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Chapter 213
Lord Seven gazed at Wangchuan for a long moment, contemplation flickering in his eyes.
“I must admit, your reasoning has indeed moved me.”
“But words alone are not enough.”
“I need to see that you truly possess this capability… Otherwise, if I arbitrarily appoint a hall master from a subordinate gang to oversee an entire waterway and be responsible for the livelihood of more than a thousand brothers, it will easily provoke resistance within the branch helm.”
Although Lord Seven was willing to trust Wangchuan, he did not dare to take risks.
“I promised the hall master that I would properly manage the Sanhe Commandery hall. I cannot allow even the slightest mistake.”
A sharp gleam flashed in Lord Seven’s eyes as he spoke decisively:
“Very well.”
“Wangchuan, you will first go to Hejiang Town’s Sanjiang Branch Helm and assume the position of deputy helm leader. One of the deputy helm leaders there will be reassigned to take over the Leishui Branch Helm. You will take his place and first assume control of the shipping affairs and the disciples here.”
Then he turned to Yang Feiyue. “With Old Yang assisting you, the western route will be easier. Focus primarily on the eastern stretch of the waterway. Ensure that the dock halls along that side and your branch helm remain stable and orderly… Serve for twenty days without incident, and I will formally appoint you as helm leader.”Lord Seven had arrived at a compromise.
Wangchuan agreed without hesitation and cupped his fists. “Wangchuan obeys!”
Yang Feiyue also cupped his fists. “This subordinate will certainly assist Wangchuan with all his strength and stabilize the Sanjiang Branch Helm.”
“Good.”
“That settles it. Take this token. Report to your post within three days.”
Lord Seven tossed over a black token, neither iron nor steel by the look of it. On the front were the words Caobang; on the back was engraved Wangchuan’s name and the title “Sanjiang Branch Helm, Deputy Helm Leader.”
Wangchuan’s heart tightened.
Lord Seven had already prepared his identity plaque in advance.
It seemed that this had been decided long ago…
“This subordinate obeys!”
Wangchuan stowed away his identity token and took his leave together with Yang Feiyue.
After leaving the Caobang, Yang Feiyue led him to a neighboring courtyard.
Two guards stood at the entrance.
After stating their purpose, the guards checked the names recorded in a ledger and allowed them to pass.
Inside was a modest-sized room. The names of martial arts manuals were engraved on plaques, neatly arranged along an entire wall.
The front displayed the name of each manual; the back listed its origin and specific information.
For example, the Third-Rank 《Qingcheng Sword Art》 was also recorded here, marked as originating from the Qingcheng Sect. It was noted as difficult to cultivate, but once mastered, it was a formidable sword art from a prestigious sect.
“Do not rush your choice.”
Yang Feiyue spoke in the tone of someone with experience. “This armory contains more than two hundred First-Rank martial arts manuals, ninety-seven Second-Rank manuals, and twelve Third-Rank manuals.”
“You are currently cultivating 《Wudang Sanshou》 and 《Qingcheng Sword Art》. It would be best to avoid similar types of martial arts… I suggest prioritizing a Third-Rank body-protection technique or a Third-Rank lightness skill; alternatively, an inner cultivation method.”
“An inner cultivation method?”
Wangchuan’s eyes brightened.
Yang Feiyue nodded and explained with enthusiasm, “Within the Caobang armory, there is only one Third-Rank inner cultivation method—《Xuanwu Art》! Once cultivated, one’s internal breath becomes prolonged, which is beneficial for underwater combat and enhances aquatic ability. Upon reaching Minor Mastery, it strengthens one’s physique and enhances the protective power of body-protection techniques. It is said that at higher realms, internal force merges into the body and can be released at will, greatly amplifying the inner force of various martial arts.”
“What a pity.”
Yang Feiyue’s expression turned regretful. “This technique consumes a great deal of time to cultivate. I am no longer young, and the results would have been slow, so during my first breakthrough I chose a saber art instead… Wangchuan, you are still young. Listen to me—cultivate an inner method early and accumulate internal force. It will bring nothing but benefits.”
“Understood.”
Wangchuan remembered that the Third-Rank martial arts manuals held by the Warring States Game Studio did not include any inner cultivation methods. He immediately realized that 《Xuanwu Art》 was precisely what he needed most and placed it firmly on his must-choose list.
He then examined the other manuals in the armory, committing them to memory one by one.
Yang Feiyue selected a Third-Rank body-protection technique called 《Dragon-Elephant Body-Protection Technique》. It was said to provide stronger protection than 《Iron Shirt》 and, when cultivated to a profound level, could even reflect a portion of an enemy’s attacks.
After choosing their manuals, the two handed the plaques to the guard inside.
Two booklets were tossed out through a small window.
《Dragon-Elephant Body-Protection Technique》!
《Xuanwu Art》!
Each of them received their respective manual. Without prior discussion, they sat down on the floor within the armory and began reading and cultivating on the spot.
As the manuals vanished from their hands, transforming into data, a fourth Third-Rank martial art appeared on Wangchuan’s Status Panel:
Third-Rank Inner Cultivation Method: Xuanwu Art
Introductory Level (Unactivated), 0/100.
When they left the Caobang, both men were radiant and full of spirit.
Once aboard the ship, Yang Feiyue laid out wine and fine dishes in the cabin.
“Come!”
“Wangchuan.”
“This wine shall serve as my early farewell banquet for you!”
Yang Feiyue was invigorated by happy events, his voice unusually loud. “If anything happens at the branch helm in the future, send word by carrier pigeon. You walked out of the Yulong Gang. No matter when, the Yulong Gang will stand behind you as your strongest support.”
“Many thanks, Gang Leader!”
Wangchuan drained his cup in one gulp, then stood to refill it.
“For these past six months, I thank the Gang Leader for his guidance and support. Without it, there would be no Wangchuan of today. I raise this cup in your honor.”
“If the Yulong Gang ever has any matter, simply send word. So long as it is within my power, I will give my all without hesitation.”
“Good!”
The two rose and clinked cups, draining them in one breath.
An old fox and a young fox looked at each other and burst into laughter.
Outside the cabin, a group of inner disciples whispered among themselves.
“Is the Hall Master leaving the Yulong Gang?”
“The Gang Leader and Hall Master came from the Caobang hall… Hall Master Wangchuan is likely joining the Caobang! Tsk, tsk!”
“A promotion!”
“I wonder which branch helm he is going to and what position he will hold…”
“With how happy the Gang Leader and Hall Master are, the position must not be low.”
“Exactly!”
Inside the cabin, the voices of Yang Feiyue and Wangchuan grew lower and lower.
“When you go to the branch helm, you cannot lose face.”
“Take as many inner disciples from the Huishui County hall as you wish. If it is not enough, take more! You must seize control of the Sanjiang Branch Helm!”
“Even if we have to replace every single person in the Sanjiang Branch Helm, we can do it!”
“You must secure the position of helm leader!”
Yang Feiyue’s words revealed the bloody undercurrents of Jianghu factions—and made Wangchuan suddenly realize that this journey might not proceed as smoothly as he had hoped.