Chapter 70: Surviving and Leveling Up
Qian Qianxue was stunned for two seconds, then picked up the phone and began dialing. Because it was a special number, the other side didn’t dare to be negligent and soon provided feedback.
Recently, in the remote villages and small towns around Hang City, several similar cases had occurred in succession. Fearing panic, the authorities immediately sealed off related information; what couldn’t be concealed was reported as homicide cases.
As of now, in the past month, there had been fifteen or sixteen such cases in this region! However, they also said that the Management Bureau had sacrificed a group of colleagues, successfully solving seven or eight murder cases and killing the murderers on the spot.
After Qian Qianxue hung up, Song Yue finally put the pieces together.
The Master had said that the white-clad youth who killed Zhao and Sun Ze-ping was not the one who acted in the suburbs, but someone cleaning up after others.
Zhao would rather die than say a word about that horrific case, which meant he understood that if the matter spread, anyone who knew would hardly escape death.
He called it the thunder from the heavens!
The cultivation world, high above and overlooking mortals, was the sky; the powerful within it, the thunder.
The matter was not so complicated: for some unknown reason, demonic cultivators had started committing crimes on a large scale recently.
According to the news Qian Qianxue just obtained, these cases were highly disguised.
Although the deaths were gruesome, most of the victims had grudges with the murderers.
So if one ignored the state of the victims and looked at the cases themselves, they were acts of revenge.
Because the deaths were abnormal and terrifying, the Management Bureau for Anomalous Affairs was sought for help.
At first, they didn’t take it too seriously, treating it as simple murders by demonic cultivators.
After killing some demonic cultivators, they likely attracted the attention of the cultivation world!
As incredible as it seemed, after eliminating other possibilities, this reason stood as the sole truth.
Someone, or some people, in the cultivation world were in league with the demonic cultivators!
It was even probable that these demonic cultivators were their protégés!
Having lost so many to the Management Bureau, they finally couldn’t hold back and took action.
They set a trap, wiping out everyone at the Hang City branch—a thorough purge!
Ferocious, ruthless, cold-blooded, and utterly unscrupulous!
Especially since Zhao and Sun Ze-ping survived by luck, yet they weren’t spared.
Even though Zhao didn’t say a word about the case before dying, the white-clad youth still threatened Song Yue and the Master with death.
Yes, when Zhao woke up that day, he said that for the sake of the justice in his heart, too many had died, and that it wasn’t something they could intervene in…
Now, Song Yue understood almost everything.
The cultivation world, high above, and that white-clad youth with his extraordinary demeanor, perhaps a prominent figure.
Yet, he was entangled with demonic cultivators, acting as their backer and support.
He sided with those utterly inhuman demonic cultivators!
Beast!
Now, Song Yue faced a dilemma.
On one hand, as Zhao had said—justice in the heart!
Those demonic cultivators appeared to be avenging grudges, but in reality, they were cold-blooded butchers; every murder was a massacre.
If you had a grudge, seek out your enemy—why involve the elderly, women, and children?
On the other hand, the tragic deaths at Hang City branch, from Zhao down to Sun Ze-ping, Wu Dongshan, Meng Gang, had happened only days ago.
If he, like Zhao and the others, insisted on justice and continued to act against the demonic cultivators, he might provoke powerful suppression he couldn’t withstand.
In the eyes of the white-clad youth and his kind, mortals were mere insects.
The joys and sorrows of humanity meant nothing to them.
Qian Qianxue had been with Song Yue these days; she too knew most of the story—though not all, she guessed the deaths at Hang City branch were likely tied to it.
Song Yue was uncharacteristically silent.
After a moment, he said to Qian Qianxue, Lin Huan, and Xiao Mo, “You three should go home. Don’t come to work here for a while. I’ll soon dismiss all the logistics staff…”
Lin Huan didn’t know what had happened, but seeing Song Yue’s grave, troubled expression, she frowned lightly. “Is it very troublesome?”
