Squire Li

"Black Mountain Gang! Do they truly take my Chen Family for soft persimmons to be squeezed at will!"

The old steward was so furious his hair stood on end. "Where are they now? I shall take men there this instant and demand an explanation for you, my nephew."

"Old Steward, I fear that would not be in accordance with the rules."

A look of clear displeasure flashed across Chen Qiuyu's face. "Once one has left the family, how can one still rely upon it?"

"The family's prestige is limited. If every Chen family member abroad came seeking protection whenever they were bullied, it would eventually harm the family's reputation. Now that the chaos has settled, it is best not to meddle in unrelated matters."

A look of disappointment crossed the old steward's face. He spoke earnestly, "What do you mean by 'unrelated matters'? My Chen family's descendant is being bullied, and you call that unrelated? While it may indeed be against the rules, rules are made by men. My mind is made up on this matter!"

Hearing this, Chen Qiuyu's expression turned quite ugly. Her lips parted slightly, but in the end, she offered no further persuasion.

She merely cast a disdainful and cold glance at Chen Han, as if he were utterly shameless, before turning and leaving without another word.

Chen Han's face was full of gratitude as he looked at the old steward. "Tomorrow, they will come looking for me again. I only ask that the old steward be there to help me suppress them when the time comes."

"No problem. I will bring men over then."

Black Lion City, in the bustling inner city.

A carriage moved slowly through the center of the street, and passing pedestrians carefully stepped aside.

The carriage was clean but not particularly ornate; it lacked the gold and silver inlays of the city's powerful elite, but it was sturdy and durable.

Even so, those around knew that in these times, anyone capable of riding in a carriage was either wealthy or influential.

Squire Li, now in his middle years, sat upright on one side of the carriage. His face was etched with worry as he spoke helplessly to his eldest son sitting opposite him, "With disaster looming, the Dark Energy martial artists in the city have long since been recruited as private guards by the powerful. If you wish to learn martial arts, I can only find you a Bright Energy martial artist."

Li Mubai fell silent, saying nothing.

He had been pampered since childhood and had never cared for martial arts; in his heart, he even looked down upon martial artists.

But now, with catastrophe imminent, he realized that only by practicing martial arts and becoming strong himself could he avoid being a pawn in these chaotic times and losing his life in the great tide of history.

If the front lines collapsed, he would have no choice but to follow his father and take the family to another city. Yet, the wilderness was teeming with strange beasts and evil spirits, and their only protection would be a few Bright Energy martial artists.

How could they feel secure with that? Even if they were lucky on the road, what if those martial artists turned on their masters, coveting his eldest sister or the family's wealth, and killed them halfway for their belongings?

Because of this, he wanted to learn martial arts! Even if it were just a move or two, it would at least provide some deterrent power in a life-or-death struggle, ensuring he wouldn't be slaughtered like a weakling.

He had once hoped to find a Dark Energy expert to teach him, but the city's elite were so protective of their own lives that they had spared no expense, using silver to buy out almost every remaining Dark Energy expert in the city.

As for those above the Dark Energy realm, there was no need to even mention them—they were being snatched up with official titles and positions!

"Bright Energy... that will do. As long as I can learn a few lethal moves for a desperate fight, anything will do!"

He finally compromised.

"Very well. When we return, you shall begin by standing in the horse stance with the family's guards."

Li Mubai nodded, though resentment still lingered in his heart. Could these Bright Energy martial artists really teach a weak scholar like him "killing techniques" in such a short time?

He did not know, but this was the final resort in a desperate situation; he had no other choice.

"Squire Li, there is an old man ahead who says he wishes to see you. He claims to be a relative."

At that moment, the carriage stopped without warning, and a servant reported from outside the window.

"A relative?"

Squire Li was puzzled. "Let him come over."

A few moments later, an old man with graying hair appeared before him, wearing a perfectly measured smile. Behind him stood a young man with handsome features and well-defined facial contours.

This old man was none other than the old shopkeeper who worked with Chen Han, and the youth behind him was Chen Han.

"Squire Li."

Although the old shopkeeper was a relative of Squire Li, their lineage was so distant that they hardly knew which generation they shared; the connection between the two families was tenuous at best, so the title "Squire Li" was just right.

"It is you? Is there something you need from me?"

The old shopkeeper chuckled. "It is like this: this is an accountant from your shop, named Chen Han."

Chen Han stepped forward and performed a deep, respectful bow.

"Oh?"

Squire Li frowned slightly. Could it be that this boy has a favor to ask of me? And this old man wants to act as a go-between? They are thinking a bit too highly of themselves.

"Speak your mind."

He said coldly.

He had never held a favorable view of such people.

Chen Han stepped forward, keeping his head low. "It is like this, Squire Li. I was once a Dark Energy martial artist from the Chen martial arts family, but a misstep left my body crippled, and I am now working in your shop."

A Dark Energy martial artist?

Squire Li had originally intended to dismiss them with a few words without even listening to Chen Han's story.

But the mention of a Dark Energy martial artist piqued his interest significantly. He narrowed his eyes slightly and began to look the handsome young man up and down once more.

His speech was measured and composed, and his posture was as steady as a pine; he truly did look much more pleasing to the eye than some of the Bright Energy martial artists.

Chen Han continued, "Squire Li gave this humble one a task, and I am deeply grateful for it. Tomorrow, a steward from my clan will be visiting my humble abode. If Squire Li does not mind the modest surroundings, you are welcome to come by for some tea and a meal."

A steward of the Chen Family?

He had heard of them before. The stewards of these martial arts families were like dragons that rarely showed their tails; they naturally disliked official circles and were the type of figures one couldn't meet even by pulling strings.

Yet, tomorrow, they would be able to sit and converse.

Right now, he was in dire need of establishing good relations with those in the martial arts world to prepare for the unforeseen dangers that lay ahead.

This opportunity was truly a timely gift, precious beyond measure.

Li Mubai, standing to the side, also had his eyes light up upon hearing this. After learning that Chen Han was already a Dark Force martial artist at such a young age, he became even more excited.

Although times had changed, the experience of a Dark Force martial artist was still invaluable; they were already existences that those at the Bright Force level could not compare to. Besides, if the other party were truly a master of the Dark Force, how would it ever be their turn to curry favor?

"Good! Good! My worthy nephew, shopkeeper, come, board the carriage and accompany me to my estate for a chat."

Chen Han felt a surge of joy. He had long heard that Squire Li's household had very few martial artists and that his connections in the martial arts world could not compare to the city's top power brokers. His youngest son had wanted to learn, but they had been unable to find a suitable master.

Therefore, once the old steward of his clan agreed to come and hold down the fort, Chen Han had conceived the idea of acting as a bridge between them.

Not only would this bring in another person to bolster his standing and make that scoundrel Hou Chun even more wary, but it would also make Squire Li owe him a favor.

However, using this tactic once made him appear exceptionally clever, but using it twice would be seen as despicable, and its effectiveness would be greatly diminished.

The prestige of the old steward and Squire Li was also very precious. Once or twice, people would take it seriously, but three or four times, it would become laughable.

In the end, one still had to rely on one's own strength.