.

Li Xuan pressed his advantage, closing the distance and raining punches down on Zhao Hu's chest and abdomen.

Bang, bang, bang, bang!

Seven consecutive punches, each landing with a solid thud.

Zhao Hu was sent staggering backward, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"You..." he exclaimed in shock and anger.

How could a mere handyman be overpowering him?

"Enough!"

A disciple at the door couldn't stand it and drew his sword, about to step forward.

"Stop!" Zhao Hu yelled, "This is a one-on-one fight!"

He wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes fierce. "Kid, I admit I underestimated you. But this is where it ends."

He took a deep breath, his muscles bulging, his skin taking on a faint reddish hue.

Vital Energy Burst!

A full-power strike from Body Tempering Layer Two.

Zhao Hu charged like a cannonball, both fists flying, sealing off all of Li Xuan's escape routes.

Can't dodge this.

Li Xuan's eyes narrowed. Instead of retreating, he advanced.

He channeled his entire body's vital energy and blood, circulating it madly according to his cultivation method.

Vital Energy and Blood Full Burst!

Fist against fist.

A head-on collision!

A blast of air erupted, kicking up dust.

Both men retreated simultaneously.

Li Xuan stumbled back five steps, his arms trembling, the skin between his thumb and forefinger split open, bleeding profusely.

Zhao Hu retreated three steps, but his face was pale, a sweetness flooded his throat, and he forced the blood back down.

A draw?

Zhao Hu knew he had lost.

He was an outer disciple, at Body Tempering Layer Two, and had used his full strength.

The other party was just a handyman, yet he had taken a punch from him and only retreated five steps.

If this were to get out...

"Senior Brother Zhao," a disciple at the door said quietly, "do you want to…"

Zhao Hu raised his hand to stop him.

He stared at Li Xuan, his expression complex: "You won."

The three words were squeezed out as if from between his teeth.

Li Xuan shook the blood off his hands: "What about my arm?"

Zhao Hu's face changed: "Li Xuan, don't go too far! I'm an outer disciple, do you really want me to cut off my own arm?"

"The bet was what you agreed to," Li Xuan said.

"You…" Zhao Hu gritted his teeth, "Fine! I'll give you an explanation!"

He drew the short saber at his waist and aimed it at his left arm—

"Stop."

A voice came from the courtyard entrance.

The old handyman stood there, holding a broom, his back hunched as if he could be blown over by the wind at any moment.

"Zhao Hu, take your people and get lost," the old handyman said.

"Old man, what right do you have…" a disciple behind Zhao Hu cursed.

Before he could finish, he was hit across the face with a broom.

The disciple was sent flying, crashing into the wall, and knocked unconscious.

It was so fast that no one could see how the old handyman had moved.

Zhao Hu's pupils contracted: "You…"

"Get lost," the old handyman repeated.

Zhao Hu gritted his teeth, helped up his unconscious companion, and glared fiercely at Li Xuan: "This isn't over!"

The three left in a sorry state.

The courtyard fell silent again.

All the handymen looked at the old handyman with terrified eyes.

This old man who had swept the floor for ten years was actually this strong?

The old handyman ignored them and walked up to Li Xuan: "Are you injured?"

"Minor injuries," Li Xuan said.

"Follow me." The old handyman turned.

Li Xuan followed.

Behind the woodshed, there was an abandoned warehouse.

The old handyman pushed the door open and lit an oil lamp.

The lamplight illuminated a corner of the warehouse, piled high with miscellaneous items. Dust and cobwebs were everywhere, clearly untouched for a long time.

"Sit," the old handyman pointed to a broken wooden box on the ground.

Li Xuan sat down.

The old handyman sat opposite him, silent for a long time, then spoke: "You've gotten into big trouble."

"I know."

"Zhou Peng won't let you go," the old handyman said. "Zhao Hu came today, tomorrow it might be Li Hu, Wang Hu. As long as you're in the martial arts school for a day, the trouble won't stop."

Li Xuan remained silent.

"I'll show you a way," the old handyman looked at him. "Join the 'Shadow Guard'."

"Shadow Guard?"

"The martial arts school's dark department, specializing in handling dirty business," the old handyman said. "Assassinations, reconnaissance, eliminating traitors… all dirty work."

"Why me?"

"Because you're ruthless, decisive, and smart," the old handyman said. "I heard about what happened last night. Liu San didn't get framed unfairly. You even dared to provoke Zhou Peng. The Shadow Guard needs that kind of courage."

Li Xuan pondered: "What are the benefits of joining the Shadow Guard?"

