Chapter 43: Gale Kick! Master Hong Requests Your Presence

Song Lian felt a surge of indignation; it turned out she had been casting pearls before swine all this time.

If it had been anyone else, she would have cursed them out and told them to get lost by now. They were simply ungrateful!

But considering Zhang Lingshan's talent was decent, she suppressed her annoyance and stabilized her emotions, saying, "You don't need to make a decision immediately. Go back, look around, and think carefully about your path ahead. Some opportunities, once missed, are gone for a lifetime!"

"Fifth Sister is right."

Song Dachuang chimed in, then added, "Then, Fifth Sister, we'll be taking our leave. I'll try to persuade Xiao Shan a bit more."

"Mhm, go ahead."

Song Lian waved her hand.

Song Dachuang immediately pulled Zhang Lingshan away.

On the way back to the Hong Clan Martial Arts Hall, Song Dachuang remained silent.

After a long while, Zhang Lingshan broke the silence, asking in surprise, "Didn't you promise your Fifth Sister you would persuade me? Why aren't you doing it anymore?"

"Heh, I reckon even if I tried, it wouldn't work, so there's no point wasting my breath."

Song Dachuang smiled. "Actually, I was just fulfilling a task today. My Fifth Sister had heard of your reputation and specifically asked me to bring you here.

"If I hadn't brought you, I wouldn't have been able to give her an explanation.

"So, I didn't explain things clearly and just dragged you straight here.

"That's my fault. I'll treat you to a good meal at the Du Family Restaurant."

As he spoke, he put his arm around Zhang Lingshan's shoulder, intending to take him out for a feast.

Zhang Lingshan, of course, did not refuse. As they walked, he asked, "Your Fifth Sister has heard of my reputation? Am I really that famous?"

"Of course! Do you think breaking through from a martial arts novice to the Skin-Grinding stage in just three months is a joke?"

"Then if I'm that amazing, shouldn't various martial arts halls be fighting to the death to recruit me?"

"In your dreams!"

Song Dachuang explained, "The reason my Fifth Sister can bring you into the Hongying Martial Arts Hall is because Hongying is also an affiliate of the Yuan family. This isn't 'recruiting'; it's helping Hong Zhengdao resolve a burden. If any other martial arts hall dared to speak up, they would be breaking the rules and looking for trouble."

Zhang Lingshan felt speechless. He asked, "You also believe this is helping Master Hong resolve a burden?"

"What I believe isn't important; that's just what we say to the outside world."

"Understood."

Zhang Lingshan nodded. This was what it meant to be legitimate.

In the martial world, reputation was very important, but more importantly, one had to understand the rules.

The martial world wasn't just about fighting and killing; it was about social graces and human relationships.

With the rules established by the four great families of the Inner City, anyone who dared to break them had to weigh whether they had the ability to handle the consequences.

Over the next period of time, Zhang Lingshan and Song Dachuang chatted while eating at the Du Family Restaurant.

They talked quite a lot this time, giving Zhang Lingshan a certain understanding of the power distribution throughout Jincheng.

He felt that as his strength increased, he would naturally encounter these factions, so there was certainly no harm in learning more about them.

"By the way, Brother Dachuang, I want to learn how to read. Does your family have a teacher?" Zhang Lingshan suddenly asked.

He didn't feel like searching everywhere; since Song Dachuang was a know-it-all, it would be most convenient to solve the problem of literacy through him.

"We do. You want to learn to read?"

Song Dachuang was surprised at first, then nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea. As your strength increases, your status will change. You should learn to read; otherwise, you'll always just be a mere guard martial artist, unable to hold your own in high society."

He was surprised that Zhang Lingshan had thought of the issue of literacy so quickly.

This brother was indeed extraordinary. Despite his humble origins, his vision was far superior to that of an ordinary commoner.

"However, the New Year is approaching. After the New Year, I'll take you to see our teacher. Although that old man is pedantic and old-fashioned, he teaches quite well. I learned from him when I was a child."

At this point, Song Dachuang added, "By the way, my formal name is Song Zhu. Dachuang is my nickname. Brother Shan, you can just keep calling me Dachuang."

"Alright."

Zhang Lingshan nodded.

At first, the name Song Dachuang had made him think that Song Dachuang came from a family of illiterates just like himself, which had helped close the distance between them.

This name was likely what Song Dachuang used when communicating with ordinary people, providing a natural sense of intimacy.

"Brother Shan, head back to the Hong Clan Martial Arts Hall on your own later; I won't be going back.

"The family has already arranged for me to go to the Hongying Martial Arts Hall. If you decide to come, Brother Shan, then we can continue to be fellow disciples.

"If you don't, we are still good brothers. If you ever need anything, just come find me. As long as I can help, I will never refuse!"

After saying this, Song Dachuang bid farewell to Zhang Lingshan at a fork in the road.

As Zhang Lingshan returned to the martial arts hall alone, he saw that everyone was dejected. They were all listless, some staring blankly at the sky as if mourning a death.

Upon inquiring, he learned that Zhu Wei and Pan Mingzhong had already requested to see Master Hong, only to be blocked outside, unable to even enter the main residence.

