’Next up is my Body Technique, which I can improve quickly. I can set the Bibo Fish Dragon Skill aside for now and focus on practicing the Seven Fiends Thunder Collapse Step!’

Su Yu opened his updated martial arts information panel, calculating in his mind.

[Martial Arts]: White Ape Fist (First Layer) (Entry-level 3600/5000)

[Martial Arts]: Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber (First Layer) (Skilled 1/5000)

[Martial Arts]: Seven Fiends Thunder Collapse Step (Entry-level 498/1000)

[Martial Arts]: Bibo Fish Dragon Skill (First Layer) (Entry-level 400/1000)

[Martial Arts]: Six Changes of the White Ape (Limit Broken 1 time) (Trait: Heart Monkey Clarity), Coin Toss (Perfection)

’If I can also break through to the Skillful Realm with the Seven Fiends Thunder Collapse Step, my combat power will see another huge boost when combined with the Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber!’

Su Yu clenched his fists. The feeling of watching himself grow stronger step by step was intoxicating.

...

「The next morning.」

Su Yu changed into a fresh set of green robes and felt the silver notes tucked inside.

He had just over three hundred taels left. This was a fortune for an ordinary person, but for him, a Martial Artist Realm cultivator, it was only enough to support a few months of training.

Not only did he need Red Ginseng Jade Skin Pills every month, but he also needed to supplement his diet with meat, all of which was a considerable expense.

’I should pay a visit to the Yang Family. I can’t put off the matter of the nominal post any longer.’

Just as he stepped out of his room, a senior brother called out to him, "Junior Su, Master Qin wants you in the main hall!"

...

「Inner Courtyard, Main Hall.」

Qin Fangqiong sat upright in a Grandmaster’s Chair, rolling two glossy iron walnuts in his hand, which made crisp CLACKING sounds.

Beside him, Eldest Senior Brother Qi Linfeng had already recovered from his injuries, his aura calm and steady. Lin Wanzhu and Senior Sister Qin Yu were positioned on his left and right.

Below them, only Chen Fan stood alone.

Su Yu entered, bowed respectfully, and silently took his place beside Chen Fan.

"Everyone’s here."

Qin Fangqiong’s gaze swept over the group as he said sternly, "Let’s get down to business! In three days, the Outer City Law Enforcement Team will be formally established! I will reiterate the importance of this team: it is the sharp edge with which the three great families and the Black Stone Army will restore order to the Outer City. It holds immense authority!"

"Lin Feng, Wanzhu, Yu’Er, I have already secured letters of recommendation for the three of you."

Qi Linfeng’s expression was calm as he nodded slightly.

Lin Wanzhu’s beautiful eyes lit up, and she gave a graceful bow. "Thank you for your guidance, Master!"

Unlike the Eldest Senior Brother, who was alone and sought only to benefit the martial arts hall, she had the Lin Family behind her. This Law Enforcement Team could bring many benefits to her family.

But the competition for a spot on the Law Enforcement Team was fierce. The fact that her master ultimately gave one to her was a sign of great favor!

Qin Fangqiong nodded slightly, his gaze then turning sharp as it fell upon Su Yu and Chen Fan. "Aside from the recommendations, the remaining spots on the Law Enforcement Team can only be filled through the Martial Examination. Within the hall, only the two of you meet the age and realm requirements. You could say you’re both lucky!"

"Chen Fan!"

"Disciple is here!" Chen Fan puffed out his chest, full of vigor.

"Your goal is the top ten!"

Qin Fangqiong’s voice boomed. "As long as you make it into the top ten, you’ll become a squad leader in the Law Enforcement Team! You’ll have several recruitment slots under your command! And a Monthly Allowance of two hundred taels!"

"Furthermore, the Law Enforcement Team patrols the Outer City and the areas outside its walls, manages public order, and all the various powers will have to show you some respect. There are many benefits involved!"

Hearing of such rich rewards, Chen Fan’s spirits soared, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "Rest assured, Master! I have already broken through my first acupoint, and I’ve reached the entry-level with the Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber! In this Martial Examination, I will definitely make a name for myself and get into the top ten!"

"Good! If you really pull it off, I will personally act as a matchmaker and arrange a marriage for you!"

"What kind of marriage?" Chen Fan asked, a little curious. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

A mischievous smile appeared on Master Qin’s face. "I guarantee you’ll be satisfied! Once the marriage is settled, you, Chen Fan, will be able to establish your own family branch here in Black Stone City!"

’A marriage into a great house!’

Chen Fan immediately understood. ’Master is paving a grand path for me to ascend the social ladder!’

He struggled to suppress the upward curl of his lips, his mind already picturing his future days of glory and success!

After speaking to Chen Fan, Qin Fangqiong turned to Su Yu, his tone becoming a bit more indifferent. "As for you, Su Yu, your goal is the top twenty."

"If you can achieve that, I will accept you as a Direct Disciple, and the martial arts hall will supply your pills from now on. You’ll also be able to join the Law Enforcement Team as a regular member with a Monthly Allowance of fifty taels, which is enough for you to make a life for yourself!"

Su Yu’s expression was calm and unfazed. He cupped his fist and said, "I will do my utmost to not disappoint Master Qin’s expectations."

