Chapter 2: Blades Martial Hall

Leon Wei led his men back to the martial hall, pushing the door open. Sounds of martial arts training and clashing weapons echoed in the courtyard. A burly man sat shirtless on a chair, arrogantly drinking tea from a teapot.

This burly man was Ma Sandao, the master of the martial hall, known as a ruthless man whose three blades could take your life.

Standing behind him was a charming woman with fox-like eyes, exuding a seductive aura with every move. Wang Meng felt dry-mouthed and tongue-tied, wishing to take action on the spot, but he dared not.

"How did it go, did he accept?" Ma Sandao, enjoying a shoulder massage from his wife, inquired.

"Master, he dared not refuse. His martial hall now has only one apprentice left; the others have all fled," Wang Meng replied.

"Very good. As long as he accepts, his martial hall will be mine in three days."

Ma Sandao was excited, clenching his fists tightly, feeling a sense of control. The only regret was having to pay a sum of silver to the higher-ups after acquiring the martial hall, which he found hard to part with.

But to establish a foothold in Ankang County, to avoid being challenged by the six major factions, he had to hold onto their coattails tightly.

At that moment, Leon Wei walked the streets, casually observing people's desires. He even hoped to encounter a beggar, knowing their wishes would be simple - just seeking alms. However, after wandering for a while, he didn't come across any beggars.

This made him think about the situation of human trafficking. Beggars found on the streets would be taken away, their fate unknown. Therefore, the people of Ankang County would never allow themselves to become beggars, no matter how tough life got.

Suddenly, he sensed a gaze upon him. A woman stood at a stall seemingly choosing jewelry, but her eyes were fixed on him.

[Luna Ming's Wish]

[This young man looks handsome, with a great physique. I really want to be held in his arms and feel his strong chest (0/1), Reward: 1 white wish point]

Huh?

What a vulgar wish, targeting him like that. He detested such wishes and felt displeased with this infatuated woman's lack of shame in broad daylight.

He naturally wouldn't sacrifice his dignity for so-called wish points, so he ignored her and walked past. However, he suddenly turned back, approached the woman, who seemed surprised.

"Young lady, could we step into that alley? I have a few words to say to you."

Leon Wei smiled, knowing that in this world, one had to have a thick skin.

"Sure."

After a moment of silence, the woman agreed.

In the deserted alley, the woman looked at Leon Wei, appearing puzzled but somewhat expectant. Before she could speak, Leon Wei glanced around, ensuring no one was present, then suddenly embraced her, pressing her head against his sturdy chest.

"Don't speak, just feel my strong embrace."

The woman was startled by this sudden move, almost about to scream. However, she blushed, feeling satisfied by the scent of the man and his strong heartbeat.

[Luna Ming's Wish Completed]

[White Wish Point +1]

With the wish fulfilled, Leon Wei promptly pushed her away. "That's enough, I'm leaving."

He had gained a wish point for free.

Leaving the bewildered woman behind, he walked away swiftly, leaving her breathless against the wall, legs trembling, and cheeks flushed.

On the street, he thought, "I've accumulated two wish points, not bad."

The time from the arrival of the "Golden Finger" was short, and he was about to face his first opponent in three days. If given enough time, he wouldn't be nervous.

He noticed that some people had wishes while others seemed numb to life, devoid of any desires.

"Wang Meng has a total of three wish points; I can't let this opportunity slip, and it has to be tonight."

As the sun began to set, he headed back to the martial hall. Jin Ray was still practicing when Leon Wei returned. Seeing him, Jin Ray hurried over.

"Master."

"Jin Ray, go to the Three Blades Martial Hall and tell them I want to invite Ma Sandao to a feast at the Delicious Pavilion. I hope he will come."

"Why invite him?"

Jin Ray was puzzled. It seemed absurd to invite the opponent for a meal just three days before the showdown. It was almost like feeding them dung.

"Do as I say, don't ask too many questions. I have my reasons."

"Yes, Master."

After Jin Ray hurried off, Leon Wei was ready to draw a prize.

A circular roulette wheel appeared, filled with various items. The first time he drew, he gained 200 proficiency points in Wind Thunder Palm. He wondered what the next two draws would bring.

"Spin it."

[Cost: 1 wish point]

[Start Drawing]

His expectations weren't high. Even if he didn't get another 200 proficiency points, at least 100 would suffice.

[Congratulations on drawing: Wind Thunder Palm proficiency 10]

Damn! Seeing the result, he felt despair. It reminded him of a certain trick from a comrade in his past life, where the first draw was enticing, but subsequent draws were hellish.

Oh well, ten points were better than nothing.

Continuing to draw.

[Cost: 1 wish point]

[Start Drawing]

Leon Wei watched the wheel intently.

