Deep within Qin Mansion, inside an elegant flower hall.
Though it was already late at night, the hall blazed with light and brimmed with warmth, banishing the chill of the autumn night.
A small but exquisitely prepared banquet was being held there.
Yang Ning's elder brother, sister-in-law, and niece had been badly frightened during the day. Qin Yurong had already arranged for them to rest in a quiet, comfortable guest courtyard in the rear residence.
At this moment, the banquet to welcome Yang Ning, calm their nerves, and reward his service had only the three Qin siblings and Yang Ning as its guests of honor.
The sumptuous feast opened Yang Ning's eyes.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables, delicacies from land and sea, and all manner of exquisite pastries—each dish was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.
The wine was a fine vintage aged for many years. As soon as it was uncorked, its rich aroma filled the hall.
Yang Ning put the food in his mouth and immediately felt his qi and blood surge. His eyes lit up.
Every platter before him was clearly medicinal cuisine for martial artists.
"What extravagant wealth this family commands."
Qin Yuwei sat at the head of the table, raising his cup to invite Yang Ning to drink. As he chatted and laughed, he displayed the poise of a young master from a great lineage, yet without a trace of arrogance.
First, he apologized to Yang Ning for the trouble earlier that day. Then he thanked him again and again for saving his life, speaking with heartfelt sincerity and impeccable courtesy.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed.
Qin Yuwei set down his jade chopsticks and looked at Yang Ning with a smile. "I heard from my men that when Young Hero Yang killed Wang Teng today, you seemed to be wearing a rather unusual jade mask.
"Would you mind letting me have a look, so I can broaden my horizons?"
Yang Ning paused at the question. Though a little surprised, he thought nothing of it.
He nodded and took the lustrous, polished White Jade Mask from his robes, handing it over.
Qin Yuwei accepted it with both hands and examined it closely.
His fingertips brushed over the cool, smooth surface of the jade and the mask's design. A look of understanding flickered in his eyes.
He smiled with the relieved expression of someone whose suspicions had been confirmed.
"So that's how it is... The cycle of cause and effect is truly mysterious and hard to fathom."
He sighed softly and returned the mask to Yang Ning. His smile held a little more warmth and familiarity now.
Yang Ning took the mask, looking puzzled.
Seeing this, Qin Yuwei laughed and explained, "Do you remember the ten taels of gold you were given at the Martial Arena today, Young Hero Yang?"
Yang Ning's heart stirred as he vaguely grasped the connection.
"Of course.
"The manager said it came from a distinguished guest in one of the private rooms.
"After receiving that ten taels of gold today, I happened to want to celebrate with my family at Chunyuan Restaurant..."
"That distinguished guest in the private room was a friend of mine and me," Qin Yuwei said with a smile, his eyes glinting oddly.
"When I saw how fierce the 'Wood Seventy-Nine' fighter's fists were and how imposing his presence was, I casually gave him ten taels of gold to show my appreciation.
"But I never imagined..."
He shook his head, his voice full of emotion.
"That ten taels of gold I tossed out on a whim ended up indirectly saving my sister's life just a few hours later.
"Tell me, Young Hero Yang, isn't that so?
"You were hiding quite a bit of your strength at the Martial Arena."
Only then did Yang Ning fully understand. He, too, was amazed.
Could anything in the world be so coincidental?
The reward from his first match at the Martial Arena had come from the eldest young master of the Qin Family?
And that money had indirectly led to his meeting Qin Yurong tonight and coming to her aid?
This chain of cause and effect was truly beyond belief.
"It really was... quite a coincidence."
Yang Ning managed a rare smile.
"Who could deny it?" Qin Yuwei said with a sigh.
"The ancients were right: sow good causes, reap good fruits.
"With that, there's no longer the slightest doubt in my Qin Family about your background or identity, Young Hero."
His expression turned serious. Respect and appreciation entered his gaze as he looked at Yang Ning.
"After speaking with my younger sister just now, I've also learned more about you.
"Being born poor is no disgrace.
"To rise from humble beginnings and make something of yourself—that is the mark of a true man.
"With your martial talent and character, Young Hero Yang, your future is boundless."
He paused, his voice earnest.
"Yurong has probably already mentioned that my Qin Family has always rewarded merit and repaid kindness.
"You saved my sister's life, and you're a gifted young man of unimpeachable background and astonishing potential. My Qin Family could hardly ask for more.
"Today, on behalf of the Qin Family, I formally invite you to become a third-rank guest of Qin Mansion!"
At his words, not only Qin Yuhui but even Qin Yurong cried out in surprise.
From entry-level guest to third-, second-, and first-rank guest, a great lineage like the Qin Family followed a strict set of rules for advancement.
Entry-level guests were generally only at the Body Tempering stage. By that standard, a third-rank guest of Qin Mansion had to be a Tendon Changing expert who had developed Bright Force.
