Chapter 43
Recruiting
Zhou Ye and Zhang Chen were beaten so badly they were unrecognizable. They had only taken a few steps into the courtyard when Zhou Ye's eyes rolled back, and he was about to faint.
Fortunately, he had many disciples who were able to help him up in time.
Zhang Chen, who was on her shoulder, naturally fell off.
Duan Xuan pushed through the crowd, stepped forward, and steadily caught the talkative senior brother.
His eyes were bruised, his skin was torn, and his muscles were limp.
His bones were broken into pieces. If he hadn't been practicing internal energy for a long time and had a strong constitution, he would probably be dead by now.
But what is most shocking is that there is a string of extremely thick red marks on Zhang Chen's lumbar spine.
Those weren't marks from being pressed against something; they were cumulative damage from a flexible martial arts technique.
"It's the signature move of the Scaled Python Martial Arts School, the Scaled Serpent Coiling Technique!"
"It's the Scaled Python Martial Arts School again, and those guys again! Brothers, grab your weapons and avenge Senior Brother Zhang Chen!"
A series of cracking sounds rang out as one disciple after another grabbed their weapons, their eyes bloodshot.
Everyone is young and full of energy, how could they possibly swallow such a grudge?
Most importantly, the injured person was Zhang Chen, with whom they had a fairly good relationship.
Everyone asked themselves honestly: when they first stepped into the martial arts school, who hadn't received kindness and help from Senior Brother Zhang Chen?
The reason he usually kept his distance from Zhang Chen was simply because Zhang Chen was too talkative; he just wanted some peace and quiet.
As they spoke, the group prepared to rush out the door. Just then, a powerful shout rang out from the inner courtyard gate: "What do you all think you're doing?"
Nonsense!
This is a crucial time for preparing for the martial arts examination, yet you are making such a big fuss.
Think about it, who is the biggest winner?
It includes all martial arts schools except for the Scaled Python Martial Arts School!
"But Master, are we just going to swallow this insult after Senior Brother Zhang Chen and Junior Brother Zhou Ye have been beaten like this?"
What will others say about us?
"Yes, Master, you should just bring back Junior Brothers Liu Mingze and Lin Hu. We're no weaker than the Scale Python Martial Arts School."
But if you don't give us a response, our Poshan Martial Arts School might not be doing well in the future...
Chen Feng snorted coldly, ordered his men to carry the two Ming Jin disciples into the backyard, bandage them, apply medicine to alleviate their injuries, and then said, "You don't need to talk about this debt."
I will repay you a hundredfold, but not now.
How could they not know that Lin Hu and his companion weren't in the manor? Going there now would be exactly what they wanted!
"Our martial arts school has now lost a master of internal strength. The remaining disciples must stick together and protect each other, lest they be caught out alone again."
This matter will be settled after the martial arts examination; let's all go about our own business.
If I find out who has disobeyed my words today, I will take revenge on the people of the Scaled Python Martial Arts School without their consent.
Expelled from the sect, no exceptions!
Upon hearing this, no matter how indignant the disciples were, they dared not act recklessly any longer. They could only wave their hands angrily, put down their tools, and go to eat.
Duan Xuan glanced at the blood on his hands, which he had gotten while helping his senior brother Zhang Chen. Some of it came from Zhou Ye, and some from Zhang Chen.
Both were seriously injured, but their internal energy was still circulating, indicating that the probability of recovery was extremely high and that their martial arts foundation had not been truly damaged.
At this moment, he had only one thought in his mind: break through to the Ming Jin level as soon as possible, because the An Jin level cannot protect him!
They can't even protect the safety of those around them.
Just as Duan Xuan was about to leave the martial arts school, a hand suddenly reached out from behind and gripped his shoulder like an iron clamp.
Duan Xuan glanced out of the corner of his eye and was immediately struck by the imposing, masculine figure, Lin Hu.
"Senior Brother Duan, you really disgust me but also surprise me. Someone with such weak Qi and blood can actually break through to Ming Jin."
And to reach the Inner Strength level in just over three months—that speed of progress isn't slow even among all the martial arts schools on the street. I really underestimated you.
Duan Xuan had no interest in listening to his rambling. He shrugged slightly and flung Lin Hu's hand away.
Lin Hu wasn't angry. Instead, he strode up to Duan Xuan and blocked his way: "Senior Brother Duan, what's the rush?"
"My junior brother has not come to humiliate you, but to find you a way to survive in the future."
Duan Xuan stared at Lin Hu with sharp eyes. The two were half a meter apart, and their eyes seemed to be crackling with electricity.
A moment later, no one looked away.
Lin Hu was shocked to discover that in just five months, the once short, skinny peasant had actually grown a little taller than him.
The disgust in my heart surged up like a tidal wave.
