Shifting Status! (Seeking Monthly Votes!)

Upon hearing this question, all the disciples hurriedly pricked up their ears.

They were also very curious as to how Li Chuan, with his inferior aptitude, had managed to break through to the Dark Force on his very first Gate-Knocking.

Li Chuan pondered for a moment and said indifferently:

"Any success I have today is entirely due to my own hard work."

Hearing this, the disciples let out a series of exclamations.

The gazes they directed at Li Chuan became even more respectful!

To be able to break through a shackle that most people found insurmountable, relying solely on one's own diligent cultivation.

What incredible perseverance!

For a moment, many disciples felt their bodies trembling slightly, their own goals becoming even more firmly set.

The disciple who had taken the lead in asking could not help but nod repeatedly:

"Thank you, Senior Brother Li, I have attained enlightenment!"

Li Chuan nodded calmly and, passing through the bustling crowd, headed toward the Martial Arts Arena.

"Is the training post I usually use occupied?" Li Chuan felt a bit surprised.

But after thinking about it carefully, it made sense.

In the past, he had always arrived the earliest, so he could always snag the best post.

But now that it was past the hour of the sheep, it was the busiest time of day.

Such a prime spot would certainly not be left empty.

Li Chuan was just preparing to find a lesser post to make do with for the time being.

Suddenly, a sharp-looking disciple walked up to him and chuckled:

"Senior Brother Li, I am Zhuang Beiwang. I haven't been in the hall long, but I have long looked up to your achievements, Senior Brother."

"I found out that you usually train at this post, so I deliberately got up early to grab the spot for you."

"Such a good wooden post should naturally belong to those capable of using it."

"Senior Brother Li, please!"

With that, Zhuang Beiwang stepped aside to yield the post.

Li Chuan was stunned for a moment.

In that instant, he truly realized that his status had changed.

There were only eight Dark Force practitioners in the entire Pine Wind Martial Hall, and including him, there were only nine in total.

In other words, he was already among the top ten existences in the Pine Wind Martial Hall.

It was a completely different situation now!

Li Chuan immediately smiled:

"Then I thank you, Junior Brother Zhuang. If you have anything you don't understand while practicing your punches in the future, you can come to me for guidance."

Zhuang Beiwang's face lit up with joy. Suppressing his inner excitement, he cupped his fists and said:

"Senior Brother Li, please continue your training. I won't disturb you any further. If there is anything you need done, just command me!"

In the distance, many disciples began to look at Zhuang Beiwang's sycophantic behavior with great disdain.

But upon hearing Li Chuan say those words, they each began to regret it in their hearts.

They cursed themselves for not being quick-witted enough; the chance to receive guidance from a Dark Force practitioner was rare indeed!

Immediately, many clever disciples began to ponder how they could get closer to Li Chuan.

"A-Chuan, you're back."

In the distance, Luo Zheng walked toward Li Chuan with a complex look in his eyes.

As the eldest son of the Luo Family Apothecary, his sources of information were naturally very well-informed.

Early this morning, he had learned the news that the Wave-Breaking Gang had been wiped out.

Thirty or forty people had died in the building, their remains charred by a great fire.

Combining this with the fact that Li Chuan had sought poison from him yesterday with such urgency, Luo Zheng basically had his answer.

However, after understanding the ins and outs of the matter, Luo Zheng could understand why Li Chuan had acted this way.

If it were him, although he might not have been as ruthless as Li Chuan, he would not have let Wu Wenda off either.

Luo Zheng looked at Li Chuan carefully, his thoughts drifting.

This junior brother of his... he had truly changed a great deal.

When he first entered the hall, he had been so infatuated with Jiang Ting that he didn't know the world from his own feet.

He had spent his family's hard-earned money without a thought for self-improvement.

He had frequented taverns day and night, throwing away silver just to win a smile from Jiang Ting.

His martial arts cultivation had fallen completely behind.

Having been at the martial hall for four months, he hadn't even managed to learn the Pine Wind Martial Hall's signature Through-Arm Fist.

But later on, it was as if he had suddenly become a different person.

He was meticulous and hardworking.

He went from an ordinary person to passing the first Gate-Knocking, then the second.

Now, he had even entered the Inner Courtyard, standing "on equal footing" with him.

Even with Luo Zheng's experience and insight, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wistfulness.

"Junior Brother Li, how many of you were there in total?" Luo Zheng asked in a low voice.

"What do you mean, how many?"

