Su Yu’s mind recalled the spirited, beautiful woman from Qingxi Market. ’Come to think of it,’ he mused, ’my fortune began to change from that very moment.’

If he hadn’t joined the Fishing Team, obtained the Bibo Fishbone Skill, and saved up those last few taels of silver, he had no idea when he would have been able to join a martial arts hall to study Martial Arts.

"Brother Su, the Inner Courtyard is just ahead. This way, please."

Su Yu followed Qian Wenhao through a long, deep corridor and entered the Qian Family’s Inner Courtyard.

At this time, there weren’t many people training in the Inner Courtyard’s Martial Arts Arena.

There was only a middle-aged man lounging on a wicker recliner, looking indolent.

Beside him were two pretty maids. One knelt, offering him delicate osmanthus cakes, while the other held a snow-white silk handkerchief, carefully wiping the crumbs from the corner of his mouth.

When Qian Wenhao saw the man’s behavior, a flicker of anger flashed deep in his eyes, but he still stopped and greeted him in a booming voice, "Tributor Zhao!"

This was none other than the Qian Family’s Tributor, Zhao Gaolang, a powerful expert at the peak of the Flesh Refining Realm!

Su Yu had seen him once from a distance on the Qian Family’s flagship treasure ship. At the time, the man had been standing beside Qian Qinghong with an arrogant posture.

Hearing the voice, Zhao Gaolang barely lifted his eyelids and grunted through his nose by way of reply.

Qian Wenhao gritted his teeth and led Su Yu on toward the residential area in the rear courtyard.

They had only taken a few steps when Zhao Gaolang suddenly spoke again. "Wait!"

Zhao Gaolang slowly got to his feet and leisurely ambled over. He looked Su Yu up and down, his gaze a condescending appraisal. "Who is this unfamiliar brat? Does he not understand the rules? Is the inner residence a place for outsiders to just barge into?"

Su Yu’s expression remained calm, and he did not speak.

Swallowing his anger, Qian Wenhao explained, "Tributor Zhao, this is Su Yu of the White Ape Martial Arts Hall, an expert in the Martial Artist Realm. He has come today specifically to see the Third Miss."

"See Qinghong?"

A trace of displeasure flickered in Zhao Gaolang’s eyes as he asked, "For what purpose?"

Qian Wenhao was at a loss for words, unsure if he should say.

But at that moment, Su Yu raised his head, looked directly at Zhao Gaolang, and said coolly, "My business is to be discussed with someone who can make decisions for the Qian Family. What, is Tributor Zhao’s surname Qian? Can you make decisions on behalf of the Qian Family?"

At these words, Zhao Gaolang’s face flushed with anger. He looked like he wanted to speak several times but held it back.

He was, after all, only a Tributor for the Qian Family. Although his status had risen since the Qian Family Patriarch’s disappearance due to his cooperation with a branch family, he couldn’t just openly claim to make decisions for the Qian Family.

"Insolence! I am a Tributor of the Qian Family. For the safety of the family, it is only natural that I inquire!"

"I am an Inner Courtyard Disciple of the White Ape Martial Arts Hall, and I only speak with those who can make the decisions. Tributor Zhao, I’m afraid I won’t be entertaining you further!"

Su Yu hadn’t wanted to bother with this man, but when faced with such blatant bullying, he certainly wasn’t going to just swallow his anger and let it slide!

Besides, setting aside his own strength, he had the White Ape Martial Arts Hall backing him. When he was out and about, he couldn’t do anything that would tarnish the hall’s reputation.

With that, he didn’t spare Zhao Gaolang another glance and signaled for Qian Wenhao to lead the way.

Qian Wenhao was secretly delighted. He couldn’t quite suppress the smile on his lips as he straightened his back and led Su Yu away with large strides.

Zhao Gaolang was left standing alone, his face as dark as water, the rage in his eyes nearly boiling over.

But there was nothing he could do about the White Ape Martial Arts Hall, so he could only let his anger fester, cursing wildly in his mind.

’These damned martial arts halls in the city! A bunch of cancerous tumors!’

’They’re all just a pack of Martial Artists sticking together! Especially those hall masters—every single one is at least an expert at the Muscle Forging Realm. They defy prohibitions with their martial prowess, a powerful force to be reckoned with!’

’The Black Stone Army should have wiped out all these tumors years ago!’

’The three great families are idiots, too, letting these martial arts halls constantly train disciples and grow stronger!’

He plopped back heavily into his recliner. A nearby maid tremblingly offered him the pastries.

SMACK!

With a backhand slap, Zhao Gaolang knocked the plate of pastries over, scattering crumbs all over himself.

"You useless thing!"

Seeing that the pastries had dirtied his clothes, the maid beside him was so terrified she dropped to her knees and begged for her life, "My lord, spare me! My lord, spare me..."