Song Yue nodded, “Extremely troublesome. If handled poorly, it could mean utter disaster.”
He looked at them seriously: “Lin Huan, you and Xiao Mo return to Tianyue Star. If I survive this ordeal, I promise I’ll come explore the underground palace with you!”
Then he turned to Qian Qianxue: “You go home too, don’t return to school.”
Qian Qianxue blinked her bright eyes, looking at Song Yue: “And you? Going off alone to play hero?”
Song Yue managed an awkward smile: “What are you thinking? Am I that foolish? A smart guy like me wouldn’t knowingly run to his death, would he? Don’t worry, I’ll hide at my master’s house these days. There’s a powerful formation protecting it; outsiders can’t get in.”
Qian Qianxue was skeptical: “Will you really behave?”
Song Yue laughed: “I’m not exactly obedient, but I’m afraid of death! Clearly, this isn’t something we can interfere with. I’ll report it, ask the Bureau’s headquarters to send experts, and explain the risks. Let them decide what to do.”
“As for me, I’ll focus on improving my strength—revenge can wait ten years.”
“Those who lost innocent lives will one day rest in peace beneath the earth.”
Qian Qianxue was silent for a moment, then said softly, “But if no one deals with this, more people will die.”
Song Yue shrugged: “We can’t do anything.”
Qian Qianxue nodded: “You’re right. Promise me, don’t lie to me!”
Song Yue said, “I promise!”
Qian Qianxue: “If you dare to lie, I’ll never speak to you again!”
Lin Huan watched, baffled: “Wait… I just became a temp, and now I’m unemployed again?”
Song Yue grinned: “You won’t be unemployed. When I return, I’ll invite Miss Lin back to take charge!”
Lin Huan giggled, giving Song Yue a deep look: “Qianxue’s right, don’t try to be a hero.”
She then left with Xiao Mo.
Song Yue escorted Qian Qianxue back to the school and told her, “Remember, go home soon. I’m heading to my master’s place.”
Qian Qianxue hesitated: “Should I… escort you there?”
She was still worried.
They had known each other for years; even with little interaction, she understood Song Yue’s temperament.
If justice was at stake, Song Yue, whom many at the academy thought a bully, never lacked righteousness.
She feared he might act impulsively and intervene.
“Don’t worry. If you really can’t relax, come stay with me at my master’s house! The two of us, one room…”
“Enough!” Qian Qianxue blushed, glaring at him.
“Oh, right, let me give you something…” Song Yue took out a bag of Blue Enchantress fruits and a storage ring containing twelve potent tier-crossing medicines, handing them to Qian Qianxue. “Let me borrow your little bell for now. Give these to Wen Rou for alchemy, share them among yourselves, and also split the fruits.”
That damned token of affection—his words became more outrageous by the day.
Qian Qianxue glared at him, but his thick skin kept him from even blushing.
She could only accept the items and mutter, “Thanks.”
“We’re family…”
Before Song Yue could finish, Qian Qianxue quickly opened the car door and got out, taking a few steps before turning back to look at him.
Song Yue waved again.
Next moment, he drove straight to his master’s house.
He had not lied to Qian Qianxue.
Even while escorting her, his official watch kept alerting him, but he ignored it.
It wasn’t about not wanting to act, nor was it cowardice.
If the root of this matter couldn’t be cut off, killing more demonic cultivators was pointless!
Based on the information relayed, the map showed such murder cases scattered all over Hang City.
Clearly, many were working in concert.
He could kill a few, but he was only one person; eliminating them entirely was nearly impossible.
Especially with powerful cultivators backing them!
He needed to consult with his master about what to do.
He parked in front of his master’s gate and contacted Sun Tong, a senior official in Beijing’s Management Bureau, via his watch.
He went straight to the point: “Actually, you should already know what’s been happening here, right?”
