The Lin Family's Roping In

In the shadows not far away, Chen Yuan, a male student of Battle College, had been quietly observing the scene.

He watched Xu Zhong's recent punch, his eyes widening in astonishment.

"What kind of talent is this… I recognize the Thunder Fist. It's at least a C-rank martial technique. For an F-rank martial artist, it's impossible to cultivate it to the mastery stage in just a few hours. How could he…"

Even with Chen Yuan's knowledge, Xu Zhong's actions surprised him.

What kind of martial arts talent was this?

"This kid must be recruited into the Red British Alliance!"

Xu Zhong glanced at Xiahou Chi. The latter gritted his teeth but eventually stepped aside.

Xu Zhong couldn't help but shudder when he caught the malicious look in Xiahou Chi's eyes.

As a descendant of a rich family, Xiahou Chi wouldn't simply let such a loss go.

Xu Zhong had an inkling that things wouldn't end so easily.

The Xiahou family held significant influence in Luo City. The family's patriarch, Xiahou Jing, was a Red British Alliance deacon. With such a powerful backer, the Xiahou Family's reputation was like the sun in the sky.

Even Xu Zhong experienced a headache at the thought of having someone of Xiahou Chi's stature hate him.

He took a deep breath and continued to practice the Thunder Fist while increasing its proficiency as he left hastily.

…

Upon leaving the school, Xu Zhong and Gao Qixun walked side by side.

A crowd had gathered outside, comprising parents waiting for the day's test results.

They had already heard the whispers from within the school.

"Congratulations, Teacher Gao! I never expected you to have an F-rank martial artist as your student!"

"Hahaha, congratulations."

Gao Qixun smiled broadly, his eyes squinting in delight. As the news of his F-rank student spread among the parents, envy filled their eyes.

"I've heard of this Xu Zhong. His grades were average, and his sister is a D-rank martial artist, yet he tested with only 1 Vitality point yesterday. Today, he's suddenly an F-rank martial artist!" Someone who knew a bit about the situation voiced their frustration.

Many were attributing Xu Zhong's transformation to sheer luck, but a select few parents sensed something more.

It was talent!

At that moment, a middle-aged man approached.

He leaned on a cane and wore an immaculate black suit, vest, and white shirt. His greased-back hair was neatly combed, and he sported a finely-trimmed mustache.

"Are you Xu Zhong?" The middle-aged man smiled calmly.

"Yes, that's me." Xu Zhong sensed the restrained aura of the man. He knew the man was a martial artist, but his exact level remained a mystery.

As for the man's intentions, Xu Zhong had a hunch.

"You're quite remarkable. Would you be interested in joining the Lin Corporation?" The middle-aged man paused momentarily before adding, "I'm the head butler of the Lin Corporation. You can call me Uncle Mo. That's what my Miss calls me."

"Your Miss?"

Lin Miaozhen?

No wonder the other party had arrived so promptly.

After sending Lin Miaozhen back to the Lin Corporation, Old Mo hurriedly returned to Luo City High School.

Coincidentally, he arrived just in time to witness the scene of Xu Zhong sending Xiahou Chi flying with a single punch.

The fact that Xu Zhong had recently advanced to an F-rank martial artist, a level where he should still be unfamiliar with his strength, and was wielding his martial technique with such mastery was almost unbelievable.

This led Old Mo to believe that their earlier speculation about possession and rebirth by a high-rank martial artist was highly plausible.

Therefore, what was initially a plan to observe Xu Zhong turned into a firm determination to recruit him.

Upon seeing that Xu Zhong remained silent, Old Mo smiled and continued, "If you join our Lin Corporation, I can assure you that we can provide you with the martial and cultivation techniques you require regularly. Of course, if they are particularly valuable, you can exchange them for corresponding contribution points by providing magical beast materials or completing missions."

Xu Zhong nodded. In fact, these large financial groups' management of martial artists was quite similar to that of official organizations like the Red British Alliance.

The key difference lay in the fact that within these aristocratic families, disciples from the family would invariably enjoy higher status and authority than martial artists recruited externally.

This was a factor to consider when deciding to join such a consortium.

After observing Xu Zhong's indifferent response, Old Mo said, "Of course, if you choose to join us, we can arrange a single villa for you. However, please note that the villa is a company asset, granting you the right to reside but not to buy or sell."

This was a perk the Red British Alliance couldn't offer.

While the Red British Alliance provided martial and cultivation techniques, they couldn't provide money.

In this world, vicious animals have taken over many regions. These creatures occupied oceans, forests, lakes, rivers, and cities. Places for humans to reside were limited.

As for villas, even the smallest ones commanded prices of at least 100 million.

This was a price that the Red British Alliance would never be able to offer.

Certainly, you could attempt to amass merit points or earn money through other means to purchase a villa independently. However, acquiring a villa as lavish as the one the Lin Corporation is offering would still be impossible.

Xu Zhong hesitated briefly before saying, "Uncle Mo, I'm certainly tempted by these terms, but I haven't yet taken the martial arts examination. If I enrol in a martial arts university in the future…"

Old Mo smiled reassuringly and waved his hand. "No worries, I'm simply providing you with options. When you've made up your mind, feel free to reach out. Here's my business card. Contact me when you've made a decision."

"Thank you, Uncle Mo," Xu Zhong replied gratefully.

After silence, Old Mo asked, "Are you 18 years old this year?"

Why does he ask?

Xu Zhong raised an eyebrow, sensing an ulterior motive.

The whole conversation had an oddly familiar ring to it.

"Are you in a relationship?"

Goodbye!

Xu Zhong was furious. What is there to talk about?

"Ahem." Old Mo cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, I have a niece. She's 28 years old, in her prime. What do you think?"

Xu Zhong's face darkened. He didn't outright reject the idea but pondered momentarily before asking seriously, "Is she beautiful?"

"Absolutely! She is pretty." Old Mo said, puffing his chest out with pride.

Get lost!

Get lost! Beautiful and pretty are two different things.

This is a setup!

Xu Zhong declined politely, shaking his head. "I'm not currently looking for a relationship."

"Oh? Then, can you tell me your criteria for choosing a partner?" Old Mo asked with genuine interest.

Xu Zhong contemplated momentarily before responding candidly, "I think the eldest daughter of the Lin family is quite appealing."

The eldest daughter of the Lin family?

Old Mo's face twitched involuntarily, and he pointed toward the school gate.

"Do you have any further instructions, Uncle Mo?"

"Get lost before I decide to kill you!"