Causal Entanglement, the Jade-Faced Tiger Famous in the Outer City

Deep within the Qin Mansion, inside an exquisite flower hall.

Although it was late at night, the place was brilliantly lit and filled with warmth, dispelling the chill of the autumn night.

A banquet, small in scale but extremely refined, was being held here.

Because they had been terrified during the day, Yang Ning's brother, sister-in-law, and niece had already been settled by Qin Yurong in a quiet and comfortable guest courtyard in the back residence.

At this moment, the protagonists of this banquet—held to welcome and calm the nerves, as well as to discuss merits—were only the three Qin siblings and Yang Ning.

The richness of the banquet truly opened Yang Ning's eyes.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, mountain delicacies and seafood, and all kinds of delicate snacks were all perfect in color, aroma, and taste.

The wine was a fine vintage stored for many years; as soon as it was unsealed, the mellow fragrance filled the room.

As Yang Ning put the food into his mouth, he felt his blood and energy surge, and his eyes lit up.

The plates before him were clearly medicinal meals for martial artists.

"What a luxurious noble family."

Qin Yuwei sat in the main seat, raising his cup to invite a drink. His conversation and laughter displayed the calm demeanor of a noble son, yet he showed no trace of arrogance.

He first apologized to Yang Ning for the disturbance during the day, then repeatedly thanked him for saving his life, his words sincere and his etiquette impeccable.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became harmonious.

Qin Yuwei set down his jade chopsticks, his gaze falling on Yang Ning as he asked with a smile:

"I heard from my subordinates that when Young Hero Yang killed Wang Teng today, you seemed to be wearing a rather unique jade mask?

I wonder if you could lend it to me for a look, to broaden my horizons?"

Yang Ning was slightly startled upon hearing this; although he was a bit surprised, he did not think much of it.

He nodded in agreement, took the lustrous and smooth White Jade Mask from his bosom, and handed it over.

Qin Yuwei took it with both hands and examined it carefully.

As his fingertips brushed over the cold, smooth jade surface and the design, a flash of realization crossed his eyes.

He revealed a smile of relief, as if to say, "So that's how it is."

"So that's it... It truly is a cycle of karma, mysterious and hard to describe."

He sighed softly and handed the mask back to Yang Ning, the smile on his face becoming a bit more sincere and intimate.

Yang Ning took the mask, his face showing confusion.

Seeing this, Qin Yuwei laughed heartily and explained:

"Does Young Hero Yang still remember the ten taels of gold rewarded in the Martial Arena today?"

Yang Ning's heart stirred, and he vaguely grasped something:

"Naturally, I remember.

The manager said it was a gift from a distinguished guest in a private box.

After I received those ten gold pieces today, I happened to want to celebrate with my family at Chunyuan Restaurant..."

"That distinguished guest in the private box was myself and a friend."

Qin Yuwei smiled, his eyes sparkling with a strange light.

"At the time, seeing that 'Wood Seventy-Nine' had fierce fist techniques and an extraordinary momentum, I casually rewarded ten gold pieces to express my appreciation.

But I never imagined..."

He shook his head, his tone filled with emotion:

"This ten taels of gold, tossed out on a whim, would indirectly save my sister's life just a few hours later.

Young Hero Yang, wouldn't you agree?

You certainly hid quite a bit of your strength in the Martial Arena."

Only then did Yang Ning fully understand, and he couldn't help but marvel in his heart.

Could there really be such a coincidence in the world?

The bounty from his debut in the Martial Arena had actually come from the eldest son of the Qin Family?

And that money had indirectly led to his encounter with and rescue of Qin Yurong tonight?

This causal connection was truly mind-boggling.

"Indeed... it is quite a coincidence."

Yang Ning also managed to show a rare smile.

Qin Yuwei sighed with emotion:

"Who is to say it isn't?

Sow a good seed, reap a good fruit; the ancients never deceived us.

With this, your identity and background, Young Hero, are no longer in the slightest doubt to our Qin Family."

He straightened his expression, his gaze toward Yang Ning carrying a newfound sense of gravity and appreciation:

"Through my recent conversation with my sister, I have gained a deeper understanding of you, young hero.

A humble background is no cause for shame.

To rise from obscurity and achieve greatness—that is the true mark of a man.

With your martial talent and character, young hero Yang, your future is limitless."

He paused, his tone sincere:

"Miss Qin has surely mentioned to you that our Qin family always rewards merit and repays kindness.

You have rendered a life-saving service to my sister, and as a man of clean standing and astonishing potential, you are exactly the kind of talent the Qin family seeks.

Today, on behalf of the Qin family, I formally invite you to serve as a third-rank Guest Token holder for the Qin Mansion!"

As these words fell, not only Qin Yuhui but even Qin Yurong let out a cry of surprise.

For a great family like the Qin family, there is a strict set of rules governing the ranks of guest retainers: entry-level, third-rank, second-rank, and first-rank.

Entry-level guests are generally only at the Body Tempering stage, and by that logic, one must be a Tendon Changing expert who has developed Bright Force to qualify for the status of a third-rank guest.