Sun Tong paused, then spoke gravely: “What? Those murder cases have appeared again?”
So, they did know.
Ah, a bunch of old schemers.
No wonder no one wanted to take the Hang City branch head position.
Turns out they all knew something—the waters here were too deep; even a high-ranking branch head couldn’t risk his life.
Because once you’re here, it’s nearly impossible to turn a blind eye!
If you intervene, you die.
That youth, Li Dong, once said, “Mind your own business”—those four words summed up the attitude of the demonic cultivators.
Essentially: We kill who we want, you stay out of it. If you interfere, you die. If you don’t, we won’t bother you!
So in the end, only innocent people suffered.
When Song Yue fell silent, Sun Tong sighed: “I thought after such a major incident, those people would restrain themselves… That’s why I dared let you take the position.”
“In that case, don’t get involved for now. I’ll send a top cultivator from the senior ranks. Don’t misunderstand—I don’t mean you any harm.”
“Others not wanting to be branch head in Hang City is partly about safety, but that’s not all; they sense danger but don’t know specifics.”
Song Yue acknowledged, “I understand. Please hurry—this is beyond me.”
After hanging up, Song Yue felt stifled.
He entered his master’s home, explained his deductions, and asked, “Master, what should I do?”
The Master looked weary; every time he fought against the seal, it was a tremendous ordeal.
He alone knew the bitterness.
He didn’t answer, only said calmly, “Go inside your Tongtian Tablet and take a look.”
Song Yue was surprised, then entered his Jade Void Tongtian Tablet.
The Red Bird was at his house; inside the Tablet, apart from the Blue Enchantress tree, it was lush with various powerful medicines.
“Enable spiritual information reception…” The Master reminded him.
Inside the Tablet, one could choose to block others’ speech.
Song Yue had learned this skill.
He opened it.
Instantly, a dense barrage of spiritual messages nearly scared him.
“Heh, what, afraid to be called out for what you did? I’ll say it: Lu Shengfu was ruined by you monsters!”
“Trash who trade with demons—think everyone’s blind, deaf, or dumb? Can’t see, hear, or figure it out? What’s wrong with cursing you?”
“I’ll curse you! I won’t name names, but if you have guts, come find me!”
“Haha, little dogs of the Three Pines Ancient Sect, use your noses to find grandpa!”
“May the trash of Three Pines Ancient Sect die out!”
Song Yue: “…”
The Tablet’s chat group… When did it become a troll haven?
He couldn’t help but laugh; some curses were truly creative.
Insulting ancestors was routine; many displayed true wit, cursing without vulgarity but cutting deep, leaving the Three Pines Ancient Sect in tatters.
“You dare laugh!”
His master shook his head, helpless: “I didn’t tell you about this to prevent you from being affected, but what have you done?”
Song Yue scratched his nose: “I didn’t do much, just got drunk that day, vented my frustrations, and cursed some people…”
“Sigh.”
The Master sighed: “It’s been many years. If you hadn’t brought it up, few would mention it, but once you did, countless people rushed to protect you, joining the cursing.”
“The Three Pines Ancient Sect’s reputation was poor to begin with; these days, they’re like rats on the street…”
This made him smile bitterly.
He hadn’t expected such a scene.
He pitied his old friends and those warriors who stood up for him.
They could have hidden and said nothing.
But after guessing that the outburst against the Three Pines Ancient Sect came from someone close to the Master, they stood out to shield Song Yue.
Thus, even if the Sect suspects, the law can’t punish everyone, and it’s not easy to enter the mortal realm from the Nine Gate Battlefield.
The one who suppressed him back then had achieved his goal; as things stand, it can only end unresolved.
Song Yue was stunned.
When did he become so influential?
But he soon realized it was all thanks to the Master!
“Back then…”
The Master’s gaze grew distant as he recounted his youthful days to Song Yue.
