Lin Yu slowly stood up, stretched his shoulders which hadn't moved for two hours, and his gaze fell on the still-wet ink book on the desk.
The cover only has three words
"Hunyuan Art"
This is a martial art he created based on his own understanding, his extraordinary comprehension, and the characteristics of this world.
It's still in its early stages, and it's just a rough outline right now.
It didn't even have the form of a martial arts technique, but that suited Lin Yu's needs perfectly.
The primordial chaos encompasses all things.
Lin Yu did not want the martial arts technique he created to be limited to fists, feet, swords, spears, and clubs.
So after two hours, Lin Yu had only created the intention.
Even so, it's still several levels above the garbage in the warehouse.
"This is just the beginning," he muttered to himself.
The three worlds, each of which can help him perfect his martial arts skills.
"Master," Zhao Chun called softly from the doorway.
"It's almost time; it's time to go to the Su Family's banquet."
Lin Yu snapped out of his daze, closed the "Hunyuan Art" manual, and said, "Invitation."
Zhao Chun quickly handed over the gold-flecked invitation. "Here it is, Listening to the Waves Pavilion in the east of the city, the Su Family's exclusive private restaurant. It's not open to the public, and even the most powerful and wealthy in Jiangcheng would fight tooth and nail to get in."
He paused, his tone becoming strange.
"There's one more thing; Miss Su specifically sent a message through someone."
"Explain."
She said she knew you were busy since you just took over the martial arts school, so there was no need to change your clothes. Anyway, in her area, wearing a dragon robe wasn't considered too formal, and wearing a burlap sack wasn't considered shameful either.
Lin Yu paused.
These words sound so considerate, but they also sound like a provocation and a test.
Either dress up meticulously to show you value her, or be unkempt to show you're arrogant; whichever you choose, you'll fall into her trap.
He flipped the invitation over; on the back, besides the three characters "Su Wanqing," there was a line of even smaller writing:
[If Master Lin doesn't want to come, just say so. I won't force you.]
Provocation tactic.
Zhao Chun grew anxious. "Master, are you really going to wear this? It's been two days, and there are still bloodstains that haven't been washed off! Should I have someone get you a new suit?"
"Need not."
Didn't she say she'd wear anything?
"Then let's go."
Zhao Chun hurriedly followed, muttering to herself the whole way, but Lin Yu didn't stop and got straight into a black car in the martial arts school.
The car drove away from Primordial Unity Martial Arts School and headed towards the brightly lit eastern part of the city.
Half an hour later, at the Listening to the Waves Pavilion.
With its small bridges, flowing water, and hazy lamplight, this place is a completely different world from the slums in the west of the city.
As soon as the car stopped, the waiter at the door immediately bowed, but his eyes quickly swept over Lin Yu's obviously old clothes, and he couldn't hide a hint of surprise.
Lin Yu ignored them and went straight inside.
Passing through the corridor, the door to a private room overlooking the lake was pushed open.
A nimble figure sat in the main seat.
With short, ear-length hair, sharp eyebrows and eyes, and a well-tailored black suit, she exudes a cool and powerful aura. Her posture is upright, radiating confidence.
As expected of a woman who cultivated to the Late-stage Grandmaster, she single-handedly controlled the vast Su Family and had influence in both the legitimate and underworld circles.
Anyone who sees this woman will say that she is a legendary figure among the younger generation in Jiangcheng.
She looked up, her gaze first landing on Lin Yu's face, then briefly sweeping over his still-worn clothes. There was no hint of disdain, only a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Master Lin is indeed a man of strong character, just as rumored, not bothered by trivial matters."
Lin Yu sat down opposite her, calmly observing her.
Young, capable, shrewd, good-looking, and from a good family.
In any novel, this would be the most standard configuration for a female protagonist.
He sighed inexplicably.
If Zhao Yan hadn't broken through the Two Realms Barrier.
Given Zhao Yan's eccentric yet principled nature, coupled with his decisive and ruthless strength, he is the one standing here now, sitting opposite this young lady of the Su Family.
Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs".
Lin Yu snapped out of his thoughts and spoke calmly:
"Rumor?"
"My exploits have only been circulating in the martial arts world for a few days at most."
"How did rumors start?"
Su Wanqing picked up her teacup. "Mr. Lin, you are too modest. With your strength, even if you only appear for one day, it will keep all the major powers up all night."
"Has Master Lin been watching me?"
Su Wanqing took a sip of her teacup, her fingertips lightly tapping the rim. "Do you think something's wrong with me, or... is there something on my face?"
"No."
"I just think it's quite remarkable that Miss Su, at such a young age, can support the entire Su Family."
Su Wanqing's eyes brightened slightly.
She had heard countless compliments, but few were spoken so directly and calmly, without flattery or probing.
"You flatter me, Master Lin." She put down her teacup, leaned forward slightly, and her aura instantly tightened.
"I won't beat around the bush."
" With Jin Potian dead, Jiangcheng will no longer be a three-way power struggle between the Golden Bull Martial Arts School Primordial Unity Martial Arts School, the Su Family, and the government, which were originally the three major factions."
"I invited you here today to ask you a question..."
"Master Lin, do you want to be an enemy or an ally?"
Lin Yu looked up and met her gaze.
The private room fell silent for a few moments. Outside the window, the lake reflected the lamplight, shimmering and sparkling, but the light couldn't penetrate the tense atmosphere within this small space.
"What about enemies? What about allies?" Lin Yu asked casually, as if asking what to eat for dinner.
Su Wanqing's smile deepened, but she did not answer immediately.
She picked up her teacup, took a small sip, her movements elegant, yet always exuding the composure of someone in a superior position.
"The enemy is simple." She put down her teacup, her fingertips slowly tracing the rim.
"The Su Family has been eyeing that territory in the west of the city for a long time. When Jin Potian was alive, we couldn't make a move, but now that he's dead, if you're in our way, the Su Family will naturally fight for it."
She spoke casually, but Lin Yu could hear the ruthlessness in her tone.
"As for allies..." She paused, looking directly at Lin Yu.
"The Su Family can help you quickly digest the resources, connections, and intelligence network in the west of the city."
"The Su Family has some influence with the authorities and can shield you from a lot of trouble."
"What's the price?"
Su Wanqing smiled slightly, "No price to pay."
"Since we're allies, it should be mutually beneficial. I need a stable western part of the city, a cooperative neighbor, not a rival I'm constantly on guard against."
Lin Yu did not respond.
Su Wanqing was not in a hurry, letting silence flow between the two of them.
After a long silence, Lin Yu spoke up, "Miss Su, what you said was brilliant."
"Pretty?"
"Mutual benefit, no cost involved." Lin Yu's gaze was calm.
"There's no such thing as a free lunch. You provide resources, connections, and prestige; you always expect something in return."
Su Wanqing's eyes reflected Lin Yu's figure, and she chuckled softly, "Master Lin is indeed not easy to fool."
Her smile faded, she leaned back slightly, and her tone became more candid. "Alright, then I'll be blunt. The Su Family wants stability."
"Peaceful?"
"Yes, it's safe." Su Wanqing tapped her fingertips lightly on the table.
"When Jin Potian was around, although he was stupid, his stupidity was systematic. We all knew where the boundaries of our territories were and what the red line of 'keeping to ourselves' was."
But he's dead.
The tripartite balance of power in Jiangcheng was shattered overnight.
Su Wanqing looked directly at Lin Yu: "Now that you're the one in the west of the city, I know nothing about you."
You never know where you'll step next, you never know when you'll suddenly turn on someone, you never know who's behind you or what they want.
"This feeling is very unpleasant."
"Understood." Lin Yu understood.
Su Wanqing invited him here tonight not to form an alliance, but to probe his intentions.
Perhaps because she's used to being in control, she dislikes unknown variables.
"So, Miss Su wants to see clearly tonight whether I'm a human or a ghost?"