"Senior Brother Duan, you should also know that in addition to the great resources allocated to our Poshan Martial Arts School and the cultivation of our master, we also have other benefits."
Jin Yutang and Longmen Escort Agency also provided me with financial assistance.
Even the legendary Dragon Elephant Academy, one of the most renowned academies in the world for its martial arts, had reserved a spot for me in advance. With just a slight nod, I could step inside.
In the path of martial arts, I have walked more steadily, higher, and farther than anyone else on this street.
But I'm not the kind of person who hoards resources. Out of brotherhood, I'll definitely lend you a hand!
Lin Hu changed the subject: "As long as you're willing to stay by my side, I'll guarantee you a life of plenty and wealth. How about it?"
Duan Xuan raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding Lin Hu's meaning. Lin Hu wanted to recruit him, to make him his lifelong henchman or servant: "No interest!"
Having said that, Duan Xuan was about to leave. Just then, a fierce glint flashed in Lin Hu's eyes, and he suddenly sprang into action.
The first three moves of the Mountain-Breaking Fist were integrated into one, their power unified. The nine moves flowed together, mercilessly heading straight for Duan Xuan's heart.
Duan Xuan had naturally anticipated this; the moment Lin Hu exerted his strength, he had already guessed Lin Hu's motives.
If you can't have it, then discard it; this is a common tactic of old-fashioned scheming people.
Therefore, Duan Xuan slightly bent his legs, immediately using his feet to gain leverage and increase his blood and energy.
Just like Lin Hu, he combined three moves and nine styles, unleashing a powerful punch that soared into the air.
Boom!
Like a chisel splitting a mountain, the two fists and two forces converged, and instantly both of them felt their blood and qi surging within their bodies.
In terms of vital energy and blood, Duan Xuan was naturally inferior to Lin Hu, who had a constant supply of nourishing pills and meat. But in terms of fist techniques…
In the instant he retreated, Duan Xuan's other fist shot out. Lin Hu's face darkened, and his other hand transformed from a fist into a claw, gleaming with black light, and aimed at Duan Xuan's heart, performing the move "Black Tiger Pulls Out the Heart".
This move is not only ruthless, but also has a tricky angle and is quite fierce. It does not produce a fist wind, but rather a claw wind that seems capable of piercing through even a fine iron pillar.
Duan Xuan knew without a doubt that such advanced techniques were not from the Poshan Martial Arts School, but rather something he had learned at the Dragon Elephant Academy.
Fist and claw clashed, the black tiger claw carrying a sinister aura attempting to seize Duan Xuan's fist from all directions.
Fortunately, Duan Xuan noticed something amiss in the instant of the exchange and channeled his energy into the wind of his fist.
Otherwise, Lin Hu's attack would definitely penetrate his body, and the consequences would be unimaginable.
Seeing his attack neutralized once again, Lin Hu became completely impatient, and his cunning and lewd expression suddenly changed.
Like a bloodthirsty demon. The other fist also turned into a claw, and even the stance of the fist and claw was very different from the Mountain-Breaking Stance.
It looks exactly like a black tiger.
Duan Xuan showed no fear, but unlike him, he was not so arrogant as to use martial arts from other places in the Poshan Martial Arts School. He still adopted the Poshan Fist stance.
Just as the two were preparing for their second clash.
"Junior brothers, what are you doing?" Chen Jingyun's gentle voice rang out.
Her older sister, Chen Jingshu, came with her.
The latter had a cold, raised brow and a rather fierce demeanor.
Lin Hu quickly put away his guard and greeted them with a smile, "So it's you two senior sisters. My junior brother and I were discussing martial arts. It's getting late, so I have to go to the inner city. You two chat first."
After saying that, he gave Duan Xuan a cold look and quickly left.
Watching Lin Hu walk out the gate, Chen Jingyun walked over with her hands behind her back, her slender index fingers lightly hooked together. She blinked her round eyes and said, "Private fights are prohibited in the courtyard."
It's best to avoid conflict with Lin Hu. He has a close relationship with Liu Mingze, and you, junior brother, could easily get hurt on your own.
Chen Jingshu crossed her arms and said in an icy voice, "You have a good relationship with Senior Brother Zhang Chen, but don't be impulsive and go to the Scale Python Martial Arts School for revenge. It would be unwise to lose more than you gain."
If Father finds out, he will certainly not let you off easily.
"Alright, your sister and I aren't here to lecture you, we just want to remind you to be careful in everything you do."
Especially since you don't live here, if you're worried about being ambushed, I can have my father clear out a room for you..."
"Thank you for your kindness, senior sisters, and thank you for reminding me. However, I have an elderly mother to take care of at home, so I cannot stay here." Duan Xuan clasped his hands in farewell to his two senior sisters.
