Time Waits for No One

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!...

On the open ground, gusts of fist wind were powerful and forceful, causing the air to vibrate slightly. Combined with Wang Sheng's long, steady breaths, it seemed as if there was a certain rhythm in every movement and stillness, creating a unique sense of comfort and beauty.

Although Wang Sheng had only been practicing martial arts for a few months, thanks to Heaven Rewards Diligence, he was making steady progress every day.

At first, the progress might not have been obvious, but as cultivation advanced, it became more difficult. Most people would even regress when they hit a bottleneck. Yet, Wang Sheng continued to improve, clearly showing the gap between him and others.

After a while, "Wang Sheng, your technique has some real skill! It's like the fist wind of a master who's practiced for over a decade!"

Luo Zhengwen appeared at some point, standing with his arms crossed, looking quite surprised as he spoke.

"I've gained a little insight, but it's nowhere near as good as Senior Brother's!"

Wang Sheng slowly retracted his fists, smiling faintly.

"No, no, no! Although you haven't manifested your internal energy yet, this Great Tablet Shattering Hand is truly excellent. It's on par with mine."

Luo Zhengwen affirmed Wang Sheng's cultivation, believing he had made great progress.

Wang Sheng didn't explain further.

In reality, if he hadn't deliberately hidden his internal energy, the set of techniques he just performed would have produced sounds like whistling winds and rumbling thunder, with a soul-stirring aura.

The boost from internal energy would have greatly multiplied the destructive power!

"Junior Brother Luo!"

Li Hu suddenly called out.

Luo Zhengwen glanced over, nodded at Wang Sheng, said a few more words, and then quickly walked towards Li Hu.

Over there, Li Hu, Wei Yu, and other martial artists who had achieved Bright Energy were gathered, chatting.

These dozen or so Bright Energy martial artists were clearly the core of the entire courtyard. They formed a tight-knit group, an invisible clique. Without Bright Energy cultivation, one wasn't even qualified to enter their circle.

Around them, whether it was the disciples who had just joined or the new disciples who hadn't yet been formally accepted, they would often look at the dozen or so Senior Brothers chatting together with eyes full of envy and longing.

After all, once one became a Bright Energy martial artist, not only would they receive the genuine recognition of a Transforming Energy grandmaster like Master Zhao, but they could also boast of having dozens of Bright Energy fellow disciples. Who wouldn't give them some respect?

"Hmph, it won't be long before I can join them, and even surpass them."

Wu An's expression soured as he saw that he, a quasi-Bright Energy martial artist, hadn't been invited to join them. He snorted coldly in his heart.

Wang Sheng didn't pay much attention to the small group, continuing to practice his punches. He was close to Dark Energy, so he really didn't care much about the affairs of the Bright Energy clique.

There were many things to do today. If he could finish today's training early, he would have time in the evening to cultivate the second level of the Blood Stacking Technique, or perhaps kill someone.

Just then, Ge Xiaogu quietly walked over, as if afraid of being discovered by someone.

"Senior Brother, Senior Brother Fang warned me to stay away from you. I might not be able to talk to you much from now on. But Senior Brother, you have to believe me, my heart is definitely with you!"

After speaking, Ge Xiaogu quickly lowered his head and hurried away.

Wang Sheng didn't respond, continuing to practice his punches.

It wasn't until Master Zhao emerged from the inner courtyard with his son, Zhao Feipeng, that all the disciples quieted down, their gazes fixed on Master Zhao.

Only then did Wang Sheng stop his punches, a thought rising in his mind: he would kill Fang Mingguang tonight.

Time and time again, Fang Mingguang had been causing trouble. Wang Sheng didn't want Fang Mingguang to live another night.

"Everyone, from this day forward, our Ershui City Martial Alliance is officially established."

"The Martial Alliance is composed of three martial arts schools and five martial academies. All disciples at Bright Energy level and above are members of the Martial Alliance and will receive Law Enforcement Tokens from the government, granting them temporary enforcement authority."

