A Benefactor

After lunch, Cui Hao left home to train at Zhanhong Martial Arts Academy, worried about Su Yun's safety.

The martial arts supply room was dimly lit, filled with the scent of sweat and old cloth.

Seeing Cui Hao emerge in his training uniform, Lin Da immediately approached him, his tone filled with emotion and longing. "Brother Hao, have you heard? The Tu family is grooming Senior Brother Xiao to be their future core disciple."

"Having climbed onto the Tu family's large tree, Senior Brother Xiao has truly secured his footing in Qingyuan City. His future is limitless."

Wang Nian joined them at some point. "In Qingyuan City, the Tu family is a true powerhouse, with immense wealth and connections spanning both the underworld and legitimate society."

As Wang Nian spoke, his face was etched with an unconcealable envy.

To sustain his cultivation and livelihood, Wang Nian worked as a guard at Mister Zhang's house in the west of the city every night. He slept in the mornings and trained at the martial arts hall in the afternoons, earning two taels of silver a month, barely enough to get by.

He couldn't afford Qi and Blood Powder.

Therefore, he felt an especially strong envy towards Xiao Li's meteoric rise.

"Envy is useless," Cui Hao said calmly. "Everyone has their own path. It's more practical to focus on honing your own skills."

In Cui Hao's opinion, this might not be entirely a good thing.

While the Tu family was a towering tree, great trees attract strong winds. Associating with a powerful clan also meant entanglement in more complex conflicts of interest and risks.

Although Qingyuan City's sky seemed to be jointly governed by the authorities and the three great families, history had seen plenty of bloody storms that could shatter the sky and overturn the table.

"Junior Brother Cui..."

Cui Hao picked up the stone staff, preparing to stretch his muscles, when an elder brother, Gu, dressed in a silk training uniform and slightly plump, approached with a seemingly kind smile.

His family owned several grocery stores, making him quite well-off among the martial arts disciples.

"Senior Brother Gu," Cui Hao cupped his fist in greeting.

Gu Ming made small talk. "Junior Brother Cui, you're usually the most diligent and hardworking when it comes to training, rain or shine. Why are you late today?"

"Delayed by some family matters," Cui Hao replied briefly. "Senior Brother Gu, are you looking for me for something?"

"Indeed, there is something," Gu Ming praised. "I see you have a solid foundation, with stable stance training and boxing techniques. You're a good prospect."

"My family happens to need a reliable head guard. I wonder if you'd be interested, Junior Brother Cui? We can discuss the compensation."

Hunting could supplement his household expenses, earn valuable progress points, and offer high freedom. Cui Hao barely hesitated before politely declining. "Thank you for your kind offer, Senior Brother Gu. I am dull-witted and still need to focus on my cultivation at the martial arts hall. I have no plans to seek employment elsewhere for now."

The smile on Gu Ming's face faded slightly, but he still persuaded, "Junior Brother Cui, the path of martial arts isn't just about hard training; it requires strong qi and blood support. You need to supplement with meat daily, and also use medicinal diets."

"All of these... require a lot of silver. Coming to my place, you can earn money and still practice at the martial arts hall in the afternoon. It's a win-win situation."

No matter how well the position of guard was described, in the eyes of the wealthy, they were merely servants and martial artists hired to watch the house, of low status. Cui Hao remained unmoved and simply remained silent.

Seeing that Cui Hao was unmoved, Gu Ming directly stated his offer. "Three taels of silver per month! Plus two full meals daily, with meat every meal! There will be bonuses during festivals! How about it?"

This offer was indeed not low for an ordinary guard.

Lin Da, standing nearby, was moved by the offer.

"With just two shabby grocery stores, why do you need to hire a head guard who has achieved Mortal Martial minor completion? Gu Ming, what kind of mischief are you plotting again?" a sarcastic voice rang out. Fourth Senior Brother Sun Cheng approached with his hands behind his back, glaring at Gu Ming with ill intent.

Upon seeing Sun Cheng, Gu Ming's imposing presence immediately diminished. The gap between Mortal Martial and Clear Force was obvious, not to mention Sun Cheng's considerable prestige within the martial arts hall.

He plastered a fawning smile on his face. "Senior Brother Sun, I just saw Junior Brother Cui's diligence and wanted to help him out..."

"Get lost!" Sun Cheng waved him away unceremoniously. "Stop trying to swindle people here. Do you think I don't know your intentions? You just want a cheap and useful thug, and to exploit your fellow disciples. Junior Brother Cui's future is not for you to tamper with. Scram!"

Gu Ming's face turned pale with shame at being exposed, but he dared not retort. He could only sheepishly offer a smile and slink away.

Watching Gu Ming's retreating back, Lin Da felt a bit sorry for Cui Hao and whispered, "Senior Brother Sun, that was three taels of silver plus meals..."

Sun Cheng ignored Lin Da and turned his gaze to Wang Nian, whose face looked even more haggard, a look of guilt appearing on his face. "Junior Brother Wang, I've wronged you. I thought the Zhang family was a respectable household, but I didn't expect... they would treat guards like this."

Lin Da and Cui Hao both looked at Wang Nian curiously upon hearing this.

