Chapter 87

Yang Feiyue looked at Su Wangchuan and smiled faintly.

“The last time I saw you, you were still at the Quasi-Martial Artist level. It seems that while practicing archery, you broke through to the Martial Artist realm. Without guidance from another Martial Artist, it is understandable that you did not grasp all the details.”

He studied him closely.

“But judging from your vitality and strength, you have indeed stepped into the Martial Artist sequence. You are now a true Martial Artist.”

At this point, his smile grew broader and more relaxed.

“This is a good thing. Each additional Martial Artist strengthens the foundation of the Yulong Gang. Moreover, you slew six remnants of the Nu Tao Gang this time and removed a great threat. I must reward you properly.”

“…Thank you, Gang Leader.”

Su Wangchuan could find no better words and cupped his fists in gratitude.

Yang Feiyue laughed heartily.

“Speak. What reward do you desire? Weapons, martial manuals, women, money—name it.”

The Gang Leader was magnanimous.

But Su Wangchuan would not truly make outrageous demands.

He understood that this was a test.

A test of his judgment, of his restraint.

After a brief pause, he replied carefully:

“Gang Leader, I have heard that the six men were all wanted criminals with bounties on their heads. Constable Liang has said that four hundred taels of silver will soon be delivered to me. I wonder…”

“That is the county office’s reward. It does not conflict with mine. Speak freely.”

Yang Feiyue smiled faintly, seeing through his thoughts.

Relieved, Su Wangchuan said quickly:

“Thank you for your generosity, Gang Leader. I would like to select a martial manual from within the gang.”

“Oh?”

Yang Feiyue’s tone held mild surprise, though his expression remained calm.

“What type of martial art do you seek? Lightfoot techniques? Saber arts? Something else?”

“I would like a horizontal training technique.”

“A horizontal training technique?”

Yang Feiyue lowered his gaze in thought.

“Our Yulong Gang does possess one such technique—Fish Scale Technique. However, its requirements are harsh. Entry is difficult. Many have trained for long periods without success and eventually abandoned it halfway. As for other techniques of this type, they are difficult for us to obtain. Are you certain? You want only a horizontal training technique?”

“I have decided. I want the Yulong Gang’s Fish Scale Technique. I ask the Gang Leader to grant it.”

In truth, Su Wangchuan had already learned from Lin Xun about all the martial manuals the Yulong Gang possessed.

Fish Scale Technique was indeed the only horizontal training method available.

It primarily enhanced the Stamina attribute and allowed practitioners to enter the Ranked Martial Artist stage more quickly.

But its cultivation was extremely arduous.

Not only was the training itself harsh, it also required medicinal supplements. The cost was tremendous. Many Quasi-Martial Artists could not endure the hardship and eventually gave up.

Seeing his resolve, Yang Feiyue stopped persuading him and sighed.

“Very well. Since you insist, I shall grant you Fish Scale Technique.”

“Steward Zhang, bring the copied manual.”

“Yes.”

Steward Zhang quickly returned with a martial manual.

“Thank you for your generosity, Gang Leader.”

Su Wangchuan prepared to withdraw, but Yang Feiyue stopped him.

“Wait.”

“There is another matter besides your reward. I would like your opinion.”

A mysterious smile appeared on Yang Feiyue’s face.

“The two Martial Artists and four Quasi-Martial Artists you killed were key targets of both us and the county office. Because of their existence, we have been unable to fully exploit and control the water stronghold. Now that they are dead and the threat removed, I intend to allocate part of our manpower to take full control of the water stronghold.”

Surprise flickered across Su Wangchuan’s face.

“But I… am merely the Weapon Room’s Room Master. I only know how to forge.”

Yang Feiyue chuckled.

At his side, Steward Zhang reminded him,

“Room Master, you are now a true Martial Artist.”

Yang Feiyue nodded.

“Since last month’s failed escort mission, we have suffered heavy losses. Several Martial Artists and many Inner Disciples died. Our strength has declined severely. At present, we cannot simultaneously control the dock, shipping routes, and the water stronghold.”

“Especially with the lingering threat of the Nu Tao Gang remnants, we have not dared to act rashly.”

“But now, the hidden danger is gone. There are no immediate threats in the vicinity. We can redeploy manpower and swiftly take control of the water stronghold—along with its iron ore and waterways.”

At this moment, Yang Feiyue revealed the ambition of a rising overlord.

He was not content to remain confined to Huishui County’s dock as the leader of a small local gang.

If he had the opportunity to control the water stronghold, collect protection fees along the route, and expand into the iron and coal businesses, he would certainly seize it.

However, taking control of the water stronghold required deploying Martial Artists.

Su Wangchuan’s heart tightened.

Was Yang Feiyue planning to send him there?

He knew that the Warring States Game Studio had been considering whether to seize the water stronghold once the Six Gates Constable Yu departed Huishui County.

Being transferred there now would not be wise.

Unaware of these internal complications, Yang Feiyue leaned forward slightly.

“Once we secure the water stronghold, our development focus will shift there. However, the Huishui County dock remains our foundation. It cannot be neglected.”

He continued:

“I plan to personally oversee the water stronghold. I will also transfer Hall Master He and Elder Lin Xun to guard it. Here at the dock, Helm Leader Song will be promoted to Hall Master, overseeing the hall and Inner Disciples.”

“And you, Wangchuan—you will serve concurrently as Helm Leader while continuing to manage the Weapon Room. In addition to overseeing forging, you will command the dock’s Outer Disciples and be responsible for the warehouses and shipping operations.”

Su Wangchuan felt a subtle wave of relief.

Brother Lin Xun would be transferred to the water stronghold—

A mouse falling into a rice jar.

As for himself, remaining at the dock and in the Weapon Room would allow him to avoid the turbulence surrounding the stronghold.

Moreover—

The Helm Leader’s duties focused on managing Outer Disciples and transport operations. The risk was minimal.

The truly dangerous task was escort duty, handled by Inner Disciples under the future Hall Master Song.

This position…

He could accept it.

Su Wangchuan immediately cupped his fists.

“Thank you for your trust, Gang Leader. I am willing to share your burdens.”

Yang Feiyue burst into laughter.

“Excellent!”

“Young men are decisive. Then it is settled. Tomorrow we shall convene a high-level meeting and formally announce the new appointments. Prepare yourself. Train a few capable subordinates to assist you in managing the helm’s affairs.”

“Yes.”

Su Wangchuan accepted the order and withdrew.

When he returned to the Weapon Room, all the apprentices gathered around him.

“Room Master, mighty indeed!”

“Room Master!”

“Tell us what happened at the water stronghold…”

“We never imagined you were this formidable!”

The news had already spread throughout the Yulong Gang.

Su Wangchuan immediately understood.

This had been Yang Feiyue’s intention.

With the glory of slaying two Martial Artists and four Quasi-Martial Artists, no one would dare object to his appointment as Helm Leader.

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