The two men stood outside the Poshan Martial Arts School for a long time, making sure no one was lying in ambush or following Duan Xuan on the street, before they closed the gate with peace of mind.
Fortunately, he had many disciples who were able to help him up in time.
Zhang Chen, who was on her shoulder, naturally fell off.
Duan Xuan pushed through the crowd, stepped forward, and steadily caught the talkative senior brother.
His eyes were bruised, his skin was torn, and his muscles were limp.
His bones were broken into pieces. If he hadn't been practicing internal energy for a long time and had a strong constitution, he would probably be dead by now.
But what is most shocking is that there is a string of extremely thick red marks on Zhang Chen's lumbar spine.
Those weren't marks from being pressed against something; they were cumulative damage from a flexible martial arts technique.
"It's the signature move of the Scaled Python Martial Arts School, the Scaled Serpent Coiling Technique!"
"It's the Scaled Python Martial Arts School again, and those guys again! Brothers, grab your weapons and avenge Senior Brother Zhang Chen!"
A series of cracking sounds rang out as one disciple after another grabbed their weapons, their eyes bloodshot.
Everyone is young and full of energy, how could they possibly swallow such a grudge?
Most importantly, the injured person was Zhang Chen, with whom they had a fairly good relationship.
Everyone asked themselves honestly: when they first stepped into the martial arts school, who hadn't received kindness and help from Senior Brother Zhang Chen?
The reason he usually kept his distance from Zhang Chen was simply because Zhang Chen was too talkative; he just wanted some peace and quiet.
As they spoke, the group prepared to rush out the door. Just then, a powerful shout rang out from the inner courtyard gate: "What do you all think you're doing?"
Nonsense!
This is a crucial time for preparing for the martial arts examination, yet you are making such a big fuss.
Think about it, who is the biggest winner?
It includes all martial arts schools except for the Scaled Python Martial Arts School!
"But Master, are we just going to swallow this insult after Senior Brother Zhang Chen and Junior Brother Zhou Ye have been beaten like this?"
What will others say about us?
"Yes, Master, you should just bring back Junior Brothers Liu Mingze and Lin Hu. We're no weaker than the Scale Python Martial Arts School."
But if you don't give us a response, our Poshan Martial Arts School might not be doing well in the future...
Chen Feng snorted coldly, ordered his men to carry the two Ming Jin disciples into the backyard, bandage them, apply medicine to alleviate their injuries, and then said, "You don't need to talk about this debt."
I will repay you a hundredfold, but not now.
How could they not know that Lin Hu and his companion weren't in the manor? Going there now would be exactly what they wanted!
"Our martial arts school has now lost a master of internal strength. The remaining disciples must stick together and protect each other, lest they be caught out alone again."
This matter will be settled after the martial arts examination; let's all go about our own business.
If I find out who has disobeyed my words today, I will take revenge on the people of the Scaled Python Martial Arts School without their consent.
Expelled from the sect, no exceptions!
Upon hearing this, no matter how indignant the disciples were, they dared not act recklessly any longer. They could only wave their hands angrily, put down their tools, and go to eat.
Duan Xuan glanced at the blood on his hands, which he had gotten while helping his senior brother Zhang Chen. Some of it came from Zhou Ye, and some from Zhang Chen.
Both were seriously injured, but their internal energy was still circulating, indicating that the probability of recovery was extremely high and that their martial arts foundation had not been truly damaged.
At this moment, he had only one thought in his mind: break through to the Ming Jin level as soon as possible, because the An Jin level cannot protect him!
They can't even protect the safety of those around them.
Just as Duan Xuan was about to leave the martial arts school, a hand suddenly reached out from behind and gripped his shoulder like an iron clamp.
Duan Xuan glanced out of the corner of his eye and was immediately struck by the imposing, masculine figure, Lin Hu.
"Senior Brother Duan, you really disgust me but also surprise me. Someone with such weak Qi and blood can actually break through to Ming Jin."
And to reach the Inner Strength level in just over three months—that speed of progress isn't slow even among all the martial arts schools on the street. I really underestimated you.
Duan Xuan had no interest in listening to his rambling. He shrugged slightly and flung Lin Hu's hand away.
Lin Hu wasn't angry. Instead, he strode up to Duan Xuan and blocked his way: "Senior Brother Duan, what's the rush?"
"My junior brother has not come to humiliate you, but to find you a way to survive in the future."
Duan Xuan stared at Lin Hu with sharp eyes. The two were half a meter apart, and their eyes seemed to be crackling with electricity.
A moment later, no one looked away.
Lin Hu was shocked to discover that in just five months, the once short, skinny peasant had actually grown a little taller than him.
The disgust in my heart surged up like a tidal wave.
"Senior Brother Duan, you should also know that in addition to the great resources allocated to our Poshan Martial Arts School and the cultivation of our master, we also have other benefits."