"Resources," the old handyman said the two words. "Body Tempering Powder, Cultivation Methods, Contribution Points… as long as you complete missions, you can have as many as you want. Also, the Shadow Guard's identity is confidential, so Zhou Peng won't be able to find you."

"Then what's the price?"

"Your life." the old handyman said. "You could die on any mission. And once you join, you can never leave. Those who leave, die."

Li Xuan fell silent.

"You have the time it takes an incense stick to burn to consider." The old handyman stood up. "If you want peace, pack your things and leave the martial arts school now, find a place where no one knows you and hide. If you want to become stronger, join the Shadow Guard and dance on the edge of a blade."

He walked to the door and looked back. "A word of advice: Zhou Peng's uncle is Wu Ming, an instructor in the outer court, Body Tempering Layer Six. You beat up Zhao Hu today. Within three days at most, Wu Ming will personally come looking for trouble. At that time, no one will be able to protect you."

The door closed.

Li Xuan was alone in the warehouse.

The oil lamp crackled.

He closed his eyes.

Leave? Hide?

He hadn't transmigrated just to scrape by.

He wanted to become stronger, to stand at the very top, to see clearly what this world truly was.

Since this world operated on the law of the jungle, he would make himself the strongest.

After the time it took an incense stick to burn, the old handyman pushed the door open.

"Have you decided?"

"I have." Li Xuan opened his eyes. "I'll join."

The old handyman nodded, pulled out a black iron token from his embrace, and tossed it over.

The iron牌 was palm-sized, cold to the touch. The front was engraved with the character "影" (Shadow), and the back was numbered: Seventy-Nine.

"Drip your blood to claim it," the old handyman said.

Li Xuan bit his finger and dripped blood onto the iron plate.

The blood seeped in, the iron token grew slightly warm, then returned to normal.

"From now on, you are Shadow Guard number seventy-nine," the old handyman said. "Your direct superior is 'Ying Qi', he will contact you. Remember three iron rules: First, you must not reveal your identity; Second, you must absolutely obey orders; Third, if a mission fails, commit suicide."

Li Xuan put away the iron plate. "What is my first mission?"

"At the third watch tonight, outside the west wall of the martial arts school, someone is waiting for you," the old handyman said. "He will take you to see Ying Qi to receive your first mission."

With that, the old handyman turned to leave.

He paused at the door. "Oh, right, there's also competition within the Shadow Guard. Complete more missions, perform well, and you can be promoted. Above Ying Qi, there's Ying Liu, Ying Wu... all the way to Ying Yi. It's said that above Ying Yi, there's an even more mysterious 'Shadow Master'."

"What are the benefits of promotion?"

"Permissions, resources, Cultivation Methods," the old handyman said. "Ying Qi receives three portions of Body Tempering Powder and one bottle of Vitality Pill each month. Ying Liu gets double. Ying Wu... it's said they can access true martial arts Cultivation Methods."

Martial arts Cultivation Methods!

Li Xuan's eyes lit up.

He was still cultivating a incomplete Body Tempering technique. If he could obtain a complete Cultivation Method...

"I understand."

"Come back alive," the old handyman said as a final word, then disappeared outside the door.

Late at night, the third watch.

Li Xuan changed into black clothes and slipped out of the woodshed soundlessly.

Outside the west wall of the martial arts school was a stretch of wasteland, overgrown with weeds and littered with rocks.

The moonlight was pale, casting a somber glow on the ground.

As soon as Li Xuan arrived, he saw a dark figure standing by a pile of rocks.

"Number Seventy-Nine?" the dark figure asked, his voice hoarse.

"Yes."

"Follow me."

The dark figure turned and left, moving with extreme speed.

Li Xuan followed.

The two moved one after another, traversing through the night. They crossed two hills and arrived in front of a hidden cave.

The cave entrance was hidden by vines; if you didn't look closely, you wouldn't find it.

The dark figure pushed aside the vines. "Go in."

The cave was pitch black, with only a faint light deep inside.

Li Xuan walked in, and after about a hundred paces, the area suddenly opened up.

It was a natural karst cave, about ten zhang in area. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, the ground was flat, and in the center was a stone table. A person sat beside the table.

A person in black, masked, with only their eyes visible.

"Lord Ying Qi, I've brought Number Seventy-Nine," the dark figure said respectfully.

Ying Qi waved his hand, and the shadowy figures retreated.

Only two people remained in the stone cave.

"Li Xuan," Ying Qi began, his voice low, "Seventeen years old, a refugee from the Northern Territory, joined the martial arts school as a handyman half a month ago. Possesses exceptional physique and considerable combat power, has killed an Ironhide Pig before. Cautious in personality, decisive in action."