"Your retainer stipend will be one hundred taels of silver, paid monthly.

With your Guest Token, you may purchase weapons, medicinal herbs, and other cultivation resources at all shops under the Qin family name at a thirty percent discount.

You may also borrow and study the martial arts manuals kept on the first floor of our mansion's library."

He looked at Yang Ning with burning eyes, his tone filled with expectation:

"At only twenty years of age, you have already mastered Body Tempering. I look forward to your future progress in Tendon Changing, Bone Forging, and even higher realms.

The Qin family is willing to provide you with a platform and support to help you advance your martial path and soar to great heights!

As for the specific details, Miss Qin will arrange everything for you shortly.

The Qin family will never mistreat those who have served us, nor will we fail any talent worthy of cultivation!"

A third-rank guest holds a position of considerable status.

For a young man like Yang Ning, who has only just begun to make a name for himself without any established roots, this offer is exceptionally generous.

It grants him a significant degree of freedom and room for growth.

Yang Ning understood clearly that this was a sincere gesture from the Qin family, weighing his kindness, strength, and potential.

He no longer hesitated; he raised his cup, stood up, and said solemnly:

"I am honored by the kindness of Young Master Qin and Miss Qin. I would be remiss to refuse.

From this day forward, I am willing to offer my humble efforts to the Qin family."

"Excellent!"

Qin Yuwei was overjoyed and raised his cup to meet him.

Qin Yurong sat to the side, watching her brother and Yang Ning conversing happily, her eyes sparkling with brilliance.

Amidst her joy, she stole a glance at Yang Ning's calm profile, her cheeks warming, and she quickly lowered her gaze.

The banquet, where both host and guest were well-pleased, did not disperse until late into the night.

In the days that followed, East Third Street and the streets further afield remained in a state of suppressed calm, ostensibly under the lingering shadow of the Blood Ape Gang.

Yet, in the shadows, undercurrents and discussions spread quietly like subterranean fire.

The details of the incident at Chunhua Restaurant may have been downplayed by the Qin family and suppressed by the Blood Ape Gang, but many survivors had witnessed the "White Jade Mask youth who punched the savage ape to death."

They were spreading the story by word of mouth.

"Have you heard?

That young gang leader, Wang Teng, was arrogant beyond measure. He gathered his men at Chunhua Restaurant, intending to force himself upon the Qin family miss.

He even wanted to kill everyone in the restaurant to silence them!"

"And the result? He kicked a steel plate!

A young expert wearing a White Jade Mask beat him into the ground in just a few moves!

They say his chest bones were shattered, and he died on the spot!"

"Is that for real?

Wang Teng was a Body Tempering expert, a ruthless character among the younger generation of the Blood Ape Gang!"

"It's the absolute truth!

My great-aunt's neighbor was eating on the second floor at the time and saw it with his own eyes!

That masked young hero is so young, yet his fist techniques were as fierce as a tiger descending from the mountain—truly imposing!"

"Tsk, tsk, you really can't judge a book by its cover.

I wonder which family raised such a talent?"

"To think he dared to kill someone from the Blood Ape Gang..."

"It seems his surname is Yang? What was it, 'Jade-Faced Tiger'?"

"He even saved the Qin Family Miss, and now I hear he's being treated as an honored guest by the Qin Family!"

"Jade-Faced Tiger?

What a great title! Both refined and domineering!

Truly a young hero!"

"Isn't that the truth!

Many people who were at the restaurant that day owe him a debt of gratitude, calling him their savior!"

Just as the discussions regarding Yang Ning and the Blood Ape Gang began to ferment and his reputation quietly rose, a heavyweight ranking list was updated as scheduled at the beginning of the month, both inside and outside Kuishan County, and was quietly delivered to the desks of all influential factions.

Inside the inner city, the Kuishan Top Hundred Ranking compiled by the All-Hearing Yuan Family.

This list was divided into two volumes.

The upper volume recorded the truly top-tier experts and veterans of Kuishan County, circulating only among the upper echelons of major factions, kept strictly confidential.

The lower volume listed the up-and-coming talents and local powerhouses within the top one hundred; though not as secretive as the upper volume, it was still not something ordinary citizens could easily lay eyes on.

However, the changes in its rankings and the appearance of newcomers often became the talk of the town among martial artists and well-informed individuals.

With this update to the list, one change in the lower volume was particularly eye-catching:

Original 97th place:

"Reckless Ape" Wang Teng (Young Master of the Blood Ape Gang, Body Tempering realm)

--Deceased, removed from the list.

Newly promoted 97th place:

"Jade-Faced Tiger" Yang Ning (Guest Elder of the Qin Family, Body Tempering realm)

--Killed Wang Teng at Chunhua Restaurant, fist techniques are fierce and powerful, skilled in Tiger-style. Because he wears a White Jade Mask, he earned this title.

Once the list was released, it confirmed the rumors and officially pushed the name "Jade-Faced Tiger Yang Ning" into the sights of all the factions in the county.