Chapter 122: Chapter 115: Pay me Five Thousand_1
"Brother Wang, let’s stop, let’s stop. Your knife technique is getting more formidable. I admit my inferiority. I can’t match you."
The man was waving his hands repeatedly.
He was nearing sixty and named Hong Dan. He was a long-time good friend of Wang Dao and also a knife fanatic, devoted to practicing knife techniques. Nevertheless, his talent fell short of Wang Dao’s. Despite years of practice, he had only managed to reach the pinnacle of perfection with the Shock Thunder Knife.
Ever since he’d heard that Wang Dao had reached the Unity of Man and Martial Arts, he’d frequently sparred with Wang Dao, hoping to make further progress himself.
Wang Dao sheathed his knife and chuckled: "You’re a few years older than me, you just went ahead of me."
"Brother Wang, you are too modest. I heard that a few years ago, Young Master Cangqing passed on Li Family’s top-class martial arts, the Nine Divine Lightning Slash, to you. Now, your Qi-blood is overflowing. I believe it will not take long for you to breakthrough to Martial Marquis. I truly envy you. Unlike me, I’m afraid I’ll never get a glimpse of the scenery of a Martial Marquis in this lifetime," Hong Dan said.
Wang Dao shook his head slightly, "Although my Qi-blood is overflowing, it’s not easy to breakthrough to Martial Marquis. Both the foundation and Martial Food are indispensable."
"Given your talent, Brother Wang, Young Master Cangqing will surely grant you a piece of Mutated Nine-section Heart Meat," Hong Dan suggested.
"Mutated Nine-section Heart Meat, how precious it is! Even within the Li Family, its production is very scarce. Considering the size of the Li clan, it will be a long time before it’s my turn. Moreover, I’m an Acquired Martial Body. Even if I have Mutated Nine-section Heart Meat, breaking through would not be easy," Wang Dao shook his head.
"Brother Wang, your foundation is extremely solid. After breaking the limit five times and consolidating for so many years, I believe you will surely succeed with the help of the Mutated Nine-section Heart Meat," Hong Dan reassured him.
"Enough about that, come, let’s have a drink."
Wang Dao led Hong Dan towards the house.
Soon, the scent of wine filled the air.
"Brother Wang, have you heard? The Martial School Alliance has completely pledged allegiance to Li Wenxuan."
After the two had clinked glasses three times, Hong Dan suddenly said.
Wang Dao’s expression shifted, "What about the Sanjue Martial Arts Hall?"
"I was just about to bring that up. I heard that all thirteen schools in the Martial School Alliance have pledged allegiance to Li Wenxuan. Only Sanjue Martial Arts Hall has not submitted. They wanted to be self-reliant but were visited by the Baicao Guard. They were commanded to close down and disperse on the grounds that they had no official approval."
"Did the Sanjue Martial Arts Hall refuse Li Wenxuan because they intended to join Young Master Cangqing?"
Hong Dan asked.
He and Wang Dao were both part of the faction aligned with Li Wenxin and Li Cangqing.
Wang Dao shook his head, "Young Master Cangqing personally invited Sanjue Martial Artists twice, but he was rejected."
"This Lu Shanchuan from Sanjue Martial Artists, doesn’t he really want to refuse both sides and fend for himself? In this situation, it’s probably quite difficult."
After speaking, Hong Dan took up a glass of wine and drained it.
However, Wang Dao did not drink again. Instead, he fell into deep thought.
After a moment of silence, Wang Dao said, "Brother Hong, let’s continue another day. I just remembered a pressing matter that needs attending."
"Ok, I’ll take my leave then."
Hong Dan rose and left.
Without hesitation, Wang Dao went to Li Cangqing’s mansion and sought an audience with him.
"Young Master, the Sanjue Martial Arts Hall is facing a crisis now. It’s mostly due to Li Canglin scheming behind the scenes. If we help them out now, Lu Shanchuan will certainly pledge allegiance to us," Wang Dao suggested.
Li Cangqing didn’t answer, but asked, "Wang Dao, you seem to be very concerned about this Sanjue Martial Arts Hall. What’s the matter? Do you have an old relationship with them?"
Clearly, Wang Dao had thought it through on the way, "If I’m not mistaken, the Sanjue Martial Artist Lu Shanchuan is Lu Qing, the one who directed my knife technique, enabling my knife technique to reach the Unity of Man and Martial Arts."
