Chapter 115: Compensate Me Five Thousand

“Brother Wang, let’s not fight anymore, your swordsmanship grows ever more formidable. I truly admire you; I can hardly keep up.” One of them repeatedly waved his hands in surrender.

This man, nearly sixty years old, was named Hong Dan, a longtime friend of Wang Dao and likewise a sword enthusiast devoted to training. However, his talent was inferior to Wang Dao’s. After many years of practice, he had only managed to elevate a single technique, the Thunderstorm Slash, to its peak mastery.

Since hearing that Wang Dao had achieved the unity of human and martial spirit, Hong Dan often sought him out for sparring, hoping to advance himself as well.

Wang Dao sheathed his sword with a smile. “Brother, you are a few years my senior; I have just taken a step ahead.”

“Brother Wang, you’re too modest. I’ve heard that a few years ago, Young Master Li Cangqing bestowed upon you the Li family’s premier martial art, the Nine-Slash Thunderbolt Blade. Now your qi and blood overflow; surely it won’t be long before you break through to the Martial Marquis. I envy you greatly. As for me, I fear I may never glimpse the realm of the Martial Marquis in this lifetime.” Hong Dan said.

Wang Dao shook his head slightly. “Though my qi and blood overflow, breaking through to Martial Marquis is no easy feat. Both foundation and martial nourishment are indispensable.”

“With your talent, Brother Wang, Young Master Li Cangqing will surely grant you a piece of the mutated nine-jointed heart flesh.” Hong Dan said.

“Mutated nine-jointed heart flesh is exceedingly rare. Even the Li family produces it sparingly, and with so many clansmen, when would it come to me? Besides, I am a postnatal martial body. Even with the mutated nine-jointed heart flesh, breaking through won’t be easy.” Wang Dao replied.

“Your foundation is extraordinarily solid, having broken through five limits and then settled for many years. With the help of the mutated nine-jointed heart flesh, I believe success is certain.” Hong Dan insisted.

“Enough of this talk. Come, let’s have a drink.” Wang Dao pulled Hong Dan inside.

Soon, the aroma of fine wine filled the air.

“Brother Wang, have you heard? The Martial Hall Alliance has completely pledged allegiance to Li Wenxuan.” After clinking glasses thrice, Hong Dan suddenly said.

Wang Dao’s expression shifted. “What about the Three Absolute Martial Halls?”

“I was just about to mention that. It seems all thirteen halls in the Martial Hall Alliance have sided with Li Wenxuan, except for the Three Absolute Martial Halls. They wished to remain independent but were visited by the Herbal Guard and ordered to close and disperse on the grounds of lacking official approval.” Hong Dan explained.

“But the Three Absolute Martial Halls refused Li Wenxuan’s offer. Could it be that they intend to ally with Young Master Cangqing?” Hong Dan asked.

Both he and Wang Dao belonged to the factions of Li Wenxin and Li Cangqing.

Wang Dao shook his head. “Young Master Cangqing personally invited the Three Absolute martial artists twice, but both times they declined.”

“Could it be that the Three Absolute martial artist Lu Shanchuan truly wishes to remain aloof and uninvolved? Given the current situation, that seems unlikely.” Hong Dan said, then downed his drink in one gulp.

Wang Dao did not drink again but bowed his head in contemplation.

After a moment, Wang Dao said, “Brother Hong, let’s drink another day. I just remembered something important I need to attend to.”

“Very well, I’ll take my leave then.” Hong Dan rose and departed.

Wang Dao immediately set out for Li Cangqing’s residence to pay him a visit.

“Young Master, the Three Absolute Martial Halls are in trouble. Most likely, Li Canglin is behind the scenes causing trouble. If we intervene now to help, Lu Shanchuan will surely side with us.” Wang Dao proposed.

Li Cangqing said nothing but asked, “Wang Dao, you seem quite concerned about the Three Absolute Martial Halls. Is there some history between you and them?”