Wang Nian gave a bitter smile, his already hunched back seeming to bend further, his voice hoarse. "This job as a guard, it's not as easy as it seems."

"For a full stomach and meager wages, you're ordered around all day. A slight mistake could lead to punches and kicks. It's truly no different from a dog, and moreover..."

Wang Nian paused, his voice dropping lower. "For people like us who barely broke through with the help of medicine and whose potential is exhausted, the employers don't cherish us at all. They make us do the dirty, difficult, and dangerous work. Accumulated hidden injuries... few of us live past forty, ending up sick and miserable in our old age."

Lin Da gasped, looking at Wang Nian in shock. "Senior Brother Wang, you... you're injured too?"

"It's better when patrolling at night. The two senior brothers on duty during the day are truly..." Wang Nian shook his head, not finishing his sentence, but the unspoken hardship and despair were clear.

Sun Cheng looked at the dim light in Wang Nian's eyes and the faint aura of decay emanating from his body, knowing that not only was his qi and blood regressing, but his body was likely harboring hidden dangers.

"Junior Brother Wang, if it's truly too difficult... perhaps you should quit," Sun Cheng advised. "The path of martial arts cannot be forced. Damaging your foundation and shortening your lifespan is not worth it."

Wang Nian lowered his head and remained silent for a long time. Sweat trickled down his dark, gaunt cheeks, dripping onto his worn training uniform.

In the end, he said nothing, merely turned around silently, and walked heavily towards the supply room.

Not long after, he changed back into his patched old cloth clothes, head down, and walked out of the martial arts hall step by step. His figure disappeared into the slightly glaring afternoon sun, never looking back.

Many disciples in the courtyard saw this scene. Some sighed, some were indifferent, and more felt a sense of shared sorrow, like rabbits mourning for a fallen fox.

"Junior Brother Cui," Sun Cheng's voice pulled Cui Hao back from his thoughts. "This is reality. Wang Nian has no further potential for advancement. Instead of wasting time here and damaging his body, it's better to leave early and find another path. Perhaps he can live a few more years."

"But you are different," Sun Cheng's tone turned serious. "You are still young, still full of drive. But you must have sufficient meat, Qi and Blood Powder."

"Yes! Thank you, senior brother, for your guidance." Cui Hao cupped his fists and responded solemnly.

Sun Cheng looked at the junior brother before him. His face was still young, but his eyes were steady and firm, carrying the resilience and calmness unique to children from poor families.

Diligent and hardworking, with a stable temperament. Although his aptitude was only mediocre among the many geniuses in the martial arts school, in the path of martial arts, temperament was sometimes more important than talent.

Sun Cheng did not deny that the reason he paid special attention to and was optimistic about Cui Hao was because he saw in Cui Hao the shadow of himself from many years ago – also from a humble background, with ordinary aptitude, yet gritting his teeth, enduring, and yearning to change his fate.

The same clothes washed until they were pale, the same shoes mended again and again, the same quiet sweat in a deserted corner, the same simple yet intense desire to change his destiny.

"I've found you a sponsor," Sun Cheng suddenly said, delivering a surprising statement.

"Sponsor?" Cui Hao was stunned, thinking he misheard.

"Yes, a sponsor," Sun Cheng confirmed with a nod. "Three taels of silver each month. For now, you don't need to do anything special. The person providing the funds just thinks highly of your temperament and diligence, and wishes to foster good karma."

"If you achieve success in martial arts in the future, and if they happen to encounter any trouble, you can help them out if you can. If you can't, or if circumstances change, then it's nothing, no pressure."

Cui Hao's heart was immediately stirred! Sponsorship! This was not uncommon in the martial arts school.

Wealthy families and influential clans in the city often sponsored promising martial artists to expand their networks and cultivate potential allies.

The forms varied, and the amounts differed.

But for someone like Cui Hao – mediocre aptitude, unable to flatter, not good at socializing, only having achieved minor success in Mortal Martial – theoretically, no one would waste their money.

Thinking of this, an indescribable gratitude surged in Cui Hao's heart.

He took a step back, bowed deeply to Sun Cheng, and gave a profound salute, "Senior Brother Sun! Great kindness needs no thanks! This favor, junior brother Cui Hao, will remember in my heart and never forget for eternity!"

Sun Cheng quickly supported him. "Junior brother, you are too kind. I am merely the connection, the bridge."

"The one truly providing the money is Manager Hu. I just hope you don't find the three taels of silver per month too little."

"How could I find it little!" Cui Hao exclaimed excitedly. "There are countless common folk who sell their children for two taels of tax money. Manager Hu and Senior Brother are willing to sponsor me three taels of silver each month to help me cultivate. Junior brother is already overwhelmed with gratitude!"

Seeing Cui Hao's sincere emotions, Sun Cheng felt gratified. "It's Hu Family Flower Shop on Zhongwazi Front Street. The shopkeeper's surname is Hu. You can go and collect it yourself, just mention my name. Their shop closes early in the afternoon, so it's perfect for you to go now."

"Yes! Thank you, Senior Brother!" Cui Hao cupped his fists again.

