Single-Minded in Pursuit of Martial Arts

This is going too far!

Cui Guanqing shouted furiously, slapped his saddle, and leaped from his horse, racing toward the arena at astonishing speed. His lightness skill was clearly exceptional.

Hahaha! President Cui, are you planning to bully the young with your seniority?

He Zhonglang laughed loudly, likewise flying from his horse to block Cui Guanqing.

The two exchanged several moves before separating.

He Zhonglang, you got lucky this time. You had an expert helping you!

Cui Guanqing said viciously.

Hahaha! This old man has always had rather good luck!

He Zhonglang laughed smugly.

We're leaving!

Cui Guanqing vaulted onto his horse, shouted, and galloped out of New Wharf.

The Little Knife Society members cast wary glances at Lu Shaolin on the arena, then followed Cui Guanqing out of the wharf.

Hahaha, Hall Master Lu, that was a splendid victory!

He Zhonglang turned to Lu Shaolin and laughed.

He was already addressing Lu Shaolin directly as Hall Master.

You flatter me, Gang Leader!

Lu Shaolin stepped down from the arena and cupped his hands with a smile.

Hall Master Lu certainly sounded much better than Boss Lu.

Your strength is outstanding, and everyone has seen it. I will keep my word. Once New Wharf starts turning a profit, you will receive thirty percent of the earnings!

He Zhonglang looked at Lu Shaolin with undisguised admiration.

Gang Leader, I do not care much for money!

Lu Shaolin said solemnly.

Hearing this, the Little Knife Society members beside them were dumbfounded.

You did not care about money? Then who had been looting corpses just now?

Uh, since I made you a promise, naturally I cannot go back on it.

He Zhonglang was also taken aback, then forced a smile.

Gang Leader, could you take back the profit share and exchange it for the Iron Chain Across the River Technique you cultivate?

Lu Shaolin cupped his hands.

Hmm... we'll discuss that after we return to the gang. I happen to want to speak with you privately as well.

He Zhonglang pondered for a moment.

All right!

Lu Shaolin nodded.

Afterward, the Blackwater Gang members began their return in high spirits.

This battle had thoroughly crushed the Little Knife Society's arrogance, and everyone was exhilarated!

Once they returned to the Water Fortress, Lu Shaolin followed He Zhonglang to the third-floor reception hall.

Have a seat first.

He Zhonglang pointed at the red sandalwood chairs in the hall.

Lu Shaolin cupped his hands and sat down.

Before long, a maid brought tea and placed it on the tea table.

Hall Master Lu, you are not married yet, are you?

He Zhonglang took a sip from his teacup.

Indeed, I am not.

Lu Shaolin nodded.

Your strength is exceptional, and I admire you greatly. As it happens, I have an only daughter, twenty years old and of breathtaking beauty! If you are willing, I intend to marry my daughter to you. At that time, not only will my martial art be yours, but you will also be in charge of the Blackwater Gang in the future!

He Zhonglang coaxed him patiently.

Uh... Gang Leader, I am still young and have no thoughts about matters between men and women!

Lu Shaolin hurriedly refused.

Breathtaking beauty? The Great Xia Dynasty considered plumpness beautiful!

Still young? You look at least twenty-five, don't you?

He Zhonglang examined him carefully.

Lu Shaolin was stunned.

Twenty-five? He was merely a little more muscular. It could not be that bad!

Gang Leader, what I mean is that I am single-mindedly devoted to martial arts. I want to forge ahead courageously on the martial path while I am young, and I do not wish to be distracted by other matters.

Lu Shaolin hurriedly explained. He had no way to explain his age.

This old man thought the same way when I was young, but I changed later. You do not understand the pleasures of women.

How about this? I will have my daughter come over. Take a look first, then decide.

He Zhonglang stroked his beard with a smile, then summoned a maid and told her to bring the young lady over.

Before long, a woman in a pink dress approached gracefully, accompanied by the maid.

She was quite pretty, with fair skin and lovely features, but her figure was not Lu Shaolin's type. She was at least one hundred forty kilograms, and her waist was somewhat thick.