Those were his verdant years—youthful, spirited, peerlessly talented, sweeping the battlefield with his sword.
The demon race that squeezed through the seal fled at his sight like mice before cats.
He had a nickname at the Nine Gate Battlefield: “Lu Invincible,” given by his enemies.
To be named by the enemy—what glory and might!
Sadly, for justice, he sacrificed his future, languishing to this day.
“Do you regret it?” Song Yue asked softly.
“Of course I regret it,” the Master sighed, his face tinged with regret.
“One impulsive moment, lasting regret.”
“If only I’d been calmer, handled things differently…”
“I wouldn’t have been sealed.”
He said, “I could have chosen to lay low, pursuing only progress in cultivation, not letting justice in my heart stir me to action.”
“If so, today I’d have the power to slay the one who sealed me!”
He looked at Song Yue: “I guessed Zhao Peng’s cause of death that day. Many wear human skin, mouth full of virtue, but never act human.”
“Raising demons in the cultivation world has a long history.”
“They kill not out of fear of leaks, but because they find it troublesome.”
Song Yue frowned: “Then what are they afraid of?”
His master replied, “Nothing. They just don’t want interference.”
Song Yue: “…”
The Master said, “The Bureau’s actions greatly obstructed their plans, so they killed.”
Song Yue mused: “So that’s why you said the white-clad youth probably wouldn’t come again soon?”
His master nodded: “Losing a clone was a blow, but his purpose to establish dominance was achieved. See, not one from the renowned Bureau dares be branch head here…”
It was ironic, yet so realistic.
“You came to consult me instead of foolishly charging ahead—I’m gratified.”
The Master looked at Song Yue: “In this, you’re more rational than I was.”
Song Yue said, somewhat sadly: “Master, after sending Qian Qianxue and the others away, I really wanted to rush to the scene and tear the murderer apart, but there are too many such cases. I might manage against demonic cultivators, but if the powerful behind them act, I’ll surely die.”
His master nodded: “You did right, pass it to the higher-ups and let them worry. Stay home these days, don’t go anywhere. I’ve finished your pills—you must prepare to break through to Grandmaster.”
“Before that, try to open as many acupoints as possible.”
He advised seriously: “Opening acupoints in the Master realm is far superior to doing so after reaching Grandmaster.”
Song Yue nodded: “Yes, Master, I understand.”
“Once you become a Grandmaster, you can continue training your Taiyi Body Refining Scripture—a top martial arts method.”
Song Yue nodded again.
“Remember, though the Three Pines Ancient Sect’s reputation is terrible now, and seemingly despised, it’s actually a monstrous force. If you ever enter the Nine Gate Battlefield, you must learn to be low-key and endure, just like today. Never act impulsively or confront them.”
He warned: “Without sufficient strength, you must learn to survive by any means.”
Song Yue had been feeling despondent, but was suddenly amused.
Well, his master might seem stern, but was always an interesting person at heart.
In the days that followed, Song Yue received several local official requests for help; every murder case made his heart explode!
Perhaps sensing no one at Hang City branch could restrain them, the demonic cultivators grew even more ruthless, utterly depraved!
Each time Song Yue saw such messages, it was torment.
But he always quietly forwarded them to Sun Tong.
Then, without a word, he took pills, opened acupoints, and trained.
He turned his fury into powerful motivation, and his cultivation soared!
The Bureau finally sent people.
For several days, dozens of demonic cultivators were slain!
This greatly intimidated them; though they had lost their humanity, their instinctive fear for power remained.
For a while, the murders nearly ceased.
But the respite was short.
The Bureau’s experts were ambushed.
Two tier-crossing Grandmasters died tragically.
But this time, Song Yue learned from Sun Tong who had struck.
Two young cultivators and a giant cat demon!
They were likely the culprits who attacked Zhao’s group.
The Bureau was furious; humans, though weaker, would not be humiliated at will.
Soon, two true powerhouses arrived in Hang City.
