Realm-Hopping Martial Master

Unlike Pingling County, where few Martial Artists visited, Yongning County City saw an influx of countless Skin Grinding Realm Martial Artists each year. In the county towns, Bone Forging Realm Martial Artists stood below only one person yet above tens of thousands. Within the great clans here in Yongning County City, such experts were commonplace.

The Zhao Family's majestic entrance far surpassed that of the Yao Family in the county town. Two stone statues, resembling a cross between lions and tigers, were seated there. As the foremost clan in the county city, the Zhao Family frequently had Bone Forging Realm Martial Artists arriving, seeking to become retainers within the family. The daily allotment of sufficient second-rank exotic beast meat alone was enough to attract a large number of Martial Artists. Furthermore, after accumulating enough family Contribution Value and truly becoming a confidant of the Zhao Family, there was the opportunity to obtain a Middle Grade Cultivation Technique and pursue higher realms!

After arriving in the county city, Jiang Shu parted ways with Zhang Ruo and the other two. He first found an inn to stay in, then returned to Xuanxing to retrieve the letter.

The next day, after asking for directions, he arrived at the Zhao Family residence.

"Your upper limb bones have not been properly tempered; you need to return and practice diligently."

"Your upper limb bones are fully tempered, and this set of fist techniques is not bad. Go inside and turn left to the Sacrificial Hall; someone will receive you. Once you sign, you will be a Bronze-ranked Protector of our Zhao Family."

At the head of the queue, an elder with an impassive expression took a bronze badge from his robes and handed it over. Clearly, he had performed this procedure many times.

"Where are you from? What realm have you reached?" When it was Jiang Shu's turn, the elder asked him as a matter of routine.

"This junior is from Pingling County. This is a letter from my master, intended for Elder Zhao Yuanchang of the Zhao Family." He handed over the envelope.

Jiang Shu stepped aside so as not to obstruct the next Bone Forging Realm Martial Artist in line to register as a Protector.

"Zhao Yuanchang is our Zhao Family's Fourth Master, a Refining Internal Realm expert! What is your esteemed master's surname? I need it for my report." The elder glanced at the envelope, which was addressed only to Zhao Yuanchang. His previously indifferent demeanor changed, and he spoke loudly to Jiang Shu.

"My master's surname is Chou!"

The elder nodded. With a wave of his hand, a Skin Grinding Realm Protector from the gate immediately approached. After the elder whispered a few words to him, another steward soon arrived to take over the task of assessing the Bone Forging Realm Martial Artists. The elder, meanwhile, hurried towards the inner compound of the clan.

Winding corridors with ornate balustrades offered new scenery every ten paces. Within the pavilion courtyard where Zhao Yuanchang resided, graceful Maids bustled in and out, their hands carrying nothing but precious sweets and delicacies.

From within the courtyard, intermittent sounds of women's laughter could be heard.

The elder stood at the entrance, holding the envelope, which was taken inside by a Maid to be announced. He kept his head bowed, seeing nothing and hearing nothing.

"Come in," a deep and powerful voice called out. Only then did the elder step inside.

"Who delivered this letter?"

Inside the courtyard, a man lay on a recliner, slowly browsing the contents of the letter. He was impeccably maintained; though over fifty, he appeared to be in his forties and was dressed in fine silks. His eyes were narrowed. Beside him, a tender young woman, barely twenty and dressed in a light-colored gauze robe, attended to his right.

"Reporting to the Fourth Master," the old servant said, "the letter was delivered by a young man, not yet twenty. His vital energy is abundant, and this old servant believes he is already a Bone Forging Realm Martial Artist."

"Hmm. Go and sound him out. Find out his master's current situation and how much the young man knows about the matter in the letter. If he knows, bring him to me. If not, grant him a Protector position and ensure he's well taken care of for now."

"Remember this: whatever he asks for, give it to him if possible. However, all his actions must be recorded. Present these records to me every ten days."

"Handle this matter well, and you will be rewarded."

Those who worked for the Zhao Family were, without exception, shrewd individuals. From Zhao Yuanchang's few words, the elder knew exactly what to do. He quickly retreated.

