Chương 57: Figuring Out How to Learn An Jin

Yellow Leaf Town. With a pot of green tea and a few plates of peanuts, Song Que, Wu Yi, and Zhong Hong chatted happily together.

"Brother Yi, has the matter I asked you to look into been settled?"

"Don't worry, A'Que. It's all arranged. I sent several letters back home, and the situation is as clear as the palm of my hand. The rest will depend on you."

"Many thanks, Brother Yi! As long as there's a path, that's enough. I believe that with sincerity, persistence, and the right incentives, he will agree to teach me An Jin. Even taking him as a master isn't out of the question." Song Que spoke with absolute confidence. His primary goal in going to the County City this time was to learn the techniques of An Jin. Only then could he continue to elevate his martial arts realm.

The secret manuals he had acquired only taught how to use Ming Jin to temper muscles and tendons. Their absolute limit was breaking through to the Third Grade. He now desperately needed An Jin techniques and manuals for the Fourth Grade and above. Therefore, he had entrusted Wu Yi to investigate who in Qinghe County possessed An Jin long ago. After much filtering, they found a target who, in Song Que's eyes, was the most suitable to learn from.

According to Wu Yi's account, the man's name was Zhan Sheng, commonly known as Uncle Zhan. He lived with his eighteen-year-old unmarried daughter. The father and daughter currently made a living selling steamed buns. At first glance, no one would think this man was a Second-Tier expert capable of unleashing An Jin. Zhan Sheng's background was extremely simple; his family had been poor peasants for generations.

Yet, the officials in the city were exceptionally polite to him, all because of one person: the former Viceroy of Jiangdong, currently the Commander of the Zhennan Army, Xue Dezhong! Speaking of this man required an understanding of the Great Yan Dynasty's territory. Having been established for over 800 years, the Great Yan possessed vast territories. On this Eastern Continent, it was one of the three great hegemons, its national strength incredibly robust.

For ease of management, the Yan Emperor had established four Great Garrison Armies in the four cardinal directions to defend the Imperial Capital against foreign enemies: the Zhenbei (Northern Suppression), Zhennan (Southern), Zhendong (Eastern), and Zhenxi (Western) Armies. Below them were 15 Circuits, and countless Commanderies and Counties. Xue Dezhong, capable of independently guarding the border and holding authority over the Jiannan, Jiangnan, Jiangdong, and Yangnan Circuits, wielded boundless power.

Calling him the 'King of the South' wouldn't be an exaggeration. And Zhan Sheng? He used to be Xue Dezhong's personal bodyguard. During an escort mission, they were ambushed, and Zhan Sheng was severely injured. He lost a leg and suffered lingering internal injuries, forcing him to retire from the military. Because Qinghe County was Zhan Sheng's hometown, he returned here to make a living after his discharge. Commander Xue was a man who remembered past loyalties.

Aside from giving him wealth, he didn't forget to instruct the local officials to look after Zhan Sheng. As a result, this 'Uncle Zhan' was very well taken care of in the area. The street he lived on became a blessed land; local thugs and hooligans absolutely dared not set foot there. Zhan Sheng was originally a Second-Tier expert. Even though his injuries diminished his strength, he could still easily walk sideways in a small county like this.

However, his personality was such that he remained low-key, making and selling steamed buns with his daughter to make a living. Living in a villa in the rich district, yet opening a steamed bun shop. The rich truly do whatever they please! Hearing this story, Song Que had sighed with emotion. Wu Yi's eldest uncle was the Chief Constable, one of the power holders in the county. That was how he knew about this. His family constantly reminded him not to provoke this man, which was why he had paid attention.

Since Song Que happened to be looking for someone to teach him An Jin, the two discussed it and decided to target Zhan Sheng. In Wu Yi's view, if Song Que could form a good relationship with Uncle Zhan, he would have a solid backing in Qinghe County. Moreover, with his eldest uncle, Wu Yi's future career path would be smooth sailing. Therefore, convinced by Wu Yi, Song Que practically emptied his pockets, giving Old Wu ten thousand taels to help him secure a house near Zhan Sheng's.

The pavilion closest to the water enjoys the moonlight first!

"Speaking of which, your ability to gather wealth is terrifying! Pulling out ten thousand taels without blinking an eye! Do you have a mine at home? Share some with your big brother!" Wu Yi joked from the side. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

"Haha, there really is a mine at home! Whenever you're free, Brother Yi, just come to Mirror Lake and dig. You'll definitely find some surprises!" Song Que joked back. Truthfully, in his Mirror Lake manor, he had left behind a cellar with hundreds of liters of wine that he couldn't take with him. If a drunkard like Wu Yi knew about it, he'd be ecstatic for a long time. Seeing Song Que joke so seriously, Old Wu felt suspicious. Does he actually have a stash?

He thought for a moment, then shook his head:"I heard that a few years ago, Black Tiger Gang Leader Feng Han was visited by a thief who cleaned out his wealth. The total value was over ten thousand taels. A'Que, it wasn't you who did that, was it?" Hearing this, Grandee Song's heart skipped a beat, but his 'Best Actor' level acting skills kicked in, and he displayed a look of astonishment:"Really? Old Feng is too careless!

This little brother wanted to take it too, but every time I came to town, you knew about it, Brother Yi! Let alone not being able to steal it, even if I did, how would I carry it out of the city?!"