"Mm," Qin Fangqiong replied, then asked casually, "How is your White Ape Fist coming along?"

"I have not yet broken through."

"I see. You still have a month. Practice diligently." Qin Fangqiong waved his hand dismissively, his interest clearly waning. He was well aware of Su Yu’s aptitude; for him to break through an acupoint before the Martial Examination was almost hopeless.

As for the Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber, Qin Fangqiong didn’t even bother to ask. In such a short time, what progress could Su Yu have possibly made? It would be good enough if he could just use it in actual combat during the Martial Examination in a month’s time.

Therefore, he was not optimistic that Su Yu could actually place in the top twenty.

Beside them, however, Qin Yu’s eyes sparkled as she gave Su Yu a spirited look.

’I never noticed before just how calm and composed Junior Su is.’

’His progress with the Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber must be incredibly fast, yet he doesn’t show any intention of showing off.’

’Father didn’t ask, and he really didn’t say a single word about it.’

’With the power of the Spiritual Ape Demon-Slaying Saber, placing in the top twenty is actually very possible!’

’If our White Ape Martial Arts Hall can secure both a squad leader and a team member spot, we’ll definitely reap even more benefits!’

’Once the hall’s reputation and strength are both enhanced, we’ll have to deal with that damned Bone-breaking Martial Arts Hall!’

...

Walking out of the main hall, Chen Fan still couldn’t suppress the smirk on his face. He glanced at Su Yu with a haughty expression and clapped him on the shoulder. "Junior Su, you’d better work hard for this Martial Examination, too. Don’t tarnish the hall’s reputation!"

At that moment, he was still basking in the glow of the grand path his master had promised him, and his malice toward Su Yu had lessened somewhat.

’Having Su Yu around as a foil isn’t so bad either. It’ll just make my genius stand out more, heh!’

Su Yu paid him no mind. Chen Fan was a decent person in many ways when he was weak, but as soon as he gained a bit of power, his personality changed completely.

He was the kind of person you could endure hardship with, but not share success with.

’Still, I have to go all out in this Martial Examination! Especially with this Law Enforcement Team—it involves so many different interests, and the spoils have already been divided before it’s even been formed.’

’If I hadn’t joined the martial arts hall, I probably wouldn’t even have the chance to participate.’

’But since this opportunity has come my way, I have to seize it!’

’Top twenty?’

’Not enough!’

’The rewards for a squad leader are obviously much better. My goal is the top ten!’

He arrived at the Martial Arts Arena in the front courtyard.

"Brother Su!"

Before Su Yu could even get his footing, a fragrant breeze wafted over him.

Yang Ai, dressed in a tight-fitting, goose-yellow training uniform, came dashing over like a cheerful lark.

The young woman had now achieved her first breakthrough, her figure growing taller and more toned, and she radiated an overwhelming youthful vitality.

"Brother Su, you finally came to the front courtyard!"

"Look, look! My sister and I have both had a breakthrough. Let me show you." As she spoke, Yang Ai began performing the Six Changes of the White Ape in front of Su Yu as if showing off a treasure.

Her movements were graceful, her curves exquisite.

Her sister, Yang Zhen, also walked over, gave a reserved bow, and said in a gentle voice, "Brother Su."

The appearance of the two sisters immediately made them the focus of the Martial Arts Arena.

In the distance, the ordinary apprentices were staring, their eyes wide. The two sisters were a beautiful sight in the martial arts hall; normally, just exchanging a single word with them was enough to keep the apprentices excited for a long time.

’As soon as Senior Brother Su shows up, they flock to him like songbirds. It’s enough to make anyone die of envy.’

In a corner, Ye Lu rolled her eyes again and muttered, "Hussies!"

Right now, the person paying the most attention to the two sisters was undoubtedly Ye Lu. As the saying goes, three women are enough for a drama, and in this small front courtyard, they were constantly competing with one another.

A few days ago, when Chen Fan came to the front courtyard, Ye Lu had stuck to him like glue. After training ended, she had gone to his room, and on her way out, she even shot Yang Ai a boastful look.

Yang Ai, however, had looked completely unconcerned. ’Senior Brother Chen may be strong, but I like Senior Brother Su!’

Having finished the Six Changes of the White Ape, her chest heaved gently. A fine layer of fragrant sweat beaded on her delicate collarbones, and a few damp strands of hair clung to her fair neck.

She tilted her head up, her little face flushed, her eyes full of hope. "Brother Su, how was it?"

Su Yu nodded, somewhat infected by her overflowing enthusiasm. "Not bad. Your aptitude is average, but you don’t lack for pills. If you keep up this pace, you have a good chance of breaking through to become a Martial Artist!"

"That’s great! Hehe. My sister is even better than me. Do you want her to perform it for you too?"

Su Yu waved his hand. "Alright, that’s enough. I came looking for you today on business. Regarding that nominal post we talked about, are you free today?"

"Wonderful! Brother Su trains all day, but you finally remembered!" Yang Ai’s eyes instantly lit up like stars as she grabbed Su Yu’s sleeve.

"Let’s go, let’s go! Let’s go to my house right now!"

The young woman’s enthusiasm was like a fire in the dead of winter.