"The stipend for a guest attendant is a hundred taels of silver, paid monthly.
"With your Guest Token, you can purchase weapons, medicinal ingredients, and other cultivation resources at any of the Qin Family's businesses at a thirty-percent discount.
"You'll also be allowed to borrow and study the martial arts manuals on the first floor of the manor's library."
His gaze burned with anticipation as he looked at Yang Ning.
"You're only twenty, Young Hero, and you've already made great strides in Body Tempering. Tendon Changing, Bone Forging, and even higher realms are all within reach.
"My Qin Family is willing to provide you with a platform and support, so your martial path may advance and you may soar to great heights!
"Yurong will make the necessary arrangements for you shortly.
"My Qin Family will never shortchange anyone who has earned their merit, nor disappoint a gifted person worthy of cultivation!"
A third-rank guest already held a respectable position.
For a young man like Yang Ning, who had only just begun to make a name for himself and had no established backing, the terms were exceedingly generous.
They offered him considerable freedom and ample room to grow.
Yang Ning understood. This was the Qin Family's show of sincerity, given in recognition of his kindness, strength, and potential.
He no longer hesitated. Rising with his cup, he said solemnly, "I'm grateful for the regard you and Miss Qin have shown me, Young Master Qin. I would be a fool to refuse.
"From now on, I'll do what I can to serve the Qin Family."
"Excellent!"
Qin Yuwei was overjoyed and raised his cup in response.
Qin Yurong sat to one side, watching her elder brother and Yang Ning talk in high spirits. Her eyes sparkled.
Delighted, she stole a glance at Yang Ning's calm profile. Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly lowered her eyes.
The convivial banquet finally broke up late that night.
Over the next few days, East Third Street and the streets beyond it remained outwardly quiet beneath the Blood Ape Gang's lingering shadow.
But beneath the surface, rumors and undercurrents spread like subterranean fire.
The Qin Family may have played down the details of what happened at Chunhua Restaurant, and the Blood Ape Gang may have suppressed the story, but many witnesses had survived the sight of "the jade-masked young man beating the vicious ape to death with his fists."
They passed the story from mouth to mouth.
"Have you heard?
"Wang Teng, the Blood Ape Gang's young master, was so arrogant he gathered his men at Chunhua Restaurant and tried to force himself on a young lady of the Qin Family.
"He even wanted to kill everyone in the restaurant to silence them!"
"So what happened? He picked a fight with the wrong person!
"A young expert wearing a white jade mask beat him down in just a few punches and kicks!
"I heard his breastbone was completely shattered. He died on the spot!"
"Really?
"Wang Teng was a Body Tempering expert, a vicious character among the Blood Ape Gang's younger generation!"
"It's absolutely true!
"My aunt's husband's neighbor was eating on the second floor at the time and saw it with his own eyes!
"That masked young hero was so young, but his fists were as fierce as a tiger charging down the mountain. What a sight!"
"Tsk, tsk. You really can't judge a book by its cover.
"I wonder which family nurtured such a talent?
"He actually dared to kill someone from the Blood Ape Gang..."
"I think his surname was Yang? What was it—'Jade-Faced Tiger'?
"He even rescued a young lady of the Qin Family. I heard they're treating him like an honored guest now!"
"Jade-Faced Tiger?
"What a great title! Refined and fearsome!
"A true young hero!"
"Exactly!
"Lots of people in the restaurant owe him their lives that day. They say he's their savior!"
Just as talk of Yang Ning and the Blood Ape Gang was gaining momentum and his name was quietly rising, a prestigious ranking list was updated as scheduled at the start of the month and discreetly delivered to the desks of influential powers throughout Kuishan County.
In the Inner City, the Kuishan Top Hundred Ranking was compiled by the Yuan Family, the All-Hearing of Kuishan.
The ranking was divided into two volumes.
The upper volume listed the county's truly elite experts and renowned masters. It circulated only among the higher-ups of the major powers and was kept strictly confidential.
The lower volume listed rising talents and local heavyweights among the top hundred. Though less secret than the upper volume, it was still not something ordinary citizens could easily see.
Yet changes in its rankings and the arrival of new names often became the favorite topic of martial artists and well-informed folk in the streets and alleys.
One change in the lower volume of this month's ranking drew particular attention:
Formerly ranked ninety-seventh:
"Reckless Ape" Wang Teng (young master of the Blood Ape Gang, Body Tempering realm)
—Dead; removed from the list.
Newly ranked ninety-seventh:
"Jade-Faced Tiger" Yang Ning (Qin Family guest, Body Tempering realm)
—Killed Wang Teng at Chunhua Restaurant. His fists were fierce, and he excelled at Tiger Form. He earned his title from the white jade mask he wore.
The list confirmed the rumors and brought "Jade-Faced Tiger Yang Ning" officially to the attention of the various powers across the county.
Before you continue