Chapter 27
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The food was fresh and delicious.
William Lance noticed that there were no crumbs left on the table as he picked his teeth with a toothpick. He didn't expect Ethan could eat so much.
After getting cleaned up and putting on new clothes, the boy looked quite decent.
Ethan, feeling full and satisfied, looked up curiously, "So, what's next, sir?"
"Do you want to learn martial arts and get some education?"
William didn't answer directly, but instead posed a question back.
"Of course I do, but I don't have any money," Ethan responded helplessly. He had tried eavesdropping outside schools and secretly watching martial arts practice, but never learned anything substantial.
"It's good that you're eager to learn. Come on, let's buy you a place so you can have a home. Then, I'll arrange for a private tutor. At your age, education is important."
William liked Ethan's manner—he was respectful and knew when to hold back. He didn't mind helping out the kid.
Ethan, feeling grateful, decided he would honor William by ensuring a proper ceremony when his friend Old Ben passed. Even hiring a renowned dancer for the event.
An hour later, William spent 500 silver coins to buy a modest three-room property from a local pawnbroker and hired a few servants to manage daily affairs.
Ethan was stunned at the thought of being a young master, waited on by servants. It felt surreal and a little awkward.
"I've arranged for a teacher to come tomorrow. You'd better take this seriously. If I find out you're not studying hard, there will be consequences," William warned as he left.
Ethan scratched his head. "What consequences?" he wondered, but he vowed to put in the effort.
William, on the other hand, had his own goals. He sought out a martial arts school, knowing that joining a sect at his age wasn't realistic. A place that accepted money for teaching seemed the best fit.
The Golden Blade Martial Arts Academy seemed ideal. If you paid, you could learn their swordsmanship.
"Old man, what brings you here?" one of the academy students asked, clearly confused.
"I'm here to learn martial arts," William replied matter-of-factly.
The students exchanged puzzled glances. A man in his seventies, at the brink of old age, still wanting to learn martial arts?
"Sir, you're of advanced age. Wouldn't it be better to enjoy your twilight years peacefully?" the student asked earnestly.
William smiled. "The academy charges for lessons, correct? Why should my age concern you? Or do you doubt I can afford it?"
Understanding the young man's good intentions but firm in his decision, William pushed on.
"Hmph, you stubborn old man. Well, if you insist, come in."
"Thank you."
William entered the courtyard, filled with muscular students practicing their techniques. He was led to the academy's head, Master Lucas.
Lucas, upon seeing William, couldn't help but laugh. "Old man, martial arts training should begin young. At your age, wouldn't it be wiser to focus on tai chi or medical exercises to maintain your health?"
But William had no interest in such alternatives. "How much for your academy's internal power technique? One thousand silver?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Five thousand silver, and I'll teach you our prized technique, the Unified Energy Method, a post-natal skill that strengthens not just the body, but the mind."
William smirked. "A post-natal technique? Two thousand is more than enough for something like that. I expect basic martial arts instruction included as well."
Lucas sighed, but agreed. "Fine. But you're not allowed to claim to be a disciple of our academy."
William found that request reasonable and soon sealed the deal, paying two thousand silver on the spot. Over the next three days, Lucas instructed him in the basics, and William successfully began practicing the Unified Energy Method.
Looking at his progress, William checked his status:
[Unified Energy Method: (Beginner) +100 Internal Power, +1 Intelligence; no special effects.]
The skill wasn't particularly impressive, but it served as a stepping stone for William to acquire more advanced techniques.
Lucas, watching William's surprising progress, couldn't help but remark, "Old man, if you had started at fifteen, you would be a martial arts master by now. What a waste."
William chuckled. "Who says it's too late? Farewell, Master Lucas."
Upon returning home, William was shocked to find Ethan hanging under a tree, tied up. Seeing William approach, Ethan frantically gestured for him to leave.
A familiar voice called out. "You took thirty thousand silver from my casino, old man. If you return it, maybe we'll go easy on you."
The casino owner, wrapped in bandages like a mummy, stood with a new companion. Next to him was a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed goatee, one hand delicately raised in a feminine gesture.
William was unimpressed.
"Is this your champion? Someone who can't even decide if they're a man or a woman?" William scoffed.
"You can mock me all you want, but this is Yan Quinn, a renowned iron-fisted martial artist. With his skill, defeating you will be child's play."
The casino owner had no idea that William's strength had already surpassed anything they could imagine.
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I want to give a huge thanks to the Dragon king card holder : Creature
I want to give a huge thanks to the Dragon king card holder : Strxnz
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