Jin Yutang and Longmen Escort Agency also provided me with financial assistance.
Even the legendary Dragon Elephant Academy, one of the most renowned academies in the world for its martial arts, had reserved a spot for me in advance. With just a slight nod, I could step inside.
In the path of martial arts, I have walked more steadily, higher, and farther than anyone else on this street.
But I'm not the kind of person who hoards resources. Out of brotherhood, I'll definitely lend you a hand!
Lin Hu changed the subject: "As long as you're willing to stay by my side, I'll guarantee you a life of plenty and wealth. How about it?"
Duan Xuan raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding Lin Hu's meaning. Lin Hu wanted to recruit him, to make him his lifelong henchman or servant: "No interest!"
Having said that, Duan Xuan was about to leave. Just then, a fierce glint flashed in Lin Hu's eyes, and he suddenly sprang into action.
The first three moves of the Mountain-Breaking Fist were integrated into one, their power unified. The nine moves flowed together, mercilessly heading straight for Duan Xuan's heart.
Duan Xuan had naturally anticipated this; the moment Lin Hu exerted his strength, he had already guessed Lin Hu's motives.
If you can't have it, then discard it; this is a common tactic of old-fashioned scheming people.
Therefore, Duan Xuan slightly bent his legs, immediately using his feet to gain leverage and increase his blood and energy.
Just like Lin Hu, he combined three moves and nine styles, unleashing a powerful punch that soared into the air.
Boom!
Like a chisel splitting a mountain, the two fists and two forces converged, and instantly both of them felt their blood and qi surging within their bodies.
In terms of vital energy and blood, Duan Xuan was naturally inferior to Lin Hu, who had a constant supply of nourishing pills and meat. But in terms of fist techniques…
In the instant he retreated, Duan Xuan's other fist shot out. Lin Hu's face darkened, and his other hand transformed from a fist into a claw, gleaming with black light, and aimed at Duan Xuan's heart, performing the move "Black Tiger Pulls Out the Heart".
This move is not only ruthless, but also has a tricky angle and is quite fierce. It does not produce a fist wind, but rather a claw wind that seems capable of piercing through even a fine iron pillar.
Duan Xuan knew without a doubt that such advanced techniques were not from the Poshan Martial Arts School, but rather something he had learned at the Dragon Elephant Academy.
Fist and claw clashed, the black tiger claw carrying a sinister aura attempting to seize Duan Xuan's fist from all directions.
Fortunately, Duan Xuan noticed something amiss in the instant of the exchange and channeled his energy into the wind of his fist.
Otherwise, Lin Hu's attack would definitely penetrate his body, and the consequences would be unimaginable.
Seeing his attack neutralized once again, Lin Hu became completely impatient, and his cunning and lewd expression suddenly changed.
Like a bloodthirsty demon. The other fist also turned into a claw, and even the stance of the fist and claw was very different from the Mountain-Breaking Stance.
It looks exactly like a black tiger.
Duan Xuan showed no fear, but unlike him, he was not so arrogant as to use martial arts from other places in the Poshan Martial Arts School. He still adopted the Poshan Fist stance.
Just as the two were preparing for their second clash.
"Junior brothers, what are you doing?" Chen Jingyun's gentle voice rang out.
Her older sister, Chen Jingshu, came with her.
The latter had a cold, raised brow and a rather fierce demeanor.
Lin Hu quickly put away his guard and greeted them with a smile, "So it's you two senior sisters. My junior brother and I were discussing martial arts. It's getting late, so I have to go to the inner city. You two chat first."
After saying that, he gave Duan Xuan a cold look and quickly left.
Watching Lin Hu walk out the gate, Chen Jingyun walked over with her hands behind her back, her slender index fingers lightly hooked together. She blinked her round eyes and said, "Private fights are prohibited in the courtyard."
It's best to avoid conflict with Lin Hu. He has a close relationship with Liu Mingze, and you, junior brother, could easily get hurt on your own.
Chen Jingshu crossed her arms and said in an icy voice, "You have a good relationship with Senior Brother Zhang Chen, but don't be impulsive and go to the Scale Python Martial Arts School for revenge. It would be unwise to lose more than you gain."
If Father finds out, he will certainly not let you off easily.
"Alright, your sister and I aren't here to lecture you, we just want to remind you to be careful in everything you do."
Especially since you don't live here, if you're worried about being ambushed, I can have my father clear out a room for you..."
"Thank you for your kindness, senior sisters, and thank you for reminding me. However, I have an elderly mother to take care of at home, so I cannot stay here." Duan Xuan clasped his hands in farewell to his two senior sisters.
The two men stood outside the Poshan Martial Arts School for a long time, making sure no one was lying in ambush or following Duan Xuan on the street, before they closed the gate with peace of mind.