Song Yue met them.
One looked twenty-five or six, the other sixty or seventy.
The younger was called Uncle Seventeen or Eighteen.
They visited the master first, encouraging Song Yue gently, telling him not to lose heart, to train diligently, and that the Bureau would handle any problems.
Then they departed.
That afternoon, the two cultivators fled wounded, and the cat demon was killed on the spot.
Thus, murders around Hang City vanished.
For half a month, not a single case occurred.
Song Yue felt both relieved and stifled.
For the first time in his life, he had played the coward.
It was an unpleasant feeling.
Even if everyone said he was right, that dying was pointless and surviving to grow stronger was best, he himself couldn’t accept it.
The two who killed his colleagues, though wounded, escaped!
Song Yue saw their images.
A man and a woman, both strikingly handsome.
If seen among a crowd, no one would imagine they were cold, indifferent cultivators who regarded mortals as ants.
And that white-clad youth!
One day, I’ll cut him down with a single stroke.
The Hang City officials thanked Song Yue; in their eyes, the Bureau’s work was his work. Now that the cases were solved and no more murders occurred, it meant the new young branch head was very capable!
They even wanted to invite him to a thank-you banquet.
Song Yue refused.
It was too ironic.
What had he done?
He hid for over ten days, and the Bureau finally sent powerhouses to temporarily resolve things—what did that have to do with him?
When the officials sent messages expressing sincere gratitude, Song Yue was even embarrassed.
Ashamed!
He felt he had nowhere to hide.
Then Sun Tong called, telling him he should attend the banquet.
“You shouldn’t feel embarrassed. You have more courage and responsibility than most; you dared to take the position, to personally slay a demonic cultivator—these alone speak to your character.”
“You represent the Bureau; their thanks are due to us.”
“This time, we’ve offended a powerful figure in the cultivation world, but don’t worry. You needn’t be afraid—we’ve taken the burden.”
“Mortal affairs should be managed by mortals, not dictated by the major forces of the cultivation world.”
“They might influence and infiltrate, but won’t intervene directly.”
“The forces we offended have enemies in the cultivation world; the Director has exposed the matter there, and now they have their own troubles.”
After hanging up, Song Yue still felt uncomfortable.
Finally, the Master persuaded him: “Go. You’re already at the threshold of Grandmaster; getting out will be good for you.”
Only then did Song Yue reluctantly agree.
Socializing wasn’t just disliked by Qian; he too didn’t enjoy it.
Lately, Qian had been contacting him almost daily, asking about his progress.
Lin Huan and Xiao Mo hadn’t left Hang City, and often checked in.
Wen Rou thanked him for the potent medicines, saying their grade was so high she hesitated to use them.
Song Yue replied, use them as needed; he had plenty more.
Qian clearly worried about him, afraid he’d impulsively go after the demonic cultivators.
Lin Huan… after all that, was now a true friend.
Little Meng, unaware of everything, hardly contacted him, and when she did, it was always about being busy like a dog.
Song Yue’s greatest amusement these days was visiting the Stele Space to watch the barrage of curses.
The Three Pines Ancient Sect—unassailable in the Nine Gate Battlefield—was now like a rat in the Stele Space.
Once spiritual information reception was enabled, countless messages cursing them appeared.
At first, members of the Sect raged, rebuking and arguing, but were overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Whether all were genuinely hostile was unclear, but certainly many were.
Through these days, Song Yue gained a deeper understanding of the world of the Nine Gate Battlefield.
It was nothing like he’d imagined.
He had thought it was a battlefield, with warriors fighting demons daily.
Now he realized—it was a world!
Though war raged, other societal functions were much like those in the human realm.
It gathered elite talents from myriad worlds, but Song Yue found that few came from Earth.
In fact, their number was very small!
He’d asked his master, who said that those on Earth who obtained the Tongtian Tablet probably numbered under a hundred.