It was clear that the rumors were true.

Master Hong was seriously injured!

"What should we do now? Master Hong is heavily injured and doesn't even have the strength to see us." Someone sighed sorrowfully.

Another person said, "What's the big deal? Everything continues as usual. Master Hong hasn't been back for a while, and we've been getting by just fine."

"Sigh, you don't understand. When he's not here, there's still something to look forward to, but once he returns, everything is settled. I think it won't be long before someone comes looking for trouble. Listen to me, everyone, hurry up and find a way to secure your own future."

"Bastard! Master Hong is seriously injured and you want to run? Do you have no conscience?" one person shouted in anger.

Another sneered, "Conscience? Can conscience buy food? If someone comes looking for trouble, they won't go after the Flesh-Refining senior brothers; they'll target the ordinary disciples and apprentices who haven't reached the Skin-Grinding stage to test Master Hong's reaction. When you get crippled, I'll see how much you keep talking big."

"It won't be that terrifying, will it?" a timid disciple asked, his face pale.

"Terrifying? This is just the appetizer; the cruelty is yet to come. If Master Hong doesn't show his face in the next few days, you can't blame me for finding another way out. I have a family waiting for me to support them."

With that, he strode out of the Hong Clan Martial Arts Hall.

A few disciples exchanged glances and followed closely behind.

"Sigh."

Pan Mingzhong sighed. "Old Zhu, don't wait. Let's come back another day. Does your slaughterhouse need workers? You can take me in too."

"Stop talking nonsense. Where else could you go?" Zhu Wei snorted.

Both of them were at the peak of the Copper Skin stage. They were just one step away from breaking through to Flesh-Refining, officially becoming inner disciples of Hong Zhengdao, receiving his cultivation, and learning the techniques following the Red Line Fist.

Who would have thought such a thing would happen?

It was simply too unlucky!

However, this wasn't entirely bad news; at least they still had time to jump ship.

Compared to Master Hong's six inner disciples, those were the truly unlucky ones, forced to sink with Hong Zhengdao unless they were willing to throw away their dignity and reputation.

"Is everyone gone?"

Zhang Lingshan looked around the courtyard. Not many people were left; they were all ordinary commoners like him.

Some were even lower in status than he was.

At least he had the reputation of a genius and had joined the Feng Family Pharmacy. These ordinary disciples had nothing; they stared at the empty courtyard in a daze, not knowing where to go next.

Zhang Lingshan sighed inwardly.

The cruel reality made him crave strength even more.

Thus, he also left, heading to the Feng Family Pharmacy to find Wu Zheng.

Having just been kicked by Song Lian, he realized that although the woman's overall physique was not as robust as his, the power in her leg was truly formidable.

It was clear that leg techniques held great potential.

Once mastered, it would be a lethal move; he had to start practicing it immediately.

"Thought it through?"

Wu Zheng was gnawing on a chicken foot. Seeing Zhang Lingshan approach, he said with a smile.

Zhang Lingshan asked in surprise, "Thought what through?"

"Aren't you here to ask me to be your sparring partner?"

"No, I'm here to learn the subsequent leg techniques."

Zhang Lingshan produced thirty taels of silver notes.

Wu Zheng casually wiped the grease off his hands, took the notes, and said, "Fine. As we discussed before, I will only teach you the training methods and routines. Whether you succeed or not is your problem, and no refunds will be given."

"Naturally. Give me the receipt and contract as well."

"Fine."

Wu Zheng didn't mince words. He was in the business of long-term patronage and wasn't afraid that Zhang Lingshan wouldn't come back for sparring later.

Firstly, the Stabilizing Pillar technique was inherently difficult to practice.

Secondly, the Gale Leg technique he taught emphasized practical combat. Since he wasn't teaching Zhang Lingshan combat application, even if he mastered the movements, he wouldn't be very useful in a fight, and would eventually have to come back to consult him.

This steady stream of business would yield at least several hundred taels.

He had already used this routine on five or six people, and it had never caused any issues; he had made quite a bit of money.

After all, martial arts were personal secrets. Buying a leg technique for a few hundred taels was actually not a bad deal.

Anyone who successfully mastered it would never say a single negative word about him.

"As the saying goes, an arm cannot twist a thigh, because the strength of the lower body is naturally greater than that of the upper body.

"Strength is the foundation of flexibility, and flexibility is the foundation of agility.

"Our Gale Leg focuses on agility, which belongs to the third level. The Stabilizing Pillar focuses on the first level, strength, and the second level, flexibility.

"Remember! Before you have mastered the Stabilizing Pillar, do not blindly practice leg techniques, or you will injure yourself."

Wu Zheng advised earnestly.

Zhang Lingshan nodded heavily. "Understood."

Next, under Wu Zheng's guidance, he completely memorized the routine and training method of the Gale Leg.

With that, the fifty taels spent at Wu Zheng's place was officially concluded.

Counting the two learning sessions, it had taken Wu Zheng less than an afternoon.

A massive profit.

This was the benefit of possessing a unique skill; money would never be an issue.

"If you think things through, you can come find me for sparring anytime. The price remains the same: twenty taels for twenty hours."

