"What are you doing, Senior Brother?"
While Chu Lingguang said this, he made no move to help Wang Chao to his feet.
"Please don't blame me, Junior Brother. I was possessed, completely out of my mind. This is the bounty for killing Cai Touli—I'll give it all to you. I'll give you my entire year's salary, too. But I don't have much silver on me right now. Can you give me some time? I'll bring it to you tomorrow, is that alright?"
Wang Chao looked at Chu Lingguang with a pitiful expression.
"Just bring me the bounty I'm owed, Senior Brother. I won't take any other silver."
Chu Lingguang accepted the few pieces of broken silver from Wang Chao's hand.
"Do you have no other demands?"
Wang Chao had already braced himself to be fleeced by Chu Lingguang. He wouldn't believe it if Chu Lingguang truly wanted nothing.
"Get up, Senior Brother. We are martial brothers from the same sect. If this matter were to get out, it would not only affect your career but also damage our master's reputation. How could I have the heart to let that happen?"
Chu Lingguang's words sounded utterly sincere.
He didn't want the renown. What he wanted was the bounty and Wang Chao's Favors.
"Your words, Junior Brother, make me feel utterly ashamed."
Overcome with guilt, Wang Chao untied the Jade Pendant from his waist, placed it in Chu Lingguang's hand, and said with utmost sincerity, "I obtained this precious jade from a bandit while I was on a mission. It's worth a fair amount of silver. Please, Junior Brother, you must accept it."
*[Received 76 Favor Points for helping Wang Chao kill Cai Touli.]*
A line of text appeared before Chu Lingguang's eyes: he had received 76 Favor Points. It seemed Wang Chao's gratitude was genuine.
"In that case, thank you, Senior Brother."
Chu Lingguang tucked the Jade Pendant into his robes; he worried Wang Chao would grow suspicious if he refused it.
"About what happened that night…"
"Today is the first time I have ever met you, Senior Brother."
Wang Chao wanted to say more, but Chu Lingguang cut him off.
Wang Chao was overjoyed, believing 'the Jade Pendant had done the trick.' He said, "Junior Brother, I studied under our master for five years and have spent many years adventuring out in the world. I wouldn't dare say my Martial Arts compare to yours, but if there's anything you're struggling with, perhaps I can offer a pointer or two."
"To be honest, I've been practicing the Basic Thirteen Spear Techniques for a long time but haven't made any progress."
Chu Lingguang naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.
He knew in his heart that his success in killing Cai Touli had been opportunistic. First of all, Cai Touli never expected him to have learned Martial Arts and was also caught empty-handed.
Second, Cai Touli and Wang Chao had been fighting for a long time, severely depleting both of their Qi Blood. He, on the other hand, had just eaten a meal at the Martial Arts Hall and was at his peak as he headed home. Only by unleashing a rapid series of Saber Techniques was he able to execute Cai Touli on the spot.
In short, Chu Lingguang was well aware that even though Wang Chao had failed the Provincial Examination twice, his Martial Arts and combat experience were far superior to his own.
He couldn't afford to underestimate the man.
"The Spear Technique is the most difficult to practice. Both times I failed the Provincial Examination, it was the spear portion that brought me down. However, I've fought countless bandits and their leaders over the years, and I've truly made significant progress in that area."
"Watch carefully, Junior Brother."
Wang Chao picked up the thirty- to forty-pound Iron Spear that Guo Wei often used from the Soldier Landing Platform and, in front of Chu Lingguang, demonstrated the Basic Thirteen Spear Techniques.
Although his skill was inferior to Guo Wei's, he had still reached the level of Formed Spear Technique.
To make amends and ensure Chu Lingguang's silence once and for all, Wang Chao meticulously explained his insights from over the years. He also went over important points for participating in the Daoist Examination and the Imperial Examination several times.