With the important matters concluded, Sun Cheng turned, his hands behind his back, and left with steady steps.

In the sunlight, Sun Cheng's retreating figure appeared exceptionally tall in Cui Hao's eyes, exuding an awe-inspiring sense of "presence" and "strength."

Changing back into his casual clothes, Cui Hao wasted no time and headed straight to the bustling Zhongwazi Front Street in Qingyuan City.

Soon, he found the Hu Family Flower Shop, a place with a modest storefront but kept clean and tidy.

The so-called "flower shop" actually sold various hair accessories, silk flowers, and Fu Tou (Men's Headscarf) – mostly women's items.

To attract customers, a large wooden turntable was placed in the open space in front of the shop, divided into sections with names of different goods written on them. Several bows and quivers of arrows were hung nearby.

A group of men and women were gathered around the turntable, shouting and participating in "Guan Pu" (a game similar to a lottery, using Archery to determine the prize).

Most of the shop assistants were excitedly maintaining order and attracting business around the turntable. Only one, who appeared to be the youngest and had an honest face, remained inside the shop, unable to resist peering curiously outside.

Cui Hao walked into the shop, his gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of goods on the shelves.

There were gold-embroidered forehead cloths, exquisite False Hair Buns, brightly colored Hairpin Flowers, and stylishly designed crossed Fu Tou (Men's Headscarf)... The air was filled with a faint mixed scent of powder and fabric.

"Esteemed young master, what do you require? Have a look at our newly arrived Hairpin Flowers, they are all the latest styles!" The remaining young shop assistant quickly stepped forward to greet him with a professional smile.

"Little brother, I'm looking for Manager Hu. Senior Brother Sun Cheng from Zhanhong Martial Arts Academy sent me." Cui Hao said amiably.

The young shop assistant blinked, clearly not familiar with the name "Sun Cheng," and a look of confusion appeared on his face.

Just then, the cloth curtain behind the counter was lifted, and a woman emerged.

She was about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, wearing a simple, plain lotus-colored Ruqun. Her figure was slender, and her black hair was tied in a simple bun at the back, with a plain silver hairpin inserted diagonally. The head of the hairpin was a small Magnolia Flower.

Her appearance was not stunningly beautiful, but her features were delicate and clear, her skin fair, and her demeanor gentle yet tinged with a capable air.

At that moment, she was wiping a Gold Hairpin with a soft cloth. Hearing the conversation, she looked up, her gaze falling on Cui Hao.

"Cui Hao?" the woman asked, her voice clear and melodious.

Cui Hao cupped his fists and bowed, "I am indeed Cui Hao, greetings, Manager Hu."

Manager Hu put down the Gold Hairpin and soft cloth in her hands, walked around the counter, and came out.

She didn't speak immediately but carefully scrutinized Cui Hao from head to toe.

Her gaze was direct but not offensive, more like a calm examination and assessment.

Cui Hao stood calmly, allowing her to examine him.

He was wearing the most ordinary coarse cloth clothes today, washed until slightly faded, but clean and neat.

His physique was well-proportioned and upright due to long-term martial arts training. Though not burly, he exuded a sense of strength.

His face still held youthful immaturity, but his eyes were calm, devoid of the usual restlessness of young men.

After a while, Manager Hu nodded slightly, returned behind the counter, pulled open a small drawer, and took out three silver ingots, each weighing one tael, placing them gently on the smooth countertop.

"Three taels per month. Come and collect at the beginning of the month. If you are delayed by something, you can postpone it for a few days, but don't exceed the middle of the month." Her voice was still calm but carried a decisive tone of commitment.

"Thank you, Manager Hu!" Cui Hao clasped his fists again in a solemn thank you and stepped forward to take the silver.

Leaving the Hu Family Flower Shop, Cui Hao didn't delay and headed straight for Jiren Hall, not far from the martial arts school.

Three taels of silver were exchanged for two packets of Qi and Blood Powder, carefully wrapped in oil paper, a faint medicinal fragrance emanating from them.

These two packets of medicine were enough to support six days of high-intensity training.

Carrying the Qi and Blood Powder and the remaining copper coins, Cui Hao returned to the martial arts school with light steps. With this stable funding, his future cultivation path would be much smoother.

The progress on his status panel would also quietly accelerate.

That evening, Cui Hao shared the good news with Su Yun.

Upon hearing that someone was willing to sponsor three taels of silver every month without her husband doing anything, Su Yun's eyes widened in surprise, and a gleam of joy shot through them.

"Brother Hao! You're amazing!" Su Yun was so delighted she almost jumped up. "Sit down quickly, I'll go get some water and wash your feet for you to relieve your fatigue!"

"Hurry back," Cui Hao deliberately put on a stern face, adopting a "manly" posture, though a smile hid in his eyes. "This man is exhausted today and is waiting for his wife to serve him."

"Yes, my lord! Please sit for a moment, I'll be right back!" Su Yun pursed her lips into a smile, her cheeks slightly flushed, and she turned and headed to the kitchen with light steps.

That cheerful retreating figure made Cui Hao feel that all his hardship and effort were worthwhile.