This included those expelled like himself, others like Old Wolf who suffered severe injury and lost power, and Aunt Catherine who left in frustration after the Master’s expulsion.
“So, the Nine Gate Battlefield world is mostly people from other worlds?”
Though humanity had entered the stellar age, only a handful of planetary civilizations were in contact.
But the Nine Gate Battlefield proved that ‘myriad worlds’ was no exaggeration!
“Yes, the universe is vast beyond imagination, with people from parallel worlds. Some worlds specialize in pure martial force, some in runes, others in magic… Though all are essentially about energy manipulation, their methods, rules, and paths differ greatly.”
“There are worlds of pure warriors, where martial artists cultivate to the extreme, shatter the void, and enter the Dao by force.”
“Truly a hundred flowers bloom!” Song Yue sighed.
He received another earnest invitation from Hang City officials; this time, he accepted and agreed to attend the banquet.
The time was set for six o’clock the next evening.
That night, after taking a pill crafted by his master, Song Yue began opening acupoints again.
This time, he aimed for those along the spine!
The human spine is like a great dragon, riddled with many acupoints; without opening them, even a powerful martial artist’s strength is greatly diminished.
Yet, nearly all martial artists prioritize acupoints in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.
For close-combat fighters, these acupoints are key; spinal acupoints aren’t ignored, but most lack the talent!
Methods and resources are acquired, but talent is innate, unchangeable.
Like sending a dull child to a genius class—no matter how hard he works, he’s always a step behind.
At a certain point, he can’t progress further; talent is a barrier, and those who succeed through hard work are rare.
The world is always driven by the clever.
For geniuses, scoring perfect is a matter of the test’s limits.
Song Yue’s martial talent was exactly that—he could achieve whatever was possible.
Now he lacked neither resources nor top cultivation methods; his progress this year had outpaced the previous ten!
As he practiced the Taiyi Body Refining Scripture, the pill’s surging energy battered the spinal acupoints.
Cultivation is not only tedious but often painfully intense.
In the process of opening acupoints, energy tears through barriers—pain no ordinary person could bear.
But it’s a rite of passage for any martial artist seeking growth.
Many give up or focus only on key acupoints because they can’t endure the agony.
Song Yue, however, gritted his teeth and persisted—he wanted to open every barrier in his body!
He would let energy form an unobstructed internal cycle!
Only thus, upon entering Grandmaster, could he possess inexhaustible strength and face any opponent with confidence.
When confronting insurmountable odds, one can endure and develop quietly.
But when it’s time to draw the sword, one must erupt with unstoppable force—only then is one a true martial artist.
Fengmen, Po Hu, Shen Tang… as each major acupoint along his spine was opened, Song Yue could feel himself growing stronger.
It was a process of pain and joy.
He loved opening acupoints.
Through the night, he opened more than a dozen spinal acupoints—a miracle for any martial artist.
Talent, resources, methods, endurance, courage… all indispensable.
Only with all these could one become a true top martial artist.
There is no shortcut on the martial path; relying on pills might help after entering the Dao, but before that, every step is earned!
Early next morning.
Dawn broke in the east.
Satisfied, Song Yue stopped opening acupoints.
Too much is as bad as too little—his progress was already astonishing.
If not for opening acupoints, he could have tried breaking through to Grandmaster long ago.
Though still at the third realm of Master, even Grandmasters like Miao Qiang would not be his match.
He hadn’t slept, but felt energetic. After washing up, he went to his master’s backyard to chat with Old Peony and started his morning exercises.
“You’ve improved so quickly in just a few days?”
Old Peony was amazed.
Though just a tree, it had lived for ages and was very discerning.
With a few movements, it saw the difference.
“If I don’t improve, I can’t protect those I care about,” Song Yue sighed.
Old Peony didn’t know what was happening outside; it could gather information through plants, but preferred to keep hidden and enjoy a quiet life.