Wu Zheng said with a smile.

"Alright."

Zhang Lingshan cupped his hands and took his leave.

Until he had mastered both the Stabilizing Pillar and the Gale Leg, he would not have any further dealings with Wu Zheng for the time being.

As for whether he would come back later to practice the combat application of the Gale Leg, that was a matter for another time.

Returning home.

Without a word, Zhang Lingshan immediately opened his panel.

Name: Zhang Lingshan Martial Arts: Gale Leg (Not yet mastered+), Stabilizing Pillar (Mastered), Mountain-Splitting Axe Technique (Mastered), Red Line Fist (Small Success), Hunyuan True Yang Pillar (Perfection) Energy: 23

'Mastering the Gale Leg should require about the same energy as the Red Line Fist; 10 points should be enough.'

Zhang Lingshan calculated, and 23 points of energy was more than sufficient.

Thus, without hesitation, he added the points.

*Whoosh.*

Just as he expected, 10 points of energy vanished instantly.

Then, he felt the muscles in his legs begin to throb, as if the muscles were reorganizing themselves through some indescribable change.

Soon, in less than a few breaths, the change ended rapidly.

Zhang Lingshan immediately stood up and hopped around the room, feeling much lighter than before.

But unlike when he first mastered the Stabilizing Pillar.

Mastering the Stabilizing Pillar had increased his leg muscle strength, whereas the Gale Leg made his reactions underfoot more agile, allowing him to change direction quickly while sprinting.

'When Song Lian was bullying those six men earlier, she must have relied on this ability to turn easily. However, her training is deeper than mine; her changes in direction are faster, and her power is greater.'

Zhang Lingshan analyzed silently.

Although he was temporarily inferior to Song Lian, as long as he mastered both the Stabilizing Pillar and the Gale Leg, he should be able to crush her.

'I have fist techniques, leg techniques, and axe techniques. Now I am only lacking grappling and internal cultivation methods.'

What did that mnemonic go?

'Shoulders align with hips, elbows align with knees, hands align with feet.

'Grappling is dead, while seizing is living. Fist first, then leg, then grappling. Once grappling is mastered, one may then use weapons. Weapons are an extension of hands and feet, the so-called unity of man and tool.

'Heart aligns with intent, intent aligns with Qi, Qi aligns with strength. Internal Yin and external Yang, internal and external combined into one Qi. If one form is not smooth, it is difficult to practice other forms!'

Zhang Lingshan thought to himself: 'Because I have energy points, I skipped grappling and went straight to weapons.

'But I should still practice grappling; it is a good way to subdue enemies. I must find a way to acquire a grappling martial art.

'As for internal cultivation, I wonder if Master Hong has any. Since he can cultivate to the peak of the Tendon-Changing stage, he should have some trump card internal cultivation method.'

The next day.

Zhang Lingshan went to the martial arts hall once more, but still did not see Hong Zhengdao.

However, to his surprise, the distribution of the Four-Harmony Soup had not stopped. Since there were few people around, he simply drank a few more bowls, and the servant in charge of the soup said nothing.

"The Four-Harmony Soup will continue to be distributed; everything continues as usual! It seems our martial arts hall won't collapse; those guys were just talking nonsense."

Some disciples also became invigorated.

As this news spread, more people gradually returned.

However, none of this had anything to do with Zhang Lingshan.

Aside from continuing to have Tie Feng inquire whether any of the herb-gathering guards were willing to teach martial arts like Wu Zheng, he continued his daily routine of cultivation.

He naturally practiced the Red Line Fist, because the other martial arts were difficult to practice and had low cost-effectiveness.

In fact, even the Red Line Fist at the Small Success stage improved very slowly.

The best-case scenario would be to find someone to hone his combat application, while leaving the advancement of his martial arts realms entirely to the panel's point allocation.

But with the New Year approaching, no one was willing to engage in fighting and killing.

Zhang Lingshan had no choice but to abandon that idea, adjust his mindset, and peacefully enjoy the tranquility of these few days.

"Young Master Shan, the Master requests your presence."

On this day, Hong Zhengdao's steward suddenly arrived at his door.

Zhang Lingshan couldn't help but be surprised. "Master Hong is looking for me? What happened?"

"The Master wishes to speak with the disciples and specifically requested that I must invite Young Master Shan to be present."

"Alright, I'll change my clothes."

"There is no need to rush, Young Master Shan."

A moment later.

Not only had Zhang Lingshan changed his clothes, but he also brought several packages of medicinal herbs and dried meat.

As for whether these small items could be of any help, they certainly couldn't. Even if Hong Zhengdao was injured, his family's wealth remained; what could he possibly lack?

But even if they weren't helpful, he still had to bring them out of politeness.

The steward said nothing upon seeing the items in Zhang Lingshan's hands.

On the way, Zhang Lingshan asked, "Have the other disciples arrived?"

"They have all been invited and should be on their way."

"Who is coming?" Zhang Lingshan asked curiously.

"Aside from the six inner disciples, we have invited Young Master Shan, Young Master Zhu Wei, and Young Master Pan Mingzhong."

Zhang Lingshan's heart stirred; he had a suspicion.