Zhao Gaolang gave a savage grin, grabbed the maid by the neck, and, ignoring her struggles, ripped her upper garment, revealing a white embroidered dudou and a large expanse of pale skin.

"Stupid bitch! I’ll teach you a good lesson right now!"

...

In the rear courtyard’s reception room, the decor was antique and elegant.

Su Yu had just taken a sip of the light tea served by a maid when a fragrant breeze, like the scent of plum blossoms, drifted in through the doorway.

A graceful figure then strode in.

Su Yu looked closely and saw a woman dressed in a white brocade robe embroidered with gold thread, a jade belt cinching her waist, and her feet in silver-threaded, high black boots. Her posture was upright and slender.

Qian Qinghong!

’I didn’t expect her to have changed so much.’ The delicate, beautiful face he remembered had lost some of its immaturity. Now, her features held a decisive, martial spirit, like a white plum blossom blooming in a cold wind.

"Third Miss!" Qian Wenhao bowed respectfully. "This is the Su Yu I told you about."

Su Yu rose and cupped his fist. "Su Yu of the White Ape Martial Arts Hall, it’s an honor to meet Miss Qian."

Qian Qinghong’s beautiful eyes swept over Su Yu, her gaze lingering for a moment. A perfect smile appeared on her face, like the first thaw of ice and snow. "Master Su, you’re too kind. Please, sit."

The two sat down. Qian Qinghong wasted no time and got straight to the point. "Master Su, I hear you’ve come today for the complete Bibo Fishbone Skill cultivation technique?"

"That is correct," Su Yu said frankly. "I was once a member of the Fishing Team and grew quite fond of this cultivation technique. I wonder if Miss Qian would be willing to provide the complete version? If you have conditions, please state them!"

Qian Qinghong’s expression turned cool again. "Master Su is a straightforward person, so I will be direct as well. To be honest, this technique is one of my Qian Family’s core Martial Arts and cannot be taught to anyone but core disciples. For an outsider to learn it, there are only two paths."

She held up two slender fingers.

"First, by means such as marriage, one must fully become a member of the Qian Family."

"Second, become a first-class Tributor of the Qian Family. But this requires the strength of at least the Flesh Refining Realm, and one must sign a Tributor contract."

Su Yu sighed inwardly.

’As expected, it’s not that easy. Marrying into the family is impossible. And as for the Flesh Refining Realm... I’ve only just broken through to the Martial Artist Realm. I’m still a long way from there.’

"Are there any other ways? By purchasing it with money, for example," Su Yu asked, not quite ready to give up.

Qian Qinghong thought for a moment before replying, "The rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Master Su broke through to the Martial Artist Realm at such a young age and trains at the White Ape Martial Arts Hall. Your future is limitless."

"The Qian Family is in need of skilled people right now. This matter... I can try to mediate within the family. In three days, whether I succeed or not, I will send someone to give you an answer."

Upon hearing this, Su Yu immediately nodded in thanks.

’This Qian Qinghong seems to be a decisive person. Since she said as much, she wouldn’t be speaking without reason. In any case, there’s still a glimmer of hope.’

...

「At the White Ape Martial Arts Hall.」

Su Yu opened the Martial Arts Secret Manual in his hands.

Seven Fiends Thunder Collapse Step! An Upper-tier Martial Arts!

On the yellowed pages, the calligraphy was vigorous, exuding an overwhelming murderous aura.

This was the very movement technique he had obtained after killing the Curved Blade Martial Artist that night!

Back then, the man had used this technique in combination with his powerful Curved Blade Techniques, and he had nearly killed him. This was a testament to the technique’s power!

Su Yu began to study it word by word, the gleam in his eyes growing brighter.

"The Seven Fiends Thunder Collapse Step discards all flashy moves and forms, pursuing ultimate speed through the explosive power of Qi and Blood... Channel Qi and Blood into the Yongquan Acupoints of both feet, causing the great tendons to snap taut like thunder. The first step is like a striking thunderbolt, the last like a mountain shaker. Each step builds momentum, and with the seventh, you collapse the wind and thunder!"

"First Form, Thunderous Shock Step! Slightly bend both knees, instantly pouring all your Qi and Blood into the Yongquan Acupoints of your legs. The great tendons pull tight like a fully drawn bow. Go from stillness to motion... shrinking the ground to an inch, closing the distance in an instant, with the explosive force of a thunderclap on a clear day!"

"Second Form, Thunderclap Feint! This move specializes in the circulation of Qi and Blood for charging and feinting... Use the explosive force of Qi and Blood to forcibly change direction at high speed. Your body moves like a jagged lightning bolt—unpredictable and cunning!"

"Third Form, Seven Fiends Thunder Collapse! This is the apex of momentum! With each step taken, a layer of Qi and Blood is accumulated within the body. Seven consecutive steps, momentum like a surging tide, rising higher with each layer! When the seventh step falls, your body becomes a streaking afterimage, your power like a collapsing mountain!"