It was a tree without desires.
“You’re so young!”
Though ignorant of events, Old Peony had no trouble encouraging Song Yue.
“At your age, this kind of cultivation is rare even in the ancient era when the world shone brightest.”
“Especially entering the Dao through martial arts—there are no shortcuts. Unlike cultivators, who can nurture their offspring with various spirit materials before birth, so they’re born as innate spirit bodies, Dao embryos, and cultivate rapidly.”
“In those days, many children at seven or eight—some even five or six—had already established their foundation and would become true powerhouses if nothing went wrong.”
“But martial cultivators had it hard; even with early nurturing, they still had to train diligently after birth.”
“So few entered the Dao through martial arts, and fewer still achieved greatness.”
Song Yue laughed: “With your words, I suddenly feel confident!”
Old Peony’s leaves trembled with laughter: “You’re the most confident person I’ve met!”
Song Yue pouted: “You could just say I’m narcissistic.”
Old Peony laughed: “You know yourself best.”
At noon, Song Yue visited the Bureau for Anomalous Affairs.
It was desolate now—even the logistics staff were on extended leave.
He entered Zhao’s office; a photo of him and his daughter sat on the desk, covered with a thin layer of dust. Song Yue cleaned it, rearranged it.
When Zhao died, his daughter was offworld and couldn’t return.
She was elderly, already a grandmother, and perhaps her kin hadn’t even told her the bad news.
Zhao’s wife was long gone; at the funeral, only a few local relatives attended, their faces showing little grief.
To them, perhaps it was just losing a high-status relative.
Song Yue felt more pain than any of them.
He didn’t sit in Zhao’s chair, but on the sofa, looking at the smiling photo and murmured: “I was cowardly; at the critical moment, I didn’t stand up like you, but chose to ask for help from headquarters.”
“So far, it seems to have worked—the demonic cultivators should have left Hang City, and may not dare show themselves soon. But those who hurt you are still alive, and the white-clad Grandmaster who killed you is fine, having lost only a clone.”
“I promised Brother Lü revenge; a man’s word is gold—what’s said must be done.”
“These days, I’ve been training hard in frustration, striving to improve. Tonight I’ll attend a banquet for you, to let them know Hang City’s peace came from your sacrifice, not mine.”
After these words, Song Yue sighed, looked at the lush trees outside, and quietly put the photo back.
At that moment, his watch vibrated. Song Yue glanced at it—it was Lin Huan:
“You went to the Bureau? Is it all okay now? Can I, as a temp, go back to work?”
Song Yue was speechless; how bored was she, to want to work so much?
“Come tomorrow. I’ll be leaving soon.”
He replied, then went downstairs as the heavy steel doors closed automatically.
He drove to the Elite Martial Arts Hall.
It was as lively as ever—perhaps more so!
Under Meng’s management, Grandmaster Miao’s reputation was established, and they were busy opening new branches.
Many young disciples, seeing Song Yue, greeted him with excitement.
“Teacher Song is here!”
“Hello, Teacher Song!”
“Hello, teacher!”
They crowded around, warmly greeting him.
Even many older youths addressed him as Teacher Song.
Thanks to Meng’s publicity, Song Yue had become the hall’s spokesperson.
Young, handsome, with explosive combat power!
His youth and looks were undeniable, but not everyone was convinced of his power.
Few had seen Song Yue fight.
Rumors even claimed Song Yue had lost to Chen He at Star Martial Hall, though some said Zhang Zixing had used tricks, manipulating Song Yue’s mind. Yet even eyewitnesses were divided.
Martial fights focus on speed and strength; on stage, moves are fast, and few could spot the moment Song Yue was tricked.
Hence, some rumors painted him as excellent, but not phenomenal; not quite the once-in-a-millennium talent Meng described.
Meng was just creating a hero!
Building an image of a charismatic, capable person as the hall’s spokesperson.
