Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies -
Chapter 47 - 46: Entering the Inner Courtyard
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Shen Qing glanced and noticed that Wang Qiyao's hands lacked calluses, indicating that he hadn't practiced martial arts before. His cultivation was at most at the realm of the Great Perfection of Qi and Blood.
He was so arrogant, surely because of some backing, unafraid of offending people.
After pondering for a moment, Shen Qing firmly stated, "I'll sell it!"
Upon hearing this, Manager Wang Qiyao of Wanfeng Building's expression eased slightly, feeling that Shen Qing finally yielded. But the next sentence made his expression change.
"But in that case, the Tiger King's Penis will be problematic."
Wang Qiyao pursued, "What do you mean by that?"
"Manager Wang, our village recently spotted traces of the Tiger King during hunting in the mountains. Everyone is interested in this Tiger King and specifically plans to sell some goods this time to buy some hunting equipment for preparation." Shen Qing glanced at Wang Qiyao, whose face was stunned, and said regretfully, "But now that Manager Wang has pressed the price so low, I suppose everyone won't be as motivated."
"..."
Shen Qing continued, "Manager Wang, you know, a tiger's hunting range spans dozens of miles in all directions. Shicheng Mountain is only so big. This opportunity is rare. If we miss it, I... I'll just have to think of other ways."
When Shen Qing spoke, his gaze fixated on Wang Qiyao's face, observing his expressions for any changes.
Earlier, he noticed that Wang Qiyao mentioned mountain treasures to every hunter, showing just how important those three mountain treasures were to Wang Qiyao. It might even affect his future.
Now, he tried linking the mountain treasures with his mountain goods, to see if he could loosen Wang Qiyao's grip and gain some silver.
Since you want me to do something, shouldn't there be some gesture?
Shen Qing's eyes were extremely sincere, looking very "disappointed," causing Wang Qiyao to waver slightly. It was as if he made a significant decision, taking a deep breath and saying, "Seven taels, this is my largest concession."
Though it was less than expected, it was certainly better than the initial three taels.
Shen Qing smiled and complimented, "Thank you, Manager Wang."
Wang Qiyao leaned in, lowering his voice and coldly warning, "I can give you more money, but be sure to inform me about the mountain treasures before spring. Otherwise, it won't just be as simple as thirty taels. You're not stupid, you should understand what I mean."
Shen Qing put away his smile and glanced at Wang Qiyao.
Was that a threat?
Vigilance rose instantly in his heart.
Wang Qiyao was from the Song family in the county town, with connections and backing, while he had just entered, not even a martial master yet.
If he truly wanted to deal with him, it would be all too easy, but...
Shen Qing forced a smile and respectfully said, "Understood, understood."
"A Wen, give him the seven taels of silver." Wang Qiyao casually ordered and continued on to the next hunter.
Shen Qing received the seven taels of silver, inspected the weight to ensure it was correct, and then quietly left the courtyard with Tian Xiaohu.
After reaching a secluded spot, Shen Qing took out a tael of silver and handed it to Tian Xiaohu, saying, "Later, Xiao Hu and I will go to Linfeng Hall to practice martial arts. It's the first day, and I don't know when it will end. This opportunity is rare, so the three of us will stay in the county for a night and not return. You find us a nearby inn, and with the remaining money, see if there's something to buy for your family."
Tian Xiaohu looked at the tael of silver in Shen Qing's hand with some hesitation and said, "This... isn't right."
"I have something else I need you to help me investigate." Shen Qing beckoned, signaling Tian Xiaohu to come closer, and whispered instructions.
Tian Xiaohu, surprised, asked, "Why are you investigating this?"
"Just do as I say and don't worry about it."
Thinking back to Old Ba Zi's matter earlier, Tian Xiaohu didn't ask further, "Alright, I understand. I'll come to Linfeng Hall to find you later."
"Okay, be careful on the way."
Tian Xiaohu jumped off the cart and quickly walked away in the opposite direction of Shen Qing.
...
Shen Qing wandered around the county town and reached Shengshi Square, skillfully finding the main entrance to Linfeng Hall.
He stepped forward, grabbed the door knocker, knocked three times lightly, and announced his name.
"Coming."
The heavy wooden door soon opened inward, revealing A Fu's familiar face with protruding brow bones.
"Come in!"
A Fu recognized Shen Qing and Shen Xiaohu, didn't say much, and let them in, even taking their horses to the stable.
After securing the horses, A Fu quickly ran over and said, "The master already instructed last time. If you come, just go inside to practice martial arts. There will be senior and junior brothers guiding you. Junior Brother Shen, go to the inner courtyard, and the young brother goes to the outer courtyard. I'll take you there."
They walked straight along the direction of the stable for a while.
Shen Qing and Shen Xiaohu reached the front courtyard.
They saw various stone locks of different sizes on the ground, their surfaces smooth from long-time use.
People continuously joined in at the position of the stone locks, standing in rows.
Around a dozen strong men, under the gaze of Shen Qing and the others, grasped the heavy stone locks firmly.
With a deep chant, the men exerted their strength simultaneously, muscles taut, lifting the stone locks high.
This process repeated continuously.
Every action came with deep breaths and the dull thudding sound of stone locks hitting the ground, creating an immediate urge to practice.
A Fu looked at Shen Xiaohu and asked, "Did you bring the money?"
"I have it all." Shen Xiaohu hurriedly took out a patched-up money pouch, poured out seven taels of silver, and handed them to A Fu.
A Fu, without any courtesy, accepted all the silver and said, "Later, I'll record it for you. Just head to the last row and start practicing."
Shen Xiaohu felt a bit timid but nonetheless forced himself to the last row.
The stone locks in this position were the smallest.
He struggled to grip two of them, following everyone else, lifting them up, "Hoo, ha!"
"Junior Brother Shen, you're here. Follow me." A Fu pointed to the Outer Gate beside them, leading Shen Qing there, entering the second courtyard.
The second courtyard was much more spacious than the front courtyard, but there were only about six or seven people present.
Various wooden dummies were placed inside.
A Fu pointed to a tall man and said, "That's the master's direct disciple, our senior brother Ouyang Tiezhu. He will teach you in the upcoming days. If you have any questions about martial arts, you can ask him. You can figure out the rest of the rules on your own."
"Thanks to Senior Brother."
A Fu smiled and left the second courtyard.
Shen Qing knew that starting today, he would truly begin martial arts cultivation and training.
He took a deep breath, walked slowly toward Ouyang Tiezhu, and greeted him, "Hello, Senior Brother, I am the new Shen Qing."
Ouyang Tiezhu glanced him up and down and said, "Master mentioned you, said you're good material for martial arts. Let's talk over there."
Shen Qing responded, following obediently behind Ouyang Tiezhu.
Finding a quiet spot, Ouyang Tiezhu looked at Shen Qing and asked, "Junior Brother, do you know why we practice martial arts?"
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