Assessment

"The Pan Family."

Lin Qing silently repeated these two words in his heart.

Deep within his eyes, a sliver of icy killing intent quietly coalesced.

He did not go looking for trouble, but now that trouble had arrived, he certainly would not fear it.

Since the other party had already delivered a lethal blow, intent on putting him in the grave.

Then, this hidden contest would leave no room for turning back.

Inside the private room, the scent of alcohol had not yet fully dissipated.

But the atmosphere had grown heavy due to the topic of the Ge Pao Society.

Zhang Shun looked at the two black iron tokens on the table, which represented the lives of two martial artists, then raised his eyes to look at the calm-faced Lin Qing opposite him.

The sense of superiority he had felt from breaking through to the inner sect faded slightly, replaced by a need to re-evaluate.

Farmer Twin Fists were no mere nobodies; they were seasoned, late-stage First Barrier Realm martial artists who had truly licked blood from the edge of a blade.

With the brothers working in tandem, they would not necessarily be without a chance of victory even against an ordinary Second Barrier Realm expert.

Yet, they had fallen silently at the hands of Lin Qing, unable to even escape.

This junior brother usually appeared taciturn and even somewhat low-key; he had not expected him to be so decisive, ruthless, and merciless when it came to taking action.

Zhang Shun asked himself, if he had encountered an assassination attempt by Farmer Twin Fists before his own breakthrough, he likely would have been in grave danger.

This boy is definitely not a creature of the pond. If he can grow in the future, he will surely accomplish great things.

Zhang Shun mused to himself, his estimation of Lin Qing rising sharply.

Compared to those ordinary disciples who only knew how to bury their heads in training or flatter their superiors.

Someone like Lin Qing, who possessed both talent and insight, knew how to endure, and acted with decisiveness, was much more worthy of investment and friendship.

He tapped his fingers lightly against the table, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly lowered his voice to ask: "Junior Brother Lin, since you have already become entangled with the Ge Pao Society and eliminated their men—even if there was a reason for it and they struck first."

"But the Ge Pao Society has strict rules; having lost face, they may not be willing to let it go. Have you considered simply joining the Ge Pao Society?"

"Join the Ge Pao Society?"

Lin Qing was slightly taken aback; this was a path he had not considered.

"Correct."

Zhang Shun leaned forward, his voice dropping even lower, almost like a whisper.

"The original intent behind the founding of the Ge Pao Society, to put it bluntly, is to walk the gray path and make money!"

"Big Brother himself has stated plainly that the brothers gather together to take on side jobs, earn quick cash, exchange for cultivation resources, and fight for a chance to get ahead in this world!"

"There are all sorts of people in there. As long as you have the ability and can complete missions, you can get a share of the silver and buy techniques and resources that are hard to find on the outside."

He paused, looking at Lin Qing meaningfully: "You killed their men, so there is a grudge. But if you become one of them, you are one of their own, and the previous score naturally has room for negotiation."

"After all, for an organization, recruiting an expert capable of taking down Farmer Twin Fists is far more valuable than avenging two dead men."

Lin Qing felt a stir in his heart.

What he currently lacked, aside from absolute strength, was intelligence and resources.

The Ge Pao Society was clearly a massive underground network within Qingping County.

If he could join, he could not only temporarily resolve the immediate crisis but also leverage their channels to obtain information.

For instance, investigating the movements of the Pan Family, or even purchasing higher-level techniques and medicinal herbs.

This would undoubtedly be of great benefit to his current situation.

"Brother Shun, what exactly is the origin of this Ge Pao Society? Do they have backing?" Lin Qing asked cautiously; he needed to know more.

A look of profound mystery flashed through Zhang Shun's eyes as he spoke vaguely:

"As for the origin, the water runs deep. I only know that there seems to be support from certain major powers behind the society. Their strength is not to be trifled with and is certainly not comparable to the forces visible on the surface of Qingping County."

"It is a mixed bag in there with many factions, so it is hard to generalize. But in the end, the purpose of everyone gathering together is very pure, and that is to make money!"

Support from major powers?

Lin Qing felt a chill in his heart.

To make Zhang Shun act so guarded.

The background of this Ge Pao Society was likely far beyond his imagination.

This, instead, solidified his resolve to join; the larger the organization, the more opportunities and resources it usually implied.

Seeing that Lin Qing was interested, Zhang Shun continued to reveal more inside information: "However, joining the Ge Pao Society is no easy task. First, you must pass an assessment mission arranged by Big Brother to prove your ability and value."

"After joining, you must complete at least one mission issued by the society every month. Once you have completed six missions, you can be promoted to a senior member, allowing you access to higher-level information and resources."

He pointed to himself, a hint of imperceptible pride in his tone: "I won't hide it from you, I joined the Ge Pao Society three years ago. By completing missions for the society, I have secretly obtained quite a lot of martial arts resources and silver, which is how I was able to break through to the Third Barrier Realm Bone Forging Realm, step by step, from a poor boy with no background."

"Otherwise, relying solely on the meager income from the martial arts hall and family support, that would be impossible to even imagine."

Lin Qing felt his heart stir upon hearing this.

Wealth and honor are sought amidst danger, after all.

Zhang Shun's example was right before his eyes; the Ge Pao Society might be dangerous, but it was equally brimming with opportunity.

Sharing intelligence and acquiring resources.

This was exactly what he needed most urgently right now.

It would not only allow him to deal with the Pan Family's assassination attempts but also accelerate his own martial arts cultivation.

"Many thanks for your guidance, Senior Brother." Lin Qing cupped his hands, his expression solemn.

"This younger brother is willing to try joining the Ge Pao Society; I ask that you please act as my introducer."

"Good, a wise man submits to circumstances." Zhang Shun smiled with satisfaction, feeling that he had recruited another talent.

"Wait for my word; I shall go make the arrangements now."

Over the next few days, Lin Qing continued his usual routine of cultivation, managing the apothecary, and refining Tendon Strengthening Powder, all while waiting patiently.

He did not inform his sister of his intention to join the Ge Pao Society.

Some paths are destined to be walked alone.

Three days later, Zhang Shun brought new information.

In a secluded teahouse, he slipped a folded piece of paper to Lin Qing.

"The assessment mission has arrived," Zhang Shun whispered.

"Within three days, teach a lesson to a hoodlum from the White Horse Gang named Zhang San. The address is on the note. The mission requires a light punishment to serve as a warning, and you are to take the money from his home as your spoils of war."

"Do it cleanly; leave no loose ends."

Lin Qing took the note and nodded.

Teaching a lesson to a White Horse Gang hoodlum did not sound particularly difficult.

He even felt a faint suspicion in his heart—was this mission perhaps a bit too simple?

Compared to the pressure brought by the Farmer Twin Fists, it was hardly worth mentioning.

He did not ask further questions, tucked the note away, and began his preparations.

Following the address on the note, he quickly located Zhang San's residence, situated in a cluster of low-slung shanties on the edge of the outer city, even more dilapidated than Old Fan's home.

For the next two days, Lin Qing did not act rashly, but instead quietly lingered and observed the area around Zhang San's house.

He needed to figure out the target's routine and the surrounding environment.

However, as his observations deepened, Lin Qing's brows gradually furrowed.

This Zhang San seemed vastly different from the image of a hoodlum he had imagined.