Chapter 12

Leon Wei's purpose in coming to the fish market was to check on Qiu Cai's situation.

Han Wei was right. As a martial artist, one must fight. If you don't fight, others will think you are easy to bully. The territory of An Kang County is right here. If you always stay hidden in the martial arts hall, how will anyone know who you, Leon Wei, really are?

People's energy and time are limited.

No one can handle everything alone.

That's why it's necessary to cultivate others to share some of the burdens.

Liáng Sōng looked solemnly at the approaching Leon Wei and naturally knew who he was. Who was the most prominent figure in An Kang County?

It must be Leon Wei from the Lin Martial Arts Hall.

The former Lin Martial Arts Hall was notorious for its deceitful practices, even if they defeated Ma Sandao.

When the other party became an affiliated martial arts hall, everyone was extremely surprised.

They all exclaimed, wondering about the person's background, origins, or how much bribery it took to make the Changying Martial Arts Hall agree to make it an affiliated martial arts hall.

This was what everyone wanted to know.

Until... the trip to Heiming Mountain, where Xiang Shuang from the Hongquan Martial Arts Hall led a group of people and died tragically at the hands of the other party. Only then did they realize that this guy was really extraordinary.

Among the dozens of martial arts halls in An Kang County, apart from the Six Gates and the Twelve Affiliated Martial Arts Halls, the reputation of the Hongquan Martial Arts Hall was the most prestigious and fierce.

Now that they were dead, it goes without saying what it represented.

"Do you know who I am?"

"I do."

Liáng Sōng's momentum weakened, lacking the same aura he had when facing Qiu Cai and others.

"Oh? Who am I?" Leon Wei asked playfully.

"The Lin Martial Arts Hall's Leon Wei."

Slap!

With this statement, a crisp sound rang out. Liáng Sōng staggered back, covering his face, until someone beside him steadied him.

"Leon Wei? Just a moment ago, if I'm not mistaken, it seemed like I was called a nobody. How come you now know who I am?" Leon Wei said calmly, with a hint of coldness in his tone.

Liáng Sōng, who had been publicly slapped, felt resentful but dared not show any reaction. He lowered his head, his breathing becoming rapid.

Suddenly, as if realizing something, Liáng Sōng raised his head abruptly, his eyes bloodshot.

"Leon Wei, you're going too far. I am from the Kongming Martial Arts Hall. If you embarrass me in public, it's like disrespecting our Kongming Martial Arts Hall."

Liáng Sōng was indeed afraid of Leon Wei, but considering himself a disciple of the martial arts hall, if he bowed to Leon Wei, the hall master would surely be furious, claiming that the face of the martial arts hall had been completely lost because of him.

Therefore, he was now gambling, betting that the other party wouldn't dare do anything to him.

However, he quickly realized how bad his luck was.

His vision blurred, unable to see clearly.

Leon Wei struck out with a palm, as if taking something out of a bag, directly hitting Liáng Sōng's chest. A powerful force erupted, making it feel like a mountain crashing down on Liáng Sōng. He spat out a mouthful of blood and flew backward.

"How dare a mere disciple of a martial arts hall threaten me. Ridiculous." Leon Wei said angrily.

The surrounding fishermen gasped, watching the scene unfold.

Liáng Sōng's two disciples who had come with him stood there, unsure of what to do, looking lost and bewildered.

Qiu Cai clenched his fists, feeling the pain on his face but feeling relieved in his heart.

Now that Leon Wei had awakened, apart from that one palm, which wasn't meant to take Liáng Sōng's life, but had left him severely injured.

If lucky, he might recover in a month. If unlucky, a few days might be his end.

"You two, carry him back. Tell your hall master, Bai Canghai, that I'll be waiting for him at the Delicious Pavilion tonight. He should bring something valuable to apologize." Leon Wei waved his hand impatiently.

The two disciples hurriedly carried the unconscious Liáng Sōng away.

"Ai Cai, are you okay?" Leon Wei asked.

"Leon Wei, I'm fine, nothing happened to me." Qiu Cai replied excitedly.

Leon Wei patted Qiu Cai's shoulder. "Don't be afraid of these people. If you can't handle them, come to the martial arts hall and find me. If you work for me, I will definitely protect you."