"Having served you for so long, Master, don't I know all your old acquaintances? Who is this Mr. Chou? Is he an old friend from that time?" The delicate young woman picked a fresh, small fruit from a porcelain dish, brought it to Zhao Yuanchang's lips, and asked in a soft voice.

"This all happened more than ten years ago. Back then, I had just entered the Refining Internal Realm. I met him in the mountains, and over time, we forged a bond through shared life-and-death experiences. So, before we parted, I revealed my true identity and told him that if he ever wished it, he could come find me at the Zhao Family."

"Women, power, Martial Arts—I could have given him any of these. Unexpectedly, after no word for over a decade, his Disciple arrives today."

"The letter merely reminisces about our past connection, hoping to use our relationship to let his Disciple glimpse the Zhao Family's Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques. Heh..."

Zhao Yuanchang's final chuckle was filled with scorn.

If Chou Hai himself had come with his Disciple, he would naturally have received them warmly. Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques were a small matter. As long as Chou Hai joined the Zhao Family, his Disciple could view whatever he wished! Even if he didn't join, if he stayed at the Zhao Family residence for a few years, then out of consideration for their past friendship, allowing his Disciple a look wouldn't have been impossible.

But now, with just a short letter, he expected him to produce Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques? Dream on!

Although, for him, this matter was indeed trivial. It would only cost a portion of the family's Contribution Value.

But why should I bother for such a distant favor?

The path of Martial Arts was never smooth. Even Refining Internal Realm experts could suffer grievous injuries and die prematurely. After more than ten years, who knew Chou Hai's current condition?

Is he on his deathbed?

Or facing some dire predicament?

Sending his Disciple to seek refuge with me?

Or is it for a Middle Grade Cultivation Technique? Doesn't Chou Hai have one himself?

Zhao Yuanchang spat out the fruit pit. At his side, the delicate young woman skillfully caught the pit in her hand. Leaning softly against him, she asked, "Master, since this old acquaintance of yours is also a Refining Internal Realm expert, why hasn't he come to the county city himself?"

"There's always a reason if he doesn't come. That's why we need to probe for information." Zhao Yuanchang crumpled the letter in his hand into a ball.

He was, after all, the Disciple of an old acquaintance. Simply ignoring him wouldn't do. So, he would first offer him a Protector position to keep him there, and then decide further. It wasn't as if the Zhao Family was short of exotic beast meat or Heaven and Earth Treasure Medicines.

If Chou Hai were to come to the county city one day, he would have an excuse ready, such as the Zhao Family's strict rules requiring his Disciple to serve as a Protector for some time before being considered for other things.

If Chou Hai never came, then this young man had best serve quietly as a Protector, diligently working for the Zhao Family. Out of consideration for his master, he wouldn't give him Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques. However, the young man wouldn't lack for graded Cultivation Techniques and Martial Arts.

I truly am one who repays kindness.

Lost in thought, Zhao Yuanchang couldn't help but squint his eyes.

「Meanwhile.」

「At the Zhao Family's Main Gate.」

The elder hurried out. Upon seeing Jiang Shu, his face lit up with joy, and he immediately began to offer congratulations.

"Young Master, please come inside. Our Fourth Master has read the letter. However, he is currently engrossed in studying a new Martial Art and cannot step away for the moment. Therefore, he has sent this old servant to accompany you first."

"The Fourth Master has said that since you are the Disciple of an old friend, there is no need for any tests. You can directly become a Gold Medal Protector of our Zhao Family! Now, this old servant will take you to the Sacrificial Hall to complete the formalities."

"This Gold Medal Protector is unlike the ordinary Bronze Medal Protectors. Typically, only the strongest among Bone Forging Realm Martial Artists who have accumulated sufficient merit can achieve this rank. Furthermore, only Gold Medal Protectors have the opportunity to obtain our Zhao Family's Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques!"

The elder enthusiastically extolled the various benefits of being a Gold Medal Protector.

However, Jiang Shu, who had lowered his head, suddenly frowned. He showed no intention whatsoever of following the elder into the Zhao Family.

This letter from Old Chou... it seems there's a problem with it.