Assessment

"Pan Family."

Lin Qing silently repeated those two words in his mind.

Deep in his eyes, a trace of icy murderous intent quietly congealed.

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He didn't go looking for trouble, but when trouble came to him, he never feared it.

Since the other side had already brought their killing blow to his doorstep, intent on taking his life,

then there was no turning back from this secret contest.

The smell of alcohol had yet to fully dissipate from the private room.

But the atmosphere had grown somewhat heavy because of the topic of the Ge Pao Society.

Zhang Shun looked at the two black iron tokens on the table, each representing the life of a martial artist, then raised his eyes to Lin Qing, who sat opposite him with a calm expression.

The superiority he had felt after breaking through to the inner sect faded somewhat, replaced by a renewed wariness.

Farmer Twin Fists were no nameless nobodies. They were seasoned martial artists in the late stage of the First Barrier Realm, men who had truly licked blood from the edge of a blade.

Working together, the brothers could hold their own even against an ordinary martial artist of the Second Barrier Realm.

Yet they had fallen into Lin Qing's hands without a sound, unable even to escape.

This junior brother usually seemed quiet and reserved, even somewhat low-key. Who would have thought that when he acted, he would be so decisive and ruthless, showing no mercy?

Zhang Shun asked himself: if he had encountered an assassination by Farmer Twin Fists outside before breaking through, he would probably have been in grave danger too.

"This kid is no ordinary talent. If he can grow into his potential, he'll surely make something of himself."

Zhang Shun's estimation of Lin Qing rose sharply as he secretly pondered.

Compared with ordinary disciples who only buried themselves in hard training or knew how to flatter their superiors,

someone like Lin Qing, who had both talent and insight, knew how to bide his time, and acted decisively, was far more worth investing in and befriending.

His fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop. After mulling it over for a moment, he suddenly lowered his voice and asked, "Junior Brother Lin, since you've already gotten entangled with the Ge Pao Society and dealt with their men, even if it was for a reason and they struck first,

"the Ge Pao Society has strict rules. They may not be willing to let it go after losing face. Have you ever considered simply joining them?"

"Join the Ge Pao Society?"

Lin Qing was slightly taken aback. This was a path he had never considered.

"Exactly."

Zhang Shun leaned forward, lowering his voice until it was almost a whisper.

"To put it bluntly, the Ge Pao Society was founded to operate in the gray areas and make money!"

The Big Brother had even said outright that the brothers had gathered together to work the shady side of things, make quick money, trade it for cultivation resources, and fight for a chance to rise in this world!

"There are all sorts of people in it. As long as you have the ability and can complete the assignments, you can earn silver and buy cultivation techniques and resources that are hard to get elsewhere."

He paused and looked at Lin Qing meaningfully. "You killed their people, so there's bad blood between you. But if you become one of them, then you're one of their own, and the old grudge can naturally be resolved."

"After all, for an organization, recruiting a capable fighter who can take down Farmer Twin Fists is far more valuable than avenging two dead men."

Lin Qing's thoughts stirred.

What he lacked most right now, besides strength, was information and resources.

The Ge Pao Society was clearly an enormous underground network in Qingping County.

If he could join, he could not only defuse the crisis at hand for the time being, but also make use of its channels to gather information.

For example, he could investigate the Pan Family's movements or even buy higher-grade techniques and medicinal ingredients.

This would undoubtedly benefit his current situation greatly.

"Brother Shun, what exactly is the Ge Pao Society? Does it have any backing?" Lin Qing asked cautiously. He needed to learn more.

A guarded expression flickered through Zhang Shun's eyes, and he answered vaguely:

"As for its origins, the waters run deep. All I know is that the Society seems to have the support of certain major powers. Its strength is considerable, far beyond that of the forces operating openly in Qingping County."

"It's a mixed crowd, with plenty of factions, so it's hard to make sweeping statements. But when all is said and done, everyone gathered there has one simple goal: making money!"

Support from major powers?

Lin Qing felt a chill in his heart.

Zhang Shun was being so guarded about it—

the Ge Pao Society's background was probably far beyond what he had imagined.

That only strengthened his resolve to join. The larger the organization, the more opportunities and resources it usually offered.

Seeing that Lin Qing was interested, Zhang Shun continued to reveal more inside information. "However, joining the Ge Pao Society isn't easy. First, you have to pass an assessment arranged by the Big Brother and prove your ability and worth."

"After joining, you have to complete at least one assignment issued by the Society each month. Once you've completed six assignments, you can be promoted to senior member and gain access to higher-level information and resources."

He pointed to himself, a hint of pride barely detectable in his tone. "I won't hide it from you. Your senior brother joined the Ge Pao Society three years ago. By completing the Society's assignments, I secretly acquired quite a few martial resources and a good deal of silver. That's how I went from being a poor kid with no connections to breaking through to the Bone Forging Realm of the Third Barrier Realm."

"Otherwise, with only the meager income from the martial arts school and support from my family, I wouldn't even dream of it."

Hearing this, Lin Qing was immediately tempted.

Fortune favored the bold.

Zhang Shun's example was right there before him. The Ge Pao Society might be dangerous, but it was also full of opportunities.

Shared intelligence, access to resources—

that was exactly what he needed most right now.

It would not only help him deal with the Pan Family's assassins, but also accelerate his martial cultivation.

"Thank you for showing me the way, Senior Brother." Lin Qing cupped his hands, his expression solemn.

"I'm willing to try joining the Ge Pao Society. I'd be grateful if you could recommend me."

"Good. Those who understand the times are wise." Zhang Shun smiled with satisfaction, feeling he had won over another promising talent.

"Wait for word from me. I'll get in touch with them right away."

Over the next few days, Lin Qing kept up his usual cultivation, managed the medicine shop, and brewed Tendon Strengthening Powder while waiting patiently.

He didn't tell his older sister about his plan to join the Ge Pao Society.

Some roads were meant to be walked alone.

Three days later, Zhang Shun brought news.

At a secluded teahouse, he slipped a small folded note to Lin Qing.

"The assessment assignment has come through," Zhang Shun said in a low voice.

"Within three days, teach a lesson to one of the White Horse Gang's ruffians, a man named Zhang San. The address is written on the note. The assignment says to punish him enough to make an example of him, then take the money in his home as spoils."

"Keep it clean. Don't leave any loose ends."

Lin Qing took the note and nodded.

Teaching a lesson to a White Horse Gang ruffian didn't sound too difficult.

He even vaguely felt that the assignment seemed a little too easy.

Compared with the pressure Farmer Twin Fists had brought, it was hardly worth mentioning.

He didn't ask any questions. He put the note away and began making preparations.

Following the address on the note, he soon found Zhang San's home. It was in a patch of low, ramshackle shacks on the edge of the Outer City, even more dilapidated than Old Fan's home.

For the next two days, Lin Qing didn't act rashly. Instead, he quietly circled around Zhang San's home and observed.

He needed to learn his target's routine and get a feel for the surrounding area.

However, as his observations continued, Lin Qing's brow gradually furrowed.

This Zhang San seemed completely different from the ruffian he had imagined.