Wang Dao had clearly already considered this on the way. “If I’m not mistaken, the Three Absolute martial artist Lu Shanchuan is actually Lu Qing, the one who once guided my swordsmanship and helped me achieve the unity of human and martial spirit.”

Back then, when Lu Yan sparred with Wang Dao, he used the alias Lu Qing.

“Is it really him?” Li Cangqing’s eyes brightened with interest.

The person who could guide Wang Dao to such a breakthrough must have themselves cultivated at least a second-rate sword technique to the point of human-martial unity. Such a figure was far beyond ordinary five-limit breakers, possessing much greater potential.

“I’m ninety percent sure. The sword technique taught by the Three Absolute Martial Halls matches Lu Qing’s style exactly. They are the same. I recognized it at a glance.” Wang Dao said.

The Three Absolute martial artists were famous for their mastery of palm, leg, and blade techniques. As a sword enthusiast, Wang Dao was naturally curious and eager to test his skills against such a figure.

He had intended to seek sparring with the Three Absolute martial artists, but upon visiting their hall, he immediately understood the situation.

Lu Yan had never revealed his true identity, likely wanting to remain hidden, so Wang Dao had never pressed it.

But now, with the Three Absolute Martial Halls facing closure, the only way to save them was to inform Li Cangqing.

He believed that once Lu Shanchuan learned of this, he would not take offense.

“Since he is your benefactor, how could I stand by and watch him perish? Rest assured, I will ensure the Three Absolute Martial Halls remain safe.” Li Cangqing said.

“Moreover, I recently obtained a piece of mutated nine-jointed heart flesh, which I will bestow upon you. Seclude yourself and strive to break through to Martial Marquis as soon as possible.” Li Cangqing added.

“Mutated nine-jointed heart flesh?” Wang Dao’s heart trembled with excitement, though he suppressed it carefully. “Young Master, this treasure is so precious, I fear I am unworthy of receiving it.”

“You have followed me these many years; I know your character well. There is no question of worthiness. Accept it and focus on your seclusion. Do not return to me unless you have broken through to Martial Marquis. Leave the affairs of the Three Absolute Martial Halls to me; I will handle them.” Li Cangqing said firmly.

“Young Master’s great kindness Wang Dao shall never forget. I am willing to give my life to repay this debt.” Wang Dao bowed deeply.

“We are friends; there is no need for such ceremony. Come, I will take you to retrieve the mutated nine-jointed heart flesh.” Li Cangqing smiled.

Only three days later, the Herbal Guard came again.

This time, their leader was a burly man in his fifties, imposing without raising his voice.

“When I ordered your closure, did you treat the Herbal Guard’s words as wind in your ears? Or do you not regard the Li family at all?” The large man snarled, eyes sharp and threatening.

Those who met his gaze felt their hair stand on end, as if they were being watched by a fierce beast.

“Martial Marquis.” Wang Lin, Li Quan, and others were shocked.

This time, the Herbal Guard had sent a Martial Marquis in person.

The Herbal Guard only had three Martial Marquises in total; this man was at least of deputy commander rank.

For such a minor issue, a Martial Marquis personally showed up — they would not relent until their goal was achieved.

“Gentlemen, might you grant us a few more days?” Lu Yan stepped forward, bowed, and handed several hundred-tael silver notes to the Martial Marquis in charge.

The Martial Marquis’s bone force trembled, and the silver notes turned to scraps. He sneered, “How dare you attempt to bribe me, commander? Today, whether the Three Absolute Martial Halls close or not, they will close. I will wait here until sunset. If the halls remain open, I will treat it as treason and execute without mercy.”

His bone force surged with murderous intent, silencing all the disciples.

Lu Yan’s expression darkened.

He was not afraid of this man; the showy display of bone force revealed him to be only a first-level Martial Marquis.

Such a fellow could be killed with one slap.