[Congratulations on drawing: Martial Arts Experience Gift Pack]

Huh? This unexpected draw surprised him. Before he could react, a surge of unknown experience flooded his mind, showing detailed diagrams of the human body with weak points highlighted.

He closed his eyes, savoring the information. When he opened them, he was pleasantly surprised.

"This is a great find."

Although he had crossed over and taken over someone's body, he was essentially an ordinary person from Blue Star. Despite becoming a martial artist, he was just stronger than the average person. Against skilled opponents, pure strength wasn't always an advantage.

Now, with this gift, he could address his weaknesses. While techniques could be practiced, combat experience needed to be accumulated over time, not just through solitary training.

This was a valuable acquisition.

"Good, very good." Leon Wei smiled and left the martial hall, heading towards the Delicious Pavilion.

He hoped Wang Meng was a man of action.

"I'm creating opportunities for you, not for anything else, just for those three wish points."

I hope you don't disappoint me.

"Haha."

"He's scared, truly scared. Inviting me, Ma Sandao, to a feast. Ridiculous, truly ridiculous."

Ma Sandao laughed heartily, looking at Jin Ray, who clenched his fists with a resentful expression. "Go back and tell your master that I, Ma Sandao, will give him this face."

Jin Ray wanted to say that the final outcome was still uncertain.

Our master is not someone you can easily manipulate. The previous challenge was just a facade; our master has a plan. He knows, and he's eagerly anticipating the showdown in three days.

By then, our master will surely shine and slap all of you in the face.

Jin Ray turned and left.

The apprentices around him flocked, showering Ma Sandao with flattery and compliments as if it cost them nothing, leaving Ma Sandao quite pleased.

While Ma Sandao enjoyed the flattery, Wang Meng's eyes sparkled.

This was an opportunity.

Inviting Ma Sandao to the feast at the Lin Martial Hall meant they would have to have a detailed discussion and drink. It wouldn't end in just an hour. And wasn't that a chance for him to cozy up to Xiaocui?

Thinking about it, he felt his blood boil with excitement, eager for the moment.

"Wang Meng, Chen Liu, Wang Bao, come with me," Ma Sandao ordered.

"Yes, Master." (x3)

The apprentices who weren't chosen were disappointed. They also wanted to enjoy the feast with the master, despite being apprentices at the Three Blades Martial Hall to learn martial arts and find a backer. Sometimes they unexpectedly enjoyed such perks.

Unfortunately, it wasn't their turn this time.

"Let's go, to the feast," Ma Sandao waved his hand, leading the three men away.

Halfway there, Wang Meng suddenly clutched his stomach, pretending to be in great pain. "Master, my stomach hurts a bit."

This was the only method he could think of.

"So much crap, hurry up and come back," Ma Sandao said.

"Yes, Master."

Wang Meng clutched his stomach, bent over, and hurried back to his martial hall.

Chen Liu and Wang Bao exchanged glances, clearly thinking, "Wow, Big Brother is really shameless, obviously trying to empty his stomach, then come back and enjoy the feast with the master."

As for whether they could eat, it was hard to say. Unless the master gave the order, they would have to stand behind him like door gods, eyes wide with hunger.

They knew their master loved grandeur.

Delicious Pavilion.

Ankang's cuisine was renowned, especially the Cracked Belly Fish, considered a delicacy and one of the local specialties. The Delicious Pavilion was known for preparing it best.

Just this dish alone had fed many fishermen who relied on fish for their livelihood.

At that moment, Leon Wei and Jin Ray were waiting on the second floor. Various delicacies were laid out on the table, with the centerpiece being the Juicy Shrimp and Cracked Belly Fish Stew.

They ate and waited.

"Jin Ray, eat up," Leon Wei said, enjoying a chicken leg and urging him on.

"Master, aren't we here to invite someone? Shouldn't we wait?" Jin Ray asked.

"Invite who? Just eat and drink; there's plenty to go around."

"Oh."

Hearing the master's words, Jin Ray felt at ease and joined in.

Around them, other diners kept glancing at their table, whispering among themselves. Although Leon Wei couldn't hear them, he could guess their thoughts. They were probably talking about the failed challenge, the exposure of a fraud, and how embarrassing it was to wander around after being defeated.

Leon Wei noticed the wishes floating above their heads, but he couldn't interfere with those wishes.

"Mr. Ma, you've arrived."

Downstairs, the enthusiastic waiter welcomed Ma Sandao. Guided by the waiter, Ma Sandao and his entourage arrived on the second floor.

Leon Wei set down his chicken leg and stood up, clasping his hands. "Master Ma."

"Master Lin."

Ma Sandao didn't mock him but returned the gesture, sitting down without any pleasantries. He looked at the somewhat messy dishes on the table, frowning slightly, showing some displeasure.