Luo Zheng rolled his eyes at him:

"Don't play dumb with me. The Wave-Breaking Gang is such a massive organization; don't tell me you took them all out by yourself..."

Li Chuan said innocently:

"It really was just me. Who else could have helped me?"

Luo Zheng gave Li Chuan a hard nudge with his elbow:

"My uncle really didn't misjudge you!"

"My wife is sick today, and I've got a lot of pent-up frustration. Come up to the ring and spar with me!"

Luo Zheng acted flippant, beckoning Li Chuan with his finger.

Li Chuan felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that Luo Zheng was never one to be so casual.

His strength surpassed his own; sparring with him would likely benefit Li Chuan more.

As for this tone, it was merely to ensure he wouldn't feel any sense of indebtedness.

Li Chuan grinned:

"You'd better be careful this time."

Luo Zheng raised an eyebrow:

"Come and try!"

"Whoosh!" A fist the size of a sandbag slammed toward him.

Luo Zheng barked:

"You're playing dirty!"

Li Chuan's fists were like an airtight wall, leaving Luo Zheng gasping for air:

"Senior Brother, this is the 'Formless Fist' you taught me!"

Luo Zheng sneered:

"Then let me teach you once more what it means to have no move that surpasses having a move!"

Luo Zheng steadied his stance and began to counterattack.

But the longer they fought, the more alarmed he became!

He had sparred with Li Chuan back when he first broke through to the Dark Force.

At that time, he could have defeated Li Chuan with ease whenever he wanted.

But now, even using his full strength, he was only barely holding the upper hand.

For a moment, Luo Zheng exclaimed in shock:

"Your Through-Arm Fist has reached Great Completion?!"

Li Chuan didn't speak, responding instead with a Rib-Breaking Mountain-Crushing strike.

Soon, Luo Zheng discovered that not only had Li Chuan mastered the Through-Arm Fist, but his fighting style had also become incredibly fierce.

Where he used to be somewhat timid, he was now completely adept and confident.

Every move and stance exuded a "killing intent."

Anyone with an unsteady mind would likely have been weakened by half at the very first exchange!

Luo Zheng knew he couldn't drag this out any longer, or his reputation as the "Second Senior Brother" would be at risk!

"Tendon-Severing Bone-Dislocating Style!" Luo Zheng unleashed his family's secret technique, forcing Li Chuan back in one go.

"Whoa!" The Outer Courtyard disciples watching from below let out a gasp.

Compared to the last time when Luo Zheng had easily defeated Li Chuan, this evenly matched duel was far more spectacular!

Luo Zheng kept his expression neutral and offered pointers:

"Junior Brother Li, your Through-Arm Fist is becoming increasingly flexible, but I am still the stronger one."

"You still need more practice!"

Li Chuan looked ashamed. "Senior Brother Luo's skills are a cut above; I admit I am no match for you."

Luo Zheng smiled faintly. "Wait here for a moment, I'll be right back."

Luo Zheng strode off the ring and headed toward a secluded area.

Only after checking that no one was around did he finally relax, his ruddy complexion instantly turning pale.

Tasting the thick, metallic tang of blood in his mouth, Luo Zheng wiped the corner of his lips and gave a bitter smile.

His Junior Brother Li was progressing far too quickly.

Even for him to secure a victory, he had to pay a price by forcing out a powerful, high-intensity technique.

Thinking of this, Luo Zheng felt a surge of relief.

It was fortunate that his family possessed a secret art capable of unleashing such formidable strength.

Otherwise, facing a junior brother who had only recently entered the Dark Force stage would have taken a great deal of effort...

What would become of his reputation then!

Luo Zheng could accept taking on unknown risks to help Li Chuan.

But he absolutely could not accept being surpassed by him!

"I've slacked off on my martial arts this past year; I must buckle down and train, or my reputation won't be safe!"

After regulating his breathing, Luo Zheng returned to the Martial Arts Arena.

"Senior Brother Luo, are you alright?" Li Chuan asked with concern.

Luo Zheng waved his hand dismissively. "Just a minor matter."

"By the way, A-Chuan, you haven't celebrated entering the Dark Force stage yet, have you?" Luo Zheng asked. "Come, as your senior brother, I'll take you to the Flying Swallow Pavilion in the Inner City for a feast and show you the world!"

"Also, regarding the price quote from last time, I went back and discussed it with my father and uncle. I'll tell you the details in a bit."

Luo Zheng said earnestly, "I guarantee you won't be disappointed!"