"Yes, Leon Wei, it's an honor for me to work for you." Qiu Cai felt like he was about to faint from happiness.

The surrounding fishermen listened attentively.

Leon Wei had just become a pillar of support for Qiu Cai.

It seemed like they needed to maintain a good relationship with Qiu Cai in the future.

[White Wish Points +1]

Good.

When Qiu Cai was being bullied by Liáng Sōng, he had a wish in his mind, hoping for Leon Wei to appear, and indeed, he arrived just in time. Not only did he establish his own authority, but he also gained a wish.

This step forward on his path of progress was significant.

"Leon Wei, I've selected some good red-scaled fish for you." Qiu Cai hurriedly introduced.

Leon Wei knew the value of red-scaled fish. Besides being delicious, it was beneficial for martial arts practice, a rare and valuable item.

"Alright, bring the fish to the martial arts hall later. Pick out six, with one large and two small ones. Give the large one and two small ones to Han Wei, the steward of the Changying Martial Arts Hall. The other three, give them to Zhang Shan. You and Jin Ray can split the silver coins."

"How much in total?"

"Leon Wei, a total of eighteen and a half silver coins."

"Go and split twenty coins, and the rest is for you."

"Ah..."

"Enough, don't say anymore. Follow my instructions. I have other matters to attend to; you take care of this first."

Leon Wei decided to give the large fish to Han Wei, as he had been helping him, and the red-scaled fish, while valuable to ordinary people, might not be as special to Han Wei.

As for Zhang Shan, he also deserved a gift. When Leon Wei first arrived at the Changying Martial Arts Hall, he was the one who welcomed him, showing responsibility and courtesy.

Reciprocity is essential in relationships.

Frequent interactions deepen relationships.

"Take care, Leon Wei."

Qiu Cai and the fishermen watched as Leon Wei left. Then, they surrounded Qiu Cai, expressing their apologies and respect for him.

"Qiu Ge, I was ignorant before. Please don't compare me to what I was."

"Ge Cai, Ge Cai..."

Qiu Cai, surrounded by everyone, felt a sense of elation, as if he were dreaming.

He didn't linger too long in that feeling, as he still had to deliver the fish to Leon Wei, which was the real important task.

...

Night fell.

Delicious Pavilion, private room.

"Leon Wei, the red-scaled fish you had someone deliver during the day was really good. It tasted delicious and was nourishing," Han Wei said as he arrived early with Leon Wei.

"Haha, I'm glad you liked it. I'll send more next time there's stock," Leon Wei replied.

"That's kind of you."

Han Wei didn't refuse. The red-scaled fish was expensive, but it was worth it. Making money was simple for him.

Then, he remembered something and continued, "Today, I heard that Leon Wei severely injured a disciple from the Kongming Martial Arts Hall with a single palm, showing great power. In my opinion, that's how it should be. That guy is nothing, and what's Leon Wei's status? He shouldn't be allowed to act arrogantly. It would have been good if he had killed him."

"Ah, it's not worth it. It's beneath my dignity to compete with someone like that," Leon Wei sighed.

"Hahaha..." Han Wei burst into laughter.

Just then, the door of the room was pushed open.

A stern-looking strong man appeared. When he saw Han Wei, he visibly paused, then smiled and greeted him respectfully, "I didn't expect to find Han Steward here. I'm sorry for being late."

"Hmm," Han Wei nodded, somewhat indifferent.

As the steward, he could choose whom to be warm to, and whom not to be. No one dared to say anything.

In Bai Canghai's eyes, there was only Han Wei, not Leon Wei. After speaking, he prepared to sit down.

"What's this? Principal Bai acting like you can't see me, Lin Mou?" Leon Wei asked with a smile.

Since Han Steward was present, Bai Canghai couldn't directly explode in anger. He greeted, "Leon Wei."

"Alright, at least you have some manners. Please, have a seat." Leon Wei seemed satisfied, nodding his head with a somewhat indifferent expression.

Bai Canghai suppressed his anger.

The palm of his hand on his thigh clenched tighter.

Leon Wei glanced at Bai Canghai's head.