He finished in one breath and looked up, "Am I correct?"

Li Xuan nodded, "Correct."

"Very good." Ying Qi took out a scroll of beast hide from his bosom, and spread it on the table. "Your first mission is to scout the 'Fulilai Inn' south of the city. Within three days, find out who is staying at the inn, their identities, and what they are doing."

"That's all?"

"That's all," Ying Qi said. "But remember – do not expose yourself, do not engage in combat, only observe. If discovered, retreat immediately. If retreat fails, commit suicide."

Li Xuan took the beast hide, which showed a map of the Fulilai Inn.

"For completing the mission, you will be rewarded with twenty Contribution Points and a bottle of Body Tempering Powder. Failure..." Ying Qi didn't finish.

"I understand," Li Xuan said, putting away the beast hide.

"Go, report back here at the same time in three days," Ying Qi waved him off.

Li Xuan turned and left.

Stepping out of the cave, the night wind blew, carrying a chill.

He looked at the beast hide in his hand, his expression grave.

Meanwhile, in a quiet room somewhere in the martial arts school.

Zhou Peng knelt on the ground, facing a middle-aged man seated before him – Wu Ming, an instructor in the outer court.

"Uncle, that Li Xuan..."

"Trash," Wu Ming said with his eyes closed. "Can't even deal with a handyman, and I've been cultivating you for so many years for nothing."

Zhou Peng lowered his head, "Nephew knows his mistake."

"Knowing your mistake is useful?" Wu Ming opened his eyes. "I've already investigated. That Li Xuan went to the alchemy room yesterday and collected two portions of Body Tempering Powder. Today, he fought Zhao Hu and didn't lose."

"He..." Zhou Peng gritted his teeth, "He must be hiding his strength!"

"Nonsense," Wu Ming sneered. "Someone who can kill an Ironhide Pig with a single spear thrust in the Trial Forest, would they be an ordinary handyman? I told you to be careful long ago, but you didn't listen."

"Then what do we do now?"

Wu Ming pondered for a moment, "Tomorrow, I will arrange an 'accident'. The handyman quarters will catch fire, it's normal for a few people to die."

Zhou Peng's eyes lit up, "Uncle is brilliant!"

"Remember," Wu Ming looked at him, "Do it cleanly. Don't leave any loose ends."

"Nephew understands!"

Zhou Peng exited the quiet room, a sinister grin on his face.

Li Xuan, let's see how you die this time!

South of the city, Fulilai Inn.

Li Xuan was crouched on the roof opposite the inn, he had been there for two hours.

He had changed into worn-out cloth clothes and smeared coal dust on his face, looking like a beggar.

The keen observation brought by his [Spirit: 1.6] allowed him to clearly see every detail within the inn.

The inn had two floors and eight guest rooms. The innkeeper was a fat man, and the waiter was a skinny guy. There weren't many guests, only three rooms had lights on.

Room three on the first floor was occupied by a middle-aged man dressed as a merchant. He had entered and exited three times, each time carrying a suitcase.

Room five on the second floor had its windows tightly shut, but occasionally a figure could be seen moving.

Room seven had its light on the entire time, and voices could be heard from inside.

Li Xuan's ears twitched slightly as he listened intently.

"...When will the goods arrive?"

"Midnight tomorrow, same old place."

"The money?"

"Half as a deposit, the rest upon delivery."

"Fine, don't try any tricks."

"Don't worry, this isn't our first or second time working together."

Smuggling?

Li Xuan frowned.

He continued listening.

"...What kind of goods this time?"

"Thirty steel knives, ten sets of leather armor, and... three crossbows."

Li Xuan's pupils contracted.

Under Great Yan law, privately possessing crossbow bolts is a capital offense. Privately selling them warrants the extermination of nine generations of kin.

These people actually dared to sell these?

Just as he was about to listen further, suddenly—

"Who's up there!"

A shout came from the inn's backyard.

Damn it, I've been discovered.

Li Xuan didn't hesitate. He rolled off the roof, tumbling as he landed, and hid in the shadows.

Several figures in black rushed out of the inn, looking around.

"I definitely heard a noise just now..."

"Must have been mistaken?"

"Be careful, this transaction can't go wrong."

The figures in black muttered a few words and retreated back into the inn.

Li Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and quietly left.

By the time he returned to the martial arts school, dawn was breaking.

He slipped into the woodshed. Just as he lay down, he heard an exclamation from outside.

"Fire! The servant quarters are on fire!"

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