"All official Martial Alliance disciples will receive twenty taels of silver monthly, which can be stacked with the benefits provided by their respective sects."

"Later, I will have someone post the rules and responsibilities of the Martial Alliance. You must study them carefully and do not cause trouble or tarnish my reputation."

After Master Zhao finished speaking.

A storm of shock had already erupted in the hearts of the many disciples.

Some were astonished that the Martial Alliance, originally a group of people from the martial world, was cooperating with the government, essentially becoming part of the government.

Others were overjoyed by the generous benefits, receiving an extra twenty taels of silver each month. In terms of Blood Replenishing Pills, this was enough to provide them with ample resources for cultivation every month.

Some, however, looked grim, unconcerned with these material benefits. They keenly sensed that the establishment of the Martial Alliance at this particular time might mean they would be sent to the battlefield when the rebel army arrived.

"This is going to be troublesome."

Wang Sheng's heart sank.

The Martial Alliance had become involved with the government. This meant that whether it was the rebel army or the barbarians attacking, their Martial Alliance would likely be implicated.

"Master, we were originally people of the martial world, why must we act together with the government!"

Someone, looking down on the government, boldly asked with dissatisfaction.

"When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact!"

"I know what you are all worried about. But this time is different from the past. In normal times, if we didn't get involved in court affairs, we might not have been affected by the war."

"But now the rebels have the Demonic Cult backing them. The barbarians to the north are cruel and inhumane; they've committed countless massacres in the prefectures there."

"If we don't do something soon, I fear the day the city falls will be the day it's massacred. It will be too late to resist then."

Zhao Jie comforted his many disciples for a moment before leaving in a hurry with a few of them.

These masters of Transforming Energy had significant influence and power in the city, holding sway over everything. If they left for another region, not only would they lose their fame and businesses, but they'd also have to kowtow to others. Who would be willing to live under someone else's roof?

Therefore, they were naturally unwilling to abandon their homes and flee. They were determined to fight.

After Zhao Jie left, the courtyard erupted as if a pot had boiled over, with constant chatter, refutations, and arguments. Some disliked the government, while others wished to align with the imperial court.

Most people couldn't focus on their martial arts training. They either stood aside, listening to others explain the pros and cons of establishing the Martial Alliance, or chimed in with their own opinions, hoping to gain approval.

This involved their own interests and even their lives, so no one could relax or feel at ease.

Meanwhile, Wang Sheng seemed not to hear the surrounding commotion and continued practicing his punches, determined to finish his progress for the day.

"Time waits for no one; I need to hurry!"

Seeing the establishment of the Martial Alliance, Wang Sheng felt as if he could already see the impending war and chaos arriving at Jiangling Prefecture, tightening his resolve.

He had transmigrated from a previous life, living two lives. Coupled with his extensive reading of historical accounts of the decline of dynasties, he knew the horrors of chaotic times.

So, after learning of the Martial Alliance's plans, Wang Sheng immediately made up his mind. He intended to find a way to obtain the cultivation methods for Dark Energy and Transforming Energy from Zhao Jie, and then take his parents and leave Ershui City for the more stable south.

"Junior Brother is indeed extraordinary! Even with all this noise, you seem unfazed, as if you hear nothing. I knew my judgment of people was correct."

At this moment, Luo Zhengwen arrived, smiling.

As Wang Sheng was practicing his punches, he didn't have the spare attention to respond verbally. He could only signal with his eyes.

"Junior Brother, just focus on your practice. I've come for two reasons: first, to hear your thoughts on the Martial Alliance. Second, I want to invite you to join the circle of Li Hu and Wei Yu."

"Li Hu and the others have also said that to increase the strength of our circle, we can invite some promising Junior Brothers to join."

"I recommended you. However, some of them want to see your potential and test you before allowing you to join. So, if you're willing, Junior Brother, you'll need to go into the mountains and hunt a great tiger or a mountain bear alone; that will be your trial."

"Do you agree, Junior Brother?"

Luo Zhengwen said.