Arrogant.

He actually wished to kill a certain Leon Wei.

Then, the three of them sat around the table. Han Wei sipped his soup, Leon Wei picked at his food, and Bai Canghai didn't move at all, perhaps unable to contain himself any longer.

He spoke up, "Today, Han Steward is here. Very well, Bai wants to ask Leon Wei why he severely injured my disciple. The doctors say his chances of survival depend on his luck. At the very least, Leon Wei owes Bai an explanation."

Bai Canghai was on the verge of exploding, experiencing such humiliation for the first time in his life.

Although it was his disciple who had been beaten, it felt as if he had been beaten as well.

"Explanation? I want to ask Principal Bai, should you give me an explanation? My disciple went to get fish for me, and your disciple, without a word, came up and slapped him, claiming the fish belonged to him. My disciple said it was for me, but instead of stopping, he got more aggressive, even calling me a nobody. I have to ask, do you look down on me, Leon Wei?" Leon Wei asked.

With each word, Han Steward nodded in agreement. Every sentence was a point, hitting the mark precisely.

"But you almost killed my disciple," Bai Canghai said, his voice low and deep.

"Almost killed? He's not dead, so whether he lives or dies is not my concern. Right now, I don't want to discuss whether he lives or dies. I want to know how Principal Bai plans to compensate and apologize to me," Leon Wei inquired.

Bai Canghai's fist clenched tighter.

His gums made a squeaking sound.

Twisting the truth.

Han Steward calmly said, "Leon Wei's words are reasonable and justified. There is indeed something not right with your behavior."

"Han Steward, my Kongming Martial Arts Hall is the victim in this matter," Bai Canghai argued.

Han Steward continued calmly sipping his soup, not saying a word.

"Leon Wei, can you compensate and apologize?" Leon Wei asked.

"Leon Wei, you're making this difficult for me," Bai Canghai took a deep breath.

"Difficult?" Leon Wei's smile vanished as he stood up abruptly, flipping the table directly. The dishes scattered everywhere, porcelain bowls shattered, and the atmosphere in the room became tense.

Han Steward quickly retreated, still holding his soup bowl, his expression changing. With a bang, he smashed the bowl on the ground, shattering it.

"Bai Canghai, what's wrong with you? Do you think being an affiliated martial arts hall means you can act recklessly? Leon Wei tried to reason with you, and this is your attitude?" Han Steward exclaimed.

At that moment, Bai Canghai was dumbfounded.

He was the one who flipped the table, not me...

 Is there still justice in this world?

Is there still law and order?

What's going on in this world? Clearly, he is very good at twisting right and wrong, yet it's happening to him.

Can I endure it?

Well, even if I can't, I have to.

"Han, I..."

In his heart, Bai cursed angrily, these two are in cahoots, conspiring to deceive me.

"Enough, let's both step back. Leon Wei called me here to mediate. We are all affiliated with the Changying Martial Arts Hall. There's no need to make things so tense. If Master Bai still values me, you can apologize to Leon Wei and offer some compensation."

Han shook his head repeatedly, showing a sense of helplessness about the situation, as if saying, "You are all part of the martial arts hall, and I have to appease both sides. I'm exhausted."

Bai clenched his teeth, knowing he had to swallow his anger. Offending Leon Wei didn't matter, but if he offended Han, it would surely have consequences in the future, especially if Han started targeting him deliberately.

Even if he was close to Master You, it wouldn't help.

No choice.

Bai turned his head towards Leon Wei and clasped his fists. "I, Bai, have been rude. Please forgive me. Tomorrow, I will send an apology and compensation to the Lin Martial Arts Hall."

Leon Wei waved his hand generously, "It's okay. I've always been magnanimous. Since Master Bai has spoken, how can I not understand?"

Good, good, good.

Bai thought to himself, "Good, good, good. You've taken advantage of me in every way. It's all my fault."

He couldn't bear to stay any longer. "Master Han, Leon Wei, I have urgent matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."

Without waiting for Han's response, Bai hurriedly left, his footsteps fading into the distance until they disappeared.

"It seems our Master Bai is about to explode."