Maan, they started eating without me, and the main guest hasn't even arrived. Do you not respect Ma Sandao?

Leon Wei didn't see Wang Meng, and he felt that this wish might have to go through him to succeed.

Looking at Ma Sandao, he had an impression, but this was the first time they had met in person. His physique was indeed robust, surpassing Leon Wei's by a bit.

[Ma Sandao's Wish]

[I hope the Three Blades Martial Hall can become one of the top three in the lower three gates (0/1), Reward: 5 gold wish points]

Seeing this wish, Leon Wei could only think that having dreams was good, but dreaming too big could lead to trouble.

He then looked at the two people standing behind Ma Sandao.

[Chen Liu's Wish]

[I hope to sit down and savor the delicious food before me (0/1), Reward: 1 white wish point]

[Wang Bao's Wish]

[I hope to become the senior brother of the Three Blades Martial Hall (0/1), Reward: 2 white wish points]

The first wish was so simple, just wanting to enjoy a meal. The second wish was a bit greedy and challenging, but with the right approach, there might be a chance to fulfill it.

Just wanting to be a senior brother depended on whether Wang Meng was willing to step aside, and even if he did, it would depend on Wang Bao's capabilities.

"Master Lin, what's your intention? If you want me to cancel the challenge, I suggest you don't bring it up," Ma Sandao interpreted Leon Wei's invitation as a sign of surrender, seeking reconciliation.

"No, I naturally won't bring up that matter. Are these two Master Ma's favored disciples?" Leon Wei smiled and asked.

"Yes," Ma Sandao replied proudly.

The two standing behind him straightened their backs.

"Since you're here, why not sit down and eat?" Leon Wei suggested.

Upon hearing this, Chen Liu's eyes lit up. He just wanted to enjoy a good meal, but it depended on whether the master agreed.

"Master Lin has spoken, let's sit," Ma Sandao said.

Chen Liu and Wang Bao quickly sat down.

[White Wish Point +1]

Ah, got it.

"Jin Ray, eat quickly," Leon Wei said.

"Okay."

Jin Ray, with his mouth full, and Ma Sandao gesturing to the two apprentices, wondered why they were hesitating. "Eat, what are you waiting for?"

Leon Wei said, "Ma Master, today's invitation has no other meaning than the challenge in three days. I hope Ma Master will be prepared for the same stakes."

"Hmph," Ma Sandao sneered. "It seems like Master Lin is quite confident about the challenge in three days?"

"Confidence or not, Ma Master will find out in three days," Leon Wei said, staring directly at Ma Sandao.

Ma Sandao also looked at Leon Wei, their gazes colliding as if invisible forces were clashing between them.

Jin Ray, Chen Liu, and Wang Bao buried their heads in eating, stuffing themselves with food, leaving Ma Sandao to wonder why Leon Wei wasn't eating. Perhaps it was a clash of momentum.

Meanwhile, at the Three Blades Martial Hall, someone was frantically planting green grass on Ma Sandao's head.

Avoiding the crowd, Wang Meng ran to the back room of the martial hall. After making sure no one was around, he hurriedly pushed the door open and embraced Xiaocui's soft waist from behind.

"Darling, I missed you."

"Be gentle, be careful not to be discovered."

"Don't worry, everything's fine. The master was invited to dinner, and I came back halfway. We have plenty of time."

As for why he was involved with Xiaocui, it was simple. When Ma Sandao was playing with his blades, he accidentally cut off that part.

No one knew about this except her and Wang Meng.

The taste of being alone was hard to bear.

Who could resist it?

In the Delicious Pavilion.

[Wang Meng's Wish Completed]

[White Wish Points +3]

Great, it's here, it's really here.

Upon hearing the prompt, Leon Wei stood up abruptly, and Jin Ray followed suit, leaving Ma Sandao puzzled by Leon Wei's actions.

Staring blankly for a while, suddenly standing up, what was he up to?

"Master Ma, we bid farewell. We'll see the real deal in three days. Let's go," Leon Wei said, bidding farewell, with Jin Ray following closely behind, leaving Ma Sandao slightly open-mouthed, unsure of what to say.

"Master, what does he mean?" Chen Liu asked in confusion.

Wang Bao was equally puzzled.

"Hmph, playing tricks. Three days from now, I'll crush his head. Stop eating, let's go back."

Ma Sandao spoke sternly, getting up to leave.

Chen Liu and Wang Bao quickly stuffed the remaining half chicken into their arms, preparing to take it back to enjoy slowly.

Downstairs.

"Master Ma, the bill hasn't been settled yet."

"He hasn't settled it?"

"No."

"Damn it, this is too much."