"Haha, everyone is just as curious. So, it's just treated as a rumor; it might not even be true." The existence of a Storage Space was simply too Yitastical. Very few people in Yellow Leaf Town believed someone could silently carry a massive amount of wealth out of the Black Tiger Gang's headquarters. From Wu Yi's tone, it was clear that Old Feng had been forced to swallow this bitter pill in silence. Following that, Zhong Hong also sighed:"Speaking of which, we have to thank you, Song Que.

Ever since Feng Han was defeated by you, he seems to have suffered a mental breakdown. His impending martial arts breakthrough stalled, and life in the town has been incredibly peaceful lately. Even us commoners at the bottom don't have to walk the streets in fear anymore."

"Haha, A'Hong, aren't you practically wearing a sign that says 'My brother is Song Que'? You can already walk sideways without any worries! What do you have to be afraid of?" Hearing Wu Yi's teasing, the group burst into laughter. Song Que also secretly observed a moment of silence for Old Feng in his heart. It seems taking his Python Tendon Pill dealt a massive blow to the once-majestic Gang Leader Feng! Actually, he had only used one of those pills; the other two were still sitting in his Storage Space.

Truth be told, its effect on Song Que wasn't even as good as a hundred-year-old ginseng root. He had tried it before preparing to break through to the Third Grade, but seeing the mediocre results, he gave up. The Tesseract was just that convenient! But there was no way he was giving the leftovers back to Old Feng! Giving someone hope, only to crush it right as they were about to succeed—there was no greater pain in the world. Thinking of this, Grandee Song felt... Fantastic! Too f cking Fantastic!

* That's how it should be! Who told him to offend me, Song Que? It was best if Old Feng maintained this state. Didn't he see the common folk rejoicing? It seems I've done a minor, insignificant deed for Yellow Leaf Town, bringing fortune to the people. Does everyone know how great I am? Sigh, it seems I'm still too low-key. Doing good deeds without leaving a name. Smug, Song Que picked up his teacup and happily took a large gulp.

"It's a pity you're not coming with us, Brother Yi. Otherwise, the three of us carving out a career in Qinghe County would be amazing!" Speaking of high spirits, Zhong Hong sighed. Hearing this, Wu Yi smiled and shook his head:"It's not that I'm never coming back. I plan to temper myself here for another year or two. Then, my eldest uncle will use his connections to transfer me back to Qinghe County. It won't be too late for our trio to reunite then."

"Then I wish Brother Yi a smooth and prosperous career path!"

"Haha, good! And I wish you both a safe and smooth journey. Don't worry, I've already sent a letter to my cousin, Wu Yi. He's my eldest uncle's youngest son and works as a yamen runner in the County. When you arrive, he'll take you to your new house and help you get accustomed to the local customs."

"Brother Yi thinks of everything! Thank you!"

"Brothers, why the 'thank you'? You're treating me like an outsider!" Hearing this, Song Que and Zhong Hong laughed and apologized, and the three brothers clasped hands and laughed heartily. At this moment, the originally peaceful inn suddenly echoed with a flurry of footsteps and noisy chatter. The three looked toward the door and saw a middle-aged figure enter. It was Liang Jing of the Iron Blade Society! All three stood and cupped their hands in greeting.

"Haha! I heard from the brothers in the Society that Young Brother Song's pets were strolling around town. I guessed you had arrived, so I came to inquire. I hope I'm not disturbing you all?"

"Guild Master Liang is too polite. This junior was just passing through."

"I heard from Brother Zhong Hui that Young Brother Song is planning to move his family away from the town. Is this true?" Liang Jing asked with concern. His impression of Song Que was very good. Not to mention that since his appearance, he had suppressed the Black Tiger Gang's arrogance, leaving Feng Han unable to recover, allowing the Iron Blade Society to regain its former prestige. Moreover, Song Que's relationship with Zhong Hui in his gang was quite good, making him almost half one of their own.

Yet, he never participated in fighting for Yellow Leaf Town's profits. A man with great capability, friendly relations, and no greed for power or profit—the more friends like this, the better! With a few friends like this, he could sleep peacefully at night! Therefore, hearing that Song Que was leaving, Liang Jing felt genuine regret.

"Thank you for your concern, Guild Master Liang. It is true. This junior has decided to leave this place. I've arranged to depart with a merchant caravan tomorrow."

"Water flows downward, but man strives upward. With your profound skills, Brother Song, you certainly need a broader stage." Liang Jing sighed inwardly, then smiled:"Since you are leaving, allow me to host a farewell banquet for you today! I wish you smooth sailing and great success in your future endeavors!" Receiving Liang Jing's invitation, Song Que fell deep into thought. After pondering for a moment, he decided to accept. Although he was leaving, his roots were still here.

Old Zhong and Zhong Hui still had to look at this man's face to operate. Moreover, making another friend was never a bad thing.

"How could I dare let Guild Master Liang spend money? Let me book a table and invite you and Lord Lu. Let's meet tonight, be there or be square!"

"No, I said I'm hosting! Let me handle everything tonight. You just need to eat and drink comfortably. Have a safe journey tomorrow." Faced with such earnest hospitality, Song Que didn't act coy and laughed heartily:"Then I will trouble Guild Master Liang! I still have a few jars of fine wine; please, allow everyone to enjoy them tonight."

"Haha! To be praised as 'fine wine' by Young Hero Song, it seems I'm in for a treat! Then it's settled: Five Flavors Pavilion tonight, be there or be square. Please continue your catch-up; I will take my leave first."

"Take care, Guild Master Liang." The three stood to see him off. After he left, they looked at each other, shrugged, and smiled bitterly. They had planned to have a brothers' drinking session tonight, but the man was simply too enthusiastic. It seemed they'd have to find another occasion.