Leon Wei chuckled. He wasn't afraid of offending Bai. If Bai's disciples insulted him first and he didn't respond, he wouldn't be able to survive in Ankan County.

"It's fine. He follows Master You, not us. If we offend him, what can he do?" Han said absentmindedly.

Leon Wei immediately understood that there must be significant factional struggles within the martial arts hall.

Just a while ago, he had caught a glimpse of the Vice-Master from afar, and it was clear that the Vice-Master's wish was for the Master to die.

"Han, let's leave too," Leon Wei said.

"Okay."

Leaving the private room, they passed by the trembling shopkeeper who confirmed that the bill had been settled. This pleased Leon Wei; it seemed that Bai was quite sensible.

After leaving the delicious restaurant, Bai did not return to the martial arts hall but went to Master You's residence.

"Master You, they have gone too far with their bullying," Bai complained as soon as he was led into the living room, unable to contain his anger. However, when he saw Master You's bandaged shoulder, he was shocked. "Master You, what happened to your shoulder?"

Master You, with his injured left shoulder, sat there drinking tea. A flash of anger passed through his narrow eyes.

"Betrayed by a villain."

"Who?" Bai was furious, feeling an urge to seek revenge for Master You.

"You don't need to ask about this." Master You glanced at him. "What's the situation with the bullying you mentioned earlier?"

As Bai recounted the incident, pouring out his grievances, he felt increasingly aggrieved, almost on the verge of tears despite his imposing stature.

Listening to Bai's story, Master You was drinking tea, but as he listened, he stopped, gripping the teacup tightly. With a sharp look in his eyes, he crushed the teacup, tea splashing everywhere, a clear sign of his anger.

Even without saying a word, his anger was evident.

Han's intervention had not given Master You any face.

"Master You, isn't this going too far? It's truly outrageous," Bai said, realizing Master You's anger from the shattered teacup. When Master You was angry, he would silently crush a teacup, adding a touch of style to his expression.

Master You's expression was constantly changing, showing his inner turmoil.

Bai knew that dealing with Master Han required Master You's support. This was an internal matter among them, and even though Bai was from an affiliated martial arts hall, he was still an outsider.

"Are you here to complain to me about this?" Master You looked at Bai. In the past, he would have cursed Han thoroughly, but he had just been severely warned by the Young Lady, kneeling and injured. Such a huge humiliation, and he hadn't even thought of going to the Hall Master. He didn't expect Bai to come to him for such a trivial matter.

Damn it, who can I turn to for comfort?

"Yes, I am."

Bai still had the ability to read between the lines. He sensed that Master You didn't seem sympathetic to his plight.

Suddenly, he felt a knot in his heart, a kind of indescribable discomfort.

Master You didn't get angry but advised in a deep voice, "You shouldn't be troubled by these trivial matters now. You should focus on the three-hall competition in a month. You must excel for me, the position of Assistant Master, you must secure it. Do you understand?"

"Of course, I understand."

Bai repeatedly agreed. The opportunity to become Assistant Master was a chance to change his fate. Once he became Assistant Master, he would have more exposure to different things.

As the Master of an affiliated martial arts hall, in the Changying Martial Arts Hall, he was neither a disciple nor a direct disciple, just an ordinary affiliate.

But once he became Assistant Master, all the disciples under him would treat him with respect.

The status and position would be different.

Master You said, "Forget about Leon Wei for now. His cultivation is at its peak, but what I'm most concerned about is your upcoming match with Pang Haichao. Both of you have reached the Skin and Flesh Realm, and he is your biggest threat in that match. If you don't focus on improving and instead get distracted by these matters, don't you think you're courting disaster?"

Upon hearing this, Bai suddenly woke up.

Yes.

Am I crazy?

The event in a month is so important, and here I am focusing on Leon Wei.

With that realization, Bai respectfully said, "Thank you for pointing out the severity of the situation. I understand now. I will go back and focus wholeheartedly on my training, not to disappoint your expectations."

"Good."

Master You nodded in satisfaction.

He valued Bai's obedience above all else.

"Go on." Master You waved his hand. Later, he would have to console his wounded soul. You were bullied by Leon Wei, but you still have a chance for revenge.

I was humiliated by the Young Lady.

