"Zhao Rong, you finally made it."
The burly man was none other than Bao Datong, the master of Iron Fist Martial Arts School, "I have some big news, the matter with the Hengshan Sect has finally settled."
Zhao Rong's expression turned eagerly, bowing to him, "Master, is this true?"
He appeared honest and straightforward, yet his proficiency in spouting nonsense was truly alarming.
"I personally ran around and made inquiries for you, and within three hundred li around Hengyang, what business can't be done? Even the renowned seniors of Jianghu, upon hearing the name of Iron Fist's invincibility, had to show some respect."
Bao Datong's broad palms clapped resoundingly on his chest.
Zhao Rong politely offered a chuckle.
He had already figured out Bao Datong's real capabilities, who belonged neither to the cats nor the dogs, just a sugar-seller, boasting fiercely.
Not even third-rate, kneeling before the Four Beasts of Qingcheng, yet boasted more fiercely than a first-rate expert.
His earlier excitement settled, joining Five Peak Sword Sects wasn't easy, Zhao Rong knew it wasn't going to be simple.
Familiar with the way, the two headed toward Iron Fist Martial Arts School together.
Inside, continuous grunts and the sound of punching could be heard.
"Ever heard of the name Lv Zhongsheng?"
"Lv Zhongsheng?"
Zhao Rong showed a contemplative expression, then shook his head.
"You know of the Red Wolf Gang, right?" Bao Datong stroked his beard, a hint of pride on his face, "Lv Zhongsheng is an elder of the Red Wolf Gang, and holds a high position within the gang."
The main stronghold of the Red Wolf Gang was within Hengyang, linked with many martial arts families and sects around, and in earlier years, engaged in some shady dealings. But the Gang Leader Shang Yukang was a sagacious leader who had cleansed their reputation early on.
Compared to the Hai Sha Gang hiding on Sha Corner Island, the Red Wolf Gang's reputation was much better.
They also ran businesses like pubs, pawnshops, teahouses, and pharmacies within the city, blending into the daily life of the locals, yet remained connected to the Jianghu.
In Zhao Rong's view, the Red Wolf Gang was like a well-managed company; Gang Leader Shang Yukang didn't just do good business but was also a people-person, holding a well-developed plot of land in Hengzhou Prefecture.
Picking up from where Bao Datong left off, Zhao Rong, quick of mind, asked:
"Does Elder Lv have a connection with the Hengshan Sect?"
"Indeed," Bao Datong praised, "Talking to a bright person makes things simple. If my own boy was half as clever as you, our ancestors would be proud."
They moved through the noisy training hall to a quiet guestroom adorned with the sign 'Century-Old Martial Arts School'.
During the chat, Bao Datong again mentioned Lv Zhongsheng's background and his standing in the Red Wolf Gang.
Master Mo Da of the Hengshan Sect had several disciples, albeit not particularly famous nor of high standing like the lineage of Liu Zhengfeng, but nonetheless belonging to the sect leader's lineage.
One of his disciples, named Lv Songfeng, was actually Lv Zhongsheng's nephew.
The Red Wolf Gang, wanting to make its mark in Hengzhou Prefecture, couldn't afford to neglect relations with the Hengshan Sect. Master Mo Da, as the sect leader and top expert of Mount Heng, had family ties with Elder Lv, thus the Red Wolf Gang dared not treat him poorly.
Thus, gaining entry into the Hengshan Sect through Lv Zhongsheng could indeed be possible.
Zhao Rong couldn't help but see Bao Datong in a new light.
Really, old Bao could sometimes be quite effective.
"I once had drinks with Elder Lv."
At this, Zhao Rong was momentarily stunned.
Was old Bao's connection that solid? He reflected for a moment whether he had spoken too loudly when talking with old Bao earlier.
Just as he was about to smile and offer some flattering words, Bao Datong raised five fingers.
"Five hundred silver coins."
"As Kong Fang entered the temple, 'money paves the way to divine powers', just five hundred silvers plus the face of my unbeatable Iron Fist, I'll definitely secure you an external disciple position at Hengshan Sect."
"Don't underestimate the position of an external disciple; after working outside for three or five years, you'll quickly become a core member of the sect. With your qualifications, you'll definitely have a higher status than Lv Zhongsheng eventually. I, Bao Datong, still have such foresight."
"Besides..."
Bao Datong had more to say, but Zhao Rong had already stood up from his chair.
"Master, I'll go home to pack my clothes, I shall take my leave first."
He didn't want to become a big complainer, nor did he have that much money.
Bao Datong was filled with righteous indignation, "Just for some silver coins, would you give up the chance to enter the Hengshan Sect? It's not easy for ordinary people to establish a relationship with Elder Lv."
Zhao Rong stopped in his tracks and took a careful look at Bao Datong.
"Ten taels."
After a moment, he reached into his sleeve and placed two ingots of silver on the table.
Bao Datong's face turned dark and he said,
"Without a half copper coin, there's no deal. There are rules in this business. I have been roaming the martial world for decades and have never seen anyone cut the price like you."
Zhao Rong shook his head and flicked his sleeve.
"If the surname Bai lacks the second character, this is all I own."
"Can it be done?"
"It's difficult..."
"Then forget it."
Zhao Rong reached out to take back the silver, but a wide and calloused hand blocked him.
"What's the hurry?"
"It's difficult, but not impossible."
This response surprised Zhao Rong, "Is Elder Lv so easy to speak to?"
"As if that were possible!"
The look on Bao Datong's face was a bit odd, and as his eyes moved under his thick eyebrows, his gaze measured Zhao Rong, making him feel uncomfortable.
"Zhao, you don't want to miss the chance to enter the Hengshan Sect either, do you?"
"Hey..."
"I'm not going to do anything bizarre."
Bao Datong patted his shoulder, speaking earnestly, "When you're in the martial world, you cannot control your own fate."
"To rise above others, how can one do so without sacrifices?"
"You've been at the martial arts school for over two years, and I've grown to admire you. This time, I, Bao, will help you out."
"…"
About the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Zhao Rong, with an item in his arms, thanked Bao Datong and left the Iron Fist Martial Arts School with a contemplative expression.
Just as they were talking, a young man in a long robe emerged from behind the screen in the quiet room.
"Dad."
The young man was Bao Datong's son, Bao Budian, with a puzzled look on his face.
He called out, and seeing Bao Datong nod, he immediately asked, "Did you really drink with Elder Lv?"
"Of course."
Bao Datong shook his whiskers, "That was when Tan Diren, the third disciple of Sect Leader Zhen Shanzi of the Kunlun Sect, was celebrating his mother's birthday. Elder Lv and others were drinking in the main hall, and I was outside with some wanderers of the martial world, cleaning up like a lackey."
The young man was stunned.
With no intention of evasion, Bao Datong instructed his son, "So, regarding Elder Lv, your father has no connections at all. The 500 taels were just to scare him; I knew he had no money."
Bao Budian was about to ask "why?"
His father had already anticipated this, "It's to create a drastic change, letting him hope first, then be disappointed, until finally I give him hope so he remembers my favor."
Bao Datong looked at his son with a face of 'hoping-you-learn-from-this':
"Father is painstakingly plotting all this for your sake."
"I used up a favor, and if he truly could join the Hengshan Sect, perhaps he could look after you in the future."
Bao Budian furrowed his brows, unable to comprehend:
"If it's a favor that can get someone into the Hengshan Sect, why didn't you give it to me? Although Zhao has a heart of valor, if I could enter the Hengshan Sect, why would I need to rely on someone else?"
Old Bao took a deep breath.
"You don't have the ability to use this favor. If you went, you would have been in mortal danger."
...