Lu Yan had gone by the name Lu Qing when he sparred with Wang Dao.
"Is it really him?"
Li Cangqing’s eyes lit up, piquing his interest.
Anyone who could instruct Wang Dao and help him advance his knife technique to the Unity of Man and Martial Arts was undoubtedly at least at the Unity of Man and Martial Arts with a second-class knife technique.
Such a talent, far from ordinary limit breaking, has far greater potential.
"I’m ninety percent sure. Because the knife technique taught by the Sanjue Martial Arts Hall coincides with Lu Qing’s knife technique. They are of the same kind. I’d recognize it at a glance," Wang Dao stated.
Sanjue Martial Artists were renowned for their palm, leg, and knife techniques. Given Wang Dao’s obsession with the knife, why wouldn’t he be curious and itching to try?
He originally wanted to spar with Sanjue Martial Artists, but upon visiting the Sanjue Martial Arts Hall and seeing for himself, he immediately had a hunch.
However, since Lu Yan didn’t take the initiative to reveal his identity, Wang Dao didn’t expose it either, guessing Lu Yan didn’t want it known.
But now, with the Sanjue Martial Arts Hall facing the risk of shutting down, the only chance to save it was to inform Li Cangqing.
He believed that once Lu Shanchuan knew about this, he would not blame him.
"Since he’s your benefactor, how can I stand by and do nothing. Rest assured, I will ensure the safety of the Sanjue Martial Arts Hall."
"Also, I recently acquired a piece of Mutated Nine-section Heart Meat. I will give it to you. Concentrate on your cultivation, strive to break through to Martial Marquis as soon as possible."
Li Cangqing said.
"Mutated Nine-section Heart Meat?"
Wang Dao’s heart trembled, he was overwhelmingly excited. Suppressing his feelings, he said, "Young Master, the Mutated Nine-section Heart Meat is so precious. I feel unworthy to accept it."
"You’ve been with me for so many years, and I know your character very clearly. There’s no need to be humble. Accept it and focus on cultivation. Don’t come to see me until you break through to Martial Marquis. Leave the matter of the Sanjue Martial Arts Hall to me," Li Cangqing said.
"Thank you, Young Master. I, Wang Dao, will never forget your great kindness. I would gladly lay down my life in gratitude."
Wang Dao bowed deeply.
"We are friends. There’s no need for such formality. Let’s go. I’ll take you to get the Mutated Nine-section Heart Meat."
Li Cangqing laughed.
...
Just three days later, the Baicao Guard visited again.
The leader was a burly man in his fifties, naturally imposing.
"I commanded you to choose a day to close. Are you taking the Baicao Guard’s order lightly, or do you not take the Li Family seriously?"
The man at the front spoke sharply, looking fierce and intimidating.
Anyone who met his gaze felt a chill run down their spine, as if they were being targeted by a wild beast.
"Martial Marquis."
Wang Lin, Li Quan, and others were shocked.
This time, Baicao Guard sent out a Martial Marquis.
Baicao Guard had only three Martial Marquis in total. This man was at least a deputy commander.
A trivial matter like this had attracted a Martial Marquis. They would not stop until they achieved their goal.
"Could the lords grant a few days’ grace?"
Lu Yan stepped forward, performed a ritualistic bow, and handed over several silver tickets worth hundreds of taels to the lead Martial Marquis.
The bone strength of the leading Martial Marquis trembled. The silver tickets turned into fragments. He laughed coldly, "You dare to try and bribe me? Today, no matter what, Sanjue Martial Arts Hall will be shut down. I will stay here until sunset. If the Sanjue Martial Arts Hall is not closed by then, it will be treated as treason, with no forgiveness!"
His bone strength exploded, threatening everyone into silence.
The expression on Lu Yan’s face darkened.
He wasn’t actually afraid of this man. This man, parading his bone strength about, had his Martial Marquis Level One cultivation level sussed out by Lu Yan with a single look.
As for this kind of person, Lu Yan could easily kill him with one slap.
But if he were to kill this man, he would definitely face retaliation from Li Family. He might have the confidence to escape, but it would be difficult for the others.
"The Martial Arts Hall must be shut down first. Other plans can be considered later."