All grievances must be borne alone.

Can the humiliation suffered by both sides be the same?

Damn this world.

Lin Martial Arts Hall.

Clap, clap, clap...

Swift as the wind, roaring like a tiger.

"Burning Leg."

A figure soared into the air, with sharp and domineering leg techniques. With a bang, the wooden stake in front of him shattered into pieces, demonstrating the terrifying power of his leg technique.

"The name 'Burning Leg' may not be great, but the technique itself is quite impressive."

After drawing some proficiency in the Burning Leg technique, Leon Wei didn't get anything good from the wish points he drew. He only improved the strength of his legs slightly, making his leg techniques more proficient.

"My Wind Thunder Palm has reached perfection. Although my Qi and blood are at the peak, showing the Eighth Level, it means there is still room for improvement. As long as I continue to train, I can't afford to stop."

He was someone who pursued perfection, especially in matters related to his own safety and cultivation.

"Sigh, another broken stake. What a luxury in terms of family conditions."

He wasn't in a hurry for the three-hall martial arts competition in a month.

There was still plenty of time. During this period, he needed to focus on slowly improving. He couldn't intervene in the internal conflicts within the Changying Martial Arts Hall for now.

He knew that with Han on his side, besides his own charisma, the crucial factor was that he had chosen a side. If he didn't choose either side, Han would definitely not treat him well.

Crack!

With a firm gaze, Leon Wei clenched his fist tightly, gazing up at the moon in the sky.

"I still can't control my own destiny. This feeling is really frustrating."

Turning around, he walked back into the house without looking back.

He was going to draw talismans now.

There were only three things he needed to do in this life.

Practice!

Practice!

And practice!

The Next Day!

"Master, is this going to be our martial arts school from now on?" Jin Ray looked at what used to be the Red Fist Martial Arts School's territory, exclaiming in surprise, his simple face showing a look of shock.

"How about it, not bad, all of this was built by Master with every punch and kick," Leon Wei stood with hands behind his back, looking pleased. Killing Xiang Shuang had its benefits; the living environment improved. It wasn't in vain. He also thanked Xiang Shuang for jumping out on his own, otherwise, there wouldn't have been an opportunity.

"The Lin Martial Arts School, undefeated in battle, Master's literary and martial virtues will last for generations, ranking first in Ankang." Jin Ray shouted with a flushed face.

"Where did you learn these words?"

Those words sounded familiar.

Jin Ray scratched his head, embarrassed, "Master, I learned these from the books I read."

"Stop reading those and focus more on martial arts."

"Oh."

Leon Wei led Jin Ray around. The Red Fist Martial Arts School was quite large, with many living quarters, better than his own Lin Martial Arts School.

"Jin Ray."

"I'm here, Master."

"Your sister is of reading age now, right?"

"She is." Jin Ray nodded, wondering why Master brought this up.

"Well, girls need to study too. Since she's going to study, she should go to the best. I heard Juzhai Private School is good. Let your sister study there."

"Master, Juzhai Private School is..."

"No 'buts.' Jin Ray, times have changed. You need to face your status. Our Lin Martial Arts School is no longer what it used to be. As the eldest martial brother, you are a respected figure in Ankang County. Sending your sister to study is not us climbing up, but them climbing up to us. Understand?"

He knew Jin Ray's mindset hadn't changed yet, so he needed to push him.

Jin Ray stood there, then nodded, "Disciple understands."

His eyes became moist. He didn't expect Master to care so much, knowing his sister was of studying age. Thinking about this, he truly felt like he would go through fire and water for Master, never frowning, or he wouldn't be a man.

[Received +1 White Wish Point]

"You and your sister still live in Changan Alley, where the environment is extremely poor. With your current status, living there is beneath you. Tomorrow, we'll move here. Bring your sister along. When the time is right, and you meet a woman you like, I'll arrange the marriage for you and buy you a house, so you have your own home."

Leon Wei spoke slowly. In these times, being a Master wasn't easy. Besides teaching martial arts, he also had to take care of his disciple's major life events.

A Master is like a father.

That's how it should be.

Splash!

Jin Ray knelt down, his voice trembling, "Master, I..."