Father.

The woman curtsied to He Zhonglang.

Mm. Rong'er, this is Lu Shaolin, the newly appointed Hall Master of the External Affairs Hall.

He Zhonglang pointed at Lu Shaolin as he introduced him.

The woman looked at Lu Shaolin and curtsied. Greetings, Hall Master Lu.

Lu Shaolin stood and cupped his hands. You are too courteous, Miss.

Seeing Lu Shaolin's handsome face and tall, sturdy build, the woman's eyes shimmered with delight.

All right, Rong'er, you may leave for now. Your father still needs to discuss matters with Hall Master Lu.

He Zhonglang said with a smile.

All right, Father.

Farewell, Hall Master Lu!

The woman bid farewell to He Zhonglang and Lu Shaolin respectively before turning and leaving the hall.

Well, Hall Master Lu? My daughter's appearance is quite lovely, is it not?

He Zhonglang asked proudly.

Miss is indeed stunningly beautiful, but I have no interest in affairs between men and women. I am only interested in martial arts. I hope Gang Leader will forgive me!

Lu Shaolin cupped his hands as he spoke.

You truly are young and full of vigor. Very well, this old man was no different in his youth! However, I already announced the matter of your reward in the Council Hall, so it would not be appropriate to change it immediately.

How about this: once you render another meritorious service, I will teach you my martial art. That way, there will be no gossip within the gang. With your strength, I trust earning merit will be easy.

He Zhonglang sighed.

He truly admired Lu Shaolin greatly and had intended to take him as a son-in-law.

All right, Gang Leader! Then this subordinate will take his leave first.

Lu Shaolin nodded.

Mm.

He Zhonglang raised his teacup.

Lu Shaolin turned and left the reception hall. Since he could obtain the martial art by earning more merit, he was in no rush.

As for whether He Zhonglang would give him the martial art then, that would no longer be up to him.

Back on the first floor, Chen Ying, Zhao Anguo, Feng Tie, Ma San, and the others were waiting for him.

When they saw him come down, they simultaneously cupped their hands. Hall Master!

Mm.

Lu Shaolin smiled and nodded.

Hall Master, now that you have arrived, I will hand over certain affairs to you.

Chen Ying said.

Affairs? What affairs?

Lu Shaolin asked.

Things such as squad deployments and compensation.

Chen Ying replied.

Keep everything as it is. You can handle the trivial matters. Come find me only if you encounter something you cannot resolve.

Lu Shaolin waved his hand. He intended to be a hands-off manager.

By the way, how many men does the External Affairs Hall have in total?

Lu Shaolin asked.

Hall Master, the External Affairs Hall has fifteen squads in total, with ten men per squad, making one hundred fifty men altogether.

Twelve squads are stationed in fishing villages along both banks of the Blackwater River, while another three squads guard headquarters and handle emergencies.

Chen Ying explained.

Mm. Have the leaders of the three squads stationed at headquarters come see me.

Lu Shaolin said, waving everyone into the External Affairs Hall as he spoke.

Yes!

Chen Ying cupped his hands in acknowledgment and had Zhao Anguo deliver the order.

After taking his seat of honor in the inner chamber of the External Affairs Hall, Lu Shaolin quietly waited for the three leaders to report.

Chen Ying and the others stood on either side.

Before long, Zhao Anguo entered with three burly men.

The three cupped their hands and shouted together, This subordinate Tan Qing, Fei Bin, and Ding Qiang pays respects to Hall Master!

Mm. From now on, the three of you will obey only my orders. Without my command, you are absolutely not to act. Do you understand?

Lu Shaolin said in a deep voice.

Yes, Hall Master!

The three replied with cupped hands.

Mm. You may return for now.

Yes!

The three cupped their hands in salute again and withdrew from the External Affairs Hall.

The six of you will continue following me.

Lu Shaolin said to Feng Tie, Ma San, and the others.

Yes, Hall Master!

The men were overjoyed and quickly agreed.