But killing him would surely bring the Li family’s wrath down on them. Though Lu Yan might escape, the others would be in grave danger.

“They can only close the halls for now. We’ll find another way later,” Lu Yan thought grimly.

“What arrogance! Li Xuan, do you think treason is for you to decide?” Suddenly, a clear voice rang out at the martial hall’s gate.

Li Cangqing arrived with four attendants.

Wang Dao, immersed in seclusion and breakthrough, had not accompanied them.

“Li Cangqing.” The Herbal Guard deputy commander Li Xuan’s face changed.

“Young Master Li.” Lu Yan and the others clasped their fists toward Li Cangqing, curious why he had come personally.

Li Cangqing smiled and nodded at them, then turned his sharp gaze toward Li Xuan.

“Young Master Cangqing.” Li Xuan and several Herbal Guard members bowed slightly.

He continued, “The Three Absolute Martial Halls established their halls and taught martial arts without the Li family’s approval, cultivating their own strength. Look at the hundreds of disciples. Given time, they could become hundreds of warriors. How can this be overlooked?”

“What about those other halls in the Martial Hall Alliance? Each has numerous disciples. Why not investigate them?” Li Cangqing asked.

“They all have official approval from the Li family. Their disciples serve the Li family’s interests. You need not worry about that.” Li Xuan responded.

Li Cangqing produced a letter and tossed it onto Li Xuan. “The Three Absolute Martial Halls do have official approval. It was just forgotten to be delivered. Would you care to examine it carefully?”

“No need. Since Young Master Cangqing has appeared personally, it must be trustworthy. It seems this was all a misunderstanding. We will depart now.” Li Xuan smiled in acquiescence.

From Li Cangqing’s arrival, Li Xuan knew he could no longer pressure the Three Absolute Martial Halls.

His actions were mostly for show, intended to impress the thirteen allied halls.

If Li Cangqing had not intervened, the halls would have been shut down. With Li Cangqing’s appearance, his goal was achieved.

“Wait.” Li Cangqing called after Li Xuan as he turned to leave.

“Does Young Master Cangqing have further instructions?” Li Xuan asked.

Though Li Xuan belonged to Li Wenxuan’s faction, Li Cangqing’s status in the family was extremely high, so proper etiquette was observed.

“You shredded Director Lu’s silver notes to pieces and thought you could just leave without compensation? If word gets out, how would others view the Li family? As intolerant and bullying?” Li Cangqing scolded in kind.

Li Xuan’s face darkened but he forced a smile. “I acted impulsively earlier. Compensation will be made.”

He then looked to Lu Yan. “Director Lu, how much was the sum earlier?”

Before Lu Yan could answer, Li Cangqing stepped in. “From the shredded silver notes, there must have been a considerable amount. Director Lu, tell us the amount. If anything was broken, it must be compensated.”

“Five thousand taels.” Lu Yan answered crisply, without hesitation.

“Five thousand?” Li Cangqing’s eye twitched.

Though he had suggested Lu Yan exaggerate somewhat, he hadn’t expected Lu Yan to be so bold as to claim five thousand taels outright—a lion’s demand.

He liked it.

Li Xuan, however, could not tolerate it. His anger flared as he shouted, “Nonsense! At most it was three hundred taels. You’re trying to swindle me!”

Lu Yan looked innocent. “It was exactly five thousand taels, not a penny less. If you don’t believe me, you can try to piece together the silver note scraps for verification.”

“You—” Li Xuan’s rage boiled over, his face flushed red.

The silver notes had been shattered by bone force into dust; reassembling them was impossible.

“I, Lu Shanchuan, swear on the heavens and thunder that every word is true!” Lu Yan swore repeatedly, emphasizing his name.

“I’ll kill you.” Li Xuan lost control, eyes bloodshot. Bone force erupted as he swung a palm toward Lu Yan’s forehead.

(End of chapter)