His eyes teared up, feeling overwhelmed by Master's care. He didn't know what to say.

"Jin Ray, get up." Leon Wei helped him up, patting his shoulder. "Since you are so loyal to me, I won't disappoint you. In the future, you must work hard. After all, you are the eldest martial brother and need to set a good example."

"Yes, Master. I will work hard in my cultivation and not disappoint your expectations." Jin Ray nodded firmly.

Leon Wei was very satisfied with this.

Leaving the Red Fist Martial Arts School, or rather the new Lin Martial Arts School, the two walked on the street. Leon Wei's eyes were sly, scanning for wishes.

White basic wishes could be obtained every day.

But the golden wish points were more challenging.

So far, the only golden wish point he was confident about was Han Wei's wish. However, to obtain it, he needed to excel at the upcoming Three Schools Martial Arts Competition in a month.

Just as he was thinking about this.

"Master, that lady over there is so beautiful."

"What?"

"Look over there." Jin Ray pointed to a distant figure.

Leon Wei focused and realized it was the person who usually provided him with wish points. "Don't talk nonsense. That lady, she's your Master's wife."

"My Master's wife?" Jin Ray's mouth hung open, shocked. He had been with Master all this time, how did he not know about Master's wife?

"What? Does Master have to tell you everything?"

Suddenly.

"My handkerchief." A light voice sounded.

Upon hearing this, Leon Wei instantly understood. It was another one of those tricks. But I...

"Master's wife, I'm coming."

Jin Ray naturally saw Master's wife's handkerchief fall into the lake. Without hesitation, he ran, his legs moving like they were powered by an electric motor, displaying a speed he had never shown before.

"Jin Ray, come back, let Master..."

Leon Wei was shocked. He was just speaking casually. Who would have thought Jin Ray would take it seriously and take action? If others found out, it would be embarrassing.

More importantly...

Retrieving the handkerchief was a test of his strength. If he retrieved it, he would earn some wish points. But if he did, what would Master retrieve?

Dive into the sewer?

But it was too late. Jin Ray, running desperately, leaped into the water like a carp, causing onlookers to gather around.

Even Luna Ming and the maidservant were puzzled.

Who was this intruder?

As Leon Wei rushed over, a drenched Jin Ray scratched his head, handing the handkerchief to Luna Ming.

"Master's wife, here's your handkerchief."

Luna Ming looked surprised at the unremarkable young man before her. "What did you call me?"

"Master's wife, as my Master said."

"Who is your Master?"

Luna Ming felt a surge of anger. Who dared to joke with her like this?

"That would be my Master." Jin Ray pointed to Leon Wei, who was approaching.

Seeing him, Luna Ming's anger dissipated, smiling charmingly.

"Master's wife, your smile is beautiful," Jin Ray said.

"Big-mouthed one, what are you blabbering about?" The maid, Yulan, scolded.

Jin Ray looked at the maid beside her, blushing. "Sister, you are also very beautiful."

Yulan: ...?

Leon Wei finally arrived, lightly patting Jin Ray's head and saying, "Miss, I apologize for my disciple's ignorance."

He still hadn't figured out the other party's bottom line.

But at least from their first meeting until now, the other party had shown no ill will towards him.

However, what happened next to him started to get a bit strange. He admitted he was an excellent hall master, but not excellent enough to be an affiliated martial arts school.

Even more so, Han, the steward of the Changying Martial Arts School, was very enthusiastic towards him.

It felt like suddenly a bureau chief became very friendly with a commoner and even directly overturned the original position, giving it to him.

It was magical or not, depending on how you saw it.

"Master, didn't you say she was Master's wife?" Jin Ray looked bewildered.

Leon Wei glared at him, making Jin Ray shrink his neck and stand with his head bowed.

"Miss, we seem to have a special connection. The scenery here is beautiful. How about we take a boat ride to enjoy the view?" Leon Wei suggested.

A man must take the initiative.

Because he saw a wish.

He had to be a person who understood her heart.

This character had to be maintained.

"Sure," Luna Ming agreed with a smile.

As a maid, Yulan knew her mistress would have something to attend to later, but she didn't say anything. If the mistress agreed, what could she say?