In fact, since Meng began recruiting with Song Yue’s image, female enrollment had doubled!
Originally, martial halls had few girls; even average-looking girls were goddesses there.
Now, with Song Yue’s promotion, many young, pretty girls had signed up.
That’s why, when he arrived, everyone was so enthusiastic.
Teacher Song is awesome!
He could get everyone benefits!
Song Yue didn’t know this; he thought it was his personal charm attracting them.
Until he saw many eager to spar, their eyes full of fighting spirit, he sensed something was off.
What’s going on?
Why does everyone look like they want to teach me a lesson?
Had he not bullied anyone lately, so seemed too friendly?
Someone went so far as to close the hall doors.
Doubters wanted to test the spokesman’s quality; but it couldn’t be too public, lest Song Yue’s image suffer and hamper expansion.
Still, without testing his level, they weren’t satisfied.
Some felt they had both looks and strength, and could be the spokesman.
Why pick an outsider?
Rumor had it he’d even received shares.
Song Yue wasn’t sure why so many wanted to challenge him—maybe it was the martial artist’s “You’re not good, I won’t accept you” mentality.
But if they were itching for a fight, he’d oblige.
Though Meng said he had no teaching duty, as a hall shareholder he could give them a lesson.
“Want to challenge me? Fine!” Song Yue smiled at them, “Who’s first?”
“Me, me!” A young man about Song Yue’s age stepped forward, blood surging—a young Master.
Song Yue nodded, “The stage?”
The young man agreed.
Minutes later, nearly everyone gathered.
Recently, Meng had hyped Song Yue so much that everyone wanted to see what a once-in-a-millennium martial prodigy looked like.
Many new female students watched Song Yue with undisguised admiration.
Whatever his abilities, he was truly attractive!
On stage, the young man introduced himself: “I’m Zhang Liguo from Ice City, nineteen years old, entered the Master realm last year, joined the Elite Martial Hall a week ago. Please guide me, Teacher Song!”
He was polite, but spirited, with a sense of respect born of pride.
“Okay, you attack first.”
Song Yue nodded, feeling like an elder among peers now.
Zhang Liguo sensed Song Yue’s aura, assumed a stance, and threw a punch.
Song Yue used Phantom Steps to easily evade. “Lower your shoulder slightly for more power; as it is, it looks good but lacks strength…”
He dodged again: “This punch is a bit exaggerated, the move is old; you have punch force, but…”
He spoke quickly; with a shift, bumped Zhang Liguo with his shoulder, sending him back several steps.
“See, you lost here.”
Song Yue finished, quietly watching the surprised Zhang Liguo.
Back in Ice City, he was unbeaten among peers, and even seniors who’d been Masters for years couldn’t beat him.
At the Elite Hall, he’d sparred with many, seldom losing, usually drawing.
He hadn’t expected to be defeated in just a few moves—actually, less than a few; if Song Yue wanted, he could have ended it in one.
Zhang Liguo bowed earnestly: “Thank you for your guidance!”
Song Yue stood on stage, looking down: “Anyone else?”
“Me!”
“Me, me, me!”
“Teacher, look at me, I want…”
Everyone rushed forward, the mood changed completely.
They realized Teacher Song had real skill; Zhang Liguo, despite his pride, was truly capable, and everyone knew it.
Yet in front of Teacher Song, he was schooled like an elementary student.
They all wanted pointers!
The hall had skilled instructors, but, like influencers, Teacher Song’s youth and charisma made him more appealing.
Over the next half hour, Song Yue sparred with almost everyone.
A few cunning girls even tried to get close on stage, forcing him to use Phantom Steps to avoid them and point out their flaws.
By the time Meng arrived, Song Yue had come down from the stage.
After half an hour of sparring, he wasn’t sweating, his breath steady.
Meng Xudong put his hands on his hips, facing the crowd with pride: “So, are you convinced now?”
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Super-sized chapter.
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