Lu Yan thought to himself.
"What audacity, Li Xuan, do you decide the guilt of treason just by opening your mouth?"
At this moment, a clear voice sounded from the entrance of the martial arts hall.
Li Cangqing, along with four attendants, walked in.
Wang Dao, who was in seclusion for breakthrough, did not come along.
"Li Cangqing."
The face of Li Xuan, the deputy leader of Baicao Guard, changed.
"Young Master Li."
Lu Yan and the others greeted Li Cangqing with a fist salute, while they were wondering why Li Cangqing showed up here on his own initiative.
Li Cangqing greeted Lu Yan and others with a smile, then turned to look at Li Xuan, his eyes sharp.
"Young Master Cangqing."
Li Xuan and several other Baicao Guards saluted and bowed slightly, before saying, "Sanjue Martial Arts Hall was privately set up without the approval of our Li Family, teaching martial arts privately, cultivating their own strong martial force. Look at these hundreds of apprentices here. Given time, they will become an army of martial artists. How could this not be investigated?"
"Then what about those Martial Schools in the Martial School Alliance? They all have a large number of apprentices. Why not investigate them?"
Li Cangqing said.
"They all have the approval of our Li Family. The apprentices they teach will also be used by our Li Family. There is no need for Young Master Cangqing to worry about this."
Li Xuan replied.
Li Cangqing pulled out a letter and threw it onto Li Xuan, saying, "Sanjue Martial Arts Hall has already been approved long ago. It’s just that I have a bad memory. I forgot to send it over. Do you want to check it carefully?"
"Not necessary, since Young Master Cangqing has personally handled this, it is certainly trustworthy. It looks like it’s just a misunderstanding. We will leave now."
Li Xuan said with a forced smile.
In fact, as soon as Li Cangqing appeared, he knew he could not do anything to Sanjue Martial Arts Hall.
Indeed, his main goal was to put on an act for the thirteen Martial Schools in the Martial School Alliance.
If Li Cangqing hadn’t made a move, he would have shut down Sanjue Martial Arts Hall smoothly. But if Li Cangqing showed up, his aim would have been achieved.
"Wait."
Li Xuan wanted to leave, but was stopped by Li Cangqing.
"Does Young Master Cangqing have any further orders?"
Li Xuan asked.
Although he belonged to the Li Wenxuan faction, Li Cangqing’s status in the Li Family was too high, so he had to give the necessary respect and not act presumptuously.
"You shredded Pavilion Master Lu’s silver tickets into pieces and you just want to walk away without compensation? If this get out, what would people think of my Li Family? No generosity? Bully by power?"
Counteracting, Li Cangqing threw the accusations back.
Li Xuan’s face looked a bit ugly but he still forced a smile, "I was impulsive just now. Of course, I should compensate."
Immediately, he turned to Lu Yan and asked, "Pavilion Master Lu, how many taels of silver were there just now?"
Before Lu Yan could answer, Li Cangqing had already cut in, "Looking at the amount of silver note fragments, it must not be a small sum. Pavilion Master Lu, exactly how many taels of silver were there? The damaged amount must be compensated."
"Five thousand taels."
Lu Yan’s answer was very straightforward, without any hesitation.
"Five thousand?"
Li Cangqing felt his eyelids jump.
Although he hinted Lu Yan to claim more, he didn’t expect Lu Yan to be even more ruthless, directly claiming five thousand taels, that was a lion’s demand.
However, he liked it.
But Li Xuan couldn’t stand it anymore. He was so angry that he yelled, "Bullshit! It is at most three hundred taels, but you said five thousand taels, are you trying to swindle me?"
Lu Yan looked innocent, "It is indeed five thousand taels, no more, no less. If you don’t believe me, you can put the silver ticket fragments together to verify."
"You..."
Li Xuan was so angry that his face turned red. The silver notes had been shredded into powder by bone strength, there was no way to put them back together.
"Every word I, Lu Shanchuan, say is true. If I lie, I, Lu Shanchuan, am willing to be struck by thunder."
Lu Yan started to swear to heavens, repeating ’Lu Shanchuan’ several times.
"I’ll kill you."
Unable to tolerate anymore, Li Xuan’s eyes were red. His bone strength exploded and he slapped towards Lu Yan’s forehead.