Finally, he added, "The County Yamen is only half a day's journey from here. If you need anything in the future, Junior Brother, just come and find me. I won't hesitate to help if it's within my power."
"Once you're promoted to Chief Constable of the County Yamen, Senior Brother, Hei Hu and I will come and offer our congratulations."
Chu Lingguang said, cupping his fists.
"Hahaha, excellent."
Wang Chao was ecstatic. His promotion to Chief Constable was entirely dependent on the merit he'd gained from killing Cai Touli. For Chu Lingguang to say this was a sign of his complete acceptance.
"Today is Master's birthday. We can't stay in the backyard for too long. Come on, let's go help entertain the guests."
With a great weight lifted from his heart, Wang Chao's confidence returned. He led Chu Lingguang back to the main hall.
"Lin Guang, what did your Senior Brother tell you?"
Seeing the two of them return, Guo Wei asked with curiosity in front of all the guests.
"Senior Brother shared his years of experience with me and urged me to become a Martial Arts Scholar in the future."
Chu Lingguang replied.
"Your disciples are so harmonious. You are truly blessed, Master Guo."
"With Master Guo's personal instruction and guidance from his Senior Brother Wang, Chu will surely succeed in the examinations and become a Martial Arts Scholar."
"Master Guo, you've accepted two fine disciples."
…
Hearing this, the guests all chimed in with praise.
"Your Senior Brother Wang has spent years fighting bandits out in the world. His experience can indeed be of great help to you. You must remember his words well."
Guo Wei nodded in agreement.
"This disciple was merely repeating what Master has already taught."
Wang Chao said hurriedly.
"I will be sure to remember everything that Master and Senior Brother have taught."
Chu Lingguang said with a smile.
The guests laughed once more.
A harmonious atmosphere filled the hall.
A smile spread across Guo Wei's face. Seeing his disciples on such good terms was proof that he was a capable master, respectable in both his martial instruction and moral guidance.
"Yang Shaorong, Captain of the Governor's Mansion, arriving!"
"Wu Feihong, Centurion of South City, arriving!"
"Li Murong, Garrison Commander of South City, arriving!"
Just then, the steward at the entrance made three loud, clear announcements.
Everyone in the main hall, with the exception of Guo Wei, immediately rose to their feet. Lord Wang even hastily smoothed out his official robes.
These three were all Guo Wei's disciples.
But each of them held a significant official post.
Especially Yang Shaorong. As Captain of the Governor's Mansion, he commanded three thousand soldiers. His rank was equivalent to the chief official of South City, making him Lord Wang's superior.
As for Centurion Wu Feihong and Garrison Commander Li Murong, they were also both Martial Arts Scholars by background and were prominent figures in South City.
Chu Lingguang and Hei Hu had long heard of these three senior brothers.
Especially Yang Shaorong.
Among all of Guo Wei's disciples, he was the first to become a Martial Arts Scholar. He was also the first to then pass the Imperial Examination and become a Military Scholar.
The source of Guo Wei's reputation as a "half-scholar" was none other than Yang Shaorong.
A student surpassing the master should have been a joyous occasion for Guo Wei, but over the years, matters concerning his son seemed to have strained his relationship with several of his disciples.
"Master, your disciple has returned to wish you a long life."
Yang Shaorong's voice rang out from the doorway.
A young man with a dignified and imposing bearing strode in, followed by two Military Officers. His steps were light, and as he walked, a powerful aura seemed to radiate from him.
It was the natural presence generated by immense Qi Blood.
As he drew closer, everyone felt a palpable pressure, a suffocating sensation that made it hard to breathe.
When Hei Hu and Chu Lingguang saw him, the same thought arose in both their minds: 'This is how a true man should be, a pillar between heaven and earth, with a spirit that could swallow mountains and rivers.'
THUD!
Yang Shaorong strode forward and dropped to both knees before Guo Wei. A wave of Power seemed to erupt from his kneecaps, causing the very ground to tremble slightly.